SSA teachers stage massive protest
Seeks timely salary and regularisation
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Apr 28: Contractual teachers under Sarva Shikhsa Abhiyan (SSA) staged a massive but peaceful protest rally on Thursday in Itanagar demanding the state government for 'one go regularization, release of salary on time, among others.
A sea of teaching fraternity turned out with balloons and placards as they shouted slogan against the state government alleging that their plight is being ignored and justice denied.
Nearly three thousand contractual teachers coming from different districts took part in the protest rally, which started from Akashdeep and ended at Tennis Court IG Park here.
Later, agitating teachers released hundreds of balloons in the air to mark the peace protest.
AASSATA accused Pul led government of making false promises to regularize the payment on monthly basis.
The association claimed it's only on paper, whereas in reality nothing has changed so far.
AASSATA also demanded the state government to start procedure for merging all teachers working under SSA with Education Department on regular pay scales, allowance and service conditions by implementing SSA-RTE mandatory norms for teachers.
Other demands include immediate implementation of SSA-RTE Act as per revised norms for teachers and immediate enhancement of salary and disbursement on a monthly basis.
The association also stated that instead of creating teacher's posts under education department, the government should absorb serving teachers under SSA.
"Only 592 contractual teachers working under SSA have been regularized so far," said Tagru Kasha, President All Arunachal SSA teachers Association.
"Why can't' government hike our salary as many other departments have already hiked it" Kasha further questioned expressing disapproval at current salary.
Earlier, the state government had announced that it has released Rs 10 crore for SSA teachers, however AASSATA claimed it doesn't meet up the requirement stating that for a month it requires not less than Rs 15 crores. The AASSATA members had already called on Governor JP Rajkhowa during Presidential Rule to appraise him to disburse payment on monthly basis.
It is learnt that out of Rs 35864.48 crores (Out lay) the Centre has only released Rs 18179.44 crore against Arunachal Pradesh. There are eleven states including Arunachal Pradesh, which falls under 90/10 funding pattern.
US companies keen to invest in NE: Consul General
"Arunachal is an intergral part of India"
ITANAGAR, Apr 28: The United State's Consul General in Kolkata, Craig L Hall said that the US companies are keen in developing North East economy.
The Consul General said this while calling on Chief Minister Kalikho Pul at his office on Thursday.
The Consul General said that companies of United States are looking for ways, though difficult it seems, for more connectivity in the region so that pace of developmental activities can be accelerated and added that they are very much interested to expand their business in NE India too.
"In fact, the US government is working with the Indian government to promote business relations with NE India" he said.
Pointing to the big market of hydro-power and tourism potential of the state, he said reports of business opportunities of the state can be sent to the Ambassador in Washington to encourage business in this direction. He put forward his opinion to the Chief Minister for global tendering of the hydro-power and infrastructure developments projects of the state, so that the advertisements can also be sent to the business companies in US.
On the repeated claims of China over Arunachal Pradesh, the Consul General said that the US Govt is very clear that Arunachal is an integral part of India. He observed that India's Look East Policy can be strengthened if road connectivity in the region is developed well, as Arunachal is located in a strategically important position having long international borders with China, Myanmar and Bhutan.
The US Consul General also informed the CM that there are educational exchange programmes for teachers between India and the United States,
and the teachers and professors from the state can take advantage of the programme.
He informed that there is also a Youth Exchange Study (YES) programme for the high school students, who can undergo one year study in US under this educational exchange programme and for that the student has to apply to the US Consulate Office in Kolkata. He said that he would be happy to see more applications and proposals from the high school studentsof the state applying for study in US under YES.
Discussing on various issues pertaining to development of the state and NE Region, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul sought the support of the United States in developing road connectivity and harnessing hydropower of the state.
He informed that Arunachal has the potential of generating one-third of India's power needs and said, "United States can use their technology of generating hydro power in the state". He said, "Western investors should feel free to invest in Arunachal".
Pul also sought the help of the US for helping the state in capacity building, particularly in training, support and equipments for dealing with natural disasters as the state is vulnerable to natural calamities being located in a high-seismic zone with hilly terrain and undulating topography with high-volume, high-intensity rainfall.
