Land for film institute handed over to I & B ministry
ITANAGAR, Aug 25: National Film and Television Institute proposed at Jollang-Rakap near Jote village by Information and Broadcasting Ministry is going to be reality soon with formal handing over of land by villagers to the ministry on Thursday for further development activities as required for setting up of the institute.
Team of officers from Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) Kolkata are currently on a three-day visit to Itanagar regarding setting up of National Film and Television Institute.
The team inspected the plot of land allotted for setting up of Institute measuring 50 acres at Jollang-Rakap near Jote village.
The site is located on a hillock on the right of the Poma River. Boundary pillars have been erected with concrete posts. All relevant documents in connection with allotment of the 50 acres of land including maps, allotment order, copies of notification and gift deed of land donors were also scrutinized by the visiting officers. After inspection of the allotted land measuring 52 acres for the purpose of establishment of the Institute at the site, the representative officers of Ministry of I & B and SRFTI, Kolkata, expressed satisfaction.
The team included Deepak Kumar, Director, Films, Ministry of I & B, New Delhi, Prof. Debasish Ghosal, SRFTI, Kolkata, Sudhin Banerjee, Administrative officer, SRFTI, Kolkata
They visited the site in presence of other officers from various departments including PWD, IPR, and local Panchayat leaders and Gaon Buras from Jollang-Rakap area.
Meanwhile Director Films, Ministry of I & B informed that the Ministry is planning to set up a temporary campus of Film and Television Institute at Itanagar under the leadership of Prof Debasis Goshal who is designated as nodal officer for setting up of Film and Television Institute at Jollang Rakap in Papum Pare district.
The visiting team was accompanied by Obang Tayeng, Director, Information and Public Relations, Techi Hitler, District Land Revenue and Settlement officer, Papum Pare, Assistant Director, IPR Radhe Tajung, public leaders and land donors. (DIPRO)
Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju who is the person behind the coming up of film institute in the state has expressed happiness over the development. While talking to this daily, Rijiju informed that he had categorically conveyed to I & B Ministry that he won't accept change of location after Papum Pare district administration issued land allotment for the institute."I also told I & B ministry that institute should start functioning from this financial year at a temporary site," added Rijiju.
Chaos at Civil Secretariat, visitor beaten up, IAS officer denied entry
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Aug 25: The Civil Secretariat, one of the dream projects of former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has started functioning after much delay from second week of August.
But not everything is in place after the hurried shifting from Banquet Hall, from where most of the offices were functioning. Apart from confusion regarding the parking of cars and entry of visitors, the employees and visitors have been at the receiving end too, because of inept handing at the main entrance.
A visitor was assaulted by the police at the gate, when he tried to gain entry to the Secretariat shocking the employees as well as visitors.
An IAS officer on his official vehicle along with officers of the rank of Director and Deputy Director was refused entry on Thursday.
The officer was on way to attend a meeting called by RD Minister Tanga Byaling. All this happened even though the minister's office had intimated the gate in writing about the meeting.
The drama at the gate led to the postponement of the meeting for two hours which was later conducted outside the secretariat.
Such unruly behaviour calls for thorough overhauling of the security system without compromising with security, said a person who witnessed the rude and violent behavior at the main entrance.
A team of journalists including Pradip Kumar heading for the meeting was also stopped despite production of identity cards.
The rude behaviour of the guards clearly indicates that there has been no briefing at all resulting in communication gap, said a journalist.
CM seeks CII advice for AP Investment Council
NEW DELHI, Aug 25: With the aim of constituting an Arunachal Pradesh Investment Advisory Council, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has requested the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to provide expertise in making this a reality.
The CM pitched for partnership with the CII to attract investors in the state in a meeting with Director General, CII, Chandrajit Banerjee at New Delhi on Thursday.
The Advisory council with members from industries will advise the state government in formulating policies for attracting private investments in key sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, IT, tourism and hydropower sector. CII will soon constitute a team of experts to study the potential of the state.
In a separate meeting with NHPC Ltd, Chief Managing Director, KM Singh, the Chief Minister discussed key issues for preparing a roadmap for faster execution of all the pending projects. The NHPC, CMD had called on the CM Khandu.
