apr17 02

2017

April 02

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Final location survey of 3 BG Railway lines in Arunachal begins

ITANAGAR, Apr 1: The Centre has started final location survey to connect Tawang, Aalo and Pasighat with broad gauge (BG) railway networks.

The Union Minister of State for Communication and Railways Manoj Sinha unveiled the commencement of the final location survey of the three new BG railway lines to Tawang via Bhalukpong , Aalo via North Lakhimpur and Pasighat via Murkongselek, amidst a huge gathering at Naharlagun Railway Station on Saturday.

Addressing the gathering, Sinha said that there is no dearth of funds for the construction of the new railway lines in the state. Railway connectivity would not only boost the economic scenario of the state but would also improve the security apparatus and provide employment opportunities to the youth.

The minister further said that the roadmap for development of the country was prepared in 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding that, the dreams of connecting the frontier state of Arunachal Pradesh with rail network has been realized with the beginning of location survey, thanks to the coordinated effort of all the stakeholders.

While showering praises on MoS for Home Kiren Rijiju, the Railway Minister said that all the railway and road projects in the state were possible because of the relentless effort of Rijiju both inside and outside the Parliament.

Responding to the public memorandum submitted to him, the Minister assured to take up the issues raised on priority as per feasibility. He further said that the new railway lines would touch West Kameng, Bame, West Siang, Lower Subansiri, Parasuram Kund, Tezu, Rupai and other interior places of the state.

In his address, MoS Rijiju, while describing the occasion as historic, said that it was his dream since his entry into the Parliament to introduce railway connectivity through the rugged hills and mountains of the state, adding that it was a herculean task but not impossible. He expressed immense joy and happiness over the fact that his long cherished dreams had been realized with the state finding a place in the railway map of the country.

Dwelling on the development initiatives of the Central Government, Rijiju told the crowd that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was genuinely concerned for the development of the North-East. He said the survey work of the new railway lines in the state should be completed by 2018 so that work could be started soon.

While passionately appealing to the people to willingly contribute their might towards the healthy growth of the state instead of wasting their time in unnecessary criticism, the MoS for Home urged the people to create a conducive ambience for speedy development in all spheres. He urged the local people to cooperate with the Indian Railways to enable the engineers and their staff to work smoothly without a hitch.

Earlier, Minister for UD Nabam Rebia thanked the Indian Railways and the GoI for sanctioning the new BG railway projects for the state, which he hoped would go a long way in mitigating the problems and predicaments of the people. He also submitted a public memorandum to the Railway Minister on behalf of the government of Arunachal Pradesh.

The programme was attended, among others by Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, Commissioners, Secretaries, DC, SP, BJP President Tapir Gao, PRI leaders, GBs and officers from the railways. DIPR

China asks India for caution, restraint on Tawang rail link

BEIJING Apr 1: China today asked India to exercise "restraint" on its plan to link the strategic border district of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh with a railway network, saying any "unilateral action" might "complicate" the unresolved border issue.

"We hope that the Indian side can exercise caution, show restraint and refrain from unilateral actions that might further complicate the question so as to create a sound condition for enhancing mutual trust between China and India and promoting proper resolution of the boundary question," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

"China's position on eastern section of the China-India boundary is consistent and clear. At present, the two sides are working to resolve the territorial dispute through negotiation and consultation," the ministry told PTI in a written reply following a query about reports that India was exploring possibilities to link Tawang with a railway network.

China has in recent days upped its rhetoric on claims to Arunachal Pradesh, which it says is Southern Tibet, and even warned India of "serious damage" to ties if New Delhi allows Tibet's exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to visit the state next week.

The ministry yesterday warned New Delhi that the visit of the Dalai Lama, the highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism, will "come down to India to make a choice".

Tawang, which happens to be the birthplace in 1683 of the sixth Dalai Lama, is at the centre of Tibetan Buddhism and a friction point between India and China relations.

India and China are in discussion to resolve their border dispute that covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC). While Beijing claims Arunachal as part of Southern Tibet, India asserts that the dispute also covers the 'Aksai Chin' area, which was occupied by China during the 1962 war.

The ministry said the two sides have "agreed that pending final settlement, both sides will work together to properly manage the dispute" and preserve peace in the border areas.

The Chinese reaction today to the possible rail network and the Dalai Lama's visit to Tawang was the third time in recent weeks the foreign ministry has aired its objections. PTI

Mobile service to all uncovered villages by 2018

ITANAGAR, Apr 1: Mobile service to all the uncovered villages in Arunachal Pradesh will be provided under the Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan (CTDP) during 2017-18.

