Law to Bar Hospitals From Turning Away Emergencies

New Delhi, Jan 29 : The cabinet Thursday approved path-breaking legislation making it mandatory for doctors, hospitals and other medical establishments to treat victims of road accidents and other emergencies and not turn away patients on specious pleas, official sources said.

The legislation ‘makes it mandatory to provide, stabilize and treat emergency medical conditions’, official sources said of The Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Bill, 2010, that the cabinet cleared at a meeting presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Once parliament passes the bill, doctors and hospitals will not be able to turn away victims of road accidents and other emergencies on the plea that these are ‘medico-legal cases’ which they are not authorized to treat, the sources pointed out.

The bill will apply to all clinical establishments, including those with a single doctor and without any beds, the sources added.

‘The main purpose of the law is to provide a legislative framework for the registration and regulation of clinical establishments in the country and also to improve the quality of health services through the National Council for Standards by prescribing minimum standards of facilities and services which may be provided by them,’ Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters after the cabinet meeting.

‘This would permit categorization and classification of different clinical establishments depending on their geographical location as well as services offered. It will also initiate the process for the creation of a national registry of clinical establishments existing in the country,’ she added.

‘The bill will ensure elimination of fraudulent practices or taking patients for a ride,’ Soni said.

The bill, which will apply to all systems of medicine, including allopathy and AYUSH, is likely to be tabled in the budget session of parliament beginning Feb 22. It, however, doesn’t apply to the Armed Forces Medical Service ’since they have their own set patterns in place’, the sources said.

Once approved by parliament, the bill will be initially applicable in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim and all the union territories.

‘It is expected that other states would also adopt this legislation,’ Soni said.

It was pointed out that while some states, among them Maharashtra, Orissa, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland, Punjab and Delhi, had passed similar legislation, ‘there was much to be desired by way of implementation.

‘Stake-holders also pointed to the need for national levels of standards and hence this bill,’ official sources said.

The bill, which the cabinet initially approved in June 2007, was tabled in parliament in August of that year and referred to the standing committee on health. The committee made 60 recommendations, of which 36 have been incorporated in the bill.

Mizoram Rail Track Project in Full Swing

Aizawl, Jan 29 : Railway extension work from Bairabi to Sairang is in full swing, said Zasanga today who is the chairman of Mizoram state level task force on National Railway Project.

"Though the survey is going on in full speed, but it is impossible to say when it will be finished", said Zasanga who is a retired IPS officer. Central government has entrusted RITES company in the survey purpose. Due to hilly and rugged region with dense forest, survey for the railway track cannot be expedited as planned, he rued.

The project chairman while thanking the people’s co-operation in surveying railway track said, "Villagers came out with enthusiasm to help us navigate the best suitable route which will be used as permanent rail track in future and also pleased to see that villagers from Sairang and its adjoining areas are willing to work in the survey department".

Earlier, due to various opposition from NGOs and individuals with regards to the extension of railway track up to Sairang had created unfavorable speculation in Mizoram saying that if railway is extended up to Sairang, the Mizos will be assimilated by the people from mainland India. They are also of the belief that sooner or later, business establishments, trade and others will be dominated by the outsiders as a result of railway extension.

Rubbishing the critics over the issue, Mizoram chief minister Lal Thanhawla had said that no nation or tribe has ever been assimilated due to construction of railways. He said railway network would not only bring commodities at lower prices, it would be most useful for export of the agriculture and horticulture products from the state that would benefit the farmers.

As the state is rich in natural resources like oil and natural gas, railways would be the most important for exploration and transportation of the mineral wealth, Lal Thanhawla added.

Sairang is just 20 kms away from the state capital Aizawl. Railway project has been started since 1997 but due to several reasons the project could not be constructed till now. Altogether Rs. 519.34 crores has been sanctioned by the Railway Board for this project. The new track will be of 51 kms with 16 tunnels.

Via Newmai News Network

Assam Police Waiting For Details of Boys Rescued in Tamil Nadu

By Sushanta Talukdar

Guwahati, Jan 29 : The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Assam Police is trying to get details about the 22 Assam boys, who were rescued, along with 54 others belonging to Manipur, by the Tamil Nadu police in Chennai and Kanyakumari.

Inspector General of Police (IGP), CID and the State nodal officer for anti-trafficking Mukesh Sahay told The Hindu that he was trying to get in touch with Tamil Nadu CID officials. “The first level investigation will be done by the Tamil Nadu CID and we hope to get the preliminary information from them within the next two to three days,” he said.

