Financial Hub by HIDCO

We have decided to set up the Financial Hub in New Town Rajarhat in its Action Area-II, in CBD land. We have set apart 25 acres of prime land for this. Here is a story that appared in Times of India today:

Here is another clip from today's Bartaman

Designer Market for New Town, Rajarhat

In September, we had published an Expression of Interest inviting applications for participating in a creative design competition for local neighbourhood market in Action Area -I. The entries were judged by a panel headed by Shri Partha Das, Principal Consultant, HIDCO. The results have been finalised. The winning competition for one category is as follows:

This is what I'd written in my Sep 14 blog post:

"... In today's Times of India, we have published an advertisement asking for designs from Architects through a competition. There will be two plots and two separate competitions, both are located in Action Area I of New Town..

I have Delhi Haat or Dakshinapan in mind. But local open markets here are very small - about 20 kottahs or so. This is meant for getting daily groceries, vegetable, fish etc : we are not looking at glass facaded shopping malls. We want fresh open friendly neighbourhood market but with a bit of creativity added, a bit of originality.

Hence the competition and call from young and talented architects.Winner will get Rs 50,000 reward for one, and Rs 60,000 for the other..."

Smart Trafic Signalling for New Town

During my last visit to Delhi, I paid a visit to a JV Co between Delhi Govt and ILFS IDFC which is monitoring bus movements on Delhi. I saw GIS based bus movement trackers on giant wall screens. Video coverage at junctions adjusts signals to optimise traffic flow. Police can even see number plates of traffic violating offenders and issue "challans" for fines. In one case, it was subsequently discovered that fake number plates were being used by someone when an owner complained on receiving the challan that he couldn't have violated traffic rule on that date as he was away from Delhi with his car!
.. I'd visited the Delhi Hub because I am thinking of having a smart traffic management system for Kolkata. Yesterday, I informed Mr Gopal Ghosh, CEO NKDA to make a project report. Here is an article that appeared in today's Anandabazar:

"First Aid"

Hindustan Times spoke to me last Friday. An article appeared today. Here it is:

Pricing Policy in HIDCO

Most Non Residential plots will be sold through bids in New Town, Rajarhat. Here is a press clipping that appeared on page 1 of Bartaman today. Mr Amal Sarkar had briefly spoken to me on this yesterday evening.

Geriatric Health Care Centre

Advertisement that appeared today in Hindustan Times. See the following link (you'll have to go to page 3 in this Delhi Edition):

http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/PUBLICATIONS/HT/HD/2011/10/02/index.shtml

It'll appear in some other papers too. 

MNRE & JICA

I am in Delhi today to attend national workshop on NIJNNRUM. In the workshop, I said that (i) Development Authorities should have a role assigned to them as an implementor and (ii) there may be capitalisation of O&M costs of 5 years. The meeting was held at Vigyan Bhavan where Mr Kamal Nath and Kum Selja - Union Ministers - and other dignitaries were there.
* * *
I met Mr Tarun Kapoor, JS, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt of India. I submitted to him a formnal proposal for according Solar City Status to New Town. We also discussed about use of electric vehicles (Reva) in New Town.

* * *
I met Mr Shinichi Yamanaka, the Chief Representative of JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) in India. I talked about help in sourcing technology from Japan for making New Town a smart city. We reviewed the Yokohama meeting too. It seems, a pre-feasibility study will be required first.

Meeting with Singapore and Italian Representative at Hidco

Last Saturday, in course of the KMRCL (Kolkata East West Metro) meeting, I discussed with Mr Lohia, Joint Secretary MoUD Govt of India, that I was looking for international state-of-the art traffic-signalling system for New Town. Working from his reference, Gopal Ghosh CEO NKDA and I met today morning Ms. Wong Foong Chung Sindy of Singapore at Hidco. They asked for a due diligence study on the present status of traffic only after which they will be able to comment.
We will take it from there.
* * *
The engineering team of HIDCO, KIT, UD and others saw a presentation by an Italian expert at Hidco about very-quick low-cost housing construction technology. Although many issues were justifiably raised, I think we must continue to look at international trends whenever possible. 
* * *
Just reached Delhi. Will go to JICA office to discuss a few things for the benefit of New Town. Let's see how it turns out.

Geriatric Clinic and Trauma Centre in New Town - Land Auction

Few days ago, a large group of doctors from US (but from Bengal) met me and said that they want to set up an advanced Geriatric Clinic with regenerative medicine. I was happy to know of the cutting edge technology and wished that it could be used to treat senior citizens of Eastern India.
- Police has been telling me that a Trauma Ambulance is necessary in view of frequent accidents in New Town.
 We are thus thinking of inviting offers to set up these health care facilities in Rajarhat New Town. Here is an article that appeared in today's Times of India:

File Tracking System for Govt Secretariat

My good friend Dr Subir Roy of e-Governance Mission Team rang me last Thursday and deputed a team that showed us how a tailor-made-for-bengal-secrtariat-babus software can be used to keep track of file movements within the department. It was a non-sophisticated simple system, but a system that fits very well into the existing procedures. Me and my officers were immediately enthusiastic - no long term SRSs, no presentations, no high-flying software codes - all that is needed is a LAN and a 2 hour training for the PAs and assistants.
I will introduce it in UD soon - as soon as our LAN is ready.
I think it will make government business speedier.
By the way, the software is free.

Mela rent at Salt Lake to increase

We have decided to increase manifold the fees charged for holding melas in Bidgannagar Central Park. Here is a press report that appeared in today's Bartamaan:

Kolkata Metro Board Meet

I attended the Board meeting of the Kolkata East West Metro under the Chairmanship of new Govt of India Secretary Dr Sudhir Krishna. Executive Director of Railway Board Mr Rajib Chowdhury was also there. Among other things it was decided that the shares of EW Metro would be given over to the Railway Ministry. But till all the formalities are completed, the project work would go on as per schedule.
* * *
About the Garia-Airport Metro link that will pass through New Town, HIDCO, there is an article in today's Times of India. Here is it:

Asian Development Bank, Kolkata Beautification and UK India

A 3-member team from ADB met me yesterday. They talked about transport linkage in north Bengal to facilitate regional co-operation among Nepal, Bhutan, India and Bangladesh. I recalled my old association with ADB when I was chosen to deal with North-South Development Corridor from Raichak to Siliguri.
Yesterday, I highlighted the significance of Look East Policy, opening of Nathu-la pass and the importance of setting up an indoor International Container Terminal with Railway Freight Corridor.
***
We also held the second meeting of the Kolkata Beautification Committee of which I am the co-ordinator. Many agencies including HIDCO, Urban Forestry etc showed photographs of their achievements. KMC gave a presentation. Next meeting will be held on 21st Oct.
KMC hosted a good lunch too!
Here is a press report in today's Telegraph:

