Although legally the practice of cleaning dry latrines and transporting human excreta has been banned in India since 1993, the practice continues in some parts of the country. In Badaun in western Uttar Pradesh, a survey done by the district administration this July showed 60,000 dry latrines were still being used in the district. These were manually cleaned by scavengers – most of whom are women – and regarded as ‘untouchables’.
Over the last three months the district administration has made massive efforts to convert all dry toilets to pour-and-flush – a simple technology that involves connecting the seat to a soak pit using pipelines.
In Uttar Pradesh, 67% households have no toilet facilities with the figure going up to 84% in rural areas. In Badaun, since July this year, funds to the tune of Rs 5 crores have been released under the Total Sanitation Campaign – the Government’s flagship programme – to convert 35,000 dry latrines. Of these, 16,000 are ready and the rest under construction. The target is to convert the remaining 25,000 before the end of the year. District Magistrate Amit Gupta’s leadership and commitment has been enormous.
Over the last few months 1600 scavengers have been rehabilitated through benefits under various government schemes such as BPL card, NREGA, pension schemes etc.
Badaun is one of the ‘hotspot’ districts for polio eradication: Of the 66 blocks in Uttar Pradesh identified as high-risk for polio, 16 lie here. Says Amit Mehrotra, water and sanitation specialist, UNICEF: “Since polio spreads through the faeco-oral route, it is important to prevent drinking water contamination with faecal matter and end open defecation. Safe disposal of faeces – which means that no one should be able to touch, see or smell it – is critical. Since all of this happens in a dry latrines, converting these are an urgent priority.”
The winds of change are strong and hopefully, finally, the inhuman practice of manual scavenging is close to an end.
For complete story read: http://www.indiatogether.org/2010/oct/hlt-badaun.htm
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
'Goddess English' for dalits
A temple dedicated to 'Goddess English' is coming up and mind you its not in an English county but in a nondescript village in UP's Lakhimpur Kheri district with an aim of encouraging the local Dalits to learn the language.
The temple, a single storey structure covered with black granite, would have an over-three-feet-tall idol of 'Dalit Goddess English" installed on a pedestal in the shape of a computer holding a pen, a copy of the Indian Constitution and donning a gown and a hat.
The temple in Banka village, whose construction began in April this year with the help of funds collected from well-wishers, was set to be inaugurated on 25th October to coincide with the birth anniversary of Lord Macaulay, whose attempts at Dalit empowerment are appreciated by the community.
But because of some problems, it will now be inaugurated in November, Chandra Bhan Prasad, the brain behind the temple, said.
The idol has been inspired by the Statue of Liberty and the computer screen would have a dharma chakra (a Buddhist symbol).
"When it was being debated as to what should be the national language of India after independence, Dr Ambedkar was the only national leader who vociferously batted for English while all the others were against it.
And on Wednesday we see the imbalances caused in the society because of English as those who do not know it are left behind," he said.
Prasad said that the temple is being built to popularise English among Dalits, who form a sizeable number in not just the village but also in the area, so that they can move ahead in their lives.
"This temple would help encourage them to learn the language which has become essential for one's growth as in 20 years' time, no decent job would be available without English knowledge," Prasad said.
"In future, the temple would become the focus of Dalits with most of their rituals like the ones relating to births and weddings revolving around it," he said.
The site for the temple is the Dalit-run Nalanda Public Shiksha Niketan.
The temple would be run by a trust, Prasad said.
"To give a touch of modernity, the engravings of symbols and formulae of physics, chemistry, mathematics and English sayings would adorn the walls.
Efforts are also being made to build the staircase of the temple in the form of a computer keyboard," he said.
The locals have also composed a song which would be played everyday during prayers, Prasad said.
----taken from ddinews.com
The temple, a single storey structure covered with black granite, would have an over-three-feet-tall idol of 'Dalit Goddess English" installed on a pedestal in the shape of a computer holding a pen, a copy of the Indian Constitution and donning a gown and a hat.
