Page 73 - West Bengal

West Bengal clears bill to impose 28% GST on online gaming, horse racing

The West Bengal assembly on Thursday passed a bill by virtue of which online gaming, horse racing and casinos will be taxed at the highest GST rate of 28 per cent on full face value of the bets involved. Minister of State for Finance Chandrima Bhattacharya said when the West Bengal Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023, will become an Act, it will augment the revenue of the state. West Bengal is one of the states which has advocated taxation of such online gaming and similar activities at the highest rate, she said. Bhattacharya said activities like online gaming, casinos and horse racing are all games of chance and not those of skill, and in these cases, the right to participate and the right to win cannot be separated. The minister, who is a member of the GST Council, said West Bengal has been in favour of taxing such activities at the highest rates. She also alleged that there had been a delay in tabling this Bill in the assembly as the governor was seeking numer

Bengal desperately needs governance but Mamata mocking poor, claims BJP

West Bengal is in desperate need of governance but Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is "mocking and insulting" the poor people of the state and using public money in wasteful exercise to embellish her "depleted image", the BJP charged on Thursday. The BJP's accusation came after women MPs of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) held a protest in Parliament premises on Thursday against Union Minister Giriraj Singh's recent "misogynistic" remarks targeting Banerjee. The TMC MPs demanded that Singh be expelled from Parliament for his remarks. Reacting sharply, BJP leader Amit Malaviya claimed in a post on X, "West Bengal is in desperate need of governance." "Its physical infrastructure is crumbling, the poor health and education facilities have pushed the state down in the HDI ranking, poverty and unemployment are on the rise, crime against women, Dalits and tribals continues unabated, industries are shutting down and the state sees no new investments," he charged. "In such a scenario, can Chi

Intermittent rain hampers normal life in Kolkata, south Bengal districts

Intermittent rain and chilly wind greeted the denizens of Kolkata and adjoining districts in south Bengal on Thursday morning hampering normal life. The Met department has forecast a generally cloudy sky with light to moderate rain over east India till Friday morning as cyclonic storm Michaung weakened into a less marked low-pressure area over Chhattisgarh. Kolkata and other south Bengal districts received intermittent rain on Thursday morning accompanied by chilly wind, giving the denizens the first feel of winter this season. People faced difficulties going to work with traffic snarls occurring at some places in the city and adjoining Salt Lake area. Owing to cloudy conditions, the minimum temperature in the city was above normal by three notches at 19.9 degrees Celsius on Thursday, the Met said. The maximum temperature is, however, likely to remain well below normal owing to the weather conditions, it said.

Over 75% UAPA cases in 2022 from J-K, Manipur, Assam, Uttar Pradesh: NCRB

Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Assam and Uttar Pradesh together registered over three-fourth of all UAPA cases in India in 2022, while one-fourth of sedition cases were registered in West Bengal alone, according to the latest NCRB data on 'Offences against the State'. Altogether 20 cases of sedition under the Indian Penal Code section 124A were lodged across India in 2022 while 1,005 were registered under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), which functions under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, showed in its annual crime report. Notably, sedition cases have come down since 2020 while those lodged under the UAPA saw a rise in the last three years, according to the data. In 2021, 76 cases of sedition and 814 cases of UAPA were lodged in the country, while in 2020 the figures for the same were logged at 73 and 796, official data from corresponding years showed. Among states and Union Territories, the maximum number of UAPA

Cyclone 'Michaung' may bring light to moderate rain in south Bengal: Met

Southern districts of West Bengal, including Kolkata, are likely to receive light to moderate rain in the next two days as an effect of cyclonic storm 'Michaung' forming over the Bay of Bengal, the Met department said on Sunday. The system, which is moving in a northwestward direction in the southwest Bay of Bengal, is under constant surveillance, it said. On reaching north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts, the system is likely to recurve and move in a northward direction and cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast on December 5 as a severe cyclonic storm, the Met said. The weather system will bring in its wake light rain in south Bengal districts of Purba and Paschim Medinipore, Jhargram, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Howrah and Hooghly on December 6 and 7, it added.

