Delhi Students See Red as House Rent Shoots, Courtesy CWG

New Delhi, Oct 1 : Make hay when the sun shines. The Commonwealth Games may not be getting that many visitors but that has not stopped rapacious landlords from significantly increasing rents and adding to woes of hundreds of students, particularly in north Delhi near the Delhi University campus.

According to Ramesh Sharma of R.K. Properties in Mukherjee Nagar, house rent in the area has gone up by as much as Rs.5,000-6,000 over the last three months - all because of the Games.

"Three months back, a two-room house on rent in Delhi was approximately Rs.7,000, but now you can't get the same set up for less than Rs.12,000 a month," Sharma told IANS.

"The only reason why this is happening is because students in the Delhi University college hostels had to vacate their hostels for three months until after the Games and had to look for alternate living arrangements. The landlords have used this to their full advantage and increased the rent," he said.

Raju Srivastava, another property dealer in Kinsway Camp, echoed saying: "Rents have shot up so much that a number of students have no choice but to scout for a flat mate so that the cost can be divided."

A one-room apartment the rent of which was about Rs.5,000 is now Rs.7,000 and the rent for a three-room place which was around Rs.12,000 is anywhere between Rs.14,000 and Rs.18,000.

With colleges closing from Oct 1 until after the Games, a number of out-station students have left for home to escape the costs instead of witnessing the event in the capital. The Games will begin Oct 3 and will culminate Oct 14.

Akhila Daniel, a student who hails from Nagaland, said: "I am going back home this weekend and will be back at the end of this month. I would have loved to stay back in Delhi to witness the Games, but I just can't afford to!"

"I have been paying Rs.12,000 for a two-room place in Mukherjee Nagar for the last three months, which is way beyond my budget. But I had no choice since we had to vacate our college hostel. Once I am back, I will shift back to the hostel," she added.

Ravi Jain, another student, said: "Landlords here are fleecing the hapless students. Left with no choice, I am sharing a single room apartment with three other boys."

However, student Shruti Sharma said she would rather give in to another month of "fleecing" to witness the historic Games in the capital.

"I am sure it will be worth it," she said enthusiastically.

World's Greenest Nations

The 2010 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) recently ranked 163 countries on their performance in categories including environmental health, air quality, water resource management, biodiversity and habitat, forestry, fisheries, agriculture, and climate change. We list the Top 10:

Produced by a team of environmental experts at Yale University and Columbia University the EPI rankings were released at the World Economic Forum Annual in Davos.

ICELAND

EPI Score: 93.5/100

Iceland leads the world in addressing pollution control and natural resource management challenges. The nation's top-notch performance derives from its high scores on environmental public health, controlling greenhouse gas emissions, and reforestation, according to a media release from Yale University.

SWITZERLAND

EPI Score: 89.1/100

Switzerland slipped from last year's numero uno position to No. 2 this year. The nation has however, made substantial investments in environmental infrastructure, pollution control, and policies designed to move toward long-term sustainability.

COSTA RICA

EPI Score: 86.4/100

Costa Rica climbed from number five in 2008 and number 15 in 2006, the first year the indicator was published. The EPI index is produced every two years. Costa Rica is an eco-tourism pioneer which is now cashing in on its pristine beaches and national parks.

Incidentally, the World Database of Happiness, compiled by a Dutch sociologist, lists Costa Rica as the 'happiest' nation out of 148 countries.

SWEDEN

EPI Score: 86/100

About 15% of Sweden lies north of the Arctic Circle. Southern Sweden is predominantly agricultural, with increasing forest coverage northward. Around 65% of Sweden's total land area is covered with forests.

The nation has been credited with making substantial investments in environmental infrastructure, pollution control, and policies designed to move toward long-term sustainability.

NORWAY

EPI Score: 81.1/100

The "Land of the Midnight Sun" slipped 4 positions from its second position in the 2008 EPI rankings. The nation however, scored well on substantial investments in environmental infrastructure, pollution control, and policies designed to move toward long-term sustainability.

