Sound financial position, no overdraft: Commissioner says
ITANAGAR, Apr 8: The Commissioner Finance, Govt of Arunachal has informed financial situation of the state is sound and it is a normal practice in the month of April and May every year to observe financial prudence in view of reconciliation of accounts by AG and RBI Treasury office.
He said this during a meeting with the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa who sought the financial position of the state after media reports on financial mess.
There is no iota of truth that RBI has stopped the treasury operation of the state, said a report sent by the Raj Bhavan after the meeting.
The cash inflows of Central share of taxes are due and expected soon; all payments will be honored by the state government, the Commissioner Finance said during the meeting.
He further informed the Governor, that the State Government has released the civil deposits pertaining to many CSS projects pending from 2014-15 and released payments of all major projects, pending salary and wages including that of SSA, NHRM and of those employee who were recruited earlier in the delinked CSS projects.
The Commissioner’s assurance of sound financial position of the state comes two days (on Wednesday) after he wrote to the Assistant General Manager, SBI, Itanagar that “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. Only salary bills are to be cleared” adding that any violation shall be viewed seriously.
Cheque not being cleared: AACWA
Meanwhile, All Arunachal Contractor’s Welfare Association (AACWA) stated that though the Commissioner Finance has claimed that govt is fully utilizing the allocated budget for the year 2015-16, contractors are roaming with their cheque as the bank refuses to pay them.
Association has urged the State Government to lift its ban on banks transaction for clearance of contractor’s cheque and passing of bills at all treasury.
Association warned democratic movement if state govt fails to release payments.
AACWA has further demanded a white paper on financial position of state as many of contractors have not been paid even after completion of their works.
Centre release funds for Medical College cum Hospital
NEW DELHI, Apr 8: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India has released funds for establishment of Arunachal State Medical College cum 500-bedded hospital for which construction is likely to begin soon.
This was disclosed in a meeting between Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda and Chief Minister Kalikho Pul on Thursday.
The first MBBS course is expected to start by 2017 in the available old structures of the old state Assembly building and other office buildings.
During the meeting, the CM informed the minister that land is ready for setting up of medical college for which the central government had earlier earmarked Rs.189 crore.
Pul also informed that construction of the 250-bedded ward block of Tomo Riba hospital is on progress as per the timeline and would be completed by July 31, 2016. Further, the construction of the 300-bedded hospital, which would be part of the medical college, would complete by 2017, the CM informed.
The minister said the central government would release all pending funds for the construction of hospital cum college in phase wise.
Further, the CM expressed concern over the rising Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), and lack of data for Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR). He also said the state was deteriorating in all health indicators.
To arrest poor health indicator in the state and to prevent health crisis, the CM requested for one-time special financial package for complete revamp of health sector.
On being apprised on the poor state of Pasighat General Hospital and the five district hospitals, which are to be upgraded to general hospital, the Minister assured support for renovation and maintenance of the existing and proposed general hospitals.
Tapir Gao to lead state BJP
“BJP doors are open for all”
ITANAGAR, Apr 8: Former Member of Parliament and one of the senior most leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Tapir Gao has been appointed new state unit president. Gao replaces the incumbent president Tai Tagak.
Born on 1st October 1964 at Molom Village under Rumgong constituency in West Siang, Gao joined BJP in 1998. He has been member of National Council and is considered to be close to national BJP President, Amit Shah.
He was elected to Lok Sabha from Arunachal East Parliamentary Constituency in 2004. While speaking to this daily, Gao informed that his first priority is to strengthened the party at grass root. “I would like to work towards strengthening party organization based on ideology and principle of BJP,” said Gao. On the question of accommodating new entrant and old guard, new president said he will maintain balance. “We will take forward both the sections. We cannot deprive old party workers and also we need to support those who are joining the party,” said Gao. When asked whether Kalikho Pul led PPA government will merge with BJP, Gao said it is too early to comment but also made it clear that door of BJP is not closed for anyone willing to join the party. He held various responsibilities in the BJP as the State General Secretary, Secretary and General Secretary at the centre. He also was Vice chairman, erstwhile National SC & ST Commission besides Member in various sub-committees in the Parliament and Ministries. Meanwhile, the outgoing state president Tai Tagak and his team have welcomed the decision of the National President.
