August 28
Onam greetings
ITANAGAR, Aug 27: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh J P Rajkhowa has extended his warm greetings and good wishes to the people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Onam. He expressed hope that the celebration of the festival would help in fostering unity, harmony and fellow feeling among various communities also reaffirming the pride in the composite culture of India.
May the festival usher in peace, prosperity and well being of all residents of Arunachal Pradesh, the Governor wished.
While extending warm greetings and wishes to the nation, particularly to the Malayalees on the auspicious occasion of Onam festival, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki prayed for peace, prosperity and brotherhood and also wished for a bumper harvest.
Court issues notice to alleged rapist
ITANAGAR, Aug 27: Chief Judicial Magistrate, Seppa has issued a proclamation directing
accused Yagno Liyak, S/O Lt. Pani Liyak of Upper Liyak Village, PO-
He is booked under Section 363/366(A)/376/323/506/341 of Indian Penal Code R/w Section 4/6 of POSCO Act.
The police on the other hand has issued a look out notice. In a statement it said
that on the intervening night of Feb 24-
Follow Govt notification on EMD: AACWA
ITANAGAR, Aug 27: Claiming that 2 per cent Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) from tribal contractors is being collected under the recently advertised tender in PWD and Highway division even after government notification on July 6 for 1 per cent EMD in any tender and quotation, the All Arunachal Contractors Welfare Association (AACWA) urged to tendering authorities to strictly follow the latest Govt notification on EMD for tribal contractors. Condemning the collection of 2 per cent EMD, the Association also urged the PWD Commissioner to take necessary steps for strict implementation of the same.
The AACWA also requested the state Govt to rigorously pursue the matter of four lane road from Itanagar to Banderdewa with the Central Govt for its early implementation as the road condition within the twin Capital is deteriorating day by day. The Association further alleged that there is no proper mechanism to fix the prices of essential commodities and fares of passenger vehicles in the Capital. In the education sector also, the association said, many private institutions are taking high amount of fees from the students.
Abo Tani Cup
ITANAGAR, Aug 27: The 4th edition of Abo Tani Cup state level tournament will be held from Sept 25 to Oct 10 last at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun.
Enhance TAH compensation rates
ITANAGAR, Aug 27: Members of Upper Subansiri district unit Arunachal Pradesh Trans Highway Welfare Association met CM Nabam Tuki here recently and appealed to him for enhancing GoAP fixed existing compensation rates against TAH construction of proposed 2 lane road from Godak/ Bopi to Tai.
Alleging that the compensation rates fixed by the GoAP vide notification No.LM/63/ 2011 (pt) dated 26/11/2011 against jhum/horticultural land/private plantation/WRC/WRC rainfed/WRC irrigated/ unused land/ barren land in Upper Subansiri district, has been notified without any classification and is not according to the GoAP’s approved rates, the association further sought the CM’s immediate intervention in reviewing the existing rates and enhancing the same in the larger interest of the people.
2nd edition of IWIF photography contest announced
ITANAGAR, Aug 27: Immagine, a Kerala based organisation has announced the second edition of India Weaved in Frames (IWIF) Photography contest series and exhibition. The exhibition is scheduled to be held at Kerala Lalithakala Academy from Jan 22 to 26, 2016.
A participant can submit maximum of five photographs showcasing the culture, heritage, architecture, landscape, people, wildlife, festival, art forms, or any other subject of their choice within October 22 at www.iwif.in. Entry fee is fixed at Rs. 100 for each participant.
The final winner of the contest will receive the IWIF Award consists of a plaque, cash award of Rs. 25,000 apart from tour package to visit Kerala during the exhibition days. For complete details, one may visit www.iwif.in.
Union against inappropriate enlistment process
ITANAGAR, Aug 27: The All Mengio Unemployment Engineers Union has complained against
inappropriate enlistment process of category-
In its letter to the PWD Commissioner, while claiming that the department had said
that it would enlist degree completed unemployed engineers of the state as contractors
in APPWD in category-
The diploma completed unemployed engineers who want to enroll in category-
Anti drugs football tournament
CHANGLANG, Aug 27: Changlang Football Champions Trophy-
The final match was played between CFC of Changlang and Lainwang Football Club of
Tirap district, where the former defeated the later by 5-
Roshan Mamai and Jokam Wangsa of CFC were adjudged best player and highest scorer respectively whereas Konwang Kanglom of Lainwan Football Club was adjudged best goal keeper of the tournament.
