The Arunachal Times - Archives

Centre agrees to liberal funding under Right to Education

Siram meets Sibal and Purandeswari

New Delhi, Apr 20: Centre has assured liberal funding for Arunachal Pradesh for implementation of Right to Education. This assurance was given by Union Minister HRD Kapil Sibal and Minister of State for HRD D. Purandeswari today in Delhi when Education Minister Bosiram Siram asked the Centre to take greater responsibility and agree on 100% funding for implementation of Right to Education in the state. The minister said while meeting the Union Minister HRD Kapil Sibal.

He said that greater central assistance would be needed so ensure that RTE is effectively implemented.

Siram put forward the hardship of the education department in implementation of Central Policies while submitting a memorandum for Liberal Funding. He further said that Arunachal Pradesh is only state in northeast, which is implementing all the Central educational policies according to guidelines.

He further informed that 80% teachers are residing in the state without proper accommodation while head loads and helicopter services are still used for transportation of construction of school buildings materials and supply of food items in the remote places. They further accepted the invitation of Siram to visit Arunachal Pradesh to observe for themselves the function and performance KGBV, SSA and other centrally sponsored programmes and policies.

Anshu Vaisha, Secretary, Ministry of HRD, Government of India who is looking after SSA and RTE implementation expressed satisfaction and appreciated State Government’s performance in implementing SSA programmes and hoped for the same for RTE.

Siram further pinpointed the responsibility of central and state and involvement of teachers, parents and local authority in implementation of RTE.

The minister later met Minister Education, Government of Delhi to discuss the roadmap on implementation of RTE, SSA programme, recruitment of the teachers, transfer posting policy, School administration and database information with a purpose to be replicated in Arunachal Pradesh if founds suitable.

Govt. clarifies on AOP

ITANAGAR, Apr 20: The government spokesman Jarbom Gamlin has clarified that the due process of formulation of AOPs by the different departments for 2009-10 was followed by the state government.

Addressing the Press here today, Gamlin refuted the allegations made by different quarters on the status of formulation of AOP for the year 2009-10 and non allotment of any funds to the departments for development and other works.

He added that the AOP is an integral part of the comprehensive strategic planning process and defines the vision of the government and identifies the critical areas on which the resources of the government will be focused in that particular year.

Gamlin informed that all the departments were asked to finalize their Annual Operating Plans (2009-10) and submit the same to the CM, ministers, Speaker besides conveying to all departments as regards the sectoral outlays for drafting the AOP, adding that any allegations on lack of transparency on part of the government was uncalled for. He further said that the AOPs were duly submitted by the all departments which were compiled to form the AOP (2009-10).

Citing the reasons for not holding the State Planning Board (SPB) meeting, Gamlin told the media that the Planning Commission was insisting on submission of revised schemes of financing and communication of sectoral outlays of the Annual Plan within the first week of December 2009 and the SPB could not be constituted by then.

Due to the delay in release of SPA funds by the Union Finance ministry, the quantum of funds likely to be released by the GOI was not known which made it difficult for holding the SPB meet for finalizing project proposals and sectoral outlays.

The allocation for each department were duly approved by the state assembly during the Budget session and sufficient funds allocated to different departments for carrying out development activities as well as undertaking of new projects, Gamlin added.

Explaining the difficulties faced by the state government in 2009 due to financial constraints as a consequent of both the parliamentary and assembly elections, he said that apart from precious time being lost for implementation of development projects due to model code of conduct, it was also a drain on the financial resources of the state. Gamlin told the media that the state incurred a total expenditure of Rs. 17.15 crores and Rs. 16.22 crores on the conduct of the assembly and parliamentary elections respectively which was borne out of state’s own resources.

While referring to the implementation of the sixth pay commission, the government spokesman said that not only was there a sharp jump in salaries, the government also kept its commitment for paying the arrears by March month besides releasing the additional installment of DA of 5% to the employees. The additional liability of Rs. 1322.39 crores was borne by the state government in the last financial year due to implementation of the sixth pay commission, he informed.