Norway has a larger number of different habitats than almost any other European country. There are approximately 60,000 species in Norway and adjacent waters (excluding bacteria and virus). The Norwegian Shelf large marine ecosystem is considered highly productive.

MAURITIUS

EPI Score: 80.6/100

The island is well known for its natural beauty. Conservation work in Mauritius is carried out by the National Parks and Conservation Service (NPCS) and by non-governmental organizations such as the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (DWCT).

The Black River Gorges National Park covers 65.74 km² of land and another 45 km² is protected by nature reserves such as Round Island and Île aux Aigrettes. Efforts to preserve native flora and fauna have included captive breeding, habitat restoration and the eradication of introduced species.

FRANCE

EPI Score: 78.2/100

The index is based on each country's performance in 10 primary areas: environmental burden of disease, water resources for human health, air quality for human health, air quality for ecosystems, water resources for ecosystems, biodiversity and habitat, forestry, fisheries, agriculture and climate change.

AUSTRIA

EPI Score: 78.1/100

Austria is one of the 12 richest countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita, has a well-developed social market economy, and a high standard of living.

The nation scored well on substantial investments in environmental infrastructure, pollution control, and policies designed to move toward long-term sustainability.

CUBA

EPI Score: 78.1/100

Cuba's air quality matches or exceeds that of number one Iceland, and its management of forestry and fisheries also rank near the top.

COLOMBIA

EPI Score: 76.8/100

Colombia is home to 10% of the world's species, with a wealth of ecological diversity. While Colombia has had problems in the past concerning deforestation, the detrimental effects of the coca trade, and political strife involving their natural oil deposits, all these factors have helped to move Colombia towards energy conservation and new, less politically tumultuous resources. Colombia has also begun programs for the cultivation of natural parks that support the growth of native medicinal plants.

Who's the Hottest Rocker Wife?

Heidi Klum

Seal hit the jackpot when he landed 10-years-younger supermodel Heidi Klum, who famously insured her legs for $2 million.

Paulina Porizkova

One of the original supermodels, Paulina married somewhat unusual looking Cars singer Ric Ocasek in 1989. And she's still totally gorgeous!

Beyonce

Rapper Jay-Z (his mash-ups qualify him as a rocker) may be one of the most powerful men in the music biz -- but he doubled his sex appeal when he married the beautiful and talented Beyonce.

Gwyneth Paltrow

You wouldn't have put Brad Pitt's former fiancee in the same sentence with Coldplay's Chris Martin -- but they've been married since 2003.

Iman

In 1992, striking supermodel Iman married bisexual rocker David Bowie. He's said that he was naming their children the night they met.

Gwen Stefani

Alternative rocker Gavin Rossdale tied the knot with music-fashion mogul Gwen Stefani in 2002. He's a lucky guy ... have you seen her abs?

Penny Lancaster

Rod Stewart, 65, married English model Lancaster, now 39, in 2007, after she gave birth to his seventh child (her first).

I Love ‘Endhiran’…Rajni Saar

Rajni Saar: The Big Daddy of Entertainers!

'Endhiran', directed by Shankar, is a Rajnikanth Express that transports you to a world you can't envision.

Review

Rajnikanth's feats are legendary by now. In 'Endhiran', he goes a step further. The Robot in 'Endhiran' not only follows orders of his creator, but also cooks, fights, romances and wonder of wonders, has a lengthy conversation with a mosquito and scan loads of books/magazines and an entire telephone directory in a second. Yes, you read it right!

That's not all, this Robot is Superman + Spiderman + Terminator + Godzilla, all rolled into one. There's more to this Robot. It can replicate itself, wage a vicious battle, turn into an Anaconda or a monster ball and wipe off an entire army. Whew! Known for larger than life canvas, 'Endhiran' is Shankar's most expensive and if we may say so, his most imaginative film thus far. And who better than Rajnikanth for the pivotal role!

Final word? A Rajnikanth film is an event and this combo's [Shankar - Rajnikanth] new outing 'Endhiran' is sure to strike like Tsunami. Let us make it short-n-sweet. If you miss 'Endhiran', it's YOUR loss!

