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May 1, 2025
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STEMpowering Initiative: Project Digital Equalizer to Boost STEM Education in Uttar Pradesh

By
The CSR Journal
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STEMpowering Initiative: Project Digital Equalizer to Boost STEM Education in Uttar Pradesh

Covestro (India) Private Limited is proud to announce the launch of one of its largest CSR initiatives, the STEMpowering, Digital Equalizer Project, in collaboration with the American India Foundation Trust. This transformative initiative, inaugurated today, is designed to bridge the digital divide in under-resourced public schools across Uttar Pradesh by training over 125 teachers and reaching over 10,000 students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, preparing a future-ready generation.

The Digital Equalizer program will be implemented across 25 government schools, primarily focusing on students in grades 6 to 10. Over the next three years (2024–2027), the project is expected to directly impact up to 10,000 unique beneficiaries. The initiative aligns perfectly with the company’s mission of fostering innovation and social responsibility, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions.

Empowering through STEM:

As part of the initiative, teachers will undergo comprehensive training, equipping them with modern tools and techniques to integrate technology into their classrooms. Students will be exposed to engaging STEM concepts through workshops, external visits, annual showcases, and exhibitions. Regular assessments and headmaster meetings will ensure that the program’s objectives are being met and continuously monitored for success.

Commenting on the launch, Kavita Desai, Head of Corporate Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility at Covestro (India), said:

“This initiative exemplifies our belief in driving impact beyond business. By empowering the next generation with essential STEM skills, we are not only contributing to their personal development but also to the growth of the community and the country. Together, we can push boundaries and create future innovators who will shape a better tomorrow.”

Key Highlights of the Digital Equalizer Project:

Reach: 25 schools across Uttar Pradesh

Focus: STEM education for students in grades 6 to 10

Beneficiaries: 10,000+ students, 125+ trained teachers over three years

Goal: Preparing government school students, especially girls, for future STEM opportunities

Through this initiative, Covestro (India) reaffirms its commitment to fostering innovation, empowering education, and standing together for a brighter future. The STEMpowering, Digital Equalizer project was inaugurated with great enthusiasm, and the event takeaway emphasized the transformative potential of STEM education in shaping the future of young learners across rural Uttar Pradesh.

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

CSR: Free Eye Camp organised in collaboration with Ushodaya Laser Eye Hospital at Telangana’s Rangaipally village

By
The CSR Journal
-
CSR: Free Eye Camp organised in collaboration with Ushodaya Laser Eye Hospital at Telangana’s Rangaipally village
Hyderabad, India: MS Agarwal Foundries Pvt Ltd (MSAF), a main steel producer headquartered in Hyderabad, reaffirmed its commitment to community welfare by organizing a free eye camp in collaboration with Ushodaya Laser Eye Hospital. Held in Rangaipally village, Manoharabad Mandal, the initiative provided essential healthcare services to over 100 villagers, primarily the elderly, who received free eye check-ups and medication.
The eye camp was organized to address common vision problems among the elderly and raise awareness about the importance eye health. Patients who required further medical attention were provided with referrals for additional care. MSAF’s local team ensured the camp ran smoothly and was accessible to the community.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Anurag Agarwal, Executive Director, MS Agarwal Foundries Pvt Ltd, said, “As a leading steel manufacturer, we recognize the importance of supporting the communities around us. This eye camp reflects our commitment to improving the quality of life for the elderly in these villages by providing them with the healthcare services they need.”
Mr. Rachuri Narasimham, Assistant Vice President, MS Agarwal Foundries Pvt Ltd, added, “The successful turnout at this eye camp demonstrates the community’s need for accessible healthcare. We are proud to partner with Ushodaya Laser Eye Hospital to bring essential services to those who need them most, reinforcing our commitment to corporate social responsibility.”
Dr. Rithika, camp in-charge, Ushodaya Laser Eye Hospital, added, “We are thankful to MSAF for sponsoring this eye camp. Their involvement has enabled us to deliver essential medical care to the elderly and spread awareness about the importance of eye health in the community.”
This initiative underscores MS Agarwal Foundries’ dedication to corporate social responsibility and its ongoing efforts to make a positive impact in the lives of local communities.