The temple in Banka village, whose construction began in April this year with the help of funds collected from well-wishers, was set to be inaugurated on 25th October to coincide with the birth anniversary of Lord Macaulay, whose attempts at Dalit empowerment are appreciated by the community.
But because of some problems, it will now be inaugurated in November, Chandra Bhan Prasad, the brain behind the temple, said.
The idol has been inspired by the Statue of Liberty and the computer screen would have a dharma chakra (a Buddhist symbol).
"When it was being debated as to what should be the national language of India after independence, Dr Ambedkar was the only national leader who vociferously batted for English while all the others were against it.
And on Wednesday we see the imbalances caused in the society because of English as those who do not know it are left behind," he said.
Prasad said that the temple is being built to popularise English among Dalits, who form a sizeable number in not just the village but also in the area, so that they can move ahead in their lives.
"This temple would help encourage them to learn the language which has become essential for one's growth as in 20 years' time, no decent job would be available without English knowledge," Prasad said.
"In future, the temple would become the focus of Dalits with most of their rituals like the ones relating to births and weddings revolving around it," he said.
The site for the temple is the Dalit-run Nalanda Public Shiksha Niketan.
The temple would be run by a trust, Prasad said.
"To give a touch of modernity, the engravings of symbols and formulae of physics, chemistry, mathematics and English sayings would adorn the walls.
Efforts are also being made to build the staircase of the temple in the form of a computer keyboard," he said.
The locals have also composed a song which would be played everyday during prayers, Prasad said.
----taken from ddinews.com
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Simla to be declared smoking free
Popular hill resort Shimla, once the summer capital of British India known for imported cigarettes and cigars, has been declared "smoking-free city".
Making the announcement at the state level Gandhi Jayanti function at the Ridge in Shimla on Saturday, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said that Shimla would be the fourth city after Kottayam in Kerala, Chandigarh and Sikkim to be declared smoking-free".
"All district headquarters would be made smoking-free by the end of May next year and a sustain campaign would be launched against drugs, liquor and smoking", he added.
He said smoking in public places and sale of tobacco product had been banned within 100 yards radius of all educational institutions and selling tobacco or tobacco products to minors and direct or indirect advertisement of tobacco had been made an offence.
The Chief Minister also announced setting up of de-addiction centres at all district hospitals where five beds would be reserved for patients for de-addiction.
This facility is now available only in government medical colleges at Shimla and Tanda.
Reiterating governments commitment to save the society, especially the youth, from all types of addictions, Dhumal said that in addition to strict legal provisions to curb drug addiction, overwhelming support of the society was imperative.
"An international agency in South East Asia had conducted a survey of Shimla town in May this year and found that 97 percent area of the town was smoking-free, warning hoardings were erected at 80 percent of public areas and no signs of cigarettes were detected in 94 percent of the area of the town," the Chief Minister said, adding over 4,000 persons had been challaned for smoking in prohibited areas and Rs. 8 lakh collected as fine from offenders.
- from ddinews.gov.in
Making the announcement at the state level Gandhi Jayanti function at the Ridge in Shimla on Saturday, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said that Shimla would be the fourth city after Kottayam in Kerala, Chandigarh and Sikkim to be declared smoking-free".
"All district headquarters would be made smoking-free by the end of May next year and a sustain campaign would be launched against drugs, liquor and smoking", he added.
He said smoking in public places and sale of tobacco product had been banned within 100 yards radius of all educational institutions and selling tobacco or tobacco products to minors and direct or indirect advertisement of tobacco had been made an offence.
The Chief Minister also announced setting up of de-addiction centres at all district hospitals where five beds would be reserved for patients for de-addiction.
This facility is now available only in government medical colleges at Shimla and Tanda.
Reiterating governments commitment to save the society, especially the youth, from all types of addictions, Dhumal said that in addition to strict legal provisions to curb drug addiction, overwhelming support of the society was imperative.
