August 06
2016
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Defence Ministry approves 2000-km highway for Arunachal Pradesh
New Delhi, Aug 5: The Ministry of Defence has approved a strategically vital 2000-km highway that connects the western and eastern extremities of Arunachal Pradesh - Tawang to Vijaynagar - after incorporating the Army's views on the alignment of the road that is proposed to run all along the McMohan Line, the defacto border with China in the state.
The road was proposed by the Arunachal Government to seek better connectivity between remote valleys separated by highly inaccessible mountains. The Director General of Military Operations of the Army had objected to the road's proposed alignment as it was running too close to the disputed sections of the McMohan Line.
The Army had asked for fresh alignment as the area has very little population and sustaining the safety and civilian traffic would end up being the responsibility of the armed forces. Also, the road could be used by insurgents to slip-in and out of the country. There is no boundary marked on the ground, perception on the exact alignment of the McMohan Line vary by a few miles on either side in India and China.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar recently informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply: "Based on operational requirement of the Army, proposal for construction of Tawang to Vijaynagar highway has been endorsed with a few changes in its alignment."
The road is planned between Mago-Thingbu in Tawang to Vijaynagar in Changlang district of Arunachal. The proposed highway will pass through Tawang, East Kameng, Upper Subansiri, West Siang, Upper Siang, Dibang Valley, Desali, Chaglagam, Kibithoo, Dong, Hawai and Vijaynagar on the Arunachal Pradesh border. The government has already relaxed environmental clearances for border area projects.
A concept paper with provision for consultancy services to cost Rs63 crore has already been submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway. An empowered committee has been holding consultations with all stake holders. (Courtesy, The Tribune)
Project on diversion of Nao-Dehing river soon: Pema
NAMSAI, Aug 5: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has said that project to divert Nao-Dehing River to its original course will be started soon.
While calling for long-term measures to address the recurring flood problem in the state, CM informed about the plan for diversion of the river during his visit to Namsai to take stock of the flood-affected areas in the district on Friday.
The work will be entrusted to WRD department who will consult specialized firms for river piping to prevent erosion along the 2 km of breached embankment, Pema said adding "I have fully authorized the Chief Secretary to go ahead with the work."
Expressing concern over the devastating flood that the people of Namsai district have been facing since 1995, the CM said "What we want is long-term solution."
Earlier, the Chief Minister along with his team inspected the breached embankment of Noa-Dehing River that had taken a new course through low lying areas of Lower Silatoo, Nongkhong and Mahadevpur areas crossing National Highway NH 52 to rejoin its original course near Mahaloni village. The breached river has now posed danger to entire Mahadevpur town and could be a threat to Namsai area if the river is not diverted to its original course, informed the officials.
Khandu also visited a relief camp in New Silatoo area and promised that there will be no shortage of ration, water supply and medical facilities in the camps.
In the aftermath of the flood, the local administration had setup 28 relief camps with total inmates of 6000. As flood receded, the relief camps have come down to 4 with 308 inmates as of now.
"I have instructed the administration and the department that there should be no shortage of any facilities in the relief camps," Chief Minister Khandu said while addressing the flood victims. He also instructed the medical team to stay alert to prevent any outbreak of diseases and assured that if need arises, more manpower will be sent from Itanagar for medical assistance.
To provide alternate land for settlement for the relief camp inmates, Chief Minister assured to provide one and asked the local administration to immediately identify a safer place for rehabilitation. Also for the damages caused by the floods that had resulted in homes and businesses flooded, livestock lost, crops destroyed, Khandu promised that whatever the damage estimated will be fully compensated as per the relief norms.
Responding to various memorandums submitted by public, Khandu advised the people to shun negative mindset during times of difficulties. "People are in grief over their loss. If we fill the atmosphere with negativity, it will make them sadder. What we need is problem solving attitude. Give them hope," he urged.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, newly inducted Ministers Kumar Waii and Kamlung Mossang, and MLAs Pasang D Sona and Zingnu Namchoom during his visit. Chief Secretary Shakuntala Gamlin, Commissioner (Disaster Management) Hage Kojeen and Chief Engineer (WRD) Modak Ngomdir were also present on the occasion. (CMO)
Rain continues to lash Lumla, school remains shut
TAWANG, Aug 5: Rain continued to lash Lumla sub- division throwing life out of gear while the Buddhist Cultural Education Foundation School, Pharmey remains shut for a week due to constant threat by the sinking BRTF road near the school.
The CC step and retaining wall of Khinje monastery in Muchut village has been washed away making the monastery inaccessible.
The PMSGY road under Zemithang section was also inflicted with heavy damage as the formation of 60 metres of road from Zemithang to Karman was completely washed out.
"The BTK to Khobleteng road has also been damaged but its assessment could not be carried out yet due to road blockage at the takeoff point. It may take 2 to 3 days for complete assessment of the damages", JE Kulbir Singh told.
The Buddhist Cultural Education Foundation School, Pharmey has been shut down for a week since August 1 by the School Management Committee due to threat posed by the sinking BRTF road above the school, informed Principal Dondup Tsering.
Approximately 60 metres of compound wall of the historical 12th century Gorsam Stupa has been washed out damaging the 'Choimu- kang' ( lamp offering house) and the Tara temple simultaneously, informed CO in-charge of Zemithang Tsedar Wangmu.
The PWD ring road at Zemithang remains cut-off and the ground near indoor stadium has been damaged and filled by debris due to mud slides, the CO told.
Further, three dwelling houses have also collapsed owing to the landslides while the retaining wall and road from 1.9 Km Zemithang Toiding to Shoctsen village has been damaged. The boundary wall of Gorsam residential school has also been damaged and the school has been waterlogged".
Power and water supply in the area remain snapped as heavy landslides damaged electricity poles and pipelines.
Water supply pipelines at various places, such as Lumpo, Gorsam, Mutchat and New Zemithang have been washed away, informed the Anchal Chairperson of Zemithang.
Temporary restoration work is being carried out but new pipes will be required for complete restoration of water supply. (Tawang Vigilance)
Darak-Potom road remains disrupted
DIPRO adds from Aalo: The Darak-Potom road remained disrupted for nearly a month as the landslide and debris blocking the road from Koneh Raglaah to Degi Potom village is yet to be cleared.
Though the PRI leaders and public are repeatedly approaching the concern agency nothing has been done so far to restore road communication.
