Indian Holocaust My Father`s Life and Time- Three Hundred Eighty SEVEN
Palash Biswas
http://indianholocaustmyfatherslifeandtime.blogspot.com/
Arya-Brahmin Vengeance on Bengali-Tamil Dalits & Chakma Adivasi ...
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Only Eighty Toilets for 70,000 thousand Refugees!
Only 20 Twebwells to drink Water.
Most of my Villagers went through the Inferno just after partition when they were ejected out of their Home Land Back in East Bengal. My father left Home even before partition as a Teen age Boy seeking Future and ended as a Light man in a Cinema Hall in Dutta Pukur near Barasat. My Jethamoshai and CHHOTOKAKA both were serving in Bengal Police. But the partition threw the family on the Railway Platform in Sealdah where from they landed in the First Marxist Bastion in Bengal, Ranaghat Coopers camp. Some of Basantipur Resident resettled refugee families had horrifying memoirs of Bagjola, Kashipur, Dhubulia and Bangaon Refugee camps. Benagali PRATIDIN Published today some reports relating Refugee camps and colonies in its Sunday mag ROVIWAR, edited by Film maker RITUPARNO Ghosh. It refreshed my memories about the Plight of our People once again. A report on Ranghat and colonies outside camps written by Shantanu Chakravarti exposed the Concentration Camp Scenerio!
We, the Generations following the real Partition Victims may not feel the Pangs of Pain and passion as we diverted in different ways and have no longing for the Lost Home Land! We had been treating the subject for long specially in reference to Marichjhanpi genocide but had not the Details which EXPOSE Discrimination,Segregation, Degeneration, Dehumanisation, Deportation, Displacement, DOLE, Hatred In depth,Untouchability and Ethnic Cleansing, demographic Adjustment to sustain Manusmriti Rule, FASCIST ways of the Bengali Brahaminical Zionist Colonial Hegemony altogether.
I saw life in Rudrapur Transit Camp established in the Terai of Nainital district in 1964. It was HEAVEN in Caparison to Bengal Experiment as Sanitation and Water supply was arranged adequately and the refugee families had been shifted to quarters as soon as possible. I was regular visitor to the camp as My father used my little help in his social activism while I just learnt to identify letters in Print and could write drafts dictated by my father, late Pulin Babu.I could never understand why the Refugees had to suffer so much in Bengal while they had been treated better out of Bengal. But I am HORRIFIED to get further details of the Concentration camps in Bengal where the East Bengal refugees had been DUMPED to be simply ANNIHILATED and Destroyed.My father protested and Jyoti Basu, his leader ensured his Ouster from Bengal as he led the First refugee Movement in Siliguri in 1952 where the Bengali Refugees all belonging to SC OBC castes were sent to become COOLIES in the Tea gardens. The Opposition led by Communists had the Complete Control of Refugee Camps and colonies in Bengal and it was nearly IMPOSSIBLE for the state Government to decide any Policy without their Consent. Thus, Congress as well as the Communists were UNITED to Persecute and Destroy our People. Since the Beatrice Reincarnated in and as Mamata Matua Banerjee succeeded to create the same Brahaminical magic and Mind Control to Capture Refugee Vote ban, thus, being part of the Extended Pay Roll of the PARIVARTAN Camp, the Civil society, Media and Intelligentsia now do shed CROCODILE Tears for the Refugees as they had been SILENT for last SIX Decades!
The Go Downs used by the Yankees during World War Second 100x25 feet were used to dump at least Twenty families within. Only sliding giant Iron Shutter being closed as it was a must as security for the families surrounded by the wild life around, there won`t be NO Air to breathe as the Den had no Window at all. The Families were separated with some wood or Brick lines subjected to be tress pass by the eager men and women in the darkness treaded by Death Daily and the Bodies would lye there until the Weekend while the vehicles meant for the dead bodies would visit the Camp.
It had been the same scenario in Kashipur Camp in the middle of Kokata City. It also looked Same even a few years back while I visited MANA Camp in Raipur, Chhattishgargh and the adjoining PL Camp.
I am still surrounded by 122 Refugee Colonies in Sodepur, more than One Hundred Fifty in Dumdum, more or less in New Barrackpur and every recognisable names like Barasat, Agarpara, Birati, Madhyamgram, Bangaon, Sonarpur, Howrah, Bali, Barrackpur, Naihati, Ranaghat, Malda and so on!
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NO HELP AT HAND Midnights Forgotten Children Thats the tag life has put on them.The playthings of Partition,these refugee families have been neglected,used,abused and then flung aside by political parties and governments.Achintyarup Ray reports The moment you cross the invisible boundary,you are in a different world.Time stands still in this still-surviving refugee camp a few yards away from the shining India rushing ahead.Here,helpless pairs of eyes just see the world pass by and futile cries for a hike in the Rs 400-a-month cash dole echo back from a stonewall called the administration.Coopers Home.One of the two refugee shelters in Nadias Ranaghat barely 80 km from the state capital.There are eight such camps across the state that house 650-odd refugees,most of them elderly women living alone as single-unit families.An outsider wont understand how these old and feeble figures walk hand in hand,measuring every step they call life.Almost all members here are on the wrong side of 50,most of the women never married (penniless parents could not fix a match) and many have crossed the thin divide between reason and insanity.If you try to probe a little,anger spurts out like streams of red-hot lava and a 60-year-old voice cries into your ear: Why have you come here Why Why ANOTHER AMLASOLE Isnt it another Amlasole How can you keep your eyes shut to an injustice like this a UCRC leader was shouting.UCRC United Central Refugee Council is a Leftist union that fights for the refugees. But is the situation that bad What do you think Do you know what I have eaten today with rice Kochupatar jhol (stewed leaves of arum plant).Can you imagine that says Basana Das of Ranaghat Womens Home. We dont get two square meals every day, says Chhabi Haldar of Coopers Home.Yes,if we have a full meal in the afternoon,we dont have enough for dinner, echoes Anjali Ganguly.Then,we have not received any dry dole (rice,wheat and dal) for one and a half months. The authorities are supposed to distribute the dry dole every two weeks.But not all camps are lucky enough to get that in time. So,how do the refugees survive between two dole days According to official nutritionists,214 gm of rice,286 gm of wheat and 58 gm of dal are enough for one person per day.Not that the refugees dont get that amount.But not always on time. CASH DOLE The government pays a monthly cash dole to every refugee a princely sum of Rs 400 per head.That too doesnt come on time, says Renu Byapari of Bansberia Womens Home in Hooghly.What we are supposed to get on the 1st of every month,we get on the 25th. How is it possible to run a family single-unit or otherwise with this money Do they sell off some of the dry dole I shouldnt say anything on this, says Maho Rajbanshi,a UCRC member and former employee of the refugee relief and rehabilitation department.The camp inmates,however,are more candid.Yes,we sell the wheat, admits Manorama Adhikari,a 65-year-old inmate of the Bansberia camp.How else would you survive Who will pay for kerosene Who will foot the medical bill Look at her,the woman sitting there.She is Milan Bhattacharya,a nephritis patient.She doesnt get proper treatment.Most of us staying in camps are elderly women.Almost