Changlang Deputy Commissioner Wayong Khimhun, who attended the closing ceremony,
lauded the organising committee for coming forward for the noble cause of eradicating
drug menace. Giving his assurance for full co-
Meeting of minimum wages held
ITANAGAR, Aug 27: The first meeting of Arunachal Pradesh State Advisory Board on minimum wages under the chairmanship of Kage Mara was held at Labour and Employment office here today. The board discussed many issues such as revision of minimum wages, creation of post for engagement as board staff, construction of board office etc. and decided to recommend to the government for its early consideration.
DC meet HoDs
Tawang, Aug 27: An introductory cum co-
The DC asked all office establishments to install bio-
Further, he informed that Flying Squads have been constituted to carry out unannounced inspections. He insisted that all officers to remain at their place of posting.
Further, to monitor and check officers leaving the district without prior permission,
he directed the SP Tawang to register all out-
Lohit DRDA staff to take part in pen down strike
ITANAGAR, Aug 26: Following the decision of the All DRDA Staff Welfare Association (ADRDASWA), the DRDA staff of Lohit district has decided to take part in the first phase of pen down and tool down strike from Aug 31 to Sept 4 in favour of its demands. The demands of the Association include absorption of DRDA employees in the line department, release of regular salaries and provision of other service benefits to DRDA staff as per state Govt. Employees.
Farmers’ study tour conducted
YINGKIONG, Aug 27: The agriculture department, Upper Siang district has conducted a study tour for Bonway SHG (Farmers) of Gette village under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture Scheme to Geku KVK on August 26.
The farmers along with M. Ete, ADC and A Dihidar ARO, Yingkiong interacted with KVK scientists Kato Tayeng and Nich Tain during the study visit. They also visited vermin compliant unit and Brinjal cultivation field. DIPRO
Association seeks subject teachers
ITANAGAR, Aug 27: Banderdewa Karsingsa Youth Welfare Association has demanded for adequate posting of subject teachers at Government Secondary School Banderdewa claiming that the school is running short of teachers since 2010. The association wrote to Capital DDSE in this regard.
It claimed that the school lacks in subject teachers for Mathematics, Science and Hindi, which is affecting their course.
Association seek immediate relief
ITANAGAR, Aug 27: Claiming that the OBT private residence of one Toku Tapang at Senki View here was burnt down completely at 2am today, the All Arunachal Contractors’ Welfare Association (AACWA) has requested director disaster management to assess the damage incurred and to provide immediate relief to the victims.
It informed that the fire accident happened due to electric short circuit and that the victims had a narrow escape.
It further informed that valuable items such as cash, local ornaments, car, scooty and other household items were completely burnt down in the accident.
HRRFYW appeal UD to lift garbage
ZIRO, Aug 27: Haopolyang Residents Right Forum-
Days before 69th Independence Day celebration, a mass social service was organised by the district administration on Aug 13 last.
On that day, heaps of garbage accumulated at various places like Siiring Pakho but
they are yet to be lifted, said HRRF-
News Impact
Anjaw remains cut off, CM review disaster preparedness as rain lash Arunachal
HAWAI, Aug 27: Anjaw district remains cut off from the rest of the world since Aug 16 due to heavy landslide at Tiding point, 88 kms away from the district headquarter. The road may remain disrupted for another week or so if the rainy weather continues.
Due to road blockade, there has been scarcity of essential commodities and the prices of the market commodity have risen drastically affecting the lives of the common people.
The BRO is putting all efforts to restore the road despite continuous rains.
Meanwhile, N Ete Deputy Commissioner, Hawai inspected the sliding site on Aug 25 to take stock of the situation.
He also directed Executive Engineer (RWD), Hawai to construct porter track for the pedestrians to cross at the block point.
Meanwhile, concerned over the continuous downpour for last couple of days in the state due to South West monsoon, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki reviewed the disaster preparedness with the officers of disaster management department here at his official bungalow yesterday. Secretary Disaster Management Khapa Kholie and Director DM Yeshi Wangmu Ringu were present during the meeting.
