What is more, journalists were shocked by what the Chief Secretary said “effective legal actions to curb such practices.” The report also questioned timing of telecast and said that it smacks of a conspiracy.

“How can a permanent executive (bureaucracy) call it negative and irresponsible reporting. What type of legal actions is he talking about in his report? If the state government or those who have been allotted the land have any problem they should just move the court?” asked a Patna-based Editor.

The tone and tenor of the report have surprised and shocked even independent journalists. “This just arms-twisting,” said a scribe while another one said that this is warning from the state government.

Former Resident Editor of Hindustan Times, Patna, N R Mohanty, said it is extremely dangerous trend and the Chief Secretary has exceeded his limits. Mohanty, who is at present Director, Jagaran Institute of Mass Communication, added that if the Nitish government has any grievances it should move the Press Council of India rather than threatened media with the help of the Chief Secretary.

“Was that in terms of reference of inquiry,” asked Ali Abid, formerly with ATN in New Delhi, Rozana and Pataliputra Times. ATN, it needs to be recalled, was the first private news channel of India.

“Who is this Chief Secretary to gag the media. The terms of reference should be made public. Why not an independent body probe the whole land deal,” he further asked. Former Chief Reporter of The Times of India, Patna, K K Singh, said exactly the same and added that it is a move to browbeat the media, which is reprehensible.

It needs to be recalled that on July 18 IBN-7 and Mahua News highlighted the story of what they said the land scam in Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority. They followed the story for a couple of days forcing the chief minister, Nitish Kumar, to ask the Chief Secretary to probe the matter. Later, the Indian Express too followed the story in great details.

The Opposition parties too got an issue to attack the state government, which had already been under fire over the Forbesganj BIADA land issue, which led to the death of four people on June 3 last.
Journalists are unequivocal in denouncing the move to slap legal notices on some media houses, which did the story on BIADA land.

However, many political observers ask as to how can the Chief Secretary go against the ministers so close to the chief minister, who have already taken a stand. Thus his report was on expected line.

Comment

comments...

Some of the comments sent by our readers are defamatory or personal attack on some writers. We discuss objectively the news item and invite comments. We try to let initiate healthy debate on issues discussed in the news item. In no way personal attacks are desirable.Hope, our readers would freely exchange their opinion through this forum without hurting anybody. Editor, Bihar Times

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Here You Go….

If I am not mistaken you are same Ravi Shankar (PHD) who has given long preaching over Nitish Kumar decisions to have central university in Patna not Motihari and I was in total agreement with Nitish Kumar decisions. Now this puncture your idea of making anyone loyalist of anybody. Once you lack credible and substantial logic and rational you stand to come on personal attack that too basis some false imaginative story of Lalu, Congress and blah blah… I mean Mr PHD please make some sense, somewhere, sometime at least….

There is a difference between dispassionate view over an issue and having a complete political stand. Your point of reference (delhi wale) is nothing more than a laugh stock because A Bihari always a Bihari and cant become anyone though its different story that all socialist Jayprakash movement leaders have ensured that my generation either leave state to pursue career or indulge in activities like having farce degree and pretending to be teacher (teach to make people unemployed), or follow these idiot generation leaders to have political career who have only their ego and personal agenda at force while being in politics.

Now coming back to the issue of Land scam (irregularities):

No one here including people from press have said that anyone have taken money or done illegal thing (how can you take money from ministers and BUREAUCRATS) .. Of course all laws have been followed while doing the favor (how can you break the law in today’s time)… This is about giving favors to people who are in power which to my mind is not smaller than full fledged corruption because in democracy there is something called “ Clash of interest being in power” here it s like “Cash Your Interest being in power”

How non sense your argument stands when you say that young entrepreneur need to be given chance… Please enlighten us your understanding of “entrepreneurship” ….Do you know the ability of common business man in Bihar ( I am sure not), they are the one who survived even in the most difficult loot-maar phase of Maulana Lalu yadav… They have brain, money and zeal to do wonders given an opportunity.. Please explain one soap given by state government to local business communities who have all to begin some business ventures…. Please explain BIADA?? Is it Bihar Industrial development or Bihar educational or civil development body.. Please explain their efficiency, efficacy and achievement in last 7 years (forget past)..I am sure you would bite dust because again you will end up bringing Gujraat where industrial lands are given for educational body (they can do so because they need trained professional and technical manpower to sustain their existing industries which in deed is way ahead than our state, whereas we need many industrial and other business units to give employment to already trained or educated mass which is huge in size) hence please do not bring illogical argument over a subject where your PHD does not work….