***
Yesterday's Pratidin carried a small report on Mr Heald's meeting with me. Here is a report:

UK India Business Council

Yesterday, I met Mr Richard Heald, Chief Executive of Uk India Business Council at my HIDCO office. He talked about an Innovation Seminar to be held in London in October: I said I'd be interested in knowing more about it. I also said that I needed technological inputs for smart, intelligent and green city as I'd like to position New Town as such. He said he'd revert with more thoughts.
The British Dy High Commissioner Mt Sanjay Wadvani and Mr Chanda were also there. Deepak Gupta of UD Department handled the protocol and took this picture:

I was also told by Mr Debashis Gharai of Sakalbela - with whom I'd spoken some time back - that there'd been a story on the design competition for a local market in New Town. Here is the clipping:

Earthquake and Digha Beach Festival Logo

A digital artist I know has created the following logo for the Digha Beach Festival. Here it is:

. In the morning yesterday, I'd asked Special Engineer to inspect our Housing Estates in Salt Lake for possible damages. I spoke to Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority and Jaigaon Development Authority too and called for reports after inspections. I also met a group of residents of New Town Rajarhat to report any damage to the high-rises of Rajarhat due to earthquake. Suman Chakrabarti of Times of India asked me about response of UD Department to the recent earthquake. Here is a report that appeared in today's Times of India:

Digha Beach Festival on December 9-12, 2011: DSDA Website

I held a long meeting at Digha yesterday witth all stakeholders to set the agenda for holding the Digha Beach Festival in December. The idea was to give everybody a target to kick-start short-term plans for transforming Digha-Shankarpur-Mondarmoni-Tajpur into a major national tourist destination. The main idea is to bring in quality improvements.
After some detailed discussions, we decided to have it on 9th Dec (Friday) to 11th Dec (Monday). There will be Sea Food Festival, Bratachari, Beach Volley Ball, Bangla Band, Eco-quiz and other events.
***
I launched the website of Digha Sankarpur Development Aithority. Its address is:
http://www.dsda.gov.in/
This also contains a new facility of on-line booking for Saikatabas.
DSDA and M/s Telmac did a great job in putting this up in a short time: we hope to make it operational after the Pujas when the renovation of Saikatabas will be over.
***
Here is a news article on Clean Ganga that appeared in today's Anandabazar:

Biometric Cards for HIDCO

Amal Sarkar of Bartaman spoke to me yesterday. He has written the following article.

Yokohama and Kolkata

In an earlier post I had mentioned about Yokohama. Yesterday, Mr Toru Hashimoto from the International Technical Cooperation Division from the City of Yokohama came and gave a presentation to us at HIDCO Bhavan. Here is a picture.

Along with Mr Hashimoto, Mr M Numahata, Japanese Consul in Kolkata was also there. Commissioner KMC, CEO KMDA and HIDCO and UD officers were there.
We will have a wrap up today morning.

There have been few articles in the press. Here are a few links:-

Times of India:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata-/Japanese-touch-to-riverfront-project/articleshow/9989076.cms

Pratidin:

http://epratidin.in/Details.aspx?id=9995&boxid=2161624

Bartamaan

http://bartamanpatrika.com/content/kolkata.htm

Address Locator ....2

I read this article at Under Secretary's chamber at Writers' Buildings today:

Design Competition for Local Market in Rajarhat New Town: Win Up to Rs 60, 000

In today's Times of India, we have published an advertisement asking for designs from Architects through a competition. There will be two plots and two separate competitions, both are located in Action Area I of New Town.
I have Delhi Haat or Dakshinapan in mind. But local open markets here are very small - about 20 kottahs or so. This is meant for getting daily groceries, vegetable, fish etc : we are not looking at glass facaded shopping malls. We want fresh open friendly neighbourhood market but with a bit of creativity added, a bit of originality.
Hence the competition and call from young and talented architects.
Winner will get Rs 50,000 reward for one, and Rs 60,000 for the other.
Valid entries will get Rs 5,000 each - unless the number is too large.
Here is the ad:

Address Locator Kiosks: Expression of Interest

We want to instal static address locator in New Town and Salt Lake to enable tourists to find out addresses quickly. Here is a notice inviting Expression of Interest that appeared in today's Times ofIndia and Hindusthan Times:

EOI published for Saikatabas, Digha

We are trying to modernise Saikatabas at Digha professionally. Advertisements appeared today in Times of India:

Rules of Business Amended: Notification Issued by Chief Secretary: HIDCO with UD

Yesterday I received the fax copy of the notification dated 8.9.2011 signed by Chief Secretary, Govt of West Bengal stating that the Rules of Business of the Government has been amended so as to bring HIDCO and all matters relating to Rajarhat township within the schedule of Urban Development Department.
* * *
Minister of Urban Development Mr Firhad Hakim made a visit to HIDCO yesterday. We made a powerpoint presentation and few issues facing it today. This was covered by the media and I put a clipping that appeared in Bartamaan today.

Lord Mayor of City of London to Kolkata on 13th Oct

Yesterday, Mr. Sanjay Wadvani, British Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata met me at my office of UD at Nagarayan, Salt Lake. He talked about the visit of Lord Mayor of the City of London to Kolkata on 12-13th October. There will be a seminar in co-ordination with the Urban Development Department on 13th Oct. The topic is likely to be Urban Renewal and Financial Inclusion. In the afternoon, an interaction on the proposed Financial Hub in Rajarhat New Town will be organised.
I learnt that the Mayor of London (elected politician) is different than the Lord Mayor of the City of London (a businessman with rank of an MP/minister looking after "one square mile" of London's financial district.
**
Here's a photo with Mr Sanjay Wadvani at our new 5th floor office at Nagarayan:

Digha Utsav in December

Here is a news item that appears in today's Anandabazar.

I am planning to hold a meeting of DSDA at Digha on Saturday 17th Sep so that we can form the Organising Committee.

Rabindra Tirtha in New Town

Half a dozen or so agencies have applied for against the Expression of Interest. The bid document will be ready by today. I have entrusted one General Manager (Engineering) whole-time exclusively to handle this project.
Here is an article that appeared in The Statesman recently (on 31st Aug 2011):

Digha Beautification

Here is an article that appeared in the press:

Dedicated water supply for New Town, Rajarhat

After a longish meeting with water experts from all wings of the government and elsewhere, I decided to have a dedicated raw water pipeline for the New Town, Rajarhat.
Here is a link to a story:
http://epratidin.in/Details.aspx?id=9755&boxid=3315671
 

Digha Beach Festival in December 9, 2011

I met Tourism Secretary Mr Raghabendra Singh last Tuesday and proposed that we could have a beach festival in October, a water sports festival in December and a Sea Food Festival in January - in and around Digha-Sankarpur-Mandarmoni. We finally agreed to converge all on a week or fortnight starting on December 9, 2011. It is a Friday, a day before full moon. Yesterday, I got a confirmation from the Tourism Department.
I will hold a meeting tomorrow to introduce a theme to Digha Tourism. Bright Blue & Yellow (I am thinking of Van Gogh' ), a logo ('let's go to digha' ) and a signature tune. Let's see.

