Remains of US soldiers in Arunachal to fly home
New Delhi, Apr 12: The excavated remains of soldiers and artefacts of a US Air Force B-24 bomber that had crashed in Damroh area of Arunachal Pradesh during the World War II will be sent to the US on Wednesday.
Visiting US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter will oversee a repatriation ceremony of US World War II remains from India to the United States.
Carter expressed his gratitude to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Indian government for their support in facilitating the recovery effort.
"The Indian government agreed to support America’s commitment to bringing its fallen personnel home and providing their families the fullest possible accounting, and looks forward to further humanitarian missions of this kind over the next few years to return the remains of these US heroes to their families," a joint statement read.
The repatriation issue had figured in the joint statement issued last year after the visit US President Barack Obama to India.
While the previous UPA government had stopped the recovery of remains following objections by China, which claims Arunachal Pradesh to be its territory, the Narendra Modi government gave Americans fresh permission.
The US is seeking to recover the bodies of American aircrew who died in crashes while flying resupply missions between Assam and Kunming in China during the war.
The US Department of Defense states that over 500 aircraft are still listed missing in the China-India-Burma theatre of the Second World War.
Multiple wreckage of aircrafts was discovered north of Itanagar, south of Walong, upper Siang and at other sites in 2006 by a US-based private explorer, Clayton Kuhles.
After pressure from the families of the missing personnel, joint operations to recover the remains were started in late 2008. However, the operations were cancelled by both governments in 2010 and 2011. PTI
Several villages flooded in Changlang, Namsai
Flooded scene at Namsai district
NAMSAI, Apr 12: Heavy downpour has inundated low lying areas including number of agricultural fields in Namsai district. All the major rivers are on spate.
DC Namsai informed that the overflowing water entered New Silatoo, Nongkhon, Kakoni and Mahadevpur IV and paddy fields.
In Deobeel, Kherbari and Dharampur, water is nearing danger level. No casualty has been reported so far.
Administrative officers and the field staff of water resource department have been deputed at all vulnerable points.
Residents of low lying area have been advised to shift to safer places while the situation is being monitored, stated an official release.
Diyun: Pre-Monsoon showers over the past four days in Diyun-Bordumsa circles have inundated Udaipur, Dumpani, Jyotipur and Bijoypur. People in the areas are reeling under severe difficulty as Nao-Dehing River is flowing above the danger level. Extra Assistant Commissioner of Diyun, Tagam Mibang and a team of police visited the area to assess the ground situation. In Udaipur village, 75 families are affected by the flood while five houses have been completely inundated and destruction of paddy fields has been also reported.
After being briefed by the EAC about the unprecedented flood situation, the MLA of Diyun-Bordumsa constituency, Nikh Kamin ordered immediate precautionary evacuation steps, besides, providing basic necessities to the affected people.
Amenities and education
Crores of rupees have been announced for a school in Naharlagun by the Chief Minister, leaving almost all the educational institutions envious and teachers, students and administrators scratching their heads in bewilderment.
The buzz is that someone in the School Management Committee is close to a BJP leader, instrumental in chronicling every move of the earlier govt. So infectious was the Congress govt bashing by the BJP that this daily got trapped in the middle with a lawyer of high profile person, appointed by the Tuki govt, serving a notice to us for defamation.
That's why, yours truly won't name the school or anyone related to it, because lawyer's fees are unaffordable for a media house like ours and we can't waste our precious time in any court for stating the facts, nor do we endorse wasting the time of the court. It is for the right minded citizens and organizations to take up from here about distribution or lack of funds.
While we hope that money will be used judiciously, we can't ignore the fact that educational institutions in the state are in shambles. There are very few schools in the state with requisite teachers, furniture and infrastructure.