Irani assures support to improve education in state
NEW DELHI, Apr 8: Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani has assured to give full support to the state government’s endeavour for improving the education scenario in the state.
The Minister made the assurance when Chief Minister Kalikho Pul met her on Thursday and apprised on the poor education scenario of the state.
Irani suggested to come up with more ideas and plans to bring improvement in the education sector and give more priority to adult education.
Highlighting on poor infrastructure support for education, Pul informed that several government schools and colleges lack sufficient infrastructures and all-weather buildings. He said many of these buildings were constructed during the union territory days, which have outlived their lifespan and needed complete renovation.
Many schools and colleges do not come even close to having basic facilities such as proper toilet facilities, proper kitchen and dining facilities, a playground and a library with sufficient reading material, adequate classrooms, electrification, hostels and teachers’ quarters, He said.
Funding was a big constraint in achieving the targeted plan for education sector as state has limited resource base, said the CM and appealed for a one-time special package.
On higher and technical education, the CM urged on establishment of institutions of national repute viz. AIIMS, lIT, IIM and Law School in the state. He also requested to make functional the state university at Pasighat, which could not take off owing to paucity of funds.
Apprising her on the delay in disbursement of two months’ salary for 9803 SSA functionaries in the state, he informed that for SSA salary, the state government has already released its state-matching share of Rs. 3310.92 lakhs for the current financial year.
Pul informed that the state government is now awaiting the release of centre’s matching share of Rs.7079.40 lakhs in addition to its earlier grant of Rs.181179.44 lakhs.
The Minister assured Centre’s all support to the state government informing that PM Modi has accorded special consideration for Arunachal and all the North Eastern states.
School vandalised, certificates taken away
ITANAGAR, Apr 8: Some students have vandalized the office chamber of the Principal, Exam Cell and school building of Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Koloriang on April 6.
They took away blank school leaving certificates, official seal of school/Principal, said Arunachal Teachers’ Association (ATA).
Incident reportedly occurred after the declaration of the AP State Board Examination 2016 for Class XI where the students failed.
Later, the students also forcibly stopped the vehicle of the Principal and tried to assault him, while he was on the way home along with his family members, said ATA.
“Such primitive act committed by the students is unfortunate and highly condemnable” said a statement.
The Arunachal Teachers’ Association called upon the administration and the law enforcing agencies to immediately arrest those involved and initiate stern action against the wrong doers as per law.
Further, it appealed the Koloriang administration to ensure safety and security of teaching community who are apprehensive of their security after the incident.
Ziro Storm
Storm has left a trail of destruction in parts of Ziro on Friday evening. Most affected were Hija village and Old Ziro where granaries and tin roofs were blown away and trees uprooted leading to damage of power lines. Deputy Commissioner Kemo Lollen has appealed to all the citizens to be careful and remain indoors during such storms. He visited the affected villages, reports DIPRO
BJP hits back at APCC, says allegation childish and unethical
ITANAGAR, Apr 8: The Bharatiya Janata party, Arunachal Pradesh has said that APCC allegation of financial mismanagement by state govt. is an eye wash, childish and concocted.
The APCC very well knows that it is a PPA government, although the BJP extended its outside support, it said while stating that APCC is making a mockery of themselves by levelling unnecessary allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party. The party termed the allegations unethical and nasty.
It further said that Bharatiya Janata party has nothing to do with the overdraft in the PPA Government. The party however said that if the allegations are true, Kalikho Pul led PPA government should maintain fiscal discipline.
Longte celebration starts
NIRJULI, Apr 08: Longte, drawing a boundary between evil and benevolent spirits without any blood, the oldest festival of the Nyishis, begun here on Friday.
The festival is celebrated to appease Atu Gungte and Ayu Gumru, both benevolent divine souls representing male and women respectively, to seek their blessings for bumper crops, happy and healthy life.