Chief Minister also called to make the educational exchange programmes more periodic and regular between the students of United States and Arunachal Pradesh so as to enable more students of the state to avail the opportunity.
He further sought the assistance of the United States in getting loans from the Asian Development Bank for various development projects in the state.
Further, the CM asked the United States government to check and help in rectifying the world wide Google Maps wherein China has indicated Arunachal and some parts of Assam as part of China.
Gabriel probable PPA candidate
ITANAGAR, Apr 28: People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) is likely to nominate former MLA Gabriel Denwang Wangsu as candidate for the 58-Kanubari (ST) Assembly Constituency by-elections.
While BJP had said that it will field a candidate, however sources said that Gabriel will be the concensusus candidate for PPA and BJP.
Though the last date of filing nomination is April 29, APCC is yet to come up with an official candidate. When asked former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki said that he has authorized Party Chief Padi Richo to decide however Richo could not be contacted.
The last date for scrutiny of Nominations is April 30 while the constituency will go to poll on the May 16.
Kanubari and Khonsa East constituency in the Legislative Assembly had gone vacant after Gabriel and Wanglam Sawin lost their seats after they "resigned".
The two have maintained that their signatures of resignation were taken forcefully at dinner party hosted by the former Chief Minister during the peak of power tussle between Tuki and current CM Kalikho Pul.
After the than speaker Nabam Rebia refused to entertain their withdrawal of resignations letters, the case was filed in High Court and Supreme court where the MLAs lost the case paving way for the elections.
The election commission is yet to notify the elections for Khonsa East constituency.
Rajkhowa, APWWS, MLA seeks thorough investigation
ITANAGAR, Apr 28: Expressing his grief and concern of the people of the State at the sudden death of an Arunachalee woman under mysterious circumstances in Maharashtra, Governor JP Rajkhowa has taken up the case with his counterpart, Governor of Maharashtra, Chennama-neni Vidyasagar Rao.
The Governor requested his Maharashtra counterpart to intervene for a prompt and thorough investigation, while expressing hope that the Government of Maharashtra and its State police will take necessary steps for detailed investigation in the case.
The Governor also requested his counterpart to extend necessary assistance for bringing back the mortal remains of the deceased to Arunachal Pradesh.
Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) has on Thursday informed that the Chairperson is taking up the matter with her Maharashtra counterpart seeking immediate magisterial enquiry in the case on priority basis as there is apprehension of foul play.
A release from APSCW further informed that the Chairperson has also written to the SP Raigad to expedite the case and arrest the culprit(s) involved in the crime.
Nari Koyu MLA Kento Rina has mourned the death of Marnya Doye, a 22 year old Arunachalee woman who was found dead in Raigad, Maharastra on Tuesday.
Terming the death of Doye as a tragic loss, he said that a promising life has been cut short.
Rina demanded that proper investigation be launched by Maharastra Police into the death of the young woman.
Meanwhile, Rina thanked the Chief Minister Kalikho Pul for reaching out to the family members of Late Doye in their hour of grief and loss.
PWD to clear NH 415 blockade soon
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Apr 28: In a major relief to the capital dweller, PWD Highway has informed that blockade near Hotel PYBSS will be cleared within couple of days. PWD will construct box culvert using pre-cast box which they have managed to rope in from construction agency engaged in construction of Hoj-Nichipu Trans Arunachal Highway. Talking to this daily, Executive Engineer, Highway, Capital Division Nani That informed that 16 pieces of pre-cast box will arrive tonight from Sagalee.
"These are pre-fabricated box with span of 1 metre. Hopefully from tomorrow onwards, we will start the work of placing the box at the site. We have already started work at the base. After that we will construct brick wall at both ends of culvert. If everything goes all right, the culvert should be ready to use within next 8 days," said EE.
NH 415 near Hotel PYBSS was damaged on April 21 last due to blocking of natural drain while constructing the hotel.
The blockade has led to massive traffic jam across the Itanagar causing much distress to the capital dwellers.