The government has taken an additional loan of Rs. 300 crores from the Centre for meeting the liability on payment arrears, which is to be recovered in five equal annual installments.

Officers fail to turn up meeting

ITANAGAR, Apr 20: A meeting called by Kurung Kumey Deputy Commissioner Bidol Tayeng ended without any proceedings today as most the head of the departments did not turn up despite official intimations. Taking serious note of the absentee officers, DC cautioned that such actions will not be tolerated in future and further action would be initiated. Explanation calls have been served to the absentee officers.

Copies of recent government notification on absence of officers without prior permission from competent district authority were provided to all the officers present. (DIPRO)

RTI for better governance: Yonggam

YINGKIONG, Apr 20: A one day workshop on Right To Information Act(RTI) at district level under Centrally Sponsored Scheme was held at Yingkiong today which was attended by PIOs, APIOs and PRI members of the district.

Chief Information Commissioner, Arunachal Pradesh Nyodek Yonggam, dwelt in detail about the evolution of the RTI Act and its relevance and said that act has to be utilized properly. All should learn about it and spread the knowledge in the society. This will bring awareness amongst the general public regarding the planning, implementation of schemes and other activities of the government and ensure accountability, transparency, and public participation in the government. The executing agencies have to take the PRI members into confidence whenever any project or scheme is going to be taken up in their areas, he said. He appealed to the PIOS and APIOs to co operate and provide information as and when sought and contribute to the development of the society. Citing examples of the best PIOs of the country, he exhorted them to be impartial and set examples for others.

He also enlightened the PRI members about how to seek information and utilize them purposefully.

He appealed to them to co operate with the Govt. officials and contribute for faster development while adding that proper utisation of the Act can arrest social unrest and violence.

Rajesh Panyang i/c Deputy Commissioner, Uppper Siang, emphasized on the importance of the Act. He wanted that everyone should give proper attention and learn them thoroughly while stating that knowledge of RTI Act will empower the society.

Apang Jongkey, Advocate elaborated the procedures for applying for information and the time bound period given to the PIOs to provide information. If no information is provided within the time period or if the information provided is not satisfactory, the applicant can go to the State Information Commission. He appealed all to make the act success in the state. (DIPRO)

Khonsa STS earns record revenue

ITANAGAR, Apr 20: In spite of numerous problems and constraints faced in providing regular and reliable bus service to remote villages and Circle Headquarters of Tirap District, The State Transport Services, Tirap District, has recorded the achievement of Revenue Target fixed by the Government for the Financial Years’09-10. APSTS, Tirap has achieved the Government revenue of Rs.76,66,877/- (Rupees Seventy Six Lakh Sixty Six Thousand Eight Hundred seventy seven) only against the fixed revenue target of Rs.64,76,893/- (Rupees Sixty four Lakh Seventy Six Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety Three) only and the achievement percentage is 118.37% by covering only 4109522 Kms against fixed kilometers target of 5,28,752 km i.e. 77.45% kms.

The achievement of Revenue Target is mainly due to untiring and consistent effort of all categories of STS staff and unflinching support from the General Manager and his allied officers of STS, Naharlagun for which the Station Superintendent N.Wangsa credits to all.

In achievement of Government Revenue Target he extends his sincere thanks to the District Administration of Tirap, headed by the Deputy Commissioner and Circle Officers of various Circles who have rendered support in different ways to APSTS, Khonsa. He also thanked the MLAs and public leaders of Tirap for extending their support and guidance in operation of bus service. He further thanks all valuable commuters and publics for availing APSTS bus service and contribute in generating Government Revenue. (DIPRO)

BJP gaining ground in East Siang

ITANAGAR, Apr 20: Under the leadership of Bharatiya Janata Party new president Nitin Gadkari, the BJP in Arunachal Pradesh seem to be determined to make its position strong in grass root level in the state.

