August 15
HC directs State to furnish details of bandh
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: Based on the petition filed by one Rita Taku in the Gauhati High Court regarding the bandh culture in the state, the acting Chief Justice K Sreedhar Rao and Judge PK Saikia has directed government of Arunachal to respond to their three point order. M Gunedhor Singh, senior advocate, govt of Arunachal Pradesh has written to Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary Home and Director General of Police informing them about the order issued by Gauhati high court.
Court has asked the state government to submit report on how many registered and unregistered organisations are there in the state, how many political parties are there in the state which calls bandh and lastly how many bandhs were called during the last three years and how much economic loss has been caused to the state on account of such bandh calls. The court has directed government of Arunachal to submit the report by 24th of this month.
Portfolios allocated to new PS
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh has allocated the portfolio to the newly appointed four Parliamentary Secretaries. Nikh Kamin has been given Social Justice, Empowerment & Tribal Affairs & WCD, P. D. Sona will look after Animal Husbandry & Dairy Development and Civil Aviation. Tirong Aboh has been given the charge of DoTCL & Supply & Transport while Pani Taram will look after Agriculture. They are all attached with their respective ministers. Meanwhile, there have been minor changes in the portfolios of parliamentary secretaries.
Jomde Kena, PS Transport & State Transport have been given the additional charge of Cooperation while Tatung Jamoh who was holding the Industries has been given the additional charges of Skilled Development & Employment Generation. Karya Bagang will now look after Health & Family Welfare and additional charges of Fisheries while Tapuk Taku has been given additional charges of Tax & Excise along with Power [Electrical).
President’s Police Medal to APP officers
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: President Pranab Mukherjee has awarded two Arunachal Pradesh Police
Officers, namely, Chandra Bhushan Rai, Sub-
Award to Brahma Kumari Kaliash Didi
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: Brahma Kumari Kaliash Didi, Director of Brahma Kumaris Raj Yoga Center was among the 13 women who were awarded lifetime achievement awards by Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel in recognition of her outstanding contribution in the field of spiritual service for the last 38 years.
The awards were initiated to mark the ongoing statewide Women's Empowerment Fortnight (August 1 to 15,) being observed by the Gujarat Government.
Plantation prog organised at Psg
Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Aug 14: Under the aegis of DDSE office staff, forest department and member
of Pasighat Municipal Councilor (Ward-
Inaugurating the programme, Pasighat Range Forest Officer Osar Gao briefed on the need of tree plantation to protect environment. He requested the unemployed youths to develop commercial nursery of various plants and encouraged plantation activities for conservation of the ecosystem in the area. He lamented that the forest department has been supplying large number of saplings in the name of plantation programme, but proper care has not been taken for survival of the planted saplings.
Among others, former minister cum Advisor to Chief Minister, Bosiram Siram, Bogong
Banggo Youth president Tagom Tasung, PMC Deputy Chief Kaling Darang, DIET officer
Oduk Tabing and PMC Ward Council Members of Ward-
Awareness camps on winter crops
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Tirap organised awareness camps on Kharif/Rabi crops (crops grown during winter season) in three villages in the district recently.
A farmer-
Thirty-
Similar programme were also held in Makat village wherein 50 villagers attended.
A farmers’ conference was held in Subang village.
ZPM Ngelang Songthing, who inaugurated the conference, threw light on activities of KVK whose basic purpose is to facilitate transfer of technology to the farmers and increase productivity, improve quality and profitability.
Addressing the farmers on the occasion, Dr. DS Chhonkar, Programme Coordinator of the KVK advised them take up agriculture and allied sectors sincerely as people are totally dependent on them for their livelihood. Dr. Chhonkar asked the farmers to use all the available technology to increase productivity.
An exhibition was organised wherein various type of farming modules were displayed.
Social services conducted
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: At Nirjuli, a social service was conducted today by the Nirjuli Youth Welfare Association with support from local councillor Tarh Nachung, ASM, market committee, Nirjuli Panchayat in which besides traders, students of VKV, Alphabet, Galaxy, Govt. Secondary schools while the tools were provided by the Naharlagun PWD EE Techi Nabo.
While Nirjuli wore a clean look, the leaders appealed to all make the area neat and clean.
The All Pakhi Panchayat Youth Welfare Association (AAPYWA) in a two day social service that concluded on August 12 last repaired the Sakiang to Nargang and Sakiang and Jajing Tapo porter track. All the Head Gaon Burahs, Gaon Burahs, students and people of the panchayat participated in it.
In a social service conducted at Kuch Kuth village Govt Middle School Dilipaji under
Yazali circle of Lower Subansiri district, members of School management committee,
teaching and non teaching staff and students of the school cleaned the surrounding
of the school. The village medical sub-
Rebia inspects under-
YUPIA, Aug 14: Legislative Assembly Speaker Nabam Rebia today inspected the under-
While inspecting the road, Rebia instructed the executing department to make proper drainage system and maintain the other works up to peoples’ satisfaction.
The Speaker, who also is the local MLA, asked the public to maintain certain distance while erecting structures along the road side and keep the road neat and clean.
