The Arunachal Times - Archives

State government releases 15 months arrears

ITANAGAR, Aug 11: The state government employees have a reason to smile. Finance Department today issued order for immediate release of 15 months arrears of 6th Central Pay Commission for State Govt. employees as per decision of Cabinet. The remaining 15 months arrears were assured to be provided in the current financial year itself.

The Finance Department is also going to implement Past –B of 6th CPC for Teachers and Nurses on the line of implementation during 5th CPC.

It further informed that State Government has also decided to provide “winter allowance” to State Govt. employees posted at high altitude to boost their morale. Those posted at 6000ft – 7000ft would be entitled Rs. 200/- per month, 8000ft – 8999ft have been fixed at Rs. 300/- per month, 9000ft – 9999ft at Rs. 500/- per month while 10000ft and above would get Rs. 600/- per month.

In addition State Government has also enhanced the stipend for School/College students.

Kalikho Pul appealed to State Govt. employees to rise up to the expectation of people of Arunachal Pradesh and work harder for increasing revenue of the State and plug revenue leakage so that the State Govt. can absorb the additional burden of implementation of 6th CPC.

Finance Minister, Kalikho Pul informed that it was only because of the continues efforts of the State Government led by Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, who followed up with Govt. of India to assist Arunachal Pradesh regarding implementation of 6th Pay Commission that release of arrears was possible.

Two days legislative assembly takes off without any sheen

PINNA Kitnal Muklom

ITANAGAR Aug 11: The two days Arunachal legislative assembly started without anything much to write about. The enthusiasm was missing and everyone seemed in a hurry with the session on the first day lasting just mere two hours! Half the members failed to turn up while even the ones who attended seemed more worried about other business.

The only saving grace was the discussion on Private Member Resolution moved by MLA Ngurang Pinch on pattern of distribution of funds.

Pinch’s argument seemed strange for a state which has always criticized center’s policy of distribution of funds based on population. Pinch urged for more fund allocation to those constituencies having larger population.

Arunachal Pradesh state chief minister Dorjee Khandu advocated for ‘need-based’ instead of ‘population’ criterion while executing centrally sponsored schemes in the state.

He further asserted that Arunachal Pradesh being a sensitive state sharing long international borders cannot stick to the population criterion as there were certain strategic areas along the border with less population, which were deprived of infrastructural development.

Khandu informed the house that grants from the Centre is based on criteria of sensitivity and strategic location of the state.

He further added that if population is taken as the criteria for grant of funds from the centre it would be very nominal.

Khandu while assuring to implement need-based schemes in all the constituencies requested Pinch to withdraw his resolution.

Earlier taking part in the discussion finance minister Kalikho Pul said that due to projection of the state as sensitive and strategically important, the Planning Commission has increased the plan allocation for the state to Rs 2,100 crore this year.

He further informed that if population is taken up as the criteria for implementing central schemes, the plan size would decrease to Rs 640 crore for this fiscal year.

Arunachal Pradesh has been given the status of special category state by the Centre Pul said and added that all central schemes for the state were approved under 90 per cent as grants and 10 per cent as state’s share.

MLA Kipa Babu taking part in the discussion pointed out that Itanagar contributes the highest in terms of revenue generation amongst all districts to the state exchequer. The ratio of distribution of funds from state government to Itanagar is disproportionate as oppose the money pitched in, Babu further added.

Though, Itanagar MLA agreed that funds should be given on need base criteria, he however stressed that for places like Itanagar, Pasighat and Aalo with huge population the funds should be sanctioned on the basis of population.

MLA Bosiram Siram who represents Pasighat, one of the most populated and developed constituencies advocated that schemes be sanctioned on need base and equitably in all the constituencies of the state.

Thangwang Wangham, one of the most vocal MLAs pointed out that for a state like Arunachal Pradesh population cannot be taken in as the criteria.

Infrastructural development schemes should be taken up so that places with less population don’t lose out on development.

