The New Nation - Internet Edition

ALTHOUGH the manufacture of electronic gadgets in the country has long been considered unprofitable because the size of the local market has been viewed as too small to consume bulk of production, this argument does not seem applicable to the present mobile phone market. The number of mobile phone connections in the country is estimated to have crossed 40 million. During the last couple of years, the mobile phone market showed a phenomenal rate of expansion. According to a media report, the market expanded 138 percent in 2005 and 90 percent in 2006. The mobile phone operators are reported to have been expecting 100 percent expansion in 2007.

The use of mobile phones has revolutionised the telecommunication system in the country. Now huge number of people use mobile phones because of expansion of their network to remote corners of the country on the one hand and cheap rates of calls on the other. During the last few years, users of mobile phones have increased in number at geometric rates. It has generated huge revenue income for the government and the rapid growth of the market is expected to bring more. The mobile phone companies have also created new employment opportunities. Efforts are there to involve the telecommunication companies in the capital market. Introduction of mobile phones has accelerated business transaction and economic activities in the country. To cater to the needs of the expanding market, cannot mobile sets and accessories be manufactured or assembled instead of being imported? It is a potential sector for investment. The government should encourage the business community to take initiatives to produce them locally. Speakers at the opening ceremony of the Second International Mobile Phone Fair - 2007 in the city urged the government to formulate a unified policy to establish order in the mobile phone business.

Mobile phones have brought easy modes of communication but, at the same time, they have given rise to some dangers of health hazards. Regulatory laws and rules have then become urgent to check health threat posed by discarded mobile sets and batteries. Some components of mobile phone sets are radioactive. The batteries used in mobile sets contain highly toxic and carcinogenic chemicals. The sets or their batteries go out of order after continuous use and are discarded. If 40 million discarded batteries are thrown like household waste anywhere every two years, those will pose a real threat to the environment. Chemicals from discarded batteries will degrade soil and poison water. The people must be made aware of the health risks. The dealers and retailers must be required to take back the discarded batteries and mobile sets at the time of selling new ones so that they can ensure their safe disposal. If they fail to do so they should be punished. Laws must be enacted and enforced strictly to protect the environment from degradation by these new pollutants.

ACCURATE statistics form the basis for planning, be it for the government, the private sector or the individual. Flawed statistics lead to wrong decision making-including vital ones involving expenditure and investment-leading to undesirable outcome. Therefore, it is extremely important to ensure the accuracy and reliability of statistics. For example, spendings and devising of strategies for the population control programme will depend on obtaining correct statistics from the field such as the fertility, the rate of acceptance rate of the planned parenthood and contraceptive methods, the availability of services required for family planning. Only if the statistical details about these phenomena are properly established, then policy planners would be in a position to make realistic plans. But the outcome can be otherwise causing serious failures if one has to design the programme based on unreliable statistics.

A company in the private sector wishing to start a new business must be able to rely on its market studies about the demand for the product it wishes to introduce, the position or market shares of competitors in the field, and the like, to be able to successfully launch the product. The entrepreneur not only relies for the information at the pre-launch stage on his own investigation but also from official data and information sources if the same are available. Hence the imperative that data generated should be precise and reflect the real situation. If this does not happen and the investment decision is taken on the basis of inaccurate data, then failure of the business would be quite certain. Whatever the field, the importance of collating dependable information and statistics, cannot be ignored for the sake of optimum economic performance. But statistical accuracy continues to be a fault-ridden exercise in Bangladesh.

The central official body for collecting statistics, the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) prepares statistical information for use by the government in different spheres. But the same are then found to be in conflict with data gathered by other government agencies or organisations. This discrepancy painfully shows up the general problem of depending on statistical information and the hazards involved in acting on the strength of such information. Clearly, therefore, the entire statistics preparation procedures at the levels of the government and the private sector, need to be made very efficient. The skills to be improved should encompass not only upgrading of individual competence. This must essentially also include areas such as creating wider and representative samples from where these would be seen as rightly justified for proper data collection. The quality of BBS data is believed to have improved somewhat after years of trials and errors. But there are only a few sectors for which the official data can be taken as accurate. Efforts should be made to ensure the BBS is accurate in its statistics for most of the sectors it covers.

