Ground Report: Just 20 km From Siliguri, Naxalbari’s Gramoni Village Still Awaits Development Gramoni village, located just 20 kilometers from Siliguri—one of North Bengal’s urban centers—remains a stark example of persistent socio-economic neglect despite its proximity to a developed region. Predominantly inhabited by Adivasi communities, the village faces systemic challenges that have persisted for years, with residents expressing frustration over the lack of basic amenities, inadequate housing, and minimal political attention. The village, situated along the Chenga River, is also vulnerable to environmental threats, including annual land erosion that jeopardizes homes and livelihoods. The village’s strategic location near tea gardens and its significance as an electoral constituency have drawn political attention, particularly as elections approach. However, residents argue that this visibility has not translated into tangible improvements. Political party flags are visible throughout the area, but villagers say leaders have failed to address their needs. Pushpa Pahargoomia, a local resident, highlighted the community’s struggle: “We need a leader from our own community, someone from our village. When the Adivasi Bikash Parishad was formed, we hoped leadership would emerge from within. But once leaders come up, they align with political parties and stop representing us. They don’t take our views into account. Tell us, whom should we vote for? Nobody remembers us except during elections.” The recent visit of President Droupadi Murmu to North Bengal further underscored the disconnect between political figures and the village’s realities. Many women in Gramoni expressed disappointment that no outreach efforts were made to their community.#droupadi_murmu #gramoni_village #siliguri #adivasi_bikash_parishad #chenga_river
Ashirwad Takes Charge as Collector, Focuses on Administrative Review and Priorities Nagpur: IAS officer Kumar Ashirwad assumed his role as Nagpur district collector on Monday, succeeding Vipin Itankar. His first official actions included convening a meeting with department heads to evaluate ongoing schemes, administrative functions, and key initiatives. Ashirwad also conducted a tour of the district collectorate, visiting various departments to engage directly with officials and staff. This hands-on approach aimed to understand internal workflows and ensure seamless governance. A key focus of his initial tenure was preparing for the upcoming visit of President Droupadi Murmu, scheduled for April 15 and 16. The President is set to attend programs at the National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT) and AIIMS in Nagpur. Ashirwad assessed security, logistical arrangements, and inter-departmental coordination, issuing clear directives to ensure the event’s success. Outlining his immediate priorities, Ashirwad emphasized the next three to four weeks would be dedicated to gaining a comprehensive understanding of Nagpur’s administrative structure. He plans to meet elected representatives, industrial stakeholders, and social organizations to align his initiatives with local needs. This strategy reflects his commitment to fostering collaboration between the administration and community leaders. Ashirwad, an IIT Kharagpur graduate in civil engineering, was born in 1988 in Jharkhand and joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 2016 as part of the Maharashtra cadre. His career has spanned multiple administrative roles, including assistant collector, collector, and CEO of Zilla Parishad. His leadership in Gadchiroli as ZP CEO was marked by innovative programs in education and child nutrition.#droupadi_murmu #nagpur_district #kumar_ashirwad #national_academy_of_direct_taxes #aiims_nagpur
Amravati ex-mayor Kiran Mahalle appointed NCBC member President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Kiran Mahalle, the former mayor of Amravati and a senior BJP leader, as a member of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) in New Delhi. Mahalle, who has held prominent roles within the BJP, including leadership positions in the Maharashtra BJP Mahila Morcha and as state secretary, has been actively engaged in social work across the Vidarbha region through her association with Rajaram Pratishthan. Her efforts have focused on advancing women's empowerment, social justice, and regional development. Known for her strong public engagement and dedication to marginalized communities, Mahalle has emerged as a prominent voice for backward classes and socially disadvantaged groups. Her appointment to the NCBC underscores her commitment to addressing systemic inequalities and promoting inclusive growth. The commission, which advises the government on policies related to backward classes, aims to ensure equitable opportunities for historically marginalized sections of society. Mahalle’s political career has been marked by her advocacy for grassroots issues, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas of Maharashtra. Her work with Rajaram Pratishthan has included initiatives to improve education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for underprivileged communities. Colleagues and activists describe her as a leader who bridges the gap between policy and local needs, often prioritizing community welfare over political expediency. The NCBC’s role in shaping affirmative action policies has been a subject of debate, with critics arguing for greater transparency in its recommendations.#droupadi_murmu #kiran_mahalle #national_commission_for_backward_classes #rajaram_pratishthan #maharashtra_bjp_mahila_morcha