Wangham further said that the sitting in a four wall room the Planning department should not decide as to what schemes should be sanction for which area.

The departments need to visit all areas to select and sanction schemes, he added.

MLA J K Panggeng said population being the criteria alone for allocation of funds would deprive many remote villages and towns with less population.

PWD and Urban Development Minister Nabam Tuki, said that under JNNURM, maximum schemes are undertaken for development of the state capital.

Tuki said that for parking slots and amenities in urban areas this year out of 91 crore 28 lakhs, 20 crores has been released from centre for urban area which is not inadequate.

He also informed that Rs 11 crore 94 lakhs has been sanction for Municipal Cooperation, Rs 77 crore 21 lakhs for Urban and Water supply besides 25 new buses being added to the fleet of state transport to benefit the commuters in the urban areas of the state capital.

Tuki further said that four lane roads from Banderdewa-Itanagar to Hollongi have been approved and the work would soon be initiated.

Rural Development Minister Chowna Mein taking part in the discussion urged the members to concentrate in asking for relaxation under poverty elevation scheme of GoI.

MLA Ngurang Pinch later withdrew the resolution.

Power: In response to the question put forward by Itanagar MLA Kipa Babu on frequent power disruption during question hour, Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Dorjee Khandu said that due to poor monsoon in the north east region, generation of power from inter-state generation stations had fallen down and load shading was imposed in most districts during peak hours to abide National Grid Security and to dispense with imposition of penalties.

The total demand of power consumption in the state capital is 330 MUs though the availability is 185 MU only the chief minister said and added that to improve power supply in the state capital, the state government has taken up with the Ministry of Power, GoI for additional power of 50 MW to the state of Arunachal Pradesh from un-allocated Central Sector Share.

Khandu further informed that load shedding in the state has been lifted due to improvement in power generations from August 1 last.

PWD: MLAs Ngurang Pinch and Wanlin Lowangdong questioned the PWD and UD minister Nabam Tuki on bad road condition within their respective constituencies. They further questioned as to why no funds have been provided for improvement and maintenance of dilapidated road in Doimukh township under Papum Pare district and the Khonsa-Hukanjuri-Naharkatia road under Tirap district.

Though Tuki agreed that there are some pockets where normal and periodical road repairs are needed under Doimukh township yet maintenance of these roads will be taken up as per fund availability.

Tuki informed that Khonsa-Hukanjuri-Naharkatia is being improved to double lane road under CRF (inter state).

He further added that for maintenance of road and bridges specific work wise funds are not in place rather lump sum grant is made for maintenance of all roads.

Draught Relief: Meanwhile, while replying to MLA J K Panggeng, chief minister informed that the concerned department is formulating contingency plan to meet the drought like situation in certain part of the state.

Necessary fund provision is being kept under Central scheme of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), state sponsored schemes and other schemes, he said.

Khandu further said that arrangement of inputs is being ensured in drought affected areas where standing crops are affected considerably and transplantation of paddy could not be fully completed.

He further informed that all concerned districts have been informed and intimated to mitigate the losses of farmers in affected areas.

Water supply: PHED minister Lambo Tayeng informed that the Rs 78 crore Poma drinking water project is likely to be completed by March 2011 next.

Once the project is completed the citizen of capital complex can expect uninterrupted water supply, the minister said.

Funds for Itanagar: While responding to the question by MLA Kipa Babu on fund allotted to various agencies from the department of RR&DM on district wise basis (DC) and division wise basis (work departments), the state chief minister Dorjee Khandu said that the department does not have specific records of the amount sanction for capital complex.

Khandu further informed that funds were released for Capital Complex to Yupia Deputy Commissioner and Works department.

CAG raps Arunachal for failing to achieve NLCPR target

Itanagar, Aug 11: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has criticised the Arunachal Pradesh government for it failure to achieve the target of projects under Non-Lapsable Central Pool of resources (NLCPR).

The CAG, in its recent report, which was tabled in the Assembly today by state Finance Minister Kalikho Pul, highlighted various discrepancies on the part of the state's planning department while executing projects under the NLCPR.