He also inspected the newly constructed Tourist Information Center at Doimukh.
Rebia was accompanied by SDO and UPO Doimukh, ZPM, Anchal Chairperson and other Panchayat members. DIPRO
Aboh assures to work for rapid development
KHONSA, Aug 14: Newly inducted Parliamentary Secretary Tirong Aboh has assured to work for rapid development of his constituency and sought public support in this regard. The MLA from Khonsa West constituency said this yesterday in a function organised to accord him welcome on his induction as Parliamentary Secretary.
The public of Khonsa gathered on the occasion, including the Chief of Dadam village Wanggo Lowang, ZPM Ngamchai Kamhua and other PRI members, observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to former Tirap Deputy Commissioner Kamlesh Joshi and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul. DIPRO
AIR’s ‘hello doctor’
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: Dr. Tana Takum, Epidemiologist, Arunachal State Hospital and Dr.
Dimong Padung, Child Specialist will reply to the listeners’ queries on topic "Introduction
of Pentavalent Vaccine and Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine into Routine Immunization
Schedule” during Arun FM’s (103.1 MHZ) regular live phone-
Guv lauds spirit of cooperation and oneness
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: Arunachal Pradesh Governor J P Rajkhowa has commended the untiring and most dedicated services of the personnel of Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Assam Rifles, State Police, Central Reserve Police Force, district administrations of Tirap, Changlang and Longding and local villagers, headmen and other volunteers in the search operation, location of the crash site and retrieving of the bodies of the three missing in the recent unfortunate chopper accident of Dauphin Helicopter of Pawan Hans Helicopter Ltd. (PHHL).
The Governor said “the effort put in by those daring people over a period of nine days at great personal risk, in spite of natural obstructions like inclement weather, dense forest, inhospitable hilly terrains and inaccessible deep gorges restlessly, without food and rest throughout the period, which ultimately resulted in locating the crash site and retrieving the bodies, deserves highest appreciation. This demonstrates our solidarity and oneness”.
On behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh and on his own behalf, the Governor sincerely extended his highest commendation and appreciation to each and everyone involved in the most daring search operation till the last moment. He hoped that the spirit of cooperation, solidarity and oneness will be maintained in any eventuality and during hours of unforeseen disaster or crisis in the days to come.
Fair selection process: Ering
PASIGHAT, Aug 14: Lok Sabha MP Ninong Ering said that there was no political reason for selection of Pasighat to be developed as Smart City and that absolute transparency has been maintained in the selection process, he said.
The selection was done after following certain guidelines framed by the union ministry, he said while adding that as an MP, he had recommended for Tezu and Pasighat to be selected”.
Meanwhile, PMC Chief Councilor Denong Tamuk has appealed the people not to politicise the issue. Moreover, the twin city Itanagar and Naharlagun being the capital of the state is already under various schemes, he said.DIPRO
Food safety and standards a wareness in Ziro soon
ZIRO, Aug 14: Lower Subansiri district administration along with district level steering committee on Food Safety, legal metrology and tax and excise departments of will conduct awareness programme on Food Safety and Standards Act in the last week of this month. It was decided in a meeting held in the office chamber of the Deputy Commissioner here today.
The meeting decided to issue notice enforcing compulsory wearing of protective hygienic clothing like apron, head cover, hand gloves, footwear etc by food handlers of eateries, hotels, restaurants etc. and maintaining of cleanliness and hygienic condition in and around slaughter houses and fish markets/shops.
Deputy Commissioner Kanki Darang insisted on monitoring selling of tobacco and tobacco products within 100 meters of educational institutions in particular and in the main markets as a whole as these items have already been banned in the district.
DMO Moli Riba, Superintendent of Police, Zilla Pariahad Chairperson, Deputy Director,
DUDA, representatives from Ziro-
APIC website launched
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: State Chief Information Commissioner Y D Thongchi has launched
the Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC)’s new website -
The new website is user friendly with download links for information seeking application format as well as for filing appeals. Moreover, real time updates on hearing, notices and final disposal of APIC registered cases can be checked in the website, according to an official release.
Over 300 benefit from free health camp
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: Over 300 patients from 25 villages of Anjaw district benefitted from a free health camp organised by the district unit of Arunachal Vikas Parishad (AVP) recently.
A team of doctors led by AVP’s Dr. D K Pathak attended to the patients while, AVP, Hayuliang youth incharge Sheya Tamai supervised the camp.
Union seeks SIT investigation
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: Strongly demanding the early arrest of the culprits involved in
the alleged murder of Assistant Teacher Kali Bulo, who was allegedly found murdered
under mysterious circumstances on Aug 5 last, the Kargu Kardi Students’ Union (KKSU)
has today further served a seven-
While expressing its dissatisfaction over the slow pace of investigation, the union further appealed for expediting the same to ensure prompt justice to the victim.
Social service conducted
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: The All Arunachal Pradesh Public Health Engineering & Water Supply Department Workers’ Union (AAPPHE&WSDWU) conducted social service at PHE & WS enquiry office, Naharlagun today. Meanwhile the association has urged upon the Capital dwellers not to throw garbage all over the place and to keep one’s surrounding clean.