Md. Masum Billah

Just like sidr Yaba has also shaken a particular section of youngsters representing the serous moral degradation of the society. Its force and fury stands not less than sidr which demolished the southern belt of the country representing destructive natural force. Yaba also demolished the morality of our youngsters whose bright future has been turned into dark, quite dark. Now let us see the origin, causes and possible remedies of Yaba conundrum. The Nazis manufactured this tiny but stormy pill to keep their troops awake for days which has found its place among the rich and well-to do youngsters in Bangladesh though it has been banned across the globe. Its ugly touch has vitiated the most formative section of the citizens of our country.

Drugs of whatever kind have immense influence, particularly on youngsters who easily fall into trap of the drug demos. Yaba addicts suffer from episodes of violent behaviors along with other physical and mental disorders. It has more hallucinogenic effect than heroine. Yaba damages the small blood vessels in the brain, leading to stroke.

The bad effect of yaba causes severe depression and rouses the desire to suicide. In one word this tiny red pill does wonders to the mind and body of humans.The yaba addiction leads the society towards imbalance as the addicts can cause any crime showing the thumb to the law enforcers.

The ugly politics, loose law enforcing situation, hooking up wealthy and powerful section to this malady have caused its spread dangerously. Yaba, as if appears has replaced other drugs as the favoured social lubricant among affluent urban Bangladesh. Who largely view this drug as recreational and sex stimulating tonic. They mean sex as the most physical enjoyment This kind of drug has become popular among the affluent section of people who can easily pocket the law enforcers and Narcotic Department. It can be said that it is a lucky moment for the country to nab the criminals related to yaba.

The following incidents reflect dangerous and harrowing picture of yaba and other drugs and drug business running in the this mega city which is already troubled with various crimes, traffic jams and increasing number of slums proclaiming not only the grim poverty but also the dens of crimes and criminals. Acting on the information gathered from the arrestees RAB raided a yaba factory in Gulshan on October 25 and seized 1.3 lakh yaba tablets worth over taka 4 crore. As one confession made to RAB by the arrestees reveals there are about one thousand dealers in the country and one is led to believe that there may be about several lakh high society people and young kids belonging to the wealthy sections hooked to such killing drugs .

They also seized 5000 ice pills phenidyl and foreign liquor worth taka 46 lakh.An open market for drugs appeared in the Daily Star on December 3,2007. ' It is virtually an open market for drugs.

Several hundred people most of them are drug users, every day visit the market an open field surrounded by sanities in Agargaon in the capital. A source of the Detective Branch of Department of Narcotics Control says everyday around three kilograms of heroin worth about three crore taka is sold out form a single spot at BNP slum in West Agargaon.

A team of plainclothes RAB on November 7 came under attack by the drug peddlers when they raided a house to recover heroin.Two RAB members -capt. Shariful Alam and sub-inspector Shahjahan suffered injuries as around 150 drug peddlers armed with stones, stick and iron rods attacked the elite force.

The godfathers engage paid and drug addicted people as guard in different important points of the city to avoid any kind of attack or arrest by the law enforcers. It is interesting enough that the immoral law enforcers and members of Narcotics Departments regularly earn a fat amount of money from the drug peddlers and this is the main reason for which it stands almost impossible to eliminate this evil from the society. Who will look and control whom?

I get astonished to think that the number of mosques is increasing. The whole city of Dhaka witnesses thousands of mosques and the mussulies also is increasing. Every Friday and in the month of Ramadan it is awfully difficult to make room in the mosque but the number of crimes in every sector is also increasing vying with these religious organizations.

My question is what is the role of these religious leaders who preach millions of people every Friday? Does it not have any tangible effect on human particularly young minds? These religious leaders must be aware of the modern social problems and find out the solutions in the light of reasonable and practical examples and ideas.

Only preaching on the basis of old histories of Islam cannot allure the people to throng in the mosque and religious gathering. One cannot but be astonished to witness that the preacher of the mosque where I offer my jumma prayer did not utter even a single word about sidr just the next Friday sidr hit the southern part of the country. He just preached some old and known histories or stories of Islam. Is it enough to play the part to boost up the morality of the youngsters?

The young register the vitality of a nation. They are the arteries of a nation. When they become morally weak and damaged, the nation must be crippled. The city of Dhaka poorly and the most indecent way accommodates many slums where the poorest and the hapless human creatures huddle with the least possible necessities of humans. The youngsters should know how to extend their possible helping hands towards them to alleviate their cruel poverty.