The villagers are not in a position to clear it due to presence of very big boulders on the road and are still waiting for the department to take care of it.
The land slide was triggered by continuous rain during the first week of July.
Generate public awareness on PMKSY: Byaling
ITANAGAR, Aug 5: Minister Tanga Byaling stressed the need for generating public awareness on Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), an amalgamation of several on going schemes, for its effective implementation in the state, particularly in Upper Subansiri.
The PMKSY has been formulated amalgamating all ongoing schemes, including Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development, IWMP of Department of Land Resources and the on Farm Water management of Department of Agriculture etc. the Minister informed.
Requested all the stakeholders in a joint meeting attended by MLAs of Raga, Taliha, Daporijo, Commissioner (Agri), among others, to generate public awareness on the new scheme to achieve the desired result, Byaling disclosed the required fund could not be availed from the central government during 2015-16 due to some confusion among the implementing agencies.
Byaling suggested the Nodal Agency to tie up the concern ministry to avail allocated fund for the State fully without any further delay so that the benefits of the scheme reach to the target people.
Flood gates still open; villagers cautioned
ITANAGAR, Aug 5: A team from Water Resources Department (WRD), Bordumsa on Friday visited recent flood affected areas under Diyun Bordumsa administrative block to assess flood damages.
During the visit, the team found three breached points at Jyotipur and Dumpani area through which water can still enter and inundate entire area of Innao, Dumba Mossang and parts of Namsai district since monsoon is still quite active. The villagers of vulnerable area have been advised to move to safer places until the flood gates were plugged.
Meanwhile, the Department has submitted survey report to higher authorities for immediate necessary flood control measures.
Stir against NEEPCO continues
ITANAGAR, Aug 5: The on going 5th phase 'Pen and Tool Down' agitation of 89 Days Basis Employees of Ranganadi Hydro-electrict Project has entered its 5th day on Friday. The strike will continue till August 20.
The agitation has been launched in protest against the NEEPCO authority's non-responsive attitude to the demand for regularization of their services.
Differences in the perception of LAC leads to intrusion: Singh
ITANAGAR, Aug 5: Responding to question in Rajya Sabha on alleged intrusion by Chinese troops into the East Kameng in Arunachal Pradesh recently, Minister of state in the ministry of external affairs Gen V. K. Singh (Retd.) has said that since there is no commonly delineated border areas between India and China, from time to time, on account of differences in the perception of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), situations have arisen on the ground that could have been avoided if we had a common perception of the LAC.
Government regularly takes up any transgression along the LAC with the Chinese side through established mechanisms including border personnel meetings, flag meetings, meetings of Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India- China Border Affairs and diplomatic channels, he said.
Relief for Dolo as SC stays election petition
ITANAGAR, Aug 5: The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed proceedings in the election petition pending before the Gauhati High Court filed by former Pakke-Kessang MLA Atum Welly against current MLA Kameng Dolo.
Welly had filed a petition claiming that he had not withdrawn his candidature from the 2014 elections and that his signature was forged, that led to Dolo being elected unopposed.
Dolo's office informed that "during the pendency of the trial, the single judge of the Gauhati High Court hearing the matter did not permit Dolo's legal team to present certain material witnesses and hence he appealed to the Supreme Court even while the trial was still pending and on-going. The Supreme Court finding some prima facie merit in the appeal has issued notice to Mr. Atum Welly in the matter and has also thought it deem fit to stay the trial of the election petition."
Appearing for Dolo, former attorney general Soli Sorabjee argued that the procedure followed by the Gauhati High Court was "entirely arbitrary and the election petition was not being conducted strictly in accordance with law and procedure".
Dolo's counsel, Abhaya Kashyap, said that "we were not being permitted to lead either material witnesses or expert witnesses and the manner in which the trial is being conducted left us with no choice but to approach the Supreme Court. The serious view taken by the Supreme Court is evident from the stay order and sends a strong message. An elected candidate cannot be unseated without a fair trial in accordance with principles of natural justice and fair play."
The next hearing would be held on September 2 in Supreme Court.
DIGP calls for better police-public relation
PASIGHAT, Aug 5: Central Range Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) John Neihlaia emphasized on better police-public relation and people friendly approach and behavior by security personnel for effective policing.
Public confidence can be generated through our people-friendly attitude which should be exhibited at all levels, DIGP Neihlaia said during a coordination meeting with senior police officers here on Friday.
While discussing various issues concerning the safety and security of life and properties of the common people, the DIGP said that the police should not only be fair in their actions but also should look like being fair to everyone. At the same time, he also called for strict vigil on and criminals.
Reviewing the general security scenario of the range, Neihlaia directed police officers to expedite the crime disposal and strive to maintain law and order situation.
The meeting aimed at getting feed backs and sensitizing public of their responsibility for the greater good of the society.
People should extend wholehearted supports to the police administration in containing crimes, protecting and preserving unity, integrity, peace and tranquility in the society, he added.
He also reviewed various welfare measures being taken up for police personnel.
The high-level meeting was attended by the SPs and senior SPs of Siang, East Siang, West Siang, Upper Siang, Upper Subansiri and Commandants of 5th IRBn and 2nd APP Bn.
They briefed the DIGP about the available inputs and their assessment over the security and law and order situation of central range. DIPRO
34% state ministers have criminal cases, 76% crorepatis: ADR
ITANAGAR, Aug 5: As many as 34 per cent of the ministers from State Assemblies have declared criminal cases against them, while 76 per cent are crorepatis with average assets of Rs 8.59 crore, finds a new study.
A total of 609 ministers out of 620 have been analysed from 29 State Assemblies and two Union Territories.
"Out of the 609 ministers analysed from state Assemblies, 462 (76 per cent) are crorepatis," Delhi-based think-tank Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said in its study released on Friday.
Among the ministers with highest assets include Ponguru Narayana of Telugu Desam Party with total assets of Rs 496 crore, followed by D K Shivakumar of Congress (Rs 251 crore), said ADR.
"Out of the 609 ministers analysed from State Assemblies, 210 (34 per cent) ministers have declared criminal cases against themselves. Out of the 78 Union council of ministers analysed, 24 (31 per cent) have declared criminal cases against themselves," it added.
Moreover, 113 ministers from State Assemblies have declared serious criminal cases, including cases related to murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, and crime against women.