“The mankind depends on the farming community and animal lovers”, said Capital DC Sandip Kumar Singh, attending the festival as he exhorted all to get rid of all bad habits, particularly animal sacrifice and cruelty, whose survival is linked to human existence.
Appreciating the suggestion of Senior Journalist Pradeep Kumar and Celebration Committee GS Amit Bengia to promote cultivation of kukam (green leaf), commonly used for serving foods, to replace polythene, promote Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and enrich rural economy, Singh assured to take strong action.
Arunachal being a rich treasure of nature, the Arunachalees have a vital role to preserve and protect it for the mankind, he said.
Celebration committee chairman, Bengia Kabnang earlier said this year the festival, themed “Promo Pomo” aims at showcasing the age-old aspects of traditions and customs the Nyishis have been zealously guarding. This festival is celebrated without accepting any donations, he said.
Besides the traditional games, earlier, bobo (climbing to the top of a pole through a rope by Lokam Amit), dapo(two men proving physical strength through a bamboo), arrow shooting, the guests inaugurated the 42 food stalls and volleyball competitions (male & female) and took part in a tug-of-war in which the DC-led team won.
A mega traditional dance involving 200 dancers, in their best traditional attire, to the tune of melodious folk songs left the gathering spellbound.
CM seeks BRO’s continued service on strategic border road
NEW DELHI, Apr 8: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul met the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways and requested for retention of three strategic roads of Joram-Koloriang (158km), Anini-Meka (235km) and Demwe-Hawai (165km) with Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
These three strategic roads were handed over to the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), which were earlier constructed and maintained by the BRO.
Underlying the importance of these strategic roads, CM said it serve as defence roads. In the event of natural calamities or any law and order issues, BRO with its adequate manpower, machineries and dedicated line of communication was better equipped to handle the situation.
The minister assured to consider the request of the CM, however, appealed the state government to monitor the works of the BRO and to ensure that local people and local contractors are also economically benefitted from the work.
On proposed widening of the existing 2-lane to 4-lane of the Itanagar-Banderdewa section of NH-415, CM requested to keep necessary budget provision in the current financial year.
To ease traffic between Itanagar and Naharlagun, the CM mentioned that the proposal includes a flyover over Naharlagun saying that the road serves as a critical lifeline between the two cities. He requested the minister for maintenance of this stretch of road since during monsoon it gets worn down and in several places due to landslides in Kharsingsa area; the entire roads are washed away.
Appealing for funds, the CM said the road is the only lifeline of the capital city to which the Minister agreed to help and also widening of highway to 4-lane road.
The CM further requested for an East-West Industrial Corridor Highway (431km), which will traverse along the border fringe of Assam-Arunachal boundary. For that the government is taking all measures to ensure land availability, the CM informed.
He said this highway would enable people from Arunachal to avoid travelling to Assam to travel in one’s own state.
The minister was also requested for re-posting of Regional Officer (MoRTH) back at Arunachal. CM appealing for the same said the shifting of RO office to Assam defeats the very purpose of close monitoring of projects under PM package.
He requested for increase in allocation of funds under CRF as special case for Arunachal since it has large geographical area.
Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Apr 8: His Holiness, the Dalai Lama is proposed to visit Arunachal Pradesh this year.
His Holiness gave his consent to visit the state in November 2016 after Legislators from Tawang, West Kameng, Upper Siang & Namsai and Abbot of Tawang Monastery Guru Tulku Rinpoche met him in New Delhi on Friday.
His Holiness was forced to call off his visit to Arunachal Pradesh last year after the centre refused to give him permission.
Handle refugee issue delicately: Pul
ITANAGAR, Apr 8: Regarding the citizenship to the Chakma and Hajong refugees settled in Arunachal Pradesh, the Chief Minister Kalikho Pul said that change of status of the refugees has to be handled very delicately, as any hasty action will impact the sense of integration of the Arunachal tribal and will also give rise to law and order problems. He said this during a meeting with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday and asserted on the need to find a creative and non-confrontational solution to the issue.