BJP may have no enough leaders to lead the people in highest platform of democracy, but people of at least 11 districts of Arunachal Pradesh accepted BJP ideology for its clean politics, party sources said. “Now we need more good leaders acceptable by the people to lead them, ” it added.

BJP also made their position strong in East Siang district too, out of the five mandals in the district, the party has spread its tentacles in four mandals (blocks) and grass root people have accepted the party, sources claimed.

BJP felt the recent election of its Anchal Samiti Member (ASM) Ozing Aje as the chairperson of the Ruksin Anchal Block was morale booster for the party. The re-election for the Anchal Chairperson of the block was necessitated as the former chairperson Takin Taying of INC lost confidence of the house. According to a report, the post of Anchal Chairperson has been lying vacant for many days after the concerned incumbent was impeached by a non-confidence motion on March 30 last.

Gadkari reappointed MLA Dr Tangor Tapok as BJP president to ensure that BJP in Arunachal Pradesh wins the heart of the grass root level people with its ideology.

Extend services in the micro-finance sector to boost the SHGs: Lowangdong

HDFC opens in first branch in Arunachal

Itanagar,Apr 20: The Speaker, legislative Assembly Wanglin Lowangdong has inaugurated the Itanagar Branch of HDFC bank today near Civil Secretariat. With this, HDFC which is one of the leading private sector banks in India set up in 1993 with 1800 branches spread all over the country has begun its maiden operations in the state. HDFC has 22 branches in NE and aims to operationalise 42 more branches by next financial year in the region.

Lowangdong urged the bank to extend its services in the micro-finance sector to boost the SHG movement in the state for rural economic empowerment adding that efforts should be made to benefit the general people by providing loan facilities. While stressing on providing best of customer services and facilities, he said that bank should reach out to common citizens. He hoped by its professionalism and efficient performance, the Bank would achieve heights and make a mark in the State. Commenting on the Banking scenario in the state, Lowandong said that till few decades people of the state were not very aware of the banking services as there was SBI only . However with liberalization, today we see now many Private sector banks coming up in the state, he added and reiterated that HDFC need to compete with other banks by providing the efficient and customer friendly services.

Minister Horticulture, Honchun Ngandan called upon the Bank for promoting the thrift and saving culture among the people of the state for sound personal finances and secure future and a healthy economy. Awareness programmes need to be organized by stakeholders to encourage and drive the message of saving by availing Banking Services, he added.

Vice-Chairperson, APSCW, Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women, Tadar Mepung , urged for providing opportunities for women like loan facilities.

Senior manager, Kokol Nath, Guwahati Branch briefing the activities and expansion plans of the bank in the NE region said that the bank would make efforts to provide best of services and ensure customer satisfaction. He sought cooperation of all concerned.

Mrs. C. Lowangdong, Secretary legislative Assembly, Deputy Secretary Health and member secretary APSCW, Mamata Riba were among others present on the occasion.

Branch Manager, HDFC Albert Taye also spoke on the occasion. (DIPR)

Narrow escape for three families after landslide hits

ITANAGAR, Apr 20: At least three family made their good escape when a landslide hit their dwelling houses in the wee hours at Pachin colony Naharlagun today.

The Pachin Welfare Committee informed that dwelling houses of Tame Nana wife of Tame Rajen, Tadar Onia wife of Tadar Akap and Tame Yami wife of late Tame Karu (Ex-Army Man) completely got trapped under the debris of landslide. However, dwellers managed to come out from the houses along with the children with the help of the nearby residents.

A PCO attached to a building and a grocerry shop were also damaged in the landslide and main link road to Government Middle School Pachin completely washed away.

However, there is no report of any casuality, but household properties were completely damaged under the impact of landslide, the Committee said.

Meanwhile, the committee urged the administration to visit the spot, sanctioned adequate financial support and relief to the affected families.