Out of the 78 ministers analysed from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, 14 have declared serious criminal cases against themselves, the study said.
The states with highest percentage of ministers with serious criminal cases include 9 ministers from Jharkhand, 4 from Delhi, 9 from Telangana, 18 from Maharashtra, 11 from Bihar and 2 from Uttarakhand.
The average assets per minister from State Assemblies is Rs 8.59 crore. Compared to this, the average assets of the Union Council of ministers is Rs 12.94 crore, ADR said.
Also, the average assets of ministers with declared criminal cases is Rs 9.52 crore, while the average assets of ministers with no criminal cases is Rs 8.10 crore.
The state with the highest average assets per minister is Andhra Pradesh (20 ministers) with average assets of Rs 45.49 crore, followed by Karnataka (31 ministers) with average assets of Rs 36.96 crore and Arunachal Pradesh (7 ministers) with average assets of Rs 32.62 crore.
The state with the lowest average assets of ministers is Tripura (12 ministers) with average assets of Rs 31.67 lakh.
All state council of ministers analysed from Arunachal Pradesh, Punjab and Puducherry are 100 per cent crorepatis.
Out of 609 ministers, 51 are women and the highest number of women ministers are from Madhya Pradesh followed by Tamil Nadu. PTI
'Mrs. Arunachal 2016'
[ Ngurang Reena ]
Women Empowerment is the most important agenda of 21st century, From Malala Yousafzai in Afghanistan, to Hillary Clinton in the US, advocating and reprimanding for Every Women's right, it has gained formidable importance across the globe. In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created the UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. In doing so, UN Member States took an historic step in accelerating the Organization's goals on gender equality and the empowerment of women and subsequently the HeForShe campaign emerged. The HeforShe is a solidarity campaign for gender equality initiated by UN Women itself wherein it urges both men and boys as agents of change for the achievement of gender equality and women's rights. While we have garnered international support, here, in the tribal topography of Arunachal Pradesh, one of the North Eastern States of India, the plight of the Women is not very bright. The continuous derailment of the status of Women poses a threat to the progress of the society, which needs to be arrested with conscientious measures.
When Virginia Woolf said, " For most of History, Anonymous was a woman" many of us did not quite get the gist of the discourse. However, the Feminist movements since the 60's and other Women's Rights revolution has certainly administered upon us a space; fitting enough to engage in a conversation for both gender, albeit slow! Therefore, with the message of, 'We must get an education and we must learn to protect ourselves with pen, and not gun', we, The Ngurang Learning Institute, based in Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh seek to organize the prestigious, "Mrs. Arunachal 2016" Women of the Hills, with the theme "Mother of Substance" in the discourse of Women Empowerment on the 26th of November 2016. The Institute was constituted 2 years back with the idea of empowering elderly mostly rural women, by giving them the opportunity to read and write and to help them realize their potential. The Ngurang Learning Institute in collaboration with the Mahila MandalSociety, a women centric organization, Kimin and the North East Today through this event envisages to provide women of all walk of life, especially married, from the differently able to Rape victims and women who have been afflicted with societal torments and stigmas, such as Polygamy and others a space to feel liberated and empowered. We thrive to transcend beyond, just merely a Beauty Pageant as the names suggests, by sending the message of denouncing Patriarchy and Female oppression, whilst having various artists' perform for us, like stage play, theater performances, Dance and Music etc. At the culmination of the event, these women will be provided with distinctive vocational training and teamed up with other NGOs to continue their fight.
In coherence with the event, certain pre events began in the form of workshop and seminars, street plays etc. in the month of March, which saw a lot of women across all sectors participate. This month August, is all about reaching out to as many women in the state, to be part of the event. It is the month of, District wise Auditions;
1st to 3rd- Dist. Papum pare, Centre :Nikum Niya , Nirhuli Hall
5th to 11th- Dist. Tirap, Centre: Deomali
15th to 18th-Dist. Lower Subansiri, Centre:Ziro/Hapoli
20th to 23rd- Dist. East Kameng, Centre:Seppa
25th to 28th-Dist. Kuung Kumey, Centre: Koloriang
29th to 31st: Dist. East Siang, Centre: Pasighat
The auditions for the title, 'Mrs. Arunachal 2016' has begun and the response is good so far. However, the Institute and the Team hopes for cooperation from the families and friends, urging them to encourage their mothers/wives/daughters/sisters to participate in the event. The number of participants were surprisingly great in the 1st day auditions in Nirjuli, where most of the mothers' were from the capital and its vicinity and these women were fearless and passionate about learning and getting educated. As many as 20 contestants were finalized for the mega auditions that will take place in the month of September. The team is in full swing for the auditions, currently at Deomali for further intakes, and the journey shall continue until the team reaches to every mother of the state.
Why the event?
The term Women empowerment is rhetorically comprehended, let alone advocated in our state, Arunachal. Vices like Polygamy, Child marriage along with the culture of reprimanding 'Bride Price' still persists pervasively. The social representation of Women is and has been a sad affair for a very long time. Strategically evaluating, the Political and Economic empowerment is strictly bleak, along with the primary concern of lack of Girl Child education. On being asked, what is Women Empowerment? Degi, an associate professor of education at RG University responded,"Where is women empowerment? Where is education for women? It is only recently that we have seen girls coming out to enroll in colleges,". Besides this, there is a serious concern of the 'Right to Proprietorship', to which many women rights activists have spoken widely about along with the other unveiled issues. Women are still considered a secondary gender here and are often perceived as the shadows of their husbands, which calls for an immediate intervention.
'The status of Women in Arunachal Pradesh visibly on a highroll, low in fray'."Electoral politics is still a far cry for women in Arunachal Pradesh," says Jumyir Basar, an assistant professor at Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies under the Rajiv Gandhi University. The 2014 elections witnessed women voters marginally outnumbering the men. But when it comes to representing the constituency, a handful of these women jumps to 60 the fray. The state, has 3,77,272 female voters against the 3, 75,898 male population inhabiting the state. It is disheartening to witness the low mark of Political participation of women. An assessment of women's political status could be made through studying the role of women in rural politics, through the 73rd constitutional Amendment Act, which acts as a milestone in the endeavour. According to Nirupam Bajpai, the director, Columbia Global Centers | South Asia."Not only is the political participation of women in the North-eastern States very low, it is actually an all-India phenomenon. Across political parties, the total number of women candidates account for less than 10 percent of all those contesting the 2014 parliamentary elections".