Finally I rest my comment with an belief that “if anyone has a point, he or she may not necessarily have political alignment or background”--- My sincere suggestion to you that please MUG UP your understanding of Micro and Macro economics before manifesting your degree. And as far as I am concerned ..Please note a pure Madhubani wala, Bihari, apolitical, young working professional (hence in delhi) can have debate, fight, discussion, argument with you or state anytime anywhere……

God Bless… (note my sign off)

Randheer Jha
Madhubani (J.N.College gate)- I hope you can see this time J
(currently In delhi)

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Dear Currently Delhi wale, have some time to go through entire so called scam's fact files before you react. I had also reacted the same way at first and later felt that my reaction was wrong and based on half truth presented. Seems there is strong influence of Chamcha culture on your head(brain?). You may be forced to think about us like that as you yourself may be indulged in the same. “Jaki Jaesi Niyat Taki Uski Soch”. As per your logic itself then you are Chancha of someone who is against this government! ..may the same man who tried to sell his rotten Samosa with Alu in Delhi's 7, Race Course to get some cabinet position during the recent cabinet reshuffle but got kicked on the butt...somehow he reached back Patna again but left some of his accessories and chamchas back in Delhi with hope that in case if the same happens to him again in Patna, his accessories and Chamchas could arrange dari-bistar for him Delhi ? Just thinking the same way. Also take some pain to read the content of others carefully before you start blabbing and accusing others of “Chamcha” of Nitish. Nobody is denying that Nitish has not done wrong at several places, but you can criticize him but can't call him corrupt with hope to bring your Alu aka back here to make Bihar stink further. Also as per your logic then Bihar should stop looking for entrepreneurs, first timers in business.

According to you Prakash Jha is not a businessmen. But same guy has been running business of Cinema successfully and gave Bihar its first shopping mall and cineplex . Why people there were sleeping for so many years then..why did not they opened the Malls and Complex? Any Tom Dick Harry, any chaprasi with black money was able to run real estate business...why it is burning your heart when it is Prakash Jha, that too through all legal and valid procedure? Prove him wrong in the Supreme Court..you cant! But you will blab here! Disgruntled guys are also protesting Sonalika Tractor plant which generated employment for hundreds of Biharis. Just have some head and tell me how many in Bihar go for business. What is the record of Bihar in business and industry. Even a kid knows its pathetic. So as per your and your bosses logic Bihar should eb left without industries. Every state today provides soaps, packages, relaxations and competitive offerings to lure industry. And inc ase of Bihar its tremendously needed as no one wants to come to Bihar. And for entrepreneurs you need to open ways. But your logic shuns every such things. Its not literate also, having zero knowledge about the process and efforts it takes for industrialization.

I was In Guajarat and understood very well why Gujarat became No.1 of India. Even a poor chap can start business there with no money but good model. Even opposition in Gujarat is better than Bihar as they never attacked Narendra Modi, when he fortnightly asked his bureaucrats to evolve land from nowhere within one week for TATA. All farmers agreed, gave their high precious land to TATA, and today you see Nano from Gujarat. According to your and other disgruntled either ignorant or knowingly ignorant protesters, this deal would be called a favor to TATA like influential person where government gave land on throwaway prices! Similarly, in Gandhinagar, Narendra Modi wanted to establish Educational hub and educational area. At that time it was entire farm land. Government acquired the land and you will not believe that to promote the educational status of Gujarat, Government of Gujarat at that time gave land to some educational bodies at the negligible rate..almost free! Today this area houses best education institutions of Gujarat making it self reliant. It houses today Indian Institute of Advanced Research, Geological Research Institute, Petroleum Research Isntitute, National Law University, NIFT, NFD, Dhirubhai Ambani Institute, Raheja IT Park and many more. But if it would be Bihar and kind of people protest even on smallest of things...establishing such things in bihar is distant dream” DISTANT DREAM” where people like you will keep on escaping from Bihar to Delhia dn keep on writing...”Currently in Delhi”.

You and other L-Chalisa readers are not wrong when they say that Lalu is not responsible in fall of Bihar...100% correct because retrogressive ignorant or pretending to be ignorant people of Bihar with no sense of feeling towards motherland Bihar are responsible for the mess and backwardness under which Bihar is standing today. You only know parties and panchayats, not pain of Bihar. Had your kind of population defined Karnataka, Bangalore would never see the status which it enjoys today, No Narayanmurthy would come there. Do you have any pinch of idea what kind of soaps and competitive offering government in Karnataka at that times gave to make it todays Bangalore? You people would have called it selling Karnataka! 5-10 years rebates on electricity, tax waivers on products and profits are given...but here in Bihar with people and opposition like this, will start calling that government itself steals electricity, government steals taxes blah blah. Truly, your energy is dissipated in making a fool to learn and understand instead of intelligent persons. Our sate unfortunately boasts many so called “learned” graduates who are just as good as illiterates. They have no real ground knowledge, hardly listen to others but prefer to blab as if they are walking encyclopedia in themselves. I said it simply..if you have problem with this “Scam” why are not you going to the court? None is chamcha here. Go to the court and settle it there instead of wasting time here. Why stalling the process of development and discouraging the good investors and projecting Bihar as another West Bangal or same old Bihar where attitude can never be pro-development, pro-industry and pro-capitalism.