Awareness meetings on RMSA

ITANAGAR, Apr 20: West Siang district programme coordinator, Liter Bagra Doye along with the DDSE Nyage Potom has visited various secondary and higher secondary schools in the district to generate a mass awareness on the newly-launched central scheme-Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), which seeks to make secondary education accessible and affordable to all children between the ages of 14-18 years by 2017.

They also apprised the Gaon Burahs and Panchayat leaders of various schemes under the RMSA which includes incentives for class IX tribal girl students, girls’ hostel under educationally backward block (EBB), model schools, ICT programmes, inclusive education for differently abled at secondary stage.

The DDSE urged the school authorities to extend cooperation to the district programme coordinator with timely submission of datas for effective implementation of RMSA.

In its second leg of tour, the team is scheduled to visit the schools of interior areas in Mechuka, Monigong, Liromoba and Yomcha.

Forum demands uniform grade-I pay scale

ITANAGAR, Apr 20: The Arunachal School Education Vice Principals/ Headmasters’ Forum (ASEVPF) has reiterated its demand for uniform VP/HM grade-I pay scale for all regular Vice Principals (VPs) of HSS and HMs of Hr Secondary schools with effect from January 1, 2006.

In separate memorandums submitted to the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary on April 19, the Forum demanded immediate awarding of uniform VP/HM grade-I pay scale of Rs 10,000 to 15,200 plus grade pay of Rs 6600 in PB-3 of 15,600 to 39,100 as enshrined in CCS revised pay rules (Part-B) 2008 to all regular VPs and HMs.

The Forum hoped that the Govt would consider its genuine demands sympathetically at the earliest without compelling the Forum to launch agitation.

Kudos to students

ITANAGAR, Apr 20: The All Arunachal Pradesh Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Teachers’ Association appreciated the students of KGBVs of Siyum, Daporijo, Kharsang, Mukto and Anjaw for hundred percent success in class VIII internal board examination, 2009-10.

BJP confident of its rally's success today

NEW DELHI/ITANAGAR, Apr 20: BJP leaders and activists today asserted that despite scorching sun, tomorrow's rally against price rise in the national capital would be a huge success.

In what they termed as one of the biggest rallies the city has ever witnessed, around five lakh people are expected to demonstrate against the wrong economic policies of the Congress government resulting into price spiralling.

Talking to UNI, Delhi BJP Secretary Virender Sachdeva said around one lakh people have already arrived by trains and over a lakh were on their way. More than 2500 buses were booked for the people of neighbouring states to attend the rally, he further informed.

A strong delegation of 173 BJP workers including three party MLAs and top leaders from Arunachal Pradesh have left for Delhi to participate in the rally, informed State BJP spokesperson Tai Tagak.

Tagak claimed that a good numbers of the Arunachalees staying in Delhi indicated their participation in the programme. The state BJP also joined the nation-wide signature campaign against the price rise and have taken the signature of more than 31,000 for submitting a public memorandum to the President Pratibha Patil.

Influenza a H1N1 (Swine flu) Current status and way forward with Pandemic Vaccination

Dr.L.Jampa

It may be seen now, that nearly a year after the global alarm was raised by the WHO, on the spread of the new Swine flu strain reaching a pandemic scale has died down. But the reality is, the Pandemic situation of the infection and deaths are still is continuing and growing despite it receiving lesser media attention.

This input on the updates over the current situation is purely intended to provide more and also correct information to all concerned and of course the people at large.

The current situation of Influenza ‘A’ H1N1 which is commonly known by “Swine flu” by many is reported daily by both WHO and the MOHFW, Govt. of India in their websites (i.e www.who.org and www.mohfw.nic.in, respectively) gives information as shown below.

WHO (as on 11th April/2010): Globally it has involved 214 countries and overseas territories have reported over 17,798 deaths.

While the consolidated status of the same infection and deaths in India as on 17th April/2010 reads as follows:

i) Cumulative total laboratory confirmed cases =30,465.

ii) Cumulative total Deaths of laboratory confirmed cases =1,481.