Seva Bharati conducts Yoga classes at Tawang
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: The week-
A total of 24 people participated in Yoga class which concluded on 14th August at Gorichen Hotel Hall.
Various yoga postures like ‘Pranayam’, ‘Surya Namaskar’ and breathing techniques were taught the participants by Seva Bharati’s Yoga trainer Dhananjay Chutia.
Chutia was honoured by Tawang DSP Pem Norbu Thongdok for his volunteer service.
Thongdok highlighted benefits of practicing Yoga to keep oneself physically feet and mentally sound.
Rinchin Norbu, Secretary of Losel Nyinje Library supported the Yoga classes.
Shekhar Kelkar of Seva Bharati said that the Yoga classes will be continued in Shiva temple on demand.
AdiSU’s Green & Clean Pasighat mission launched
PASIGHAT, Aug 14: Pasighat MLA Kaling Moyong today inaugurated the “Green and Clean Pasighat Mission” at the General Hospital, Pasighat. The mission is launched by Adi Students Union (AdiSU).
In its first phase, the student union will carry out massive cleanliness drive for consecutive three months making the township better place to live.
Speaking on the occasion MLA Moyong said, “You are carrying the message very close to my heart and your endeavour will definitely inspire others towards your objective of better, cleaner and greener Pasighat”.
Earlier, AdiSU General Secretary Buteng Tayeng and Chairman of “Green and Clean Pasighat Mission”, Kadum Ering said that the union will work for cleanlininess, preservation of forest, wildlife and culture apart from health awareness programme. They would work towards promotion of tourism as a part of their mission.
Medical Superintendent Dr. Y R Darang also participated in the cleanliness drive on the inaugural day of the mission. DIPRO
9th NE Tamchon Football Tournament
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: The 9th Northeast Tamchon Football Tournament will be held in Dr. BR Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi from December 1 to 12.
The organising committee has urged all the eight quarter-
Interested groups/teams are suggested to contact the designated nodal officer Victor Mungva (tele: 08130263921) for participation.
Lumla badminton tourney concludes
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: Lumla Badminton Tourney 2015 for both men and women concluded at Sports Club, Lumla today.
Lumla MLA and Parliamentary Secretary (RWD) Jambey Tashi, who attended the concluding function, told that games and sports are part of life and one can also make career out of it. He encouraged the players particularly the women to keep the same spirit in future too.
News Impact
Centre to review air safety measure in North East
Kiren seeks better flying facilities for Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: Centre has decided to review and strengthen the flying safety measures
in North-
This was decided at a meeting between Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Union Minister of Civil Aviation on the issue of air safety in flight operations. Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA) and CMD, Pawan Hans Helicopter Ltd. (PHHL) were also in attendance.
An inquiry has already been ordered into the Tirap crash which is being conducted by Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and being monitored by Director General Civil Aviation.
Raju also instructed the DGCA to collect the details of all the past incidents and analyze, which will aid in creating a robust and safe air service system in North East.
Rijiju highlighted the fact that North East is one of rainiest as well as cloudiest
area in the world and due to difficult mountain terrain aircraft operation needs
constant technological up-
Rijiju also highlighted the need to replace old MI 172 old Helicopter with new ones with less than ten years of age, establishment of communication centre like Air Traffic Controller (ATC) at Naharlagun Helipad and installation of Helicopter Tracking System in the Pawan Hans fleet flying in Arunachal Pradesh and other States of North East. Both the Ministers felt that necessary technological corrections are immediately required.
Meanwhile, Rijiju has requested the Civil Aviation Minister to immediately send a
team of DGCA to Arunachal Pradesh for inspection of important helipads for up-
It was also decided to check the availability of funds with the Ministry of Development
of North-
Meanwhile, CMD, Pawan Hans Helicopter Ltd has been directed to immediately release the compensation to the deceased.
Scarcity of LPG cylinders in Capital Complex again
[ Appu Gapak ]
It is that time of the year again when the state is facing acute shortage of LPG cylinders. People are finding it difficult to get their gas connections on time as the agencies are providing the LPG cylinders as late as three months later. With no options left, people are now buying LPG cylinders from as far as Banderdewa by paying Rs 1000 to 1500 per cylinder.
“What else can we do after they ask us to come after three months to get the cylinders,” says one angry customer.
When contacted, while ruling out any fault of the Civil Supply department for the LPG scarcity, Capital District Food Civil Supply Officer (DFCSO) Bengia Amit informed that the ongoing dispute of the Indian Oil Corporation is the reason for the delay in the delivery.
“We are only concerned with the distribution once it reaches the state,” he said.
With all the technical glitches that are involved in the distribution of the LPG cylinders, one would be surprised to know that according to the Essential Commodities Act under which LPG cylinders are covered, requires the cylinder to be delivered at home within 48 hours of booking!
The reason behind the scarcity of LPG cylinders is that the agencies indulge in large
scale illegal sale of cylinders at a much higher rate and also that the domestic
cylinders are being sold to commercial establishments. We often see eateries here
using the red-
Some rights of consumers under the Essential Commodities Act 1955 and the corresponding
LPG (Regular Supply & Distribution) Order 2000-
• Bookings for the gas cylinder must be accepted over the phone.