Location: Chennai 2010. Mission: Creating a robot Chitti. Purpose: To help the society. Development time: 10 years. Special Features: A human who is not born, but is created. He can dance, sing, fight, is water and fire resistant. He can do all that a human can and more. He feeds on electricity. He takes instructions literally. Where a human can lie to save himself, this robot cannot lie.

Where he has a razor sharp memory and can memorize an entire telephone directory by just running through the pages, he cannot understand human emotions. Dr. Vasi upgrades Chitti's processor and simulates human emotions without realizing the repercussions. Chitti gets transformed. He can now feel and the first feeling that he discovers is Love. Will this love come in the way of Dr. Vasi's purpose of creating Chitti? Will Dr. Vasi's own creation destroy him?

A title like 'Endhiran' automatically puts tremendous responsibility and pressure on the director's shoulders. And 'Endhiran' is not merely a display of VFX, but it also has soul, a story to tell. At first, 'Endhiran' comes across as a clash between the virtuous [Rajnikanth] and wicked [Danny Denzongpa]. But 'Endhiran' changes gears in its post-interval portions as the focus shifts to the creator [Rajnikanth] and his creation [Rajnikanth].

It's a Rajnikanth film and it would be incomplete if his loyal fans don't get to watch his stylish actions and feats. Thankfully, 'Endhiran' showcases it all. He can glide on the railway tracks, run horizontally on a moving train, transform into an Anaconda, can swallow helicopters and even fire at people with his fingers, without using a pistol. These are truly clap-trap moments!

Even otherwise, the screenplay is really well penned and absorbing. While the film is a super ride from start to end, it's the penultimate 25 minutes that leaves you awe-struck and speechless. You can't imagine a Hindi film having such an out of the world climax.

Only thing, Shankar could've controlled the length of the film. It could've been shorter by at least 10 to 15 minutes, which includes doing away with a song or two. Of course, like all Shankar movies, the songs are filmed most imaginatively on exotic locales, but what's the point of having songs if they act as speed breakers?

That Shankar ranks amongst India's best directors is well known by now and 'Endhiran' only cements the fact. His vision and execution of the difficult subject deserves the highest praise, in fact distinction marks. He not only dreams big, but the outcome is incredible too. A.R. Rahman's music doesn't compliment the content of the film, but like we pointed out earlier, every song has been filmed exquisitely. The action and chase sequences are outstanding [Yuen Woo Ping, action choreographer in the 'Matrix' and 'Kill Bill' sequels, was the stunt coordinator]. Visual effects are spectacular [Stan Winston Studio, the studio behind JURASSIC PARK, PREDATOR, TERMINATOR, IRON MAN, AVATAR, provided the animatronics technology]. Cinematography captures the grand production values with precision. The locations of Austria, Machu Picchu in Peru, U.S.A. and Brazil only enhance the visual appeal of the film. The sets are mind-blowing. Dubbing is near-perfect.

'Endhiran' is a Rajnikanth show from start to end. And no other actor, not from Bollywood at least, would be able to do what he does with such amazing ease. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan looks stunning and acts most convincingly. Danny Denzongpa is efficient, as always. The remaining actors enact their parts well.

On the whole, 'Endhiran' is a crowd-pleasing and hugely mass appealing tale of android revolution with a thrilling plot, rich and imaginative screenplay, super action, astounding effects and most importantly, Rajnikanth, who is the soul of the film.

Source: Bollywood Hungama

CWG Organisers Insult Indian Legends

Indian athletic legends yet to receive invites

Another mess-up by the CWG organisers.

Athletes who have won laurels for India in the past are being cold-shouldered by the organisers. They have not yet been invited for the Games, which begin in less than 2 days time. And this is not the first time such a thing has been happening in India. When will we learn to respect?

New Delhi: Former star athletes, who have been invited for the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games, are livid with the Organising Committee (OC) for not sending them the invitation or the accreditation cards with barely three days to go for the opening ceremony.

Earlier this month, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) asked the national sports federations to inform Arjuna, Dhyanchand, Dronacharya, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardees and the Olympic, Asian Games and Commonwealth gold medallists to send their accreditation forms. Despite submitting all the papers in time, the state associations and the athletes haven't yet heard from the OC.