 

 

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

 

 

 

How and why we should celebrate a compassionate and animal-friendly Diwali

By
The CSR Journal
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Mumbai, India: As Diwali preparations begin, animal protection organization, Humane Society International/India, has urged citizens to celebrate a noise-free and animal-friendly Diwali to embrace a festival that prioritizes the well-being of everyone.
Every year, thousands of animals and birds are left frightened, injured and lost because of an increase in air and noise pollution. Since animals have a far more acute sense of hearing than us, the noise of firecrackers has a terrifying effect on them and impacts their hearing and causes immense stress. For instance, fireworks can emit sounds of up to 190 decibels, while damage to human hearing begins from 110 decibels. Given that animals especially dogs and birds have a hearing sensitivity significantly greater than ours, the intensity of these sounds can be overwhelming for them and in birds, cause death.
Around Diwali, animal shelters frequently experience a rise in cases of lost and runaway pets. Many of these animals are frightened, anxious and often burned. Dogs, whether street or pet, are often seen running helplessly across busy roads, frequently facing the threat of being relocated.
Keren Nazareth, senior director, Companion Animals and Engagement, Humane Society International/India said: “Lets ensure that our festivities do not come at the expense of our furry and feathered friends. We urge everyone to celebrate the festival of lights as it is meant to be celebrated – with loved ones, lamps, lights, sweets, delicious savouries and not loud firecrackers.”
For those wondering how to let animals spend a happy Diwali, HSI/India has some ‘sound’ advice.

For street animals:

Do not burst loud firecrackers.
If you care for community dogs and cats around your neighbourhood, make sure they are wearing tags labelled with their names and your phone numbers.
Refrain from setting firecrackers off near an animal shelter or zoo. Any noisy firecracker can cause panic and fear among the animals.
Encourage friends, family and your society to celebrate with noise-free alternatives to fireworks, minimizing stress for animals.
Before Diwali sets in, create awareness about the impact of fireworks on animals through with your friends and family.
Provide animals shelter in an area where they can be safe from firecrackers and noise.
Share information on social media about the importance of protecting street animals during Diwali to inspire others to help.
Prepare a first-aid kit to help injured animals. Have a bucket full of water handy for an emergency and to dispose of used sparklers.

For pets:

Keep your pets indoors in a familiar room. Make arrangements for plenty of hiding places like under furniture or a quiet corner. Pets have a heightened sense of hearing, so jolts and loud noises cause many animals to flee in search of a safe haven. Ensure pets
are wearing collars and identification tags with current contact information.
Store fireworks well out of the way of your pets and dispose of used fireworks safely the morning after the fireworks season.
Keep all doors and windows closed and draw the curtains to reduce noise.
Try to distract them with treats, toys or music indoors before celebrations begin.
Take your dogs for a walk during the daytime before the celebrations begin. Never walk them near places where others are lighting firecrackers.
Check your vet’s availability during Diwali, ahead of time, in case of an emergency.
If your pet is prone to anxiety or distress from loud noises, consult a veterinarian. Medication, such as anti-anxiety or calming agents, should only be given under a vet’s prescription.
Keep contact information for local municipal corporations and surrounding shelters handy, and approach them immediately in case of lost pets. If you find lost pets, either take them to the address on the tag or a local animal shelter.

