Politicking intensifies as Pema struggles to choose parliamentary secretaries
[ Taba Ajum ]
ITANAGAR, Aug 23: The one month old Pema Khandu government is facing its first major crisis as it gears up for appointment of parliamentary secretaries (PSs). For the last few days, hectic lobbying is going on behind the scene for appointment of parliamentary secretaries. It is believed that Pema is facing difficult time in selecting the candidates to be inducted as parliamentary secretaries.
According to the sources, Chief Minister had instructed all the Congress MLAs to return back to Itanagar by August 16 to facilitate the swearing in of the new PSs. "First we were told that swearing-in will be held in all probability on Aug 17. Later, we were informed that it might be held on Aug 20. Since then, we have no idea," shared an MLA.
The main reason for delay in swearing of PS is being attributed to lobbying for so called plum ministries/departments.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu has kept many important ministries like tourism, health, food and civil supply, power etc to himself. Many of his close aides are lobbying for these ministries with the hope of running it independently.
"MLAs are strongly lobbying for post of parliamentary secretary with independent charges. It will give them free hand as they will directly report to CM and not to any minister. Chief Minister is finding it extremely difficult to fulfill the wishes of all the MLAs. With election just 3 years away, nobody wants to be left out. Everyone is looking to make most and are lobbying hard for the plum portfolios," informed a source.
The source further added, "This is a crucial time for the young Chief Minister. Everything will depend on how he manages to keep his flock together. Already, there is murmur that some senior ministers are not happy with the portfolios allocated to them. In a politically volatile state like Arunachal, nothing can be taken for granted."
It is to be noted that most of the states across the India have given up the practice of appointing parliamentary secretaries.
However in Arunachal, majority of MLAs belonging to ruling parties are often inducted as PS in order to keep them happy. Many NGOs and civil society bodies have been continuously opposing the appointment of too many parliamentary secretaries terming them as waste of public money.
As the bitter fight for parliamentary secretary posts intensifies, it presents the first big test of the leadership skill of CM Pema Khandu. The next few days will be politically crucial for him.
Police still clueless on Tugiung’s whereabouts
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Aug 23: The state police is still clueless on whereabouts of absconding criminal Tugiung Yangfo who managed to escape after gruesome shootout leading to death of DSP Bomto Kamdak and villager Sai Bagang, who was caught in the crossfire at Sangrungwa Camp under Chayang Tajo ADC headquarter in East Kameng on Aug 13.
Even after 10 days of tragic shooting incident, the security personnel deployed in search operation are unable to locate any trail leading to Tugiung's hideout. It is believed that absconding accused had sustained bullet injury during the cross fire. However, the police could not ascertain whether he was injured.
Sources from the district administration informed The Arunachal Times that one platoon of security forces mostly IRBN personnel have been deployed in search operation. A police source said that due to tough terrain, it is difficult to locate the hideout.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Taba Tusar is overseeing the operation based at Chayang Tajo.
It is reported that security forces have launched an intensive combing operation to nab Tugiung Yangfo after the shooting incident as there is considerable pressure mounting on the state police to nab the accused.
Brave girl seeks nullification of child marriage
ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Cases of girls escaping child marriages continue to come out of East Kameng.
Mengo Riang had approached the Women Welfare Organization on July 27 to voice her predicament. Reportedly, she was married off to one Taro Liyak in 2009 when Riang was a minor. A few years later however, Liyak took in another bride without any opposition from Riang's family.
Riang had sought the help of the WWO and Integrated Child Development Services to declare her marriage null and void as soon as possible. Liyak however had appealed for the hearing to be held on November but Riang insisted that the case be heard soon as her father is terminally ill and feared that he may die anytime.
"She was worried that if her father dies before the hearing than the man's family may try to claim a larger amount of bride price than what was originally paid," informed Veena Sonam Waii, WWO Seppa president.
Reportedly, her family didn't have any objections when Liyak married second time and instead asked her to stay on as his wife. In fact, Riang is Liyak's maternal aunt and hadn't initially objected to the marriage. It was after Liyak got married later that Riang approached the WWO president to seek a nullification of her marriage, stating that people will forever refer to her as "Liyak's wife".
Yesterday, the case was heard in Seppa along with officials from WWO and East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organization (EKSWCO) apart from two political interpreters where the marriage was declared null and void.
Timber mafia in police net, illegal timber seized
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Aug 23: East Siang Police has busted a timber mafia gang with arrest of one Sandip Das alias Sanjiv Das of Jonai on Monday evening.
