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Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
How campus violence has marred ‘Oxford of the East' Patna University
For the last few days, the 19-year-old student of Patna's BN College has been both scared and furious. It's been two weeks since two crude bombs hurled on the campus killed a fellow student and sparked massive protests, and the student is now worried about his own safety. 'Studying at Patna University was once a dream of many. Now, it's a nightmare,' the student says. The incident that has shaken the 19-year-old and many of his fellow students occurred on May 13, fatally wounding Sujeet Kumar Pandey, a second-year history honours student. According to the police, the bombs, hurled at 12:45 pm, was a result of a student rivalry and led to the detention of two people. The bombing has once again brought into focus the turbulent – and often violent – nature of Patna University's student politics. Once referred to as 'Oxford of the East', Patna University has seen at least five incidents of campus violence in the last two years – three of these in the last three months alone. 'Good, genuine students still avoid the hostels and find accommodation outside campuses due to this atmosphere,' one police officer says. 'Every now and then, we find sticks, rods, hockey sticks, and even firearms and materials for making crude bombs during raids at the college hostels.' The incidents led Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan — the Chancellor of Patna University – to make scathing remarks on the need for discipline on campus. In a speech made during a visit to the campus, Khan made particular mention of 'outsiders illegally occupying hostel rooms' as a key factor in the university's 'antisocial' environment. Both students and professors The Indian Express spoke to appear to endorse this. 'Various political parties have been misusing university students – some of whom no longer study here – as pawns for their own political gains, even using them for criminal purposes. There's a nexus involving these antisocial elements and political leaders,' N.K. Chaudhary, a retired professor and a former principal of Patna College, tells The Indian Express. Calls and text messages to Patna University Vice-Chancellor Ajay Kumar Singh, Registrar Shalini and Dean of Student Welfare Anil Kumar went unanswered. 'Antisocial elements' Founded in 1917, Patna University is India's seventh oldest and Bihar's first university that counts several of Bihar's most prominent leaders – from chief ministers such as S.K. Sinha, Lalu Prasad Yadav and the incumbent Nitish Kumar to diplomats such as former foreign secretary Muchkund Dubey and former Chief Justice of India Bhuvaneshwar Prasad Sinha — among its alumni. Since the first student election at the university in 1959, the Patna University's student body, the Patna University Student Union (PUSU), has been known as a vibrant forum for debate. But it was the 1970s – right around the time of the Bihar movement, also known as the JP Movement – that marked its true coming of age. Led by the veteran Gandhian socialist Jayaprakash Narayan, the student movement in 1974 was aimed at protesting corruption and misrule in the state of Bihar, although it eventually spread to the central government under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as well. At Patna University, where the protests first began, Lalu Prasad Yadav, then president of the PUSU, was one of those driving the movement, along with Sushil Modi, who would later become deputy chief minister of Bihar, and Ravi Shankar Prasad, who would eventually go on to become a Union minister. 'Politics has always been at the core of Patna University,' a college professor tells The Indian Express. But by the 1980s, the general mood of the campus had changed, with escalating caste conflicts and student clashes prompting the university's authorities from banning PUSU elections. This ban was lifted only in 2012, when the All India Students' Federation (AISF), the students' wing of the Communist Party of India won two of five key posts in the student body. The absence of elections, however, didn't stop political tensions from rising in the university — according to former professors and officials, caste lines began to be drawn here, allowing 'criminal elements to entrench themselves on campus and use college hostels for antisocial activities'. 