 

 

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

 

 

Manthan School Students Honor Police Officers with Handmade Cards on Police Commemoration Day

By
The CSR Journal
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Manthan School Students Honor Police Officers with Handmade Cards on Police Commemoration Day
Telangana, India: The students of Manthan School, Hyderabad, on 21st October visited the Kollur Police Station and the RC Puram Traffic Police Station to express their heartfelt gratitude to the local police officers on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day.
The Student Council members from the primary and middle school segments expressed their gratitude to the police by presenting handmade greeting cards and gifts in honour of their service.
The visit, organised to give students an inside look at the workings of the police force, was centred around a special ceremony where the students had the opportunity to interact with the officers and show their appreciation. In a touching gesture, the students created personalised cards and posters and delivered speeches recognising the dedication and bravery of the police personnel.
Along with the cards, the students also presented saplings, and a takeaway goodie to the personnel at the police station, acknowledging their tireless efforts to maintain law and order. Senior officers, including the Station House Officer (SHO) of Kollur Police Station, Mr. K. Ravinder and Sub-Inspector, Mr. S. Suresh were among those honoured by the students during the visit.
In addition, the students participated in a solemn ceremony commemorating police personnel who have lost their lives in service. The visit included tours of the Kollur Police Station and the RC Puram Traffic Police Station, where students learned about daily police operations, from maintaining law and order to traffic management. The police personnel of Kollur Police Station had also arranged gifts to the students as a token of affection they have towards the young souls.
Manthan School’s Principal, Mr. Surjeet Singh, praised the students for their initiative, stating, “The students that visited the police stations had a great experience, and this has helped them to understand the values of being a responsible citizen in a clearer way. Manthan community is proud of the police fraternity and extends its gratitude towards them for their unparalleled service towards society.”
One student, reflecting on the visit, shared, “Me and my fellow classmates were thrilled to have got a chance to express our appreciation and gratitude to these real-life heroes, the police personnel who work selflessly to assure the safety and wellbeing of our society. It was a unique experience for us to interact with the police and closely learn about how the police operates on a daily basis. This experience has certainly increased my respect for the Police fraternity.”

 

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

 

CSR transforms livestock quality and empowers dairy farmers in Chhattisgarh

By
The CSR Journal
-
CSR transforms livestock quality and empowers dairy farmers in Chhattisgarh
ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is committed to facilitating sustainable livelihoods for communities where it operates. Along with the Adani Foundation, the Company is transforming the lives of dairy farmers in villages near ACC Jamul by enabling them to improve their dairy production through sex sorted semen (SSS) artificial insemination (AI) for the livestock.
The Adani Foundation’s Livestock Development Project (LDP) provides access to SSS AI services, training, and guidance, empowering dairy farmers to enhance their livestock and boost their incomes. The SSS AI technology increases likelihood of birthing a female calf from 50% for regular AI to 90% and is hence a boon for dairy farmers.  The project has proved a tremendous success.
Heelendra Sahu, a 35-year-old farmer from Nandini Khundini village, faced financial challenges supporting his family of seven. However, life took a turn for the better when he decided to implement SSS AI on his Desi cow. The result was the birth of a Sahiwal calf, injecting a much-needed boost to his family’s income.
Sudarshan Yadav, a 34-year-old farmer from Pathariya town, manages a large family of 11 members with an annual income of Rs. 1 lakh through farming and animal husbandry. Inspired by the Adani Foundation’s dairy training, he implemented SSS AI on his Holstein Friesian (HF) cow. This resulted in the birth of a healthy female HF calf, significantly boosting his dairy production.
ACC and the Adani Foundation actively work towards improving rural livelihoods. These success stories demonstrate the power of agricultural innovation in empowering farmers, enabling them to secure a brighter future for themselves and their families.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

CSR initiative to empower 500+ local artisans this festive season

By
The CSR Journal
-
CSR initiative to empower 500+ local artisans this festive season
This Diwali, Zepto continues to go heavy on its purpose of supporting local artisans, working with 50 families of the Prajapati clan, a community ofKumhars (potters) whose craft dates back to the age-old traditions of Ramayana. For generations, these artisans have hand-crafted earthen products that are integral to Indian festivals.
Zepto is championing local artisans by bringing handmade earthen Diyas directly to homes across India. Throughout the festive season, Zepto has worked with over 500 artisans, helping them sell products like Ganesh idols, Durga idols, Marapacchi dolls, and now, Diwali Diyas, through its platform. Traditionally, these artisans work tirelessly until the last minute, often selling their products on roadside stalls or door-to-door. However, with Zepto’s collaboration, these artisans are reaching a much wider audience in a more efficient and dignified way.