NSCN cadre under NIA net
ITANAGAR, Apr 8: National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested one hard-core militant, Neyton Nokbi, resident of Tirap district for his involvement in the terrorist attack by a group of NSCN cadres. He was part of the group that fired at the Indian Army personnel on April 2, 2015 in which three of them died.
Nokbi is a self-styled Sergeant of the National Council of Nagalim (Issac Muivah faction). The accused was produced before the Special NIA Court at Yupia and has been remanded to police custody of NIA for 7 days.
Fire dept accused of engaging malfunctioned fire tenders
ROING, Apr 8: Accusing the fire department for engaging malfunctioning fire tenders that could not dispense water resulting in the tragic death of one person besides, destruction of 6 houses in C II Sector, Itanagar on Thursday, Dwrww Bvdum Club (DBC) Gumjum Haider appealed to the GoAP to take strict action against the erring officials.
The Minister assured Centre’s all support to the state government informing that PM Modi has accorded special consideration for Arunachal and all the North Eastern states.
Khonsa, Maro celebrates Mopin
Work for development of the State: Rajkhowa
ITANAGAR, Apr 8: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa urged all tribes of the state to work together towards development of the State and have sprit of one Arunachal Pradesh, one northeast state and one India.
While attending the valedictory function of Golden Jubilee Mopin festival celebration here at Itanagar he urged Arunachal society to shun and discourage communal discrimination and become one strong entity.
He urged upon the youth to defeat anyone who has the evil designs to bring in inter tribal animosity and work together to foster unity among all tribes of the state.
Governor appealed the people of State not to have any differences amongst the tribe or clan or religion over other.
We must prevail peace and harmony between the states and have a better understanding of each other, the Governor added.
The governor further appreciated the contribution of Galo community to the society towards political, economic and education scenario of the state, reports PRO, Raj Bhavan.
KHONSA: Mopin by far the most important and popular festival of the Galos of Arunachal Pradesh was celebrated at Khonsa on Friday with various programmes. Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha and SP Jasmeet Singh greeted all participants on the occasion.
Tirap ZPC Chawang Lowang and HoDs also partook in the celebrations. Mopin dance, sacrifice of mithun, community feast and other cultural events marked the day-long celebrations. Earlier, EAC Tamo Riba read out the mythology associated with Mopin.
Maro: Mopin festival was celebrated at Maro with traditional gaiety on Apr 4 last. While greeting the people on the occasion, former ASM Tabom Liagi exhorted the importance of maintaining one’s rich tradition and culture. Former ASM, Jenga Ropuk in his address appealed to the people to adopt horticulture practices and plant more fruit bearing trees for sustainable income.
Various traditional games & sports and cultural programmes mark the festivities.
The festival was also celebrated at Rami, Koyu Circle under 36th Nari Koyu Constituency. The festivities began with hosting of flag by Koyu Circle EAC, Starling Jamoh.
Heavy storm disturbs power supply
ITANAGAR, Apr 8: Power supply in Banderdewa area was disrupted on April 7 night due to breakdown of power supply line along the highways due to heavy storm.
The power supply was finally resumed on Friday after eight hours effort made by the staffs of power department, said Executive Engineer, Power Ajay Murtem.
The transformer of DC office, Yupia was also damaged due to short circuit.
The transformer has been sent for repair after the Deputy Commissioner, Papum Pare assured to bear the cost.
Siram brings out book on Matmur Jamoh
AALO, Apr 8: Jumsi Siram from Tadin village who has written a number of books in Hindi has brought out his latest book on Matmur Jamoh.
The book titled a ‘Gumnam Swatantrata Senani’ throws light on historical events from 1905-1912. It highlights Indo-Abor War of 1911 in which Capt. Neol Williamson, the then Assistant Political Officer of British India was killed by Matmur Jamoh in 1911 at Komsing village. The book will help evaluate the endeavour of Matmur Jamoh and his team who laid their lives while protecting their homeland from outsiders.