Further, the CM also met North Eastern Council (NEC) Secretary and discussed the important projects undertaken by the state government under NEC. He requested him to expedite clearances of important schemes lying pending with the NEC for larger benefit of the people. (PRO, CMO)
Arrested timber smuggler remanded to judicial custody
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Aug 25: Alleged timber smuggler Sandip Das, who was arrested by East Siang police, has been remanded to judicial custody.
Accused Das, who was remanded to two day police custody on Tuesday after the arrest was reproduced before the magistrate on Thursday. But, the magistrate, following pleas of the investigating officer and observing gravity of the case, remanded him to judicial custody of 10 days.
Accused Das has been charged under- 379/467/471 IPC and R/W Section 40 (b) of AFR Act, 1891. Police said that the accused Das smuggled huge quantity of timber from Arunachal Pradesh to Assam using fake challan and forged seal and signature of Arunachal forest officials.
Sandip Das already has a case pending in connection to a case registered in Pasighat PS (Case No. 133/16, U/S- 379/468 IPC and R/W section- 25(b) of AFR Act) in smuggling of timber by using fake Transit Pass(TP) and counterfeit seal and signature of the forest officials managed to get bail.
China riled as India deploys BrahMos missiles on Sino-Indian border
BEIJING, Aug 25: The Chinese military today said India should not do anything "contrary" to the consensus reached between the two countries to maintain peace and stability in border areas, a remark which comes in the backdrop of reports that India plans to deploy BrahMos missiles along the border with China.
"To maintain peace and stability along the India-China border is an important consensus reached by the two sides," spokesman of the Chinese Ministry of Defence Colonel Wu Qian told a media briefing.
"We hope the Indian side can do more for peace and stability in the border region rather than contrary," Wu said.
His comments came after reports said the Indian government has sanctioned induction of additional BrahMos supersonic missiles, with steep dive capability and 290 km range, to be deployed in the Eastern sector to ramp up its capabilities along the border with China.
Defence sources in New Delhi had said the government has cleared the fourth BrahMos regiment at a cost of over Rs 4,300 crore.
Responding to a question about a commentary in the PLA Daily, the official organ of the Chinese military, criticising the decision to deploy the BrahMos missiles at the border, Wu also played down threats of countermeasures mentioned by the commentary.
Quoting reports, The PLA Daily commentary said the Indian government has approved the Army's procurement of nearly 100 upgraded-version of BrahMos supersonic missiles that will be deployed in the northeastern region of the country.
"This news has gained widespread attention. India's move to deploy missiles at the national boundary has already exceeded its defence needs and poses a serious threat to Tibet and Yunnan," it said.
"The deployment of BrahMos missile is bound to increase the competition and antagonism in the China-India relations and will have a negative impact on the stability of the region," it said. PTI
Legislative Committee formed
ITANAGAR, Aug 25: Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker T N Thongdok has appointed BJP MLA Tumke Bagra as the chairman of the committee to re-examine Arunachal Pradesh State Road (Regulation & Development) Bill, 2015. INC MLAs Alo Libang, Jambe Tashi, Techi Kaso, PD Sona, BJP MLA Tage Taki, Secretary (RWD) T H Tayung and CE SID&P Atop Lego have been made members of the committee. Commissioner (PWD) is the member secretary.
The committee has to submit the recommendation within 60 days under Rule 214 of Rules of procedure and conduct of business of the assembly.
APIC impose penalty
ITANAGAR, Aug 25: The Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission has imposed a penalty of Rs 25000/- on PIO cum Executive Engineer, PWD, Yazali for deliberately defying the orders of the commission in connection with the appeal case no. APIC-92/2016 made by one Marbom Tato.
The commission further directed that in case of his failure to comply with the order, arrest warrant will be issued against the PIO.
Eviction drive carried out at Bomdila
BOMDILA, Aug 25: Various permanent and temporary structures coming in the Right of Way of the NH 229 within Bomdila Township was evicted and demolished by the district administration on Aug 23 and 24.
The demolition drive was necessitated to broaden the part of the NH 229, which will be constructed by the 42 BRTF from the Bomdila entry gate to Bomdila 1-mile measuring 7.8 kilometers.
The team led by Town Magistrate, CO, MN Tamo and consisting of Dy.SP, G Dajangju, DLR&SO, N Danggen and Capt. Bipin of the 42 BRTF carried out the eviction with the help of JCVs from BRO amidst heavy security and forces were deployed for the purpose. Although incidences of disturbances surfaced, nothing untoward happened.
