State is yet to launch the software, reportedly used across the country, to computerise workflow at RTO
DILIP PATEL
Gujarat is undoubtedly a frontrunner in investing money and utilising its resources for citizen-centric e-governance. However, it has failed to put in use important software — Vahan and Sarathi — developed by National Informatics Centre to computerise workflow at the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
The software, reportedly used by all RTOs across the country, is crucial as it maintains a database of citizens who have been issued driving licences and also keeps a record of registered vehicles in the state.
The Centre had issued a notification in 2002, directing all states and Union territories to introduce the software with a view to prepare a national database of citizens. Eight years on, Gujarat still lags behind in implementing the Center’s notification, said a source in the RTO.
“To launch the software, we need to introduce changes in our smart cards. We will have to first enhance the storage capacity of smart cards from 1.5 kb to 4 kb. Bharat Electrical (BHEL) will manufacture the required smart cards for RTO. We are planning to introduce the software across the state at the earliest,” said AB Gor, Deputy Director of Transport.
“The software is important from security point of view as it keeps citizens’ record. With terror perception looming large over the country, the database, prepared by the software, can be a crucial source of information. The system was implemented on pilot basis by Ahmedabad RTO but the officials only applied two modules of the software,” said the source.
VAHAN AND SARATHI
Vahan and Sarathi are application software for the use of Regional Transport Offices.While Vahan is for processing all transactions related to vehicles, Sarathi is for processing driving licence and related activities. Vahan is used to issue registration certificate, fitness certificate and permits. Sarathi is used to issues a learner’s licence, permanent driving licence and conductor licence to the applicant.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Work on Narmada dam radial gates to take 3 more years
With this the work on completing the network of irrigation canals and field channels will begin
DILIP PATEL
Environmental clearance in, work on installing the 30 radial gates on the Sardar Sarovar dam is expected to begin in a month. The work, requiring Rs 300 crores will take nearly three years to complete. Till now, Rs 19,091.47 crore have been spent on Sardar Sarovar, which after completion will stand at 138.68 metres. A majority of the additional Rs 15,000 crore will be spent on irrigation canals.
Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd (SSNNL) officials say that the dam will be ready with its full capacity by 2014 and that work on main and micro canals will complete in concurrence with installation of the gates, each made of 30,000 metric tonnes of steel.
At a meeting of the Narmada Control Authority’s (NCA) environmental sub-group held on April 1, it was decided that looking at the noncooperation from farmers, SSNNL will construct field channels.
The meeting also permitted construction of spillway piers to its full height and bridge and installation of gates. The construction will begin after go-ahead from the relief and rehabilitation sub group and NCA, according to SSNNL director S Jagdishan. The construction period would be three years during which all the remaining works related to environment and relief and rehabilitation aspects, upto full reservoir level (FRL) of 138.68 metres would be completed.
The next move will be to seek permission from the NCA to fill up the reservoir, by closing its gates, upto its FRL.
The SSNNL also decided that every district which is to get Narmada water supply will have a committee to decide where micro canals and field channels will come up.
The panel will have elected members, representatives of NGOs and district officials.The panels which will explain benefits of the project to the farmers are being looked as bridged between Narmada authorities and farmers. Authorities have faced a non-cooperation from farmers on several fronts.
According to sources, work on six lakh hectares irrigation area is under progress. By month-end 3.41 lakh hectares will be covered, they said, adding that SSNNL will require Rs 5,000 crore every year if the work is to be completed by 2014.
To expedite the work in developing the command area, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) mode of contracting has been employed. Eight EPC packages, estimated at a total of Rs 3,000 crore, have been designed to complete the 360-km Kutch branch canal with its distribution network upto minors.