Two Delhi-based NGOs — Shakti Vahini and Vikalp Dhara — that is fighting the trafficking menace have demanded a thorough inquiry into cases of trafficking from the northeastern States.

Following the rescue of the boys, they wrote to N.S. Kalsi, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, on Wednesday drawing his attention to the increase in trafficking from the northeast.

They pointed out that the Tamil Nadu rescue was not an isolated case.

“Trafficking from north-east India and the eastern Himalaya region is continuously on the rise and needs a detailed investigation,” wrote Ravi Kant, president, Shakti Vahini.

The letter also said media reports might indicate the tip of the iceberg and in all probability organized gangs had begun operating to traffick in women and children.

Shakti Vahini alleged that the Assam government had not realized the gravity of the situation as could be gauged from the fact there was no official response from the State. Ideally, the Assam government should have immediately rushed a team to Tamil Nadu for the safe repatriation of the rescued children in cooperation with the Tamil Nadu government, it said.

Nagaland is Northeast India’s Biggest Mary Kay Market

Dave Grant, Vice President of Sales Development Education, Mary Kay Asia Pacific Region, Puneet Madan, Director- Sales Development and Hina Nagarajan, Country Manager of Mary Kay Cosmetics display the latest  products of Mary Kay launched at a press conference held at Jumping Bean Café in Dimapur on January 28.

Dimapur, Jan 29 : Global beauty leader Mary Kay Cosmetics India Pvt Ltd., reported to be one of the largest direct sellers of skincare and color cosmetics, today launched three new products at Jumping Beans in Dimapur on January 28. The three new products include two fragrances – Affection Eau De Parfum for women and Domain cologne spray for men and also MelaCEP Whitening System.

During the press conference, Hina Nagarajan, Country Manager of Mary Kay Cosmetics Pvt. Ltd., India announced that “Mary Kay is going to spread its operations in Nagaland, as it is one of the biggest markets for the company in North East India.” She also announced that by end of April, an office in Dimapur will be set up to support the business of Mary Kay’s Independent sales force members. She revealed that the office will facilitate ordering of products, payments and delivery of products.

Hina Nagarajan said Nagaland has contributed a lot to the Mary Kay annual global campaign called “Beauty that counts” through the sales of lipsticks where a part of the sales of every “Mary Kay Crème lipsticks” in specific shades is donated to an initiative for women and children around the world.
“There are around 800 to 900 sales force members in Nagaland alone” stated Puneet Madan, Director  of Sales Development. He said that it was not only Dimapur that was showing a positive response. Other districts of Nagaland as well such as Peren, Phek and Mokokchung were showing a tremendous interest in Mary Kay products, he said. Dave Grant, Vice President of Sales Development and education of Mary Kay Asia Pacific Region and other Mary Kay representatives were also present at the press conference.

Also, in a personal interaction with Hina Nagarajan, she revealed that the Mary Kay consultants are trained every month and there are various courses and certified make-up training courses provided by professionals. She said  Mary Kay believes in product and culture. “Culture training is very important to Mary Kay because they are going to be the messengers of Mary Kay,” she said.

Nagarajan also opined that the opportunity to work for a business like Mary Kay starts from mainland towns but spreads rapidly to other towns in the interiors as well. “It is not easy to do business in the North East states,” she said. She also revealed that Mary Kay is keen on investments in northeast especially Nagaland and that their focus will be to strengthen further infrastructure development.

via Morung Express News

LR Ruata Khohreng is Kuki Idol

By L Nehkholien Haokip

Churachandpur, Jan 29 : The much envied Kuki Idol Northeast India final contest was held yesterday at Royal Academy compound D.Phailen Churachandpur, LR Ruata Khohreng walked away with the title.

More than 3000 public gathered to see the event braving a cold, chilly night.

The program started at 6.30 pm and continued till 12.30 pm. The program began with the singing of the Kuki Idol anthem followed by an opening prayer by Dr.Lunkhohao Haokip, Founder President Agape Christian Music Centre (ACMC) reading the Bible scripture from Corinth 1: 11.

The Chief Guest, Damma Vaiphei, special contractor, in his speech thanked the Kuki Idol committee (KI) for inviting him as the chief guest of the mega event song contest.

He also expressed hope that organizing such event will lead to unity amongst the Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi community in the days to come.
He donated a sum of Rs.one lakh to the organizer.

The Guest of Honor, Theienna Touthang, social worker in his speech asked why the organizer approached a layman like him to be the guest of honor and ignored Government officers in such mega event. He went on to say that the idea behind organizing Kuki Idol should always be preserved.
He donated a sum of Rs.20,000/ to the organizer.