"An international agency in South East Asia had conducted a survey of Shimla town in May this year and found that 97 percent area of the town was smoking-free, warning hoardings were erected at 80 percent of public areas and no signs of cigarettes were detected in 94 percent of the area of the town," the Chief Minister said, adding over 4,000 persons had been challaned for smoking in prohibited areas and Rs. 8 lakh collected as fine from offenders.
- from ddinews.gov.in
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Community Radio Station in Harayana
Considered as one of the backward regions in Haryana, Mewat is all set to get its first community radio station that will focus on women empowerment, education and development in the district.
A Delhi-based NGO, SMART, working in the district since last eight years will launch the station in the second week of October which will have a reach of around 20 kms and will cover 50 to 60 per cent of the total villages in Mewat.
"Women have a low status in Mewat society. They are married when they are just kids and do not have a space in the development here. We will make them aware of their rights through our radio," says Archna Kapoor, General Secretary of SMART.
"We will aim to make women ready and bring them in panchayats so that they can assert their rights and get equal share as men in all spheres," she says.
The testing of the radio station is already underway since 1st September and a team of professionals is training the locals in reporting and producing the radio programmes.
"Local volunteers are coming out to learn the new experience. Villagers get thrilled on hearing their voice on radio sets. We are mobilizing the community," says Kapoor.
Mewat was carved out as the 20th district by Haryana government in 2005. People here are mainly dependent on the agriculture and the region is under-developed despite being close to New Delhi and Gurgaon.
"The main reason for Mewat's backwardness is that the information of welfare and developmental schemes does not reach the people. We will tell people about those schemes and act as a bridge between people and the administration," says Kapoor.
With the tag line 'Teri Baat Meri Baat, Suno Radio Mewat', the community radio aims to start a dialogue in the otherwise conservative society in the district. We want the people to get up and make their voice heard to the administration, says Kapoor.
Apart from women empowerment, education and development will also be the focus of the programmes made by the radio.
"We have to start an overall change. Literacy is as low as 29 per cent in females and 44 per cent in men on Mewat. There are problems of water, sanitation also," says Kapoor.
The NGO plans to apply for a booster once the radio station goes on the air and aims to cover all the 512 villages in the district.
A Delhi-based NGO, SMART, working in the district since last eight years will launch the station in the second week of October which will have a reach of around 20 kms and will cover 50 to 60 per cent of the total villages in Mewat.
"Women have a low status in Mewat society. They are married when they are just kids and do not have a space in the development here. We will make them aware of their rights through our radio," says Archna Kapoor, General Secretary of SMART.
"We will aim to make women ready and bring them in panchayats so that they can assert their rights and get equal share as men in all spheres," she says.
The testing of the radio station is already underway since 1st September and a team of professionals is training the locals in reporting and producing the radio programmes.
"Local volunteers are coming out to learn the new experience. Villagers get thrilled on hearing their voice on radio sets. We are mobilizing the community," says Kapoor.
Mewat was carved out as the 20th district by Haryana government in 2005. People here are mainly dependent on the agriculture and the region is under-developed despite being close to New Delhi and Gurgaon.
"The main reason for Mewat's backwardness is that the information of welfare and developmental schemes does not reach the people. We will tell people about those schemes and act as a bridge between people and the administration," says Kapoor.
With the tag line 'Teri Baat Meri Baat, Suno Radio Mewat', the community radio aims to start a dialogue in the otherwise conservative society in the district. We want the people to get up and make their voice heard to the administration, says Kapoor.
Apart from women empowerment, education and development will also be the focus of the programmes made by the radio.
"We have to start an overall change. Literacy is as low as 29 per cent in females and 44 per cent in men on Mewat. There are problems of water, sanitation also," says Kapoor.
The NGO plans to apply for a booster once the radio station goes on the air and aims to cover all the 512 villages in the district.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Sub-Himalayan system of medicine recognised as official by Indian governmnet
Parliament has adopted a bill to recognise within the definition of Indian medicine the Sowa-Rigpa system practised in sub-Himalayan region of the country.