The report identified various factors, including delays in release of funds by the state government to the executing agencies, besides absence of state level monitoring cell and committee to monitor the implementation of NLCPR funded projects.

The major hurdles in the timely completion of the projects were lack of adequate planning and delays in transmission of funds through the chain to the executing agencies. Non-release of state share on time and delays in transmission of funds caused not only time overrun but cost overrun too, the report observed.

''In eight projects, the executing agencies diverted Rs 7.43 crore from NLCPR to other projects,'' the report pointed out, adding though the DoNER Ministry released full funds for 55 projects which were due for completion by 2006-07, only 38 projects were completed by March last year.

The NLCPR was established in 1998 by the Centre for speedy development of the infrastructure projects in the North East region.

The report further said the advantages of the targeted funding by the Centre for the development of infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh were only partially attained.

''Unless the projects are completed within the stipulated time frame, the envisaged benefits from these would not be available to the targeted population,'' the report said.

While suggesting the state government to streamline and simplify the existing procedures to ensure speedy transmission of funds to the executing agencies, the report further recommended strengthening the planning process and to enforce accountability for any arbitrary and unexplained deviations.

It also recommended the implementing departments to scrutinise the physical and financial progress of the projects and ensure that funds were utilised for the intended purpose in accordance with the laid down guidelines.

''Monitoring and supervision of the projects should be strengthened at all levels to ensure that the projects are cruising in the planned direction at the desired speed,'' the report added. UNI

Governor expresses concern at urban-rural gap in health sector

ITANAGAR, Aug 11: Development in the field of medical science is immaterial unless medical service reaches common masses, tribals and people living in far flung areas, said Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen JJ Singh, while gracing the Dr. M.C. Nahata Rastriya Netr Suraksha Puraskar award function as Chief Guest in Indore, Madhya Pradesh on Aug9. As of now also, large tribal population still has no access to advance treatment in the field of medical science, he added.

Governor pointed out that several programes have been launched by private as well as public sector and International Organization like World Bank, World Health Organization Lions and Rotary International including national programe for the Prevention and control of Blindness and visual Impairment since 1976 but the effort has not been able to show perceptible difference. The prevalence ratio has remained at 1.38-1.49 which is a matter of utmost concern. The thrust should be on identifying the common causes of blindness and measures required, he stressed. This endeavour is not only necessary but has become mandatory since not only the society but the economy of the country gets affected because of large number of blind and visually impaired population, Gen Singh said.

Gen Singh said that of the 11000 Eye Surgeons in the country 75% are in the urban segment and only 25% or in the rural resulting into availability of services of one Eye Surgeon for 2.5 lakh rural areas which needs to be improved. Giving an overview on blindness in Arunachal Pradesh, the Governor informed that there are twenty-six thousand people suffering from blindness, which stands at 2.28% prevalence ratio, where as the national ratio stands at approximate 1.5%. Efforts are there by the State Health and Family Welfare department to reduce the prevalence of blindness through regular eye camps in rural areas, regular screening of school children and imparting trainings to teachers on eye care, free distribution of spectacles and involving NGOs focusing on childhood blindness.

Stating that lack of accessibility, transportation problem, illiteracy and mostly due to lack of awareness on eye care as causes of high prevalence, Gen Singh urged upon the eye surgeons to visit Arunachal Pradesh who have come from every corner of the country to attend the function.

Gen Singh offered to treat them as State guest if eye surgeons comes to Arunachal Pradesh to extend help to the state.