Some of the owners had demolished their permanent structures themselves.
The official report also added that, such eviction and demolition drives would be conducted in all the colonies and settlements of Bomdila to do away with the illegal encroachments and also to facilitate smooth flow of traffic. DIPRO
Govt to transfer PMAY funds directly to beneficiaries
New Delhi, Aug 25: The government will transfer about Rs 1.30 lakh crore directly into the accounts of beneficiaries under PMAY over a period of three years for construction of one crore houses, a top official today said.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), 60 per cent houses will be constructed for the homeless and those living in kachcha houses belonging to SC and ST communities, Rural Development Secretary Amarjeet Sinha told PTI.
"The work for selection and validation of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana has been completed. The scheme will be on DBT (direct benefit transfer) mode that means the funds will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries in installments over three years period," Sinha said.
The total outlay of the scheme, including central and states share, is about Rs 1.30 lakh crore and the transfer of funds into the bank accounts of beneficiaries will start from next month and so do the construction, he added.
"To check diversion of funds and to ensure transparency, there will be geotagging of all houses which will be built under this scheme," Sinha said, adding that an online platform has also been created where all the required details of beneficiaries along with their pictures is being recorded.
The government is ensuring and taking all necessary steps that the funds are not misused or diverted to the people who are not in the list, he added.
"The aim is to provide homes to the homeless or those who are staying in kachcha houses," Sinha said.
He informed that the government has provided training to 30,000 masons for construction of the houses which are being designed as per the respective local geography.
Under the Indira Awas Yojana, the government has constructed 7.7 lakh homes in last 4 months. PTI
'Azadi 70- Yaad Karo Qurbani'
ITANAGAR, Aug 25: Rallies, photo exhibition of freedom fighters, film shows, quiz competition and rural sports were organized by the Field Publicity Unit, Nampong at Sompoi, Namgoi and Nampong of Changlang district as part of a 15 day-long Special Awareness Campaign on 'Aazadi 70- Yaad Karo qurbani' from Aug 15 last.
Hundreds of villagers and school children took part in the programme.
The Field Publicity unit in co-ordination with department of Textile & Handicrafts, Nampong also held a photo exhibition of freedom fighters, organized a public meeting at Nampong on Aug 19 and 20 last.
Nampong ZPM, Remwin Morang, Nampong Anchal Chairperson, S Mossang, Craft Superintendent, A B Deori, FPO, S K Deori and FPO, Tezu, M K Jha also spoke on the occasion.
Artistes from Song & Drama division, Guwahati also performed theme-based song, dance and drama.
Mock exercise on earthquake, fire safety held
ROING, Aug 25: Demonstrations on search and rescue operation procedures, dos and don'ts, during natural disasters and First Aid were conducted by the NDRF personnel along with district police personnel during a day-long mock exercise-cum-awareness programme on earthquake, fire safety, search and rescue organized by District Disaster Management Authority, Roing in collaboration with 12th Bn NDRF, Doimukh at DIWINE Words School here on Wednesday.
While highlighting district profile and its vulnerability to disasters, Lower Dibang Valley DC, Ravi Dhawan exhorted the participants to explore all possibilities to make the disaster management exercise effective and pointed that proper coordination and communication is important aspect during disaster. He also informed that preparedness of rescue operation during disaster and time taken to provide relief to the victims will be assessed during the exercise. DC also urged the participants to disseminate the safety tips to their friends and family members.
MP, Mukut Mithi also witnessed the mock exercise and lauded the district administration and NDRF team for organizing awareness among the students, teachers and public. (DIPRO)
Church vignettes - Does our Good Lord love birds more than children?
[ Dani Sulu ]
"Don't keep watching cartoon. Get up and go to church with your dad," wife tells Pading, our little boy.
"OK, Mom," pat comes the reply as he springs up from the Sofa.
"Dad, I will play in the church courtyard...ok." he whispers in my ear out of his mother's earshot.
We drive down to the Church and my son selects back row seat with easy access. Singing of hymn comes to an end and ushers starts collecting the offerings, Pading leans towards me and whispers," Before the preaching starts can I go out and play in the garden outside." I give him emphatic no gesture. He gives his mischievous smile and just moves out. The speaker takes the podium and starts delivering his sermon. Even as I am listening to the preaching, I see my son darting to and fro in the garden making hundred meter dashes. Can any boy catch his father in such a helpless situation as this? And why did he ask my permission when despite my emphatic no, he slips out with that mocking smile at me?