"It would be the endeavour of the government to bring to mainstream Sowa-Rigpa system of medicine in regions where it is prevalent," Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said replying to a debate on the Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2010 in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
The Bill was then passed by a voice vote by the Lok Sabha. Rajya Sabha had passed the Bill on 25th August.
Sowa-Rigpa system of medicine is practised in sub-Himalayan region and other parts of the country besides Tibet, Mongolia, Japan and some other countries, he said.
Azad said the bill will ensure protection and preservation of this ancient system of medicine and will help its propagation and development.
Besides, it would lead to setting up of a regulatory mechanism in the field of education and practice of Sowa-Rigpa.
He said the government had also decided to set up a Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Systems of Medicine, which now would also include Sowa-Rigpa.
The passage of the bill will enable setting minimum standards for education and maintain a register of all practitioners of Sowa-Rigpa.
"It would be the endeavour of the government to bring to mainstream Sowa-Rigpa system of medicine in regions where it is prevalent," Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said replying to a debate on the Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2010 in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
The Bill was then passed by a voice vote by the Lok Sabha. Rajya Sabha had passed the Bill on 25th August.
Sowa-Rigpa system of medicine is practised in sub-Himalayan region and other parts of the country besides Tibet, Mongolia, Japan and some other countries, he said.
Azad said the bill will ensure protection and preservation of this ancient system of medicine and will help its propagation and development.
Besides, it would lead to setting up of a regulatory mechanism in the field of education and practice of Sowa-Rigpa.
He said the government had also decided to set up a Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Systems of Medicine, which now would also include Sowa-Rigpa.
The passage of the bill will enable setting minimum standards for education and maintain a register of all practitioners of Sowa-Rigpa.
Indian Election Commission being Pro-active
Poll candidates will now be monitored with a separate "shadow" expenditure register and will have to open an exclusive election bank account under the new guidelines framed by the Election Commission to check flow of illegal money at the hustings.
The Commission has set up for the first time an Election Expenditure Monitoring (EEM) cell headed by a senior Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) officer and support staff.
The new guidelines for expenditure in elections will come into force with the Bihar Assembly polls scheduled in late October and the cell in the Commission headquarters will operate 24x7 with its control rooms working in each district of the state where elections are being held.
The EC will also field surveillance teams and flying squads in each police station area of the constituencies which will have the power to search and seize illegal and suspicious cash.
"If unexplained cash is found in possession of any person, it will be immediately seized. The flying squads will also watch distribution of cash, liquor or any other bribes to the voters," sources said.
The sleuths in the teams, drawn from tax and revenue departments, will keep vigil over expenditures made by a candidate beginning from the filing of nomination till the declaration of the result.
The candidates will also have to open an exclusive bank account and the monitoring teams will maintain a "shadow" expenditure register in the same format as maintained by the candidate, they said.
The new guidelines also envisage arrangements for a 'video surveillance and viewing team' for each candidate, comprising an officer and a clerk, to watch, tabulate and prepare report of expenditure after gleaning through the video footage every day.
The video surveillance team will consist of a cameraperson who will record the number of vehicles, tents, furniture, dais, rostrums, barricades, posters, hoardings put up by the candidate.
In order to check illegal spending through paid news, a team headed by Deputy District Education Officer (DEO) and district Public Relations Officer (PRO) and their staff will monitor both print and electronic media and the local cable channels and will submit daily reports to the accounting team which will have officials from the Income Tax department, Central Excise and Customs and Audit and Accounts.
The Commission, in a maiden initiative, will also activate a call centre and complaint monitoring system at the district level where callers can register any information about illegal expenses by a candidate or a political party and all such calls will be recorded.
Every candidate will be exclusively covered by an Expenditure Micro Observer and he or she will liaise with the DEO regarding monetary expenditure and other movements of the candidate.
The Commission has set up for the first time an Election Expenditure Monitoring (EEM) cell headed by a senior Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) officer and support staff.
