Financial mess continues in Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Apr 6: Reserve Bank of India is reported to have directed the State Bank of India (SBI) to stop transaction in Arunachal Pradesh because of overdraft. The overdraft of the state is calculated to be around Rs 500 crores, though there has been no comment from the Chief Minister’s office as yet on the exact figures or the RBI directives.
This is the second year in a row that RBI has withdrawn transactions because of violation of fiscal discipline by the state.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Finance Ashish Kudra has written to the Assistant General Manager, SBI, Itanagar on Wednesday that only salary bills are to be cleared, reportedly following the RBI reprimands.
“In view of the declining cash balance, it has been decided no cheque issued prior April 1 2016 shall be entertained either in treasury or in the bank for clearance” adding that any violation shall be viewed seriously.
“Message may be conveyed to all treasury officers and sub ¬treasury officers and branch managers of SBI. Only salary bills are to be cleared”, he wrote.
Most of the government employees are however yet to get their salaries.
Meanwhile, All Arunachal Contractors Welfare Association (AACWA) has demanded that Kalikho Pul led PPA and BJP government immediately recall the notification as most of the petty contractors were yet to get their payments from concern departments. Most of the contractors have taken loans from bank and private party on interest rate of 10% pm after getting work order from concerned department, it said as it demanded recall of the govt order.
AACWA further urged the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh to intervene.
Pul seeks de-notification of reserved forests in urban areas
NEW DELHI, Apr 6: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has appealed for de-notification of reserved forest areas that cover major towns and large human habitations, especially those in the foothill areas, on a case-by-case basis.
He said this in a meeting with Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar.
CM said the state government intends to undo the past injustice, where many existing villages and community lands were notified as reserved forest, especially during 1970s to 1990s.
The boundaries of reserved areas were drawn without actually mapping the area on the ground flouting all the rules and procedures, said the CM.
He mentioned that several portions in all major district headquarters in the state are under reserved areas. Even important institutions and establishments in Itanagar, such as Raj Bhawan, CM’s office, and many important government building today are well within the notified areas.
Several banks and financial institutions such as NeDFI and NABARD are not ready to invest or loan money for setting up businesses due to such constraints. Also projects for essential services like roads, drinking water schemes and hydel projects are being stalled, said the CM.
However, several areas in the foothills are under reserved areas, due to which the scope for establishment of business and offices are constrained, said the CM.
He pointed out that many reserved areas are without forest cover, poor vegetation and without signs of any wildlife, which could be de-notified to make room for development.
Further pointing out the delay of several power projects in the state due to accord of forest clearance being linked up with the completion of basin study, the CM requested the union minister for delinking basin studies from forest clearance.
He mentioned that several projects, which were under implementation has been held up due to mandatory requirement of basin studies to get the final nod from the environment ministry. This has severely affected the confidence of the investors, as the fate of several projects remains uncertain, said the CM.
He requested the union minister for a single window clearance system to expedite execution of power projects stating that power requirement is critical not only for state’s development but for nation as well. The CM also suggested that for smaller hydro projects below 25MW, which does not come under the purview of EIA notification 2006, could be exempted from basin study.
He said all measures would be taken to ensure minimum displacement. To achieve that the CM said instead of single large storage dam, the project will be developed as run-of-the-river and in several stages on one single river.
The union minister assured the CM that centre would lend all helping hands to expedite execution of development projects in Arunachal and to lessen the hurdles in forest clearance. On development of border infrastructures, the minister informed that ministry has granted general approval for all security infrastructures projects 100 km inside the international border. Also he informed that ministry has exempted from the purview of forest clearance, all linear projects – such as highways – in the Border States.
36th BJP foundation day observed
ITANAGAR, Apr 6: The 36th foundation day of the Bharatiya Janata Party was observed by the state BJP unit at its head office on Wednesday.
Floral tributes were offered to the portraits of the party ideologues and leaders like Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhya.
Addressing the occasion, former MP Tapir Gao, BJP legislature leader Tamiyo Taga and former Chief Minister Gegong Apang recalled the contributions and foundations laid by Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L.K Advani.