Das was running the illegal timber operation for long time using fake forest Transit Pass (TP) of the State's Forest Department and forged seal and signature of the forest officials.
The arrest was made after receiving a complaint lodged by Forest Department official of Ruksin.
A case has been registered against him at Ruksin Police Station under section 379/467/471 IPC and R/W Section 40 (b) of AFR Act, 1891.He was produced before the magistrate on Monday and the court has remanded him to police custody for two days for further investigation.
Police said that accused Das illegally transported timber from Arunachal to Assam on August 21 night. Rusksin police following tip-off caught the driver with the vehicle used in the illegal timber smuggling. Later, based on the driver's statement police confirmed involvement of the accused and later arrested him.
Meanwhile, Assam forest officials have seized the smuggled sawn timber measuring around 8 CC and drawing offense report against the smuggler Sandip Das.
East Siang police earlier registered two cases (Pasighat PS Case No. 133/16 and Ruksin PS Case No. 20/16) against the timber smuggler and charging him under multiple criminal sections. But, he had managed to get bails in both cases.
Moreover, a timber laden 10-wheeler truck having registration no AS-07 C- 2996 owned by one Sandip Das was caught by officials of Assam forest department at Silapathar under Dhemaji forest division on June 17 this year.
The seized truck is under the forest department's custody.
It is pertaining to mention here that the forest officials of both Assma and Arunachal Pradesh held a meeting recently and assured to cooperate with each to check illegal timber operation.
CM urges NABARD to initiate self-sustainable activities for unemployed
ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Chief Minister Pema Khandu urged NABARD to initiate more self-sustainable income generating activities for the unemployed youths of the state.
People are still unaware of many beneficial schemes provided by NABARD for the rural masses. Creating awareness among the rural people about various activities under agriculture and allied sectors, like Animal Husbandry and Rural Development etc. offered by NABARD is needed, said Pema during his meeting with General Manager of NABARD here on Tuesday.
Acknowledging the assistance of NABARD in funding various Rural Infrastructure Development Projects under RIDF in the state, the Chief Minister asked the General Manager of NABARD to increase their outreach and establish more offices in the districts.
Though rural connectivity had dominated the sanctions in the past the state government would give priority on agriculture/rural development and social sector and submit projects during the current year, Pema said.
Earlier, NABARD's Regional Office (Itanagar) General Manager S. Sankaranarayanan informed the Chief Minister about various projects NABARD has sanctioned in the state.
Sankaranarayanan was accompanied by DGM Binod Kumar and AM Kamal Roy.
Rajkhowa suggests separation of wastes at source
ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Governor JP Rajkhowa advised the district administration and members of Urban Municipality to inculcate the habit of using separate bags for bio-degradable and non-degradable wastes among the people.
For this, the city dwellers should be provided with bags as well as bins of separate colours for both biologically gradable and degradable wastes and this can be taken up as pilot projects, said Rajkhowa while interacting with Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner, Chief Municipal Executive Officer (Itanagar) and other officers at Raj Bhavan here on Tuesday.
The residents need to separate all bio-degradable and non-degradable wastes at source and put in separate bags, the Governor said, adding that the Garbage Processing Plant at Chimpu was damaged in the past in the absence of such essential practice.
Recalling his earlier meetings with all stake holders on September 4 and November 26, 2015 at Raj Bhavan, the Governor advised the district administration to mobilise and involve Public Sector Enterprises,
particularly financial institutions, Chamber of Commerce and private individuals in it.
Reminding the Banks and other stakeholders of their assurances towards Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Governor reiterated his appeal to the Public Sector Enterprises through the Deputy Commissioner to contribute towards making the town cleaner for a healthy environment. PRO to Governor
BSNL comes up with offers for landline users
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Aug 23: At a time when mobile phones are being counted as more reliable means of remaining connected, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has come up with attractive offers for BSNL landline users.
Since August 15 last, all local and STD calls to any network all over India have been made free of cost on Sundays, while there is also provision of free calls during night hours between 9pm to 7am. Users can avail new landline connection at monthly rent of only Rs 49. However, the Rs 49 monthly rental offer stands only for the first six months after which it will be converted to general plan. New BSNL SIM cards are being provided to the users availing the new landline connection.
Informing about the offers at Press Club on Tuesday, DGM Operations Channa Krishnappa appealed all users to avail the opportunities.