The Governor has made his displeasure known about the bad state of affairs in the education department so has the Chief Minister. Both of them were taken by surprise by apparent lack of facilities and overcrowding. The two key people obviously need not be told that students in schools, colleges, even the Central University are used to the fact that facilities if any, are bad. Unlike "surprised" Chief Minister and the Governor, students are not surprised at the nonexistent facilities.
For those who studied in govt schools and colleges, it is normal to pee in the nearby jungle because there are few toilets with doors with fewer running water facilities. By now, the Chief Minister will know, experienced by his numerous inspections of toilets and bathrooms in every place he has been to that even though towns and villages are blessed with rivers and streams, there is rarely a tap that has running water facility. We are conditioned to the fact that when we have a jungle nearby, perhaps it does not make sense to discuss about bad or nonexistent toilets.
Most schools are overcrowded with very few teachers. The buildings, if standing are in abysmal conditions, unfit to be used as class rooms. Subject teachers are rare in higher secondary schools with many students forced to sit for exams without ever being taught, for want of teachers. These same students will be selected as teachers as has been the case. What do we get in return; a clueless student becoming clueless teacher, destroying generations.
It's long overdue but perhaps a start can be made, where there are facilities for teachers as well as students. The budget estimates this year have envisaged a considerable amount of money for education department. It is for the department and those in educational committees to seize the opportunity to ensure that basic facilities are in place in order to initiate quality teaching-learning process.
DA dismantles unauthorized structures
AALO, Apr 12: The West Siang District Administration dismantled several unauthorized structures from Gumin Nagar Tinali (near water tank) to Gour Hill Hikar Gumin Tinali on Monday.
Large numbers of CC Wall, iron gates, RCC pillars, shops, barbed wire as well as bamboo fencing, trees were removed by the team. It was necessitated for widening the road width as right of way is 4.5 mtrs on both sides from the centre of the road as per Government notification.
The estate officer cum ADC Tamik Talom, EAC judicial Kiren Ningo, Police team led by DSP Dr. DW Thungon and OC Olik Tamuk and employees of Land Record, Electrical, PWD, PHE department and ALCs from DC office were engaged right from the morning till to complete the process.
Such drives will be carried out in various sectors of Aalo Township.
Pasighat: East Siang administration in an attempt to streamline proper settlement pattern in and around Pasighat Township carried out similar exercise. Three magistrates along with security personnel dismantled an under construction structure in forest colony and also vacated a departmental land in Gumin Nagar which was encroached. (DIPROs)
DC refutes allegation of food shortage
ITANAGAR, April 12: The East Kameng district Administration has denied that there is scarcity of food items in Seppa Township. Refuting the report published in this daily on April 10, DC Deepak Shinde said that there is no truth in the report and that there is no food scarcity.
He said that the report was published without knowing the pros and cons of distribution of rice under PDS to the public.
DC said that wholesale Nominee cum carriage contractor PDS has allotted rice of all categories under APL/BPL & AAY to the Fair Price Shops, which has been issued to all beneficiaries and ration card holders of the district during the months of February/March, 2016.
The allotted rice under NFSA/13 for the month of April 2016 is yet to be issued, the DC said.
It may be added here that the state govt is yet to finalise selling rate for wholesale nominee as well as fair price shops of PDS rice in the state.
Legislative committee on disqualification
ITANAGAR, Apr 12: Arunachal Legislative Assembly Speaker Wangki Lowang has formed a committee with Pongchau-Wakka MLA Honchun Ngandam as chairman to make preliminary enquiry into the composite petition pertaining to disqualification of 14 MLAs filed by Anini MLA Rajesh Tacho.
The committee which has Pangin-Boleng MLA Tapang Taloh and Ziro MLA Tage Taki as members will submit its report to the speaker within 30 days with no further extension of time.
30 contestants reach semi-final of AGT-2
ITANAGAR, Apr 12: 30 contestants including five wild card entries from a total of 60 have been selected for the semi-final of Arunachal’s Got Talent, Season-2 during the second round of the competition held here on Wednesday.