Around 1893 mobile Base Tran-receiver Stations (BTSs) are expected to cover all the uncovered villages. It was decided in a review meeting held by Union MoS for Communications Manoj Sinha and Union MoS for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju with BSNL, NE-II Circle here on Saturday, according to a BSNL release.

The highways will also get covered under the CTDP project.

In order to strengthen the telecom network of inter-district connectivity and to promote Digital India Vision, 1510 km of Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) will be laid in 2017-18, for which work has recently started.

MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) has also recently been made operational at Itanagar with two 10Gbps connectivity. It will provide stable telecom backbone and leased line circuits for expediting the e-governance projects of state and central governments, the release said.

In order to provide stable backbone network and also high speed data network for 3G and broadband services, the BSNL has recently commissioned 40Gbps transmission media on PGCIL network at Itanagar. This 40Gbps link will acts as an Alternate Protection Path in case of any BSNL OFC link failures due to various reasons, it said.

Further, a very high speed 120Gbps DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) equipment has been recently made operational in Itanagar. It will provide high speed data network for the 3G, Broadband and upcoming 4G / WiFi hotspot network in Arunachal Pradesh.

In total, 80 2G BTSs and 80 3G BTS were commissioned for improving the quality of mobile services during 2016-17.

Under GSM Phase VII+ project, BSNL is commissioning 30 2G and equal numbers of 3G BTSs in Arunachal Pradesh. With this there will be an addition of around two lakh line capacity to the existing mobile network, the release said.

The Next Generation Network (NGN) equipment are planned at Itanagar, Naharlagun and Nirjuli in 2017-18 for augmenting and improving the landline and broadband services in the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh.

The release further informed that the state owned telecom giant BSNL has launched unlimited calls in BSNL network under Combo STV-339 for 90 days from March 16, 2017 on PAN Indian basis.

The customers will also get unlimited data with fair use policy of 2GB/day with validity of 28 days.

PMC submits Smart City Proposal to Centre

PASIGHAT, Apr 1: Pasighat Municipal Corporation (PMC) today submitted its revised Smart City Proposal (SCP) to the union government.

Local MLA Kaling Moyong along with Director (TP & ULB, GoAP) Amoy Morang, Chief Councilor Kaling Doruk, MEO Ainstein Koyu, Tarung Riyang and consultants of Voyants Solutions today finally handed over the proposal to Sanjay Sharma, Under Secretary (MoUD).

The proposal based on public demands has been prepared by PMC with technical supports of Voyants Solutions Ltd after taking into consideration all the proposed components of Smart city mission and the citizens' demands.

It was recommended on March 27 last by the State High Power Steering Committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary of state Government. The proposal has projected works that the civic body plans to take up under the Smart City Mission for the centurion town to bring the larger Smart City umbrella. The very optimistic MLA appreciated the team spirit of PMC/Smart City Team for their tireless efforts, district administration and HoDs for constant supports and active participations of the denizens. DIPRO

Tayeng on 6-day constituency tour, says development his priority agenda

[ Maksam Tayeng ]

PASIGHAT Apr 1: Mebo MLA Lombo Tayeng embarked on a six days developmental tour of his constituency to gather first hand information about the problems and grievances of the people.

Tayeng accompanied by Mebo ADC Yemling Tayeng and host of Panchayat leaders visited various villages, including Seram, Kongkul, Namsing, Bodak, Silluk, Aohali, Sigar during the first two days of his tour.

During his visit to Seram and Kongkul villages on Friday, the villagers and PRI leaders pleaded the MLA for construction of a community hall, Donyi-Polo Dere/hall and school quarters etc, to which the MLA responded positively and assured fund for the same.

At Namsing village, Tayeng sanctioned additional Rs. 7 lakh for the ongoing flood protection measures taken up by the villagers.

The MLA also sanctioned Rs. 10 lakh each for flood protection measures at Jopong/ Sanctuary and Tarotamak besides sanctioning Rs. 6 lakh for construction of a culvert. He also sanctioned three-room bachelor barrack for PHC Namsing.

Addressing a public meeting, Tayeng stated that his top most priority agenda was development. After the completion of renovation work of all the roads in his constituency, he will focus on health and education sectors and power connectivity. He also informed that the Namsing CO office will start functioning shortly.

During his visit to Bodak, Silluk, Aohali and Sigar villages on Saturday, Tayeng sanctioned the basic funds required for the developmental works in those villages.

At Bodak, he sanctioned funds for re-carpeting of village link road upto Trans-Arunachal Highway covering around 3KM, revamping of Sibot Hydel Project to feed sufficient power for Bodak and Ayeng village and CGI Sheets for compulsory home for all was also sanctioned.