The educational sector of the state is another essential are of concern.As per the 2011 Census, the Literacy rate in Arunachal Pradesh is 66.95 percent, with male literacy at 73.69 percent and female literacy at 59.57 percent only. Education is a privilege enjoyed mostly by men here, with women looked at as a lability until she is 'sold off' in return of the hefty Mithun price. In this regard, getting a female educated is a 'wastage'. Historically, a variety of factors have been found to be responsible for poor female literate rate;
# Gender based inequality.
# Social discrimination and economic exploitation.
# Occupation of girl child in domestic chores.
# Low enrolment of girls in schools.
# Low retention rate and high dropout rate.
The Adult Education Department in the State is running a large number of Adult Education centres to provide women education for adult members of the society, various central scheme are also sponsored by the Government through the District Adult Education Officers and schemes such as Anganwadi level or pre-primary have been established in the state for the easy schooling of the children. Many Anganwadi centres are functioning in the districts under the Integrated Child Development Scheme as well (ICDS). However, a lot of work needs to be done, in the said discourse of Women Empowerment. Like they say, "charity begins at home", we envisage to do our bit trough this event. We anticipate encouragement and support from all, especially from the Men in the society, towards providing a space for women empowerment and upliftment.
You can keep a track on the event and programmes on our Facebook page- Mrs. Arunachal 2016 or on our website- www.nguranglearninginstitute.co.in
Contact Number- 7085674914/9862496171/8258840019/9958422841, Ngurang Meena, Chairperson, Ngurang Learning Institute.
Expectations and aspirations from HCM
[ Mara Kocho ]
The plane has finally landed in the state. Arunachal Pradesh will never forget what has happened to her in political front in the last 7-8 months. Political voyage of the state was like a plane taking off to an unknown destination passing through extremely bad weather condition. I'm sure the passengers that travelled in that plane must have had gone through a bumpy voyage they never ever experienced before in their life time. During that political unrest, such voyage was taken not once but many times.
The only contact they had was with their respective control room; High command. We, the common man could only wished them "bon voyage!" as the people of state were completely unaware of landing ground (Congress, BJP, PPA etc.) of the plane.
As a consequence, we ended up ruled by three CMs and the President of India in a very short span of 7-8months. The most unlikely and puzzled chronological order of the ruler during the political turmoil was Congress Govt (Nabam Tuki) -President Rule (J P Rajkhowa)-PPA Govt (Kaliko Pul)-Congress Govt(Pema Khandu-the present CM). Going by the so called political gurus or experts of the state in social media, the present one is a potential dark horse and is here to stay for the full term. However, some people are still highly cynical about the future course of political affairs of the state. Those skeptics are undecided whether this one is actually the final and the last!
"They are taking oath to take another flight very soon", someone jokingly said during the oath taking ceremony of cabinet ministers on Aug 3 at Darbar Hall, Raj Bhawan.
I personally wish the joke remains a joke and the present Govt under the command of Pema Khandu last till the next assembly election.
Amidst the recent political turmoil, the most sufferers were the common man and the bureaucrats (to some extent) for they could not affect many important developmental works in the state. The Govt departments could not get the cabinet nod for many important decisions which drew huge public outcry and criticism at least in social media.
The present Team Arunachal under the leadership of CM, Pema Khandu, appears to be quite stable and steady as on date, albeit it's too early to conclude on the political stability of the state.
Now the time has come for the team to redeem for the sake of the people of the state, as they had been subjected to delay of many developmental works in the past few months.
CM Pema Khandu is sufficiently exposed to 'how CM functions' in the past for so many years being the eldest son of former CM late Dorjee Khandu. Therefore, the people of Arunachal have huge expectations and aspirations from him. He has to rise to the occasion, standing tall and firm to prove that he is here to lead from the front.
To prove himself as one among the best, he needs to take cue from other developed state in his strive to bring holistic and all round development in the state. In India, as per last Planning Commission now NITI Ayog, Kerela followed by Karnataka was adjudged the best state. The development model of Kerela, Karnataka, Gujrat, Maharashtra needs to be studied in detail. If found suitable and feasible, it should be adopted for our state. In international front Germany followed by Canada (Source: usnews) is the best in the world. Their developmental model can also be studied, if necessary.
In addition to the above, to enhance the efficiency of Govt functionaries, I would like to suggest to the Team Arunachal, the following developmental strategies:
1. Ministries: The allocation of ministries or portfolios should be done based on the core competency of the individual minister or least as per his past experience.
2. PRO/OSD/PS: Keeping in mind the typicality of Arunachal Pradesh, PROs/OSDs can be given to someone who has the ability to connect to the general mass. And PS should be appointed invariably from pool of select IAS officers from Arunachal Pradesh as these administrators are considered the elite group of officers who are well versed with the system administration of India. The popularity, political stability and acceptance of the head of the state mostly hinged on the performance of these officers.
3. Media/Social Network: Needless to say media-the 4th Pillar of Indian democracy, plays the most important and crucial roles in development of the state or country. To have instant connection with mass, I wish CM to have a separate website for CMO (may be www.cmoarp.in) in addition to the existing website of Govt of Arunachal Pradesh. Taking a step further, CMO must have a Mobile Apps similar to that of PMO and other states. This kind of social networking will not only help him tell what Govt is upto but also will help getting valuable suggestion from the public.
4. Project Monitoring Group (PMG): Arunachal Pradesh is infamous for poor implementation of Central Assist Fund (CAF) schemes as reported in many news daily in the last financial year ending. Central Govt accused the state Govt for failing in submission of fund utilization certificate on time. This, somehow to me, has happened due to lack of proper monitoring at CMO. Therefore, I strongly voice for having a Project Monitoring Group(PMG) in CM office, similar to the one PM of India has in his office. The core responsibility of the PMG-comprise of select officers from all sectors (Engineering, Health, Education etc.) should be to keep a close eye on the progress of major projects of state important, monthly review and reporting to CM for further perusals, close coordination with the respective ministries and implementing agencies.