PMU for HIDCO

In Telegraph, Times of India etc, HIDCO has published a notice inviting Expression of Interest for engagement of a Project Management Unit.
Here is the link:
http://wbhidcoltd.com/notice/pmu.html

Expression of Interest for Rabindra Tirtha Published today

See Times of India, for example.

Convention Centre at New Town, Rajarhat

I met Mr Prasoon Mukherjee of Universal who is a 50% partner of a Company that is going to make a Convention Centre. I was told that work would start on 2nd October 2011. Here is a picture of the proposed centre:

Meeting with Roberto Zagha

I met Mr Roberto Zagha, Country Director of World Bank in India yesterday in Kolkata. We discussed about the possibility of reviving the Secondary Cities Project and also co-financing of the Kolkata Riverfront Development Project. We also talked of looking at Kolkata's rejuvenation anew. I was interested to know that the FAR of New York was 11.4 while we have in Indian cities FARs around 2 or so: thus the cities were "chapati cities", to quote Mr Zagha.

Rabindra Tirtha Announced by Chief Minister

Yesterday, at Writers' Buildings, CM announced that Rabindra Tirtha will be constructed in Rajarhat. I was present when this was done. The day before, I had had an occasion to discuss this project with her. It will be built over 5 acres of land. The land is earmarked. I will hold a meeting on Baise Sraban (8th August) even though it is a holiday.

But I am given only 8 months for this project. How can I achieve this, I wonder.
Helpful suggestions, anybody?

Yokohama & Kolkata?

Yesterday at Delhi, I was informed by the World Bank of the efforts taken by Yokohama in their "open yokohama" effort and turn it to a global city - smart and eco-friendly - from a polluted and decaying city.

We are getting in touch with their International Technical Co-operation Division to see if there could be a collaboration.

Joined HIDCO as CMD today (27th July 11)

HIDCO

Visit to Digha as Chairman DSDA

On 21st July, as the city was witnessing the mass meeting at Brigade, I slipped away to Digha to have a quick glimpse of Digha as Chairman of DSDA.
Viewed above is a pic of Oceana Guest House of SFDC where I stayed

"HIDCO with UD" ? (The Statesman)

Today's Statesman carries a neews brief that can be accessed at:
http://www.thestatesman.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=377007&catid=35
Let us see how the report evolves

Urbanisation Strategy of West Bengal for 12th Plan : Meeting with Member Planning Commission

Mr Arun Maira, Member Planning Commission came to Kolkata today and held a meeting on Urbanisation and Industrialisation aspirations of West Bengal. Mr Manish Gupta, Minister and Mr Samar Ghosh, Chief Secretary were also present.
.
I said that the vision in the state's urbanisation strategy was to make Bengal the Eastern Gateway of India. I said that infrastructure must precede development, that there should be a conscious attempt to over design so that we never lag behind in infrastructure in the future. We needed a State Planning Institute to design and implement infrastructure by plotting demographic evolution. We also needed a State Skill Development Institute to train workers in mechanical tools and machines so that we have skilled manpower to run the cranes and pavers. I said that there should be reliance on PPP. I said that DBOM (Design, Build, Operate and Maintain) should be the key driver to ensure that assets perform for the lifecycle.

Lottery of Kalyani Plots

Today the Cabinet met at 7pm. It approved the decision that lottery for Kalyani plots - 110 in number - will be held in July at Nazrul Mancha, Kolkata.

Nortification of Chairman and Vice-Chsirman of KMDA

Only today Bartamaan Patrika carried a story on who is going to be the new Chairman of KMDA. The link is as follows:

http://bartamanpatrika.com/content/rajya.htm

(You'll have to scroll down the web page so linked to get to the story).

And only today we published the notification stating that Hon'ble Chief Minister will be the Chairman of KMDA. (how untrue press reports turn out to be !). Yesterday, we published the notification that the Mayor of KMC would be the Vice Chairman of KMDA.

For issuing these notifications, I first came across the handwriting and signature of the CM on file. She'd used a green ink.

Brazil Study Tour on Water and Sanitation : Key Take-Aways

Just landed back from Brazil via Doha (in Qatar) at Delhi airport. Waiting for connecting flight of Air India at 1.20pm. Tried to prepone, but Indian Airlines says there are no seats (i believe they are plain non-co-operative).
So I have 3-4 hours to while awat at T3. I was wondering what I learnt during the week-long visit to Brazil:

The picture above is that at a Water Treatment Plant at Sao Paolo. I was struck by the cleanliness of the place and attention to minute details. There is an independent regulator whose inspectors regularly come and countercheck to see that all purity standards are rigorously followed. The PlantAuthorities are given qurterly and annual targets to achieve: these are monitored for improved performance.

In Nittaroi, near Rio de Janeiro, the private service provider was performing so efficiently that the Municipality had given them a concession period of 43 years - almost half a century. They are doing very well, increasing coverage of sewerage and water supply even in slum areas and have actually reduced tariff through efficient management, reduction in water leakage etc.

Brazil has the world's largest fresh water reserves, as per UN (though there are regional inequities). In spite of their water abundance, they are paying great emphsis in efficient performance in water supply and sewerage. They have, after a decade long debate,brought out a comprehensive legislation laying down that all water / sanitation utilities (generation and treatment as well as distribution and collection) would have to subject themselves to regulator's scrutiny. Some regulators are multi-sectoral: ie, the power sector regulator may also deal with water sector.

Sanitation/sewerage has to be treated together..As in India, the sewerage services lag behind water services cooverage. There is an organic link and logical connectivity (recycles water is used to clean streets, for example). Besides, an element of financial cross subsidy also come in.

Brazil has a concept of "social tarrif". This refers to subsidised water charges in slum areas. It is set usually by the service provider in consultation with local slum people to ensure maximum coverage. Bulk water is supplied usually at low prices.

Personally, I realised that like the power sector in India, the water/sanitation sector may also be de-bundled and put under the 'glare' of a regulator to optimise service delivery.
  