• 100 percent home delivery.
• The gas cylinder should to be delivered within 48 hours of booking.
• The customer has the right to weigh the cylinder on taking delivery.
• Gas agencies must be open for business between 10 am and 6 pm, except on public holidays and Sundays.
State Awards for posterity and Arunachal Pradesh
[ Azing Pertin ]
It has become a yearly ritual for the government to announce the State Awards on August 15 and January 26. Supposedly any person who has given out extraordinary service and contributed for the state would find their names in the list of the state awardees, which is given out as Gold medal, Silver medal and Commendation certificates.
This time too, the usual suspects for the Gold medal would be a chunk of Deputy Commissioners and Secretaries, particularly IAS officers, with the chances of a single IPS and IFS officer included, and the exception of an exemplary government official or individual added. The rest, lower rung government employees could be given the Silver medal and a smattering of private individuals might find their names for the Commendation certificate.
The essence of State Awards has remained in quandary considering the awardees and the selection procedure itself. A respectable number of persons from various fields and disciplines have received and been given the awards but most of them have received either Silver or commendation certificates. Barring the State Award 2012, when a large number of private individuals were given Gold, Silver and Commendation certificates for their heroic efforts of rescue and search operation relating to the unfortunate Tari bridge accident at Seppa in 2011, the Gold awards have been heavily dominated by lower and middle level civil servants.
Going through the list of State Awardees of the last five years, the IAS officers with few APCS admin grade officers largely populate and outnumber others regularly for the Gold medal barring 2012.
Interestingly, these Gold medal awardees consisting of a steady dose of DCs and state government Secretaries, themselves were the chairman of the district level screening committee or the department level screening committee for the awards. Now one wonders why they were the best of the lot. Nobody stopped while recommending oneself for the Gold. The state level screening committee is chaired by the Chief Secretary after which the Chief Minister formally recommends the list of awardees.
So what would a DC or a Secretary do with a medallion which he or she might have collected a bagful during his illustrious administrative career? The logical answer would be progression of one’s career to the highest echelons of the Indian bureaucracy.
Now in the process, the State Awards have become a mere formality and the reputation, dignity and sanctity of the Award has been affected. It is a different take that people from the state make generous donations to get awarded from never heard organisation with national or international sounding names and get published in the local dailies for the moment of ultimate fame. The state awardees don’t receive any monetary and out of turn promotion, and are persons who have been recognised for extraordinary service to the state. And, it seems the days have descended for recognising people who do their routine job and honour them. It would be interesting to know the extraordinary services rendered by the Gold medal awardees considering the state of affairs of the state machinery. The recipients mostly are conveniently forgotten immediately on walking down from the rostrum.
The stature of the State Award has been affected by the babudom’s hegemony and it is a question of reinstating the procedure of the award or abolish the award itself which carries no respect. One is forced to deduce that the awards are given not by merit but determined by sycophancy. The award has turned to a bore because it has become an annual feature, too many people are awarded for no good reason or basis and the selection procedure is more subjective than objective etc.
The saving grace of the award is that it carries no monetary and out of turn promotional feature; else any sundry with a political weight put behind would be toppling the IAS officers from getting the Gold, a unique trait in Arunachal. It is high time the screening committee be reconstituted by a multidisciplinary State Award Search Committee involving prominent NGOs, social workers, media persons and achievers etc. as members to evaluate performing citizens for the services rendered of minimum last 10 years or more, except very rare daring sacrifice, extraordinary bravery or service.
Guv calls for addressing drug addiction, livelihood issues
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: In a message to the people of the state on the eve of Independence day, Governor JP Rajkhowa said that “while Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most peaceful States in the Country, for which both the people and the Government deserve appreciation, the areas of concern like drug and opium addiction, underground activities in a few districts, inadequacy of health and educational facilities in many areas, and livelihood issues in villages adjacent to the international borders need to be addressed”.
For taking the State forward along the road to progress to bring it to the national level in all areas, all of us have to work very hard, with commitment and dedication, and a high sense of patriotism and developing work culture, by emulating from the life, preaching and practices of our Great Freedom Fighters, said the Governor.
Everyone has to join hands together to work for sustainable development of the State
of Arunachal Pradesh, with equal opportunities for one and all and with special consideration
for the weaker sections-
“I am very happy to note that our Arunachalee boys and girls have been performing extremely well in the field of sports, athletics, mountaineering and other forms of adventures. I hope the youths would also strive their best for success in different areas and bring many more laurels to our State” he said while applauding progressive farmers, artists, educationists, entrepreneurs, sports persons, media persons, social workers, doctors, engineers etc. for their notable contribution towards the development of the State and Arunachalees performing well in various all India competitive examinations including the Civil Services Exams.
“Let us re-
“While the State Government has been trying its best to develop the State from all fronts, with focus on the youth power, still it has to do a lot in collaboration with the Central government for development of infrastructure in the fields of connectivity, through roads, railways, water ways, and airways, besides drastic improvement in mobile, telephone and internet connectivity” he said.