everybody here s u f f e r s from some ailment or the other.Is it possible with Rs 400 to buy medicines after spending on other things one needs to keep the home fire burning asks Shobha De,another inmate. HOME,SWEET HOME Its totally dark inside the room at 1.30 in the afternoon.Sushila Biswass home stares at you like a blind old man.The decayed walls of corrugated tin have been kept together with ropes and nails balancing against old and rotten wooden posts.Tattered polythene sheets have liberally been used to cover the gaps and holes.Theres no power connection to the room either.We dont have electricity connection to our rooms.None of us at Coopers Home has, informs Anjali Ganguly. Shobhas room at Bansberia Home was raided by thieves last night.They come almost every day and take away whatever they can lay their hands on the local drug addicts.We feel scared, says Anjali Dasi,Shobhas neighbour.There is only one security guard for the 6.6-acre camp.It was built at the military barracks abandoned by the soldiers after World War II.Twenty-nine of the 30 inmates are elderly women.The single male member,Chitta Mondal,is physically challenged.The huge igloo-like tin shades that house the inmates radiate heat like the inside of an oven.There is no power connection to any of the rooms. NEHRU-LIAQUAT PACT AND INDUMATI DASI Seventy-five-year-old Indumati stays alone at Bhadrakali Womens Home.She is a single-unit family,according to the refugee rehabilitation department register.Too feeble to get up and cook her food,Indumati just lies on a wooden cot in her ramshackle hut.She had to leave her home in Barishal with her elder sister in 1950.Her eyes light up as she speaks of her village,her home,the large pond by the bamboo grove.What did Indumati do to end up here,in this dilapidated room where a polythene sheet serves as the ceiling Not only Indumati,there are more than 600 people like her.Its not possible to make both ends meet with the dole they get, says a home official.Thats why many of them have to work as domestic helps.A few even go begging on the street. But almost all these women once belonged to middle-class families.They had their own houses,plots of fertile land and usual middle-class sentiments.Any of them could be an elderly aunt next door or an affectionate grandmom.So,what brought them here The answer is simple.According to the Union rehabilitation ministry (which doesnt exist any more),it was all because of Pakistans unscrupulous attitude.As per the Nehru-Liaquat Pact of 1950,the refugees from East Bengal retained their right over property they had left behind.But Pakistan did not honour the pact and the Indian government too washed its hands of the matter,blaming it on Pakistan.And millions of East Bengal refugees were denied compensation and privileges like those extended to the refugees from West Pakistan.It became a one-sided affair, says historian Amalendu De.Liaquat Ali Khan was not as sincere as Jawaharlal when it came to honouring the treaty and the Hindus who had to leave East Pakistan neither got back their property,nor did they get any compensation for that. As a result,Indumati Dasi from Barishal had to take shelter in one of the many refugee camps opened by the benevolent government,depending on a cash dole of Rs 4 and 9 annas,which in 60 years has increased to Rs 400 a month. MINISTERSPEAK And what does the government have to say today According to Benoy Krishna Biswas,the state minister in charge of refugee relief and rehabilitation,We have been trying to increase the cash dole to around Rs 1,000,but havent got clearance from the finance department.The money a single-unit family gets during rehabilitation (around Rs 10,000) is also insignificant.We have proposed an increase of that amount as well,but everything depends on the green light from the finance department. Finance minister Asim Dasgupta is aware of the issue.Yes,I know about it all, he says curtly.We have received a proposal and are looking into the matter.  NOWHERE AT EASE: Indumati Dasi,a 75-year-old resident of Bhadrakali Womens Home;(below) An inmate of Cooper Home in her one-room shanty   |
ABSTRACT
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The partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947 was followed by the forced uprooting of an estimated 18 million people. This paper focuses on the predicament of the minority communities in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) who were uprooted and forced to seek shelter in the Indian province of West Bengal. It considers the responses of Indian federal and provincial governments to the challenge of refugee rehabilitation. A study is made of the Dandakaranya scheme which was undertaken after 1958 to resettle the refugees by colonising forest land: the project was sited in a peninsular region marked by plateaus and hill ranges which the refugees, originally from the riverine and deltaic landscape of Bengal, found hard to accept. Despite substantial official rehabilitation efforts, the refugees demanded to be resettled back in their "natural habitat" of Indian Bengal. However, this was resisted by the state. Notwithstanding this opposition, a large number of East Bengal refugees moved back into regions which formed a part of erstwhile undivided Bengal where, without any government aid and planning, they colonised lands and created their own habitats. Many preferred to become squatters in the slums that sprawled in and around Calcutta. The complex interplay of identity and landscape, of dependence and self-help, that informed the choices which the refugees made in rebuilding their lives is analysed in the paper.
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119169911/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
The State of The World's Refugees 2006: Human Displacement in the New Millennium
State of the World's Refugees, 20 April 2006
This edition of The State of the World's Refugees presents an account of key developments from 2000 to 20006 and their impact on human displacement and the principle of asylum. The book also reviews the challenges states face as they reconcile legitimate national interests with their international legal and humanitarian obligations towards uprooted people. Finally, it assesses the impact of the complex and challenging environment in which humanitarian organizations, including UNHCR, operate.
- Credits and disclaimers
- Preface by the UN Secretary-General
- Foreword by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees
- Introduction
- 1. Current dynamics of displacement
- 2. Safeguarding asylum
- 3. Addressing refugee security
- 4. Responding to emergencies
- 5. Protracted refugee situations: the search for practical solutions
- 6. Rethinking durable solutions
- 7. Internally displaced persons
- 8. Looking to the future
- Annexes
Country Report on the Refugee situation in India (From the SAHRDC ...
- 7:40amCurrently, the Indian Government reports that there are about 1,60000 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in India of which about 76000 live in refugee camps in Tamil ...
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UN refugee chief cites pressing needs as those uprooted tops 42 million
News Stories, 16 June 2009
WASHINGTON D.C., United States, June 16 (UNHCR) – The UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres urged the international community on Tuesday not to allow the global economic crisis to adversely affect humanitarian aid.
Speaking in Washington's National Press Club at the launch of his UN refugee agency's annual report on refugee trends, Guterres said the situation for humanitarian agencies was "worrisome," and called for greater support on the part of donor countries. "The amounts needed to rescue people," he said, "are less than what is needed to rescue banks."