Siram, a matriculate is the first Hindi writer of the state. He had learnt Hindi under the tutelage of retired Hindi teacher Dr. Raman Chandiliya and has also written a series of books. (DIPRO)
Governor assures funds to Wancho Committee
ITANAGAR, Apr 8: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has assured the Capital Complex Wancho Oriah Festival Committee to supply the musical instrument or provide adequate financial assistance as well as early action for construction of a well-equipped training hall/ Youth Convention hall as requested by Wancho Acrobatic Dance Group.
He said this when the Committee called on him April 8 to request financial assistance from State Government for construction of a Youth Convention Hall for Wancho Acrobatic Group at Panchau circle Headquarter in Longding District.
The festival Committee had sought financial assistance for providing some musical instrument and gymnasium equipment from the government.
In an interaction with the Governor, Chingkat Wangsa, the manager cum Choreographer has explained that his dance group has been performing voluntarily without any financial assistance from the state government.
Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Dani Salu and Commissioner to Governor Hage Khoda were present in the meeting. (PRO to Governor)
AISSCE exams end smoothly at GHSS Doimukh
ITANAGAR, Apr 8: A total of 1056 students appeared in CBSE, New Delhi conducted AISS/AISSC Examination-2016 for Class-XII and X exams at GHSS Doimukh, which ended smoothly under the supervision of Papum Pare DC, Puja Jain, SP and Doimukh SDO, Ibom Tao on Thursday.
APCC concerned at non-release of SSA salaries
ITANAGAR, Apr 8: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee has expressed concern over non-release of salaries of SSA teachers for the last 3 months. In a release, APCC has questioned PPA-BJP government under the leadership of Chief Minister Kalikho Pul over this issue. The Congress party alleged that Pul is befooling the public with sweet announcement but by failing to release salaries of SSA teachers, he has proved that he cannot deliver on his assurance.
“Earlier Pul criticized the previous Congress govt. over financial crisis and assured public that he will end this. He has proved that he is incompetent and is only an empty orator,” the APCC stated. While empathizing with SSA teachers in their fight, the party sought answer from Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, APCC has expressed its deep condolence on the demise of one Tachu Lida, resident of C-II Sector, Itanagar who lost his life in a major fire accident that broke out on 7th April. APCC hailed capital administration for giving immediate relief to the victims and extended its solidarity with the victims. APCC appealed to the state government to compensate the family of Lt. Tachu Lida and also to all the victims who lost their properties in the devastating fire.
Trans Arunachal Highway from Khonsa - Changlang starts
ITANAGAR, Apr 8: The much-hyped 2-lane Trans Arunachal Highway from Khonsa to Changlang covering 42 KMs kick-started on April 8 at Charju.
Addressing a huge gathering of chiefs, GBs, HoDs and public leaders, Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha congratulated the people on the auspicious occasion of kick-starting the long-awaited work on the Khonsa-Changlang road which is the life-line of many villages. He urged the Construction Company M/S MGCPL from Panchkula, Haryana to take the villagers into confidence while executing the work and assured all possible help and cooperation from the district administration.
The Deputy Commissioner while appealing the villagers to extend their fullest cooperation to the executing Company said that compensation demand by the affected villagers should be genuine and authentic.
In his speech, former MLA Wanglam Sawin lauded the effort of the district administration, concerned department, Construction Company and the people for completing all the required formalities to enable the work to begin.
He said that the villagers were law-abiding and urged the Company to work in close coordination with the district administration and the villagers.
Former MLA Kamthok Lowang while participating in the deliberation described the occasion as historic and threw light on the long history of the CK road which was constructed on self-help basis by the villagers.
He urged the Company not to compromise with the quality of work and exhorted the Engineers to diligently follow the technical specifications and the guidelines.
The ZPM Lowang Bangsia said that proper road connectivity was sine qua non for development of any place adding that after the completion of the tender process a series of meetings had been held.
She urged the Deputy Commissioner to hold a public hearing to enable the villagers clear all the doubts vis-à-vis compensation and other issues. The ZPM further said that a committee had already been constituted to assist the company and the district administration in settling any contentious issue if any and added that the road when completed would help the farmers to transport their agri-horti products easily.