The top 15 finalists of Arunachal’s Got Talent Season-2 include; Unbreakable four, The Hot Steppers, Swrta Garg, Priyana Pradhan, Tai Nachum, Jotam Nyer Toko, AK 43 U 8, Wahid Anshri, M4D 10, New Intention Crew, Dzong Boys, Jumping Jacks, Tarh Dai, Mary Makcha, Monalisha Cheda, informed the Chairman AGT, Season-2 Hillang Nima.
While congratulating the top 30 contestants, Borum Panchayat Segment-1 ZPM, Techi Tolu advised them to be prepared for more tough competition in the round three of the talent hunt.
GSU seeks strict implementation of RTE Act
ITANAGAR, Apr 12: Galo Students' Union (Apex) has submitted a representation to the Commissioner, Education regarding implementation of Right to Education Act (RTE) and SSA guidelines in all the Govt. Schools.
It said that since many years almost all Govt. schools across the state have been charging fees from the students in direct violation of RTE norms and Arunachal Pradesh Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2010.
Under SSA, both Primary and Upper Primary schools are entitled to receive yearly maintenance grants upto Rs.10,000/-. Further, sufficient amount are also earmarked for TLE (Teaching-learning equipments) under SSA and Stationeries under normal State grants. The Union finds no logical reason for collection of any amount from the students it said as it called for strict directives. It also called for de-centralization of procurement and supply of free text books.
The books which are supposed to reach the students during the start of academic session normally reaches during mid or end of the academic session, it said. Most of the times, it doesn’t reach the students at all. There have also been reported instances of books which are damaged or torn being given to the students, the union added. GSU demanded for procurement and supply of textbooks at DDSE level.
It also called for decentralization of procurement and supply of free school uniforms.
Centralize procurement and supplies of uniforms have been often marred by the Students receiving sub-standard, ill-fitting uniforms that too at varying times, it said.
Student also called for Proper implementation of Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
“Despite crores of amount being pumped, most of the schools are not providing meals. Some schools provide free lunch to the students under the scheme only few times a year.” Therefore, the union appealled for proper implementation of the MDM scheme on regular basis in all the Govt. schools.
It also called for supply of Teaching-Learning equipments, textbooks, uniforms to the student’s before the start of academic session.
Commissioner (Education) is reported to have assured the students to take up the points raised by the Union on top priority.
Hundred novice monks ordained at the Golden Pagoda
[ Bilaseng Namchoom ]
Tengapani, Apr 12: A new record has been set on Tuesday with the ordination of about a hundred novices from different Theravada Buddhist communities of Arunachal Pradesh at the Golden Pagoda (Kongmu Kham) located at the Noi Cheynam, Tengapani in Namsai district. Now for the third time, novices from Tai Khamti, Singpho, Tikhak, Tai Phake,Tai Khamyang, Chakma, Tai Ahom and Mishmi communities have been ordained in a grand and sacred ceremony in the premises of the Golden Pagoda.
Ordination or Khamsang in Buddhism is believed to accrue merit of the highest order for the novices who undergo monastic life after the ceremony.
The ordination ceremony was organised by Poi Khamsang Committee, Golden Pagoda under the chairmanship and direct supervision of Ven. Vimalatissa Bhikkhu, abbot of the Golden Pagoda monastery.
The day long programme was attended by monks from various Vihara and delegates from other districts of Arunachal Pradesh as well as Assam. Around twenty novices who were ordained came from different pockets in Assam. A large number of devotees thronged the Golden Pagoda to witness the sacred ordination ceremony.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein who attended the day long ordination ceremony said that the event was historic for the people of the area. He also said that the visit of the members of World Tipitika Foundation who arrived late in the evening was a significant development as the transcription of the Tipitika in Tai Khamti language will be handed over to the people of India.