The annual event was organized by the National Society for Prevention of Blindness, Indore branch, where Dr. M. Srinivasan, Arvind Eye Hospital, Madhurai was felicitated with Dr. M.C. Nahata Rastriya Netr Suraksha Puraskar for his phenomenal work in prevention of blindness. It is an initiative of the Indore Branch, led by Dr. M.C. Nahata, where Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, Para ophthalmic, Personnel, Social workers, Corporate Houses and others, working through National Society for Prevention of Blindness in different parts of the country gather every year to felicitate best of the contributor toward eradication of blindness. (PRO to CM)

Controversy continues to surround creation of new district

ITANAGAR, Aug 11: The controversy surrounding creation of Lower Siang district has taken an ugly turn with the people not satisfied with the government decision staging dharna in Naharlagun while the two day legislative assembly session is underway.

The protesters which comprised of citizens from Likabali and Nari Koyu assembly segments are upset at omission of Nari-Koyu in the new district and proposal of Basar as the headquarters.

The protestors put the blame on Chief Secretary, who is native of Basar area, of misleading the state cabinet to take the decision.

Meanwhile, according to a government source, the state government has not taken a concrete decision. The creation of new district comprising of Tirbin, Basar and Dari administrative circle, curved out from the present West Siang was agreed on principle and a decision regarding finalization of the headquarter would be taken only after a thorough study.

Chief secretary Tabom Bam whom the protestors targeted for his alleged role in creation of the new district with Basar as headquarter, when contacted by this daily said that only after a high powered committee constituted by the state government to asses the feasibility, the district headquarter would be finalized. He dismissed the entire episode as outcome of “half baked truths”.

MLA Jomde Kena who represents Likabali constituency has called on the government to issue a white paper on the creation of Lower Siang district with Basar as its headquarters. Kena further said that local representatives of area should be taken into confidence before major announcement is made for selection of district headquarters.

The new district should be comprised of Nari-Koyu, Basar and Likabali constituencies preferably with Likabali as its headquarters as it centrally located, he said while adding that people and leaders of the area are opposed to proposal of Basar as the headquarters of the newly created district.

Kena further said that government should consider the resolution adopted at Aalo bane Keba of Galo Welare Society and consequent reports submitted by the then DC West Siang Huzar Lollen and DC East Siang Nandini Palliwal before a final decision is taken.

Meanwhile District Demand Joint Action Committee has called for review of cabinet decision regarding creation of Lower Siang district having its Headquarters at Basar. It further threatened that natives of Likabali and Nari-Koyu constituency who are holding portfolio in Galo Welfare Society and Galo students Union would resign if the Galo Welfare Society fails to pursue the matter with government for inclusion of Nari-Koyu constituency in the new district with a practicable place as its headquarters. It further said that it condemned discriminatory and arbitrary action of the Chief Secretary for placing a revoked and invalid feasibility report submitted by DC West Siang before the cabinet and misleading it.

It further reiterated that peaceful dharna and bandh call would continue to press the matter.

On the other hand, District demand Committee thanked the cabinet for approving in principle creation of Lower Siang district with Basar as its headquarters.

The signatories include former minister Eken Riba, Gojum Basar, Jonya Basar and MLA Gojen Gadi.

They thanked the Chief Minister for accepting the one point memorandum for creation of a new district with Basar as its Headquarters during his visit to the area last year.

AAPSU calls for immediate utilisation of central jail

ITANAGAR, Aug 11: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (A.A.P.S.U) urged the state government to immediately start the lone central jail of the state in the interest of many indigenous under trials lodged in different jails of the country.

In a press release issued by its president Takam Tatung, it said that the central jail built in Jully village three kilometers from capital town Itanagar is yet to start functioning even after lapse of its targeted date, which has in turn brought untold miseries to the under trials and their families.

Every one is a human being first and has the right to have a dignified and decent existence even inside a jail and the under trials of our state lodged in various jails in different parts of the country are subjected to many discrimination as claimed by near and dear ones of these under trials. This has adversely affected them severely, the union said.

As per the union information there are 33 numbers of prisoners in North Lakhimpur jail in Assam itself out of which one faces death sentence,13 faces life imprisonment and 19 others are facing short time sentences.

It’s a matter of great concern that even after the completion of the buildings and other infrastructure of the lone state central jail the concern authorities are not interested in starting a functional jail, said its president Takam Tatung.