While presiding over the foundation day celebration, State President, Tai Tagak, called upon the party leaders and workers for strengthening the party organization and adopt at least their booths and be the ambassador of development.
The foundation day was attended by the state office bearers, senior leaders and workers from across the state.
Meanwhile, the State President, Tai Tagak and State Vice President, Techi Necha visited their respective Booth Level Committees and joined the foundation day celebration at Ganga Village and Pachin respectively. State Vice President, Kenyir Ringu and National Council Member, Tame Phassang joined foundation day celebration at Naharlagun, organized by the 13th Itanagar Mandal Committee.
Fire destroys 5 houses
ITANAGAR, Apr 6: Four houses in Laigi village under Maro- Baririjo Sub division were completely destroyed in a devastating fire which broke out at around 4 pm on Apr 4 last. The cause of the fire has not been ascertained as yet. However, there was no report of any casualty in the incident.
Meanwhile, the All Maro Baririjo Area Students’ Union (AMBASU) has in a release today appealed to the GOAP to grant immediate financial assistance to the victims as relief.
Meanwhile, a house belonging to one Tori Rumi was gutted in fire at Zirdo village under Daring Circle, West Siang recently. Ego Banggo People Forum and ZPM 12-Daring Anchal Samity Hengi Riba has sought the help of the state government in rebuilding the home of Rumi.
Arunachal seeks central support on micro power projects
NEW DELHI, Apr 6: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has requested the Department of Science and Technology, GoI to help the state government develop micro-hydels and provide technological support to establish food processing units and cold storages. Pul made the request in a meeting held with the DST officials at Arunachal Bhawan on Wednesday.
Pul informed that the state government is planning to provide stable power supply to all the administrative centres by developing small hydro projects. Stating that majority of the population and important institutions are in the administrative centres, he said it is important to bring stable power supplies in these areas.
Pointing out the economic hardships faced by people from Arunachal, CM said that much of the profits from agriculture and horticulture are spirited away by middleman in Assam. And since most crops are perishable items, the farmers are compelled to sell their crops at cheaper rates.
Underlying such challenges faced by the border people, CM appealed for development of proper market linkages, cold storage facilities and food processing units to be established at all major zones in Arunachal.
He identified 8 major zonal centres in the state and said that these zonal centres will be established at the foothill areas, which will serve all the districts located in a river valley. Also he informed that these zonal centres in the foothills are soon to be covered by railway communication and through Trans-Arunachal Highway.
CM also said that development of hydels, food processing units and cold storage facilities would require trained manpower creating jobs for unemployed qualified youths. On this matter, the CM requested the DST to provide all technical and scientific support to groom its manpower. He, however, urged for 100 percent financial support from Centre, as many previous experience had shown that once Centre stops funding such projects and other central schemes, the liabilities of supporting manpower and the establishments comes down to the state.
On financial support, DST officials revealed that each ministry has ten percent financial provisions for ST states. Also they assured to provide all scientific and technological support for development of hydro projects, food industries and cold storage facilities. Since Arunachal being rich in bamboo, the DST officials suggested on development of bamboo-based industries to develop bamboo fiberboard, pulp and paper.
Citing solar power as good alternative source of power, DST officials offered their full support in the development of this sector. They also suggested generation of power through biomass waste and said the state could also explore that alternative citing success story from states such as Punjab and Rajasthan.
They further revealed that DST was looking forward to help the state in establishing a climate change study centre. This will help understand current and potential impacts of climate change that could affect the development process, according to DST.
To promote scientific awareness and to provide capacity building for youths, DST officials offered assistance to develop mobile lab across the state. As per the concept, a laboratory equipped scientific teaching kits will be build in a minivan or on a motorcycle to cover all the schools and colleges. The mobile lab as part of the science outreach programme will provide hands-on and interactive session with new scientific ideas and methods. (PRO, CMO)
Give up arms, drugs: DCM Dolo
ITANAGAR, Apr 6: The Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Kameng Dolo appealed the youths to give up arm struggle and come forward for negotiation. The State Government is willing to listen to their grievances, if they give up the path of insurgency; he said as he promised that his government will help them build a new life if they surrender. He was addressing a meeting at Seijosa on April 5.