Bengal's Tribal and SC/ST Votes In Spotlight as BJP Ramps Up Outreach Amid President Protocol Row Amid growing pre-election tensions in West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its efforts to engage with tribal communities and Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) voters, particularly in North Bengal, where these groups constitute a significant portion of the electorate. The party’s strategy includes leveraging the symbolic presence of President Droupadi Murmu, whose visit to the state has been framed as a gesture of solidarity with marginalized communities. This move comes amid ongoing debates over protocol, as the Chief Minister’s office asserted that the arrangements for the presidential visit adhered to established guidelines. However, the political discourse surrounding the event has sparked discussions about the BJP’s attempts to consolidate support in regions historically dominated by the ruling Trinamool Congress. The focus on tribal and SC/ST votes is seen as a critical factor in determining the outcome of the upcoming Assembly elections. Analysts suggest that these communities, which have traditionally been underrepresented in political power, could play a decisive role in key constituencies. With the BJP seeking to expand its influence beyond urban centers, its outreach efforts are aimed at addressing longstanding grievances and building trust in rural and semi-urban areas. The party’s campaign has emphasized development initiatives and welfare schemes tailored to these groups, though critics argue that such efforts are often superficial and lack concrete implementation. The political landscape in West Bengal remains highly competitive, with the Trinamool Congress relying on its stronghold in urban areas and the BJP targeting rural constituencies.#west_bengal #bjp #droupadi_murmu #trinamool_congress #president_protocol_row
Letters to The Editor — March 10, 2026 The Prime Minister’s recent remarks about the alleged shortcomings of the West Bengal government in organizing the International Santal Conference have sparked debate. The comments, reportedly made during election speeches, followed President Droupadi Murmu’s expressed disappointment over the arrangements for her visit. Critics argue that the Prime Minister’s focus on this issue raises questions about the adequacy of advance notice provided to the West Bengal government. Additionally, concerns have been raised about protocol breaches involving sudden changes in the appointment of Governors in certain states, with doubts about whether Chief Ministers were sufficiently informed or consulted. These incidents are seen as indicative of growing tensions between the central government and state administrations within an increasingly fragmented federal structure. The West Bengal government’s response to the criticism has been met with skepticism. Given the symbolic importance of the President’s role, the circumstances surrounding the arrangements for her visit warrant thorough examination. The lack of clarity about the government’s preparedness has prompted calls for a detailed explanation of the events. The recent increase in LPG prices has caused distress for households, but broader economic factors must also be considered. Tensions in West Asia have disrupted global supply chains, and India’s reliance on imported LPG has made it vulnerable to price fluctuations. While the price hike is unwelcome, analysts note that the adjustment remains relatively modest compared to the scale of international disruptions. Domestic supply chains, however, have remained stable, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential fuel.#prime_minister #west_bengal_government #droupadi_murmu #international_santal_conference #lpg_prices