At Silluk village, Rs. 25 lakh was sanctioned for flood protection in Silluk Korong and Lugo Korong (river).

At Aohali, Tayeng distributed CGI sheets to each household. A cheque bearing Rs. 5 lakh was also handed over to village ASM to encourage community Mithun farming. He also assured to allot fund for construction of village link road.

While wrapping his second day tour at Sigar village, Tayeng agreed upon re-carpeting of road from Patang Korong Tiniali to Mebo Road via Army camp. He urged the villagers to judiciously use the funds sanctioned recently for flood protection in Siku river.

In addition to Rs. 50 lakhs allotted recently for flood protection work Rs. 1 Crore from State CAMPA will be released shortly, Tayeng informed. He also informed the Sigar villagers that additional funds of Rs. 1.5 crore will also be allotted, if the fund allotted so far is utilized properly, in order to completely protect the villagers from Siku river. He also sanctioned Rs. 1.5 lakh for construction of Donyi-Polo Dere/hall.

Congress leader writes to BSNL

ITANAGAR, Apr 1: The Congress party today claimed that the Department of Telecom (DoT) and the BSNL led telecom project, funded by Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) to establish mobile services across 4118 unconnected villages of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam by installing 2G GSM BSS Network at 2817 sites has been significantly delayed by over three years.

The mobile connectivity project is getting delayed due to long and unending delay in opening the financial bid and awarding the contract.

Accordingly, the Senior Congress leader & National Spokesperson Rashid Alvihas written to the BSNL to highlight discrepancies and arm twisting by Vihaan Network Limited (VNL), which is one of the bidders for the project. The project is facing delay due to Vihaan's delay tactics, he alleged.

Alvi's letter highlights two glaring deficiencies in VNL tender. These shortcomings were not noticed by BSNL's tender evaluation committee. One of the bidders Toshniwal had also highlighted similar allegation in its letters to the BSNL management.

The letter also read that one of the deficiencies was that "Vihaan offered less efficient and cheap lead acid battery instead of required Gel batteries." The second discrepancy was that "they also offered two types of satellite systems made of two different manufacturers, whereas as per the tender norms, bidders can offer only one type of such equipment"

The letter also alleges that VNL is putting undue pressure on BSNL officials to reject other tenders on flimsy grounds and award them the total project.

To delay the project, VNL even after being one of the bidders cleared in testing allegedly pushed for a retest vide its letter dated 5/12/2016. Due to pressure of the VNL, the BSNL allegedly ordered retesting and the same has now been completed.

"It is understood that the BSNL evaluation committee completed their technical evaluation and submitted their report for opening of bids of technically qualified bidders, but still financial bids remain un-opened and no award is been made to start the work", it said.

In the letter, Alvi has requested the BSNL to take strict action against VNL as it is delaying a project of great importance for the NE region.

Seppa, Bomdila, Roing STS exceeds revenue targets

ITANAGAR, Apr 1:The Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Service (APSTS) has had three more service stations surpassing their target revenue collection.

These include the stations of Seppa of East Kameng district, which received 104.9 percent revenue,

Bomdila of West Kameng achieved 101 percent revenue and Roing of Lower Dibang Valley district earned 105 percent revenue.

APSTS General Manager Abu Tayeng informed that since the last few years, these three stations were lagging behind in achieving their target revenues. However, after changing of Station Superintendents and with certain approaches like decentralization of procurement, the said stations have shown impressive performance.

GM Tayeng further acknowledged Chief Minister Pema Khandu for supporting the state transport services and Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Supply Likha Saaya for their unwavering support and guidance in the improved performances.

April Phool’s Month !!

Flights Of Fantasy

[ M Panging ]

April marks the beginning of the new financial year. After the yearly financial year ending rush in all departments and organisations, April marks a huge sigh of relief for a majority of citizens. Due to this crazy dash to complete all financial transactions and billings by the end of March, all other government work is pushed to the back burner. This month marks the start of implementation of plans and programmes passed in the previous budget presented in February. Since every budget proposes new schemes and budgetary allotments, departments and officers start the planning for the upcoming fiscal year.

India follows January to December as the Calendar year and April to March as the Financial Year. The mismatch of the Calendar Year and the Fiscal Year is a legacy of the British rule and was adopted back in 1867. Many discussions and arguments later, like many other nations, it is almost decided that our nation will also revert to matching the Calendar Year with the Fiscal Year from the next Five Year plan.