Kena assures to develop Malinithan area, seeks cooperation with Assam
ITANAGAR, Apr 12: Parliamentary Secretary, Transport and Land Management, Jomde Kena has assured to provide infrastructure development within the temple area of Malinithan, Likabali. He said this after inaugurating the Malini Mela festival on Monday.
While addressing a public gathering, Kena stated that the authentic history of Malinithan has come to light through a series of excavations carried out from 1968 to 1971 by the Historical section, Department of research, GoAP. Malini Mela festival started in 1959. Later on, the festival became a centre of trade and commerce.
Kena further stated the objective behind holding the festival was to develop foot hill areas. It is a good opportunity to strengthen relationship with neighbouring villages of Assam, he said and appealed to his Assam counterpart to extend full support for the welfare of the people of both the states.
CM aims to strengthen fire department
ITANAGAR, Apr 12: In view of the repeated fire accidents taking place across the capital city, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul stated that the department of fire & emergency services will be given additional assets to strengthen its logistics and capability to deal with disasters.
He made this announcement during a visit to the Itanagar Fire Station on Tuesday.
CM said that the existing strength of one station officer of sub-inspector rank will be increased to two. The sub-fire officers will be increased to six from the existing four officers. Two more leading firemen will be added to the existing four, with increase in the strength of firemen to thirty from the existing twenty. This is in addition to increase in number of drivers to six, which is double the existing strength.
CM informed that four overhead water tank equipped with fire hydrants will be installed across the city at locations such as Ganga, Gohpur-Chimpu road, Jollang village and Nyokum Lapang.
The fire department appealed for upgradation of the existing fire tenders. The CM assured to fulfill all vehicle requirements for fire fighting and also to provide security from the nearest police station.
He assured to fully equip each fireman with all necessary fire fighting accessories such as fire proof jacket, helmets, fire beater to douse the fire, firemen axe and ceiling hooks.
CM Pul also instructed them to keep all the fire fighting tools and equipment in proper order. To make judicious use of the available room in the store, he directed the fire personnel to dispose all the unused and old equipment and to replace it with new ones.
The CM further instructed the fire personnel to keep the phone line always open so that people in distress could contact at any moment. (PRO, CMO)
DC review parking system in Capital
ITANAGAR, Apr 12: A meeting was called by Capital Complex DC Sandeep Kumar Singh on Tuesday in connection with the management of parking system and to discuss ways to improvise parking in the Capital Complex.
During the meeting, the Chief Municipal Executive Officer Habung Lampung briefed about present status of the parking management in the Capital Complex.
DC asked everyone to present their views and suggestions on ways to improvise the parking. All of them expressed views that IMC should be allowed to continue with the management of parking subject to review of some of the parking areas earlier notified.
It was also decided in the meeting that a committee will be constituted with assigned duties to identify for re-notification of dedicated parking areas, no parking areas, commercial parking areas, dedicated parking areas for Trekkers and further to relocate Tata Sumo Stations meant for outstations.
The DC directed the IMC to streamline the parking fees. He further directed the Transport Federation to organise sensitization programmes for the commercial vehicles/drivers to maintain discipline. Among others, the meeting was attended by the all the Administrative Officers, Dy. Chief Councilor IMC Kipa Babu, President, All Capital Complex Students Union and representatives of All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation. DIPRO
Overcome cultural barriers: Ering
PASIGHAT, Apr 12: “Culture makes people understand each other better, and it is easier to overcome all barriers,” stated MP Ninong Ering while taking part in the valedictory function of the 4th Youth orientation camp held at the Engo Takar Dere last evening.
Ering said the challenge is to preserve culture by making them part of our lives. We must make an effort to sustain our cultures and not to depend on others. Our rich traditional cultures and indigenous systems may be lost if not regularly practiced, properly recorded and preserved, and proudly promoted, he said.
Expressing his dismay, the MP said most of the young people are unable to speak their mother tongues.