5. Quality Control: State Govt, last year, have signed agreement with NEDFI and NABCONS of NABARD as third party monitors for physical/field monitoring of SPA projects for the year 2013-14 and 2014-15 (Source: Arunachal Times). Such third party monitors should be made available or appointed for all the projects, irrespective of central or state projects to have better control on quality of work execution. Responsibility should be fixed on them if bad workmanship or substandard work is entertained by the implementing agency. (The writer is a DGM, HPDCAPL, Itanagar, can be reached at mkocho@gmail.com)
A morning in a father’s life…..
[ Dani Sulu ]
Morning dawned with cries of my two months old daughter. As I rub my eyes open, I hear my wife soothing and cuddling our dearest latest darling (we already have three dearest darlings) with some sweet nothing songs in her gentle voice. As soon as she sees me, I am handed over the charge of the little angel and she pushes off, for I rather say relieved herself of little angels' care and leaves the room. No words said. Simply understood that she had a tough night, while I remained in a dream world, oblivious of what the mother and child passed through the night. Still my eyes half closed, I hold my cutie pie. She cuddles up to my chest and her soft little fingers curl around my arms. Such tenderness, such softness, such abandoned helplessness brings freshness of the morning to my mind and brings back to life that were dead and withering in my grey mental self. If youth is the spring of life, infancy is the source from where the life begins its journey, and, it is the source of that ephemeral love that sustains and propels our life towards creation and sustenance of this whole universe of human civilization.
BANG ! I hear the bathroom door and wake up from this philosophical stupor to the realities of life. I can hear my wife waking up my other dearest darlings with occasional sound of whacking up of their bottoms. This is it, I tell myself. Soon the house is filled up with noises of my favorite devils, their fights for the bathroom and tooth paste, sounds of joy and excitement interspersed with occasional sob or cry. Then there is that deafening noise of my wife shouting at one of the child for remaining asleep even while brushing his teeth. Tempers cool down and those shouts are things of past and the children are cajoled into dressing up their school uniforms and finishing with their breakfast. My little darling also has her way of ensuring her share of attention by wetting my pants. At this, my four year old daughter Rinyi breaks into peals of laughter and other family members join with giggles and smirks. At my expense, otherwise tense and serious atmosphere is loosened and the kids are all ready to take on the new day.
Father poor, you all may say as I am asked to dress up quickly and walk down our children to their new school by their mother. The power and terseness in her command would have shamed the best of the army commander. I dress up and gulp down few sips of my morning tea as she stares at the watch on the wall and me as if daring me to be late. Well, well, well .... I tell myself and leave my tea with such longing as would have shamed Juliet's longing for Romeo. I had a duty as father to take my children to school on time and duty as a husband to obey my wife without a question. My dream of life as beauty was transforming into life as a duty.
It is raining outside and my children are dressed in their raincoats. The sight of their raincoats gives me a tinge of jealousy as they are so pretty and tidy compared to dark and drab rain coats of my times. My daughter has a pink color raincoat with a beautiful print of puppies with large drooping ears. Her face shows up pretty and beautiful like a flower in a garden. My son Pading, who is six year old, is dressed likewise, only difference being the color of his raincoat which is green. He is one naughty devil and is behind every prank that keeps the family busy. He is the sunshine, the freshness that keeps the family lively ... and on toes. My sight wanders and rests on my eldest son Dingyang. He has put on a raincoat which we bought two years back. He has overgrown it since and everything seems to be protruding. He tries to remind me I am yet to buy him a new raincoat by trying to button up his raincoat unsuccessfully. I take a mental note of it and acknowledge him with a nod.
My wife hands me her marketing bag to bring back their raincoats and umbrella and I tuck it under my arm obediently. I soothe myself by justifying that these are small things which I can obey, because when bigger decisions of life are made, she obeys me unquestioningly. Give and take has to be adjusted into the scheme of life to keep it on track. So much for my wisdom ….eh. I tell myself.
And lo ! we march to the new school my children have joined. As we proceed, my heart skips its beat umpteenth times as they tend to wander towards the middle of road after pulling off their hands from my grip. Splash ... my little devil Pading steps into the puddle of rain water on the road for the third time. Once again I tell him to keep clear of the puddle.... and there again he heads towards the next puddle. Such is the way with children.
On his return from school on the first day, Pading had told me in a most spirited way that he had made two new enemies. When I asked how come he made two new enemies where as other boys make new friends in new schools, with a smirk on his face he tells me that a boy tried to mess up with him and in response he punched him till the other boy cried. Then someone from behind caught him and punched him. Pading turned behind and rained punches on the other boy. By then, class teacher appeared and separated them. They were let off with reprimand. He told me with much gusto and sense of triumph. Shall we say he started his new school with a bang!
Squeezing through narrow footpaths and fighting off the traffic we reach their school. As we hug, kiss and wave our hands off each other and as they step into their respective class rooms, a sense of joy and fulfillment courses through my mind. "Oh! What beauty they are and how lucky I am to have them," I tell myself. But then, isn't it every parents privilege to feel their love ones are the best. To a parent's eye, everything else in this world pales away in the sight of their children. Thus, I try to rationalize my child like exuberance about my kids.
I come back to my wife with her market bag hanging heavy with children's raincoats and their umbrella clutched under my arms. I pretend as if I have been wronged immensely with a somber face. She gives a patronizing smile, an understanding nod, pulls up a chair for me and asks whether I would like to have nimbu pani (fresh lemonade) with a mesmeric twinkle in her eyes. Like a pacified child, I give in to her magic and there another part of day begins anew. After all she is a female of species and understands male's weakness and their unqualified egos.
I painted a pen picture of a morning in Shillong as we family prepared for school on a war footing during May 2009. I had come to Shillong on posting on 2nd May 2009 from New Delhi.
(The contributor is Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs and State Protocol Officer, Govt of Arunachal)
PRI leaders seek decentralization of powers
ITANAGAR, Aug 5: A delegation of PRI members, chiefs and GBs from Kanubari area has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister Pema Khandu when they called on him on Friday seeking decentralization of power and responsibilities in respect of 58th Kanubari Assembly Constituency by three ZPMs of Kanubari, Lawnu and Chubam blocks.
They also lodged complaints against few government officials for misuse of fund and sought immediate action from the government.
While assuring to look into the matters raised by the delegation, the CM said that the government is committed to make Arunachal Pradesh an ideal and front runner state for which support and constructive suggestions from all stakeholders is need of the hour.