The new guidelines for expenditure in elections will come into force with the Bihar Assembly polls scheduled in late October and the cell in the Commission headquarters will operate 24x7 with its control rooms working in each district of the state where elections are being held.
The EC will also field surveillance teams and flying squads in each police station area of the constituencies which will have the power to search and seize illegal and suspicious cash.
"If unexplained cash is found in possession of any person, it will be immediately seized. The flying squads will also watch distribution of cash, liquor or any other bribes to the voters," sources said.
The sleuths in the teams, drawn from tax and revenue departments, will keep vigil over expenditures made by a candidate beginning from the filing of nomination till the declaration of the result.
The candidates will also have to open an exclusive bank account and the monitoring teams will maintain a "shadow" expenditure register in the same format as maintained by the candidate, they said.
The new guidelines also envisage arrangements for a 'video surveillance and viewing team' for each candidate, comprising an officer and a clerk, to watch, tabulate and prepare report of expenditure after gleaning through the video footage every day.
The video surveillance team will consist of a cameraperson who will record the number of vehicles, tents, furniture, dais, rostrums, barricades, posters, hoardings put up by the candidate.
In order to check illegal spending through paid news, a team headed by Deputy District Education Officer (DEO) and district Public Relations Officer (PRO) and their staff will monitor both print and electronic media and the local cable channels and will submit daily reports to the accounting team which will have officials from the Income Tax department, Central Excise and Customs and Audit and Accounts.
The Commission, in a maiden initiative, will also activate a call centre and complaint monitoring system at the district level where callers can register any information about illegal expenses by a candidate or a political party and all such calls will be recorded.
Every candidate will be exclusively covered by an Expenditure Micro Observer and he or she will liaise with the DEO regarding monetary expenditure and other movements of the candidate.
Monday, September 6, 2010
an improvement by government and it is highlighted in newspaper
In many Indian cities public buses have seats reserved for women. Many a times it is seen that this is only for notices, but never actually followed. Women are standing while their 'reserved' seats are occupied by men, many a times young and strong. This was the case in Pimpri-Chinchwad, a satellite city of Pune.
A local vernacular daily followed this case and reported facts. It was brought to the notice of officials of the transport service as also to municipal corporators and officials. They agreed that rules are not followed and assured to improve the situation. Training and rules' guidelines were given to all bus drivers, conductors, ticket checkers etc. The newspaper reviwed the situation and noted that there was improvement but not enough. Matter was again taken up with the bus service and they carried out internal improvements with more vigour. Another check after a few weeks and to the surprise of everybody that the seats were actually used only for and by women. It was also observed at PMC starting point that passangers enter in queue and if these reserved seats are vacant even after rest of the bus is full, then women still standing in queue waiting for the next bus are asked to come in ahead and occupy these vacant seats. Kudos to everybody involved in this exercise - the newspaper and its staff, officials of the transport service and of municipal coporations.
I feel that the newspaper deserves special accolade for highlighting the actual improvement. In today media full of negativities, such an act must be appreciated.
My thanks to everybody involved.
A local vernacular daily followed this case and reported facts. It was brought to the notice of officials of the transport service as also to municipal corporators and officials. They agreed that rules are not followed and assured to improve the situation. Training and rules' guidelines were given to all bus drivers, conductors, ticket checkers etc. The newspaper reviwed the situation and noted that there was improvement but not enough. Matter was again taken up with the bus service and they carried out internal improvements with more vigour. Another check after a few weeks and to the surprise of everybody that the seats were actually used only for and by women. It was also observed at PMC starting point that passangers enter in queue and if these reserved seats are vacant even after rest of the bus is full, then women still standing in queue waiting for the next bus are asked to come in ahead and occupy these vacant seats. Kudos to everybody involved in this exercise - the newspaper and its staff, officials of the transport service and of municipal coporations.
I feel that the newspaper deserves special accolade for highlighting the actual improvement. In today media full of negativities, such an act must be appreciated.
My thanks to everybody involved.
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