'During that time, many non-students and antisocial elements backed by politicians made university hostels their safe houses,' one former professor claims. These problems persisted even after student elections resumed in 2012 – according to students and former professors, political patronage began to turn the PUSU elections into proxy battles for political parties, who viewed the campus as a training ground for future leaders. This eventually took the form of student clashes, violence and even bombings. For instance, in 2013, a mob of students barged into the Dalit Bhimrao Ambedkar Welfare Hostel armed with hockey sticks, bricks, stones, firearms and crude bombs, and assaulted residents. Three Dalits were injured in these clashes. These tensions came to a head in May last year, when a 22-year-old student of BN College was beaten to death at the Patna Law College. The incident, allegedly over the student union election, led to then Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar ordering the closure of all university hostels. This year too has seen at least three instances of campus bombings – including the incident on May 13. On March 5, days before the Patna University Students' Union (PUSU) elections, a bomb that went off near the university's Darbhanga House allegedly damaged a professor's car. Then on April 26 – just after the university announced it was reopening its hostels to students – four crude bombs exploded near Cavendish and Minto hostels after a clash between students. Police detained 13 students over this incident and allegedly found bomb-making materials in a room in Minto. Violence marred this year's PUSU polls too, leaving a journalist and a student wounded. According to students and professors, political parties 'openly' support student groups in defiance of the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines, which recommends against external interference in student body elections. The guidelines, submitted by a panel under former Chief Election Commissioner JM Lyngdoh in 2006, state that no person who is not a student on the rolls of the college or university 'shall be permitted to take part in the election process in any capacity'. Caste equations – always a permanent fixture in Bihar's social fabric – further fuel these student rivalries, which take the shape of hostel turf wars, as authorities struggle to enforce rules out of fear of retaliation from 'antisocial elements and politically connected groups', students and former professors allege. 'Different hostels are dominated by specific caste groups, and if a student is assigned a room in a hostel that does not align with their caste, they are often not permitted to stay,' Hritik Raushan, one of the presidential candidates for this year's PUSU elections, says, adding that these hostels have been left 'orphaned by the PU administration'. Former IPS officer Shivdeep Wamanrao Lande, who has previously served as Patna city's superintendent of Police, says hostel administrators 'are often too afraid to confront or to deal with these groups'. 'When I first joined, there were reports of clashes among boarders… Use of crude bombs was frequent even in the past at Patna University. Some hostel residents had as many as 20-25 criminal cases against them,' he says. For students, all of this means fear of returning to the campus. 'We have to think twice before seeking admissions here),' one student at BN College says, while another adds that he has chosen not to live on campus because 'it's unsafe'.
Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Science
- Indian Express
Built on 2-acre plot: Living plant library set to bloom in Shibpur
In a major boost to botanical research and education, the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanical Garden in Shibpur, in Howrah, is set to unveil the country's first dedicated Plant Taxonomy Section; an unique living encyclopaedia of India's plant diversity. This space, built over two acres, is set to function as a living library of plants. It is designed to be accessible to anyone who wants to learn more about how important the planet's biodiversity is and how plants are related and classified. What sets it apart is its public accessibility and interactive design; each plant will feature a QR code, allowing visitors to instantly access information on its lineage, origin, and conservation status. This will improve plant record-keeping and enhance both research and public education, allowing visitors to instantly access detailed information about its taxonomy, origin, and conservation status. It is set to be inaugurated in the next few months and will serve as a singular hub for researchers and academicians to delve into the vast world of plant classification and its vital role in biodiversity conservation. The new section will showcase 175 families of flowering plants (Phanerogams) including 143 Dicotyledons, 3 Gymnosperms, and 29 Monocotyledons, along with five special blocks of Cryptogams such as Algae, Fungi, Lichens, Bryophytes, and Pteridophytes. The display will follow the 'Natural System of Classification' developed by George Bentham and J.D. Hooker. 