April also marks the end of most annual examinations and beginning of the new sessions in promoted next classes. The new sessions marks new friends, new books, new teachers and new hopes. Old books are passed on to newer generations and new books and uniforms are collected. Many parents and students hunt for new schools for the next session.

April heralds the beginning of the pre-monsoon season. Weather wise the pre-monsoon season is marked by occasional thunderstorms and cyclones. Generally cyclones form in the Bay of Bengal and move towards the land masses of East India, Bangladesh and North East India. The occasional thunderstorms and cyclones cause great damage to infrastructure and property. When not thundering and raining, temperatures start to rise and winter clothes are put back in trunks and closets.

Unlike typical occurrences in the month of April, citizens expectations include less storms/cyclones and more stability. April, infamous as the Fool's Month should herald the new Fiscal Year on a positive note and transform into the PHOOL's (Flower) month!

For our state, the new Fiscal Year also starts with the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama to areas around Tawang and Itanagar. In addition to the expected noisy objections from our 'powerful northern neighbour' and the brouhaha caused by the visit of the Dalai Lama, could we expect some blessings by His Holiness to bring Good Health, Happiness, Stability and Progress for all citizens of the state? Arunachal sincerely need blessings!! (The writer is a retired Group Captain of Indian Air Force)

Arunachalee troupe performs in Nomami Brahmaputra Utsav

[ Prafulla Kaman ]

RUKSIN, Apr 1: A cultural troupe of East Siang district led by artiste Delong Padung participated in the Nomami Brahmaputra Utsav, which got underway at Kareng Chapori (bogibeel-ghat) on the right of the mighty Brahmaputra in Assam's Dhemaji district on Friday.

The cultural troupe from Arunachal Pradesh showcased traditional song-dances of Adi tribe in the inaugural programme of the festival and received special appreciation from the organizers.

Speaking during the inaugural function of the festival, Padung said that the Brahmaputra River, which is known as the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh, is the root of human civilization in the region.

The young artiste laid stress on the need of cultural exchange among the tribal communities of Arunachal and Assam for better understanding and for development of inter-ethnic relations. He also appealed to all government agencies and non- governmental organizations to work towards strengthening the age-old relation between the two neighbouring states.

The Nomami Brahmaputra Utsav, being celebrated in 21 districts of Assam, on both banks of the mighty Brahmaputra will conclude on April 4 next.

Rijiju rejects China's objection on Dalai Lama's visit

ITANAGAR, Apr 1: China should refrain from meddling in the internal affairs of India, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Saturday after Beijing objected to the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh next week.

The Dalai Lama is to visit Arunachal Pradesh between April 4 and 13.

"We are not interfering in the internal matters of China and that country should not interfere into ours'," the Minister of State for Home Affairs told reporters here.

He said, the visit of the Dalai Lama was as per the wish of the people. PTI

Liquor outlets sealed

NAMSAI, Apr 1: As many as 23 liquor outlets located along the national/state highway in Namsai district were sealed by the officials of Tax and Excise Department on March 31 for non-compliance with the Supreme Court order.

Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner through an executive order had directed the owners of liquor outlets to shift their establishments beyond 500 meters from the highway.

The Supreme Court in a recent order banned liquor shops/vendors along the national and state highways.

DC inspects cloudburst affected areas

BOMDILA, Apr 1: In order to learn the ground realities, Deputy Commissioner of West Kameng Sonal Swaroop rushed to Dirang this morning, where a cloudburst had occurred on Friday afternoon.

The DC inspected all the areas and infrastructure affected or damaged and assured all possible help from the district administration. She directed the ADC Dirang to constitute a Board immediately to assess the actual loss on the ground.

The preliminary survey of loss in connection with the government properties was marked at 60 lakhs, whereas that of private property came to approximately 32lakhs. She was accompanied by ADC Dirang, EE (PHED) Bomdila and locals during the inspection. (DIPRO)

Finance Bill gets presidential assent

NEW DELHI, Apr 1: President Pranab Mukherjee has given his assent to the Finance Bill 2017 to give effect to provisions like bar on cash transactions above Rs 2 lakh and compulsory quoting of Aadhaar for filing tax returns.

"The President was kind enough to give his assent to the Finance Bill before he left for official visit to Assam yesterday," Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia told PTI here.

With this, the provisions of the Finance Bill come into effect from today, he said.

Among the most important is limiting cash transaction to Rs 2 lakh, at par with the current requirement of quoting permanent account number (PAN) for cash spending.

Penalty for violating this is a fine equivalent to the amount of transaction, he said. The fine will be payable by the person or the establishment receiving the cash.