So dear Currently Dilli Wale, have some dil for your motherland. More than giving Bihar a good deal, Dilli has record of provide Bihar junks and nonesense. Criticize but with head and heart, not with greed and propaganda. Humare Bihar me Gali gali me neta paeda hote hain humko bhi maloom hai...itna paeda hote hain ki gatar ke machchar aur neta me aab koi antar nahi rah gaya hai..dunno gandgi hain Bihar ke

...kaam kam, nautanki zyada,
kichad me sannal babu par
….karethua safai ke vada!
Kabhi Dilli me laat khaat, Kabhi Patna me Raada
Aloo ta sar gael, ab kaun khae singhada!
Bhainsiya ta Char Gael Inkar Charwaha
Dilli me chor dihin chela bauraha
...kaam kam, nautanki zyada,
khud kichad me sannal hain par
….karet hua safai ke vada!

Ravi Shankar

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I am amazed to see the responses of PROXY SPOKESPERSONS (supporters) of NITISH KUMAR Govt. Logic given again by some of the prominent writers is bashing Nitish means creating opportunity for Lalu Yadav. I mean for how long these political force will keep on justifying absolutely lull performance of so called SUSHASHAN KUMAR by showing fear of LALU Mania (wapas aa jayega)…

Whenever you raise a valid argument against non performing Nitish Government you get to have 2 standard responses:

· “Central is not giving special status”- Nitish Kumar (Insult to millions of Bihari who do not seek special status but in search for a thoughtful and active governance because at one hand Nitish ji claims that he does not have capacity to utilize the development fund of Rs 5 crore given to every MP per year and other side he shamlessly ask for Rs 1 lakh crore from central )
· “Current rule is better than Lalu and all negative voices against NITISH is to get LALU Raj back again”- (This is from ardent NITISH supporters or shall I say Chamcha’s)

Coming Back to allotment of land to people in power:

Bihar desperately needs industrial activity and for that Investment is required (understood) …. 1st step for any industrial development is that you have Investment flow (other than government sources that includes loan). Lands for industries comes only when there is a requirement for it which means fund is available and investors are ready to initiate the process. Specially when we talk for states like Bihar where there is almost no investment or industrial development; one need to have investors with background and track record. In last 7 years of Rule biggest Investor Nitish could find is MR. PRAKASH JHA (whose business achievement is known to only Nitish Kumar). Prakash Jha is a film director getting in to real estate (for Kumar this is industrialization)…

Detailed Report of Chief Secretary: A Farce (Nothing more than eye wash or is it incompetency of Bihar establishment to understand economic process in difficult times)

In the defence of all golmaal Chief secretary of Bihar has come out with a detailed NON SENSE report which neither has logic nor intention to justify the wrongdoings;

· 1st Rahmat Amanulla: Daughter of Principal secretary and welfare ministry is so talented and resourceful that with merely 7 year of experience that too with low pay master company Mahindra & Mahindra managed to draw a blue print for Squash & Syrup. She would have an industry worth 5 Crore…. Can Mr Chief secretary guarantee successful launch of the business (Manufacturing)??

If yes than he proves that you need to be relative of powerful family to get an endorsement of Chief secretary, if not than what would happen to the and (there are so many sugar mills not working with sheer wastage of land).

· Rahul Kumar (son of Jagdish Kumar) will set up packaged water plant: Mr Chief secretary has to explain , how much employment will that generate (there are no of water plant functional in Bihar)

· Maitrayi Education Trust, Mother Teresa Medical Trust, Mothers society for child education & development, Trident foundation (education trust) are few allotter…..
·
I would humbly request Mr Chief secretary to explain what kind of Industrial Growth or investment he is referring here. Half of the beneficiary would start Trust at the Land which is earmarked for INDUSTRIES…. Opening trust and NGO’s are the favorite Game of POLITICIANS and BUREAUCRATS..

In nut shell Chief secretary has worked really hard to save his boss (CM) from a obvious favors…

Most importantly : Will NDA specially Nitish Kumar ever accept an enquiry by Cabinet secretary or Chief secretary of India for scams and favors done by UPA or speacially Congress ….. He would start giving all types of Media Byte preaching Morality…..

Lastly : Neither Chief Minister or Chief secretary have balls to talk non sense about media, I don’t think media persons are saint but at least people of this country trust media more than any politicians at least….. There could be wrong reporting sometimes but don’t we see only wrongdoings by different state government and officials most of the times, do they get penalized for that…….. the day these officials start doing everything right they can most certainly take action against press…..
Randheer Jha
Madhubani, J.N.College gate.
(Currently In delhi)

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So, Mr. K. K. Singh is a superman!! But my dear friend, that should be reflected by your writing not just by flashing your designation "Former Chief This or Former That....". At the moment his writings are nothing more than a brazen one-sided rant, rabidly hateful and lacking substance. I am sorry he seems pathetic to me.

Can I ask who these 'Senior Journalists', the so called harbinger of fourth estate are responsible to ( for what they are reporting/writing)?

At least the politician's life is open to public scrutiny and they are accountable to masses. People can throw them out after 5 years. But who are you accountable to? See, how Barkha is still screaming hoarsely from her mike while many CMs are gone?

We know a lot about Lalu, Nitish or for that matter any politician. We are also hearing a lot about Mr. Amit Mukerji, Ammanullah blah blah. But what about you guys?