Earlier, the Project Manager sought the active cooperation of all the stakeholders. (DIPRO)
Laid down norm violated: APTETQA
ITANAGAR, Apr 8: Alleging DDSE cum DPO SSA Zilla Mission, West Kameng of violating laid down RTE Act 2009 norm by calling for walk in interview of DELED and B ED candidates instead of TET qualified candidates for the post of PRT and TGT SSA contractual teacher, the Arunachal Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test Qualifiers’ Association (APTETQA) has given three days to cancel the advertisement.
In its ultimatum served to the State Project Director Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rajya Mission seeking to call for walk in interview of TET qualified teachers’ for the posts, the association has warned of democratic movement against the department if the demand is not fulfilled within the set time.
Under section 23 (1) RTE Act 2009, the qualification to the appointment of teacher should be laid down by academic authority, authorized by central government. Hence CTET and state level TET is minimum qualification to the appointment of teachers under elementary level of education, the ultimatum read.
Allegations baseless, PMC Chief retorts
ITANAGAR, Apr 8: Clarifying the allegations of fund misappropriation leveled by Dy. Chief Councilor Kaling Darang and others, Pasighat Municipal Chief Councilor Denong Tamuk stated they are baseless and mere accusations to defame him.
In a release, Tamuk said “I have never appropriated PMC funds and there is no question of lack of transparency as all decisions are taken jointly in the empowered standing committee sittings. The PMC does not have any funds as TFC, FFC funds are yet to be released, he said dismissing allegations of nepotism.
Further, the Chief Councilor added that the question of misappropriation and drawing of cheque will be brought before the floor test of PMC on April 13.
Tamuk added that the two Congress councilors are making baseless allegations after the rest of the councilors merged into BJP. The Dy. Chief Councilor should have raised the question before the merger and he is also equally responsible for any good and bad that happens in PMC, stated the PMC Chief.
Compensation sought
ITANAGAR, Apr 8: The Ward no. 10 Youth Association (WYA) has appealed for compensation to the victims of devastating fire incident that broke out at C-II area here on the wee hours of Thursday last.
The association also urged the general public to support the fire victims.
Association calls for cancellation of RE schemes
ITANAGAR, Apr 8: Pointing out various schemes under revised estimate which according to them had been used for individual development, depriving genuine areas, the 13th Itanagar Constituency Youth Association on Friday appealed to Chief Secretary to cancel private schemes under Capital Complex. In a representation, the association questioned the recent fund allocation under revised outlay of Annual Development Agenda 2015-16. It claimed that most of funds were given to individuals and many important schemes were omitted.
“The sector/colony road, maintenance of schools and drainage system of Capital complex were omitted”, it added. The association also appealed to the Chief Secretary not to implement controversial scheme.
Editorial
Recurring of financial crisis is not good for the state
The issue of financial overdraft is once again in news for all the wrong reason.
Ever since Commissioner Finance Ashish Kudra wrote to Assistant General Manager,
SBI, Itanagar informing that only salary bills are to be cleared from state exchequer,
a hue and cry has broken out. Latching on to the controversy, the state Congress
has blamed ruling PPA and alliance partner BJP for messing up with finance. On their
part BJP has distance itself from the whole issue claiming it only extends outside
support to the PPA government.
The finance department also came out with clarification claiming that financial situation
is fine and there is nothing to worry. It seems everyone is washing off their hand
and not willing to take responsibility of the situation. Unfortunately in this whole
blame game it is the ordinary citizens who are the worst sufferers. Many petty and
small time contractors have not received their payment. SBI is believed to be returning
the cheques based on the letter written by commissioner finance. Majority of government
employees are also yet to receive their salaries. Situation is quite precarious.
Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, who also hold finance portfolio has years of experience
in dealing with such kind of financial crisis. Whole Arunachal is hoping that he
will take state out of this mess. Especially government should be sympathetic towards
the plight of small time contractors. Arunachal has been facing this kind of financial
crisis for the last many years. Its time state government in consultation with central
government finds out a long term solution.