Face to face with CM

I was pleasantly surprised to note that the new CM, Ms Mamata Banerjee, recognised me by name when I, along with others of the IAS Association, met her on Friday (the date of swearing in, 20th May) to hand her a bouquet of flowers. It was 8 pm or so when we met her at Writers' Buildings. I remember the occasion when she'd led a delegation to the CEO's Office when I was the Chief Electoral Officer few years ago, demanding error-free rolls. Now, even on the first day when we were there to welcome her, she talked of a certain work by Monday. I could really sense that 'poribartan' had come and was here to stay.
* * *
Saturday the 22nd, I met MIC UD&MA and MIC Fisheries along with departmental officers and handed over introductory books on the departmental works.I was so glad to note that both the MICs were very good and eager to get off to work.

Chairmen of Development Authorities Resign

Asok Bhattacharya (SJDA, KMDA), Nirupam Sen (BDA), Bangsha Gopal Chowdhury (ADDA), Pulin Behari Baskey (MKDA), Ramchandra Dom (SSDA) have all resigned from posts of Chairmen; that of MKDA's resignation letter reached me today.

Shelter for Shelterleaa at "alo" in Howrah

The Supreme Court has asked the States to set up shelters for the pavement dwellers etc. We had a meeting on this last Friday afternoon. I had visited the School for the Visually Handicapped called "Alo" on 30th April with HIT officers. The building was inaugurated in 2008 but is not in use at all. We decided in principle to use it as a Shelter for the Shelterless as per Supreme court's orders. Procedural details will have to be worked out now.

Here's the picture of 'Alo' that I took on my Nokia on Saturday the 30th April 2011:

1 billion US $ loan negotiation at Delhi with World Bank

I'm going to Delhi on Monday (2nd May) to participate in loan negotiation with World Bank at North Block, Ministry of Finance where MoEF will also be there. There will be 4 other states too.

Key Take-aways from 7-day Training at IIM-A on PPP

1. PPP is not only for Physical Infrastructure like Roads but also being made applicable to social sectors like school education and district hospitals. Planning Commission is in an advanced stage in finalising CBSE English Medium Class 12 models. Also for Rural roads.
2. All projects may be theoretically done through PPP in the Annuity Model (PFI) but as a rule of thumb, not more than 16% payments through Annuity should be encouraged.
3. PPP are infrastructure service contracts. The Private Player capital should also be at risk. JVCs are discouraged. However, guidelines also exist for JVCs. For 11% equity, a Director is there on Board. For 26% equity, a blocking resolution strength occurs.
4. Even State Govt PPP projects are encouraged to be subjected to GoI Committee approval. This is a must if VGF is sought for.
5. Termination arrangements typically envisage 90% of outstanding debt after construction phase is over. Cocession period is sometimes extended by 1 year if traffic volume is less by 1%, subject to a max. Revenue share if more traffic growth occurs.
6. PPP projects take about 1 yr to finalise & award concession agreement but another 6 months for financial closure.
7.  EPC, as distinct from Item Rate Contracts, are also emerging where output standards (eg roughness of road or 'no-more-than-5-vehicles-in-queue-at toll-plaza ) type can be specified and tenders obtained. Some guidelines are available on Planning Commission website.
8. OMT Contracts for 15 year periods are also emerging.
9. A specialised PPP cell in State Govt needs to be activated
10. Land is not leased or mortaged in PPP projects. Land must come back to Govt at end of Concession Period.
11. For delay in handing over land, Rs. 50 per day per 1,000 sq m is sometimes paid by govt
Road density is 111/100 sq km in India (2009).
12. In PPP, Govt is not the Employer.
13. Regulators can be regulated too; rent seeking is a problem
14. Competitors in bids should not have more than 5% common equity
15. Traffic risk should be with conessionaire; VGF for equity support
16. 3Is: Instruments, Institutions, Individuals
17. There is great disparity in PPP norms across sectors
18. Time keeper & monitoring, monitoring outputs key element of contract: constant watch
19. In pvt sector, construction efficiency is better with a time-bound cost plus strategy (GMR)
20. Force Majeur is not defined anywhere; it is different in each agreement
21.

1 Week Course at IIM Ahmedabad 18-23 April, 2011

I reached Ahmedabad yesterday, a Sunday. I am in IIM. There is an one-week course on PPP organised by Planning Commission and IIM, Ahmedabad. It will continue till Saturday, 23rd April.
The training reminds me of the one at Harvard. We start at 8.30 am every day. There is a 15 minute "reflections" by a group on what happened the day before. There is group assignment after dinner, at 9 pm.. Today, Mr Gajendra Haldea of Planning Commission took the first two sessions.

Dedicated Registered Body for Clean Ganga

I went to the Ministry of Environment & Forest today. West Bengal is among the first few states to constitute the Programme Management Group that will be dedicated to NGRBA. I was advised to expedite formation of the JV Co that will be one of the Project Implementation Agencies.

I proposed that a workshop may be arranged to finalise the bid documents for a DBO (Design Build & Operate) contract with 5 year  O&M for already-sanctioned STPs (Sewage Treatment Plants). I said that we'll need help of consultants from the Ministry. This was agreed to in principle. I'll give a formal proposal on my return to Kolkata (I'm in Delhi airport now, waiting for the 8.50pm Jet flight to Kolkata)

Resignation of Chairmen

Due to elections, Asok Bhattacharya has resigned from the posts of Chairman KMDA and Chairman SJDA. The state govt has nominated the Divisional Commissioner Jalpaiguri as the new Chairman of SJDA and the Principal Secretary UD (that is, me) as the Chairman of KMDA for now.

The New Financial Year 2011-12

FY 2010-11 is just over (31st March year-ending hangover has barely ended).
FY 2011-12 will be important in more ways than one:  this is the last year of the 11th FiveYear Plan Period and the last year of JnNRUM and the Elections will bring in a new government to West Bengal.
**
I am holding a meeting of all Development Authorities and Statutory Authoritiesof UD Department on 8th April to review the performance in FY2010-11 and to plan for physical and financial achievements for FY2011-12. Participants have been advised to make powerpoint presentations.

I will also hold a similar meeting on 12th April for the Fisheries Department.
**
I have also just completed one year in the UD Department (I joined on 1st April 2010). I was thinking of some initiatives where I played a role. Some of these have been incorporated in the foreword that I have written for the Annual Report of UD Department for 2010-11. I hope to put it up here soon.
-

Lift commissioned for Nagarayan Building

Last Friday, on 25th March, the new lift was commissioned. It took a considerable time, but now it is there. We can now commission the 4th floor of UD Department Building called Nagarayan.