Our state has the distinction of being the only state that is functioning without a central jail as per a survey carried out by some national magazines in the recent time and its time policy makers of the state particularly the home department sit up, he added.

That’s how we spend their money!

Tongam Rina

Taxpayers would cringe if they at all know how their hard earned is being spent by the government, more so by the states which is solely dependent on them even to send their children to school.

The Comptroller and Auditor General Report for the year ended 2008 have sent in its report which as usual shows abysmal financial record of the state.

The reports, mercifully do not cover all the departments not because it ran out of papers or patience but information for the year 2007-2008 called for in April 2008 from 19 departments was being awaited as on Oct 2008!

Department that were nice enough to send in their reports, however did not set any good examples either!

The 230 paged compilations, minus many departments, is full of stories on fraud, misappropriation and embezzlement, excess payment and unproductive expenditure and refusal to respond to reminders by the departments!

We need not look far beyond. One portable X-Ray scanner installed in the Chief Minister’s office at the cost of Rs 16.8 lakh could not get repaired by the supplier during the warranty period. In 2007, the machine stopped functioning after seven months. Next time you visit the office of the Chief Minister, dear readers, just put in your request to be x-rayed instead of putting up with near humiliating manual frisking.

The degree may vary, but none the less departments did not make use of the hard earned tax payer’s money. Let’s read through the report. Yours truly have been selective and just putting in those that ran into crores.

Out of the Rs 99.07 crore received during 2005-2008, the National Rural Health Mission spent only Rs 54.77 crore. During 2005-2007, the NRHM was implemented without any action plan either at the village, block or at the district level in Arunachal.

However our congratulations are due to the health department. Arunachal Pradesh has been declared as the first State in the country to eradicate the polio menace.

The Public Works Division Department incurred an unauthorized/irregular expenditure of Rs.1.59 crore by diverting the revenue realised as hire charges for use of machinery and equipment.

Penalty of Rs.2.38 crore was not realized from 323 offenders for unauthorized occupation of 3,559.17 hectares of land in reserve forests while non-approval of the working plan for operation of cane led to non-realisation of revenue of Rs.1.08 crore by Forest and Environment.

Failure of the geology and mining department to initiate action against two lessees for delayed payment of royalty led to non-realisation of additional royalty of Rs.37.42 crore.

Unclaimed prize money of Rs.49.91 crore remained out of Government accounts due to non-inclusion of penal/deterrent clause in the agreement.

Failure to register 15 dealers and non-deduction of tax at source led to evasion of tax of Rs.1.77 crore for which maximum penalty of Rs.33.971akh was also leviable.

In Government Commercial and Trading Activities as on 31 March 2008, the total investment in three working Government companies was Rs.18.11 crore (equity: Rs.9.07 crore and long term loan: Rs.9.04 crore). The accounts of all the three working companies were in arrears for periods ranging from one to 14 years as on 30 September 2008. Out of the three loss incurring working Government companies, Arunachal Pradesh Industrial Development Financial Corporation Limited had accumulated loss of Rs.19.02 crore which has eroded its paid up capital of Rs.2.15 crore.

The power Department incurred Rs. 5.04 crore without achieving the target of electrification of 24 villages under Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana. Due to deficient selection of 27 villages, without considering the availability of source of power supply, the expenditure of Rs.4.94 crore on electrification remained unfruitful.

The state government has been harping at revenue generation and control on financial leakages. But going by the report, it appears, our “People First” government forgot to take the sealing tapes with it while executing work and taking care of wasteful expenditure. Maybe it’s about time Arunachal prayed that honest taxpayers from rest of the country pay on time so that we non tax payers continue to splurge!

DRDA governing body meeting held

PASIGHAT, Aug 11: The 42nd Governing Body Meeting of DRDA, East Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh was held in the Siang Guest House on Aug 10 last with Zilla Parishad Chair Person, East Siang District Yayi Dabi. She urged all to extend possible help and cooperation to the DRDA, Block Officials in implementing all Centrally Sponsored schemes for the betterment of the rural people.