NARMADA NUANCES
Thirty radial gates will be installed at the dam which now stands at 121.92 m. Each steel gate weighs 30,000 metric tonnes and is as high as a six-storeyed building. The radial gates were built in 1995 After reaching the full reservoir level, the dam will store 4.67 million acre feet water
DILIP PATEL
Environmental clearance in, work on installing the 30 radial gates on the Sardar Sarovar dam is expected to begin in a month. The work, requiring Rs 300 crores will take nearly three years to complete. Till now, Rs 19,091.47 crore have been spent on Sardar Sarovar, which after completion will stand at 138.68 metres. A majority of the additional Rs 15,000 crore will be spent on irrigation canals.
Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd (SSNNL) officials say that the dam will be ready with its full capacity by 2014 and that work on main and micro canals will complete in concurrence with installation of the gates, each made of 30,000 metric tonnes of steel.
At a meeting of the Narmada Control Authority’s (NCA) environmental sub-group held on April 1, it was decided that looking at the noncooperation from farmers, SSNNL will construct field channels.
The meeting also permitted construction of spillway piers to its full height and bridge and installation of gates. The construction will begin after go-ahead from the relief and rehabilitation sub group and NCA, according to SSNNL director S Jagdishan. The construction period would be three years during which all the remaining works related to environment and relief and rehabilitation aspects, upto full reservoir level (FRL) of 138.68 metres would be completed.
The next move will be to seek permission from the NCA to fill up the reservoir, by closing its gates, upto its FRL.
The SSNNL also decided that every district which is to get Narmada water supply will have a committee to decide where micro canals and field channels will come up.
The panel will have elected members, representatives of NGOs and district officials.The panels which will explain benefits of the project to the farmers are being looked as bridged between Narmada authorities and farmers. Authorities have faced a non-cooperation from farmers on several fronts.
According to sources, work on six lakh hectares irrigation area is under progress. By month-end 3.41 lakh hectares will be covered, they said, adding that SSNNL will require Rs 5,000 crore every year if the work is to be completed by 2014.
To expedite the work in developing the command area, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) mode of contracting has been employed. Eight EPC packages, estimated at a total of Rs 3,000 crore, have been designed to complete the 360-km Kutch branch canal with its distribution network upto minors.
NARMADA NUANCES
Thirty radial gates will be installed at the dam which now stands at 121.92 m. Each steel gate weighs 30,000 metric tonnes and is as high as a six-storeyed building. The radial gates were built in 1995 After reaching the full reservoir level, the dam will store 4.67 million acre feet water
Monday, March 22, 2010
This 81-yr-old fought for G’nagar civic body
Premshankar Bhatt, a retired IAS officer who once served as urban secretary, started a campaign to seek a municipality for the state capital 14 years ago
DILIP PATEL
The Narendra Modi government, following an order issued by the Gujarat High Court six months ago, on Tuesday took the first step in giving Gandhinagar a civic body. It formally announced in the assembly that Gandhinagar would become the eighth city in the state to get a municipal corporation.
However, it was not just the court’s directive that compelled the government to make the landmark announcement. It was an 81-yearold man’s relentless efforts that tipped the scales in the favour of state capital’s well-being.
Premshankar Bhatt, a retired IAS officer who once served Gujarat as the urban secretary, started a campaign to seek a municipal body for Gandhinagar 14 years ago. In fact, the court order is a result of a PIL filed by an NGO founded by Bhatt.
“I decided to take up the fight of helping Gandhinagar get a municipal corporation because I could not tolerate the increasing number of civic problems such as cleanliness affecting its denizens,” Bhatt said.
“Besides, I am a proud resident of Gandhinagar. How can I just stand and witness the city being denied a constitutional right.” According to the Constitution, every large urban area should have a local governing body.
Bhatt’s NGO, Gandhinagar Shahar Jagrut Nagrik Parishad, filed the PIL challenging the government’s reluctance to give the city such a body in 2007. On September 17, 2009, the high court asked the government to begin the process of forming a municipality in six months.