Jyotirmoyee Sikdar (Khel Ratna and Padma Shri), Soma Biswas (Arjuna Award), Saraswati Saha (Arjuna Award) and Pinki Pramanick (Doha Asian Games gold medallist) are upset with the Athletics Federation of India (AFI)for treating them shabbily.

'I was invited for Melbourne but not for Delhi'

Saraswati, who won the 200 metres gold medal at the 2002 Busan Asian Games, feels it was unfortunate that former athletes are being treated so callously at a time when the Games are held at home.

"We are having a major event here after such a long time and as former athletes we always want to enjoy the occasion. I don't think we will be lucky this time," she said.

Jyotirmoyee, former CPI-M MP from West Bengal, said in India the athletes don't get their due. "This shows how the OC treats the athletes in this country. When I was an MP, I was invited for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, but when the Games are held here, I don't know whether I would be able to witness them," Jyotirmoyee, who won gold in 800m and 1500m at the 1998 Asian Games, told IANS Thursday.

Celebrated athletes from several other states have also not received the invite.

Passing the buck

Soma Biswas and Pinki Pramanik are also Asian Games medallists. Soma won the silver medal at the 2002 and 2006 Asian Games while Pinki gold in Doha and silver in Melbourne in 4x400 metres relay.

West Bengal Athletics Association (WBAA) had sent all particulars about the athletes to the AFI before the Sep 23 deadline. "We had sent everything before deadline, but we are yet to hear anything from AFI. Despite repeated reminders there is no response and do not know whether the athletes can go to Delhi for the Games," a top WBAA official told IANS.

The AFI has passed the buck to the OC, saying it has messed it up. "We can't be blamed. We were just asked to send the accreditation forms by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The OC is handling all the invitations," said AFI's officiating secretary Ravinder Chaudhary.

'I gave them a choice of hotels or Games Village'

Meanwhile, amidst all the brouhaha over participating nations opting to stay in five star hotels rather than the Games Village because of it not being ready and portions of it were unclean, Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CGOC) chairman Suresh Kalmadi Thursday revealed that it was he who gave them the option.

"All the 71 countries have come. I gave them a choice, 'whether you want to stay in hotels or in the Village?' but every team said, 'we want to stay in the Village'," said Kalmadi.

Sporting a confident and relieved attitude, Kalmadi, who was welcoming the arrival of the Queen's Baton Relay, also urged Delhiites to "come out and play".

"You have to be a part of it. You have to participate, come out and play. It is everybody's game. We are going to have a great opening ceremony. If you can't get the tickets, please watch in on TV," he said.

'Kalmadi deserves a pat on the back'

Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit praised Kalmadi and said he deserves a pat on the back for the completion of all preparations for the Commonwealth Games (Oct 3-14).

"Our dear friend Suresh Kalmadi needs a big bump and pat on the back," Dikshit said, while enacting the gesture over the visibly happy chairman's back. "I am on top of the world. Everything is fine, ready and everything is complete," she added during the arrival of the Queen's Baton Relay in the capital Thursday. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Tejinder Khanna said Delhiites should treat the visitors with two things in mind - the world is one and guest is god.

"When we are asked what does the Commonwealth Games mean to us (Delhiities), I'd say it is 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and 'Atithi Devo Bhava'. Clearly 'the whole world is one' and 'guest is god' - this is what the Games mean to us," Khanna said.

"All participating nations have given us a thumbs up saying that we have given them global level facilities. And now we should make sure that when they go back they should take with them Indian memories of warmth, openness and affection," he added during the same programme.

Kalmadi slams builders for the mess

Kalmadi also laid the blame squarely on the builder and the contractor for the shoddy work at the Games Village, which has come under heavy criticism from some of the participating countries.

Several participating countries had labelled the Village for being filthy and unlivable.
Kalmadi said that there was conflict between nodal agency Delhi Development Authority (DDA) that gave the contract to Emaar-MGF to build the Games Village and the builder.

"Due to the conflict, work was delayed for three months and that was the main problem. We got the Village only a month back and we needed some time to get things in place. But now the Games Village looks beautiful and I can tell you it is the best Commonwealth Games Village," he said.