AGM Admin, SL Vaiphai informed that there are 50 exchanges all over the state from where the users can avail the opportunities.
SUN demands one man one post policy in NERIST
ITANAGAR, Aug 23: The Student Union of NERIST (SUN) has strongly opposed to the practice of holding multiple posts by single person in NERIST, saying that this practice has hampered the smooth functioning of the institute.
The SUN in a release alleged that few persons are holding more than two or more key posts/offices in the institute for 3-4 years which has affected the smooth functioning and speedy development of the lone premier institute of higher and technical education in the state.
According to Sun president Aman Venia, the offices/posts of the Deputy Registrar (Establishment) and Deputy Registrar (Finance) are being held by a single person. Likewise, the posts of Assistant Registrar (Store & Purchase), Security Officer, Public Relation & Liaison Officer (PRLO) are also being held by a single person.
Demanding one man, one post and one charge, SUN strongly urged the higher authorities of NERIST to immediately fill up all the vacant posts for smooth functioning of the institute.
Nixon Bui presents collection at Copenhagen Fashion Fair
ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Arunachal-born designer Nixon Bui presented his Spring Summer 17 collection at the Copenhagen International Fashion Fair (CIFF) during Copenhagen Fashion Week recently.
CIFF is one of the largest fashion fairs in Northern Europe and attracts press and buyers from all over the world due to its strong focus on Scandinavian design.
Nixon, known for drawing inspiration from his tribal heritage for his designs, has for the SS17 collection looked to the nature and scenery of the Northeast. From the horizontal lines resembling the stairs of terraced rice fields to the pattern of the Money plant, leaves used in fabrics, the collection bears a strong and personal connection to the designer's home region.
APSPCB seeks fund from CPCB for ongoing schemes
NEW DELHI, Aug 23: Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board Chairman (APSPCB) Techi Tagi Tara met Chairman of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) SP Singh Parihar in New Delhi and apprised him about various ongoing developmental schemes of APSPCB in Arunachal.
During their brief meeting, Tara urged the CPCB Chairman to release fund to complete the ongoing schemes initiated by Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board.
The ASPCB Chairman also urged Parihar to extend financial assistance for creation of Regional Office at Namsai and Bomdila under Abatement of Pollution schemes.
Tara apprised the CPCB Chairman that the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has agreed to give financial support to the weaker Boards of North Eastern Region under Abatement of Pollution Scheme.
Tara also urged Parihar for financial support to Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board under Abatement of Pollution Scheme to meet up the salary component of the officials of the Board.
Meanwhile, Tara informed that the meeting ended in a very positive note as Parihar has assured his full support and co-operation to APSPCB. The Member Secretary of CPCB, who was also present in the meeting, was asked by Parihar to examine the request and proposal on priority, according to a release.
Pasighat looks forward for commercial flights from ALG
[ Maksam Tayeng ]
PASIGHAT, Aug 23: With the coming up of Advance Landing Ground here in Pasighat, the people of this region has also heightened their hopes and aspirations to be connected with rest of the country.
While civil terminal for the commercial flights is yet to be constructed, the common public has appealed the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and Indian Air Force to use the Civil Supply Office building, adjacent to the ALG to start operation for civilian flights. Local BJP MLA Kaling Moyong said that, the state government need to pursue the Indian Air Force to find out an alternative of using civil supply office building as terminal so that just completed ALG can be of public use. Moyong has also appealed to the government for making arrangement so that 50% of the jobs are kept for the local people.
Civil Terminal Demand Committee, ALG, Pasighat, Chairman Okom Yosung has also appealed to the Indian Air Force, Airport Authority of India and Government of Arunachal Pradesh to make temporary arrangement for commercial flights from the Pasighat airbase. He said that commercial flights would be a great respite to the people, especially, the patients travelling to Vellore, Delhi and other areas. When contacted, District Food and Civil Supply Officer, B. Pertin said that, the office buildings and premises of the supply department along the ALG can be used as a terminal if Government of Arunachal desires so. But basic infrastructures will have to be put in place, added Pertin.
Meanwhile, when contacted to Project Manager, ALG, Pasighat, Lieutenant Colonel, R. Ravi declined to comment. However, he said that, the ALG is ready for use and government of Arunachal need to liaise with the Indian Air Force for the early start of the domestic air connectivity.