Directions were issued to the Deputy Commissioners and the Head of Departments to be extra vigilant and provide immediate relief assistance to the victims. Henceforth reports on the damages caused by natural calamities have to be assessed by the DCs/HODs and forwarded by the respective DCs. They were also directed to be proactive in the preparedness and response measures so that there is no loss of any human lives and minimal damages in case of any eventuality. Funds are being placed to the DCs and ADCs in this regard.
CM also called upon all the denizens to remain alert and cooperate with the administration so that there is no loss of life and property due to flood, flash flood, mudslide, landslide etc.
Tuki also wrote to the Union Minister of Home in detail about the damages suffered by the state and sought for relief assistance.
Arunachal’s Pasighat figures in Centre’s list of 98 Smart City project
New Delhi, Aug 27: The Centre today announced the names of 98 cities selected for the Modi government's flagship Smart Cities project but Mumbai, Bengaluru and Patna don't figure in the list.
The names of the cities selected for the Rs 48,000 crore Smart Cities project was released by the Centre pending a nomination each from Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Out of 98 cities, 24 are business and industrial centres, 18 are of cultural and tourism importance, 5 are port cities, and 3 being education and health care hubs.
Pasighat has made it the list. Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra, Bareilly, Aligarh, Jhansi, Sharanpur are among 12 cities selected in UP for the Smart City project.
However, Patna and Bangaluru and Mumbai are not in the list.
While UP has maximum of 13 cities, followed by 12 by Tamil Nadu and 10 by Maharashtra to be developed as Smart Cities, Madhya Pradesh has seven cities in the project.
The next stage is the choosing 20 cities in the first lot by end of the year and the next two years 40 cities each will be selected for receiving Central funding of Rs 500 crore spread over the coming five years.
Centre will release Rs 2 crore for each of the 98 cities in the next couple of days for preparation of Smart City plans.
Our ministry has drawn up region wise panels of reputed agencies for assisting the cities to prepare Smart City plans, he said.
For the selection of 20 cities, the broad criteria will be city vision and strategy, cost effectiveness, credibility of implementation and innovation.
Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said those cities which are not selected in the first round can again participate in the second and third round by improving their performances.
Even states can nominate new names after elimination of some cities in the final round of selection, he said. PTI
Capital by-
ISBT-
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Aug 27: The Ministry of DoNER, Government of India is likely to invest
Rs. 55 Crores on infrastructure up-
The detailed project reports of these projects have been forwarded by DoNER to Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) for technical vetting cum verification. It is hoped that these projects would be sanctioned shortly.
Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi spoke to R.K. Gupta, Chairman, WAPCOS Ltd. and requested him to clear technical vetting of the projects and recommend to the DoNER at the earliest. It is expected that the projects will be launched during this working season itself.
Monks buy fake Gold, gets arrested, backlash on community
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Aug 27: Two monks of Namsai Theravada monastery (Priyati Shashna Budh Vihara) were arrested on Aug 17th by Assam Police near Laluk. According to a source, the monks were arrested for allegedly carrying fake gold. It is believed that the monks were victims of gold fraudsters.
“Few people from Laluk started making contacts with the monks of Priyati Shashna Budh Vihara from Aug 7th onwards and convinced them to buy the gold. They lured them to buy the gold stating that they can sell it at high price in the market. Accordingly a deal was fixed and on Aug 16th the monks traveled to Laluk. Reportedly, they bought the gold by paying Rs.73000. When they were about to return to Namsai on Aug 19th, they were arrested by Laluk police. The seized gold was allegedly fake, informed the source. Even though the arrested monks were released on bail but the whole incident has evoked strong reaction from members of Bhikkhu (monk) community.
While talking to this daily, joint secretary of Arunachal Pradesh Bhikku Sangh Ven. Sunanda Bhikkhu expressed displeasure over the whole incident. “First of all we are forbidden from indulging in gold business. Also presently we are observing some religious rituals and no monks are allowed to leave campus of the monastery.
How could the head Bhikkhu of Priyati Shashna Budh Vihara allow the two monks to leave the campus? Because of their wrongdoing the image of whole Bhikkhu community has taken beating,” said Ven. Sunanda. Further he added, “We strongly condemned such unholy activities. This is against the teaching and practice of our religion. But such case should be treated as isolated and it is unfair to blame the whole community for it. We will take our own course of action to ensure that such activities are not repeated in the future”, he added.