“Our State has immense potential for harnessing hydel power, which should be done
without disturbing the eco-
1200 Dengue cases in East Siang, Dept says all under control
[ Prafulla Kaman ]
PASIGHAT, Aug 14: Some 1,200 people have tested positive for Dengue in East Siang out of the suspected 4,000 cases. However, the medical officers of the district have asked the people not to be scared or panic as the epidemic has been brought under control.
Hospital is tackling the Dengue cases with utmost care, said Dr Y R Darang, Superintendent of General Hospital Dr Darang and advised the people to immediately report to nearest hospital in case of illness. She further called upon them to cooperate with the authority to contain the mosquito population.
District Medical Officer, M Perme said that ‘chemical fog’ kills only the adult mosquitoes. He said that fogging and other precautions would be continued”, Dengue Fever outbreak was first reported from Pasighat during August to October in 2012 where four cases were detected. Subsequently, cases of Dengue were found in West Siang and Upper Siang.
Because of drastic raise in the numbers of suspected Dengue cases since June this year, General Hospital, Pasighat under the Joint DHS (T & R) was prompted to collect blood samples and conduct ELISA tests for diagnosis.
The health department and District administration has mobilized Municipal Council to control spread of Dengue by engaging in massive cleanliness drives across Pasighat township and adjoining area teaching the citizens how to destroy all mosquito breeding sites.
The health department has conducted “fogging operation” at every vulnerable location
besides conducting mass awareness meeting and house-
At the call of the district administration, Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) and Panchayat institutions and civil society organisations conducted a series of cleaning and public awareness rally in all 12 wards of the urban area and thereby managed to contain further spread of the disease.
Together we can do it and we will do it: Tuki
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: In his message to the people of the state on eve of Independence Day, the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki said, “We have already set our vision for 2030. To begin with, let’s set clear goals. Let’s introspect within, and discover what we would like to happen in our lives in the coming years”.
“Together we can do it and we will do it” he said.
He called upon each one to give constructive suggestions in preparing a vision that would endow us the much required independence from poverty, independence from illiteracy, independence from disease, independence from unemployment and independence from all social problems. “If we achieve these, we will achieve real independence”, he said.
“We have to work together if we are to develop and develop fast. Hard work, unity
and sincerity are the ingredients for success. If we take the time to truly think
about it, we will find that success is usually only a small step away. There will
be hardship, danger and opposition for petty individual interests, but with each
small step and focus on the desired destination we will achieve success as it takes
only one small step to succeed” he said. He appealed one and all, to join together
and surge ahead as one unit – Team Arunachal -
Let us take a pledge today to stand united against all forces inimical to peace and tranquillity of the State and contribute our bit for sustainable development of Arunachal Pradesh, he said.
Democratizing Corruption: The Arunachal Way
[ Nani Bath ]
The success and failure of democratic ideas, practices and institutions can be judged by the way resources are distributed in any society. That democracy is a success where resources are evenly shared and uneven distribution of resources contributes towards an unhealthy democratic tradition.
Both ways of distribution of recourses are taking place in Arunachal Pradesh. Uneven
distribution, as many would know, could be seen almost everywhere. As one enters
Itanagar, the capital city, he sees ‘fortress-
Once it so happened that a tourist, who desired to visit Itanagar, asked a driver
about the condition of road from Banderdewa to new Itanagar. The driver promptly
replied: “how do I know?” The visibly upset tourist replied back, “don’t you drive
down to Itanagar?” “Yes, I do”, the driver angrily shouted at the tourist. “But
sir”, the driver continued, “I can tell you the condition only if there is one”.
“There is no road and we drive the way our destiny takes us”, the driver concluded
inviting some ‘cheers’ from the co-
Another glaring instance of centralization of resources is misappropriation of hundreds of crores in scams such as PDS or Apex Bank. SIT was constituted to punish those responsible for usurpation of PDS items meant for the poor and needy. The only news we heard about the SIT was that its chief got himself kidnapped. Reasons could be many. The then chief minister, late Dirgee Khandu, had his desire to pay back the hard earned money of the poor depositors. He was successful but his success story has put our state in a state of perpetual debt. The state government is unable to repay the loan amount of Rs.200 crores (taken from a power corporation) till date.
The incumbent state government and the Congress party blame BJP in New Delhi for
blocking flow of developmental funds to the state. Their argument is that the situation
of resource crunch is basically ‘BJP/Kiren-
It is another matter that the act of defection constitutes one of the principal contributing factors of corruption in Arunachal Pradesh. Congress legislators, who, not very long ago, were highly spirited PPA members, did commit the highest level of political indecency by getting themselves appointed as parliamentary secretaries. For the chief minister and the Congress party, it might be another case of honouring its ‘prior commitment’. Surprisingly, babas and dhalals do heighten the level of corruption in the state. One gets to see so many unlikely guests, looking for our netas, within the premises of Arunachal Bhawan/House. I am told that each neta has a fortune teller (baba ji) in Delhi or elsewhere, who would often guide (read: misguide) them for dil khol ke contribution for his charity or temple. Once in Delhi, while waiting for the chief minister at Arunachal Bhawan, we were pleasantly surprised to see a gentleman (not from our state) rushing with the announcement that “dadi is coming”. Then AAPSU president, who was with me, glanced at that bearded gentleman with extremely grim face.