Abo Tani bridge approach road will be completed shortly: PWD
ITANAGAR, Apr 28: The PWD department has said that the construction of approach road to Abo Tani Colony Bridge will be completed shortly. The statement issued by the executive engineer, Capital Division-A, PWD clarified that the bridge was completed on time but due to torrential rain last week, completion of approach road was delayed. Saying that the road condition was further aggravated by the diversion of traffic due to breach of road near Hotel PYBSS, the department has requested people to cooperate till completion of the work.
Meanwhile, contractor of the bridge, Miching Tayeng, has also clarified that the bridge was completed as per the deadline, April 24, set by the CM.
"However with incessant rain for the past one week which worsened the condition of the approach road, the inauguration of the bridge was delayed," he said informing that vehicles have already started using the route.
Cases are pending for want of public prosecutor: APSLSA
ITANAGAR, Apr 28: Many cases which can be tried are pending for want of special Public Prosecutors in the State. It was informed to the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court Justice Ajit Singh during his visit to the State Capital on Thursday by Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (APSLSA).
It was also informed to the Chief Justice that no permanent Public Prosecutors/Assistant Public Prosecutors has been appointed in any of the courts in the state. Further, the advocates are showing reluctance to appear as Public Prosecutor due to non-payment of bills of those advocates, who earlier have conducted cases. This has affected the trial of cases in the courts, the APSLSA said.
The Chief Justice accompanied by Justice Suman Shyam, Judge of Gauhati High Court visited the District and Sessions Court, Yupia, Legal Aid Clinic of the State Authority in the Court Complex., where they were briefed about its activities by District and Session Judge cum Member Secretary, State legal Services Authority, Budi Habung. Other members of the team were Registrar General of Gauhati High Court HK Sarma, Registrar cum PPS to Chief Justice Raktim Duwarah and Joint Register, Itanagar Bench of Gauhati High Court PB Dutta.
Hydro power issue heats up in Tawang
Correspondent
TAWANG, April 28: After the National Green Tribunal suspended the Environmental Clearance (EC) granted to 780 MW Nyamjang Chhu Hydroelectric Project, by Bhilwara Group in Zemithang on eco-sensitive stretch of Tawang River basin, the issue is heating up in Tawang.
Lama Lobsang Gyatso, a fierce opponent of hydro power projects in Tawang and General Secretary of the Save Mon Region Federation has been taken to Tawang Police station following his comments that Guru Rinpoche, the Abbot of Tawang Monastery should stay away from the Hydro Power issues in Tawang district.
It is not clear whether he has been arrested. When contacted, the OC of Tawang Police did not give any comments on the issue.
Meanwhile, a meeting was called by PRI representatives of Tawang district following a message circulated on WhatsApp by Lobsang Gyatso asking Guru Rinpoche to stay away from the Hydro Power issues in Tawang district
Zila Parishad Chairperson Tawang Jambey Tsering in his address said, "We had to call the meeting at the earliest in order to prevent any law and order problem in the district as the audio clip has deeply hurt the sentiments of the peace loving people of Tawang".
Later the participants lodged an FIR against Lobsang Gyatso in Tawang Police Station.
Lama Lobsang has written to the Tawang police for protection after he was allegedly threatened by ZPM Lobsang Youten during the public meeting called the Zila Parishad Chairperson.
5.2 % of prevalence of diabetes and 12.8% of prediabetes in Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Apr 28: A ICMR-India Diabetes (INDIAB) Study - Arunachal Pradesh shows that Arunachal Pradesh has 5.2% of overall prevalence of diabetes and 12.8% of prediabetes.
Nearly 76.3% of the urban residents and 60.5% of the rural residents in Arunachal Pradesh said that they knew about a condition called diabetes. One of the important findings identified through this study is the significant gap in the knowledge level of diabetes and its related complications among the general population and self reported diabetic subjects.
Overall 76.1% of self reported diabetic subjects said that diabetes can affect other body organs and only 31.2% of general population said that diabetes can affect other body organs.
It was revealed that the prevalence of hypertension and metallic syndrome were also higher in urban areas as compared to rural areas whereas prevalence of dyslipidemia is higher in rural areas .In terms of glycemic control, rural areas of Arunachal Pradesh has poorer glycemic compared to urban areas.