Dolo has expressed deep concern at the growing alcohol and drug abuse among the youths. “Our boys and girls are becoming easy prey to drug addictions”, he said adding that it will breach peace and tranquility in the society.
He also warned of stern actions against the people engaged in poppy cultivation.
Meanwhile, responding to a memorandum submitted by the Chairman, Development Committee for Seijosa, Dy Chief Minister, Dolo assured to take up the genuine issues of the area.
He announced to establish sub-treasury office at Seijosa Sub-Division very soon and construction of Gram Panchayat Office for four Anchal segments in Seijosa circle, besides setting up of an Extended Training Centre of State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) which will impart training on capacity building for Panchayati Raj leaders as well as vocational training on skill development for various trades to school drop outs and unemployed youths. He also informed that inter road connectivity of the constituency is on his priority list.
He disclosed that e-tendering process for PSI road (NEC) connecting Seijosa to Pakke-Kessang would soon be completed.
Later, he visited the 3rd IRBN HQ located at Monai, some 8 KM away from the Seijosa Township.
During his interaction with the officers and Jawans, Dolo was apprised of non-availability of drinking at the IRBN complex. Requested to establish a fully dedicated primary school for children of jawans, football ground and children’s park within HQ campus. He was also requested to take up the Election duty honorarium, which is yet to be received from the states of Bihar, Assam, Manipur, Himachal Pradesh, where they had performed the election duties.
Interacting with the jawans, Deputy Chief Minister advised them to maintain discipline and punctuality during duties. He asked them to remain alert and vigil as it is a sensitive area due to presence of UG elements from outside the state.
He further advised them to refrain from indulging in unreasonable fishing, blasting and hunting in the area, which is located at the periphery of Pakke Wildlife sanctuary.
During interaction meet, he directed the 3rd IRBN Commandant to submit the required proposals to the state government at earliest for consideration. (PRO to Deputy Chief Minister)
Developmental meeting govt’s plans and projects
Good times ahead: Simai
Correspondent
Jairampur, Apr 6: A meeting was held on Wednesday at ADC Conference hall by MLA Laisam Simai to share various plans and projects undertaken by the new government led by Chief Minister Kalikho Pul. Head of Departments, PRI members, GBs, Public Leaders attended the meeting.
Simai informed about the various plan and projects of the new government and expressed his confidence that all the commitment made by the new Chief Minister will be fulfilled. He assured the public that now he is part of the government, good times are knocking the door.
“Last years has been difficult for all of us, fund constraints prevented us from progressing as per our desires. The new government has assured equal fund allocation to all the constituencies and we trust the new leadership,” Simai said.
“All the sick government departments are under the process of strengthening and once it’s achieved public will be able to avail the facility starting from healthcare to education,” Simai added.
He also revealed that entire state has appreciated the recent achievement of Jairampur regarding town sanitation and complimented the officers for their hard works.
Regarding law and order, he asked the OC Jairampur PS to be strict while dealing with the criminals. Simai also requested the GB and PRI members to caution the local youths not to involve in criminal activities that might hamper the peace of the region.
He asked the HoDs to prepare plan and projects in consultation with local leader and PRI members. “Annual plan for new financial year concept paper should be kept ready for submission. Field survey should be mandatory before preparing concept paper or budget estimate. All the plans and project should be realistic and ready to be submitted, he suggested.
He also expressed his resentment against the departments who has failed to submit the quarterly report. Except PWD none of the department has submitted it, such negligence will not be tolerated in the future,” Simai cautioned.
ADC Kento Riba, besides other problems reflected the sorry status of Adimjati Primary School and CM livelihood school. He cautioned the GBs and PRI members to totally stop drug peddlers operating in their respective villages. He also asked all the HoDs, PRI members, GBs, PL to support the local MLA in all developmental activities.