'Azadi 70-Yaad Karo Kurbani' freedom fortnight celebration concludes
ITANAGAR, Aug 23: The Rajiv Gandhi University joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the "Azadi 70-Yaad Karo Kurbani (Freedom Fortnight)" organised nationwide to pay respect and tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India's freedom. The celebration which had begun on Aug 9th culminated on Tuesday with the mass singing of the National Anthem in the university auditorium.
The fortnight long observation marked befitting celebration of the Independence Day, a freedom run organized on Aug 19, while painting competitions for school and university level students and scholars were organised on Aug 22.
Vice-Chancellor RGU gave away the trophies and citations to the winners of the painting competition.
The organizer of the events and Deputy Registrar of RGU Dr. David Pertin spoke on the significance of the observations and said that it was an opportunity to cherish where the university fraternity comes together in a united manner and offered rich tributes to the national freedom martyrs.
Among others, Registrar Prof. Rachob Taba, Finance Officer in-charge Prof. A. Mitra, Director of College Development Council, Prof. A.K. Das, Deans of various faculties, Heads of various Departments, head master of Govt. Sec. School -RGU campus, faculty members, officers and officials, besides thousands of students pursuing post graduation and research in the university and from the campus school participated in the mass singing of the national anthem programme.
The Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Polytechnic, Itanagar concluded the celebration of "AZAADI- 70" under the theme " YAAD KARO QURBANI" by visiting the birth place of a young martyr Kanaklata Barua at Barangabari, Gohpur Assam. A team of students and faculties led by Principal RGGP Dr AK Tripathy offered floral tribute to her memorial and also lighted lamps on her statue.
The team also visited her younger brother Kalicharan Barua who explained in detail about the incident and narrated that Kanaklata Barua was only 17 yrs old when she laid her life for freedom. She was the member of "mrityu vahini" the suicidal squad and was shot dead during a procession against British Govt.
The team also visited another freedom fighter Thuleswar Rajkhowa who is now 97 yr old. He took part in the same procession and was wounded. Later programme coordinator Arun Joram (Lecturer Mathematics) thanked the public and family members of the freedom fighters for their warm welcome and support.
Meanwhile, at Nampong in Changlang district, the 15 days long Special Awareness Campaign on "Aazadi 70- Yaad Karo Kurbani" which began from Aug 9 concluded on Tuesday. The programme aimed at motivating and instilling the spirit of nationalism among youths, students as well as common people by remembering and honouring the freedom movement.
The DFP, Nampong Unit organized a Handloom & Handicraft exhibition in co-ordination with Department of Textile & Handicrafts, Nampong. Further, public meetings were conducted with photo exhibition of freedom fighters and prize distribution of various competitions which were organised on Aug 19 and 20.
Speaking in the function, ZPM Nampong, Remwin Morang appealed all to remember the freedom fighters and the sacrifice made by them.
Various resource persons spoke on the freedom movement and on independence.
Anchal Chairperson, Rima-Putak, Sinmeng Mossang, Craft Superintendent, Nampong, A. B. Deori, FPO, Nampong, S. K. Deori and FPO, Tezu, M. K. Jha also spoke during the programme.
A rally, quiz and rural sports competitions were also organised on Aug 15 amongst the students of Govt. Sec. School, Sompoi. An Elderly Walk competition was organised on Aug 19 and 20 at Namgoi village, while painting and essay competition were conducted amongst the students of Govt.Town Middle School, Nampong.
About 200 people including PRI members, SDO Nampong, K. Tikhak, Nampong Anchal Chairperson, Khiljung Taikam, public leaders, village elders, govt. officials, teachers and students participated in the programme. Artist from Song & Drama division, Guwahati also performed theme based Song, Dance and Drama.
Special campaign on achievement of Centre concludes
ZIRO, Aug 23: The awareness campaign on 'Special Outreach Programme' at Honoko in Hong Village of Lower Subansiri district concluded on Aug 22.
The programme organised by Directorate of Field Publicity, Ziro unit covered a number of villages during the month long campaign and created mass awareness on various centrally sponsored flagship schemes of the NDA government. The function was attended by a large number of participants from different walks of life and mostly of the Anganwadis of Ziro- I Circle and general public.
A public rally by the villagers with placards of different flagship schemes of the government was also carried out.
Various resource persons from different implementing agencies of centrally sponsored schemes took part and explained about the benefits of those schemes.
Speaking as a resource person Post Master, Ziro, Taku Taker explained the participants in detail about "Sukanya Samridhi Yojana", how to open an account and its usefulness. He also requested to avail all the facilities being provided by the government for benefit of the girl child under the scheme for better future of the girl child.