Kalmadi, however, was happy with the last minute work carried out at the Games Village and said that the foreign athletes and officials are now happy. "Village is one of the finest place. We have given an option to all teams to first go to hotel and then they can shift to the village after inspecting the conditions there. Right now not even a single country is staying in hotel," said Kalmadi.

"International players and team officials are very satisfied with the Village's facilities. All 71 countries are participating in the games and not even a single country has kept itself out of the games. Each delegation is saying that they are liking this place very much and they have no problems. I am sure that nobody has seen such games village before," he said.

'Focus on good aspects of CWG'

Kalmadi said that he was also ready for any kind of probe regarding the alleged disproportionate use of funds.

"The photo that media is showing is over-month old and you cannot conclude anything on the basis of it. I am ready for any kind of inquiry; in fact I personally want that an inquiry must be conducted into all allegations," said Kalmadi.

"We should also focus up on good aspects of these games. Our city (New Delhi) has gone ahead by nearly 10-years. See the airport, metro is running from airport to the games villages and to other venues. Now we only want Indian players to do well and to win maximum medals in the games," he added.

He also thanked Prime Minister for giving a grant of Rs. 1600 crore for the training of athletes. "This has happened for the first time. Money has been spent on the training of athletes, accommodation and on providing them world-class facilities," said Kalmadi.

The Games Village is spread over an area of 63.5 hectares and has a total of 34 residential towers. It has 1,168 apartments comprising 4,008 bedrooms which will house the athletes and team officials.

Source ANI

I Am Being Framed: Former Mizo CM Zoramthanga

Aizawl, Oct 1 : Former chief minister Zoramthanga today maintained his innocence in the corruption charges leveled against him and said, ''I am being framed to spoil my political career.''

Addressing a party rally, held in the aftermath of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB)s raids at his residence, the Mizo National Fronts supremo said, ''If I had indulged in any corruption, let them nail me, for no one is above the law. But, they are making false charges against me to politically spoil my image.''

''This is a politically motivated criminal case against me in the eve of the Aizawl Municipal Council elections,'' he reiterated.

He also maintained that any criminal investigation against a former chief minister has to be approved by current Chief Minister, pointing accusing finger to his Congress counterpart and Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla.

Recently, the ACB raided the residence of Zoramthanga, his two brothers and his former political adviser, in connection with corruption case charged against him, following a PIL submitted to Gauhati High Court by anti-corruption organisation Prism.

The civic organisation filed the PIL in 2007 against the then Chief Minister Zoramthanga for possessing wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income, for allegedly misusing agriculture departments materials for his private firm and for allegedly collecting three per cent from all contractors under PMGSY for party fund.

Gauhati High Court on December 21, 2009, ordered a probe into the allegations to be completed within four months. Prism president Vanlalruata told UNI here today, the inquiry report revealed 30 rolls of wire mesh and 660 of angles iron post were issued by Agriculture Department in favour of Aiipuk Farm which is owned by Zoramthanga, on the request made by his wife Roneihsangi through 50 per cent subsidised payment.

The inquiry revealed that payments were made but backdated through manipulation of official documents. The report also revealed Zoramthanga admitted that three per cent was deducted from PMGSY contractors for his party fund, he said. Mr Zoramthanga possessed disproportionate asset from his known sources of income.

The Report highlighted that Mr Zoramthanga possessed Rs 54,18,061.94 and Rs 1,38,02,241.26 in 2003 and 2008 respectively in his affidavits submitted to the DC, Champhai on the eve of the 2003 and 2008 MLA General Election.

''The difference of his possession between 2003 and 2008 is Rs 83,84,179/-. But he could have had accumulated only Rs 17,84,234/- during these five years from his known sources of income,'' Vanlalruata added.

Women Set The Price Here in Manipur

By Deepti Priya Mehrotra

The women's market in Manipur — a traditional institution spanning generations — now finds itself in danger of being uprooted and displaced..

These stalls are traditionally passed on from mothers to daughters or daughters-in-law.