While appreciating the organizing members of ‘Donyi Polo Yelam Kebang’ (DPYK) for their untiring efforts, the MP said that young generation deserves to be cared for, nurtured and prepared ready for the future of this nation.
Among others, DPYK President, Tabi Jerang, DPYK, Secretary General, Tajom Tasung and Women Wing Secretary Yabor Taggu also spoke and shared their views. They informed that children from 14 Ganggings undertook chores involving cleaning up, preparing and organizing activities in order to learn the importance of selfless service to one another. DIPRO
Pul assures facilities for Women Police Station
ITANAGAR, Apr 12: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul visited the all-women police station in Itanagar on Monday. Speaking to the police personnel, he informed that women police stations will be opened in all the districts with recruitment of 400 women personnel. He was also informed of the requirement for a permanent site for the women police station as the present building belonged to the department of industries. Promising to address the requirements of the women police station, the CM assured to provide a lockup cell.
Taking tour of the women police station, the CM inspected the toilet, kitchen, office rooms and police resting rooms. For the entire office, there was only a single common toilet room temporarily arranged in a makeshift building, which was used by the visitors as well. Several office rooms had leaking roofs; in the resting rooms, the kitchen had no water facilities.
The CM assured to meet all the requirements and asked the works department to speed up the construction of a common toilet with bathroom facility and an attached toilet room for the officer’s cabin along with promise to depute a sweeper. He further asked the contractor to build a RCC wall to accommodate the generator for the police station.
Earlier, the police personnel asked for more police vehicle required for emergency movement and drop and pick up facility for women police personnel serving late at night. The CM assured to provide four more vehicles along with the drivers as per the requirement mentioned, and informed that the government has already sanctioned funds for procurement of 228 police vehicles. He also assured housing facility.
The official requested the CM for the old police barrack presently occupied by their male counterpart to be handed over to women police station to accommodate the police personnel. They informed the women police station has 45 personnel and was short of rooms in the present occupied building.
Since most personnel were working mother, they also requested for a crèche or a baby care centre and said that such facility would be first of its kind in the entire country. They requested to increase IRBN personnel for women police station. They further requested that dispensary room be opened 24 hours to serve police personnel working late at night.
Avoid repetition of proposals: DC
TAWANG, Apr 12: A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Tawang DC Duly Kamduk to recommend the proposals under MSDP submitted by Block Level Committees of the three MCBs of Tawang district in which he said that duplicity of proposals should be avoided.
DC Duly Kamduk, verified if the proposals have been discussed with user agencies viz. DDSE and DMO to rule out repetition of projects and to ensure selection of need-based proposals. He reiterated that repetition without taking into account the actual necessity leads to unnecessary expenditure of government exchequer.
While taking note of instances where many a projects are handed over without fulfilling the basic requirement, the DC further urged the executing agencies to ensure inclusion of electrification, water supply, furniture etc. while framing the estimates so that a full-fledged infrastructure could come up. With regard to the pending works, he informed that government would be approached for release of pending amounts.
Earlier, a play on the life and work of Jetsun Mila Repa, a Buddhist saint who attained nirvana was staged at Zomkhang Hall, Tawang on Tuesday. Training of the play was imparted under a project sponsored by the Department of Karmik and Adhyatmik (Chos-Rig), GoAP. The play which had actors from the students of GSS, Mukto was an initiative of the public of Mukto led by the former APPSC chairman Rinchen Dorjee. (DIPRO)
AdiSU conducts operation clean drive
Namsai, Apr 12: Huge quantity of IMFL and tobacco products were seized from various grocery shops in and around Jaipur area, near Govt Polytechnic College, Namsai by a team of AdiSU Namsai District Unit.
General Secretary of AdiSU, Buteng Tayeng informed that they had seized opium and brown sugar which were later handed over to Namsai Police.
He also requested Deputy Commissioner of Namsai for implementation of COPTA Act 2003 in district. Many shops are illegal selling IMFL and tobacco products near educational institutions which will harm the future of young generation, said an AdiSU release.