Bengal guv welcomes SC verdict on chancellor's role in appointment of VCs

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has welcomed the Supreme Court's verdict on the role of the governor, who is the ex-officio chancellor of state-run universities, in the appointment of vice-chancellors, asserting the apex court has clarified the legal position of the chancellor in the matter. The Supreme Court, while hearing a case pertaining to the reappointment of Kerala's Kannur University vice chancellor, said the governor is not a mere titular head and in the selection of VCs, he is the sole judge and his opinion is final in all respects. By virtue of his office as the ex-officio chancellor, he is not bound to act under the advice of the council of ministers. "The Supreme Court has clarified the legal position of the chancellor in the appointment of VCs... the Chancellor is the authority to appoint VCs. The court made it very clear that the state government of any state should keep off university administration, particularly in the appointment of VCs," Bose told reporters her

Tremors felt in Bengal as 5.6 magnitude earthquake hits Bangladesh

Tremors were felt in various parts of West Bengal as an earthquake of 5.6 magnitude hit neighbouring Bangladesh on Saturday morning. According to the National Center for Seismology, the earthquake took place in southeastern Bangladesh at a depth of 55 km at 9.05 am. "Earthquake of Magnitude: 5.6, Occurred on 02-12-2023, 09:05:31 IST, Lat: 23.15 & Long: 90.89, Depth: 55 Km, Location: Bangladesh, India," the NCS said on X. West Bengal Disaster Management Department said that as of now, no damage has been reported from anywhere in the state. "We are yet to get the final report. As of now, there is no report of any damage due to the quake," an official told PTI. Officials of the Kolkata Police and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation also said no damage to life or property was reported from the eastern metropolis.

Veterans and Young Turks of TMC engage in war of words over age factor

Veteran TMC leader and MP Sougata Roy has underscored that age is not a barrier within the party and that the ultimate decision on the roles of seniors and the next generation rests with party supremo Mamata Banerjee, amid an ongoing debate over the party's internal dynamics. The remark from the three-time Trinamool Congress MP elicited a pointed response from party colleague Kunal Ghosh, who had recently ignited the debate. Ghosh questioned whether the absence of an age restriction implies that "veterans would continue in the party till they are alive". The internal party exchange unfolded amid an ongoing purported discord among party veterans, recognised as loyalists of Mamata Banerjee, and the younger generation, perceived as close to her nephew Abhishek. "Who will contest elections or determine positions within the party is solely decided by Mamata Banerjee. She is our supreme leader and remains the final authority in the party. While Abhishek Banerjee may be a popular youth ...

Coal scam: CBI asks bank for transaction details of Bengal law minister

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has written to a private bank seeking transaction details of West Bengal law minister Moloy Ghatak and his family members in connection with the agency's probe into the multi-crore coal scam, an officer said on Friday. The agency has asked the bank to send the details by December 13, he said. "We need to check the banking transactions of Ghatak and his family members. We have sent letters to the bank and asked them to reply and hand over the documents by December 13," he added. Ghatak, who has been skipping CBI summons, could not be reached as calls to his numbers went unanswered.

WB BJP MLAs face charge of disrespecting national anthem, complaint lodged

Police complaints were lodged against 11 BJP MLAs of West Bengal charging them with disrespecting the national anthem during a sit-in on the assembly premises earlier this week. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobhondeb Chatterjee said the complaints were lodged on behalf of the Trinamool Congress Legislature Party. The TMC legislators led by party supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were singing the national anthem on November 29 at the base of BR Ambedkar's statue before calling off a demonstration against the Centre's discriminatory attitude towards West Bengal. The state's ruling party accused the BJP legislators of shouting anti-state government slogans and ringing bells while the anthem was sung barely 50 metres away. The saffron party, however, asserted that even if the anthem was sung by TMC MLAs, it was being done in a very low volume, inaudible from their protest spot and alleged that efforts were on to frame them in fabricated charges. "The BJP has shown scant res

Mamata Banerjee writes to Shah, seeks consensus-building on criminal laws

The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill 2023 were introduced in the Lower House of Parliament on August 11

West Bengal assembly passes bill to hike salary of MLAs to Rs 40,000

The West Bengal Assembly on Wednesday passed a bill to increase the salary of MLAs and ministers to Rs 40,000 a month. Members of the opposition BJP were not present in the House when the Member's Emoluments (Amendment) Bill 2023 was cleared. "I have rightfully increased the salary and I will raise it again if I get a chance," said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who was present at the Assembly. The MLAs used to get 10,000, ministers of state Rs 10,900 and ministers in-charge Rs 11,000 earlier. Now, they will get Rs 50,000, Rs 50,900 and Rs 51,000 per month, she said earlier. The BJP had criticised the decision to increase the salary of the legislators. "Those who have a lot of money are shouting, creating a ruckus. There are several MLAs who have assets worth several crores and do not need more, Banerjee said. But there are others who earn a living, she said adding: We have panchayat members who work for the 100 days' scheme. They are not creating any problems. Do not your heart

No one can stop CAA implementation, says Amit Shah at Kolkata rally

Home Minister Amit Shah asserted on Wednesday that the Central government will implement the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and no one can stop it. Addressing a big rally here to launch the party's Lok Sabha campaign, Shah launched a blistering attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the issues of appeasement, infiltration, corruption and political violence and urged people to throw out her government and elect the BJP in the next assembly polls. Lauding the turnout at the rally, he said this indicates the people's mood and claimed that the BJP will come to power with two-third majority in the state in 2026. The BJP's performance in the state in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls will create the foundation of its win in the assembly polls, he said. Turning to the contentious CAA issue, he said Banerjee has been opposing it but no one can stop its implementation, which has been in a limbo as the central government is yet to frame its rules amid the opposition's strong stand against the ...