While speaking on "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao", CDPO, Ziro, Kina Taka requested the participants to treat the girl child as equal with those of boys especially in the case of education. In this connection he also gave some examples of renowned female personalities of the country.
Joint Director of Industries, Ziro, Gyati Malli while speaking on "Skill India Mission" informed the gathering about various ITI institutions being available in the state which imparts trainings in different skills such as carpentry, electrician, plumber etc for school dropout youths. He also encouraged the girls to undergo trainings like beauticians or in the field of weaving so that they can earn their own livelihood.
Earlier, FPO, Ziro, P.Sonowal and FPO Seppa, Rama Kamsa also spoke on the occasion.
Theme based quiz competitions organised by DFP, rural sports competition and cultural programmes organized by the artistes of Song & Drama Division, Guwahati and also by local cultural troupe of Hong village were the highlights of the day long programme.
LDV DC calls for committed effort from all for development
ROING, Aug 23: Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner, Ravi Dhawan has called for committed effort from all officials in bringing development in rural areas of the district.
The DC was chairing the District Development Co-ordination and Monitoring Committee meeting (DISHA) at Anchal Samity Hall on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by ZPC, Sipi Elapara, ZPM, S.Saring, HoDs and other officials.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC directed all the department and BDOs to upgrade Aadhar seeding and also to ensure linkage of Job Card, Aadhar Card and Bank Accounts of all the beneficiaries under state and centrally sponsored schemes. He also directed SDTO to upgrade the broad band system in the district and informed that OFC laying works under Raitel Corporation is also under way for internet connectivity to Block to HQ and upto village level.
He called on the elected members and officials for better understanding on guidelines and action plan of various schemes and programmes to bring awareness among the villagers about their rights and benefits.
The DC also reviewed all the programmes and policies of various schemes implemented by the District Level Nodal functionaries of all programmes.
The Project Director, DRDA briefed on aims and objective of the meeting and highlighted the first quarterly report (April-June) 2016 and also action plan for 2016-17 through a presentation.
Meanwhile, at the 14th Governing Body Meeting of DRDA, the DC stressed on transparency and accountability at every step of implementation of the all schemes and programme and urged upon the nodal department for involvement of GPs in next MGNEREGA coordination meeting. DIPRO
Issues under banking sector discussed in DCC meeting
SEPPA, Aug 23: Issues such as credit flow, advance and deposit, CDR, financial literacy, financial inclusion, micro insurance schemes for social security, progress and achievement under banking sector have been discussed during the second District Consultative Committee (DCC) meeting held under the chairmanship of the East Kameng DC, Rajeev Takuk here on Tuesday.
While briefing on the achievement and progress of the SBI, Branch Manager SBI, Seppa highlighted about the dismal status of loan recovery and NPAs and its reason. He said that the government sponsored schemes are conquering the largest share in this aspect. He further informed about the installation of CDM unit in the compound of the bank, introduction of token system in transaction and proposed locations for upcoming three new ATM booths in Seppa township.
The DC also enquired about the KCC, PMEGP, NRLM, PMJDY, PMJJBY, PMSBY, APY and other government based initiatives undertaken by the banking sector. Percentage coverage under PM Jan Dhan Yojana and its present status were also reviewed by the DC. For loan recovery, he suggested the bank officials and concerned departments to prepare a list of defaulters and accordingly, send a notice to them. Conduct of joint recovery camps have been suggested for speedy loan recovery. Acknowledging that there should be a pragmatic approach while framing of policy, he further requested the implementing departments to adopt best measures in order to prevent loans becoming into NPAs.
The meeting was attended by the RBO, Tezpur Manager, R N Nath, ADI, N Doka, and representatives of Apex Bank and DRDA. (DIPRO)
Information on run away child sought
ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Hana Lakra, age about 8 years, black complexion, of Nolgute village of Lakhimpur district, Assam has run away from a Shelter Home at B-Sector, Naharlagun on August 13.
She was wearing a pink colour frock.
If anybody has any information regarding the missing child, they can contact Childline, Itanagar (tele:0360-2006386, 9402221481.
Police arrests one for Aug 9 vandalism
ITANAGAR, Aug 23: The Itanagar police have arrested one person, related to August 9 incident of attack on residences of deputy chief minister Chowna Mein and industry minister Tapang Taloh.
On that fateful day, the angry mob which had gathered outside Chief Minister's official Bungalow following death of late former Chief Minister Kalikho Pul resorted to violence and damaged the houses of Mein and Taloh.