UNHCR's annual "2008 Global Trends" report shows the number of people forcibly uprooted by conflict and persecution worldwide stood at 42 million at the end of last year amid a sharp slowdown in repatriation and more prolonged conflicts resulting in protracted displacement. The total includes 16 million refugees and asylum seekers and 26 million people uprooted within their own countries.
While highlighting the pressing need for greater funding of humanitarian organizations by wealthy nations, Guterres also cited the demands being placed on countries which are hosting large refugee populations, most of which are in the developing world.
The amounts needed to rescue people are less than what is needed to rescue banks.
– High Commissioner António Gutteres
"The overwhelming burden of displacement is borne by developing countries," said Guterres. "Eighty percent of refugees are in the developing world. Generosity and wealth are not proportional to each other."
Although the overall total of 42 million uprooted people at year's end represents a drop of about 700,000 over the previous year, new displacement in 2009 – not reflected in the annual report – has already more than offset the decline.
Among recent and continuing displacement crises, Guterres cited Pakistan, where up to 2 million people have been uprooted by violence between the government and militant forces this year, as "the most challenging protection crisis since Rwanda [in the mid-1990s]."
"The failure to deliver proper humanitarian assistance to the displaced in Pakistan," he said, could have serious security implications.
About 2 million refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) were able to return home in 2008, according to the UNHCR report, a decline from the previous year. It was the second-lowest repatriation total in 15 years and, in part, reflects the deteriorating security conditions in countries such as Afghanistan and Sudan.
The UNHCR report shows that the number of people the agency cares for globally stood at 10.5 million refugees at the end of 2008 while an additional 14.4 million people were uprooted within their own countries.
In recent years, UNHCR has increasingly been tasked under the UN's humanitarian reform process with providing help to the internally displaced, in addition to its traditional mandate of protecting and assisting refugees who have crossed international borders. Since 2005, the agency has seen the number of IDPs it cares for more than double.
By Tim Irwin In Washington D.C., United States
Home > Resources > Statistics > Frequently Requested Statistics
Frequently Requested Statistics
UNHCR, through its Statistical Online Population Database, seeks to contribute to informed decision-making and public debate by providing accurate, relevant and up-to-date statistics. The database provides information and trends on populations of concern to UNHCR in more than 150 countries.
You will find some of the most frequently requested statistics by using the feature below; you can also make your own query by accessing the Statistical Online Population Database.
Quick Query Tool
- Refugees residing in:
- Select country - Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bangladesh Belgium Benin Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Bulgaria Burundi Cameroon Canada Central African Rep. Chad Chile China Congo Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cyprus Czech Rep. Dem. Rep. of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Ecuador Egypt Eritrea Ethiopia Finland France Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guinea Guinea-Bissau Hungary India Iraq Ireland Islamic Rep. of Iran Israel Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kuwait Lebanon Liberia Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Luxembourg Malawi Malaysia Mali Malta Mauritania Mexico Montenegro Mozambique Namibia Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nigeria Norway Pakistan Panama Papua New Guinea Poland Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Sierra Leone South Africa Spain Sudan Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Rep. Tajikistan TfYR Macedonia Thailand Togo Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Kingdom United Rep. of Tanzania United States Uzbekistan Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) Viet Nam Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe
- Refugees originating from:
- Select country - Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia Azerbaijan Bangladesh Belarus Bhutan Bosnia and Herzegovina Brazil Bulgaria Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Central African Rep. Chad China Colombia Congo Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Czech Rep. Dem. Rep. of the Congo Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Eritrea Ethiopia Fiji Gambia Georgia Ghana Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Haiti Honduras Hungary India Indonesia Iraq Islamic Rep. of Iran Israel Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Dem. Rep. Lebanon Liberia Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Mali Mauritania Mexico Mongolia Morocco Myanmar Namibia Nepal Nicaragua Nigeria Occupied Palestinian Territory Pakistan Peru Philippines Poland Rep. of Korea Rep. of Moldova Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Senegal Serbia Sierra Leone Somalia Sri Lanka Stateless Sudan Syrian Arab Rep. TfYR Macedonia Thailand Tibetans Togo Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Rep. of Tanzania United States Uzbekistan Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) Viet Nam Western Sahara Yemen Zimbabwe
- Asylum claims in industrialized countries - Latest monthly data
(Excel tables, zipped format)
- New asylum applications (First Instance) in the EU, Norway and Switzerland, 2006-2008
(external link, new window) - IDPs protected/assisted by UNHCR
(external link, new window) - Stateless Persons
(Excel tables, zipped format, 32Kb) - Total Population of concern to UNHCR: Refugees, asylum-seekers, IDPs, returnees, stateless persons, and others of concern to UNHCR by country/territory of asylum, end-2008
(Excel tables, zipped format, 592Kb) - Statistical Yearbooks:
Statistical Yearbook 2007 & Annexes
Statistical Yearbook 2006 & Annexes
Statistical Yearbook 2005 & Annexes
Statistical Yearbook 2004 & Annexes
Statistical Yearbook 2003 & Annexes
Statistical Yearbook 2002 & Annexes
Statistical Yearbook 2001 & Annexes
- Total Refugee population by country of asylum, 1960-2008 & Total Refugee population by origin, 1960-2008
(Excel tables, zipped format, 76Kb)
When referring to the database, the following reference should be used: "UNHCR Statistical Online Population Database, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Data extracted: DD/MM/YYYY" (include the date when data was extracted). Web-based references to the database should contain a link to the UNHCR Statistical Online Population Database website.
UNHCR's Field Information and Coordination Support Section (FICSS) is responsible for maintaining this page. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact us at E-mail FICSS.
Monday, November 24, 2008
On the Margins of Citizenship: Cooper's Camp in Nadia
In this essay, we will try to understand one of the unique refugee experience of the Indian Subcontinent; partition refugees through the lens of the transition of one of the largest transit camps "Cooper's camp" in Nadia District. This essay will reflect on " the processes and practices by which specific images, meanings, and identities of the refugee have been historically produced, differentiated from other subjectivities, institutionalized, and deployed as effective resources of and for practices of statecraft".
On 11 March 1950 Cooper's Camp was established by the West Bengal Government. It was one of the largest transit camps in West Bengal. The camp offered a basic medical facility in the form of Cooper's general hospital and it functioned till 1977.Acording to Tushar Sinha ( 1999), despite being one of the largest transit camps, which once functioned as a military base had the basic infrastructural facilities of housing people. The lighting facility of the camp was limited to 18 petromax and 1000 hurricane. For every 750 people there were 40 tubewells. The camp was full of open latrines and open drainage system which was hazaradous and was responsible for the decline in health among camp residents. From 21 March 1950 the camp was supported by the central Government. By this time 126 people died after suffering from cholera. On 3 April, 1950, J P Narayan visited the camp.