SE T Garo, BJP Block Mondal president, ASC Nobinkam Tikhak, ZPM Tusam Longri, former ZPC Izmir Tikhak, PWD EE CT Manpong, New Khamdu GB, CHC MO, OC T Wangpan also reflected their problems as well as solutions to mend the errors.
Discover North East at Aalo
ITANAGAR, Apr 6: Chief Minister appreciated the Cultural Nites organized by the GJCMCC 2016 at General Ground, Aalo with the theme ‘Discover North East – A Cultural Yatra’.
In the event, there were 107 participants from Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Sikkim.
While speaking on the occasion in the evening of April 4 last, Chief Minister urged upon the Director, North East Cultural Zone, Dimapur to continue such programme every year. He said that it not only provides platform for cultural exchange but also gives a message of unity in diversity. He opined to make this event an annual agenda of the state govt. in order to promote cultural exchange which would also help in creating an atmosphere of mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence in the region.
Impressed with the cleanliness drive initiated by the RCCN TV Aalo, Chief Minister lauded their efforts to keep the Aalo Township neat and clean which was visible. He urged upon them not to limit the cleanliness drive during festival only but to continue it throughout the year.
RCCN TV Aalo has initiated a cleanliness drive among the residents and colonies of the Aalo township during the Mopin Festival and awarded cash prizes to the winners in various categories including most beautiful colony award for keeping their residential houses, colonies, roads and surrounding spotlessly clean thereby giving a facelift impression to the Aalo township.
He further said that such innovative idea should be emulated in other towns and district headquarters of the state too.
While responding to a one point memorandum submitted by the festival organizing committee regarding inclusion of Science Stream at Donyi Polo Govt College, Kamki, CM assured to look into the matter on priority.
On the occasion, a Galo audio album ‘Dengom Dengom Be’ was released by the Chief Minister.
Earlier, the dignitaries visited the cemetery of Late Jarbom Gamlin in his residence and paid floral tributes.
Mopin celebrated across state with fanfare
TEZU, Apr 6: The Galo community residing at Tezu and Sunpura of Lohit district celebrated Mopin festival at Mekailiang village with much fanfare here on Apr 5 last.
Greeting people on the occasion, Tezu-Sunpura MLA, Dr. Mohesh Chai said that Mopin is not only a cultural extravaganza but it is a common platform for the people of different communities to mingle with each other and maintain brotherhood.
Lohit DC Ashraf, in his address advised the gathering to preserve and protect the age old culture of the state.
Colourful cultural programmes presented by Neil-Nengo cultural troupe, students of Indira Gandhi Government College, Tezu and Jeko-Sunpura Cultural troupe were the highlight of the festivities.
At Yingkiong, Mopin was celebrated with much pomp and gaiety at Old Community Hall.
Speaking on the occasion, 40-Mariyang-Geku MLA Olom Panyang said that the Adis, Galos, Apatanis, Nyishis and Mishings are the common descendents of Abotani who originated and migrated from the place called Misum Miyang, Mongolia and Tibet and there is no difference between them.
Yingkiong ZPM, Bading Teng, in his address stressed the need to preserve local languages and emphasized the promotion of communal harmony, peace and tranquillity among different tribes of the state.
Upper Siang DC, Remo Kamki and former Information Commissioner Bani Danggen also spoke on the occasion. (DIPRO)
DC calls for integrated approach on immunization
TEZU, Apr 6: A District Task Force meeting on Mission Indradhanush Phase III was convened under the chairmanship of DC-cum-chairman District Health Society at his Conference Hall which was attended by members of District Task Force Committee, here on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Lohit DC Danish Ashraf emphasized on integrated approach to address the problems and shortcomings faced by the medical department in implementing polices and schemes. He asked the District Medical Officer to chalk out a plan by which both field visits and inspection could be done at the same time at all the Health Centers in the district. He further suggested the electrical and PHE departments be included in their visits.
DC also enquired about the Rogi Kalyan and status of medicines in the district hospital and asked the Programme Officers to come forward with ideas which can be taken up for the development of health sector in the district.