The educational institutional of all kinds show their mushroom growth and the kids of higher middle class and wealthy section gather around the fashionable ones. But what they learn where the hapless condition of the motherland cannot touch their heart? When the education fails to make them feel the chill penury of the millions cannot be termed as real education. This section remains unaware of the poor social state of the nation.

Parents must take the account of their children where and how they spend their time. Educational institutions cannot evade the responsibility of building up the morality of the learners. Utmost care and effort must be made to make the moral upliftment of the students. Teachers' duty does not confine only to taking class and giving home work. In the broader perspective of nation building activities, teachers must take the front stage otherwise the young generation must plunge into the ocean of ruins.

(The writer works as a specialist in BRAC Education Programme,PACE and regularly writes on national and international issues.)

Dinesh Kumar Mishra

There is good news from the relief front from Bihar this year and that is definitely a healthy sign for future. It is there because for many years in the past, the relief scene used to be chaotic and 2004 flood relief scandal was the logical end of the goings on in relief distribution. A slight change for the better is greeted with cheers from all quarters. Providing relief is a state subject and the Central Government helps the states in some ways in managing relief to the flood victims. Twelfth Finance Commission has revised the standards set for relief under Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) and recommended it to be effective from June this year (2007). It is intended to glance through the relief operations in Bihar in the backdrop of standards and recommendations set by the Government.

Government of Bihar submitted a memorandum for assistance to the Central Government on 28th August 2007. By that time 9939 villages in 225 blocks of 20 districts with a population of 20.4 million was hit by floods. GoB anticipated that by the time the floods are over, some 25 million people would be hit by the current floods. Some 515 persons were killed in the floods (projected 600), 512,000 houses were destroyed (projected 6 lakhs) and standing crops over 16.4 lakh hectares was submerged till then. Besides, there was an extensive damage to National and State Highways, breaches in embankments, damage to health infrastructure, industries, fisheries, energy and cattle. GoB had put its losses at Rs 8000 Crores and requested the Government of India GoI for immediate help. Of the requested amount, over half the demand (Rs. 4,130 Crores) was from the Disaster Management Department (DMD) of the state to cover the costs of food assistance ( @ one quintal wheat/ rice for estimated 6 lakh families), house rebuilding grant, distribution of polythene sheets, emergency cooked food and deployment of helicopters etc. The other departments of the state have put their demands separately.

At the time of writing this article (23rd November 07) the floods have hit 12,610 villages spread over 22 districts affecting a population of 24.8 million. Standing crops over 16.63 lakh hectares has been hit by flood that has affected 16.13 lakh animals killing 1006 of them. Over 730,421 houses have been destroyed and 960 persons have lost their lives in this year's flood according to the information received so far. Obviously, the damage is much more than what was anticipated on the 28th August and the memorandum that was sent to the GoI will have to be revised.

Before analyzing the quantum of relief that has gone into the flood hit area of Bihar this year, let us glance through the provisions of CRF. The general recommendations suggest that a flood victim would be entitled to, A compensation of Rs. One lakh to the next of kin for every deceased person subject to certification by a competent authority.

Compensation packages for fully damaged pucca house- Rs 25,000/-, Fully damaged kachcha house - Rs. 10,000/-, Severely damaged pucca house Rs 5,000/-, Severely damaged Kachcha house - Rs 2,500/-, Partially damaged pucca and kachcha house - Rs 1,500/-, Hut- Rs 2,000/-

Compensation of Rs 35,000/- to any person injuring his eyes / limbs with damage between 40 to 75 per cent. Beyond that the compensation would be Rs 50,000/-

Compensation for grievous Injury with hospitalization up to one week - Rs. 2,500/-. For hospitalization of more than a week, the compensation would be Rs. 7,500/-

Lost clothing and utensils Rs 1,000/- per family.

Immediate sustenance - Rs. 20/- per adult per day and Rs. 15/ per child per day for 15 days. This can be extended to 30 days in case of extreme situation.

Rs 2/- per day per infant for additional nutrition as per ICDS norms for a maximum period of 30 days.

De-silting of agricultural land with minimum sand casting depth of 3 inches - Rs. 6,000/- per hectare for small and marginal farmers.

Renovation of Fish Farm - Rs 6,000/-

Land lost due to changing course of rivers Rs. 15,000/- per hectare subject to establishing the ownership.