I took this photo in Panoramic Mode with my Sony h55 camera. No wonder, I'm not there :)



Salt Lake Plot Lottery Application After Elections

I'd mentioned in an earlier post that we'd referred the matter of Salt Lake Lottery to the Election Commission. I received their decision yesterday. The Commission has directed that the matter may be deferred till completion of the elections in the state.
So we are not proceeding in the matter now.
Here is a link that leads to a story in today's Bartamaan:
http://bartamanpatrika.com/content/kolkata.htm

4P: Public, Private, PEOPLE Partnership

I addressed a CII group recently. I referred to the Amul example and said that industries should compute the full economic value of land - and not merely its present market value - by sharing with landowners future profits derived from the land. Bengal Post carried a story.

Bengal Post

I

Income Tax by Development Authorities

I held a departmental meeting today. I have asked two Accounts Officers to prepare me a note on the tax liability of Development Authorities. I mentioned that as a govt department, we must insist that all our attached offices should pay taxes & duties as per law. In fact I was shocked to learn that Asansol Durgapur Development Authority had their bank accounts attached by the Income Tax Authority at Durgapur who later has forfeited Rs 24 crores.
Today's Statesman carried an editorial; I reproduce a part of it:
***
That ADDA simply got away without paying tax for the past 30 years is a puzzle that may not be easy for the next government to work out. The present never had the inclination ~ and now doesn’t have the time ~ to get to the root of the default. ADDA’s explanation that it is engaged in development and not to earn profit sounds contrived and feeble; rightly has it cut no ice with the Union ministry of finance.
(The Statesman dt 21 March 2011)
***
I have also come to know that KMDA receives IT notices and they are in touch with legal firm. I was told that SJDA's accounts were also attached some time back. *
     Strangely, and pitifully, there is no file or reference in the UD Department. No officer seemed to know anything about it, not to speak of the IT Tax Amendment carried out in 2002 or so that withdrew the exemption given to Development Authorities.
    I hope the Accounts Officers come up with a clear note soon.

(*HDA is sending a note to me; I have deleted the reference to HDA)

Kolkata Metro Board Meeting Postponed

I received an SMS today that the meeting of the Board of Directors of Kolkata East West Metro is cancelled. I was supposed to fly to Delhi today evening. The meeting was supposed to be held at 10 am on 18th March at Nirman Bhavan, Delhi.
No reasons were given.
I wonder if it has something to do with the following news that appeared on the Indian Express few days ago.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/rly-ministry-refuses-to-take-over-eastwest-metro/761474/

* * *

There was another press report today on East West Metro in today's Bartamaan. Here is the link
http://bartamanpatrika.com/content/rajya.htm

Seminar at Silver Spring on Free and Fair Elections on Monday, 14th March

I was a panelist in the day-long seminar on Free & Fair Polls. It was organised by an NGO called FAME. My former boss Mr N Gopalaswamy was also there. I'd had a good conversation with him the day before.

Few links are as follows:

http://epratidin.in/Details.aspx?id=7363&boxid=25222937

http://bartamanpatrika.com/content/rajya.htm

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JS00vMjAxMS8wMy8xNSNBcjAwNTAw&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom

Reference to Election Commission

Many people are asking me about the fate of Salt Lake Group Housing Lottery scheme that was announced on 28th Feb.
Since the Model Code of Conduct came into force the very next day, we have referred the matter to the Election Commission.
Till we hear from them, we cannot move forward.

e-Tender

Recently, I am again receiving some queries from Development Authorities as to whether they should go for e-tendering or not.
In June 2010, there was a meeting of all Development Authorities where it was recorded that all must introduce e-Tendering procedures using NIC software or otherwise as soon as possible. This was to bring in transparency and wider participation from bidders.
Subsequently, the Information & Cultural Affairs Department issued a GO stating that copy of tenders must be sent in hard and soft forms to them by email.
KMDA has already made some good progress.
I would urge all Authorities concerned to switch to e-tender norms as soon as possible.

Meeting at Haldia

I accompanied Chief Secretary Samar Ghosh - who is also the Chairman of HDA - to Haldia. The meeting was routine as most proposals were deferred in view of the Model Code of Conduct. But the time spent on the journey was enjoyable, learning from the insights of the top civil servant of the state whom I admire and respect a lot.

Model Code of Conduct comes into effect

Feedback Ventures and Ghosh, Bose Associates made a presentation today to Chief Secretary at Writers' on the plans for Baruipuur district HQ project.
The general consensus was that the design was too corporatised and unsuitable for govt requirements.
I will hold a review.
* * *
After the meeting that ended at 6 pm, I accompanied Chief Secretary to his room. Few other Secretaries also trooped in. We saw TV announcement of poll schedule.
The Code of Conduct starts.

Seminar on GIS and Remote Sensing

I inaugurated a seminar organised by the Institution of Surveyors. The topic was "Role of GIS and Remote Sensing in Surveying and Land Management".

I asked why we cannot start upwards, adding value, to digitised maps available in the public domain like google maps but must always re-invent the wheel by starting from NRSE data/ maps.I asked why there is such a disconnect between institutes and departments who use GIS.

The seminar was in the new auditorium at Nalban. It was made by BENFISH. It is called Rabindra Kanan Hall. Fairly OK, air-conditioned hall.

Sewage Fed Fishery at Kalyani

Today I went to Bhatpara and Kalyani to see site of proposed Sewage Treatment Plant Projects. At Kalyani, I saw how sewage water was being used for fish cultivation. Synergy between th two depatments I now hold !

I am Secretary of Fisheries too !

Today afternoon, I took charge of Principal Secretary, Fisheries Department. This is in addition to my existing charge of UD

Meeting with Statnding Committee of Parliament on Tuesday last

I attended the meeting with the Committee of Parliament on Minority Affairs. Chief Secretary represented the state govt; I and other secretaries were also there. This was on the 14th Feb, Tuesday.
In the report by UD Department, we indicated that in the 10 towns (other than Kolkata) which had Minority Population more than 20%, the percentage of minority beneficieries in BSUP houses was 22%

Sustainable Cities

I attended the conference on Sustainable Cities yesterday. It was organised by CREDAI and ICC. Besides chairing a technical session and making a presentation myself, I was also present in the inaugural session.
.
There has been two references in today's newspapers: in The Telegraph and Indian Express. The links are as follows:

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110212/jsp/calcutta/story_13568969.jsp

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/bengal-finally-wakes-up-to-frame-its-housing-policy/749189/

IIT Kanpur Seminar on Sewage Treatment through PPP

Finished the ice-cream served in Rajdhani express. I just boarded the Howrah bound Rajdhani express. From Kanpur. I reached IIT today morning itself.
The problem in PPP for urban sectors - unlike Delhi T3 airport, for example - is that revenue earning is poor in fields such as sewage treatment. IIT posed the following model:
Treat sewage as a source of water, like ground water, for instance. Treat it. After a tertiary treatment, the water is clean. Cost is about 1 p per litre. PPP SPV can sell it to Municipalities and they will be refinanced by NGRBA. Municipalities can supply the treated wastewater to bulk industrial consumers, or agriculture or even for ground water recharging.
Sounded interesting.