RD Ministry to provide additional funds to state
ITANAGAR, Aug 27: Rural Development Ministry is reported to have agreed to provide
additional funds for Arunachal Pradesh in three phases: remaining amount from the
allocated fund of Rs. 250 Cr to be released immediately, additional fund of Rs 80-
This development emerged today after All Arunachal Pradesh PMGSY Contractors Association called on Minister of State for Home Affairs seeking his intervention for additional allocation of funds of Rs.1300 crore for the State of Arunachal Pradesh under PMGSY. Kiren Rijiju convened a meeting of senior officials of Rural Development Ministry to sort out the problems and address the requirement and difficulties being faced by the contractors in the State.
Subsequently the Association also met Choudhary Birendra Singh, Minister of Rural Development and Ministry Officials where in the Minister was apprised about the difficulties being faced by the contractors with regard to the pending liabilities and the requirement of additional allocation under PMGSY for smooth and speedy implementation of the flagship programme of the Government.
Union Minister for RD assured the delegation to provide additional fund of Rs.500 crore during this fiscal. The Minister also directed the state Government to release the fund to ARRDA within at least seven working days, failing which the funds will be curtailed unless the interest on the parked amount is released to ARRDA.
The PMGSY contractor association assured the Minister to request the state Government to release the fund as soon as it is credited in the state exchequer.
The delegation comprised of Tungri Effa, Goruk Pordung, Taba Rama, Doba Lamino, Likha Nap and Nabam Vivek which was coordinated by Resident Technical Advisor of Govt of Arunachal KC Dhimole and EE RWD Likha Kamin.
Diversion of river causes Deopani Micro-
ROING, Aug 27: The Deopani Micro-
AE Hydropower (M) AL Yadav informed that major accumulation of sand and stones have
been found in the weir point besides, siltation of power channel with sand and coarse
gravels in the micro-
Informing that departmental labourers have been engaged to clear the siltation in the power channel from today onwards while, efforts are also being made to restore the power channel, Yadav, however said that restoration work may take time depending on the weather condition as the water current is too high besides, limited manpower with the department. (DIPRO)
Govt nod for royalty payment to Arunachal, others on crude oil production
New Delhi, Aug 27: The government on Wednesday agreed to pay states like Gujarat and Assam, from its annual budget, the difference between royalty paid by operators of some oil fields as per their contract and actual prevailing rate.
Operators of some 28 fields in Gujarat, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh pay royalty on crude oil they produce at the cap rate mentioned in the production sharing contract (PSC) dating back to 1990s.
These rates were capped at Rs 450 per tonne as against the current rate of 12.5 per cent of the price of oil.
To protect state revenues, the difference between the two was made good by Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB) funds.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), headed by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi, on Wednesday agreed the proposal to pay the differential royalty from the budgetary
allocation for 2015-
The outgo on this account in the current fiscal year would be Rs 56 crore, an official statement said.
States to benefit will be Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Gujarat. "The payment shall
be through budgetary allocation instead of through Oil Industry Development Board
(OIDB) fund from the year 2015-
Acceptance of the proposal would mean that while the outflow from OIDB will be reduced accordingly, government outgo from the Budget would be Rs 56 crore in the current fiscal year.
The royalty differential to be paid to Arunchal Pradesh would be Rs 30 crore and that to Gujarat Rs 26 crore assuming average crude oil price of $50 per barrel and foreign exchange rate of Rs 60 to a dollar.
While Arunachal Pradesh has been included in the scheme, it would not get any benefit this fiscal year as there is no producing oil field in the state currently. PTI
Secretary not impressed with dept performance
ITANAGAR, Aug 27: A performances review meeting of the schemes implemented by the Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj was reviewed by the Commissioner (Rural Development and Panchayati Raj), Indra Mallo on Aug 27th at State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), Itanagar.
Mallo reviewed the performance status of submission of utilization certificates, Audit Paras of Accountant General, Pending Public Account Committee hearings, pending and settled Court cases, utilization of funds disbursed through various schemes and reasons for poor implementation of both centrally and state government sponsored schemes and directed all executing agencies to attend appropriate attention to implement the schemes successfully.
The secretary also took serious note of heavy unspent balances and lack of unemployment in spite of work demand. Labour budget is to be implemented as approved.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner-
The ADC cum DPDO found absent in the meeting was directed to explain reasons for their absence. She directed all PDs and DPDOs to follow guidelines of schemes and take action within time frame. The poor flow of fund from centre is due to lack of performances.
Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj presented status report and the points were taken up for discussion and clarified for their achievements.
The Director Panchayati Raj Incharge, A.G Ligu and Chief Executive Officer (State Rural Livelihood Mission) Rajeev Takuk were present in the meeting.
ITANAGAR, Aug 27: The Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress (APYC) has condemned the state Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) for demanding the resignation of Nabam Tuki from the CM’s post.
Taking serious exception of the demand, the APYC said the BJP does not hold ground
to make such malicious and baseless demand for the CM’s resignation as the Supreme
Court has stayed the impugned order of the High Court for CBI enquiry into a ten-
The APYC also demanded public apology from the state BJP led by its president Tai Tagak and leader of opposition, Tamiyo Taga for “misleading the people of the state” since the impugned HC order has been stayed by the Supreme Court.
“All the abortive attempts of the BJP will bring no good result but will be waste of energy.
People have realised how frustrated the BJP leaders of the state are. ”, APYC claimed and appealed to the BJP leaders to have some patience “as its futile attempt will yield no fruit.”
The royalty differential to be paid to Arunchal Pradesh would be Rs 30 crore and that to Gujarat Rs 26 crore assuming average crude oil price of $50 per barrel and foreign exchange rate of Rs 60 to a dollar.
While Arunachal Pradesh has been included in the scheme, it would not get any benefit this fiscal year as there is no producing oil field in the state currently. PTI
Awareness campaign on POSCO, NCPCR, HIV/AIDS held
KHONSA, Aug 27: A large number of participants including teachers, students, members
of school managing committee, NGOs and general public attended a two-
Addressing the inaugural function, Tirap DMO Dr. N Lowang said that HIV/AIDS is not a disease in itself but a syndrome showing a combined symptom of many diseases. While explaining about the ways HIV/AIDS spread from one person to another, she termed precaution as the only cure and emphasised the need for creating more awareness. She also urged the youths to desist from high risk activities like substance abuse and keeping multiple partners.
She further told the participants to visit ICTC at the district hospital and CHC Deomali to get tested for HIV/AIDS.
Later, ASP S Singpho spoke on do’s and dont’s during disasters like earthquake and fire accident and urged all to spread the knowledge gained through the training to others.
DDSE P Lombi also spoke in the function.
DDMO P Duggong, SMO Dr. P Rakshit and Advocate Gulley Sumnyan were the resource persons on the occasion.
Pamphlets on disaster management, narcotics control bureau and HIV/AIDS were also distributed to the participants during the meeting.
No floating of tender till enquiry: project affected people
ITANAGAR, Aug 27: The project affected families (PAF) of Siberite and Gengi villages under Gensi Circle of West Siang district have demanded that there should be no floating of tender or awarding of contract works for the works related to NHPC relief and rehabilitation and social package till the completion of vigilance enquiry into the alleged misappropriation of NHPC relief and rehabilitation and social package fund. They gave a representation to the Principal Secretary (Home & Vigilance) in this regard.
Total amount of around Rs.43 Crore was to be granted and released according to the agreement made on 5th Sept 2001 at Gerukamukh, Dhemaji district, Assam between Gaon Burahs of Gengi and Siberite villagers, Gensi Circle, West Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh and NHPC Ltd. Subansiri Lower HE Project under the said agreement NHPC Ltd under relief and rehabilitation scheme and social package for the project affected family of Gengi and Siberite village under which various development infrastructure facilities like approach road to rehabilitation sites including amenities like public health centre, community hall with shops, plot development, primary school, playground, burial ground, water supply, sewerage and drainage system, fencing, etc. in the colony through the state Govt, as per the rehabilitation and resettlement policy of NHPC, the letter read.
RAKSHA BANDHAN-
Dr. Jayadeba Sahoo
Do we ever stop to marvel at the magic of love? They say, love is as delicate as
a flower that a single touch can bruise it and yet so strong as to withstand all
storms -
The cycle of time keeps rotating but its memories remain. To freshen these memories,
memorials are made, stories are written, birthdays are observed, in which self-
The auspicious festival of Raksha Bandhan had been reduced to an annual ritual hardly
reflecting its true significance. Sisters apply a sacred red mark -
Now what is the esoteric meaning of this ritual?