"Children are the God's favorite and through them many a gospel is delivered to us by our Good Lord …." pastor is delivering his sermon even as he is grimacing at occasional cry of an infant baby in the arms of a young and pretty mother in audience whose nervousness is very apparent. Can't make out whether GOD's own little darling is disturbing our pastor or the pastors preaching of love towards children with grim face towards the crying infant is disturbing.
My mind drifts off to occasional talks of people with golden heart and wooden cross and golden cross and wooden heart. To which category I belong, or for that matter the immaculately dressed pastor belongs, I keep wondering in between.
As we walk out the Church door after the service, I see my son first among the children standing in front of tea table eyeing those cookies and biscuits. Smart of him to have asked for two cookies in quick succession before the lady manning the cookies basket realizes.
As the red tea is served in the Church Courtyard, Pastor and I strike a conversation. We discuss on my fabulous five children and his sweet single child. When I ask him if they are planning for second and third child, he grimaces his face and says emphatic no. With a forlorn look he laments," Who will feed and clothe our children if we have more children." To this I reply with a smile, "Pastor, you just gave a golden sermon that when birds of air and animals of wild are not worried what they will eat next, because God loves them and provides for them, how much more God loves humans beings. Therefore, in your eloquent voice you said that men and women need not worry for theirs and their Children's future. Our good Lord will feed and clothe the children. Or does our Good Lord love birds and animals more than yours and my children? " The pastor looks stunned. That was the last time pastor and me ever spoke. Perhaps I wasn't being gentleman with him.
"Dad, can I have your cookies," the little devil asks me.
"No," This time I say emphatically not only in words but with action as well. I stretch my biscuit and cookies out of his reach even as he stretches his hand to snatch away my cookies.
"If you want, go and ask". I say.
"No, I dont want to go there. I want your biscuit."
"It is not that you dont want to go. The fact is, you are feeling shy, rite?" I ask.
"I have already taken twice. I am feeling shy to go and ask for third time." son replies.
"Then you need not have again. If you ask you will be given, if you knock, door will be open to you. This is what Our Lord Jesus said. If you are feeling shy to ask again, you don't deserve to have. But If you really want, you will overcome your fear and shyness and go and ask." I tell him in no uncertain terms.
He gets lost in the crowd. Next thing I see him is with a grin so wide that it nearly matched the winter sunshine we were basking. He had his hands full of biscuits.
We drive back home munching his biscuits. (The piece was written in 2010 in Shillong. Dani Salu is Secretary to Govt of Arunachal Pradesh. He can be reached at danisulu@gmail.com)
All India Junior Ranking Badminton Tournament, 2016 underway
ITANAGAR, Aug 25: The All India Junior Ranking Badminton Tournament, 2016 for under 17 & 19 boys and girls is currently underway from Aug 21 last at Sri Srinivasa Sports Complex, Tirupati, Andra Pradesh.
The tournament organized by Chittoor District Badminton Association in association with Andhra Pradesh Badminton Association under the aegis of Badminton Association of India (BAI) was inaugurated by Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam Joint Executive Officer (JEO), KS Sreenivasa Raju on Wednesday last.
Attending the programme as BAI Observer, Bamang Tago in his address, congratulated P V Shindu for her stupendous performance in the Rio Olympics. He further said that her achievement has given a new boost to the sport and will inspire aspiring badminton players for years to come. He also highlighted the immense contribution of Pullela Gopichand as a coach, mentor and guide in shaping world-class shuttlers and bringing badminton into limelight.
In all, 720 players from across the country are taking part in the national tournament.
Solung Football Tourney 2016
Pasighat, Aug 25: Pasighat Sporting Club defeated Smart City FC by 2-0 goals to register their win in the Mega Solung Football Tourney 2016 played at JN College Football Ground, Pasighat on Thursday.
Tator Jamoh of PSC netted the first goal in the 32nd minute. In the second half, Gumin Panggeng of PSC kicked in the goal at 71st minute.
Despite desperate efforts by Smart City FC to equal the goals nothing materialized till the final whistle.
SIKA FC will play against BSC on Friday afternoon.