From the above status reports, we can understand that the situation of the Pandemic is still continuing all over the world including our country. This is so because the infection of the H1N1 virus is by air-borne i.e by droplet infection. We must all appreciate that it is very difficult to prevent and contain any disease which is transmitted by air unlike the water-borne and vector-borne diseases. However, India had been alert to the situation well in time and had put all preventive measures in place throughout the country. The surveillance mechanism to detect any suspect and confirmed cases had been beefed-up to a robust level in all the states. Logistic support on procurement of the drugs like Tamiflu, sample collection kits and other personal protective equipments (PPEs) have all been provided to all the states by the MOHFW, Govt. Of India, New Delhi.

As on date, no confirmed infection have been recorded in Arunachal Pradesh whereas in states like Assam (52 cases), Meghalaya (8), Mizoram (4) and 2 cases each in Manipur and Nagaland have reported confirmed cases of H1N1.

Deaths have also occurred in Assam (2 deaths) and Mizoram (1) so far. Our state along with others in the North-East is still vulnerable for the infection considering the mode of spread and the travels by people to other states to and fro.

Recently, the Govt. Of India has initiated to roll out ‘Pandemic Vaccine’ from 14/3/2010. One important prevention/mitigation strategy is vaccinating the at risk population with pandemic vaccine specific for H1N1. The target population to be vaccinated in the first phase are medical, para-medical and supporting staff of health facilities upto the CHCs and above. 3500 doses of the vaccine have been supplied for Arunachal Pradesh and is kept in cold chain (2 – 8 degree C) in the Hq. This vaccine is given as 0.5 ml by I.M injection to the target groups. The objectives by this vaccination is to protect those most at risk of infection with Pandemic influenza ‘A’ H1N1 virus and to prioritize and vaccinate health care workers to ensure that the health facilities providing medical care/H1N1 care are able to continue its operations. All the hospitals and districts have been informed by the State Nodal Officer for H1N1 of this exercise as instructed by the MOHFW, Govt. of India. Therefore the vaccines are now being distributed to the districts as per their requirements. It is planned to complete the vaccination to the target group by the end of April 2010 in the State.

The vaccine procured is an inactivated vaccine and very few adverse events are expected. So far there have been no reports from any States to the MOHFW, New Delhi about any adverse effects and is a safe vaccine.

Efforts are on to manufacture Pandemic vaccine for H1N1 indigenously. The indigenous vaccine is under going clinical trials and expected to be available by May/June 2010. Meanwhile MOHFW, Govt. of India has imported 1.5 million doses of vaccine to vaccinate selected population among the high risk group.

For any doubts or for more information the State & Districts Surveillance Officers may be contacted. (The writer is State Nodal Officer, for Influenza ‘A’ H1N1, Arunachal Pradesh)

www.tirap.nic.in

ITANAGAR: The Tirap district website tirap.in has been shifted to NIC web-server viz www.tirap.nic.in. The change has been affected as NIC web-server is cost effective, secured and well protected from hacking, said an official release.

DC calls for responsive and accountable administration

BOMDILA: Taking a more practical and rational approach towards work culture and for a responsive and accountable administration in the meeting of the officers and officials of the DCs and its allied offices, Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Tashi who had taken over the reins of the district administration a week ago, called for proper coordination amongst the staff to eliminate any sort of communication gap. Top priority would be to provide a free, fair and transparent public service and to run the administration in an effective and efficient manner, he said. Underscoring the importance of punctuality and professionalism in ones duty, DC Tashi also dwelt on the sanctity of office rules and others. Exhorting the officers to create a conducive working atmosphere he urged them to be responsible and accountable and to set a trend for others to follow.

Secy MSME to visit Arunachal

ITANAGAR: Secretary MSME Dinesh Rai would visit Itanagar and Tawang from April 21. During his five days visit to the state, he will meet the Governor and senior state government officers.