The Study shows that in recent years, there is a sharp increase in the number of individuals suffering from diabetes which has reportedly increased from 19 million in 1995 to 66.8 million in 2015 according to the International Diabetes Federation.
Chief Minister Kalikho Pul after releasing the book at his office on Tuesday, said that the book will be immensely useful and beneficial to plan measures for both control and prevention of diabetes.
The Chief Minister has advocated for practicing Yoga to avoid life-style diseases like diabetes, hypertension etc.
After briefly going through the study, CM said that there is a need for awareness programme to improve the knowledge about diabetes and its complications among the general population.
The book releasing ceremony was attended by Commissioner (Health) Hage Kojeen, Director of Health Services Dr Moji Jini, Director of Family Welfare Dr Moromor Lego, Mission Director (NHM) P N Thungon and State Principle investigator for the ICMR Study Dr. L. Jampa among other senior officers of the Health & Family Welfare Department.
Grace Jolly: A forgotten teacher and scholar of Nyishi poetry
[ Rebecca Tamut ]
When it comes to early international scholars and writers on NEFA, i.e. Arunachal Pradesh, some authors are invoked over and over again. Names such as the Austrian Anthropologist Christoph von Fürer-Haimendorf, who the Apatanis lovingly called Laling Yalu and the British Humanist Verrier Elwin, who influenced the early policy of NEFA and was a friend of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, are well known.
One lady however, who in a very different way impacted Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the Nyishi tribe, is all but forgotten. Her name is Dr Audrey Grace Jolly.
Originally from Edmonton Alberta, in Canada, Grace was born in 1926 and grew up in the countryside as the oldest of three girls. Her father was a farmer and carpenter and her mother a primary school teacher. Her parents taught their daughters that education was key to go forward in life. From the age of 17 onwards Grace Jolly was working for a number of years as a primary school teacher. She completed her B.A. in English Literature from Bethel College, Minnesota in the USA in 1956.
Her mother wanted one of the daughters to become a missionary, so Grace left for India to work as headmistress and principal of the John Firth English Middle School in Lakhimpur, Assam. She arrived in India in 1958 and stayed four years. The John Firth School was at the heart of early missionary activities with regard to central NEFA, i.e. Arunachal Pradesh.
At Lakhimpur she was teaching a group of students who were among the first educated Nyishis.
It was under her guidance as a headmistress that her students were not only introduced to modern education but also to protestant Christianity. Both impacted the life of her students in ways no one could have foreseen. We know the names of a few of her students as they are mentioned in her academic writing.
One student, Tai Bat from Duria village, now Itanagar, became later Deacon of the North Lakhimpur Baptist Christian Association.
Tana Epa together with his brother started the Nyishi Christian Students' Union based at the 'John Firth Mission School' in North Lakhimpur in 1969. A group of their students, including Jolly's informant Nich Sakha, founded the first Baptist church in the Subansiri area, which was in Talo and Nich Sakha became the first pastor of this church. Another student and informant, Yomdo Sater also preached in the Apatani valley and was later made into an Additional Deputy Commissioner. Other students mentioned by Grace Jolly were: Pil Topu, Richa Rebya, Licha Tai and Bengya Teke.
Because of the Inner Line Restrictions, Grace Jolly was never allowed to actually enter NEFA but relied on the information provided by her students as well as visits to Nyishi villages on the Assam border. Most of her data were gathered just as the NEFA was being run over by Chinese troops in 1962 after which she had to leave Assam and India.
After returning from India, she finished her M.A.in Linguistics at the University of Alberta (Canada) in 1965 where she was the Class Valedictorian (class-topper) and then wrote a Ph.D. in Linguistics and Anthropology at Hartford Seminary Foundation (USA), which was accepted in 1970. The title of her thesis was: "Nyisi Poetic Devices". Her thesis was an in-depth analysis of the literary devices used in poetry and lyrical compositions of the Nyishi language. It is also an essential referencefor linguistics studies of the Nyishi Language. For that purpose she had recorded and translated various genre of folk songs, sung by her Nyishi students, songs, which have already been forgotten in today's time.