“The PIL was filed in 2007, but my battle began in 1996. I joined a senior citizen’s council and raked up the issue. The attempt didn’t bear results, so a few years later I formed Gandhinagar Shahar Jagrut Nagrik Parishad to my campaign forward,” he said.
The 81-year-old said that between 2001 and 2007 he wrote several letters to various government departments, officials and even the chief minister to seek a municipality for the city. The NGO, he said, also held a satyagraha.
“After the PIL was filed, there were attempts by the state government to delay the case. These attempts, however, failed,” he claimed.
Interestingly, the legal fight was not the only battle he won against the state government. During the course of his campaign, he filed an RTI application to seek copies of government documents relating to the issue.
The documents included notes made by officials during a meeting of the state cabinet. The government reportedly turned down the request for information, saying it was too sensitive to be shared.
Bhatt then approached the RTI commissioner, who ruled in his favour and asked the government to provide copies of requested documents. This was first of its kind ruling. The retired IAS officer’s campaign was carried forward his son and grandson, Jayant and Jeet.
Jayant, a lawyer, argued the case in the high court. Jeet, law student, conducted a research on cities with local governing bodies and presented his findings in the court to support the case. In the meantime, old age started to take a toll on Bhatt, but he didn’t budge.
Despite facing difficult in walking and hearing, he appeared in court hearings whenever needed. “It’s not just a victory for me or people of Gandhinagar. It’s a victory for the Constitution,” he said.
DILIP PATEL
The Narendra Modi government, following an order issued by the Gujarat High Court six months ago, on Tuesday took the first step in giving Gandhinagar a civic body. It formally announced in the assembly that Gandhinagar would become the eighth city in the state to get a municipal corporation.
However, it was not just the court’s directive that compelled the government to make the landmark announcement. It was an 81-yearold man’s relentless efforts that tipped the scales in the favour of state capital’s well-being.
Premshankar Bhatt, a retired IAS officer who once served Gujarat as the urban secretary, started a campaign to seek a municipal body for Gandhinagar 14 years ago. In fact, the court order is a result of a PIL filed by an NGO founded by Bhatt.
“I decided to take up the fight of helping Gandhinagar get a municipal corporation because I could not tolerate the increasing number of civic problems such as cleanliness affecting its denizens,” Bhatt said.
“Besides, I am a proud resident of Gandhinagar. How can I just stand and witness the city being denied a constitutional right.” According to the Constitution, every large urban area should have a local governing body.
Bhatt’s NGO, Gandhinagar Shahar Jagrut Nagrik Parishad, filed the PIL challenging the government’s reluctance to give the city such a body in 2007. On September 17, 2009, the high court asked the government to begin the process of forming a municipality in six months.
“The PIL was filed in 2007, but my battle began in 1996. I joined a senior citizen’s council and raked up the issue. The attempt didn’t bear results, so a few years later I formed Gandhinagar Shahar Jagrut Nagrik Parishad to my campaign forward,” he said.
The 81-year-old said that between 2001 and 2007 he wrote several letters to various government departments, officials and even the chief minister to seek a municipality for the city. The NGO, he said, also held a satyagraha.
“After the PIL was filed, there were attempts by the state government to delay the case. These attempts, however, failed,” he claimed.
Interestingly, the legal fight was not the only battle he won against the state government. During the course of his campaign, he filed an RTI application to seek copies of government documents relating to the issue.
The documents included notes made by officials during a meeting of the state cabinet. The government reportedly turned down the request for information, saying it was too sensitive to be shared.
Bhatt then approached the RTI commissioner, who ruled in his favour and asked the government to provide copies of requested documents. This was first of its kind ruling. The retired IAS officer’s campaign was carried forward his son and grandson, Jayant and Jeet.
Jayant, a lawyer, argued the case in the high court. Jeet, law student, conducted a research on cities with local governing bodies and presented his findings in the court to support the case. In the meantime, old age started to take a toll on Bhatt, but he didn’t budge.