Pradeep Kumar, a local Diya artisan, expressed his gratitude for the partnership in this film: “We’ve been crafting Diyas since childhood, and Diwali is when all our hard work finally pays off. This year, Zepto helped us bring our Diyas to homes across the country, connecting us with a much wider audience. It’s been a game-changer for us, and I’m grateful for their support.”
Zepto Co-founder & CEO, Aadit Palicha, shared his thoughts on LinkedIn:
“We believe in empowering local entrepreneurs at Zepto, and we salute Pradeep and others who are crafting beautiful Diyas to light up Diwali. It’s an honour to help bring their work to millions of homes this festive season.”
By leveraging Zepto’s platform and demand forecasting, artisans can avoid the pressures of last-minute selling, allowing them to celebrate their own Diwali with pride. This initiative bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern consumers, enabling artisans to thrive in a competitive market. With this collaboration, Zepto aims to reach 10x more homes this Diwali than last year, ensuring that all festive needs are met.
Zepto remains committed to building a platform that supports local artisans, connecting them with a wider audience through its quick commerce model. By enabling sellers on the platform, Zepto ensures a diverse assortment of products, making traditional craftsmanship and fresh, sustainable offerings more accessible to homes in a convenient, modern way.
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CSR: New round of Global Change Award Launched to accelerate innovation for a net-zero textile industry by 2050

By
The CSR Journal
-
CSR: New round of Global Change Award Launched to accelerate innovation for a net-zero textile industry by 2050
The H&M Foundation today announces a significant shift in its overall strategic direction, with a new mission of promoting just and fair climate solutions for the textile industry, with the innovation challenge Global Change Award (GCA) being the first initiative to reflect this shift. 
Going forward, the H&M Foundation will focus on supporting the textile industry in halving its greenhouse gas emissions every decade by 2050, while promoting a just and fair transition for both people and the planet. Therefore, GCA is now seeking innovative ideas addressing different high emission areas across the textile industry value chain, including sustainable materials and processes, responsible production, mindful consumption, and ‘wildcards’ that supports the GCA purpose. Today, only a fraction of philanthropic capital is directed to climate.
“The textile industry needs all hands-on deck if we are going to meet our climate goals by 2050, and we must ensure this transition is fair for everyone. I really believe that innovation is key to decarbonising the industry, and that the Global Change Award can play a role in identifying and growing future changemakers whose ideas can have a transformative impact if given the right support,” says Karl-Johan Persson, Board Member of the H&M Foundation.
Since its launch in 2015, 46 innovations have received support and a combined grant of 8 million euros from the GCA. While it continues to award 10 winners every year, with each receiving 200,000 EUR, there are some key updates to align the award, and its Changemaker Programme, with H&M Foundation’s new strategic focus.
“While the industry is hungry for innovation, we see that a holistic perspective to decarbonisation is often lacking, and the critical early stages of an innovator’s journey overlooked”, says Annie Lindmark, the newly appointed Programme Director for Innovation at the H&M Foundation. “The Global Change Award is now aiming to back a wider range of changemakers with early-stage innovations that can help accelerate the textile industry’s path to net-zero and equip them to build solutions that benefit both people and the planet – this is where we as a philanthropy can make a real difference.”
The textile industry has many innovation challenges and initiatives. However, the H&M Foundation identified a gap in support for innovations at idea stage, which are often seen as too risky for traditional investors and businesses. As a philanthropic organisation, H&M Foundation is more tolerant to risk and can fund and support these high-potential changemakers before they’re ready for commercial backing.
In a departure from an open application system, GCA will now operate a nomination-based process, involving a variety of actors like industry experts, research institutes, brands, garment suppliers, innovators, and non-profits. This change aims to discover changemakers who might otherwise be overlooked and to broaden the impact of the GCA. 
In addition to financial support, winners will gain access to a powerful network of mentors, collaborators, and industry leaders to help bring their solutions to life. Together with long-term partners Accenture and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, H&M Foundation will invite the winners to participate in a yearlong Changemaker Programme. This programme is designed to elevate their innovations, while fostering personal growth and promoting a holistic mindset that avoids “carbon tunnel vision” and encourages solutions that benefit both people and the planet. 
The nomination process for the Global Change Award 2025 opens on 23 October 2024, with winners to be announced in April 2025.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