After completion,she continued a fulfilling life as lecturer at various universities, teaching English as a Second Language and English Literature. From 1971 to 1984 she was Associate Professor at Glendon College, York University (Canada).
Dr Jolly was married but she did not have children of her own. Later in life Dr Jolly became a foster mother of three children of aboriginal ancestry.When by-law she was forced to retire, she changed her subject and became a teacher of aboriginal (i.e. tribal) studies.
Grace Jolly's health is failing now. She will celebrate her 90th birthday in November this year, being cared for in Saskatoon, Canada. It would be well for the Nyishi community to remember her for her contribution to early Nyishi education and her endeavour to analyse Nyishi language and poetry.
(Rebecca Tamut is German Language Teacher, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills. The information on the life of Dr Grace Audrey Jolly was provided by her niece, Lois Bladon to the author)
AACWA declares 12 hours bandh
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, April 28: All Arunachal Contractor's Welfare Association (AACWA) on Thursday declared 12 hours Capital Complex bandh on May 2 next following non-compliance of its two point demands by the state government.
Addressing a press conference here at Arunachal Press Club, AACWA president Takam Padu claimed that they are launching bandh call as the last resort because the state government has repeatedly denied discussion on their demands. He, however informed that the association is still open for discussion and would meet the chief minister if invited. AACWA is demanding immediate lifting of restriction on payment against the cheques issued to the contractors by government departments prior to April 4.
In this regard, Padu said that if the restriction was for a week or two then there would have been no issue, but denying payments for a month is not just.
The association is also demanding immediate abolition of LOC system required for payment to contractors while claiming that it is indirect harassment to the genuine contractors. Padu said that they carry out contract works after administrative approval, concurrence and budgetary support, and tender, and adding another requirement of approval from Finance ministry is illogical.
Meanwhile, the Governor in a letter on Wednesday to the association informed that chief secretary has been instructed to look into their grievances and has also directed Finance department to make payments of the cheques issued to the contractors.
The association has shrugged off the letter saying it is too casual and they would stick to their demands till restriction is lifted.
Govt begins to shift ITBP Hq from Shillong to Itanagar
New Delhi, Apr 28: Amidst concerns over Chinese military activities along the forward areas of Arunachal Pradesh, India has started the process of shifting the North East headquarters of border guarding force ITBP, 500-km from Shillong to state capital Itanagar.
The huge logistical exercise entails shifting of over 2,000 troops and support staff, setting up of communications and border signals, residential logistics and transportation of heavy vehicles, weapons and artillery from Meghalaya to Arunachal Pradesh, both states on the eastern border flank of the country.
Officials said the central government had in 2014 approved a Rs 175 crore infrastructure package for Arunachal which includes deployment of eight fresh ITBP battalions with about 8,000 troops in it, opening of 35 new border roads, 54 border outposts and 72 staging camps along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) force Director General Krishna Chaudhary confirmed the move to PTI stating the exercise of shifting the North East frontier headquarters from Meghalaya's capital Shillong to Arunachal's capital Itanagar is expected to be accomplished by next month.
"The process in on. The ITBP North East frontier will soon be operating from Itanagar," the DG said. Officials said a huge infrastructure creation exercise is currently on in Itanagar where the force's sector headquarter has been operating since 2004.
A senior official in the security establishment said keeping in mind the military capabilities being created in Arunanchal, it was essential to base the ITBP command in Itanagar rather than in far-off Shillong where there are no such huge developments taking place to bolster the strength and number of Indian troops and other logistical activities.
"The ITBP frontier at Shillong was set up long back but it's geographical location has now lost relevance vis-à-vis the security of the Sino-India border. Arunachal is the right place for basing such strategic activities now," the official said.
While a frontier is headed by an Inspector General (IG) rank officer of the force, a sector is commanded by a Deputy IG (DIG) level officer.
About 7-8 battalions of the ITBP are deployed to secure the Sino-India LAC in these areas, and at least eight more ITBP battalions are set to be inducted in this region keeping in view the sensitivity, operational requirement and border disputes that occur between ITBP/Army and the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) troops, the official said.