The delegation was led by ZPMs Jyae Wangsu, Wangrang Wangja and Mitali Wangjan.
Naharlagun Solung FC flatten Nulu Nubu FC 11-1
ITANAGAR, Aug 5: Naharlagun Solung FC (NSFC) flattened Nulu Nubu FC (NNFC) 11-1 in a league level match of the Itanagar Solung Football Tournament at APPBn Ground, Chimpu near here on Friday.
Tatem Taloh opened the flood gate by scoring in 14th minute for NSFC before Rasia Siram scored the second and third goal in 17th and 25th minute. Taloh scored again in 28th minutes while Samyor Kanto netted the fifth goal in 31st minute.
The 6th, 7th and 9th goal were scored again by Rasia Siram in 41st, 43rd and 53rd minutes.
Tatem Taloh netted the remaining three goals to complete the drubbing of the team.
Taruk Tamut scored consolation goal for NNFC in 34th minute.
NSFC’s Rasia Siram was adjudged as player of the match.
In another match of the day, Solung United FC (SUFC) beat Donggin Ao FC 7-0.
General Modi netted two goals for SUFC while Taja Bonung, Natem Tayeng, Tagam Tatak, Mingam Pertin and Tagung Mingki scored a goal each.
Later, Modi was declared as player of the match.
IDCF campaign reaches remote villages
ITANAGAR, Aug 5: Carrying the message of Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight, a medical team led by MO of Namtok PHC Dr. Om Pradhan reached remote Phangsum and Ngoitong villages under Namtok Circle of Changlang on Friday.
Besides distributing Oral Rehydration Salt packets and Zinc tablets for diarrhea treatment the team also organized health check up camps in the villages, wherein 46 patients have benefited.
The team arrived in the villages devoid of road connectivity, electricity and telecommunication facilities after four hours of non-stop foot-march.
The team also taught the parents and public on the correct procedures of ORS preparation, benefits of ORS in diarrhea treatment and about the importance of the diarrhea control fortnight at Govt. Primary School Phangsum and Ngoitong.
The HGB, ASHA workers, school teachers and students were present.
Pema intervenes in MSEB fiasco
ITANAGAR, Aug 5: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has taken serious note of the reported non-payment of electricity bills raised against Arunachal Bhawan, Mumbai, which is pending clearance.
Taking cognizance of the seriousness of the issue, Khandu categorically directed Commissioner Power to immediately address it so that the visitors and patients don't face problems for no fault of theirs. He further suggested making standing arrangements to avoid any recurrence of similar situation in future.
As reported earlier, with the long pending electricity bill of Arunachal Bhawan, Mumbai waiting to be cleared by the Arunachal government, Maharashtra State Electrical Board (MSEB) has plans to disconnect its electricity connection. Fearing for the inevitable, students from Mumbai had appealed to the state government to clear the pending electricity bill. Most of the occupants of Arunachal Bhavan in Mumbai are cancer patients.
AASSATA places demands
ITANAGAR, Aug 5: The Central Executive Committee of All Arunachal Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers' Association (CEC, AASSATA) on Friday called on Chief Minister Pema Khandu with a four point's memorandum.
AASSATA team led by its president Tagru Kasha urged the Chief Minister for single window entry of PRT/TGT at elementary education. The contractual teachers association also reiterated its demand for batch wise regularization. It also demanded for implementation of SSA-Right to Education (RTE) Act as per revised norms for teachers. It further sought enhancement of in service teachers salary. The association also highlighted the Opak Gao Committee Reports and Recommendation to Chief Minister and appraised him for early implementation of recommendation. The AASSATA members later briefed about the miserable lives of contractual teachers working under meager salary to Chief Minister. Chief Minister has assured to look into the matter, a release informed.
Husband dies after wife hit him on the head
[ Mingkeng Osik ]
PASIGHAT, Aug 5: One Ghana Gogoi, aged about 42, who was working as casual labour in PHED, succumbed to his injuries after he was hit on the head allegedly by his wife following a heated altercation on Thursday night, Police said.
Wife and husband got engaged in a scuffle after a long altercation before the wife hit her husband on the head, said SI T Buker.
Deceased Gogoi was working as caretaker of the water tank of the PHED at reserve area here.
The wife, who has confessed her crime before the police, has been sent to judicial custody. A case has been registered against her under 135/16/ section 302 of IPC.
DC convenes meeting on status of work
YINGKIONG, August 5: The Upper Siang DC, Remo Kamki convened a district level co-ordination meeting with administrative officers, LRSO, defence forces, police officers and SDO(Telecoms) at his office chamber, here on Friday.
The DC enquired about the status of road from Pangin to Tuting BRTF road, Dite-Dime to Yingkiong and PMGSY road from Zido to Singa, to which AE (RWD) informed that earth cutting work has been completed upto Mankota villalge.
The DC directed the SDO (Telecom) to pursue the higher authority for upgradation of tower and to make functional the Airtel tower which has been already installed in the area for better mobile network connectivity.
He also asked the DLRSO to take up the eviction of encroachers under RoW of BRTF road from petrol depot to Gandhi Bridge.
Keeping in view, the accommodation problem at Yingkiong in case of visits of VIPs, he directed EE (PWD) for proper maintenance of the IB and taking up construction works of Circuit House with proper planning and design.
It was also decided in the meeting to recommend to the state government for fixation of rates on sand and gravels etc.
Lt. Col. Amit Bhardwaj, 761 BRTF, SE(C), Lt. SK Pradha also spoke on the occasion. (DIPRO)
DCC meeting on OFC held
YINGKIONG, Aug 5: A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Yingkiong ADC, Tapik Pertin at his office chamber here on Friday for formation of District Coordination Committee for laying of Optical Fibre Cable (OFC).
The ADC urged all stakeholders to maintain proper co-ordination so that road connectivity and communication service networks are not disrupted. He further said that the committee shall also maintain common records and layouts to monitor the entire process of laying of the OFC in Upper Siang.
RCC, Moying, OC, Lt. Col. Amit Bhardwaj, in his address stressed on the need for proper filling up of soil after excavation and laying of fiber without which it may lead to damage of culverts and road.
It was also decided that proper permission should be obtained from the executing agency of the roads before laying the fibre line.