ATA seeks conduction of DPC
ITANAGAR, Apr 12: The Arunachal Teachers’ Association (ATA) has requested for conduct of DPC, initiating amendment of the RR for TGT – 2013 and stopping the appointment of wait listed candidates for JT (TGT).
In a memorandum submitted to Director Elementary Education, T. Gao on Tuesday, the ATA central executive team called for allocating additional vacancies for promotion from AT (PRT) to JT (TGT) as per RR ratio of 50 percent for promotion and conduct DPC of three years backlog within three months.
ATA also called for maintaining single regulation of Recruitment/Promotion by initiating amendment of the RR for TGT – 2013. Despite, notification of gazette RR for TGT in the year 2013 (50 percent by promotion from the senior most serving AT/PRT and 50 percent by direct recruitment) the department of Elementary Education has failed to maintain single recruitment regulation for appointment and promotions and is thereby creating confusion among both normal and SSA teachers, it added.
Further, the memorandum requested for stopping the appointment of wait listed candidates for JT (TGT) against the walk in interview conducted vide advertisement No. EED.2/342/APT/2013 dated 23rd December 2015, till the fulfillment of the demands.
It also called for mandatory sitting of DPC for all categories of teachers on half yearly basis to streamline and to eliminate inconsistency in promotional avenues of teachers.
Director Elementary Education T. Gao assured the ATA members to look into the grievances by verifying the facts or discrepancies if any in allocating vacancies, at the earliest.
Retired official dies Correspondent
RUKSIN, Apr 12: Tamin Tamuk (60) of Rengging village in East Siang district, a retired Agriculture Field Assistant died at a Dibrugarh hospital, Assam on April 11 last.
The Kepang Welfare Society has mourned the untimely demise of Tamuk.
Tamuk was president of Kepang Welfare Society of Pasighat and involved with social activities. He has left behind his wife, two sons and two daughters.
Union seeks fresh NIT
ITANAGAR, Apr 12: All Papum Pare District Unemployed Union in letters to Chief Engineers (Western Zone), PHED, WRD, RWD, PWD has requested fresh Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) from the eligible and experienced firm for execution of work under State Infrastructure Development Fund (SIDF)-2015-16, for quality works, transparency as per the guidelines of CPWD norms.
Governor greets on Bohag Bihu
ITANAGAR, Apr 12: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has conveyed his warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Arunachal and Assam on the occasion of the Assamese New Year, Bohag Bihu.
The Governor wished that the Festival may promote peace, unity, and integrity and reinforces the age-old harmonious relationship, by dispelling the past differences and misunderstandings, if any, amongst the citizens of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, in particular and the people of the North East in general.
Orgs condemn Ziro tourists’ assault
ITANAGAR, Apr 12: Arunachal Elite Forum (AEF) has condemned the incident wherein three tourists were assaulted at Ziro on Sunday.
In a release, it reminded people to provide best hospitality including security and other amenities to tourists as they play important role in state’s economy and its development.
Tasso Clan Youth Organization has also condemned the attack on tourists. Police should act fast to track the attackers as there is no place for such defaulters, it said while extending its help to the adminitsration.
Teachers demand quarters
ITANAGAR, Apr 12: The Arunachal Teachers’ Association, Kra-Daadi district unit has requested for sanctioning 150 numbers of teachers’ quarters in the district.
In its memorandum submitted to the education minister, it claimed that most of the teachers’ quarters in the district are in dilapidated condition making it hard for the teachers to attend to their duties properly.
_____________________________
Correction
In the news report with the headline ‘State Election Commission Announces Dates for by-election’ published on April 12, 2016, it was erroneously mentioned that the notice of election will be issued on April 24, submission of nomination fixed on May 2, scrutiny of nominations to take place on May 4 and withdrawal of candidature fixed on May 7. The above sentence may be read as ‘Notice of election will be issued on April 25, last date of filing of nomination is on May 2, scrutiny of nominations on May 4, last date of withdrawal of candidature on May 7, date of poll on May 23 and counting on May 26.’ Error is regretted.