How about making your political leanings public? How about making yourself available to public scrutiny (the same thing you demand from others) ?

How about some of you making public about your kiths and kins (we are much interested in knowing about their 'spartan' life) ? How about some of you doing a 'story' about your own top colleagues? How much favor they have taken in different regimes? Their act of omission and commission? Don't fool public with general statements like Urdu media is sold, national media is sold, print is sold etc. etc. Do some specific research and come out with specifics like who runs Mahua news? Who runs Hindustan or Indian Express or ToI? Who are the editors and what are their assets and where they are?

Merely spreading cynicism and smoke screens everywhere is not journalism. Its like a Frankstein's monster who can eat his own master.

Fortunately for the country and also for Bihar, people have time and again shown their maturity and can't be swayed easily by sensationalism, rants and raves of these megalomaniac reporters. They have their own wisdom which these people fail to recognize.

And about playing the same record of Forbesganj firing again and again by some people here, only playing victim hood is not going to serve any purpose. Have you asked yourself- what all those people there were gathered for? Doing some prayers? Aren't policemen's lives also a human life?

There is nothing in this world as gospel truth. It is also not what you always like or love to see.

Finally this portal will do a great favor to its readers by raising its standard of journalism and not by picking and choosing news, giving disproportionate amount of space to hate-mongers.

Alok Singh (a commoner, no flashy designation to offer here)

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Well said my friend Barkha Dutt and like were found on sale by congress party but the Fai-gate has found worse; journalists like Times of India's former editor Padgaonkar on payroll of ISI. these luminaries used to go on USA junket on ISI dime. Then they have audacity to lecture public official like Nitish on propriety; even in a bonafide above board land allocation.

Yedurappa is gone on mere insinuation that NGO run by his family got donation so he might have done some quid pro quo (speculation is enough). Donations are nothing unsual btw Rajeev Gandhi foundation headed by Sonia gandhi gets donation all the time noone in paid media asks questions on that.

Barkha Dutt and Veer Sanghavi and ISI pay roll media persons like Padganokar will keep lecturing people on morality there job is never in danger despite indulging in whole gamut of muck .

Anil ( have lengthy list of desgination but don't like to flash it:-)

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This platform and particualarly this new of so called Land Scam, is turning up like aggregation ground for Lalu Chalisa reader. I agree with someone from Times of India over his objection over the kind of language used by Mr. Bashisht against Shri KK Singh. Mr Singh is a senior one and our Bihari culture never allows you to croos that limit. I too personally don't like Mr. KK Singhs approach towards this government which looks tilted towards Lalu et al. But it is expected that a proper conduct in language should transpire. Many of us don't know each other and personal view and contribution to their respective jobs and motherland Bihar. So it would be better that we all assume that we are talking with some civilized person instead of treating others like Lalu ( I definately don't consider him civilized person and had I been the chief of affair of State I would make sure that this man must be sent for at least life term for ruining Bihar, its name, its social structure, its impression and putting every single Bihari as a term of abuse!).

But those ranting here Lalu Chalisa, you are not lesser traitor of Bihar than Lalu and this is why even after seeing horror of his times you remember him for anything good. I would not divulge my identity or my connection but I have all stories of Lalu right from his students days and what kind of element he has been. If such cheap grade fraud becomes something to remember and remorse the present state of Bihar, then you are either better fitted for being sent to Jurrasic era or better fitted for nothing. At least no Sadhu Yadav and his friends now dare to rape any student in veterinary college of Patna, or no son or kid of mantri goes to Alankar Jewellers to ask for free jewellery, at least no minister from ruling party gets into any shop of Patna to get goods for free, at least the universities there are no more breeding ground of social mosquitoes, at least some work move up on office tables where you can find some person to handle your case, at least now kidnapping is not the parallel business run by ministers in power, at least your mother sister and wife can roam in evening freely, enjoy family life and night life of Patna, at least now hardly any sister mother and wife of Bihar can be treated as a private property of any minister( barring Rupam Pathak Case on which I am against the government), at least some universities and institutions opened in Patna, at least now I can visit my Village and land areas in north Bihar regions of Begusarai, Samastipur and Rosra with good roads, at least my lands lands are now not flooded like earlier with Kosi, at least now one can build their houses without fear of being asked to pay Rangdari tax, at least now people can fearlessly buy cars and eat outside, at least now you have definite hope to get powered Bihar by 2015, at least now you have Biharis thinking about the chances in Bihar, at now you have outsiders respective you and your leadership, at least now Biharis outside feel lesser burdened by the tag of Bihari, at least now election happens without rigging, the DM is not asked to announce wrong results or ballot boxes are not replaced in masses or booth capturing don't happen, at least now better number of children and more girls go to school, at least now people like you and me think that change is possible in Bihar.

At least now furnish the documental proof that BIADA scam is really a scam and at least back up ur claim with constitutional and legal documents to proove that the Chief Secratary really did wrong by saying that shoddy role of media needs to be legally controlled. He did not talk to kill you, he did not say that he will gag you, but you write that he did so! It is the first step which is lie in itself. How one can believe you? And if he talked about the court, then why you are scared of going to the neutral ground where abosulte law is used for justice? Then only those fear who are really wrong....courts are equally for you. Why don't you drag Nitish Kumar to the court. lets see the practical thing instead of blabbing here. What do you say man?