It is commonly believed that a sister ties "Rakhi" round the brothers' wrist so as
to bind him in an obligation and renew his pledge to support and protect her in time
of need. This could not really be the object of this ceremony. There are several
reasons for this. It is worth considering that if a sister ties Rakhi with the object
of getting the brothers protection at the time of distress, then a fully grown-
Further, from times immemorial, until a few decades ago, it was customary practice
for the family priests to tie Rakhi and apply "Tilak" to each and every person of
the family. The priest also tied the sacred thread to the doors, windows of the house
and newly purchased household. A Tilak like sacred mark was also put on those items.
The scriptural story says that when Indrani and Yamuna tied rakhi to their brothers-
Raksha Bandhan is also variously known as 'Vish-
Again "Raksha Bandhan " is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu calendar
month of Shravana (August) when on each Monday of it, devotees travel long distances
to pour water on the ‘Shivalinga’ -
Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU) -
Raksha means protection – God is the one and only Supreme protector of souls and
this is a festival to re-
In conclusion, the main aspect of the festival of Raksha Bandhan is therefore connected with the sacred vow of purity and a pledge to obtain and impart divine knowledge and attributes. Its origin is the confluence age and the purpose is the purification of all souls and transformation of the world. It is important to protect your elevated conscience or divine intellect by not coming under the influence of anger, greed, arrogance, lust and attachment. When “need” turns into “greed”, believe it or not, you are on the highway to hell.
Let us all irrespective of different religious faith, celebrate this 'Raksha Bandhan' and empower our self through process of Supreme Communion (Raja Yoga) with Him to inculcate His Supreme Commands of Universal Values to establish a “Value Based Happy Society of Culture of Peace & Non Violence.”
On this auspicious occasion of ‘Raksha Bandhan’, let us take a moment for deep spiritual introspection and free ourselves from the bondage of greed, the lust for power and the slave of promiscuity and make God your eternal companion for true peace, happiness and prosperity. (The writer is a Faculty, Brahma Kumaris, RERF & Professor, Dept. of Education, Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar)
ITANAGAR, Aug 27: The Indo Global Social Service Society (SMILE) Itanagar unit has conducted a meeting on advocacy/networking with Govt departments particularly for Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) at Naharlagun today.
Speaking on the occasion, JSS programme officer Michi Tai said the JSS is a non-
While explaining about the eligibility in obtaining Govt loan, JSS director Punyo Rina said only the certified skilled persons are eligible to seek loan from Govt agencies. She also explained about the Pradhan Mantri BimaYojana (PMBY) and its benefits.
Earlier, Dani Yakang, Associate Coordinator, IGSSS, briefed about the objectives of the programme.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
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New era of hope awaits
Union government today announced the list of 98 cities/towns that will be developed as smart city in the future. Government has announced Rs 48,000 crore for development of 100 Smart cities out of which 98 names were declared today and rest two will be nominated in due course. States/UTs and Urban Local Bodies have to make an equal matching contribution. This in effect means that central and state governments and ULBs will invest Rs 96,000 crore over the next five years for making 100 chosen cities smart. Smart City Plans will be implemented by a Special Purpose Vehicle to be set up for each identified city to enable a focused effort for effective implementation.
In what will be a moment of pride for the people of Arunachal, one of the oldest towns of state Pasighat has been selected as one of the smart city. It is hoped that selection of Pasighat will usher new era of development, which will benefit the whole of eastern Arunachal. The fund received under smart city project should be judiciously used by the authority concern. Or else the smart city project will be a failed one like any other schemes launched by the government. With its inclusion in the list, a new era of development awaits Pasighat.
___________________
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Celebrate the moment
Dear Editor,
I would like to share my dismay over the ongoing controversy regarding the Pasighat as a Smart City. Why there is hue and cry at this happy moment? We should be proud that among 29 states and 7 union territories, one of the most beautiful parts of Arunachal has been declared as a smart city!!
According to Modi Government, the evaluation criteria for competition involve point system, such as existing service levels, institutional system and capacity, self financing and past track record. Now the question is does our twin capital complex fulfil these criteria? The answer is no!! Then why pressure groups are raising voice against it? Have the other important issues of state has finished? Instead of wasting energy, we should learn lesson from this news. State government should feel ashamed that being a capital, Itanagar is not qualified. As long as the present system continues, I am sure even after 20 years, it will never fulfil the criteria. Twin capital is a machine that eats up all the development money in no time.