Despite facing difficult in walking and hearing, he appeared in court hearings whenever needed. “It’s not just a victory for me or people of Gandhinagar. It’s a victory for the Constitution,” he said.
JD-U MLA accused of usurping Narmada land
JD-U MLA accused of usurping Narmada land
GANDHINAGAR: Jhagadia MLA and president of JD(U) in Gujarat, Chhotubhai Vasava, has been charged with illegally encroaching on 800 acres land located at Vasna village in Bharuch district, which was originally given to the oustees of the Narmada project.
The district authorities of Bharuch, in a report to the state government, have held that the land is in possession of Vasava, who has been cultivating it for years.
The agriculture land was allotted to over 50 Narmada project affected families who were rehabilitated by the state government.
However, they were soon driven out from the land and subsequently Vasava has been tilling it and cultivating sugar cane, cotton and other crops for almost two decades now.
“Our party MLA Kiran Makwana had asked in the Assembly about the land concerned but the government had replied that the land was in the possession of the state authorities.
“Now, there is a report of the district authorities which clearly says that the said land is cultivated by MLA Vasava,” said leader of opposition in Gujarat Assembly Shaktisinh Gohil. According to Gohil, after the question was raised in the assembly, the government had asked the revenue officials of Bharuch district to report the status of the said land.
GANDHINAGAR: Jhagadia MLA and president of JD(U) in Gujarat, Chhotubhai Vasava, has been charged with illegally encroaching on 800 acres land located at Vasna village in Bharuch district, which was originally given to the oustees of the Narmada project.
The district authorities of Bharuch, in a report to the state government, have held that the land is in possession of Vasava, who has been cultivating it for years.
The agriculture land was allotted to over 50 Narmada project affected families who were rehabilitated by the state government.
However, they were soon driven out from the land and subsequently Vasava has been tilling it and cultivating sugar cane, cotton and other crops for almost two decades now.
“Our party MLA Kiran Makwana had asked in the Assembly about the land concerned but the government had replied that the land was in the possession of the state authorities.
“Now, there is a report of the district authorities which clearly says that the said land is cultivated by MLA Vasava,” said leader of opposition in Gujarat Assembly Shaktisinh Gohil. According to Gohil, after the question was raised in the assembly, the government had asked the revenue officials of Bharuch district to report the status of the said land.
Gir prepares for lion census with mock exercise
Forest dept estimates put the number of big cats at 400-plus
DILIP PATEL
As part of groundwork for the three-day lion census to be held in the last week of April, the forest department on Sunday began a mock counting exercise. The drill for forest staff, experts and members of NGOs and Wildlife Institute of India is as good as the actual census, officials said.Chief Conservator of Forest R V Asari said the counting method and other nuances are being be put into practice during this drill.
On Sunday, the first day of the three-day drill, water bodies in the Gir national park, sanctuary and newer areas where lions have migrated to were identified. Participating members were taught how to estimate the number of lions by looking at pug marks. Retired chief conservator of forest G A Patel who has handled the census several times said this time the number of lions may near 400; it was 359 as per the 2005 census.
The method in place since 2001 will be used. Till 2001, live baits were used on the last day of counting. This has been done away with, he said.
Beat guards have been allocated zones, where they, accompanied by four members of the census team, will keep round-the-clock watch on prides. “Lions don’t attack beat guards. A guard knows about the number of births and deaths in prides and migrations,” Patel said.
DILIP PATEL
As part of groundwork for the three-day lion census to be held in the last week of April, the forest department on Sunday began a mock counting exercise. The drill for forest staff, experts and members of NGOs and Wildlife Institute of India is as good as the actual census, officials said.Chief Conservator of Forest R V Asari said the counting method and other nuances are being be put into practice during this drill.
On Sunday, the first day of the three-day drill, water bodies in the Gir national park, sanctuary and newer areas where lions have migrated to were identified. Participating members were taught how to estimate the number of lions by looking at pug marks. Retired chief conservator of forest G A Patel who has handled the census several times said this time the number of lions may near 400; it was 359 as per the 2005 census.