Better forget Lalu and his chalisa here. With all due respect to all those of you, the great Lalu and Shahabuddin appreciators here, if you still feel that Lalu was really good for even any single reason, it may be only for your personal but never for Bihar. For Bihar he is the the biggest Gaddar, above Mir Zafar and Kasim, due to whom we all Biharis have become an abuse in ourselves and equivalent to loss of manhood! Don't dare to fool people under the cover of your profession, forgetting your duty for Bihar. If even Nitish Kumar is wrong, we will support you, but first come up with documental proofs, bylaws etc. I would never suspected you intention had you earlier spoken on the real issues of misgovernance and real wrong doings of Nitish government like its decision to sent CUB like first central university of Bihar to Motihari to die itself, to their sluggish attitude towards BSEB's ongoing corrupt practices, towards large scale real wrong doings officers and clerks in BDO offices under NAREGA, inability of Bihar to bring revamed educational policyies, contemprory IT and Biotech Policy, and establishment of software and knowledge parks to boost academic based industry( Biharis are biggest contributor to the growth of education and academic based industries). But what you opt? bash Nitssh Kumar to placate and regain Lalu raj! You align with so called journalists some times look like opportunist agents of those who want to see Bihar in stagnated standstill smelling ponds, cleansed never for decades.

Jab Bikta Ho Dil Ka Darwaza, Kissi Ke Bhi Gali Guzarne Pe
Wo kya Banega Sufi, Jo Odhe libaad range Khoon-e-Rangrezon ke

Ravi Shankar, PhD

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My onset apology to Mr. KK Singh and others for my comment.

Why this Bihari (albeit Low IQ) is feeling frustrated:

Recent Gujarat Investment in automobile:

1 TATA NANO Plant - 2000 Cr.
2 MARUTI PLANT - 18000 Cr.
3 FORD Plant - 4000 Cr.
4. GM Plant - 4000 Cr.
5. AMW Plant - 5000 Cr.
And so many others ………………

Where as in Bihar:
1 Sonalika Tractors - 200 Cr
2 TI Cycle - 45 Cr

Gave one figure of automobile industries only (although TI strictly in not comes under automobile) because this particular industry has a massive – massive
Cascading effect on local economy.
With such a gap between BIHAR and other its definite that we will remain BASKET case for may be another 100 years ??

Its seems only flourishing profession in BIHAR is of netas, journo & lawyers. I personally envy them as they are having privilege of staying and serving our BIHAR and still having so much of scope for a flourishing career.

Others like technocrats etc. have no option but to be booted out of BIHAR.

Can Mr. Anonymous, A Former Colleague of the Times of India imagine one investment like Maruti 18000 Cr. Will lead to another 18000 Cr. In terms of ancillary units?

And I further fail to understand what Fodder scam have to do with current discussion. Any way if that was a Scam and Mr. Lalu guilty why is has been acquitted and free man till now even after 20 years or so? Any answer Mr. Anonymous?

Anyway you won’t be able to appreciate our feeling of being booted out and what means for Bihari staying outside.

I am further aggrieved that even supposed to be erudite lot among us has not rise above cast and ones religion identity which is quite apparent by some of specific incidence being racked up by commenter.

Sanjiv Singh Basisth

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It appears that there is a clear trend emerging in Bihar over the past few years that to survive media must appease the government else they may shut their operation .

This is alarming . Bihar urgently needs development . No doubt . But can not afford to have a media which is always in agreement with the government or its policies . Its NOT healthy for the people of Bihar , as well as the government . Media is the mirror of the masses or it is supposed to be . Its in the government's interest that it keeps tab on the pulse of the masses . By having a free and of course mature media , state and its masses will gain on a long term .

Another reason why Biharis can not allow media to be suppressed by state , is the state's opposition is almost non-existence . In such a state , Bihar can't be handed over to the government for 5 years without any one questioning its deeds and action .

RECENTLY TOI has shut its press in press in Patna . Its again a sad news for Bihar . National level media provides strength to the local media .

People of Bihar will hope that media remains independent and true representative of the masses and expect that the government does not fear them and act judiciously .

Bihar is at the crossroads of its history . When the whole country is progressing dramatically , a severe lag in progress will not be good for Bihar and India .