Two other ITBP sectors under the NE frontier are located at Gangtok (Sikkim) and Tezpur (Assam).
Keeping in view the operationalisation of the huge ITBP establishment from Itanagar, the security establishment is also looking at ensuring a dedicated air and road connectivity from the hinterland in order to ensure unobstructed and quick movement of troops, logistics and other essential items.
In view of frequent incursions and transgression bids taking place along the 3,488 km-long border, ITBP had similarly created a frontier headquarter in Leh in Ladakh after shifting it from Chandigarh. The decision is being implemented and Leh at present has an ITBP sector command headed by a DIG rank officer.
China has been objecting to any development of infrastructure along the LAC and setting up of border outposts at locations along Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh leading to instances of stand-offs between the two sides.
India has been wary of road development and other infrastructural facilities coming up across the border on the Chinese side and wants to ramp up developmental work on its side.
The proposed new ITBP BOPs in Arunachal Pradesh are being created to reduce the distance between two border posts on this frontier marred by harsh weather conditions like snow blizzards and treacherous mountainous terrain.
About 80,000 personnel strong mountain-warfare trained force was raised in the wake of the 1962 Chinese aggression and its border posts are located at heights of 9,000 feet to 18,700 feet in heavy snow and oxygen depleted air. PTI
All efforts to start Aalo-Basar road works, DC
AALO, Mar 28: West Siang Deputy Commissioner, Pige Ligu has informed that all efforts have been made to start the road construction works of Aalo-Basar road through talks with T.K. Engineering even without funds.
DC Ligu was addressing a meeting on Thursday with the HoDs and line departments to take stock of the proposed series of bandh calls given by West Siang Trans Arunachal Highway Monitoring Committee on deteriorating Aalo- Basar road condition.
It was also informed that the delay in working out the compensation packages of the road stretch and its return for rectifications has been finalized and sent back to the government and efforts are on to tie up with the MoS Home to get it cleared soon.
The DC asked the DLR&SO, AE Highways and EE PWD to come up with clear explanations in detail on the status of road works to the public in the proposed meeting with the agitating leaders of Aalo on April 30. The EE PWD has been asked to explain and make it public on allocation of Rs.1 crore by the Govt. to undertake the repairing and renovation works of the road.
Among others, the SP Aalo, EAC Judicial and other govt officials were present on the occasion. DIPRO
AR reach out to villagers, provides stationery, solar lamps
KHONSA, Apr 28: Stationery such as notebooks, pencil and erasers etc. were provided to children of remote Lonyan village under Tirap district during a Khonsa Battalion of Assam Rifles organized social interaction camp on Apr 27 last.
The Assam Rifles in coordination with ECO Solutions, a Mumbai-based NGO also provided twenty solar lamps to the residents of Kampong village under Wakka circle.
Lauding the noble initiative of the Assam Rifles unit, the residents of both villages further expressed hoped that more such programmes will be conducted in future.
At Changlang, the AR distributed 126 solar lights to the villagers of Railung, Tulim, Lunglong and Simrang in the presence of Changlang DC, Wayong Khimyun and SP, Amit Sharma at the DC's office on Thursday.
At Jairampur also, Battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of Lekhapani Sector distributed 80 solar lanterns to residents of remote villages of Nampong subdivision including, Tem-pung, Lungtang, Kenyam, Old Putok and Old Longc-hang on the same day.
The solar lights were donated by ECO Solutions, which has been carrying out similar projects in the state as well as in Nagaland and Manipur. (DIPRO/ Correspondent)
Ex-Gratia distributed to Telam accident victims
AALO, Mar 28: West Siang District Administration on Thursday distributed the ex-gratia payments to the family members of Telam Sumo accident victims as announced by the Chief Minister.
West Siang Deputy Commissioner, Pige Ligu handed over Rs.3 lakhs each to the family members of Late Yimar Ango, Late Dagyom Ango and Lt. Rejom Ingo, while Rs. 1 lakh each was handed over to family members of critically injured Horge Ango and Rs.50,000 each was handed to injured Kiba Ingo, Kido Naso, Geba Ingo, Itum Jini, Renya Ingo and Lijom Ango.