He reminded the gathering that any program may be entertaining at times and maybe not so at other times but the initiative of the Kuki Idol and the difficulties they faced in organizing such mega event ought to always be kept in mind.

Helien Kipgen, social worker, in his presidential speech stressed that music can bring about unification and national integration and appealed to the public to extend co-operation to Kuki Idol Committee and donated a sum of RS.30.000/ to the organizer.

Kuki Inpi Manipur General Secretary, Thangkhochon Lhungdim, in his speech praised the organizer saying that it was up to the mark and systematic.
He said that the aim and object of the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) is reunification and peaceful co-existence of different communities of the state.In the final round song contest, LR Ruata Khohreng, son of Sharningdinga Hohreng and Lakhumi Kohreng of Darchoi Tripura emerged the ultimate winner of the Kuki Idol contest 2009-2010 from among the top ten finalists.

About LR Ruata:

Born on April 5, 1988, LR Rauta is a matriculate and aims to become a good singer. Football and singing are his hobbies.

As Kuki Idol, LR Ruata Kohreng carried home lucrative check prize of RS.one lakh.

The other top ten finalist were Mamang Kipgen of Haipi Sadar Hills contestant No-56 Top-10 MS Liena Kuki of Molen village ,Sadar Hills,contestant.No-44 Top-9,Shokhop[ao Haokip of Molnom village Chandel district contestant No-8,Haoneo Touthang of New LAmbulane,Imphal contestant N.-18 top7,Hoieng Touthang of Janglenphai village CCPur contestant No-14 top-6, Lamginlen Chongloi of L.Munpi village Sadar Hills contestant-No93 top-5, Jamgoulen Lhungdim of D.phailen CCPur contestant No-68, top4 Thangtinlen Haokip of Leisen village CCPur contestant No-106 top 3 and Shei Haokip of Khenjang village CCPur contest no-108 as top-2 .

The top 9 finalists were given Rs.10,000/ each as consolation prizes.

Specially invited groups and individual artistes like Kuki Artiste Progressive Union (KAPU) Kuki Gospel Artiste Association (KUGAA), Maneithangza Mang Kipgen (Jingkal Bongnoi party) and Nagaland Icon, Miss Thiennu Haokip gave a scintillating performance in the mega event making it an evening to remember.

The closing prayer led by Rev.Dr.Dongzathong Tungnung, marked the closing function of the Kuki Idol North East India contest 2009-2010 .

Benny Khongsai judged performance of the contestant, NC Doungel the Lyrics, Manglun Haokip judged voice control, Tongmang Haokip the Song choice and Athiem Keivon Songpijang, NC Hills, gave his overall impression about the contestants.

via Hueiyen News Service

Floods, Urbanization Eat Into Assam’s Rice Fields

By Samudra Gupta Kashyap

Farmers plough a paddy field in Mayong, about 50 km east of Guwahati.

Guwahati, Jan 29 : The total area under rice cultivation in Assam, which registered a bumper record production of 40.7 lakh metric tones of rice in 2008-09 — an all-time high — has been shrinking over the past decade and more. From 26.46 lakh hectares in 2000-2001, it dwindled to 24.84 lakh hectares in 2008-09, with the state having the lowest area under rice cultivation — 21.90 lakh hectares — during 2006-07.

Likewise, the rice yield has also witnessed a sharp downward trend in the past one decade, coming down from 39.98 lakh metric tones in 2000-2001 to an all-time low of 29.10 lakh metric tones in 2006-07.

“This is definitely a worrisome development despite the fact that we created a record of sorts by producing 40.7 lakh metric tones. We are worried with the trend that we experienced till 2007-08,” said Pramila Rani Brahma, state agriculture minister.

Brahma cites four major reasons behind the decrease in rice growing area as well as production.

“While nature has been playing havoc with the Brahmaputra and several of its tributaries causing massive silt deposits on the rice fields, developmental activities too have to be held responsible for it to some extent,” she said.

The agriculture minister says construction of the four-lane East-West Corridor from Srirampur to Silchar had already reduced the cultivation area. “We have asked the Public Works Department to find out how much farm land has the National Highway Authority of India acquired for the construction of the East-West Corridor,” Brahma said.

Likewise, expansion of urban centers including Guwahati has been identified as another reason behind shrinking of rice fields.