Govt of India Survey on Women Elected Representatives in Municipalities

I got a DO letter from Govt of India. This stated that a study was done on women elected to urban local bodies  to assess their training needs.
The study is available at:
http://niua.org/Publications/research_studies/Impact_assessment_women_elected_Representatives/Impact%20assessment_summary.pdf
Interesting read

Planning For Environmentally Sustainable Urban Development

Our Urban Development Department today co-hosted with the US Consulate an interactive discussion on Urban Planning today morning, with Dr (Ms) Kristina Ford. The topic was:
Planning For Environmental Sustainable Urban Development
With special reference to challenges brought by increasing urbanization.

It was a refreshing experience, sharing thoughts with experiences drawn from USA & New Orleans and India & West Bengal. Mr P.K.Biswas, Associate Town Planner gave a very good introductory presentation. Dr Ford integrated her talk excellently from where the presentation left.

Key take-aways:
(1) "Smart Growth", "Sustainable Growth" are slogans that may not always communicate well (2) Planners and planning concepts must reach out to a wider audience (3) Besides the objectives, the urban processes through which the future path traverses may need attention too: citizens may have to give up something now to get a green future, for example
* * *
Kristina Ford happens to be the wife of Mr Richard Ford, who inaugurated Kolkata Book Fair in 25th Jan. I went to the book fair yesterday, like every past year since my college days. The White House pavilion reminded me of my visit to Washington in 2005

National Development Committee on UD Postponed

I was to attend a meeting of the NDC's UD Sub Committee today at Vigyan Bhavan, Delhi. It was called off at the last moment. No reasons were given, but I understand that this was because Jaipal Reddy has just gone away and Kamal Nath has taken over yesterday.
I attended a meeting with Secretary, MoEF, GoI on NGRBA at Paryavaran Bhavan, New Delhi

Bonjemari

I am now in Shatabdi express and heading towards Howrah It is 7 pm and hot tomato soup was just served. A little while ago, I visited Bonjemari. This is a site that is close to Maithon / Chittaranjan. An area of 1100 acres has been identified for shifting people in 139 locations that are subsidence-prone due to underground mining.
.
I wished to emphasise that the mini-township must be planned well. It should be sustainable, carbon-friendly and economically vibrant. Onkar Meen (DM Burdwan), CEO ADDA, AEOs, Town Planner (Anindita & Others) were with me.
-
Earlier, I had this very interesting brainstorming session at ADDA House in Asansol where I followed up the tasks assigned to me at Delhi on Affordable Housing. The basic question was: "What can be done to facilitate PPP projects solely for the EWS / LIG category?"
I got some good suggestions. I requested all present to present their views to me by email within a week.

Pension for SJDA like KMDA

I signed the GO stating that Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority staff will be eligible to get pension.

 Earlier, only KMDA staff got it among all 9 Development Authorities of the state.
Other authorities like HDA, ADDA etc do not get pension.
Co-incidentally, Shri Asok Bhattacharya is the Chairman of both authorities.

Loharinag Pala

I attended the first meeting of the NGRBA (Ganga Authority) Steering Committee meeting at North Block Delhi yesterday. I found, for the first time, that Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee who was chairing the meeting, a bit annoyed at Uttarakhand, and even lose his cool for a brief while. The issue was Loharinag Pala.
At Loharinag Pala of Uttarakhand, NTPC was constructing a Hydroelectric Project. There was agitation that this would disturb the environment and the would adversely affect the Ganga river. But work had already started. Govt of Uttarakhand demanded compensation for the stopped project from Govt of India. To this, Pranab Mukherjee reacted sharply. He argued that this would open floodgate where future projects might start without environment clearance and then demand compensation for stopping it due to non-receipt of environmental clearances. He argued that both development and environment should go in parallel and both were joint responsibility of central and state governments and question of compensation cannot arise. A group of secretaries were formed to see if additional electrical power could be made available to Uttarakhand.
.
There was a rare faux pas at the beginning of the meeting. Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde complained that though he was present in the previous meeting of NGRBA presided over by PM, the minutes circulated did not mention his attendance. Shri Jairam Ramesh apologised and promised that revised minutes would be circulated immediately.
***
At 9.30 pm, we met Union FM at his office. He will go to Fulbari in Jalpaiguri district to inaugurate a land custom station.

First Meeting of Task Force on PPP for Affordable Housing

The first meeting of the National Task Force on PPP for Affordable Housing was held today in Delhi. I came out of the PPP seminar at ITC Maurya at 11 am and went to Nirman Bhavan to attend the meet as its member. I outlined the West Bengal experience including JVC/Assisted Sector initiated projects where 50% of the housing stock must be for EWS/LIG. I told of on-line plan sanction in New Town, which basically works on a system of self certification by professionals like registered architects.
.
I was assigned the task of doing an in-depth study as to how Development Authorities can help PPP ventures in getting projects cleared quickly for Affordable Houses to take place in the PPP / Private Mode. The self-certification route is also to be explored more fully. As suggested by Secretary Ms Kiran Dhingra, I think I'll do a case study in ADDA (Asansol Durgapur Development Authority.
.I have a month to do so. 
(Posted at T3 Airport Terminal Delhi: flight to Kolkata delayed by one and a half hour. It will leave at 9.25 pm it seems)

PPP Conclave at Delhi....2

Today was the first of the two-day seminar on PPP at Delhi. It is happening in ITC Maurya. It started at 9.30am and eneded at 7.20 pm: a long but useul day. Pranab Mukherjee and Montek Singh Ahluwalia were there in the inaugural session.
In the panel discussion at the Water Exchange, I made the following points:
(1) Capacity building is a step in right direction. But manpower shortage at ULB levels is also a real problem.
(2) Correct DPR and clear assessment of UfW (Unaccounted-for-Water) is necessary for PPP
(3) Chairpersons of ULBs must be sensitised. Political 'race to the bottom' (water user charges are being made free) must be stopped.
(4) For equity reasons (how will the poor pay water user charges?), PPP for water may succeed better for supplementary quality water supply system coexisting with municipal water system (think of the co-existence of bottled/mineral water and municipal tap water or co-existence of unleaded 'normal' petrol and 'speed' fuel).