CSR Empowering Lives, Inspiring Hope: AIMS Hospital Launches “Shakti” Breast Cancer Support Group

By
The CSR Journal
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CSR Empowering Lives, Inspiring Hope: AIMS Hospital Launches “Shakti” Breast Cancer Support Group
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, AIMS Hospital proudly launched “Shakti,” a heartfelt support group designed to empower women affected by breast cancer. This initiative aims to provide vital assistance to patients and their families, creating a space where current patients can draw strength from those who have triumphed over the disease.

Around 150 cancer patients and survivors attended the launch event, including patients, families, and medical experts. Notable guests included social activist Mrs. Suhasi Ravindra Chavan, who served as the Guest of Honor, alongside our dedicated oncology team: Dr. Supriya Bambarkar, Director (Dept. Of Oncology), Consultant Oncosurgeon, Dr. Neemesh Lodh, Breast Surgical Oncologist, Dr. Rakesh Patil, Medical & Hemato Oncologist, and Dr. Sagar Gayakwad, consultant Radiation Oncologist.

“Shakti” focuses on educating women about breast health, encouraging self-exams, understanding diagnoses, and making informed treatment choices. With breast cancer on the rise in India, increasing awareness is crucial. Many women often miss early signs like lumps or unusual changes, leading to late diagnoses and severe consequences.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women across the country. Sadly, many overlook early signs like lumps, changes in nipples, or unusual pain, often waiting too long to seek help. This can have serious consequences. “Shakti,” meaning “power,” is our new support group that embodies the strength of those battling breast cancer. It offers a warm, welcoming space for patients to share their stories, find emotional support, and access essential resources. Through workshops, counseling, and peer connections, “Shakti” fosters a community of hope and resilience. Dr. Neemesh Lodh, Breast Surgical Oncologist at AIMS Hospital, emphasizes that with proper care and support, many can return to a normal life after treatment. This group is a celebration of the incredible strength of those who have faced these challenges together.

“At AIMS Hospital, we know that care goes beyond just medical treatment. With our new support group, “Shakti,” we’re committed to providing holistic support that addresses the emotional and social needs of breast cancer patients. We encourage women to perform monthly self-exams and get regular mammograms after age 35 for early detection. Our aim is to ensure no one feels alone on this journey. Together, we can inspire hope and empower each other. Remember, breast cancer is treatable when caught early, so never lose hope,” says Dr. Rakesh Patil, Medical & Hemato Oncologist at AIMS Hospital, Dombivli.

“AIMS Hospital stands at the forefront of medical innovation, not only by providing exceptional healthcare but also through its compelling community outreach initiatives. This initiative will help women facing breast cancer, to fight and overcome the disease,” concluded Mrs. Suhasi Ravindra Chavan, Social Activist and Philanthropist.