Her trading space: The all-women market, Khwairamband Nupi Keithel, in Imphal.

Bilasini Devi, 62, has been selling fruit for 40 years, on the roadside at the Khwairamband Nupi Keithel (Women's Market). The market, situated in the heart of Imphal, Manipur, is a unique, age-old institution, run exclusively by women. Today, these women are facing threats. Bilasini explains, “I began selling fruit at the age of 22, and brought up my children on my earnings. But now, the police are chasing us, and we do not know where to sit to sell our goods.”

As a member of the Roadside Vendors Welfare Association, Khwairamband Keithel (RVWAK), Bilasini is struggling to retain a space for herself and for the 5,000 or so vendors who work in and around Khwairamband Bazaar. Kshetri Tama Devi, 30, President of RVWAK, says, “Roadside vendors work in very unhealthy conditions. They have no stalls or places to sit and are used to sitting on the roadside with no objection raised in the past. However, due to the beautification drive launched by Manipur government, they are being harassed.”

Right to trade

Members of RVWAK are mostly working-class women who bring up families with their hard earnings, sometimes spending 12 hours at the market. Bilasini adds, “The authorities collect tax from us — Rs 10 per person every month, yet the police chase us from one place to another like cattle. As a taxpayer, I demand my space and my right to ply my trade.”

Apart from roadside vendors, another 4,000 women traders have held stalls at designated spots within Khwairamband Nupi Keithel. These stalls are traditionally passed on from mothers to daughters or daughters-in-law. The traders deal in textiles, jewellery, food and other items. Trade is brisk, with gorgeous hand-woven garments and cloth produced by women, who work like a cottage industry. This market is the major shopping centre of Manipur, and a must-see for all visitors. Initially, women traders welcomed the drive to modernise the market, which was launched by the Manipur government in 2005, hoping it would improve the ramshackle conditions.

Laishram Mema Devi, 55, has been selling jewellery from her stall in Khwairamband Bazaar since 1980. As President of the Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Vendors Welfare Association, (KNKVWA), Manipur, she says, “All of us — 4,000 women — were licence-holders, with permanent stalls in the market. Modernisation and reconstruction was meant to take two years, and we signed an MoU in 2005, under which the Government agreed to provide space in the new market to old licence-holders. But the reconstruction work has dragged on for over five years and we have worked out of temporary sheds. There is a lot of corruption, mismanagement and bribery. The new market building is nearly complete, but 500 women traders who held permanent licences are being denied stalls. Their licences were taken away and have not been returned.”

KNKVWA members have been petitioning local authorities to hold a dialogue with them, but to no avail. In late August, Mema and Tama Devi and three of their colleagues, came to New Delhi to alert the Central Government about the issue. They submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister's Office alleging “a reign of corruption, bribery, favouritism and mismanagement”, and requesting the Government to intervene.

They point out while licences are issued to non-vendors, hundreds of genuine vendors are denied this right. In other parts of Imphal, some markets that were reserved for women, such as the Heingan Yonfam and the Langthabal Potfam, have been de-reserved. This threatens the future of the Khwairamband Women's Market. The number of women who need to earn their livelihood in the informal sector is swelling by the day, due to rampant unemployment worsened by widespread conflict. Most of these women, including widows, are their family's breadwinner. “Women have traditionally held a high place in Manipur. They have been carrying on trading and business since times immemorial. We are proud of our heritage. But today the Manipur government is threatening the survival of this great heritage,” says Malem Ningthouja, member of the Campaign for Peace and Democracy. He estimates the number of women traders and vendors in Imphal city at 10,000 to 15,000. While Khwairamband is Manipur's biggest market, there are others run by women scattered across the State, at Nambol, Thoubal, Moirang, Moreh, Ningthoukhong, Kakching and several other places.

These stalls are traditionally passed on from mothers to daughters or daughtersin-law.

Injustice in the past

Tama, Bilasini, Mema and their colleagues are living up to Manipur's glorious tradition of women's collective struggles against injustice. In 1904, women traders of Khwairamband Bazaar were among the leaders of the First Nupilan (Women's War) against the British policy of forced labour, and they were also at the forefront of the Second Nupilan in 1939, against the colonial policy of hoarding and exporting rice in times of scarcity.