The method in place since 2001 will be used. Till 2001, live baits were used on the last day of counting. This has been done away with, he said.
Beat guards have been allocated zones, where they, accompanied by four members of the census team, will keep round-the-clock watch on prides. “Lions don’t attack beat guards. A guard knows about the number of births and deaths in prides and migrations,” Patel said.
Modi’s no-show at SIT
AHMEDABAD MIRROR BUREAU
Chief Minister Narendra Modi did not appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Sunday which had summoned him for questioning in connection with post-Godhra riots case.
The office of the SIT in Gandhinagar was kept open on Sunday but the chief minister ignored the summons and gave the panel a miss. The SIT has also not received any communication from the state government regarding the summons issued on March 11, sources said. Official sources said that Modi has sought legal alternatives in response to SIT summons. It was for the first time that the chief minister was being called for questioning in connection with the riots. Modi was summoned with regard to a complaint filed by Zakia Jaffery.
WHY SIT HAS CALLED CM
It is alleged that Modi had called a meeting with top officials of the state on February 27, the day four boggies of Sabarmati Express was set ablaze at Godhra. However, Modi has denied any such meeting.The state Assembly record of March 14, 2002, cites the then home minister Gordhan Zadaphia’s statement that chief minister had called a meeting to review the situation in the state.
Another allegation against Modi is that he had apparently asked top cops to remain inactive for three days, after the large scale violence broke out on February 28 across the state. Modi had called Godhra carnage a pre-planned terrorist act. The SIT wants to ask Modi on what grounds did he make such statement.
Chief Minister Narendra Modi did not appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Sunday which had summoned him for questioning in connection with post-Godhra riots case.
The office of the SIT in Gandhinagar was kept open on Sunday but the chief minister ignored the summons and gave the panel a miss. The SIT has also not received any communication from the state government regarding the summons issued on March 11, sources said. Official sources said that Modi has sought legal alternatives in response to SIT summons. It was for the first time that the chief minister was being called for questioning in connection with the riots. Modi was summoned with regard to a complaint filed by Zakia Jaffery.
WHY SIT HAS CALLED CM
It is alleged that Modi had called a meeting with top officials of the state on February 27, the day four boggies of Sabarmati Express was set ablaze at Godhra. However, Modi has denied any such meeting.The state Assembly record of March 14, 2002, cites the then home minister Gordhan Zadaphia’s statement that chief minister had called a meeting to review the situation in the state.
Another allegation against Modi is that he had apparently asked top cops to remain inactive for three days, after the large scale violence broke out on February 28 across the state. Modi had called Godhra carnage a pre-planned terrorist act. The SIT wants to ask Modi on what grounds did he make such statement.
Look what the city got: Rs 1,900 cr from the govt
What’s in store? Multi-level parkings, new medical colleges, Blackberrys for judges and slum upgradation to name a few
DILIP PATEL
Looking at the size of the funds allocation this financial year, there’s lot more in store for the city. The state government has earmarked Rs 1,900 crore in 2010-11 for improving services in Ahmedabad. The money is to be used for projects spanning all sectors under a plan that aims to change the way the city looks and its citizens live.
The focus this year will be on slum upgradation and urban development. State Finance Minister Vajubhai Vala said, “Approximately Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated this year. 2010-11 will focus on slum upgradation. We want to achieve the target of providing housing facility to one lakh slum dwellers.”
Urban Development Minister Nitin Patel said the BRTS, the biggest project of 2009 has been a great success and thus, more funds will go into extending the services “according to the share in government funds”.
POLICE (HOME DEPARTMENT): Rs 183 CRORE
A new scheme, ‘Gaurav Senani’ (police aide) will be launched to generate posts in the department. A Home Guard Bhavan will come up in the city for Rs 42 lakh. The Sabarmati Central Jail will get 400 new cells at a cost of Rs 9 crore.