Amit Shah's rally expected to set tone for BJP's LS campaign in Bengal

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to address a mega rally here on Wednesday and is likely to lay the groundwork for the BJP's upcoming campaign in West Bengal for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Shah will embark on a whirlwind tour of West Bengal this afternoon with BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar confirming that the union home minister will be "leaving the state this evening after the rally". "Amit Shah ji is likely to set the tone for next year's Lok Sabha polls in Bengal," Majumdar had said on Tuesday, echoing sentiments expressed during a rally in April when Shah set a target of winning more than 35 seats from the state. In the 2019 parliamentary elections, the BJP secured 18, out of the 42 constituencies, in West Bengal. However, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) downplayed the significance of Shah's rally, asserting that it would "not yield positive results" for the saffron party. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said, "The BJP launched a mega campaign during the 2021 assemb

Bengal LoP Suvendu Adhikari suspended for winter session of assembly

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was on Tuesday suspended for the entire winter session of the West Bengal Assembly for making "objectionable remarks" against Speaker Biman Banerjee. The suspension happened during a discussion on 'Constitution Day' in the state assembly. A resolution under Rule 169 was tabled in the assembly to discuss "how the Constitution of the country was under threat". During the discussion, BJP MLA Sankar Ghosh wondered how MLAs who defected from the BJP were still holding onto their posts without resigning as MLAs. The Speaker issued instructions to expunge the statement from assembly records, following which BJP MLAs led by Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition, trooped down to the well of the House and raised slogans against Banerjee. The BJP legislature party dubbed the Speaker's decision as "unconstitutional, "and staged a walk-out from the House. Later, TMC MLA Tapas Ray brought a motion against Adhikari and demanded his suspension from the House,

NEET aspirant from WB found hanging in Kota, 25th suicide case this year

A 20-year-old NEET aspirant from West Bengal was found hanging in his rented accommodation here but no suicide note has been recovered from his room, police said on Tuesday. Faureed Hussain (20), a native of West Bengal's Birhum district had been preparing for the medical entrance exam NEET at a coaching institute in Kota for around a year. He had been living the rented accommodation in Wauf Nagar since July this year. Some other students of coaching institutes also lived in the same house. Hussain was last spotted in the afternoon hours of Monday. When he did not come out of his room till 8 pm, his friends called him but he did not open the door. Following this, they informed the house owner, who called the police, Circle Inspector at Dadabari police station Rajesh Pathak said. Police rushed to the spot and broke the door open to find the youth hanging, he said, adding, "No suicide note was found in the room and the reason behind the extreme step is yet to be ...

Tajpur port project: Adani awaits LoA, Bengal seeks clarity on MHA nod

West Bengal Industry Minister, Shashi Panja, said that there was a provisional letter of intent (LoI), which was given to APSEZ (Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone) last year

BJP supporters block state highway in WB to protest party worker's arrest

BJP supporters blocked a state highway and held rallies on Monday in support of a 12-hour bandh at Khejuri in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district called by the saffron party to protest the arrest of a worker. Efforts are on for lifting of the blockade to ensure vehicular movement through the road at Khejuri, an official said. Tree logs were placed on roads by bandh supporters to block the state highway. The BJP called a 12-hour bandh at Khejuri alleging that party workers were being arrested on fabricated cases by the police. Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP MLA from neighbouring Nandigram constituency Suvendu Adhikari went to Marishda police station in Khejuri on Saturday night to protest the arrest of a saffron party worker and demanded his immediate release.

Talks on with Adani group on Tajpur port construction: Bengal minister

Communications are on between the West Bengal government and the Adani Group over the Tajpur deep-sea port project in the state, which is to be developed by the business conglomerate headed by industrialist Gautam Adani, state minister Shashi Panja said on Sunday. Addressing a press conference on "West Bengal Day" at the India-International Trade Fair being held here, Panja said the project is on. She was asked about the deal and the Adani Group's absence from the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS). "There was a provisional LoI (letter of intent), which was granted to the highest bidder for the development of Tajpur. The requisite permissions were then sought from four departments of the government of India -- the departments of shipping, defence, home affairs and external affairs," Panja said. "The Ministry of Home Affairs has given a conditional security clearance and made certain observations. The state government and the Adani Group are working on this. We have sought ...

Ration scam should be probed by agencies like CBI, says Adhir Ranjan

He also said that the condition of the tea garden workers in West Bengal is "very bad" and they are not even getting the minimum facilities of government welfare schemes