I appeal the leaders, pressure groups and citizens of Arunachal to celebrate the happy moment instead of raising unnecessary dismay.
Yours,
Anjali Siga
Rajiv Gandhi University,
Rono Hill
Don’t let anyone break us
Dear Editor,
Let me on the onset of this letter share my pride on being an Arunachalee. If god anytime questions me where to be born again, I would prefer Arunachal infinite times.
For me our state is a heaven on earth. I have been to various places where there are lots to see and many advanced technology yet unknown to us, but every places I went lack people like we are. I am not distinguishing humans based on colour or religion but rare do you find simple hearted person like us elsewhere, but it’s not their fault. Life is very hard to survive for them. Here if we see in reality all of us have better living than many people of different states or countries. But if you are greedy for money, you won’t be satisfied how much you get. Now the real topic of my letter is that slowly there have been lots of changes in the mentality of our people thanks to mass media. But there is lots of ongoing wrong use of the same, say for e.g through internet world became small and so did human mentality. Some of our educated persons are setting a wrong example for future citizen; they are starting debate which might break our brotherhood among the various tribes. Media gives you power that has no limits but you have to use it in a right way. What you write or upload is seen by the world and remains longer than your last breadth, so write and upload which you can justify even if you are dead. Complaining about something wrong is always right but confessing something wrong of yourself in masses is the symbol of truth and honest. Some complain of waste thrown here and there but does not see his own part in it. To change something it’s not always through complain but through an example you set for the changes you seek.
Lots of people complain about the administration, engineers and politician but they forget the part they took in making them do this. You might say all of them do wrong things for their personal needs or luxury but so does you. Youngsters shall follow you for our state’s all round development and fight till the end if you prove you can sacrifice your personal luxury for the cause. All political parties are busy spreading misdeed of each others. We see that all politicians, whether in power or off are owners of uncountable property so who is right. And the public who makes hue and cry seeking development are the real culprit, just because no one votes for free. Election is a mela where you find lots of politicians with various types of stall and you get what you want for free of cost. So it would be my humble request to all our fellow Arunachalees that our state is a place to be proud of, so our sense of brotherhood, respect and love among the various tribes should remain intact no matter how many times someone try to break it up.
Mass media is a responsible tool so let’s use it wisely. While complaining about any other person, please include examples of your good deed for the same cause. Lastly we can change system or make a new one if we fight and vote free and fair. If no one is capable of leading us let be one as there is scarcity of honest and truthful politician in our state.
Yours,
Alvish Zoot Naharlagun
Road at the mercy of rain
Dear Editor,
Tezu-
The defence services also depends on this single road. Can we imagine the fate of
the people of this district in particular and the country as a whole, if any untoward
incidents occurs at the border?. Un-
Yours,
Pokling Tayeng
Principal,
Govt. Ilr. Sec. School,
Hayuliang
Official encroaching dept land
Dear Editor,
In the last few decades, the state has witnessed rampant land encroachment, and West Siang HQ Aalo is no exception. Once a planned town, today it has not a single plot left even for recreational purposes.
Earlier, Aalo had all the potential to be developed into a model town; however, it has taken a beating in recent times. The children’s park near Sipu colony, the general ground area, the Paktu Banggo area, the higher secondary school complex, etc, have all been encroached.
Interestingly, it is not only private individuals who are engaged in land grabbing
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Take for instance the civil power complex in Gour Hill, on the outskirts of the town.
Within months of assuming charge, Assistant Engineer Power (civil), has been engaged
in rampant earth-
Interestingly, most of the dwellers in the complex are aware of the encroachment and damage to public property, but they aren’t initiating any action. The officer is attempting to encroach on the plot for which the rent is being paid by the department to the state government since 1992.
Although the state government and the district administration have banned earth cutting, it has been going on for the last few months. It would not be inappropriate to say that people, especially government officers, should strictly adhere to the laws of the land. Indeed, they should show the way to the general public.
The senior officials, including the executive engineer (civil), Aalo civil division and the superintendent engineer (Jengging civil circle) have failed to protect government land. Hopefully, the senior department officials, especially chief engineer (hydropower, eastern zone) will not fail the people and the department.
It is also expected that the district administration will carry out spot verification of the area and take stern action against the erring officer.
Yours,
A concerned citizen,
Itanagar
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