The dhalals with “Yes, sir” attitude would convince many of the netas about the absolute necessity of paying ‘cuts’ and ‘percentage’ for clearance of schemes or even for fixing appointments at 10 Janpath/ 24 Akbar Road/11 Ashoka Road. Unsuspecting netas of our state end up spending in lakhs, may be, without knowing that such promises very often do not yield expected result. Dalals only will have fun day with full pockets.
Centrally sponsored schemes like SSA or NHRM contributes immensely to what I call
as, ‘mini-
We have an unpleasant tendency of blaming our political leaders for anything unpleasant that happens in our society. We have a sense that our engineers are solely responsible for the pathetic road conditions. On the top, students’ leaders become the target of almost all individuals and every section of the society for anything that goes wrong in the state.
In the height of accusations and blame game we tend to forget that political leaders, who are mandated to command the engineers and bureaucrats, are the product of our own society. And, the strength and weakness of students’ bodies lie with public support and participation. People elect their representative by accepting bribe, compelling the leaders (including students’ leaders) resort to corrupt practices. The leaders are elected not on the basis of their performance but based on their ability to ‘earn and spend’.
The public blame APPSU for any illegality but the moment it calls for a bandh or demonstration no public support is forthcoming. Whom do we blame? A youth leader’s single sentence statement says it all, “Yes, every organization is doing the money minting business. They spend crores during election, how do they recover this amount?” During AAPSU elections, a PG student tells a candidate, “Aap to kuch ban jayenge, hamen pahele kuch bana dijiye”. He/she adds, “Mera laptop kharab ho gaya”.
Is the engineers or the government responsible for non-
Is the electrical department alone responsible for disruption of power supply? If one considers “yes” to the question, think over again. On being deputed by an executive engineer (electrical) to check out the reason(s) for disruption of power supply, linesmen found some live bamboos touching the supply line. The bamboos had to be cleared for restoration of power supply. They went to a man (owner) and requested for permission to cut down the bamboos. The ‘man’ replied, “If you cut down a bamboo, I will cut one of you!” Then they went to a neighbour, who coincidentally was a gentleman. The ‘gentleman’ happily agreed but on the condition that the department pays him Rs. 5,000 for each bamboo.
Which comes first-
On the one hand, politicians feel they need money to contest elections. On the other,
voters think their pocket must be full before their resources are looted. It is a
two-
BORDUMSA, Aug 14: The Community Health Centre (CHC) Bordumsa was today blessed with
yet another ambulance to its count which was donated by the Tea Growers and Tea Factory
owners of Bordumsa under the initiative of the local MLA-
While flagging off the new ambulance (Maruti Van) in a function here at PWD Circuit
House premises, Nikh Kamin lauded the tea growers and tea factory owners of Bordumsa
for their humanitarian gesture towards the people of Bordumsa sub-
Bordumsa ADC S. Miji also expressed happiness over the noble gesture shown by the tea growers and tea factory owners and appealed the public to extend all possible help in the upkeep and maintenance of the ambulance.
It is to be mentioned here that CHC Bordumsa despite having a Tata Sumo ambulance is helpless in rendering service to the poor and needy patients in view of the vast population that it has to cater to. The addition of another ambulance has come as a great relief to the health department.
Govt officers and officials including Dr. T. Yomcha, DMO in-
Pario inaugurates rural link road
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: PHED and WS Minister Takam Pario has inaugurated the 5.1 km Old Palin to Rakso village PMGSY rural link road under Palin circle in Kra Daadi district in presence of Deputy Commissioner Habung Donyi, RWD Itanagar circle Superintending Engineer Er. T K Tagin, Govt officers and PRI members today.
Speaking on the occasion at a public meeting, Pario informed the gathering that many PMGSY road projects are being taken up to provide road link in all the remote villages. Stating that roads are prerequisite for bringing in development, the minister appreciated the public of Rakso village for their cooperation in successful completion of PMGSY road. He further emphasised on taking up of horticulture and agricultural activities like tea and cardamom plantation for sustainable economic development and stressed on harnessing hydro power potentials with the help of power developers.
The minister also directed the PHE Department to conduct proper survey for construction of toilets for all rural houses of the area under the Total Sanitation Campaign.
Roads are most vital for very developmental activities, said, Er T K Tagin adding
that his department is targeting for the 100 per cent road connectivity under PMGSY
in the state. The PMGSY Stage-
Emphasizing on carrying out development works as per Govt specification and guidelines, DC Habung Donyi said there should be no encroachment in and around the government premises. He also stressed on the need of better technological and modern agricultural and horticultural practices for sustainable development especially the Cardamom plantation. Further, he pointed out the importance of the Biometric Enrollment and use of Aadhar Card and requested the gathering for full enrollment of all family members.