President Murmu Criticizes West Bengal Government Ahead of Elections President Droupadi Murmu criticized the West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a tribal community event in north Bengal, questioning whether development for indigenous communities was being prioritized. Murmu noted that neither Banerjee nor any of her ministers had attended to greet her during her visit, a gesture she described as disrespectful. She also raised concerns about the relocation of the International Santal Conference from Bidhannagar to Goshaipur, citing low turnout at the latter venue. Murmu accused the state administration of undermining the event, stating, “I do not know why the state administration did not allow the meeting there. There is ample space. I am also a daughter of Bengal. Mamata Banerjee is like my younger sister. I do not know whether she is upset, which is why the programme was held there (in Goshaipur). But that does not matter. All of you stay well.” She emphasized that while the central government had invested in tribal development, the Bengal administration had failed to deliver tangible progress. The President questioned whether development and facilities were reaching tribal communities, suggesting that some efforts might be obstructed. “I think some people are being stopped from coming here (to this event)... Maybe some people don’t want the Santals to unite, progress, be educated and gain strength,” she said, expressing disappointment over the perceived neglect of tribal empowerment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah echoed Murmu’s criticism, condemning the West Bengal government for its “anarchic behaviour” and “glaring disregard for protocol.#mamata_banerjee #droupadi_murmu #trinamool_congress #bidhannagar #goshaipur
Rashtrapati Bhavan Adjusts Change of Guard Ceremony to New Summer Timing President Droupadi Murmu’s ceremonial guard-changing ritual at Rashtrapati Bhavan will now take place from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. during summer hours, beginning this Saturday, March 7, as announced by the President’s office. The adjustment marks a shift in the timing of the event, which has traditionally been held at a different hour. The ceremony, held every Saturday on the Forecourt—excluding gazetted holidays—features a 50-minute spectacle that requires ₹50 non-refundable, non-transferable online registration per visitor. The event begins with the playing of ceremonial band tunes, followed by the arrival of the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) horsemen from the South Court and a platoon of Gorkha Rifles marching into the area. During the ceremony, new and old guards undergo inspection, exchange salutes, and formally hand over duties before a national salute is rendered. A key highlight of the event is the dazzling equestrian display by the PBG, which precedes the playing of the National Anthem. The ceremony unfolds against the backdrop of Rashtrapati Bhavan’s grand architecture, manicured lawns, and the disciplined presence of troops, symbolizing India’s military heritage, precision, and valor. The change in timing is part of an effort to align the event with summer schedules, ensuring optimal visibility and comfort for attendees. The President’s office confirmed the adjustment on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the tradition while adapting to seasonal considerations. The ceremony remains a significant public event, drawing visitors eager to witness the blend of military tradition and ceremonial grandeur.#rashtrapati_bhavan #forecourt #droupadi_murmu #president_s_office #pb_gorkha_rifles
New Governors Appointed in Multiple States, CV Anand Bose Resigns The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, has appointed new governors for several states and accepted the resignation of CV Anand Bose, who had resigned from his position as the governor of West Bengal. Bose's resignation was accepted, and RN Ravi has been appointed as the new governor of West Bengal. According to information from the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Shiv Pratap Shukla, the governor of Himachal Pradesh, has been appointed as the governor of Telangana. The current governor of Telangana, Jishnu Dev Verma, will now serve as the governor of Maharashtra. Nand Kishore Yadav has been appointed as the governor of Nagaland, and retired Lieutenant General (retd) Syed Ata Hasanain has been named the governor of Bihar. A statement from the Rashtrapati Bhavan also mentioned that Vinay Kumar Saksena has been appointed as the deputy governor of Ladakh, taking over from Kavinder Gupta, who has been appointed as the governor of Himachal Pradesh. Additionally, Tarunjeet Singh Sandhu has been appointed as the deputy governor of Delhi. The statement further noted that Rajendra Vishwanath Aralkar, the governor of Kerala, has been assigned additional charge of Tamil Nadu. The article also highlights that the 'Unveiling Deforestation Alert System' (Unveiling Deforestation Alert System), a monitoring tool used by the Indian Forest Service (FSI) to track deforestation, has been suspended. This system provided states with information on forest area reduction every 15 days since January 2024. However, data updates have been halted since November 2025. Officials stated that this was a pilot project, and feedback is being collected. Between January 2024 and October 2025, 12,351 alerts were sent.#droupadi_murmu #cv_anand_bose #rn_ravi #shiv_pratap_shukla #jishnu_dev_verma