A JHA
MANGROUNI,MADHUBANI

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I am in agreement with you as far as so called ghotala and its pardafash is concerned. It seems that the entire attention of Bihartimes has been concentrated on a single issue. The report by Mr. Mukherjee is well drafted and based on facts and is self-speaking. Nowhere from the entire report, one can infer that any rule or regulation has been violated by the authorities. One thing which may be a bit questionable is the time-period in which some of the persons concerned have been allotted land. But for this, one can't blame the authorities. It is a fact that the lethargic bureaucracy in Bihar as well as in the entire country work when some 'pairavi' is being done by the powers that be and it should be taken into stride. If somebody be it a relative of some powers that be or any tom, dick or harry gets some work done within the time-frame set by the rules and regulations and he duly pays the government fees/cost whatever it is called, without paying a penny as 'ghus' to anybody, how can it be questionable? As far as favours to somebody are concerned the biggest beneficiary of the system is the journos who enjoys power without any responsibility. Today the entire gamut of media with some exceptions here and there are up for sale or up for grabs on payment basis. The ethics and morality in media are things of the past which is also pulpable from the choice of 'dramebazi' on different channels and newspapers. So please desist and resist from making controversies out of nothing in the budding Bihar. Don't write on whimsical inferences without having checked the facts. Freedom does not mean no responsibility. It is a wake up call for the journo fraternity to introspect and salvage the profession especially in the wake of Murdoch scandal and Barakha Dutt scandal. I urge to this fraternity that jumping guns on politicians on every drop of hat may degenerate and degrade the profession and will lose the faith whatever the people at large have in it.

Mukesh Kumar

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Sanjiv Singh Basisth has asked K K Singh to ‘shut up’. But is he aware that K K Singh was the first person to report in the Times of India on what latter came to be known as animal husbandry or fodder scam. That was at the height of Lalu Yadav’s regime in January 1996. He was the chief minister of Bihar as well as the national president of the then Janata Dal, the party which was sharing power in the Centre (Deve Gowda was the PM). Just like today Lalu had won the first term by a thumping majority a few months before. Yet the story was done.
KK’s write up was followed by a series of stories––in hundreds. Most of the stories were done by one of our reporters in the Times of India. The Resident Editor of the paper then was Uttam Sengupta.
Incidentally, the elder brother of this very reporter was a Public Relations Officer in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. When one night another colleague asked him whether Lalu had ever raised the issue with the elder brother complaining him about you (the reporter) doing so many stories on the scam he replied: “No, Lalu had never said any such thing to his brother.”
He went on to say that only a few days back Lalu attended the marriage of his niece, that is the daughter of the same PRO brother.
This fact needs to be cleared as those were the most tumultuous years of reporting in post-independence Bihar. The Times of India, in particular, was in the forefront of the great campaign against this scam. There was risk involved in reporting, yet no Chief Secretary recommended that action should be taken against journalists.
Those who know nothing/little about these facts should think before making absurd and nonsensical comments about anyone.
A Former Colleague of the Times of India

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It is very true that money can buy anything including moral of an individual or an institution. Indian journalism is no exception. Buying & selling of moral of a journalist or an institution is an ongoing process. Several stories including “Thanks to Bihar govt, Urdu dailies circulation rising only on paper” carried by this portal is a witness of this truth that most of the Media houses in Bihar have been sold out in the hands of Nitish Kumar. So they have been continuing to ignore the wrong doings of Nitish Kumar for several years and have made him a savior of Bihar. Poor coverage of the gruesome killings of innocent villagers by Bihar police in Forbesganj is one of the examples where Media had ignored its social responsibility. It’s high time for Media to participate in free & fair reporting otherwise people will start to lose faith & trust on this noble profession.

Shahbaz Alam
Dubai

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Sanjiv Singh Basisth has asked K K Singh to ‘shut up’. But is he aware that K K Singh was the first person to report in the Times of India on what latter came to be known as animal husbandry or fodder scam. That was at the height of Lalu Yadav’s regime in January 1996. He was the chief minister of Bihar as well as the national president of the then Janata Dal, the party which was sharing power in the Centre (Deve Gowda was the PM). Just like today Lalu had won the first term by a thumping majority a few months before. Yet the story was done.
KK’s write up was followed by a series of stories––in hundreds. Most of the stories were done by one of our reporters in the Times of India. The Resident Editor of the paper then was Uttam Sengupta.
Incidentally, the elder brother of this very reporter was a Public Relations Officer in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. When one night another colleague asked him whether Lalu had ever raised the issue with the elder brother complaining him about you (the reporter) doing so many stories on the scam he replied: “No, Lalu had never said any such thing to his brother.”
He went on to say that only a few days back Lalu attended the marriage of his niece, that is the daughter of the same PRO brother.
This fact needs to be cleared as those were the most tumultuous years of reporting in post-independence Bihar. The Times of India, in particular, was in the forefront of the great campaign against this scam. There was risk involved in reporting, yet no Chief Secretary recommended that action should be taken against journalists.
Those who know nothing/little about these facts should think before making absurd and nonsensical comments about anyone.
A Former Colleague of the Times of Inda

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As per the perceptions of some responders, this was not a SCAM, they might be true. But going in the same vein, the 2G allocations should have been beyond question or scrutiny- first come first served- you know ! We shouldn't have different yardsticks. Should we?

Money - speed money; Caste - blue blooded, still rule the roost in the State. Only our perceptions have changed, just like the beneficiaries have. ( the defunct Ranbir Sena- benifitted in a big way- has a big say in administration, I guess !)

We didn't have any problem till our media was painting cosy picture of the State. When some of them- a microscopic minority- criticised or showed the real picture, we found it pejorative and preposterous. We failed to respond properly.