Gouranga Das's family was of the 22 families who arrived in Coopers in 1950. Cooper's Camp was divided into several blocks and huts for administrative purposes. Each resident was registered in the relief office and was registered in the "Ranaghat transit centre records" according to his Ration Card No, Date of admission and Name and family details. After this classification, the displaced was allocated a Hut which had to be shared and Block number.
"We had read in the newspaper about Cooper's Camp. I was among the first twenty two refugee families to reach the camp. The camp started functioning on 11 March 1950. There were some tents, shops along the railwayline and langarkhana. We were served rice, dal, wheat, clothes and financial assistance of Rs 1.
My family was forced to migrate to West Bengal in 1949. I was eighteen years old. In 1948 Communist Party of India (undivided) was banned. I belong to Sheyalguni village of the Barishal District. We first took a boat from our village to Barishal and then we boarded a steamer and there were 2000-3000 families who migrated with us. We are issued a border slip at Benapole border.
The air of Benapole was filled with dirt and death. But at every step we felt that we will go back. Shree Guru Sangha had set up a camp near the border and various places for refugee. There were various welfare organizations who were organizing relief camps. From Bongaon we reached Sealdah station and stayed there for nearly fifteen days. Almost Lakhs of people were stranded there. We were served free food (rice, dal and vegetable curry) in make shift langarkhana( adjacent to platform No. 8 ) by Marwari Relief Society. We thought it's a temporary phase. Specially our forefathers believed that we will return to our "desh"/ "homeland".
There were communal outbreaks at various points of time but the worst of the riots took place in late 1948. Every year we used to celebrate Durga Puja and we had huge brass cooking vessels which were used to cook food during festivals. When the riots broke, we used these brass cooking vessels filled with water for defense purposes. We adopted various tactics to save ourselves from the onslaught of the rioters. When the rioters attacked we often splashed water all over the house to save our lives. When the rioters attacked our house and burned down our puja mandap; we had managed to run away. We were not attacked by anybody. We left our house in the night.
By 1951, one lakh people poured in refugee camp. The refugee movement began as protest against bad quality of food grains that used to be served. Often stale wheat, rice and dal were served. Alorani Dutta died due to lack of medical help. Dijen Dutta organized the movement with the support 70000-80,000 people in Coopers Camp, 25000 in Rupashree pally , 30000 from women's camp.
The first martyr of refugee movement of 1950 was Paresh Das, resident of 7 No. Godown. From 1950-52 refugee movement subsided after his killing. People were scared.
On 18 Oct, 1952,144 No. House , Jatin Saha and Ratish Mullick spearheaded the refugee movement. Jatin Saha opened up a tea shop and in his tea shop the communist newspaper "Swadhinata" was available for public reading. The tea shop was the base that Jatin Saha used to initiate a communist movement in Coopers Camp. Jatin Saha also distributed leaflets in the night among the refugee households.
In 1952, we planned our communist struggle in 174 No House, G Block currently Ward No. 11. We had twenty one party members. We initiated the refugee movement in the Cooper's Camp. One of the main demands of the refugee movement was to recognize Cooper's as industrial colony and B.C. Ray did recognize Cooper's under the urban scheme. Other demands were to improve the quality and increase the quantity of food grain "doles". One of the mistakes of the refugee movement I feel was our decision regarding rehabilitation in Dandakaranya and Nainital. People who settled in Nainital are better off. Their land is of much worth than ours. Our slogan was "Lathi khabo, guli kahbo kintu banglar Baire Jabo Naa". We never wanted to be rehabilitated outside West Bengal. We could never think of being settled anywhere else.
After 1954 when passports were introduced, there was huge influx of refugee population. In 1971 with the formation of Bangladesh, Central Government offered relief to the refugees".
From his narrative we can deduce some common refugee experiences and their transit points. People came with the hope that this is a temporary phase and once things settle down they are going to return. The bordering Nadia District of West Bengal mainly, Benapole and Darshana were the entry points. What is also evident that before the refugees shifted to Government camps they stayed primarily at Sealdah station . There are several accounts relating to the refugee situation in Sealdah station. In one of the newspaper reports in Amrita Bazaar Patrika also quoted in Prafulla K. Chakrabarti's work, the station is described as dumping ground of people from the eastern border.
As soon as they arrive, they are given inoculation against cholera and such other diseases. Then they are assigned a shelter camp by an officer of the Relief and Rehabilitation Department. An area of 39/ 39 square feet has been designated for the refugees to use before they are transferred to refugee camps. The report mentions that a group of five to six thousand men, women and children had access to three taps for drinking water. Apart from drinking water, there were two latrines for women and about 12 latrines for men.
So what we see here is that the "refugee" is uprooted from his state and is forced to live life in make shift arrangements under most inhuman circumstances. It is at this critical juncture we are left to ponder whether or not "Right to life" is an individual question or a political question? Political responses to the mass displacement has always tried to "negotiate" with the "refugee" who is a stateless, and immediate efforts to classify, regiment this stateless figure by the newly adopted state one hand is embedded in the notion of "care" and on the other is trying to make space for the refugee through statecraft. The earlier one is regimented the better.
These circumstances led to a very active refugee movement within cooper's camp which initially began with protesting against bad quality of food grains specially rice, dal and wheat flour which was often stale. The refugee movement within Cooper's was organized by the people who were devoted Communist party activist even when the party was banned in 1948. Gouranga Das proudly informs that he used to work as a messenger to communicate to other workers about meetings. Another cooper's camp resident informed even in late 1970s the communist party activity was secret in nature and orientation.
On 6 July 1956, Central Government Minister Mr. Arunchandra Guha visited the camp and the camp residents were prevented from presenting their deputation before him. There was police lathi charge and in protest of that there was a public demonstration organized by Nadia District chapter of Bastuhara Parishaad. Police firing was a frequent feature in Cooper's Camp. On 16 July 1956, police organized a combing operation in Cooper's and arrested 44 protesters of which 7 were women. Various noted left refugee actvists were arrested. On 11 August, 1956 under the leadership of Amritendu Mukhopadhyay, a protest meeting was organized to release 44 activists which was attended by 5000 people. From 1957, a separate demand was placed before the Government- to recognize and carry out reform activities to convert Coopers into an industrial township. The police declared this meeting as illegal. By early 60's there was a change in the demands of the refugee movement in itself and one of the prime reasons was the winding up process of various camps.
The West Bengal government Relief and Rehabilitation Directorate initiated a study on the relief and rehabilitation of displaced persons in West Bengal and the report was published in 1957. According to this report, the findings suggested that there were certain camps like coopers which have a large number of refugees and an attempt is being made to convert them into townships". Various rehabilitation alternatives and schemes were laid down. The Government decided to shut down the transit camps by 1951.After the disbursal to rehabilitation centres in 1949, there was a sudden wave of migration in 1950-51 which swelled the number to 360769. At this time there was a decision to close down all the camps by March 1951 as a result of which camp families were dispersed to rehabilitation sites and the camp population came down to 80000 by the end of 1951.