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

तालाबों की मिट्टी से बदली किस्मत, किसानों की आय में इजाफा

By
Rahuldeo Sharma
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तालाबों की मिट्टी से बदली किस्मत, किसानों की आय में इजाफा
तालाबों की मिट्टी कितनी उपयोगी हो सकती है इसका अंदाजा इस खबर से लगाया जा सकता है। तालाबों की मिट्टी का खेतों में उपयोग किसानों के लिए वरदान साबित हो रहा है। कर्णाटक के गडग जिले में किसानों की ज़िन्दगी में इस पहल ने जबरदस्त बदलाव आया है। पहले जहां किसान एक साल में केवल एक ही फसल उगाते थे और मुनाफा सीमित होता था, वहीं अब तालाबों की मिट्टी के इस्तेमाल से न केवल खेतों की उर्वरता में वृद्धि हुई है, बल्कि फसल चक्र भी बदल गया है। अब किसान एक साल में दो फसलें उगा रहे हैं और उनकी आय में भारी इजाफा हो रहा है।

कैसे हुई खेती में क्रांति?

दरअसल एसबीआई फाउंडेशन (SBI Foundation) और संकल्प रूरल डेवलपमेंट सोसाइटी (Sankalpa Rural Development Society (SRDS) ने मिलकर कर्नाटक के गडग जिले में सामुदायिक तालाबों का कायाकल्प कर रही है जिसका दो तरीके से फायदा गांव वालों, छोटे और सीमांत किसानों को हो रहा है। Gram Saksham Project के तहत एसबीआई फाउंडेशन और संकल्प रूरल डेवलपमेंट सोसाइटी एक साथ मिलकर एक तो गडग जिले के कई गावों में जल संरक्षण को बढ़ने के लिए तालाबों के सिल्ट को निकालकर उनको गहरा करने का काम कर रही है। जिसकी वजह से बारिश के समय पर तालाब भर जाते है और जल भण्डारण को बढ़ावा मिलता है। इसके साथ ही तालाबों की मिट्टी को ऐसे खेतों में डाला जाता है जिस खेत की मिट्टी उपजाऊ नहीं है।

बढ़ गयी है मिट्टी की गुणवत्ता, उर्वरता और किसानों की आय

तालाबों की मिट्टी, जिसे कृषि विज्ञान में बेहद पोषक माना जाता है, को किसानों के खेतों में डाले जाने से खेतों की मिट्टी की गुणवत्ता में सुधार हुआ और उर्वरता बढ़ गई। इस मिट्टी के उपयोग के बाद, खेतों में नमी बनाए रखने की क्षमता बढ़ गई, जिससे फसलों की पैदावार में वृद्धि हुई। इससे पहले किसान एक साल में केवल एक ही फसल ले पाते थे, लेकिन अब वे साल में दो बार खेती कर रहे हैं। जब The CSR Journal
जनथली गांव के किसान रामप्पा रुद्रप्पा हुगर से बात की तो उन्होंने बताया कि “पहले हम सिर्फ एक फसल उगाते थे और उससे ज्यादा मुनाफा नहीं होता था। अब तालाब की मिट्टी डालने के बाद हम साल में दो फसलें उगाते हैं और हमारी आय दोगुनी हो गई है। पहले हम केवल खाद्यान्न उगाते थे, लेकिन अब हम व्यावसायिक फसलों की ओर भी बढ़ रहे हैं, जिससे हमारी कमाई में भी सुधार हुआ है।”

तालाब की मिट्टी किसानों की जमीन को नई ज़िन्दगी दी

Sankalpa Rural Development Society (SRDS) के Sikandar Meeranaik ने The CSR Journal से ख़ास बातचीत करते हुए बताया कि तालाब की मिट्टी किसानों की जमीन को नई ज़िन्दगी दी है। पहले किसानों को सिंचाई के लिए भी काफी मशक्कत करनी पड़ती थी, लेकिन अब मिट्टी में नमी ज्यादा देर तक बनी रहती है, जिससे सिंचाई की जरूरत भी कम हो गई है और अगर जरुरत पड़ती है तो तालाब से सिंचाई हो जाती है। इससे न केवल हमें पानी की बचत हो रही है, बल्कि मेहनत और खर्च भी कम हो रहा है।”