Rakso ASM Dohu Takik submitted a public memorandum to Takam Pario. Among others Rido Meena, ZPM, Palin and others spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, after the inauguration function, the dignitaries visited the IV School, Rakso. DIPRO
Felix calls for joint effort to make Kurung Kumey a model district
KOLORIANG, Aug 14: Parliamentary Secretary, Education, IPR-
Addressing a developmental coordination meeting of elected representatives and heads of offices of Kurung Kumey district at DC’s conference hall here today, Felix exhorted all the stakeholders to put coordinated effort in taking the district forward.
Stressing on the need for improving educational scenario of the district, Felix asked all the HoDs present in the meeting to visit nearby schools once every week and exchange their knowledge with the students.
Responding to a memorandum submitted by DIPRO in-
Attending the meeting, newly appointed Parliamentary Secretary Pani Taram, requested
Felix, who is also Parliamentary Secretary for Education, for providing special funds
for improving infrastructures of schools. Taram also assured the house that the challenges
being faced by HoDs of Kurung-
Earlier, both the elected representatives of Kurung Kumey district inaugurated district headquarter branch of State Cooperative Apex Bank at Koloriang in presence of Deputy Commissioner Mamata Riba, Apex Bank Administrator Dr. Olik Taring and others.
Stating that the opening of APNA Bank/Apex Bank in the district is a precursor of financial progress, Felix appreciated the Apex Bank authority for reaching out to the remotest area of the state. Taram called upon all HoDs and public to make micro financing a success by associating with Apex Bank.
Later, both the dignitaries also addressed school children and public in a programme organised by District Art & Culture Officer as part of District Art and Cultural Week at Indoor Stadium Koloriang. A painting competition is also being conducted as a part of this programme. DIPRO
Cleanliness drives held on the eve of Independence Day
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: On the eve of the nation’s 66th Independence Day, mass cleanliness drives were held in various districts of the state.
In Tezu, hundreds of government employees including the DC Tamiyo Tatak and SP Ved Prakash Surya took part in a district administration conducted mass cleanliness drive, in view of the ensuing 68th Independence Day celebration here today.
The volunteers, under the supervision of DC cleaned up all government offices and establishments including DC and SP offices, district hospital, children’s park and schools besides, the area surrounding the local police station.
In Changlang, a similar cleanliness drive was carried out at Rang-
The college’s principal, Dr. K Megu urged the student community and the staffs to take up similar drives in future to keep the college surrounding clean.
In Lohit and Namsai, a week-
Also, the staff of Namsai division PHE&WS under the supervision of EE Tayum Tok who is also the member secretary of District Swachh Bharat Mission (G) of Lohit and Namsai districts restored the drinking water supply system of schools and Anganwadi centres.
Hoarding/banners displaying merits of safe environment and sanitation were also erected at road junctions and entry points in both districts to create intensive awareness among the masses.
In Yupia, officers and staffs along with members of Eco Tourism Society, a local NGO took part in a mass cleanliness drive conducted under the supervision of Yupia DC Tai Kaye. ZPC Nabam Aka was also present. (DIPROs)
At Tawang, Govt. Middle School, Kakaling emerged winner in the inter-
At Papu Nallah, The National Student Union of India (NSUI) state unit organised a social service at Govt. Middle School, Puroik colony, Papu Nallah, Naharlagun today to mark the Independence Day celebration. The students and teachers also joined the social service. The NSUI team also interacted with the students and teachers to know their problems assured to all possible help from the union for the welfare of the students and smooth functioning of the school.
Capital Complex and Todo United face off in Eagle Trophy final
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Aug 14: A tough battle for supremacy is on the cards at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium (Naharlagun) as spirited Capital Complex face off formidable Todo United in the Eagle Trophy final tomorrow.
Capital Complex and Todo United played out a goalless draw in their group level match on the opening day of the tournament. Both the teams entered into the final with crushing victory over their respective opponents in the semifinals.
While Todo United crushed FC Doimukh 4-
Todo United has not conceded a single goal in the tournament so far. The team beat
Gora Makik SC 3-
In contrast, Capital Complex scored a total of 10 goals and conceded 7 seven goals so far.
Meanwhile, Capital Complex Coach Kipa Bharat said that his team will adopt the same offensive strategy in tomorrow's game they had in the semifinal.
On the other hand, Todo United Coach Tarh Juna refused to disclose team tactics for the big match. He however said that his team will go all guns blazing.
Both the teams are eying for their maiden tournament title.
Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and APCC President Padi Richo will attend the final match to encourage the players.
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Discard anti-
As the people of Arunachal gears up to celebrate the 69th Independence Day it is time to do some deep introspection. Though rest of the India is making tremendous progress, the pace of development is quite slow in our state. For years Arunachal along with rest of the NE states was totally neglected by the central government. However things started changing in the 90s when insurgency problem started subsiding in NE region.