An agricultural input subsidy of Rs. 2,000/- for small and marginal farmers in rain fed areas and Rs. 4,000/- per hectare in assured irrigation areas. Rs. 6,000/- agriculture input subsidy for perennial crop. These benefits are also available to other farmers with a ceiling of one hectare.

Subsidy for cattle lost as under (a) Milch Cattle like buffalo, cow and camel Rs 10,000/-, (b) Draught Animal like Camel, horse or bullock Rs 10,000/-, (c) Calf/ Donkey and Pony - Rs. 5,000/- and (d) Sheep / Goats Rs. 1,000/-, Birds - Rs 30/ per bird.

Fishermen loosing their traditional craft, Partly - Rs 2,500/- +net; Fully Rs 7,500/- +Net.

Besides, there are various other provisions that a flood victim is entitled to.

Similar assistance is available for other artisans like weavers etc subject to certification from the competent authority.

Let us glance through what has been done on the relief front in Bihar till date (22nd November 2007). Grains (38,86,896 Qtls) have been distributed so far while the flood hit families would be around 50 lakhs. If the floods hit the people in the month of July and it was expected from the Government that it would feed the flood victims for about a month, it is obvious that the grains did not reach all and also it never reached them in time. Many families must have been forced to arrange food for themselves. Despite this, one must appreciate the effort of the Government because reaching grains to so many people was, probably, never done in past. It has asked Rs. 945 Crores from the Center under this head. GoB had further asked the Center a sum of Rs 60 Crore for ex-gratia payment to those families who had lost their family members (projected 600) in this flood. GoB has paid additional Rs 50,000/- to every such family from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund which is a welcome deviation from the past.

The Government suggests that it has distributed 3,77,707 numbers of polythene sheets to the flood victims till date and it had written to the Center for providing this material to 40 per cent of the flood hit families, which according to its own submission should have been around 2 million. Assuming that all the NGOs put together might have distributed another 75,000 sheets (it is an ambitious estimate), those given polythene sheets may not number more than 4.5 lakhs. This number is less than 10 per cent of the affected families and it implies that nearly 1.5 million families must have braved floods under open sky amidst heavy rains that continued almost till the middle of September.

For emergency expenses (Rs 20/- per adult and Rs 15/- per child) that a person is entitled for, GoB has so far paid Rs. 84.05 Crores against a demand of Rs. 1105 Crores made to the Center. This is just about 8 per cent of the requirement. Further, the GoB had asked for resources for rebuilding 4.8 lakh houses ( assuming 80 per cent houses of the six lakh damaged houses are kachcha and belong to poor) but the number of damaged houses has gone up from an estimated number of 6 lakhs to over 7.3 lakhs. GoB had proposed that the sum of Rs 10,000/- that was to be given to each family under this head be coupled with the provision of Rs 25,000/- available under Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) and rebuild better houses for Rs 35,000/- which would be better suited to bear floods in future. Unfortunately, the state has provisions for building only 60,000 houses under IAY. This would mean that nearly 5.84 lakh houses will be left uncared for. GoB proposes to tap resources from other departments to reduce the burden. Only time will tell how many houses are finally constructed. It must also be noted that all such houses cannot be built in North Bihar alone as the poor live in South Bihar too.

As far as CRF is concerned, there are no unlimited funds available with it. In the past five years Bihar has received only Rs.123.66 Crores in 2000-01, Rs. 129.84 in 2001-02, Rs. 136.33 Crores in 2002-03, Rs. 143.15 Crores in 2003-04 and Rs. 150.30 Crores in 2004-05. GoB is supposed to add 25 per cent more to this sum to claim the Central assistance. One can well imagine the gap that exists between the available small funds to the tune of Rs. 150 Crores against a demand of Rs. 8,000 Crores. Some money may be available through the channels of National Calamity Contingencies Fund (NCCF) but that too is drop in the ocean. The rest will have to be borne by the state Government or by the affected family itself. GoB asserts that it has spent all the money that it had with it (Rs. 850 Crores) to meet the flood disaster this year and it has further spent a sum of Rs. 250 Crores from other sources and has no money left to do any relief any more unless some help pours in from outside. The Chief Minister has requested the Center to allocate funds for that but such requests have a history of getting ignored.

(Dinesh Kumar Mishra is the convener, Barh Mukti Abhiyan, Road No: 6B Rajiv Nagar, Patna, Bihar)