The whole incident was captured on mobile phones which were widely circulated in social networking sites like Facebook, Whatsapp, etc. However, the capital police has arrested only one person whereas in the videos, many people can be openly seen provoking the crowd to indulge in violence.
'Think beyond relations, region, religion': DC
YINGKIONG, Aug 23: Upper Siang, DC, Remo Kamki has appealed to all to think beyond blood relations, region, religion and support issues/ cases only on the basis of merit and facts.
He was addressing a meeting of the district communal harmony Committee held in the DC's Conference Hall here on Tuesday.
In the meeting, it was decided to observe Sadbhavana Diwas Fortnight from Aug 20 to Sept 3 next, wherein the college and schools were entrusted to carry out various activities during the period.
DC also administered the pledge of communal harmony to the members. (DIPRO)
LDSU demands posting of sufficient teachers
ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Longding District Students' Union (LDSU) submitted a four-point memorandum to Chief Minister demanding separate treasury office in Longding, posting of sufficient teachers in various schools in the district, decentralization of recruitment process for group 'C' & 'D' posts and contractual works under various state and central programmes and setting up opium de-addiction center at Longding.
Highlighting the problem faced by the students due to acute shortage of teachers in various schools in the district, the memorandum stated that there were only 270 teachers against 14,921 students in entire district. Shortage of teachers is one of the main reasons for poor academic performance of students, the LDSU memorandum said and, appealed to the Chief Minister to improve the student-teacher ratio by posting sufficient teachers.
It its memorandum, LDSU stated that Longding district, which was created in 2012 has been functioning without a treasury office, due to which the people of the district have to travel to Khonsa even for a challan of value as low as Rs 10.
While demanding decentralization of recruitment process for the posts group 'C' & 'D' and of contractual works under various state and centrally sponsored schemes and programmes, LDSU alleged that many contractual employees are recruited directly by the concern head of the dept. in Itanagar, which, according to the union, should be done by the concern district authority.
Further, many of the employees, who get their appointment under Longding district quotas, generally show reluctance to stay at their place of posting in the pretext of insurgency problem and lack of accommodation facility which is hampering the development activities.
With regards opium de-addiction centre, LDSU said that many drugs addicts, who are willing to give up drugs, have to go to de-addiction centers outside the state due to absence of such facility.
Training for ministerial staff begins
ITANAGAR, Aug 23: In all 50 ministerial staffs comprising, 22 from Capital Complex and 28 from the district administration respectively, underwent a three-day long training programme on Cash and Accounts handling which began at the ATI, Naharlagun on Tuesday.
The programme is organized under 100% course fee sponsorship of department of personnel and training, GoI.
In his inaugural speech, the ATI Director, Pate Marik emphasized application of rules and approved government procedures while discharging official duties. He said that cash and accounts handling are most important rules including pay fixations and advised the participants to avail maximum advantage of the training. He also advised the trainees to improve their English language for correct presentation of the cases.
Marik further advised the participants to remain sincere towards their respective duties to help improve public delivery system.
Deputy Director, Priscilla Tayeng and Assistant Director, Nani Khamba also spoke on the occasion.
Open Badminton Tourney concludes
ITANAGAR, Aug 23: The 4-day long Open Badminton Championship tournament organized by Hanako Badminton Club of Hong village concluded recently at Ziro.
In all, 33 individuals took part in the tournament, which was inaugurated on Aug 18 last, by Niithi segment Zilla Parishad Member, Tilling Sambyo and ACP, Tapi Karu.
In the open category, Koj Tajang defeated Dani Tanyang and Koj Tajang and Dani Tanyang defeated Michi Takung and Michi Buker in the doubles category. Koj Tajang was adjudged the Man of the Tournament.
In the veteran category, Hibu Ama emerged as winner by defeating Hage Taker while, Hibu Ama and Hibu Dindo defeated Punyo Bamang and Hage Taker in the doubles veteran category. Ama also won the Man of the Tournament trophy.
Bandh fails to make any impact :DC
ITANAGAR, Aug 23: The dawn to dusk bandh called by All Kra Daadi District Students Union (AKDDSU) on Tuesday failed to make any impact, claimed Kra Daadi Deputy Commissioner.
Normal life remained unaffected as almost all the shops and all the government offices functioned as usual. Traffic movement too remained unaffected, the DC claimed.