The next phase of Refugee movement within Cooper's Camp is to be understood against the following backdrop of the findings of the reports on rehabilitation and economic opportunities. Cooper's Camp of Nadia district is treated as one of the ex-camp sites. In 1961, The Government asked the refugees in all relief camps either to move to Dandakaranya for rehabilitation or to leave camps on receiving 6 months cash doles. In September 1961 about 10000 families were left in campsites. The Government had already closed the camps. Not only the camp benefits such as doles, medical and educational facilities were withdrawn but even tubewells for drinking water was withdrawn by the Indian nation-state. This marked another phase in the refugee discourse and statecraft. The emphasis of refugee discourse changed from refugee care to economic rehabilitation as the perfect solution to the refugee problem. The Committee of Review of Rehabilitation work in West Bengal appointed by Government of India in 1981 report revealed that 45,000 displaced persons are living at 74 ex-camp sites. Around this time in Cooper's Camp there were 1068 families awaiting rehabilitation of which 387 were ex-camp site families.
Since 1956 there was a growing concern among the displaced population for the available economic livelihoods and resources in Cooper's Camp. The then Chief Minister of West Bengal Dr. Bidhan Chandra Ray in a written statement had promised to develop Coopers into an industrial township. This promise was a ray of hope for most of the families who stopped receiving financial assistance or doles from Government after 1961. The camp residents lived with the hope that they will receive proper economic rehabilitation through the development of small cottage industry and spinning industry in RIC scheme. Most of the refugees were waiting for almost 20-22 years in Coopers Camp for economic rehabilitation. Community Party of India Activist Ashok Chakraborty observed 10 days hunger strike in 10 June, 1978 and again in 19 October, 1981 to appeal for economic rehabilitation and securitisation of livelihood.
The hunger strike was called to declare Coopers Camp as a notified area and to appeal to the government for industrial development as most of the persons had no source of income after the Government ceased to support any refugee apart from those in Permanent Liability camps. There was also an appeal to recognize the marketplace and to renovate the Cooper's Hospital. The Cooper's hospital the protesters claimed was suffering from adequate doctors, nurse and medicine and thus the people from Coopers had to travel some miles to reach the general hospital.
The demands of the Communist Party of India according to party pamphlet were: -
1. Government should restart the scheme of doles for the 385 families who refused to rehabilitate in Dandakaranya and encourage small cottage industry, which will help in economic rehabiliation. Increase in loan assistance for the rehabilitable families from Rs 10000-Rs 15000 and single unit family should receive Rs 10000. Coopers Rupashreepally Women's Camp residents should be rehabilitated after proper planning.
2. The government should immediately live up to its promise of declaring Kirtinagar Colony, Coopers Urban (RIC), Colony, Rupashree, Women's Camp and Coopers should be given the recognition of Cooper's Camp notified Area. The Government should also initiate a spinning mill in RIC industrial area, it should take steps to re-open the ceramic industry as it will meet the demands of increasing unemployment figures among the youth and old in camps.
3. The cooper's camp hospital should be renovated. It should introduce specialized departments. 100 beds should be introduced in the hospital. A new Secondary Girls School should be established and the Coopers Junior School should be upgraded to Senior Secondary School and appeal to establish 5-6 primary schools in RIC colony, Rupashree Colony and Coopers.
According to Gouranga Das, "Cooper's Camp never saw the light of industrial development. In the name of RIC, land was traded between the central and state Government and leased out to private players. This did not survive for along time". The struggle from Cooper's Camp to Cooper's camp Notified area was marked with violence, killing, Panchayat vote boycott. Finally after several years of vote boycott under the Nagarik Committee, which was comprised of all party leadership Cooper's camp was declared as a Coopers camp Notified Area in 1997. Coopers Camp Notified Area has a separate municipality and people who dreamt of an "industrial township" are yet to see any industries in Coopers even after its fight for autonomy.
Infact residents across ex-camp sites are the "most distressed refugee population in West Bengal".
The main emphasis on refugee rehabilitation in Cooper's is issue of Free Hold Title Deed; under which the land allotted to a family cannot be sold for ten years and under certain circumstances like marriage of a girl child, diseases like cancer, AIDS and any unforeseen nature of financial hardship the family has to seek permission from RR& R directorate to sell the land. The status report on refugee rehabilitation in Ranaghat subdivision till 25.2.2008 reveals:-
Total land involved 3280.3 acres
Total no. of deeds (large) to be distributed 16001+(8)
Total no. of deeds already distributed as on 31.03.06 14,205+(8)
Target Fixed for 2007-2008 200
Number of deeds already for registration 100
(Source: Sub divisional OfficeRecords of Ranaghat Subdivision)
Coopers Camp Notified Area Municipality was formed in 1997. For administrative purposes it has been divided into 12 wards. According to 2001 census, there are 17,555 people of which 51% males and 49% females live in Coopers. Almost 70-75% of the camp residents belong to the scheduled castes. According to census data of 2001, 13,533 people belong to SC and 18 people to ST. There is a higher secondary school in Cooper's camp and there are several primary schools in a number of Wards. The primary school in Ward No 6 houses is one of the largest primary schools. Most of the boys stay away from the school to lend a helping hand in teashops.
These measures demonstrate the changing attitude of the Indian state towards the refugees. The refugee experience of economic development and economic rehabilitation at Cooper's Camp of West Bengal is an illustration of the state responsibility towards refugees- who were seen as a problem. The constant emphasis to wind up homes and camps across the state speak about the fact that " refugee problem" is a thing of the past whereas the rehabilitation schemes merely encouraged a shelter and self-employment. In places such as Cooper's where most of the people are unemployed and women have taken to bidi making and men in adhoc jobs like carpentry it remains a far-fetched dream of Coopers to transform into an " industrial township".
Mahanirban Calcutta Research GroupGC-45, First Floor, Sector-III, Kolkata- 106, West Bengal, IndiaRefugee Watch online is a co-publication of Refugee Watch on the flow of refugees, other victims of forced migration, and the internally displaced persons in South Asia. It presents news and views, critiques and analyses of policies of the States and international humanitarian institutions with regard to forced migration and forced population flows across the borders in this region. It stresses the need for a broad legal framework for this region with regard to refugee protection and protection of other victims of forced displacement. It tries to inform and build a network of intellectuals (such as teachers, journalists, lawyers, jurists, and human rights thinkers), academic institutes, and various public interest groups in order to address the task of drawing political and social attention to the cause of the human rights of the victims of forced migration. One of the essential features of the publication is its constant attention to the requirements of gender justice with regard to the victims of forced displacement. View my complete profile
Links
http://refugeewatchonline.blogspot.com/2008/11/on-margins-of-citizenship-coopers-camp.htmlRanaghat subdivision
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Ranaghat subdivision | |
| — subdistrict — | |
| Coordinates | 23°11′N 88°35′E / 23.18°N 88.58°E / 23.18; 88.58 |
| Country |  India |
| State | West Bengal |
| District(s) | Nadia |
| Headquarters | Ranaghat |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Website | District administration |
Ranaghat subdivision (Bengali: রাণাঘাট মহকুমা), is a subdivision of the Nadia district in the state of West Bengal, India. It consists of Shantipur municipality, Ranaghat municipality, Birnagar municipality and four community development blocks: Hanskhali, Shantipur, Ranaghat–I and Ranaghat–II. The four blocks contain 47 gram panchayats and six census towns and two notified areas. The subdivision has its headquarters at Ranaghat.