Terming health and education as priority sectors, the DC stressed on imparting proper awareness to public and students regarding various schemes for ensuring participation in programmes like Mission Indradhanush. The DC further assured full cooperation and help from the district administration for fulfilling the targets of the health programmes in the district.
DMO, Dr. S Chai Pul highlighted the lack of man power and resources and sought support from the DC to address the shortcomings of the health sector in the district.
Medical Superintendent, Dr. A Wailong, Programme Officers of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme, National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit, National Health Mission also briefed on their respective programmes with the help of a power point presentation. (DIPRO)
Farmers attend fair on newly launched PMFB
ITANAGAR, Apr 6: In all, 98 farmers of Upper Subansiri district attended a farmers’ fair on newly launched Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna-cum-farmer-scientist interaction programme organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Rijo Conference hall, Daporijo on Wednesday.
On the occasion, MLA Dikto Yekar released a book on ‘Upper Subansiri District Agriculture Inventory 2015’.
Modern techniques for crop and livestock development including water use efficiency, compost making in bucket, soil health card, charcoal filter, hand-made flower stocks, bio-control agents for insect pest management, aquarium etc, were demonstrated in the fair by various disciplines of KVK.
District Agriculture Officer and District Horticulture Officer of Daporijo also spoke on the occasion.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY) is an insurance scheme launched on Jan 13, 2016 for the benefit of farmers. The scheme, which starts this month comes with various modification and many new benefits and risks were covered under this scheme like less premium, no capping of sum insured, equal premium for same crop in same season in all over India, unlike earlier schemes it covers from sowing to post harvest stages of crops.
Traffic Advisory
ITANAGAR, Apr 6: Traffic will be closed from Maya Motors to Division-IV Bailey Bridge between April 4-11 due to construction of Abotani Colony RCC Bridge, informed SP City Police.
CM condoles death of Kamla Devi
NEW DELHI, Apr 6: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul today condoled the passing away of Kamla Advani, wife of BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani. The chief minister expressed shock and deep sorrow on the news of her death.
Check fake documents: Association
ITANAGAR, Apr 6: Expressing concern over some private and government-run schools of Kurung Kumey district allegedly issuing fake certificates and enrolling students without financial clearance and proper documents from the previous schools of students, the All Kurung Kumey Private School Association (AKKPSA) has today appealed to all school management committees of various private schools of the district not to enrol students without proper documents and financial clearance certificate.
It further informed that those schools which do not comply with the decision will have to pay a fine of Rs. 20,000 as penalty.
AAPSU meet RGU VC on semester issue
[ Mingkeng Osik ]
Itanagar, Apr 5: All Arunachal Pradesh Student Union (AAPSU) Gen. Secretary Biru Nasi and Convenor Tadar Kakum met the Vice Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University Prof. Tamo Mibang on Wednesday regarding issues being faced by the students of semester V.
AAPSU urged the vice chancellor to come up with some modifications as students of 5th semester are confronted with the issue of losing one year due to back paper in their respective subjects.
VC promised to place the matter during the Academic Council Meeting scheduled for April 22.
Earlier in January, the APPSU team along with the students of Jawaharlal Nehru College Pasighat and Dera Natung College met the Vice Chancellor on the same issue.
DC reviews progress
ROING, Apr 6: Lower Dibang Valley DC, Ravi Dhawan reviewed the progress of works made under various line departments during a monthly coordination meeting held under his chairmanship here on Wednesday.
In the meeting, which was attended by various HoDs of the district, the DC instructed them to brief their staffs to obtain Aadhar card and New Ration Card to avail various benefits under targeted public distribution system and National Food Security mission.
While informing that Panchayat Divas and a slew of activities will begin from Apr 14 next at Gram Panchayat level, the DC asked the HoDs to be prepared for the same. He also sought status report of works executed under various line departments in the district and directed the works department to follow all prescribed codal formalities in executing work.
Parbuk CO, Sanjay Taram further sought cooperation from departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, ICDS and PHED in imparting knowledge of various schemes to Panchayat leaders on Panchayat Divas. (DIPRO)
INMAS, DRDO Health camp at Nafra
ITANAGAR, Apr 6: Sajolang Elite Society Nafra in collaboration with Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Science (INMAS) Defense Research & Development Organization (DRDO), Delhi organized Arunodaya Health Camp at CHC Nafra on April 5-6.