After threadbare discussion over the block-wise AAP the house passed the District AAP for 2009-10. (DIPRO)

Mobile Team launches awareness campaigns at markets

ITANAGAR, Aug 11: To create awareness among sellers and buyers of commodities particularly vegetables, fruits, fish, meat and other consumable items, of their duties and responsibilities so as to create a consumer friendly market environment, the Legal Metrology Mobile Team visited Gandhi Market, Legi Market Complex, Ganga and Chandranagar daily markets of Itanagar today and organized on spot awareness campaign.

Message of the campaign dwelt on responsibility of the sellers on proper use of weighing and measuring instruments during course of day to day transactions to ensure correct delivery of commodities to consumers on their money’s value. On spot demonstrations on perfect weighing method to satisfy the buyers, as well as adverse impact of practice on wrongful weighment and measurement which could create mistrust and dissatisfaction against the sellers were exhibited. Use of verified weights and measures, compulsory display of verification certificates, suspension of beam scales from a hook or stand, perforation of pans delivering fish and meat for draining out unwanted liquids that may add weights of fish/meat being sold, besides restriction on use of iron, stone and brick pieces as weights were stressed.

Buyers in general who also participated in the on spot campaign were advised to utilize their responsibility and intellect while purchasing commodities in regards to quality, quantity, potency and to obtain cash memo wherever necessary. Further, the attention was also called on the need to check verification stamp/seal of local Inspector and validity of verification on the certificate displayed in the trading premises.

As the participation of both sellers and buyers in the campaign was very enthusiastic and positive, the department extended thanks to them and hopes that awareness message would not merely be learnt but the same is transformed into practice.

ITBP sends school children on educational tour

ITANAGAR, Aug 11: ITBP Itanagar Sector is organizing educational excursion tour of Delhi and Agra for girls from Government High Schools covering Siang, Subansiri, Kurung Kumey and Papumpare Districts.

DIG, Itanagar, ITBP, Khating Hill flagged off the tour today which would be completed on August 21.

The tour is part of Civic Action Programme in Arunachal Pradesh beside projects undertaken under Border Area Development Programme (BADP), which includes educational excursion tour for Boys and Girls students from various parts of the state.

Training of Trainers in micro planning, accounts and book keeping

ITANAGAR, Aug 11: Training workshop on Training of Trainers in Micro planning, accounts and book keeping under National Forestation and Eco- development Board, Department of Environment & Forests, Government of India was conducted today at State Forest Research Institute, Itanagar.

The Training workshop was held with the objectives of imparting training to the Chairman and Members Secretaries of various Forest Development Agencies in Arunachal Pradesh. The workshop was attended by all Conservators Forests, Divisional Forest Officers, Scientists of SFRI and resource person from Guwahati, Shillong, NERIST and SFRI, Itanagar.

Inaugurating the training workshop Chief Conservator of Forests L.K.Pait, highlighted about various afforestation programme in Arunachal Pradesh and emphasized the trainers to keep their knowledge up to date.

Resource person Deprtment of Forestry, NERIST Prof. M.L.Khan gave detailed power point presentation on JFM – A Tool for Biological Basis of Management of Forest Resources while Prabeen Kr. Maskara, Chartered Accountants and Jirbom Rumi spoke on Micro Planning, Book Keeping & Accountancy and Dr.Panna Deb highlighted about Sustaining JFMCs through Small and Medium Forest Enterprises.

DFO Silviculture, SFRI, Itanagar Joram Dopum and Dr.Panna Deb, NAEB regional centre Shillong also spoke on the occasion.

Various issues pertaining to sustainable forest conservation including Mithun rearing was also discussed in details for further recommendations.

“NCP is not against employees”

ITANAGAR Aug 11: Reacting to the press statement issued by the Adhoc Working Committee of the Confederation of Service Association of Arunachal Pradesh, the state NCP unit Arunachal Pradesh termed it as politically motivated to divert the attention of the tussle between the state government employees and the state government over the releasing of 30 month arrears under Central 6th Pay Commission.