Contents[hide] |
[edit] Area
Apart from the municipalities of Shantipur, Ranaghat and Birnagar, the subdivision contains six census towns and two notified areas and rural areas of 47 gram panchayats under four community development blocks: Hanskhali, Shantipur, Ranaghat–I and Ranaghat–II.[1] The six census towns are: Phulia, Aistala, Satigachha, Gopalpur, Parbbatipur and Nasra.[2] The two notified areas are: Taherpur and Cooper's Camp.[2]
[edit] Blocks
[edit] Hanskhali block
Rural area under Hanskhali block consists of 13 gram panchayats, viz. Bagula–I, Betna Gobindapur, Mamjoan, Ramnagar Barachupria–I, Bagula–II, Dakshinpara–I, Mayurhat–I, Batkulla–I, Dakshinpara–II, Mayurhat–II, Ramnagar Barachupria–II, Batkulla–II and Gajna.[1] There is no urban area under this block.[2] Hanskhali police station serves this block.[3] Headquarters of this block is in Hanskhali.[4]
[edit] Shantipur block
Rural area under Shantipur block consists of ten gram panchayats, viz. Arbandi–I, Baganchra, Fulia Township, Nabla, Arbandi–II, Belgoria–I, Gayeshpur, Babla, Belgoria–II and Haripur.[1] Urban area under this block consists of and one census town: Phulia.[2] Shantipur police station serves this block.[3] Headquarters of this block is in Fulia Township.[4]
[edit] Ranaghat–I block
Rural area under Ranaghat–I block consists of ten gram panchayats, viz. Anulia, Kalinarayanpur Paharpur, Nawpara Masunda, Ramnagar–II, Barasat, Payradanga, Tarapur, Habibpur, Khisma and Ramnagar–I.[1] Urban area under this block consists of four census towns: Aistala, Satigachha, Gopalpur and Parbbatipur and one notified area: Taherpur.[2] Ranaghat police station serves this block.[3] Headquarters of this block is in Habibpur.[4]
[edit] Ranaghat–II block
Rural area under Ranaghat–II block consists of 14 gram panchayats, viz. Anishmali, Baidyapur–II, Kamalpur, Raghunathpur Hijuli–II, Aranghata, Debagram, Majhergram, Bahirgachi, Duttafulia, Nokari, Raghunathpur Hijuli–I, Baidyapur–I, Jugalkishore and Shyamnagar.[1] Urban area under this block consists of one census town: Nasra and one notified area: Cooper's Camp.[2] Dhantala and Ranaghat police stations serve this block.[3] Headquarters of this block is in Nokari.[4]
[edit] Legislative segments
As per order of the Delimitation Commission in respect of the delimitation of constituencies in West Bengal, the Santipur municipality and six gram panchayats under the Santipur block, viz. Babla, Baganchra, Belgoria–I, Belgoria–II, Gayeshpur and Haripur, together will form the Santipur assembly constituency of West Bengal. The Ranaghat Uttar Paschim assembly constituency will consist of the area covered by the other four gram panchayats under this block, viz. Arbandi–I, Arbandi–II, Fulia Township and Nabla, along with the Taherpur notified area, the Birnagar municipality, the Ranaghat municipality, and four gram panchayats under the Ranaghat–I block, viz. Ramnagar–I, Barasat, Kalinarayanpur Paharpur and Khisma. The other six gram panchayats under the Ranaghat–I block, viz. Anulia, Habibpur, Nawpara Masunda, Payradanga, Ramnagar–II and Tarapur, along with Cooper's Camp notified area, and eight gram panchayats under the Ranaghat–II block, viz. Anishmali, Baidyapur–I, Baidyapur–II, Debagram, Majhergram, Nokari, Raghunathpur Hijuli–I and Shyamnagar, will form the Ranaghat Dakshin assembly constituency. The Ranaghat Uttar Purba assembly constituency will be formed by the other six gram panchayats under the Ranaghat–II block, viz. Aranghata, Bahirgachi, Duttafulia, Kamalpur, Jugalkishore and Raghunathpur Hijuli–II, along with five gram panchayats under the Hanskhali block, viz. Bagula–I, Bagula–II, Mamjoan, Ramnagar Barachupria–I and Ramnagar Barachupria–II. The other eight gram panchayats under the Hanskhali block, viz. Betna Gobindapur, Dakshinpara–I, Mayurhat–I, Batkulla–I, Dakshinpara–II, Mayurhat–II, Batkulla–II and Gajna, will be part of the Krishnaganj assembly constituency. Ranaghat Dakshin, Ranaghat Uttar Purba and Krishnaganj assembly constituencies will be reserved for Scheduled castes (SC) candidates. All of these five assembly constituencies will be part of the Ranaghat (Lok Sabha constituency), which will be reserved for SC candidates.[5]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e "Directory of District, Sub division, Panchayat Samiti/ Block and Gram Panchayats in West Bengal, March 2008". West Bengal. National Informatics Centre, India. 2008-03-19. http://wbdemo5.nic.in/writereaddata/Directoryof_District_Block_GPs(RevisedMarch-2008).doc. Retrieved 2008-12-23.
- ^ a b c d e f "District Wise List of Statutory Towns( Municipal Corporation,Municipality,Notified Area and Cantonment Board) , Census Towns and Outgrowths, West Bengal, 2001". Census of India, Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal. http://web.cmc.net.in/wbcensus/DataTables/01/Table-3.htm. Retrieved 2008-12-23.
- ^ a b c d "List of Districts/C.D.Blocks/ Police Stations with Code No., Number of G.Ps and Number of Mouzas". Census of India, Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal. http://web.cmc.net.in/wbcensus/DataTables/01/FrameTable2_5.htm. Retrieved 2008-12-23.
- ^ a b c d "Contact details of Block Development Officers". Nadia district. Panchayats and Rural Development Department, Government of West Bengal. http://wbdemo5.nic.in/html/asp/bdo_contact.asp?cd=EG. Retrieved 2008-12-27.