“Establishment of industrial estates and other institutions have also cut into paddy fields. Assam does not have enough fallow land, and thus every time something new comes up, it has to be at the cost of agricultural land,” Brahma said.

People in Palashbari and Amingaon, both close to Guwahati, have been agitating against acquisition of agricultural land for setting up a BSF camp and a defense installation. A mega gas cracker project coming up in Dibrugarh district has also sparked off similar protests.

Nature’s havoc, too, has reduced large tracts of agricultural land into wasteland. With floods continuing to remain Assam’s annual scourge, Dhemaji district has turned out to be worst-hit, where over 60 per cent of the agricultural land has been devastated either by floods or by silt deposits, ranging from five to seven feet, in the past seven to eight years.

“Last year alone, over 700 hectares of agricultural land became unusable due to silt deposit. At least 10,000 hectares of land must have met the same fate in the past decade,” said Khagen Bargohain, additional deputy commissioner, Dhemaji.

Farmers in Assam grow three major varieties of rice, these being Ahu (autumn rice), Sali (winter rice) and Boro (summer rice).

“Though farmers in Assam have been traditionally used to growing only one crop a year, the government is now beginning to motivate them to go for at least two rice crops,” said agriculture minister Brahma.

Irrigation is not yet a popular concept in Assam. While canal irrigation has remained almost a non-starter, sinking several thousand shallow tube wells some 10 years ago has come as a big relief for farmers, especially in the lower Assam districts.

“Last year was a big surprise. While we could raise the area under rice cultivation from 21.90 lakh hectares in 2006-07 to 24.84 lakh hectares in 2008-09, the state did record a bumper harvest of 40.7 lakh metric tones. And this was despite a huge loss of three months due to a drought-like situation,” Brahma said.

The state government has fixed a target of 46.7 lakh metric tones for 2009-10 as well, expecting the agricultural growth rate to move up from 1.2 per cent in 2008-09 to 2.17 per cent in the current year.

Noted agricultural scientist B K Sarma said that the tendency among farmers to shift to cash crops and vegetables was also responsible for the fluctuating rice production in Assam. “Vegetables and cash crops fetch more returns while cultivation of bao paddy, a deep-water variety, has slipped sharply as farmers have also started focusing on pisciculture in the low-lying areas,” said Sarma, a former ICAR scientist, who has recently come out with a book called Rice Diversity of Northeast India.

Elephant Killed, Then Eaten in Assam

Guwahati, Jan 29 : On the same day when a rhino carcass was discovered in Kaziranga National Park, villagers of Murpholuni forest beat stumbled upon an elephant carcass in the Kaziranga Karbi Anglong Elephant Reserve which covers an area of 1881.51 sq km of which an estimated 596 sq km has been encroached.

Poaching of elephants has rarely been reported. Elephant deaths were either due to speeding trains or vehicles and the it's the phenomenon of man-elephant conflict which had engaged wild life experts.

So, while the rhino and the tiger were under stress from poachers, the elephant seemed under stress from habitat loss due to large scale encroachment of reserve forests and elephant corridors.

But the latest carcass indicates that the elephant is also the poachers' target.

When the forest officials were informed they denied it was a recent killing and refused to even visit the site.

Golaghat district where the incident took place had 58 wild and 37 domestic elephants as on 30 September 2009.

In Assam 5246 elephants were found in 2002 census while in 2007, 5281 elephant were counted. Significantly the number of tuskers have gone down from 237 in 2002 to 169 in 2007.

But the forest department records do not reflect any tusker deaths.

Perhaps elephants were being poached but not revealed by the concerned authorities.

Vacancy For Junior Research Fellow (JRF) at Assam University, Silchar

Post: Junior Research Fellow (JRF) at Assam University, Silchar

Date of Interview : 29 January 2010

A Junior Research Fellow (JRF) (preferably NET/GATE Qualified) is required to work in a 3 year DST sponsored project entitled “Interaction of vanadate, molybdate and tungstate with hydrogen peroxide and hydroxylamine: Synthesis, characterization, reactivity, aqueous and solid state properties” in the Department of Chemistry, Assam University, Silchar.

Fellowship : Rs. 12,000/- p.m. + HRA as per University rules.

A walk-in-interview will be held in the Department of Chemistry on 29-1-2010 (Friday) at 2.30 pm.

Interested candidate may attend the interview directly with a copy of curriculum vitae, photograph and academic credentials.

Advance copy of application may be posted at pradip_paul2006@rediffmail.com

Dr. P.C. Paul
P.I. Dept. of Chemistry
Assam University, Silchar.

More details here