Green Modules for New Urban Spaces - Workshop

I attended the workshop at Sonnet today, after being exempted from the High Court where I had to appear first thing in the morning.
 I learnt a lot. Some things that stuck:

(1) We must follow an alternate path for development. We must recognise that the city system is a living organism, and planning must aim to re-inforce the natural fluxes (water, sun, wind etc). For example, streets must be laid keeping wind direction in view.
(2) Walk to work: socially acceptable compact city form must be developed.
(3) Energy efficient, climate resilient city design
(4) Comfort of public space (no rushing from one air conditioned zone to another ac zone in an ac vehicle). Linear green and blue open spaces (I also thought of Shantiniketan's Chhatimtala).
(5) Behaviour change (cycle for poor, car for rich: change mindset)
(6) Freight transport management
(7) RRR (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), PPPP (Public Private people Partnership)
(8) French drain (perforated drainage pipes to allow groundwater recharging) & permeable pavements
(9) Congestion tax to subsidise cycles

I also made a few remarks.
It was a pleasure meeting Jeffry again: I thought what he said made sense. It was gratifying to note that even Dr Johannes Flacke  was in the audience: I knew he'd be flying back to Germany today. Interacting and hearing Prof Misra and other speakers were also great.
* * *
"AMAAR KOLKATA"
In the evening, I was in a lively panel discussion at the Palladium Lounge. It was organised by Young Indians / CII. I remembered that I attended one event of CII/Yi last year too, when I was in the Election Commission. It was great meeting Dr Kedia once again.
This time we talked on Innovations in Urbanisation. I thought it went off well. At the end (after saying a lot of other things including citizen behaviour change, I suggested that we should launch a campaign "Amaar Kolkata" (My Calcutta). I thought it struck a chord with the audience

Planning Seminar in Haldia on Monday

I stayed through the day in the Planning Meet at Haldia on Monday (13th Dec). This was about adoption of scientific methodology for urban land planning (LUDCP).
I liked how Prof TNMajumdar of IIT analysed Haldia's transportation goof-ups. The presentation was clear, logical and concise. Over lunch, I discussed if he could suggest a new road alignment that will open up industrial possibilities and if Durgachak-Haldia can be developed as a bipolar township through a rapid transport (metro rail / Bus rapid transport) link.

 I also became acquainted with Dr Johannes Flacke of ITC University, Netherlands and his work. He told us how ITC is making complex GIS applications fit for citizen consultation through large touch tables ("giant i-phone-like screens"). We agreed over lunch that it'd be a good idea to visit his university if and when I ever visit Netherlands (I'd been to Amsterdam in 2004 on a 2-day visit when I was studying in ENA, France).
Ms Anandita Sengupta, who is doing a research project with Dr Flacke, also made a presentation. The basic idea of mapping vulnerability by judging the hazardousness of an industry (think of Bhopal) and the susceptibility of houses (think of mud houses vs concrete houses) was quite innovative, I thought.
All in all, it was a day very well spent (I left Kolkata at 6.30 am and returned at 8 pm) where I learnt a lot and also presented my views from a macro level, during the inaugural session.

PPP Conclave on Dec 22-23

The Ministry of Finance, Department of Economic Affairs, Govt of India is organising a one day India PPP Conclave followed by an international PPP X-change on 22-23 Dec at Delhi. I've been invited to attend it. I went to the North Block today (in between two meetings at Delhi) and ascertained the details.I'm also likely to be a panel speaker since I'd been the co-ordinator for the report on urban PPP by MoUD earlier.
The event is being organised by DEA in collaboration with Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank. I quote below the objective of the conclave:

"The objective of the conclave is to take stock of developments in the PPP space so far and set course for the future, so that the target of private participation for the XII Plan period, which has tentatively been fixed at US$ 500 billion can be achieved".
* * *
I attended a meeting at the Planning Commission in the morning. Among other things, I told that a Rs. 1,500 cr World Bank project preparation on development of secondary cities is being held up because of the conditionality imposed by World Bank that they would first like legislative action for withdrawal of the Urban Land Ceiling Act.

"Ecologically Sustainable, Economically Productive and Socially Equitable"

I am in the gleaming T3 Delhi Airport now, waiting to board the 8.50pm Jet Airways flight to Kolkata. I drove straight from the venue of the National Conference.
FM Pranab Mukherjee said that our urban strategy should be ecologically sustainable, economically productive and socially equitable. I thought he expressed it quite well.
* * *
Mayor of Kanpur described how the State CM was denuding all Mayors of UP of all authority and role, thus making a mockery of the 74th Constitutional Amendment. This was a little while after someone commented on the dais that capacity building was not a prerequisite for devolution of powers to the Urban Local Bodies: after all, Churchill did not insist on training up India's leaders before granting her independence !
* * *
Many states and cities received awards. I felt a little sad that West Bengal didn't get any. I sort of connected with the Mayor of Raipur who said that she was new but would 'snatch' an award next year. ...But can we?

National Conference on JnNRUM tomorrow

I am in Delhi today. A National Conference on JnNRUM will be inaugurated by Shri Pranab Mukherjee tomorrow. I'll attend. I collected the passes etc. Learnt that they don't allow laptops, mobiles (not surprising) but not even pendrives (rather surprising) inside the auditorium.
* * *
I went to the Planning Commission today. I was told that they had not agreed to the diversion of money from UIG to UIDSSMT. This was proposed earlier by the State Govt.

Bonjemari

I went to Durgapur yesterday. After the review meeting on JnNRUM, I sat with officers and planners of ADDA who are involved in the project for resettlement of subsidence-prone villages. I learnt that a possible site is located at Bomjemari, close to Maithon dam (pic on left) near Jharkhand border. About 2-3 lakh people will be rehabilited at this and other locations. Although it is a long-term project, calling for huge resources over the years, I talked about things that we may take into consideration while making plans for the new town.

It is not often that one gets a greenfield town project, especially in a densely populated state like West Bengal. I urged the planners to think 'out of the box'. I indicated that our focus now may centre around more green spaces for the children and citizens to move around, taller buildings, more underground utilities and transport hubs (I told them about the Masdar City project in Abu Dhabi), energy and carbon neutrality, optimising wind use and generally looking two or three decades into the future.

I plan to visit the spots next month or so.

***

On my way to Durgapur,  I stopped by to visit the housing project called Rennaissance in Burdwan. The project is a joint venture of BDA (Burdwan Development Authority). I saw two model houses (pic at right) and quite liked them. I advised them to built in some environment friendly features into the project if possible.

National Aquatic Animal of India.

Photo taken today by me at Chandannagar

I saw the National Aquatic Animal today.
This was in Bansberia.
I was in course of a day-long tour of inspection of ongoing works under the NGRBA (National Ganga River Basin Authority). We will have a formal review meeting on Monday in Kolkata. Before this, I thought I'll see a few projects myself. I set out with my officers (Mr Chunar De and others) in the morning. Around noon, as I was in the developed riverfront at Bansberia, I spotted a Dolphin. Government of India has recently declared Ganga Dolphin as the National Aquatic Animal. The Ganga Dolphin is greatly under threat from extinction. I quote below some relevant information (the link follows):
***
In India, the Ganges River Dolphin is threatened by river water pollution and
siltation, accidental entanglement in fishing nets, and poaching for their oil. In
addition, alterations to the rivers in the form of barrages and dams are separating
populations.