Government of India has been pumping in huge amount of money in the region. However
things have not improved much. Especially the state of the affairs of Arunachal Pradesh
is in precarious condition. The root cause of underdevelopment are considered to
be corruption and anti-
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Truly a smart choice
Dear Editor,
As an Arunachalee it is a feeling of great consolation and optimism that at least
one of our existing small towns fulfils the necessary non human and human socio-
knows how much of our state has been plagued by corruption, inefficiency and underdevelopment despite all economic assistance by the centre. It is a silver lining in a period of endless darkness which has loomed over the state. And so it is a moment of hope and jubilation for all Arunachalees and not just the urban residents of Pasighat. “Ache din” is really a not so distant possibility.
It is also well known that due to geographical and other reasons the eastern parts of our state is relatively much more impoverished than the western parts; both in terms of infrastructure and flow of capital. Pasighat being located in this relatively abandoned eastern part would also, perhaps quite accidentally, fulfill the principle of balanced regional growth and development. And in this respect the town may also be gradually upgraded to act as a centre of “secondary capital” for the well being of the people from the remote eastern parts as well as to share the burden and responsibility which the twin capital has been single handedly trying to shoulder in the north east’s largest and mountainous state.
Therefore, as an Arunachalee citizen, I would say that the decision to recommend Pasighat as a smart city was truly a smart choice on the part of the concerned authorities. All I can say is that may the people of pasighat continue to remain democratic to its true spirit and be guided by the traditions of liberty, justice and equality for all.
Yours,
Dite Pertin
Itanagar
Rise above narrow parochial boundaries
Dear Editor,
India is united not on the basis of spirit, but mere geographical boundary only.
Had India been really united, all political parties would not have engaged themselves
in calculating caste-
During the national crisis like Uttarakhand floods, several states had despatched rescue teams who shamelessly took up the cause of the stranded of respective provinces only.
Last but not the least. Without being disrespectful to our freedom fighters, it must
also be mentioned that August 15 is a day of mourning. The exultation of attaining
freedom was marred by horror that struck hapless millions in erstwhile West Punjab
and East Bengal. An entire generation was devastated, uprooted, lost their family
members and found themselves under the open sky on the streets of Kolkata or New
Delhi. Thus it is sheer barbarism to gloat over the “freedom” achieved at the expense
of numerous lives of our own countrymen ie the victims of Partition. And what was
the root cause behind such violence and gory deaths? Nothing but sheer communalism.
But the greatest tragedy lies in the fact that instead of learning any lesson about
the ill-
Instead of engaging in the rhetoric of “We Are All Indians”, “My India is Great” and zealously fluttering the tricolour on Independence or Republic Day; Indians should learn to rise above narrow parochial boundaries of religion, race and caste so as to make the nation really united from within.
Yours,
Kajal Chatterjee,
Kolkata
Make peace accord public
Dear Editor,
This is in response to “Accord veiled in secrecy” by Tongam Rina in Ring side view column published on Wednesday. As always it is precisely written and researched and difficult to counter argue. But she has missed one point. NSCN (K), NSCN (IM) is known to run parallel administration which includes collection of taxes from civilians as well as govt establishment. If peace negotiation is successful between centre and NSCN (IM), will the people have respite from paying taxes to the Naga organisations? This is something that needs to be included in the peace deal and also accord should be made public for further discussion.
Yours,
A reader
Do not zero in on one community
Dear Editor,
I’d like to make a comment on your news “AAPSU team meets CS, takes up refugee issue” that concerns the Yobin (Date: 12 August 2015).
I think the principle that AAPSU leadership is advocating is very reasonable and should be addressed: Illegal migrants must be checked. Tribes that have their population beyond Indian boundary need to come under this purview. Perhaps it might bring relief that the Govt has prepared a Family Dossier of Yobin to provide community certificates.
Having said that I have a couple of objections with this news item.
First, AAPSU alleged we have “now starting to illegally migrate into the state”.
Please substantiate facts and if needed constitute an inspection team if we have
people in addition to the names in the Family Dossiers. Second, we are called “settled”.
I question who settled us? The government “found” us on 7th May 1961 and the Indo-
Furthermore, as many know, the voice AAPSU cried concerns a small tribe of below 4,000 people. Our people hardly increase 1000 people per decade. The census data gives those details.
I look forward to a day when leaderships in Arunachal Pradesh take up wider issues and implement consistently, instead of zeroing in a particular community.
Yours,
Liahey
It is for all of us
Dear Editor,
This is in contrast to news item published in your esteemed daily ‘ ANSU opposes committee’s decision on smart city recommendation’ on 14 August. According to release, it is stated that All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) has opposed the proposal of the State Level High Powered Steering Committee for recommendation of Pasighat for inclusion under Central government’s ambitious Smart City Mission.
If the committee had chosen Pasighat, Itanagar or any other part of state, one should not have any problem rather we should support development processes of state. Pasighat and Itanagar is not for one individual and one community. It is for all Arunachal and its citizens. Development of state is matter of pride for all of us and not on any particular community.
Students are future of the state and making such comments becomes stumbling blocks in developmental process.
ANSU instead of giving such press statement should request the committee for inclusion of Itanagar in its smart city program. Direct opposition to selection of Pasighat somehow seems awkward. Let’s not put obstruction in developmental activities. Let us always stand together to support over all development of our exotic state.
Yours,
Nini Tapak
Hubli
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