IGNOU opens new study centre

 

COOCH BEHAR, July 11: A new study centre of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) was launched at Bhetaguri Lal Bahahur Shastri Vidyapith (BLBSV) of Dinhata in Cooch Behar district during the ongoing academic session (2007-2008). Headmaster of the BLBSV Md Majibar Rahman said the new IGNOU study centre will offer courses like BA (Pass and Honours) in Hindi, English, History, Political Science, Economics, Public Administration and Sociology, BCom and Certificate in Tourism Studies (CTS). The centre became functional from 1 July, the headmaster said.

 

Bhetaguri Lal Bahadur Shastri Vidyapith is a renowned higher secondary school in Dinhata sub-division. As a co-educational school it is serving for a long to help the students especially from rural areas to continue their studies. It may be mentioned here that the first IGNOU study centre in Cooch Behar district was established at ABN Seal College. To meet the growing demand for higher studies the new study centre was opened at Bhetaguri. []

 

Trade bandh observed

 

COOCH BEHAR, July 11: The 12-hour trade bandh called by Trinamul Congress was observed peacefully in Cooch Behar today. No untoward incident was reported from anywhere during the day. Trinamul Congress called the bandh to protest against the civic body's drive against illegal encroachers in the town. Shops and markets were found closed during the bandh. Trinamul supporters took out processions in the town in favour of the bandh.

 

District Trinamul Congress president Mr Rabindra Nath Ghosh said the district administration and Cooch Behar Municipality jointly started eviction drive on and from 18 June to drive out the poor footpath hawkers who has no other means to survive. A number of residences were also demolished without serving any prior notice to the owners during the drive, he alleged. The demolition was conducted based on what measurement is a mystery to all. Already an affected trader died and two hawkers tried to commit suicide. "We called the 12-hour trade bandh demanding rehabilitation measures and compensation to the affected hawkers", Mr Ghosh said. He threatened that Trinamul Congress supporters will have to set fire to the bulldozers if the authorities keep mum on the rehabilitation demand. "If necessary we will make the town standstill in the greater interest of the poor hawkers", he threatened.

 

On the otherhand, SUCI affiliated Sangrami Hawkers' Union started a mass hunger strike as a mark of protest against the eviction drive at Power House Choupathi from yesterday. Twenty members of the SHU started fast-unto-death from yesterday and today twenty-five persons are on hunger strike there. The hunger strike will continue till any acceptable assurance comes from the authorities concerned on rehabilitation to the evicted hawkers, SUCI sources declared. []