ROADS AND BUILDINGS: Rs 66 CRORE
Rs 5.48 crore has been allocated for Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar metro link. Three new bridges will be built on the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar highway. Rs 7 crore will be spent on a mini-theatre, lab and a hostel for women at L D Engineering College campus.
JUDICIARY: Rs 40 CRORE
Of this Rs 12.25 crore will go into constructing new sessions and city civil court. The 30 bungalows for judges in Bodakdev will be renovated. Judges will get new cars (allocation: Rs 3.36 crore) and 42 Blackberry phones (Rs 15 lakh) from this.
HEALTH: Rs 249.55 CRORE
The funds will be directed at adding more facilities and upgrading existing ones and establishing more medical colleges and hospitals. A new building will come up at the Civil Hospital campus at a cost of Rs 57.87 crore.The New Civil Hospital will be renovated under the Phase II. Phase I saw completion of one block. The Ashmita Hall & OPD complex here will have an audio-video system and new electrification. Rs 24 crore have been set aside for construction of medical colleges and hospitals. The BJ Medical College will get Rs 37 crore for development. A government medical college at the cost of Rs 25 crore will come up near the High Court.
SLUM UPGRADATION AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT: Rs 300 CRORE
There are many ambitious plans. For starters, the city plans of multi-level parking complexes with private participation. These parking lots are to come up in Navrangpura and near Municipal Market, Vastrapur Lake and Fun Republic.
DILIP PATEL
Looking at the size of the funds allocation this financial year, there’s lot more in store for the city. The state government has earmarked Rs 1,900 crore in 2010-11 for improving services in Ahmedabad. The money is to be used for projects spanning all sectors under a plan that aims to change the way the city looks and its citizens live.
The focus this year will be on slum upgradation and urban development. State Finance Minister Vajubhai Vala said, “Approximately Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated this year. 2010-11 will focus on slum upgradation. We want to achieve the target of providing housing facility to one lakh slum dwellers.”
Urban Development Minister Nitin Patel said the BRTS, the biggest project of 2009 has been a great success and thus, more funds will go into extending the services “according to the share in government funds”.
POLICE (HOME DEPARTMENT): Rs 183 CRORE
A new scheme, ‘Gaurav Senani’ (police aide) will be launched to generate posts in the department. A Home Guard Bhavan will come up in the city for Rs 42 lakh. The Sabarmati Central Jail will get 400 new cells at a cost of Rs 9 crore.
ROADS AND BUILDINGS: Rs 66 CRORE
Rs 5.48 crore has been allocated for Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar metro link. Three new bridges will be built on the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar highway. Rs 7 crore will be spent on a mini-theatre, lab and a hostel for women at L D Engineering College campus.
JUDICIARY: Rs 40 CRORE
Of this Rs 12.25 crore will go into constructing new sessions and city civil court. The 30 bungalows for judges in Bodakdev will be renovated. Judges will get new cars (allocation: Rs 3.36 crore) and 42 Blackberry phones (Rs 15 lakh) from this.
HEALTH: Rs 249.55 CRORE
The funds will be directed at adding more facilities and upgrading existing ones and establishing more medical colleges and hospitals. A new building will come up at the Civil Hospital campus at a cost of Rs 57.87 crore.The New Civil Hospital will be renovated under the Phase II. Phase I saw completion of one block. The Ashmita Hall & OPD complex here will have an audio-video system and new electrification. Rs 24 crore have been set aside for construction of medical colleges and hospitals. The BJ Medical College will get Rs 37 crore for development. A government medical college at the cost of Rs 25 crore will come up near the High Court.
SLUM UPGRADATION AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT: Rs 300 CRORE
There are many ambitious plans. For starters, the city plans of multi-level parking complexes with private participation. These parking lots are to come up in Navrangpura and near Municipal Market, Vastrapur Lake and Fun Republic.
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