________________________________
Readers’ Forum
Tragedy, greed and corruption
Dear Editor,
This is with reference to Kajal Chatterjee's article titled, "Kolkata bridge collapse"
(Readers Forum, April 6). It is shame that IVRCL officials have described Kolkata
flyover tragedy as an act of God. How dare they instantly put forward such a lame
excuse in the din of deaths and disaster? This tragedy must have been because of
foolish planning or greed - corruption or both.
Yours,
Sujit De
Kolkata
Roads and monsoon
Dear Editor,
With black topping almost completed between the twin Capitals of Itanagar and Naharlagun,
now the Capital Roads look promising. Barring the two unending chronic under construction
culvert sites at Papu Nallah, Capital Roads as on today promise you a smooth ride.
The commuters now can have a sigh relief. But the moot question now is, how long
is it gonna last? Can it survive the onslaught of the coming monsoon? Are the drains
around the Capital Roads ready to accommodate the sudden gushes of water from monsoon
spate?
One very interesting thing that I have noticed in state capital in my two decades
of staying here are the government notifications that hardly have any takers.
Time and again there were notifications after notifications issued from the district
administrations on so called Blanket Ban of Earth Cutting in the state capital by
the Private Parties. But unfortunately things always seem to go the other way round
after such notifications. Instead of deterring people from carrying out Earth Cutting,
such notifications seems to have worked as a reminder to the people that they have
an Earth Cutting to be completed before the onset of Monsoon.
Immediately after few days of such notifications, we can see people busy in earth
cutting in around the capital complex using High Tech Excavators.
The dumping of debris and other construction materials like sand gravels, bricks
and boulders in the sides of National Highway is common phenomenon in the state capital.
Now it is known fact for any lay man's understanding that the portion of the road
is bound get damaged where there is an Earth Cutting going on or Construction materials
dumped. It is very evident from the fact that some portions of the newly carpeted
roads between Itanagar and Naharlagun has already developed potholes where there
is an Earth Cutting going on in the nearby or construction materials dumped.
Rest, I leave it to the wisdom of the respected District Administration to prevent
the further damage of the new found roads in the state capital. Or else, after monsoon,
the Capital Roads once again is bound to leave common denizens like us fuming and
thinking, was it a dream?
Yours,
Tajot Pali,
Itanagar
The sloganeering
Dear Editor,
Hats off to you for the editorial on Diversion Tactics in the Issue dated 06-04-2016.
I find no words to congratulate the editor for airing her views on the recent irresponsible
statements made by responsible people holding high offices.
How can a Chief Minister of a state say that persons not chanting new slogan coined
have no right to live in this country? How can they forget the oath of office when
they accept to abide by the constitution of India and to protect all his subjects
irrespective of religion or caste to they belong.
The Yoga Day has been acknowledged by the UNO as it develops the inner self with
peace and contentment and it is strange that a very popular Guru dares to say to
eliminate persons for not chanting the Bharat Mata Ki Jai slogan. It is to be clearly
understood that certain people refuse to say the slogan as it offends their basic
faith of worshiping.
Absolutely, there is no objection for them to say Jai Hind and history has already
recorded their sacrifices for the cause of Indian freedom.
The concluding remarks that they are inflicting long term damage are note worthy
and timely. If the Heads of Government and the parties do not refrain from these
irrelevant remarks, it may be inevitable Indian Union to become United States of
India.
Yours,
R.S.D.Ghouse Mohideen
Itanagar
Grant of ST status to the Mishings
Dear Editor,
This is in response to the proposal of Adi Bane Kebang (ABK) to the Deputy Chief
Minister regarding grant of ST status to Mishings. We are aware that ABK has been
known for its good and matured decision but the recent proposal made to the Deputy
Chief Minister by its President and his team has attached a big questioned mark to
its reputation.
Mishings have always been known as Assam’s tribal and bunch of Mishings are reported
to be thriving in our state but to count them as tribal people of Arunachal is inappropriate.
It would have been better and assumed to be appropriate if the Mishing society residing
in the state themselves raise this issue but our own tribal society like ABK raising
voice for outsider is a mystery.