Media used to criticise- still does- Lalu and the Clout, as if they had come from some other planet and occupied the Position illegally- by hook and crook. The Clout never said anything like this below standard gag order by honourable Chief Secretary; he is a bureaucrat, defending his Boss- another first for Bihar !

Had media been honest enough to expose the true colours of the Despotic regime, we would have had at least prominent opposition after the Assembly elections. In that situation the democracy in the State and the country as a whole would've benifitted immensely.

Anyway, the mediamen are paying price of false praising. Now the Treasury-Paid media will start the "Sushasan" campaign afresh - no doubt about that.

Moral of the story - media has lost CREDIBILITY. Losers !

Raj
Delhi

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This refers to some of the comments made in BiharTimes where comparison has been made between journalists who have broken the BIADA story with Barkha Dutt. It seems that those who have made such comments are seriously mistaken. While Barkha and Co were allegedly engaged in pro-establishment activities and using their contact and influence, in this latest case some of the journalists are busy highlighting anti-establishment stories. Non-journalists can never imagine how difficult, and sometimes risky, it is to do such stories.
The truth is that the IBN-7, Mahua News or Indian Express all have based their stories on whatever have appeared in the BIADA website.
Journalists are supposed to act like a watchdog. So those who are performing their duty honestly need to be appreciated and those not doing so criticized. After all there are black sheep in all the professions.
If journalists report anything wrong the government is free to issue denial or drag that media house to the Press Council of India.
Sweeping remarks against all the journalists is certainly not acceptable. So far the phenomenon of paid news is concerned it is more related to the media company owners rather than the journalists. In many cases journalists are seriously opposing this phenomenon but they seem helpless or lack courage.
Soroor Ahmed
Patna

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With reference to Bihar Chief Secretary remarks on media in his BIADA report, let me put certain things in perspective. For once, we (at least most newspapers) have never said that it is a scam. The chief secretary's brief by CM was to look into facts if relatives of some VIPs got BIADA plots and through the correct process. He gave the clean chit but accepted that in four cases, VIPs wards got it, following due process. Fair enough. But CS was not asked to make his august comment on media. The CS, due to retire this September,recommended legal action against channels for spreading "misleading" reports. The government is well within its rights to do so if it thinks so. But CS suggesting as much looks below decorum and suggests his desperation for post-retiral assifnment. We, as media, are here to raise questions and drop suggestions. Please go through land allotment process. I have done a little bit of reporting on this. I am giving
the link, u may please refer to the relevant stories. Please let me know if we could raise good questions.

http://www.indianexpress.com/columnist/santoshsingh/

Santosh singh
special correspondent
The Indian Express, Bihar

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I am really a frustrated Bihari but truth is:

Overall we Indians are very low on IQ, among Indians we Bihari are even worse, further worse are some section of Journalist, in fact they are dumb.

This is the inference coming out of this whole episode.

After going through the report and gathering further information my question is “ WHERE IS THE SCAM, AND WHAT IS SCAM FOR”

Journalist like KK Singh should shut up. its looks like you are much more egoist than Nitish.
We Bihari now may be low on IQ but believe me we much smarter than such dumb Journalist.
My advise to Bihar Times not let itself fall under such category.