All together there are ten doctors, 6 from Delhi and 4 from Tezpur.
During the health camp, around 1200 patients were treated and 150 patients were given hepatitis vaccination. This is the forth consecutive time that Sajolang Elite Society has conducted such health camp at Nafra.
The society has submitted several memorandums to the state government for posting of more doctors at CHC Nafra as per the norms, but only one doctor is serving the people, said SES president Aju Khonjuju.
Last year, the Society appealed for posting of subject teachers at government higher secondary school Nafra, but till now no subject teachers have been posted, it added. The Society reiterated its appeal for posting of teachers and doctors at Nafra.
Meanwhile, society conducted Clean Arunachal at CHC Nafra on April 4.
Jairampur to celebrate Moh Mol
Correspondent
Jairampur, Apr 6: MLA Laisam Simai while pointing out the significance of culture on Wednesday said that Moh-Mol festival is the identity of Tangsa community and advocated for its celebration. Simai was addressing the meeting held at IB conference hall to celebrate Moh-Mol on April 25 next.
He also opined that culture and religion are two different things and people should not misunderstand that observing culture will diminish the value of respective religion. “We have to respect both, as they are equally important for our existence and identity,” Simai added.
He also suggested avoiding complex rituals and going on with the simpler one as it might discourage some religious group to participate.
ASC Nobinkam Tikhak, CDPO, ADO, Public leader Seno Sena along with senior members, women folks and youth fraternity emphasized on mandatory dress code and original folks dances during the festival as well as offered their views to better the festival experiences.
Prayer Tower dedicated
ITANAGAR, Apr 6: A Second coming Christian prayer tower branch was inaugurated and dedicated on April 5 at Bericksso, Pake Kesang under East Kameng District by Joram Menye, Healing touch ministry, second coming Christian prayer centre, Sekar Dokap, Itanagar.
More than 135 believers mostly, leaders from various denominations and villagers attended event.
The program service was chaired by Charu Tayam, Secretary, second coming Christian prayer centre who invited all denominations and people to come and pray without any discrimination.
Training for ICDS supervisors
ITANAGAR, Apr 6: District Level Induction Training on Management Information System (MIS) for supervisors of ICDS of Lower Subansiri, Kurmey Kurmey Papumpare, and Kra Dadi districts was held on April 4-5 in Hapoli.
Deputy Director, ICDS Ziro Jaya Jawal Singh exhorted them to well acquaint themselves with the revised formats to strengthen ICDS.
T.W.Thungon, Deputy Director, ICDS Kurung Kurmey, CDPOs Hage Indira and Kina Takha were the resource persons.
Altogether 25 supervisors from 21 projects participated in the training.
Union writes to GM
ITANAGAR, Apr 6: The All Kurung Kumey District Students Union (AKKDSU) has written to general manager BSNL informing that mobile network within district is very poor. The union claims that BSNL towers located at Nyapin, Sangram and Koloriang have failed to provide proper connectivity. They have sought attention of GM towards the problem.
Consumer awareness campaign held
SEPPA, Apr 6: An exhibition cum campaign to generate awareness among the public especially traders and shopkeepers was held at Govt. Secondary School Seppa, East Kameng district on Wednesday by the Legal Metrology & Consumer Affairs (LM&CA).
Speaking at the programme, EAC L Thongon EAC urged the traders not to indulge in any form of adulteration and malpractices.
East Kameng Chamber of Commerce, Vice President, P Yangfo exhorted the traders and shopkeepers to maintain the quality of the product, quantity and the prices as per the regulations.
Earlier, Assistant Controller, LM&CA, Tasso Gurro briefed on the essence of the awareness campaign to the students, possible ways of how consumers are being cheated, several standardized items, trademarks and holograms. He also informed about the complaint cell and assistance provided by the govt. authority to compensate any grievances. He emphasized traders not to exceed the price of the commodities beyond MRP.