Consoling the family members of the victims, the DC said that the amount has been managed from available sources to meet up the immediate need for treatment. The family members of victims were also asked to submit police verification and post mortem reports to process the ex- gratia amount from the government. DIPRO
Permanent Border Facilitation Centre at Hollongi demanded
ITANAGAR, Apr 28: Baliajan Circle Youth Association (BCYA) has appealed to the Deputy Chief Minister Kameng Dolo to impress upon the authority concerned to expedite the process of construction of a permanent Border Facilitation Counter at Hollongi to check revenue pilferage and facilitate smooth entry of goods.
While highlighting the present poor state-of-affair of the Police Check Gate and the Border Facilitation Counter at Hollongi, BCYA in a memorandum to the Deputy Chief Minister stated that unlike the Banderdewa Police Check Post, Hollongi Post has been established almost 1 km beyond the Assam-Arunachal boundary.
"The irony about the check post is that both men and vehicles passing through it are being checked and intercepted either for Inner Line Permit (ILP) or vehicular related documents only after they have already entered almost 1 km beyond the territory of Arunachal Pradesh which is not justified at all," the memorandum said.
Despite the construction of a welcome gate in the immediate vicinity of Inter-State boundary, there is no beat house/ Sentry Hut manned by police personnel in either side of the state for the purpose of surveillance and patrolling, informed the memorandum.
One Circle Office manned by a Circle Officer is the need of hour to facilitate flow of tourists and procurement of Inner Line Permit (ILP). This in turn will help boost tourism sector," it said and appealed for early posting of a Circle Officer, which will serve both administrative and revenue purposes.
The memorandum further appealed to the Deputy CM to direct the Capital SP to patrol and monitor men and vehicular movements.
APPDSU alleges violation of guidelines
ITANAGAR, Apr 28: All Papum Pare District Students' Union (APPDSU) has alleged issuance of supply order to private company Ltd. for procurement of agriculture inputs in violation of laid down general guidelines.
Providing papers of issuing supply order to such company, APPDSU in release stated that as per general guideline no supply order would be issued at the Directorate level for agriculture inputs meant for districts as specified in purchase policy notification.
Further, no application or request for award of supply order either in writing or verbally would be endorsed, forwarded and recommended to the subordinate district offices from the Directorate office, APPDSU stated citing the guideline.
APPDSU informed that the Directorate has approved a Papu Nallah based Agency to provide required farm machineries to various districts in violation of the guidelines. Issuance of such approval order for a particular firm may encourage the monopoly system, it said.
As per the guidelines, for implementation of Chief Minister's Agriculture Mechanisation Programme 2012-13, the farmers/societies shall have the freedom to choose the models of the tractor and their required accessories, APPDSU said.
APPDSU strongly appealed to the authority concerned to immediately pass an order for cancellation of all those orders issued by the Director (Agriculture) to DDO, Papum Pare and to other districts as well.
PMC chief impeached
ITANAGAR, Apr 28: As per Rule II, Sub-rule IX of Arunachal Pradesh Municipal Council No Confidence Motion (Methods & Conductor Procedures) Rule 2015, no confidence motion was moved against Denong Tamuk, Chief Councilor, PMC Pasighat, in presence of EAC Oli Perme, Presiding Officer.
Out of 12 councillors, in total 7 votes were cast for the motion with 5 remaining absent. The Presiding Officer declared the post of Chief Councillor, PMC Pasighat vacant. (DIPRO)
Call for tough action against sexual assaulter
ITANAGAR, Apr 28: Informing that a business man from Harmoti, Assam named Arjun Lal Saini, was caught sexually harassing minor girl students and women staff of a school at Wessang in Guwahati-Naharlagun Inter City Express train on April 13 last, the All Tai Ahom Students' Union (ATASU) has demanded exemplary punishment for the culprit. The school team was returning from an educational tour when the incident happened. Saini was later handed over to RPF Rangia after a written complaint was lodged by the staff of the school.