"The bandh passed off peacefully as there was no reports of bandh related untoward incidents barring felling down of trees and putting huge boulders on the roads by the bandh sponsors to obstruct traffic movement," the DC informed.
The District Administration with the help of police and Public Works Department cleared the roads ensuring smooth traffic movement throughout the day, the DC said.
Fix rice rate: ASM
ITANAGAR, Aug 23: Tarajan ASM Bomde Taso has drawn the attention of state government towards exorbitant and varied rates of rice (BPL, APL, AAY) being fixed by the fair price shop holders of Kangku circle in violation to the rates fixed by the government. She has written to DFCSO, West Siang district to fix the rates.
National Deworming Day launched in Anjaw
ITANAGAR, Aug 23: National Deworming Day, a school-based deworming effort of union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, was launched in Anjaw at JNV School Hawai on Tuesday.
Anjaw Deputy Commissioner Mamata Riba, who was also present during the launching programme, instructed all the stake holders, including the departments of Health, Education, and WCD to devote themselves in their assigned duty to make the programme successful. Mamata asked the teachers, Anganwadi and ASHA workers to ensure that all the children between age 1-19 are administered with the required dose of albendozle tablets.
Earlier, Anjaw DMO Dr.K Perme highlighted about intestinal worm infestation which has become a major childhood health problem.
BNFC lift I-Day Trophy
ITANAGAR, Aug 23: BNFC lifted the 12th Independence Running Football Trophy beating Bhaijan FC 4-1 in the final played at KV no.2 ground, Chimpu.
Tali Block Congress Committee president Sangio Taba and ANYA finance secretary Tadar Tali attended the final day.
Editorial
No compromise with quality
The pathetic condition of road leading to Rajiv Gandhi University is becoming matter
of deep embarrassment for the state government. Irked by the non-responsive attitude
of concern authorities towards the problem, the members of Rajiv Gandhi University
Students Union (RGUSU) recently conducted protest rally. They also meet Chief Minister
and apprised him of the problem. Belatedly state government today announced that
it has earmarked Rs. 6.5 Crore for the renovation of the road from Bage Tinali to
Rajiv Gandhi University and Rs.10 Cr for the stretch of road from Khola-Camp to Gumto.
They assured to repair road at the earliest. However government should ensure that
quality is not compromised and best quality work is done.
It's sad that condition of road leading to lone central university of state is in
such horrible condition. The poor road condition makes life difficult for the students.
Also it leaves bad impression on the visitors coming to RGU from outside the state.
The state government should also take note of poor execution of infrastructure projects
at RGU. Several complaints have been made regarding the poor quality work. Many of
the recently constructed buildings have started to develop cracks. Strangely the
RGU authority seems least interested to take action against the contractors who are
executing inferior quality work.
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Readers’ Forum
Give preference to candidates with related educational qualification in RD
Dear Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, we would like to draw the attention of
RD department and would like to express our view regarding educational qualification
for recent vacancies of Jt. BDO. There are so many aspirants that have the Master
of Arts in Rural Development (MA.RD) and with in related degree like Master of Arts
Social Work (MSW) and Master of Arts Sociology (MAS).
We would like to highlight our grievances before RD department and APCS board members
that we have spent money and time to obtain such qualification and with great interest
in RD sector, we have done degree course in it.
Through you, we would like to request the concern department to please kindly provide
an opportunity in the department. While seeking full cooperation, we request kind
consideration to please add the RD degree as an educational qualification in recent
Jt. BDO vacancies that is likely to be conducted by APCS. In Tourism, Library, Veterinary
&Animal Husbandry, Health, fishery, IT, Agri-horti and Engineering departments, they
seek candidates with post graduate degrees or diplomas related to the department.
Likewise, RD department should also seek candidates who are well versed RD sector
for smooth functioning of the department.
Hence, with high expectation, we request the authority to please give preference
to those who have the educational degree /specialist in RD and related field. We
look forward for full cooperation in this regard.
Yours
Job Aspirants
APPSC and teachers recruitment
Dear Editor,
This is with reference to an article which appeared on your daily, “Education Minister
Honchum Ngandam to conduct all future recruitment of teacher by the State Public
Service Commission”.
Well, it is really a highly appreciable and noble part from Education Minister and
state government side. By doing so Mr Minister has fulfilled the long felt demand
of common people.
But my question is, is APPSC a competent authority for recruitment of teachers? Will
APPSC conduct the recruitment fairly?