EAC, SDO (T), Adong Pertin and all stakeholders involved in road construction work attended the meeting. (DIPRO)
APYC calls for introducing youth oriented progs
ITANAGAR, Aug 5: A team of Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress (APYC) led by its President, Nyamar Karbak met Chief Minister, Pema Khandu at his office here on Thursday last, and appealed to him to launch more youth oriented programs in the state for creating employment opportunities.
The APYC further urged him to continue the various flagship programs introduced during the leadership of the former chief minister Nabam Tuki particularly, the popular Chief Minister's Universal Health Insurance Scheme.
The Chief Minister, on his part assured of good governance and transparency by taking all communities and sections together and appealed to all the sections to extend their support to the government.
DA initiates SHG based development plan
TEZU, Aug 5: Lohit District Administration has decided to work on Self Help Group (SHG) based development plan to generate employment and livelihood opportunities for the people.
A Special Task Force has been created for the purpose under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Danish Ashraf to achieve the goal.
The DC has directed Lead Bank Mangaer, Lohit to co-ordinate with NABARD and other banks for micro financing related schemes and help. He advised the financial institutions to be more proactive and people friendly.
They should extend their helping hands to the SHGs and rural farmers so that they can avail the loans. They should also provide information about the procedure of availing bank loan, he said.
The DC also asked all the line departments, NABARD, Krishi Vigiyan Kendra) to keep touch with the PRI members, individual as well as group members and help them in getting bank loans through their departmental sponsored schemes.
The Deputy Commissioner asked the Nodal Officers to take necessary steps to make the public and the SHG members aware about the scheme.
The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to the women SHGs through banks for starting micro business of their choice.
The DC observed that lack of employment opportunities in backward areas of the district, particularly Wakro and Sunpura circle, is forcing people to earn livelihood through illegal means, like opium cultivation, peddling of drugs etc. DIPRO
DC reviews progress of works
ROING, Aug 5: Lower Dibang Valley DC, Ravi Dhawan reviewed the progress of works made under various line departments during a monthly coordination meeting held here on Friday which was attended by all the HoDs of the district.
In the meeting, the DC informed that a separate counter has been opened at SBI, Roing for dealing with all government transactions and insisted upon the HoDs for timely submission of government revenue.
The DC also appraises the comparative figures of revenue generation from water connection under PHED, revenue from mining department, Tax & Excise department and sought status report of land at Santipur check gate.
Following reports of illegal timber operation at Paglam circle, he instructed the DFO to take stern action against the offenders and sought action taken report. He also directed Deputy Director, ICDS to co-ordinate all CDPOs and sought consolidated reports on functioning of Aganwadi center and Aganwadi workers in the district. He also enquired on progress of various works executed by Project Director, DRDA under Bomjir, Anpum, Yapgo and various places at Dambuk administrative circle.
The DC also sought status report of works implemented under CM flagship programmes and other centrally sponsored schemes by various line departments in the district and directed all executing agencies for timely completion all works.(DIPRO)
DC visits school
ITANAGAR, Aug 5: Kurung Kumey DC cum District Project Director SSA Kanki Darang made an unannounced visits to all the government schools in and around the district headquarters, Koloriang on Friday. Interacting with the teachers and students, he asked the teachers to be sincere in their teachings and suggested them to put more emphasis on teaching multiplication table to the students of pre primary section to enhance strong memory capacity.
He asked the students to respect their teachers as they are backbone of the society.
He further cautioned the teachers that more such surprise visits would be conducted and that appropriate action will be taken against absentee teachers.
Yarns and tools distributed to weavers
KHONSA, Aug 5: Yarns, tools and machineries were distributed to the trainees of craft centres and local weavers by Tirap ZPC Sontung Bangsia at a function organized by the department of Textiles and Handicrafts here on Thursday.
While addressing the gathering, ZPC Sontung Bangsia lauded the department of Textiles and Handicrafts for imparting such an invaluable training to the local artisans to hone their skills in different trades. He asked the trainees to make a sincere effort to incorporate improved designs in their weaving to increase the demand of their finished products in the fiercely competitive market.
She further assured all possible help and support from Tirap district Zilla Parishad to the department of textiles and handicrafts.
ADTC, Chanyok Rajkumari also informed that she and her staff would visit from house to house to check the quality of the products of the weavers.
In all, 32 villages of the district were covered under the flagship programme of Chief Minister's Indigenous Textile Promotion Scheme.
Meet on conservation of NE Himalayan Region
ITANAGAR, Aug 5: The Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), a national institute of Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India is organizing a 2-days National Stakeholders Meet on "Conservation and Sustainable Development of Northeast Himalayan Region" at IBSD, Imphal on August 18-19.
The meet will discuss specific issues related to northeast Himalayan ecology, to review resource status of forest, water, soil, agriculture, horticulture, community participation, current livelihood practices, scope of ecological entrepreneurship.
The organizer invites all the top functionaries of different NGOs, civil society organizations and eminent persons to express their views and take part in the meet to prepare an action plan for implementation at grassroots level.
Awareness prog on traditional art and culture
ITANAGAR, Aug 5: An awareness programme on traditional art and culture of the Mishmis was organized as a run up to Independence Day Celebration at multipuipose Cultural Hall Hawai by District Administration and DACO.
Addressing the participants from various villages and representatives of Anjaw Women Welfare Community and Hawai Namsiang Committee, EAC B Tawsik called upon them to preserve traditional art and culture at any cost.
Head Gaon Burah Kaho Pul also stressed on the importance of preserving the rich tradition and heritage in art, textiles and handlooms that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Besides villagers of Chungung, Walla, Ngi, Watong and Kamdi students from all the schools in Hawai participated in the programme.
Awareness-cum-sensitization prog. on disaster management
YINGKIONG, Aug 5: An awareness-cum-sensitization programme on Disaster Management was held at GSS, Parsing here on Friday wherein, students were advised to practice safety tips during any type of disasters to minimize the damages.
During the programme, DDMO, T Tashi with the help of a power point presentation highlighted the safety tips on any type of disasters and urged the students to take precautionary measures if the situation need be.
Attending the programme as resource persons, DRCHO, Dr. Appir Apang and Dr. India Modi gave tips on first aid and diarrhea prevention to students. (DIPRO)
PI Gogo Moyong dies
PASIGHAT, Aug 5: Gogo Moyong, who was serving as Public Interpreter (PI) at Nari Sub-Division, breathed his last in New Delhi Thursday morning.