Just as the Tiger represents the health of the forest, just as the Snow Leopard
represents the health of the mountainous regions, and the Cheetah, the health of
grasslands, the presence of the Dolphin in a river system signals its good health and
biodiversity.
http://moef.nic.in/modules/recent-initiatives/NGRBA/Dolphins_press_n.pdf
***

Regional Seminar on Habitat

I attended the Regional Seminar on Housing and Habitat Policy yesterday. 18 states were invited but not many could make it. The Andhra experience seemed interesting: they had been making pucca houses in slums even though land ownership did not vest with the occupier.

Secretary (MA) Andhra Pradesh stated that South Africa and Australia had done great work in controlling street vendors. I supported his suggestion to GoI that a study tour with representatives from states may be organised to these countries.

Joint Secretary GoI MoHUPA Mr Singh requested that like Rajasthan and few other states, others may also frame a State Policy on Habitat and Housing. I think I'll initiate a note soon.

Interview with Michaef Scharff of Princeton University

Michael Scharff is a Senior Research Specialist of the Princeton University, USA. He is doing a project called "Innovations for Successful Societies". He met me at my office yesterday and we talked at length about how we did Vulnerability Mapping of polling stations in the General Elections in 2009. The audio interview was recorded on a hard disc and I signed a form saying that I didn't have any objection to the interview being used by Michael's work.
We are scheduled to meet again on Friday.

Draft Outdoor Advertising Policy

I held a meeting today with the Planning Unit of KMDA and others including police, HIDCO, PWD etc to frame a policy for regulating outdoor advertisements in Kolkata.
A detailed draft was presented by the planners. I remarked that this should conform to KMC Act, Municipal Act, NHAI Act, KoPT Act etc which may have overlapping jurisdictions. But we all agreed that visula pollution should be contained in a fair manner.
 It was gratifying to note that a beginning has been made.

Singapore Visit

I'm writing this from the Singapore Airport lounge of Singapore Airlines. It is 7.40pm now and the boarding will start within an hour. Should reach Kolkata by 10.40 pm today.

The visit sponsored by the World Bank was very useful. I was amazed how a city-country only 700 sq km (max 43 km one way) can develop so well. In course of our interaction with their agencies, I saw in photos and presentations how things were just as bad as in India in the 70s - Singapore was independent in 1965 - and it is amazing to see how they are now. My last fortnight's memory of Boston / New York is almost merging with that of Singapore.

What are the take-aways from this visit? To my mind, it is this: there is no short cut, but if there is a will to undertake a longish journey, then we can too.

Minor headway in planning commission

In Delhi today. Visited Planning Commission (Yojana Bhavan) thrice. Couldn't meet Member-Secretary. Emails didnt work. Telephones didnt establish contact. But she herself had asked me to contact her on 2nd Nov morning after me and minister met her with prior appointment on 1st Nov. Earlier, even the minister had to once return without meeting her despite appointment.

At 6 pm, met Joint Secretay. Took long to convince him to take a look at our proposal of augmenting funds to UIDSSMT. Let's wait further

National Meet on Ganga by PM

Just back from meeting that took place at 7 Race Course Road, New Delhi - the Prime Minister's

residence. The meeting was chaired by Dr Manmohan Singh, PM who is also the Chairman of NGRBA (National Ganga River Basin Authority). It started at 6 pm and ended at around 7.30 pm today. Security is immense and despite my name being given to them, I was asked to get down from the Banga Bhavan official car, frisked and taken by another car to the venue, counterchecks at all transits by security. .The hall was quite big: I think there were 40 or more seated in a rectangular formation. PM was hearing athe blue turban and black half jacket and white shirt. He also had a pencil in hand and made occasional notes. To his right sat Pranab Mukherjee, and to his left Union Power Minister and Union Urban Dev Minister. Dy Chairman Planning Commission and Jairam Ramesh were also there. On behalf of CM West Bengal, Shri Asok Bhattacharya spoke. CM / Ministers of other states also spoke and so did the non-official members.
PM extended the meeting by about half an hour to allow the non-official members to have their say.
This was my first face to face meeting with PM. I, however, did not speak.

Leadership, according to Harvard

"Leadership is the activity of mobilising people to confront and productively address problematic realities for the purpose of improving the human conditions"
-Harvard Business School's Defifinition in "leadership for the 21st Century", Harvard, USA 17-22 Oct 2010

Changing colours in Maple Trees, Harvard

"Ten Angry Men"

Yesterday at Harvard, there was this amazing session on how to deal with a group and how even one person can reverse the majority opinion by adopting suitable strategy. The movie was interrupted frequently with comments and discussions and analyses with expert and pecise handling by the Professor.

 A great way to learn.

(Pic shows Harvard Law School Campus where I'm staying)

World Habitat Day

The first Monday of every October is celebrated as the World Habitat Day by the UN. That day was yesterday. The event was held in Sisir Mancha. The Vice Chancellor of BESU delivered the key address.

Nomination for Two Week Training at JFK School, Harvard University

Today morning I got a formal communication from Department of Personnel and Training, Govt of India that I have been nominated to attend the following courses at JFK School, Harvard University, USA:
(1)  Mastering Negotiation: Building Agreement across Boundaries (10-15 Oct 2010)
(2) Leadership for the 21st Century; Chaos, Conflict (17-22 Oct 2010)
Along with me, 3 others have also been nominated including Vandana Krishna, my batch-mate in Maharashtra.
There are now the innumerable procedures of Visa, ticketing, state govt clearance, MEA political clearance etc.
* * *
Deepak has been helping me a lot. Alapan also helped me.  So did Atanu Palodhi. Thanks to all of you.  I hope I am able to make it. I would dearly wish so.
***
Yesterday, I got myself photographed for visa: since application is done on-line, I didn't take any print-out but took the photo in my pen-drive. Here it is:

.

Ayodhya Verdict & CS Farewell

Yesterday, the proceedings of MA Department at Sisir Mancha were terminated prematurely (by lunchtime) as the Ayodhya verdict was to be delivered later in the afternoon.
* * *
The IAS Association gave farewell to outgoing Chief Secretary. I joined the contributory lunch at the Palladium.
 * * *
I got this telephonic information yesterday afternoon from the Director DoPT, GoI about a possible 2-week training at Harvard University from 10th October. My office kept in touch with them today - but no communication was received till evening.
* * *