- ^ "Press Note, Delimitation Commission" (PDF). Assembly Constituencies in West Bengal. Delimitation Commission. pp. 9–10,23. http://www.wbgov.com/e-gov/English/DELIMITATION.pdf. Retrieved 2009-01-13.
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Ranaghat
| ?Ranaghat West Bengal • India | |
| Coordinates: | |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Area • Elevation | • 7 m (23 ft) |
| District(s) | Nadia |
| Population | 68,754 (2001) |
| CPM Chairman | Shankar Singh |
| Codes • Pincode • Telephone • Vehicle | • 741201 • +91-3473-2xxxxx • WB-52 |
Ranaghat (Bengali: রাণাঘাট) is a town in the district of Nadia, West Bengal, India. It is situated 74 kilometers north of Calcutta. It is one of the most important railway junctions in the Sealdah-Murshidabad railway section. [1]
Contents |
History
Ranaghat town that has existed at least since the English invaded this country. A myth or rumour is that the name came from the bandit 'Rana Dacoit' who used to pillage this area 500 or 600 years back and he used to give pujas to Maa Kali to thank Her. Though not confirmed, anthropologists believe the name 'Ranaghat' must have come from there.
The Muhuri family had extensive ties to foreign investments in the town and is proactive in the development of the political system.
The town is home to the famous Bengali poet Joy Goswami[2]. Yesteryears film actress Rakhee was born and brought up in Ranaghat. [3]
Geography
The town is exactly 74 kilometres north of Calcutta and 26 kilometres south of Krishnanagar, Nadia District headquarters. The Bangladesh border is very close to this town. Ranaghat is located at [4]. It has an average elevation of 7 metres (22 feet). Ranaghat is located on the banks of River Churni.
Demographics
As of 2001 India census[5], Ranaghat had a population of 68,754. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Ranaghat has an average literacy rate of 84%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 87%, and female literacy is 80%. In Ranaghat, 8% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Places of interest
The following places might be of interest to visitors.
1. Churni Nodir ghat -- The bank of River Churni is a pleasant break from the scorching heat of summer months. The recently built bridge over the Churni connects Ainshtola (on the the west bank of Churni) to Burrabazzar on the east bank.
2. Siddheshwari Temple -- Famous temple situated in the heart of the town, Dey Chaudhary Para. This old temple is in existence for over 150 years. Devotees, especially women, pray here on a regular basis.
3. The Church -- One of the most beautiful churches in West Bengal, ranks very close to the Bandel Church. The fabric works inside the prayer-room and the aesthetic design of the outside wall is simply fabulous. More about it in the Culture section.
4. Nistarini Temple -- Another temple near the Happy-Club maidan.
5 Ranaghat Forest -- Located outside the main township, Ranaghat Forest is a popular picnic spot.
6. Zamindar's Buildings -- There are a handful of old farmland-owning aristocrats (Zamindar) buildings in the town. The town was ruled by zamindars during the British period. Dey Choudhury Building and Pal Choudhury Building still bear testimony to the feudal era. The buildings are not open to the public.
Economy
The Economy of Ranaghat and its surrounding region is mostly based on agriculture. Paddy (rice), flour, wheat and fruits are produced by farmers outside the main township. Various dairy products are transported to Kolkata every morning.
The Department of Food Processing Industries of India is planning to set up a market complex exclusively for flowers in Ranaghat.[6]. Ranaghat has one of the capturing market of flowers in West Bengal.[7]
Another industry which is not receiving the government's patronage is handicraft and boutiques. At least 1000 people depend on this for their livelihood.
IT infrastructure is getting popularised lately. All the banks in town have been computerised.
Education
The town boasts a large number of high-schools but not universities.
Current situation is as follows:
Higher-Secondary school
- Pal Choudhury High School.
- Brajabala girls' higher secondary school.
- Lalgopal boys' high school.
- Lalgopal girls' high school.
- Bharati High School
- Nasra High School
- Debnath High School
- Yousuf Instituition
- Milan Bagan Higher Secondary School
Primary school
- Brajobala girls' primary school.
- Malancha Vidyapith.
- Holychild high school.
- Nivedita Academy.
- Chhobi Memorial and so many others are there.
College:
- Ranaghat College
It offers bachelors' programmes in most of the science subjects (B.Sc degree to be offered), in arts (B.A to be offered) and in commerce (B.Com). It is one of the affiliated colleges of Kalyani University[8]. Students from all over Ranaghat and nearby townships come to study here. The college was set up in 1950. It was assessed and accredited by NAAC in 2007 and was awarded the B+ grade.[9]
The city desperately needs an engineering or medical college. But given the west-bengal economic situation it is unlikely a 'Ranaghat Institute of Technology' would be set up there any time soon.
Culture
The town is inhabited mostly by Bengali Hindus. Durga-puja, like in all other Bengali communities, is the largest and most colourful festival and is celebrated throughout the town. All other major Hindu pujas are celebrated as well.
The Christan community celebrates Christmas at Begopara Church outside the main township. It is one of the most beautiful churches of Bengal. During Christmas, people from all religions join the party.
- More information can be found out here.
There is a mosque in Nasra-para for Muslim residents.
Transportation
The city is well connected to the Sealdah railway station. Local and passenger trains are available every half-an-hour. But due to the commuter population explosion in intermediate stations like Chakdaha and Kalyani, don't expect to find a seat during daytime-hours. The Railway Minister recently passed a bill for running an express train in the Sealdah-Lalgola route which would reduce the current 2 hour journey by at least one hour. This project requires significant funding which may prevent it from materializing.
The Railway station at Ranaghat has a long history. Sealdah-Ranaghat rail connection was made during the British Period. This main line was opened on September 1862, during formation of Eastern Bengal Guarantee Railway.[10] Ranaghat-Kalyani and Ranaghat-Shantipur sections were electrified in the financial year 1963-64. [11]
From Ranaghat railway station [12] , trains travel both north and south. Local trains are available to: Krishnagar, Shantipur, Gede, Bangaon and Sealdah. A handful of express passenger trains between Lalgola and Sealdah also stop at Ranaghat. An express train Bhagirathi express runs mainly for the office-goers in the morning. Tt departs from Ranaghat for Sealdah at 8:50 in the morning and in the evening leaves Sealdah station at 6:25pm for Ranaghat. It takes around 1 and half hour in comparison to the 2 hours taken by local trains.
Railway ministries of India are taking steps to make Ranaghat Railway station as a station of national importance. Numerous plans have been considered for the modernization and improvement of the platforms and the surrounding area in the latest railway budget of India.
Bus service, less used by commoners since the bus-stop is far from the town centre, is also available. Buses ply through National Highway 34: north to north Bengal through Krishnagar, and south to Kolkata.