The pending 30 month arrears of the state government employees is nothing but a long accumulated misdeed committed by the past and present ruling INC government in the state, the NCP release said.

NCP further alleged that no sincere attempts have been made for the welfare of the state government employees for the last three decades by the INC government in the state.

The release further stated that the state NCP Unit is shocked at the press statement issued by the AWC of the Confederation of Service Association of Arunachal Pradesh and termed it unfortunate.

NCP reaffirmed to stand for the welfare of the state employees and for all round socioeconomic development of the state without cast, creed, colour and religion.

The state unit NCP president L Wanglet while appealing for upholding the rights of individual and association said that one must be careful not to black out public opinions.

He further said that state NCP Unit is only the political party in the state who pleaded to the Thirteen Finance Commission (TFC) for one time financial assistance for implementation of the 6th Pay Commission in the state and have also regularly pleaded to the state government for immediate release of their pending arrears and other relevant pay and allowances during the last CoSAAP agitation.

It further clarified that the State NCP chief as well as party unit is not against the implementation of Central 6th Pay Commission by the State government rather the party welcomes the state government’s initiative to releasing 15°% of arrears out of Rs. 300 Crores Central Assistance.

The party is of the opinion that apart from paying government employees their arrears, the Rs. 300 Crores Central Assistance should also be used for speedy development like Road & Communication including Tourism to allure more tourists in the State.

VEC clarify allegations

ITANAGAR, Aug 11: Chairmen, VEC of Hawacamp, Lichi and Upper Jumi village while clarifying the allegation leveled by All Kimin Students’ Union regarding absence of teacher in-charge, delayed re-opening of schools and misuse of Mid Day Meals at Lichi, Hawacamp, Lora-I, Bello-II and Upper Jumi schools said that all the schools were re-opened on June 8 and since then the schools were running properly and during the visit of AKSU some of the teachers were already entrusted to take DIET training, election duty and text book collection duty from CRCC Office, Kimin.

It further said that the department of Education is yet to sanction Mid Day Meal scheme for this academic session so the question of misusing of MDM scheme does not arise, it added and appealed the AKSU not to level any false allegation against the schools.

AAPSU social service

ITANAGAR: All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union would organize a cleanliness drive at Naharlagun general hospital on August 13 from 7.30 am onwards.

It called on the general public, like minded NGOs and former leaders of the union to be a part of the drive.

AP Public LibrariesBill 2009

ITANAGAR: The Arunachal Pradesh Public Libraries Bill 2009 was placed in the legislative assembly today. The bill has been placed to provide for the establishment, maintenance and development of comprehensive public libraries system in the Arunachal Pradesh.

The proposed enactment of the law will involve Rs fifty five lacs seventy thousand annually from the consolidated fund of the state.

Kipa Niya appointed OSD to Cm

ITANAGAR: Kipa Niya has been appointed as OSD to Chief Minister in charge of Agriculture affairs. The status of the OSD will be at per with Advisor to the Chief ministers and chairmen. Niya prior to this appointment as OSD was a member of board of directors, Apex bank and executive member of Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee.

(Readers’ Forum)

Pongte deserves another chance

Madam,

We would like to inform that youths and public of Namtok circle under Changlang district after long deliberation have decided to support the sitting Congress MLA of 53rd Changlang (North) Assembly constituency Wangnia Pongte as their candidate in the ensuing assembly elections.

The public and youth leaders of Namtok circle have resigned from the membership of core committee and as active workers of former minister Thingphap Taiju to join the INC under the leadership of Congress MLA Wangia Pongte.

The decision was taken after the people of Namtok circle witnessed all round development in the constituency under the five year tenure of Pongte as MLA.

We hope the Congress party will issue party ticket to deserving sitting Congress MLA for the larger interest of the society.