Also, Aadhaar number is now a must while applying for PAN as well as filing of tax returns.

The Finance Bill also provides that a person holding PAN as on July 1, 2017, has to intimate his Aadhaar number to the authorities in a manner which will be notified by the government.

It also amends the Companies Act of 2013 to make donations by companies to electoral trusts only through account payee cheque, bank draft or electronic transfer. PTI

Kaso sanctions fund for water tank at Sangri Kugo Colony

ITANAGAR, Apr 1: Local MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary Techi Kaso on Saturday approved an amount of Rs5 lakhs from his Local Area Development Fund for construction of water tank at Sangri Kugo colony under Ward No 2.

The MLA approved the amount after a women delegation from Sangri Kugo Colony, led by Ward No 2 Councilor Tatung Tania called on him and apprised him of various problems, including water shortage in the colony.

When the MLA was apprised of the water shortage due to lack of a water tank despite natural fountain round the year near the colony, the MLA sanctioned the said amount for sufficient water for the colony people. He also asked the delegation to engage a reputed contractor for quality construction of the water tank.

Training cum workshop on 'Kayakalp' prog

YUPIA,Apr 1: One day training cum workshop on 'Kayakalp' for the members of Infection Control Committee of District Hospital, Community Health Centres(CHC) and Primary Health Centers (PHCs) was organized by the Papum Pare District Health Society, Yupia at ZPC conference hall on March 31.

District Medical Officer Dr Tasso Kampu, who chaired the programme, called upon the members to take full benefit of the training.

Explaining about the Kayakalp programme that aims to promote cleanliness, hygiene and infection control practices in public health care facilities, the DMO exhorted the membersto ensure that cleanliness and a hygienic atmosphere is maintained in hospital premises.

She also informed about 'Kayakalp Award' for the best hospitals under the programme.

DRCHO cum CEO DHS Papum Pare Yupia Dr Jomnya Ado briefed the participants about the objective of the training programme for effective implementation of Kayakalp programme in health facilities and importance of keeping health facilities clean and hygienic.

He also urged all medical officersin-charge and members from Infection Control Committee to work sincerely to achieve the main objective of the programme as well as win the Kayakalp Award.

Debojit Bora, State Facilitator, RRC, North East Guwahati was the resource person of the programme.

Dr R R Ronya, DSO, Dr Tania Raju, DANO, all Medical Officers In-charge and members of the Infection Control Committee attended the programme. (DIPRO)

Legal Literacy Programme-cum-Digital Seva

SEPPA, Apr 1: The "Legal Literacy Programme-cum-Digital Seva Initiative of Access to Justice Project" was conducted at Seppa through District E-Governance Society.

District Information Officer Gaurav Kumar and Advocate Sunday Lingfa attended as resource person and legal advisor respectively in the programme. Advocate Lingfa highlighted the fundamental rights of women, including domestic violence, Indian Penal Code and free legal aid services, among other topics.

Kumar spoke on the important of the Common Service Center (CSC), which he said was for the common people, unemployed youths, BPL and other priority persons and informed them on how they could take advantage through the CSC. He informed on how the CSC plays a vital role in flow of information.

In the programme, all area NGOs, women welfare organizations, Self Help Groups, All East Kameng Goan Burah Welfare Organization and Village Level Entrepreneurship members attended the programme.

Sports activities mark day-2 of Mopin celebrations

AALO, Apr 1: The second day of Mopin celebrations at Gumin Kiin, Aalo witnessed games and sports activities, which was inaugurated by West Siang Additional Deputy Commissioner Nyiken Lollen on March 31.

Volleyball for men, women, boys and girls, tug of war, blind hit and various other traditional sports competitions will be conducted during the five day event. (DIPRO)

Fake account condemned

ITANAGAR, Apr 1: The Kipa Welfare Society has strongly condemned an alleged facebook fake account holder Tenjin Tating Mation's online post, wherein he allegedly wrote that the people of 19th Nyapin Constituency would boycott BJP Vice President Tame Phassang from attending the Longte Festival at Chabang. The society condemned the post and said that threatening to block roads through social media is uncalled for.

Indrajit Namchoom U-19 Football Tournament 2017

ITANAGAR, Apr 1: The first phase of the Indrajit Namchoom U-19 Football Tournament 2017, organized by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Itanagar is scheduled to begin from May 1 and continue till May 10 next.

In all, eight teams of both boys and girls have registered so far to participate in the tournament. The tourney has a prize of Rs25000 for the winner in both categories and Rs 15000 for the runners-up teams. The second phase of the tournament will be played in Shillong and the third phase in Delhi, a release added.