It is profitable to do vote bank Raajniti but if proper channels are not pursued,
it might be perilous too. The society concerned should always consider the two sides
of their demand viz., the positive as well as negative consequences.
Any Society and Unions when about to take a decision which concerns the whole state
should not implement it by mere superficial assumptions with two or three of its
Executive Members as a decision Maker for the Tribe or State instead must go through
nexus of meetings by Consulting and involving the whole Tribe or nations as to be
sure that the voice they are raising is genuine and would bear fruitful consequences
for the denizens afterwards.
It is feared that if Mishings are given ST status, all the Mishings from Assam might
settle down in our land resulting in huge demographic change of the state.
What guarantee does the ABK give to the state that only those residing for long will
be considered ST?
This proposal should also be analyzed by the other matured Societies and Unions of
the state. What seems to be right now might be a cause for regret for the next century.
It is my advice to ABK to first look into many unresolved issues within us; such
as issues of unemployed youths, Assam-Arunachal boundary fiasco, mismanagement of
public funds by bureaucrats, contractors, politicians.
Yours,
Bamang Taba HB
Free and fair recruitment is a must
Dear Editor,
This is in apropos to the earlier publication in your daily by concerned individual
aspirants and Arunachal Pradesh Unemployment Association, pertaining to the ongoing
issue of PRT &TGT. Arunachal Pradesh Teacher Aspirants’ Forum (AFTAF) would like
to appraise them and seek their cordial support in this matter, which is not of any
individual interest rather of general interest. As of now, our forum has been rigorously
pursuing two separate cases with education department, one related to non-compliance
of education rules 2010, whereby the department has time and again breach the rules
since 2010 and has been seeking for one time relaxation for departmental recruitment
instead of handing it over to the APPSC, the case being subjudiced. Another case
is against department of elementary education for the recent pick and choose policy
in their recruitment process and appointment of 48 waited list candidates, which
again stands against high court rulings of 2010 and violation of art. 14 & 16, case
as of now being subjudiced.
We too are aspirants and can feel the pain and plight of every aspirant. It is not
our fault nor we are responsible for the delay in recruitment process rather we the
forum members earnestly seek your support in this issue to discourage and request
against the department concerned for adopting their most powerful tool i,e delay
tactics.
On 29th January 2016, the Naharlagun permanent bench has issued an order for reply
from the department of secondary education on the issue of violating education rules
2010, but they have failed to respond to the same.
Therefore, every aspirant should rather appeal the department for its early reply
to the court’s notice. Similarly, as teacher aspirants of this state, we too have
the strong urge of pursuing our dream at the earliest but not at the cost of present
day popular practice of nepotism and bribery. The need of the hour is the quality
recruitment of teacher for which free and fair recruitment is a must.
Therefore, once again we the Arunachal Pradesh Teacher Aspirants’ Forum (AFTAF) appeal
to all the individual concerned, teacher aspirants, every unemployed youths of the
state, conscious citizens and well wishers to come up for a common cause together
and stands against corruption and nepotism in all departmental recruitment. Looking
forward for your kind support and cooperation in our stand for a better future.
Yours,
Taba Billow
Post officer in remote circle
Dear Editor,
I would like to draw the attention of the authority regarding Pidi circle under West
Siang District which is on the international boundary and one of the remotest circles
of state. It consists of 14 villages and population is around 1,036 as per 2011.
The peoples of this Circle are crying for circle Officer since the last six years.
The infrastructures of the circle are in the worst condition. The Circle officer
who was posted the last time was attached to ADC Office, Mechukha.
The peoples from the 14 villages are facing serious problem for official work and
are forced to go to the office of the EAC Manigong or ADC Mechukha with no proper
road communication.
This is harassment for the public as our circle has no proper road connection to
the nearest administrative office.
Its take more than 3 days to get a paper signed by government officer as there is
no proper road connectivity.
Recently APPSC has conducted the civil service exams successfully so it is modest
appeal to the Govt of Arunachal Pradesh to send officers to the defunct Circle.
Yours,
Lame Taluk
R.G.U, Doimukh