Also I am no agent of Nitish or any one just a low IQ Bihari

Sanjiv Singh Basisth

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Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is playing with fire by his action to bend the freedom of press and expression.Instead of looking into irregularities and other aspects of BIADA lands allotment, the Chief Secretary Anup Mukherjee, considred a mediocare IAS of Bihar cadre has surprisingly recommended strict action against media channels and other media for airing and writing about irregularities in land allotments to sons and daughters of ministers and bureaucrats. Mukherjee has gone beyond terms of references, given by the chief minister to enquire into the matter. Perhaps, he is being tipped for chairman of the BPSC as alleged by opposition leaders. And whatever he has submitted in his report on the dotted line of Nitish Kumar!
Journalists have rightly voiced concern over the recommendations of the Chief Secretary to gag the freedom of expression and press. I shared my views with reasoned and seasoned journalist N R Mohanty, who has rightly lambasted CS and Nitish for gagging the press in BiharJournalists must express their anguish over such action of Nitish to curb the freedom of press. Mohantay has rightly pointed out that government has any grievance, it must go to Press Council for redressal why this threatenings!
Nitish must learn a lesson or two from his predecessors, who made furtile efforts to curb the freedom of press and expression. K B Sahay , during his tenure, has got arrested T George, editor of now defunct Searchlight without any rhyme and reasons. Later George , a fearless journalist, after lanugushing in Bankipore central jal, was released on court order and K B Sahay become instrumental in routing congress from Bihar in late 1960s. Resenting KBS action, people voted out not only Sahaybut his party was routed from the state! Thereafter, the then chief minister Jagannath Mishra wanted full control of media in 1980s during his chief ministership. Mishra had even threatened to arrest Editor of an leading English daily.Later, Mishra brought a daraconin Press control Act and got it passed in Bihar Legislature taking advantage of his party-congree brute majority in the Assembly and imposed all kinds of censorship. This bill brought country-wide protests and anger of the people. to the fore And Indira Gandhi , then PM realised the seriousness of the matter and on her intervention, Mishra had withdrwan that Act and later Mishra was dethroned from chief ministership by Indira Gandhi and had to remain in political oblivion for some time. Not only that Nitish also remember curb on press freedom and expression during emergency and people of the country dethroned Indira in 1977 general elections-even Indira could not retain her own seat in Lok Sabha.Nitish himself had to languish in jail for months together for opposing emergency an d freedom of press and expression.Nitish must take a lesson from Laloo Prasad Yadav and Rabari Devi -both chief ministers and how press had started attack on them for thousand crore animal husbandry scam. Virtually media had started trial against both of them -but instead of curbing press freedom-both remained silent-only telling the people this is not proper-but did not take any step to curb freedom of expression and press.Thanks to Laloo, whom I still consider a journalists and people friendly mass -based leader!
These are the few exmples -Nitish must think seriously and allow freedom of press and expression
Nitish should seriously think all these past. Nitish must resist from imposing undeclared censorship" through controlling and indiscriminately distrubuting ads for favour to NDA to different newspapers, news magazines,news channels. and also non-existence newspapers, newsmagazines, electronic channels in Bihar.Nitish also must stop browbeating and humilating journalists and his tactics to call proprietors of newspapers, newsmagazines, news channels after stopping their ads for writing objectively against NDA government and after giving dressing down to them and directing to warn their journalists to not write against the government, the ads are restored. This is what happening in Bihar. Nitish remember history will not forgive you nor almighty-be a service-oriented leader not behave like autocrat and dictatorship! You are doing some thing good for the development of Bihar-please keep it up honestly and carry on but change your style of functionining.
K K Singh, senior journalist, retired as chief reporter of Times of India. blog www.kksingh1.blogspot.com

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Are these senior journalists related to Barkha Dutt by any chance. All journalists are corrupt till they publish the paid media report of PTI I will consider all of them extension of Barkha Dutt and ilk.

Going to trust a chief secretary over these media men who are for sale to highest bidder any day.
Anil

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The Media has become one of the most corrupt profession. Barkha Dutta like celebrity mediapersons or be it Chandan Mitra or Murdoch, time and again their face appear with something like Radia. Since they are in a kind of power business, they are always heard and get attention to what they speak. Presuming on this, they manipulate the things as per their wish. Half truth and yellow journalism has become the flavor of current media. These guys are not doodh ke dhule but really among the most corrupt guys, almost sitting like power broker, drugged with their sense that they can do anything, can pull down anyone.

I just don't understand why Bihartimes is highlighting this statement by Chief Secretary as something bizzare. he did not talk like any rowdy element, he at least behaved more civilized than our opposition and Media who used all kind of languages on print and electronic. They not only called several persons "chor" but also tried to convince the public as if theya re really "chor", without any document proof, without showing the bylaws anything which is legal. If something like this is done against some individual by some individual, defamation case is made against the alleging person or party as without the proof talking like this is defamation and there is a constitutional law to sue thereafter. Whats wrong if those half baked news publishers are now being scrutenized? Don't they have any responsibility and are not they answerable if they do wrong part and misuse their profile?

Instead the Chief Secretary has taken more precise, clear stand by taking help of law and court. Any person who is clean, will never ever fear going to court to settle the matter. This is the place where things are cleared the best way. Let Bihar government initiate the case against the media persons and those who were behind this propaganda. If they are found clean, then it will mean Bihar government was really wrong and court's decision will go against it! Why fearing and yelling on hearing legal action, if you are really not wrong? He has talked 100% constitutional and civilized thing.
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Ravi Shankar

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It feels nice and assured when I read such voice of protest from such a corner of alternative media..err this is the real media. Bihartimes has always been living through for what media stands for and not for what the media barons and most of the editors today stand for. Appreciation aplenty to BT.

Yes, its an exercise from a senior bureaucrat of the state to muzzle media ...its an attempt to threaten the simple yet unbending journalists to make them bend or genuflect before their master’s voice. And, hopefully he will also be rewarded for his this cowardice audacity…perhaps, a post of BPSC chairmanship!!! History here comes handy.

Bihar media must move out from its meek and subdued shell of self-illusion and join their hands together to throttle any such attempt from any corner of the government. Its time to shoot from the pen and lob the cob with the chain. this is my pen and this is my gun…this is for shooting and that is for fun…!!!

Bihar bounder

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Yeh to hona hi tha.

Message for journalists in Bihar:

Biko ya pito (sell or hell)

Anonymous

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The Chief Secretary's report (in Hindi) on Bihar government website was read thoroughly by me.

In my view, action has to be taken against those responsible person if they are found guilty in broadcasting wrong news item. Recently, you all should remember the closure of a very popular newspaper in England, as they published wrongful information, their journalist was involved in phone taping with the help of Scotland Yard. There should be some kind of norms, rules & regulations for media, as they are considering as if they have all-liberty to say anything. I am not at all shocked to read Anup Mukherjee's report.

Mohammad Yasar Imran