Such activism paid high dividends for the local community. Women here believe they need to take a page from the book of their grandmothers and great-grandmothers to stem the excesses of the State. Irom Sharmila, a citizen of Imphal, is well known for her unprecedented ten-year-long hunger strike against State violence.

Contents of memorandum

In its memorandum to the Prime Minister, KNKVWA points out that the government of Manipur has not fulfilled its promises made to the vendors and that non-transferable permanent licences have been arbitrarily cancelled. They also mention that the blueprint of the construction project and allocation of seats, amenities and other plans have not been made public and the pleas of women traders for a meaningful dialogue have fallen on deaf ears. There has been no announcement of the list of original licence-holders and the memorandum demands that the economic interests of thousands of women traders be respected and that seats must be allocated to each of the original licence-holders. They also want the temporary sheds to be allotted to roadside vendors, after they are vacated.

Women vendors in Imphal are struggling not only for their survival, but for justice, peace and gender equity. In a country where informal sector workers are being increasingly marginalised, prime land being acquired by big business interests, and women workers rapidly losing their traditional sources of livelihood, such a struggle needs popular support and expressions of solidarity, they point out.

via Women's Feature Service

Report on Northeast Girls Trafficking in CWG Unfounded

By Kalyan Barooah

New Delhi, Oct 1 : Sensational reports of  ‘40,000 girls’ being ‘hired’ from North Eastern Region by escort agencies for the Commonwealth Games has sent NGOs and Central agencies into a tizzy.

While the media including international agencies like BBC have gone to town with reports of 40,000 girls being trafficked to Delhi for escort services by organised cartels, the real story seems quite different.

“Thousands of women from India’s Northeast have been hired by escort agencies for the Commonwealth Games. Nearly 40,000 women from seven North Eastern States had been hired with promises of ‘lucrative pay’, said a BBC report from Kolkata, quoting Impulse NGO Network.

Says Rishi Kant of Shakti Vahini, an NGO working on human trafficking, volunteers drawn from NGOs have been deployed in various train stations in Delhi round-the-clock since last two months, monitoring trains particularly originating from Northeast. A similar watch is being kept at Delhi airport by government agencies.

In the last two months, 54 human trafficking cases were detected, out of which only one case was from Assam and that too turned out to be a case of forced marriage, said Rishi Kant.

Most of the trafficking cases detected during the run up to the Games were from Jharkhand, West and North Bengal, Rishi Kant, whose organisation was among the first to expose the human trafficking racket involving girls lured from Assam to Haryana, said.

Divulging that the government agencies and NGOs, working in the field have stepped up vigil after reports of the possibility of escort agencies entering the scene to take advantage of the demand during the Commonwealth Games, Rishi Kant said they have been monitoring advertisements in newspapers and internet to keep track.

A series of meetings were held between officials of Ministry of Women and Child Welfare, Home Ministry and NGOs to work out a coordination mechanism. “It was after this that the NGOs were engaged to monitor the train stations. Since the last two months, we are watching the various train stations 24X7,” he said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, as added measures keeping in mind the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, on the recommendation of Ministry of Women and Child Development, issued an advisory to the Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries of all the States to take proper action to combat trafficking.

Most of the advertisements by the escort agencies are for foreign girls, mostly Russians, and those belonging to erstwhile Soviet block countries, but there were no specific advertisements for girls from Northeast India, the Shakti Vahini worker said.

Taken aback by reports of 40,000 girls being hired by escort agencies, Rishi Kant argued that had this been the case, the various NGOs and government agencies working in the field should have detected at least one case. Nevertheless, Shakti Vahini has written a letter to the Commissioner of Police, Delhi to probe the allegations reported by media.

Describing chairperson of Impulse NGO Network, a rights group that also rescues trafficked women, Hasina Kharbih’s reported statement, as highly irresponsible, Rishi Kant said that if she has any information, she should share the information with the concerned State Governments.

The revised statement issued by the Home Ministry also makes it necessary to inform authorities about such incidents, he added.