Well APPSC may be the right recruitment agency for recruiting the gazette posts like
CO, DSP, AE, ACF, i.e non-teaching post. But for recruitment of teaching posts, present
APPSC team is not the right recruiting agency. People may finger point on my opinions,
but believe me, my opinions are based on my personal experience from recently concluded
Polytechnic interview 2014-15.
I would like to share with esteemed readers of this daily for self-introspection.
As per UGC norms, for recruitment of teachers, there should be at least a minimum
of three subject experts on the interview panel. But in the recently concluded Lecturer,
Polytechnic interview 2014-15, there was only one subject expert, one APPSC member
and an IAS officer, which is in violation of the UGC norms.
I am from a civil engineering background, and Lecturer post was for civil engineering
subject, but they started asking questions from History as APPSC member was from
history background. Only 3-4 questions were asked by subject expert i.e. civil engineering
and 30-50 questions were asked from here and there especially from history as APPSC
member is from history background.
One should know that unlike History, Mathematics, Hindi, English etc, Civil and other
Engineering branches have 30-50 subjects. How can they ask 3-4 questions and say
that a candidate is undeserving for teaching in that field? A thorough knowledge
of a person cannot be judged by simply asking 3-4 questions. Moreover, even a scientist
will not know the 100 percent of anything.
As per the recruitment norms, only one-third (1/3) should be called for viva-voce/interview.
But in the recently concluded Lecturer, Polytechnic interview 2014-15, 378 candidates
were called for interview against eight vacant posts. As per norms, only 24 should
have been called for interview after shortlisting or by elimination by way of written
examination.
Most importantly, most of the APPSC members are the people who had never faced an
interview of such stature in their life except Mamang Dai. How could they judge a
person who has higher IQ, qualification, etc, from them? I am not telling them not
to ask the question at all, but more weighting should be given to a specialised subject
for whom they are recruiting for.
Apart from norms and quality of interview, the Weighting should be given to the experienced
person, higher qualifications say PG and PhD, but in the recently concluded lecturer
for Polytechnic, no such norms were followed.
Apart from a straight question-answer interview, effectiveness and teaching quality
should be checked by way of teaching demonstrations, but nothing such happens in
APPSC’s teacher recruitment. With this, I have lost my hope from APPSC.
Until APPSC is revived and made to strictly follow the laid down norms of recruitment
of teachers as per UGC, HRD etc, we cannot say that APPSC is the right recruiting
agency for Teachers. Moreover, as no written records are maintained or written examinations
are conducted for teacher recruitment, malpractices cannot be ruled out.
Myself, having faced the ugly truth of interview, I would like to request His Excellency
the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh; Honorable Chief Minister; Commissioner and Secretary,
Department of Administrative Reforms and Training to revive the APPSC and do needful
action as per your wisdom. Our motto should be to select best of best teachers. My
brothers and sisters of state deserve best of best teacher.
Yours,
A Concerned Citizen
Change Paradox
Dear Editor,
From AU to RGU and to AU again? This could be a classic example of what is called
the 'Change Paradox'. We and our successors only tend to change what can be easily
changed, each undoing the work of the one before him. It is striking how a trivial
issue of name-change has been rocking the lone university in the state for the past
few years. The then Arunachal University was renamed as Rajiv Gandhi University in
the year 2005. And it's hard to comprehend that within few years of departure it's
up again for the same, precisely trying to undo the thing that we changed yesterday.
In that sense, we don't see any sign of effort here. It's only a waste of time, energy
and resource. Why not create something permanent; something that cannot be undone
by next generation of leaders? It's better to work at setting one thing right forever,
than to easily set many things right temporarily.
Yours,
Byabang Amar Dui
New Delhi
The flip side of Arunachal politics
Dear Editor,
Indian democracy is eulogized as one of the greatest the world had ever witnessed
but its foundations seem to be getting weaker as the so called politicians continue
to gnaw at its social and economic fabric in a myriad ways. They are evidently becoming
richer by plundering the people's money in connivance with the varied range of non-political
forces ranging from a part-time real estate broker to the big business barons who
have grown to the extent of dictating terms to the State Governments.
On the flip side, the number of poor Aruna-chalee for whom life is a daily struggle,
is growing at a blistering pace despite the attractive rhetoric doled out by politicians
and their mentors.
I am sure the classic paradox of the rich becoming richer and the poor slipping
further down the ladder still holds good more to our state than any other in Country.
Yours,
Buteng Tayeng
Itanagar