Auto rickshaw service might be popular in other cities of West Bengal but it is not available here.
There are very few private cars.
Culture, entertainment and sports
There are four theatres in the city (none of them are Dolby-DTS though). They are Surendra, Ranaghat Talkies, Geetanjali and Pramanick. The last one is supposed to be closed by dec-2006 and a multiplex is supposed to be opened there.
Cultural programmes are mostly held in the following places.
- Najrul Mancha also known as Aheli. Last time it came in the news when it held the Junior. P.C. Sorcar Magic show. First Indian Idol, Abhijeet Sawant also performed in a live show here in January, 2006. Speculation is there that Himesh Reshammiya is coming for a live show here very soon.
- Rabindra-Bhavan - Mostly used by schools and colleges for their annual function. Some renovation is being carried out with this place and scheduled to reopen in the beginning of 2008.
Each winter there are two large cultural programs (better known as Melas). One is at the Swasthyonnati Maidan (স্বাস্থ্যোন্নতি ময়দান), and another at the Happy-Club Maidan. They are known as 'Nadia Mela' and 'Ranaghat Utsav' respectively. Eminent Bengali social and cultural exponents such as Lopamudra Mitra, V. Balsara, Kabeer Suman and Rupankar have performed at these shows.
Attempts have been made by the Ranaghat Municipality for regular Blood Donation Camps and active propagation of the Eradicate Illiteracy movement.
Cricket and football are the most popular sports.
Medical facilities
There are a few government hospitals and private nursing-homes in the town. They are:
- Anulia Hospital
- Ranaghat T.B. Hospital
- Central Nursing Home
- Life Nursing Home
- Ranaghat Nursing-Home
- Radharani Nursing-home
Gallery
Ranaghat Railway Station | Ranaghat Municipality office | A lush green ground in Nokari, Ranaghat outskirt | A village pond in Nokari |
A Lalgola Passenger leaving the station | Rail station from the over-bridge | Nistarini temple,Ranaghat | Ranaghat station during day hours |
Vegetables getting transported from Ranaghat early in the morning | A crowded local train | Wooden chairs (aka Morha) being despatched early in the morning |
Current condition of the city
The streets are getting increasingly congested. Due to the influx of migrants from neighbouring Bangladesh, the population of the city is expanding rapidly.
Multi-storeyed flats and buildings are under construction. The total number of flats has crossed 35.
Residents like the town for the quietness relative to the large nearby city of Kolkata.
Politics
Ranaghat has two assembly constituencies – Ranaghat (West) and Ranaghat (East).
- Ranaghat West assembly constituency -results
| Year | Voters | Voter Turnout | Winner | Runners up | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| %age | Candidate | %age | Party | Candidate | %age | Party | ||
| 1977 | 60,000 | 61.63 | Gour Chandra Kundu | 56.67 | CPI (M) | Naresh Chandra Chaki | 23.16 | INC |
| 1982 | 87,120 | 80.87 | Gour Chandra Kundu | 54.56 | CPI (M) | Benoy Chatterjee | 45.44 | INC |
| 1987 [13] | 1,03,660 | 79.64 | Gour Chandra Kundu | 53.65 | CPI (M) | Saradindu Biswas | 44.81 | INC |
| 1991 | 1,27,380 | 83.18 | Subhas Basu | 42.64 | CPI (M) | Naresh Chandra Chaki | 40.16 | INC |
| 1996 | 1,57,750 | 88.53 | Sankar Singha | 48.06 | INC | Sourendra Nath Nag | 45.39 | CPI (M) |
| 2001 | 1,55,920 | 85.05 | Sankar Singha | 52.00 | INC | Jyotirmoyee Sikdar | 41.92 | CPI (M) |
| 2006 | 1,79,100 | 89.39 | Aloke Kumar Das | 42.58 | CPI (M) | Sankar Singha | 42.48 | INC |
- Ranaghat East (SC) assembly constituency - results
| Year | Voters | Voter Turnout | Winner | Runners up | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| %age | Candidate | %age | Party | Candidate | %age | Party | ||
| 1977 [14] | 59,670 | 65.28 | Satish Chandra Biswas | 49.98 | CPI (M) | Sushil Kumar Ray | 27.45 | INC |
| 1982 | 83,650 | 79.22 | Satish Chandra Biswas | 57.61 | CPI (M) | Nitai Pada Sarkar | 41.14 | Ind |
| 1987 | 98,830 | 76.42 | Binay Krishna Biswas | 55.41 | CPI (M) | Ramendra Nath Biswas | 41.56 | INC |
| 1991 | 1,30,560 | 84.00 | Binay Krishna Biswas | 46.02 | CPI (M) | Akhil Kumar Majumdar | 37.24 | INC |
| 1996 | 1,74,290 | 86.65 | Binay Krishna Biswas | 48.37 | CPI (M) | Akhil Kumar Majumdar | 41.95 | INC |
| 2001 | 1,67,680 | 81.44 | Asim Bala | 45.33 | CPI (M) | Dr. Ramendra Nath Biswas | 42.74 | AITC |
| 2006 | 1,95,980 | 88.89 | Debendra Nath Biswas | 50.33 | CPI (M) | Nilima Nag (Mallick) | 45.17 | AITC |
Ranaghat (West) and Ranaghat (East) are part of the Nabadwip (Lok Sabha constituency). [15]
External links
- Nadia District Official HomePage
- Ratha-Yatra of Ranaghat
- Chef from Ranaghat rocked Barbados during the World Cup Cricket
References
- ^ About the Rail-station Reference from India9
- ^ Joy Goswami StoryFrom Catchcal
- ^ Story of Rakhee GulzarArticle from Boloji
- ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Ranaghat
- ^ Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns. (Provisional). Census Commission of India. Retrieved on 2007-09-03.
- ^ Flower Complex at RanaghatFood Processing and Horticulture Department
- ^ Flower Market in RanaghatWBIDC Reference
- ^ List of Affiliated CollegeKalyani University
- ^ Ranaghat College
- ^ Station History Article from Rail-India
- ^ IRFCA referenceHistory of Railways Electrification surrounding Ranaghat
- ^ Train-routes Article on India9.com
- ^ Election Commission Assembly election results 1977 – 2006
- ^ Election Commission Assembly election results 1977 – 2006
- ^ General election to the Legislative Assembly, 2001 – List of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies. West Bengal. Election Commission of India. Retrieved on 2007-02-21.
See also
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bankura · Bardhaman · Birbhum · Cooch Behar · Darjeeling · North Dinajpur · South Dinajpur · Hooghly · Howrah · Jalpaiguri · Kolkata · Malda · Midnapore East · Midnapore West · Murshidabad · Nadia · North 24 Parganas · South 24 Parganas · Purulia | |
Refugee Protection in IndiaOctober 1997 |
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