Editorial
Take action against loan defaulters
Ever since liquor baron Vijay Mallya left London after report emerged that he has
defaulted loan to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore, the issue of ‘loan default’ has taken
centre stage in the public discourse. While politicians is busy blaming each other
on the Mallya issue, it is the Supreme Court of India which has taken up the matter
seriously. Apex Court on Tuesday sought Union Finance Ministry and Indian Banks Association's
response on the defaulted loans issue within two weeks. Hearing on a PIL, the apex
court bench headed by Chief Justice of India T S Thakur asked Reserve Bank why the
total bad debts amount can't be made public even if the names of defaulters may not
be disclosed.
The Mallya issue has given fillip to the fight against the rich loan defaulters.
Many rich individuals are roaming freely even after defaulting loan amount to the
tune of crores of rupees. The role of bank officials should also be investigated
in this matter. Especially in the Mallya case there seems to be clear nexus between
bank officials and defaulter. Proper investigation should be done so that everyone
involved in this unholy nexus is punished. In Arunachal Pradesh, the Arunachal Pradesh
Cooperative Apex Bank almost went bankrupt after many rich and influential citizens
did not returned the loan amount. In 2007 state government took Rs 225 crore loan
from National Hydro Power Corporation's (NHPC) to revive the apex bank. But situation
has not improved much and apex bank still continues to struggle to survive. Till
now no defaulters have been punished by the state government. The question also
arises about uses of Rs 225 crore loans. How is apex bank going to return the said
loan amount to NHPC and what is the final amount of settlement? These are very serious
questions which need to be answered by apex bank as well as state government.
________________________________
Readers’ Forum
Finanacial position of the state
Dear Editor,
What is overdraft? Let me explain it in a simple way.
All state governments have separate accounts in Reserve Bank of India. They keep
their cash balance in their own account which is called State Exchequer. Entire expenditures
of a State is kept in their exchequer. If cash balance of a State exchequer goes
into negative balance, then Reserve Bank of India allows concerned State to avail
a kind of loan provision from RBI namely Special Drawing Facility where a State
can draw upto Rs.195 crores on return basis at the interest rate of 6.5% per annum.
If the Special Drawing Facility is exhausted, then another provision is available
with RBI namely Wages & Means Advance wherein the same State can draw another amount
limited to Rs.195 crores which is also on return basis with interest. In case,
the Wages & Means Advance too is exhausted, then a State can go for drawing more
amount from RBI account which is called overdraft and entire overdraft amount with
interest has to be refunded to RBI by concerned State within 14 consecutive working
days otherwise RBI will suspend all kinds of payment against the defaulter State,
the next day.
So far various States of India have experienced the suspension from getting all
kinds of payments by RBI in several occasions due to overdraft but Arunachal Pradesh
has experienced just once during April, 2014.
The financial year ending 2015-16 of Arunachal Pradesh has mounted with rumor of
financial overdraft. It is true that Arunachal State exchequer has gone negative
balance with RBI on account of huge amount being drawn from its exchequer for making
various kinds of payments during 2015-16 financial year ending. Seeing this situation,
State Government had swung into action on April, 6, 2016 and immediately it had written
letter to State Bank of India to stop all kinds of payment from its exchequer except
salaries of its employees and pension etc. Now, SBI is making no payment to contractors/businessmen
though they possess valid Government cheques, therefore this State has been prevented
from going into overdraft.