Yours,

Samki Zongsam

ASM Chairperson

Changlang CD Block

Baihap Youngja,

Public leader, Namtok circle

Baitu Youngja,

Youth leader, Namtok circle

Kamthan Tailu,

Kuthung village headman, Namtok circle

Lemthing Wangre,

Longpha village youth leader, Namtok circle

Time for rethink on reservation

Madam,

Recently an advertisement was published from IG, BSF, Shillong for recruitment of Constable in BSF where a total of 19 posts (ST-8 and general-11) were allotted for Arunachal Pradesh. Everyone including Central Govt knows Arunachal is 100% ST state. Such reservations go to general category people of other state at the cost of ST candidates.

In the advertisement published recently for the posts of police sub-inspector under state police department it was also mentioned that for APST – 36 post & General – 09, total-45. It is very unfortunate that in spite of thousands unemployed in Arunachal, such reservation is still prevailing in our state.

Arunachal Pradesh is still lagging behind in terms of industrialization. Therefore, the unemployed youths are mostly depending on Govt job for livelihood. Thanks to the CPSU like NHPC, NEEPCO for giving some employment avenues for local youths, otherwise, most of the unemployed educated youths find themselves either as taxi/auto driver or become drug addict to suppress frustration.

I think 80:20 ratio should be made in certain specified job only, and for the rest it should be 100% for APST.

I behalf of unemployed youth of Arunachal Pradesh request every one to think seriously on such reservation policy especially in Central Govt. sector rather than engaged in political or other baseless issues in greater interest of the unemployed educated youth of the state. State Govt should also think seriously on 100% reservation policy as our’s is wholly a ST state and we are far behind from other states in terms of development and job opportunities.

Yours,

T.T. Tara

C-Sector

Naharlagun

Khonsa needs help

Madam,

I am a very happy man with my family at Khonsa Township. But when I get out from my home, I feel like I am in hell. The reason of my agony are many; the road in Khonsa township is in very pathetic condition, there is no proper drainage system as a result all the garbage, human waste, stone and soil are on road and the water flows over the road damage the road to such a extent that, it feels, we are on bullock cart while driving a vehicle.

The story do not end here, the district medical is equally in pitiable state with insufficient doctors and stock of medicines. Besides these, the patient has to manage with candle or bulb by their own when they get admitted in the hospital.

If I start narrating all the problems of common people in the Khonsa Township, it would never come to end. I do not understand what the administration, MLAs and public leaders are doing?

I being an ordinary resident of the Khonsa Township, want better road, better medical facilities, better education, secured life, reasonable market rate of commodities and development in the township.

Last but not the least, I vow that in the forthcoming Assembly election my family members will choose leader who can bring all-round development.

Yours,

Hunsen Lowang

Bank Colony, Khonsa

We do not want only assurance and promises

Madam,

It is a tragedy on the part of the people of Namsai Assembly constituency in Lohit district, that despite pumping in huge amount of money through various schemes and projects by the Governments for socio-economic development in the area, the people are still living in decade’s old condition. The fact is that more than half of the population had to depend on farming, cultivation and other petty business for their survival.

Whereas, it is not known how the huge flow of money meant for the constituency are being utilized, the people have crossed the limit of suffering and patience. During the election period the leaders and representative to Assembly and Parliament make assurance and promise before the voters to fulfill their demands and requirements but in vain. “Matlab Nikal Gaya to Pechante Nahi” remains the fate of the voters immediately after the election. Such win and forget policy of the ruling party has been the serious cause of concern for the people in Namsai Assembly constituency. It is for the interest in common that a new face, an energetic youth activities to give a new look in the constituency be projected in the coming Vidhan Sabha election.

I therefore, sincerely appeal all the citizens of Namsai Assembly constituency and political parties to project young candidates in the ensuing Vidhan Sabha from Namsai constituency to bring a over all changed scenario for the socio-economic upliftment of the voters.

Yours,

Chau Nanda Manlai

Unemployed Youth, Namsai