He was undergoing treatment at Ram Monohar Lohiya Hospital.
He left behind his wife, a son and two daughters.
Besides discharging his duty PI in government services since 2000, Moyong was also closely involved in Donyi-Polo Yelam Kebang, Lamrung Gangging at Solung Ground. He was also president of Anbo Moyong Welfare Society (AMWS),
His untimely demise was deeply mourned by all sections of the society including AMWS members, who prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.
AoL sponsors solar lights
HAYULIANG, Aug 5: Tojum Ete, Circle Officer, Hayuliang gave away solar study lamps for the students of Chirang Primary School, Dingliang Middle School and Huiliang Primary School.
GB, Chirang Someye Krong, received the lamps on behalf of the three school managements.
Tojum Ete lauded the Art of Living for the noble gesture saying that it will be of great help to students of the areas as power supply is very erratic.
ASM, Chirang Sohan Krong, volunteered to distribute the lamps to all the students of the three schools. Sohan also thanked Dr Rama Tewari, Deepak Sharma and Chaitanya D Sangawar of the AoL for the assistance rendered.
Chaitanya D Sangawar expressed happiness over the fact that the lamps reached the destination inspite of numerous hurdles caused by extreme weather conditions. He appreciated Sohan Krong, and Mantaw Bellai for their tireless efforts to receive the lamps in Assam and transport it to Anjaw braving bad weather and road blocks. The excitement in the eyes of the school children knowing of the prospects of the light gifts motivated us to get them to Anjaw at any cost and all out efforts were put in that direction to reach them here informed Sohan Krong.
The students will no more need to worry for light if they want to engage in their academic pursuits in the evenings now, says Mantaw.
Editorial
Impact of GST
After waiting for many years on Thursday Rajya Sabha passed the historic goods and
services tax (GST) bill. Congress which has been stalling GST bill finally agreed
to support it after much negotiation and parley with the ruling BJP. The political
parties showed rare unity and ensured the passing of this bill. With this India’s
goods and services tax (GST) dream has finally come true. However, the bone of contention—the
GST rate—remains. A revenue neutral rate (RNR) of 15-
Many economists anticipate minimal impact on consumer price inflation if the standard
GST rate is at 18%. A Nomura report estimates it to impact headline CPI (Consumer
Price Index) inflation by 20-
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Readers’ Forum
Give us one chance
Dear Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to request the officials of APPSC to give one chance to rectify the rejected applications for the post of Assistance Engineer (civil).
To err is human being and to forgive divine. Everyone deserves another chance. So
please grant us one chance to rectify our applications. We have been working hard
day and night and waiting for this moment for the past few years. But all our hard
work will go in vain if we don't get one chance to rectify our applications. Some
of us are on the verge of crossing the upper age limit. Besides, we cannot expect
next exam to be conducted before 2-
So you are the only ray of hope for us as we believe in the credibility and transparency of your body who select only deserving candidates on merit basis. Everything is in your hand, when you can postpone the date of exam you can also grant us another chance to rectify our applications. As the date of exam is postponed we have enough time for rectifying our applications. It is our sincere request to kindly look into our grievances and save us from missing the great opportunity. Don't let our hopes down.
Yours,
A candidate
Centre and politics of Arunachal
Dear Editor,
After having read most of the reporting on government formation and political situation in Arunachal Pradesh in your newspaper we have come to the following conclusion. In this state, most intellectuals believe that this time the Central Govt. handed over Arunachal Pradesh to the congress party on a platter. The PPA Govt. did not comply with the deadline set by the BJP to merge with the party. If PPA Govt. had complied with the ultimatum of the BJP, the court verdict may have never seen the light of day.
Central Govt. had helped to install a PPA Govt. in Arunachal Pradesh to act as a spring board to gain power in Assam. Once that was achieved, Arunachal Pradesh was a liability and a burden, with no resources and revenue of its own and with only two MP seats. Moreover, PPA was becoming a problem for the BJP at grass root level particularly at the Districts and Blocks. BJP would prefer a direct contest with the Congress.
Central Govt also required Congress party’s support to pass the GST Bill.
It is generally conceived that Central Govt, be it the BJP or Congress do not tolerate strong, honest and progressive leadership in the frontier state of Arunachal Pradesh. Pul was becoming too popular and strong for the liking of the Central leadership.
Yours,
Debashish Bhuyan
Munindra Sharma
Rajiv Gandhi University
A clarification from Rono Hills
Dear Editor,
This is in response to the News item in your esteemed daily dated August 3, 2016 regarding “At mercy of contractors, RGU authorities fail in infrastructure development” by Taba Ajum, I would like to furnish the following clarifications:
(1) The cracks developed in the mentioned buildings are in the half brick walls of the building which are 3.50 in height and about 7.00 Mtr. in span. There is no problem in structural frame work of the buildings. The cracks so developed shall be repaired after analyzing the reasons for crack.
(2) The leakages of water in wall and roof shall be analyzed properly and required steps shall be taken carefully. It is found that the major portion of leakage area is at expansion joints, which will be cured after completion of the first floor of the building.
(3) As mentioned in the daily that the work awarding without tender is totally wrong. The University is following the procedure of tender published in Local as well as National dailies for all the major works of Buildings.
(4) Since there is no proper boundary wall around the University land, lots of problems arise due to illegal encroachment of University land and also the stray animals like Mithuns, Cows, Goats etc. caused lots of menace within the Campus. The University is trying its best to get the allocation of fund for proper Boundary Wall. The fencings in some of the departments are provided because of demand from the respective departments for protection of decorative plants around the building.
(5) Regarding fixing of proper signage within the campus, it is clarified that there
are at least three guide maps at different location such as Main Gate, in tri-
Yours,
Registrar
Rajiv Gandhi University
Rono Hills
Clinging to such inhuman prejudices
Dear Editor,
Recently, researchers from Jawaharlal Nehru University and University of Maryland
have covered 42,152 households across our country. A whopping 27 per cent of the
members of those households shamelessly declare that they practice untouchability.
There must be some more people who cling to such inhuman prejudices without categorically
declaring it to a study team for the fear of legal actions against them. This showcases
modern Republic India almost seven decades after the constitution proscribed untouchability.
Where is the political will to translate the words of the constitution of India into
reality? How long will the hatred against anything which is not in conformity with
high-
Yours,
Sujit De,
Kolkata