DC appeals for clean city
ITANAGAR, Apr 28: Itanagar Capital Complex DC, Sandeep Kumar Singh on Thursday directed the Market Welfare Associations/Committees to instruct the shopkeepers/vendors of their respective jurisdiction to keep dustbins in front of shops and to keep the vicinity of shops/market area neat and clean.
He also appealed to the shop owners within the Capital Complex to cooperate with the administration to keep the city clean.
The DC further informed that the IMC, Chief Municipal Executive Officer will discuss with them regarding a proper plan for collection of garbage and its disposal from the market areas accordingly. (DIPRO)
DLIC meeting on PMKSY
ITANAGAR, Apr 28: The District Level Implementation Committee (DLIC) meeting of Lohit was held on April 25 at the Deputy Commissioner's conference hall, Tezu.
The Deputy Commissioner cum Chairman of DLIC, Danish Ashraf directed all the departments to furnish required data by next Friday.
Earlier, highlighting the flagship programme Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), Lohit DAO cum PD ATMA, Ajit Pao requested full cooperation from concern department for preparation of District Irrigation Plan (DIP).
WRD EE, Jaling Mannow suggested that a preliminary DIP should be prepared with actual survey and field visits which will take at least two months time. DIPRO
Fund for Mengio-Yazali road sought
ITANAGAR, Apr 28: Pointing out the pathetic condition of Mengio-Yazali road, the Nyishi Unemployed Engineers' Association has requested sanctioning of emergency fund for repair of the road.
In its representation to the deputy chief minister Chowna Mein, it claimed that the road has not been repaired for the past four years.
The road condition will further damage during monsoon season if immediate protection measures are not taken, its letter to the DCM read.
ACS seeks support for OWA
ITANAGAR, Apr 28: Members of Team Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) led by its Chairman Patey Tayum visited Oju Welfare Association (OWA) has sought the support of individuals, politicians, students' unions and NGOs to donate funds for OWA to help implement its noble endeavour.
OWA has set up Women Helpline with a toll free number 181 to help the women affected by violence in seeking support and information, facilitate crisis intervention through referral to the appropriate agencies such as police, Hospitals, Ambulance services, District Legal Service Authority.
Free BSNL SIM
ITANAGAR, Apr 28: BSNL Arunachal Pradesh is offering free 64k SIM for customers who are willing to take new connections under a scheme which is valid upto Apr 30 next.
Customers could avail the opportunity to own BSNL 64k SIM free of cost from any of BSNL customer service centres, franchisees, DSAs and retailers in the state by submitting a Xerox copy of ID and address proof along with passport size photos, informed Deputy General Manager, Telecom BSNL, Itanagar in a release.
SFS trainees visit Orchid Research Centre Tippi
ITANAGAR, Apr 28: As part of their East India Tour, 35 State Forest Service Officer trainees from Central Academy for State Forest Service (CASFOS) Dehradun, visited Orchid Research Centre Tippi on April 27.
The trainees interacted with the scientists, Range Forest Officer, technical and field staff and gathered information about the orchid biodiversity and its conservation.
Technical expert Jumter Nyorak shared information on how to identify orchids, conservation and various cultivation techniques. Nyorak informed that the Orchidology Division of State Forest Research Institute, Itanagar has reported and published about 600 species both rare and endemic orchids from the state in national and international journals.
Forum demands maintenance of Doimukh-Harmoti road
ITANAGAR, Apr 28: Gumto Circle People's Forum has drawn the attention of the authorities concerned towards the deplorable condition of the Doimukh-Harmoti road, which has long been left unattended.
Narrating the plight of the commuters, who frequently use this road, the Forum demanded the State Government, particularly the Department concern, for providing special package for maintenance of the road, which also connects the Gumto Railway Station, JNV School, IOC Ltd, Emchi, SSB Camp, Govt. College Doimukh and Rajiv Gandhi University.
The Doimukh-Harmoti road is one of the oldest roads in the state and was built by the British for the purpose of tea cultivation at Gumto, Emchi and Doimukh and the present Harmutty Tea Garden is one those tea gardens developed by them, the forum added.