On April 23, he will leave for Tawang on a three day visit.

Police recovers stolen bitumen

ITANAGAR: Police recovered 38 barrels of bitumen stolen from BRO’s Dali camp at Basar recently and arrested all those involved in the theft case.

The stolen bitumen were kept in a house at Veterinary Complex, Basar reportedly by one Pagli Gadi, who sold the consignment to one Hiren Saikia of Bihpuria, Assam, West Siang deputy commissioner said in a release quoting police sources.

Two night chowki-dars of BRO were also reportedly involved in the incident and they are presently under the custody of Basar police, the release said.

Earlier, a written complaint was lodged with the district administration by AE (civil), GREF, Dali camp about the forceful lifting of 40 barrels of Bitumen by some miscreants, the release added.

Land can’t be expanded

Dear Editor,

It’s surprising to see that the GM of NHPC, Dibang multipurpose project has mentioned that the people of the affected area are misguided by some groups against the project. The protest and strike are done by the project affected people and the various student organization. The student organizations are not outsider as they belong from our community. They should not create any misunderstanding within the groups or committee. They are only group which gave the awareness among the people of project affected people. The project affected people are very much clear in the matter of the dam construction and its social and environment impacts.

If the NHPC or the government is interested then they should come to the affected villages and give the pros and cons of the dam. Almost every time we find that the NHPC authority are going straight to the Anini whereas all the affected area is between Roing - Anini BRO road. The project affected people are in trauma after losing their customary land and property.

Ideological and philosophical talks look good in textbook or in rhymes but when it comes to implementation, it is difficult. So they must be aware of the ground reality instead of giving philosophical articles. They should dig in the depth of reality.

Crisis in Gerukamukh hydro Project is due to the non fulfillment of the demand made by the affected people. The NHPC authority should concentrate on the demand made by the project affected people. Where is the state government machinery which was supposed to full fill the demands? In the section 2.1 clause (iv) and (vi) of the hydro power policy 2008, the creation of job opportunities and infrastructure development for the project affected are mentioned.

Giving the statement only in the paper is not enough. They must ensure that implementation of employment opportunities and infrastructure development in the project affected area must go simultaneously with the construction of project.

Why the public of the Dibang multipurpose project affected are opposing the dam? The public hearing has been postponed 8th times. It is not only about the greater interest of the nation but what about the people of that project affected area? The people don’t want to be scapegoat. The govt. should not sign MOA without making any statutory guidelines for the time bound implementation of the demand of the affected in any project. It is because of nexus of the politicians and corporate world, the tribal people of the state are losing their land and right to livelihood. Land is not elastic neither it is expandable.

State should learn from the other experiences so that we don’t end up like Chakmas and Hajongs due to the acquisition of the land for hydro project.

Yours,

Takuso Mimi

General secretary

Dam affected citizen committee, Dibang Valley

Start good work from ground!

Dear Editor,

I would like to highlight few facts regarding Dibang Multipurpose Project and NHPC.

It’s almost a decade since NHPC surfaced in the area but not a single person from Idu Mishmi has been employed on a regular basis.

Except for few contractors who were capable of bidding tender, not a single person is awarded contract works. On demand of due salary, the local employee has been warned of legal consequences. In the name of corporate responsibilities, bags of low qualities have been supplied to few schools.

Take the case of renting house by these officials. They only demand RCC buildings which only few rich people can afford.

Likewise there are many more such cases which are not very visible. So, no matter how much this gentleman tries to make us believe in him, the truth is something different.

It makes no sense to a person whose land and lively hood is going to be taken away with nothing in return. As Indians, we have been educated to believe in democracy of truth, equality, freedom inspired by philosophy of Gandhiji and guarded by principles of constitution of India.

This forced notion of development which is being imposed on makes us to question those thoughts and principles.

Mr. corporate, better you start from local and your work will be rewarded and written in golden words in the history of development.

Yours,

Kera-aa (on email)