On the other hand, news of being financially sound as informed by Commissioner Finance
on April, 9, 2016 is also not true because this State has already started drawing
amount under Special Drawing Facility from RBI. On April 10th, Chief Minister Kalikho
Pul in his public speech has informed that his government has already availed Rs.98
crores from RBI under Special Drawing Facility. Now no one knows how many Government
cheques with what amount is yet to be paid to contractors and others. Above all Rs.562
crores which was credited in state exchequer in first part of April,2016 being first
installment of Fourteen Finance Commission for 2016-17 financial year of this State
has also been drawn for making the 2015-16 financial year ending payment and its
second installment with same amount will be credited in state exchequer by first
part of May 2016, which may also go for payment of 2015-16 back logs.
At the moment, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul having decade long experience in financial
management of Arunachal Pradesh has to do his best to regain better financial position
for the state at the earliest.
Yours,
Taro Chatung,
Senior Journalist,
Itanagar
Hijacking higher education
Dear Editor,
The recent sky rocketing hike (122 per cent) in IIT tuition fees will further hijack
higher education from the domain of lower middle class families who are just above
the very low income group bracket to get a concession. This is another step that
goes against the concept of meritocracy. It is perplexing that those who speak in
favour of meritocracy raise their voice only against reservation for the Dalit. They
seldom utter a single word against the prevalent practice of making higher education
only for the high income groups by earmarking a sizeable number of college seats
for management quota students and by escalating the fee structure that keeps many
deserving students out of the college campus especially the technical ones. After
the present astronomical hike, the dream of many deserving students to study in an
IIT will be shattered. Are not these students victims of quota raj for the rich?
This is the worst form of discrimination as it only carries coal to Newcastle, jettisoning
struggling meritorious students for good. This negative discrimination is also destroying
the democratic environment and social mobility in our country. A welfare state should
see to it that there is not a single economic roadblock in higher education for deserving
students.
Yours,
Sujit De, Kolkata
Towards quality education
Dear Editor,
Through the column of your esteem daily, I would like to highlight the various reasons
for dismal performance of schools in Arunachal Pradesh in Class XI (Eleven) State
Board Examination and suggest some remedies.
First and foremost reasons for the deteriorating performance of the schools are the
introduction of Right to Education (RTE) and Comprehensive Continuous Evaluation
(CCE). Under CCE, students who score five or six marks are also promoted to higher
classes.
Under RTE, no child can be detained. As student is aware of these provisions they
have no fear of being detained. This has ruined the qualitative performance of the
schools. In fact, literacy rate of state is increasing but the quality is deteriorating
day by day.
In order to achieve qualitative performance of schools, CCE should be abolished from
the state.
Secondly, overcrowding of students in classes in capital complex and district headquarters
is the reasons for poor performance of school.
For instance, in some schools, one classroom has more than one hundred thirty students
so it becomes tough for the teacher to attend to the students. This can be solved
by posting required number of teachers based on teacher -student ration. And at least
two subject teachers of each subject should be posted at higher secondary schools.
Thirdly lack of proper infrastructure also contributes for the performance of the
school. Schools are upgraded but limited infrastructure is provided. Development
of infrastructure in school should be given top priority by the concern department.
Fourthly, performances of some teachers also contribute for poor performance of schools.
Some teachers appointed or promoted lack teaching aptitudes. Some are not committed
and some do not stay at their posting place. While appointing or promoting teachers,
their aptitudes for teaching should be tested. If any teacher lacks these aptitudes
he/she should not be appointed or promoted. It would be better if concern department
conduct testing skills of in-service teachers before being promoted.
Fifth, some educational head lack effectiveness and efficiency of educational organization.
Some educational heads are promoted on the verge of retirement; when their state
of health is deteriorating. They lack strong will power, leadership, strategic planning
and decision making necessary for effective management of institution. Therefore,
person of good quality having management and administrative skills, with personal
integrity should be appointed as educational heads.
Finally, parent should also take necessary steps in monitoring and evaluation of
their children by enquiring about attendance, performance and visit at school. Teacher
alone can’t do anything. All must work together for the qualitative performance of
the school.
Yours,
Marpak D Lendo
Itanagar