इस पहल से किसानों की आय में हुई बढ़ोतरी

इस पहल का सीधा असर किसानों की आय पर पड़ा है। पहले जहां किसान सिर्फ एक फसल से मामूली मुनाफा कमा पाते थे, अब वे दो फसलें उगाकर दोगुना मुनाफा कमा रहे हैं। इसके साथ ही, व्यावसायिक फसलों जैसे कपास, मूंगफली, और सब्जियों की खेती ने भी उनकी आर्थिक स्थिति को और मजबूत किया है। एक सर्वे के अनुसार, तालाब पुनर्जीवित करने और उसकी मिट्टी का उपयोग करने के बाद किसानों की आय में 30 से 40 फीसदी तक की बढ़ोतरी देखी गई है। किसानों का कहना है कि इससे उनके परिवारों की आर्थिक स्थिति में भी सुधार हुआ है और अब वे बच्चों की पढ़ाई और अन्य जरूरतों को बेहतर ढंग से पूरा कर पा रहे हैं।

R G Kar case: Why junior doctors in Kolkata called off their hunger strike

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The CSR Journal
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R G Kar case: Why junior doctors in Kolkata called off their hunger strike
Protesting junior doctors of Kolkata have finally called off their 17-day-long hunger strike on Monday on the request of the parents of the trainee doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered at the R G Kar Hospital and Medical College in August this year. The decision was taken following a general body meeting of the doctors. This comes after several junior doctors were hospitalised as their health deteriorated following prolonged hunger strike.
The protesting doctors also had a meeting with Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and voiced their demands and concerns over their security in front of the CM. The doctors have demanded better working conditions and infrastructure improvements healthcare in the two-hour-long meeting held at the state secretariat, Nabanna.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister urged the junior doctors to end their ‘fast-unto-death’, stating that most of their demands had been addressed. However, she refused to entertain their demand of removing the state Health Secretary.
“In the meeting with the CM, we did get the assurance of some directives. The common people have stood by us throughout and wholeheartedly supported us. The common people as well as the parents of our deceased sister (RG Kar hospital victim), have been requesting us to call off the hunger strike, keeping in mind our deteriorating health. We are therefore withdrawing our ‘fast-unto-death’ and also Tuesday’s total shutdown in the health sector,” one of the protesting doctors said.
PTI Photo

The R G Kar case and protests

A 31-year-old trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered inside Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College and Hospital on the 9th of August this year. The horrific crime took place around 4 a.m when the trainee doctor went to sleep in a seminar room of the hospital during a break from her duty.
Following this, junior doctors in Kolkata went on “cease work” following the incident and have been continuously protesting demanding that the culprits be arrested and punished. They have also been voicing concerns over the safety and security of doctors and other medical professionals working in night shifts within hospital premises.
The protesting doctors had a meeting with CM Mamata Banerjee earlier in September when she assured them that some of their demands will be considered. However, the doctors started a ‘fast-unto-death’ in Dharmatala in the heart of the city from 5th October alleging that the state government did not fulfil their demands.

‘Mass Convention’ on October 26

Kolkata’s protesting junior doctors have called a “mass convention” on the 26th of October to take a call on how to proceed with their agitation. The doctors have alleged that they are not satisfied after their meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee which was held at the state secretariat, Nabanna, on Monday. Some of the junior doctors have even alleged that their demands were not discussed in detail in Monday’s meeting.

Calcutta High Court stays suspension of junior doctors, CM reacts

Meanwhile, the Calcutta high court on Tuesday stayed the suspension of 59 junior doctors of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. These doctors were suspended and 6 doctors were expelled for protesting against the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor inside the hospital on the 9th of August.
Lawyer Arkaprava Sen, representing the suspended junior doctors told the media, “The court passed the stay order after we argued that the suspension and expulsion orders were in complete violation of natural justice.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has also expressed disappointment at the college authority’s decision to suspend and expel protesting doctors. She said, “At R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, several junior doctors and medical students were suspended without following proper procedures and rules. How can these students or resident doctors be suspended just on the basis of complaints? Who gave the college authorities the right to take such a step without informing the state government? Isn’t this a threat culture?”
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