'This Plant Taxonomy Section is a monumental step forward for botanical research and education in India,' stated Dr Devendra Singh, joint director of Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden. He added that by leveraging new tools and technologies, they are set to make important contributions to plant conservation, research, and education. 'It's the first of its kind in the country, providing a centralized location where researchers can gain a clear understanding of living plant representatives, including numerous rare, endemic, and threatened species, all organized according to the Classification System. We believe it will significantly advance our knowledge and conservation efforts,' an official explained. The botanical gardens play a vital global role in plant conservation, education, and research. Officials at the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden emphasized that ' 'accurate taxonomy is the backbone of plant management', helping label species correctly, inform visitors, and support long-term conservation. Sweety Kumari reports from West Bengal for The Indian Express. She is a journalist with over a decade of experience in the media industry. Covers Crime, Defence, Health , Politics etc and writes on trending topics. With a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories. She has honed her craft across diverse beats including aviation, health, incidents etc. Sweety delivers impactful journalism that informs and engages audiences. Sweety Kumari is a graduate of Calcutta University with an Honors degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College and a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University. Originally from Bihar, she is brought up in Kolkata and completed her education from Kendriya Vidyalaya SaltLake. Multilingual, Sweety is fluent in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili. She started her career as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a newsportal in Kolkata. She is working with The Indian Express for 8 years now. ... Read More
Indian Express
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
For women's scheme, Delhi govt looks at defining family, annual income cap of Rs 2.5 lakh
Defining a family as husband, wife and children; capping annual family income at Rs 2.5 lakh; limiting the scheme to women aged between 21 and 60 years, and to one beneficiary per family – these are among the eligibility criteria being considered for the Delhi government's Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, The Indian Express has learnt. Ahead of the Delhi elections, the BJP had promised a monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 for poor women. In March, its government set up a high-level committee headed by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to frame the norms, and earmarked Rs 5,100 crore for the scheme. The committee is learnt to have held its first meeting last week, days before the government completes 100 days in power. Besides Gupta, Law Minister Kapil Mishra, Education Minister Ashish Sood – both members of the committee – and senior officials from the Woman and Child Development were among those present at the meeting. 'A detailed discussion was held on what the eligibility criteria should be… While it has been decided that Rs 2,500 will be given to one woman per family, there are families with more than one eligible woman… For instance, in joint families, elderly parents live with their children and grandchildren… So the government has decided to define a family first,' said sources. According to sources, a family will be defined as husband, wife and children. 'So, if parents are living with their married son/ daughter, the family will be divided according to this definition, ensuring that a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law (or a mother and daughter) can both avail the scheme,' said sources. Among other criteria, the annual family income is set to be capped at Rs 2.5 lakh. 'The age will be limited to those between 21 years and 60 years, as those who are over 60 years get old age pension. Also, women who are already availing pensions from the government, taxpayers, those with government jobs, and those who own a four-weeler will not be eligible,' said sources. 'There will be other eligibility criteria, including proof of residence (in Delhi)… It will take at least two or three more meetings to finalise the criteria and norms for implementation of the scheme. The government is collecting data from various departments,' said an official. According to government estimates, the scheme will benefit 20-22 lakh women. A senior official said an online portal is being developed for women to apply for the scheme. 'The Delhi government is also looking at sending SMS or WhatsApp messages to women who have been found eligible,' the official said. The BJP government has faced criticism from the AAP and Congress for delay in implementing the scheme.
Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Indian Express
Cab driver, aide held for ‘threatening' US tourist at Kolkata airport
THE BIDHANNAGAR police on Thursday arrested a taxi driver and his accomplice for allegedly threatening a US tourist after he landed at the Kolkata airport. The police action came after the tourist, Dustin, uploaded a video of a purported conversation with the two persons on his YouTube channel that soon surfaced on other social media platforms. The police identified the arrested as Manoj Roy (52) and Alamgir Molla (34), a taxi driver. A suo motu case has been registered at the NSCBI Airport Police Station, police said. According to Dustin, his 'unsettling experience' began shortly after landing in Kolkata when he booked a local taxi to his hotel on Park Street. Despite clear instructions, the driver intentionally drove him nearly 15 km in the wrong direction towards a different hotel in Rajarhat, claimed Dustin. When Dustin confronted the driver about the incorrect destination and refused to pay the inflated fare, the situation escalated. Another man entered the vehicle on the pretext of mediation and soon threatened Dustin with physical harm. Eventually, Dustin claimed, he was compelled to switch to another taxi. However, before he could leave, the second man demanded an additional Rs 100 for 'parking and petrol,' forcing Dustin to pay a total of Rs 800 for a trip that would have cost Rs 500-600 via an app-based cab. The video uploaded by Dustin surfaced on other social media platforms as well and action was taken, police said. Sweety Kumari reports from West Bengal for The Indian Express. She is a journalist with over a decade of experience in the media industry. Covers Crime, Defence, Health , Politics etc and writes on trending topics. With a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories. She has honed her craft across diverse beats including aviation, health, incidents etc. Sweety delivers impactful journalism that informs and engages audiences. Sweety Kumari is a graduate of Calcutta University with an Honors degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College and a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University. Originally from Bihar, she is brought up in Kolkata and completed her education from Kendriya Vidyalaya SaltLake. Multilingual, Sweety is fluent in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili. She started her career as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a newsportal in Kolkata. She is working with The Indian Express for 8 years now. ... Read More
Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Govt officials meet to discuss package for diamond industry, DWUG members not invited
Surat District collector Dr Sourabh Pardhi Wednesday evening held a meeting with different stakeholders of the diamond industry to discuss implementation of the state government's financial assistance package for the industry. Members of the Diamond Workers Union Gujarat (DWUG), who have been raising the issue of unemployment faced by diamond polishers, were not invited to the meeting. Minister of State for Industries, Harsh Sanghavi, in a media briefing on May 24 in Surat, had announced the special assistance package. Those present at Wednesday's meeting were representatives of Surat Diamond Association, District Employment Office, District industry officers, Labour department officials, and officials of leading banks. A decision regarding the formation of a 'scrutiny committee', which will accept applications from the diamond polishers and diamond unit owners and verify them, was taken to help people avail the benefit of the government scheme. As per the package, the state government will bear the school fees of up to Rs 13,500 for a year of children of diamond polishers, aged 21 and above, who have been jobless for the last one year but have worked for at least three years before that. Apart from this, the 9 per cent interest rate on term loan of maximum up to Rs 5 lakh availed by diamond unit owners will be waived for three years starting July. Diamond units with machinery investments worth Rs 2.5 crore that has witnessed power consumption going down in the last one year will get subsidy on electricity duty on power bills. Talking to The Indian Express, Surat Diamond Association President Jagdish Khunt said: 'The diamond industry is widely established in Surat. There are around 3,500 diamond factories here and around 7 lakh artisans work in these factories. The figures are not accurate though, as no survey has been conducted till date. It would be difficult to identify polishers who have been unemployed since last year. The implementation of the state government's scheme in the diamond industry is quite difficult,' he said. He further said, 'Of 3,500 diamond factories, over 80 per cent run with staff strength of 10 to 40 (2 emery wheels-10 emery wheels). These factories do not have any official company name and are not registered. Similarly, there are diamond polishers who switch jobs and move to different factories every quarter or so , keeping in mind higher wages. The firm owners also do not have details of polishers.' 'At the meeting, it was decided that application forms will contain all necessary details of diamond polishers and diamond unit owners. The work on preparing these forms has been started. Another meeting will be held next week to discuss further actions,' he said. The Indian Express also spoke to DWUG Vice-President Bhavesh Tank. 'We have been protesting over the issue of joblessness since the last three years. We have submitted memorandums multiple times to the Surat District Collector and written to the Chief Minister. The state government has now come up with a financial package for the diamond industry. We were not invited to the meeting,' he said . He also said: 'A couple of days ago, we wrote to the Chief Minister, requesting him to waive off school fees of children of diamond polishers who are unemployed or semi-unemployed (whose salary has gone down by 50 per cent). We have been fighting for the rights of diamond polishers since long. We have all the details of polishers. If we are invited to such meetings, we can provide these details to the committee.' District Collector Pardhi did not respond to calls till press time.