‘Weaves of Arunachal Pradesh’ by Yana Ngoba showcased at Lakmé Fashion Week 2016
Guwahati, August 25: It was a proud moment for Northeast as 'Weaves of Arunachal Pradesh' by ace designer Yana Ngoba took the center-stage at the Lakmé Fashion Week on Thursday. The installation by Nazia Hafeez in association with Lakmé Fashion Week was showcased at 9th floor of St. Regis, Mumbai. Celebrating rich textiles from Northeast India and the art of locally spun thread and natural colouring, the collection exudes the very concept of from-farm-to-fashion with impeccable flair.
The Northeast is famous for textile making, and it forms an integral part of the tradition-it has been rooted deeply into their society and culture from time immemorial. What's special is that the texture of the textile made in states like Arunachal in the north east are different from fabrics that are woven in other states of India. Also, weaving, spinning and dying have always been three very important industries in this part of the country. What began as an art form focused on how clothes are a means of protecting oneself against the rigours of climate, today has transformed into an arena of fashion, with some of the best artisans in the world. And everything is very symbolic - like the colours which are associated with tribes from the North East or the use of certain ornaments which are often associated with a family's social position. For example, motifs of shapely pointed triangles depict arrows or hornbills, and the small red squares on a sanctum cloth represent ferment used for making beer. The colour red in shawls symbolises blood enemies, blue stands for sky, and black represents the night.
Age old practices have been brought back to life. Like the loin loom (also known as the backstrap loom) is a heritage which has been passed down over generations-it is one of the oldest looms in the world and is indigenous to the North East. It is still very popular amongst tribal women weavers. With these traditional looms, weavers till today make various intricate designs inspired by nature, birds, fish, animals, flowers and trees and incorporate modern new objects in their creations as well. The elaborate processes of spinning, dying and finally weaving remind us of the rich discoveries of the women who wove for as a custom. According to one of the legends, the art of weaving was learnt in a dream from the goddess Podi Barbi - a Galo song which narrates an entire story on how the cotton is grown, plucked and spun and how it is woven with cotton yarn in a loom. This old story, history, tradition and art is brought back to life in this unique collection, celebrating its intricate beauty and innate charm. Geometric patterns that once dominated the clothing worn by the women of Arunachal with the popular motif of zig-zag lines is showcased. Even floral patterns that take on a geometric form are seen. Simple and straight lines, reflective of clothes of the Adi and Aptani tribes are also brought to the spotlight. Another tribe celebrated in this collection are the Idu Mishmi of Arunachal - they can be distinctively identified by their typical hairstyles, distinctive costumes and artistic patterns on their clothes. They are expert craftsmen and particularly great weavers.
Drawing inspiration from the tribes and their ingenious craft, comes to focus a collection that will be like no other. Where history meets the future and the old becomes the new.
Consultation on Conservation of Eastern Hoolock Gibbon
Chapakhowa (Sadiya), Aug 25: In its initiative for conservation of Eastern Hoolock Gibbon in the eastern part of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh landscape, ENVIRON in collaboration with Aitjya & Sadiya Youth Development Association (SYDA) organized a local stakeholder's meet at Chapakhowa on Aug 25 with the support of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS).
The discussion emphasized on heritage conservation considering gibbon as a flagship species. Several suggestions were made during the meet for proper implementation of the school level programme and community conservation initiatives. The two-year long programme is being implemented in Sadiya and Lower Dibang Valley district with the active support of SSA, Govt. of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Dr. Kuladip Sarma, Principal Investigator of the Project gave a comprehensive overview of the ongoing "Conservation of Eastern Hoolock Gibbon in Eastern Assam-Arunachal Pradesh Landscape through education-awareness & community conservation Practices (CHGAAP)" project and work done so far in the project. It is noted that the project was officially launched in October 2015 by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest & Principal Secretary (E & F), Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh in Itanagar with the support of Forestry Department, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology, Dept. of Zoology, Rajiv Gandhi University and G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, NE Unit, Itanagar.
Cleanliness drive at Bomdila
TAWANG, Aug 25: As part of the 'Swachh Pakhwadas' campaign, a two-day long cleanliness drive was organized by the Department of Tourism under the supervision of DTO, Tsering Dekey at the Urgelling Gompa and Buddha Park here on Aug 24 and 25 respectively.
During the drive, teachers and students of Government Middle School, Kremethang and Government Middle School, Tawang cleared the garbage in and around the Gompa, white washed the retaining walls of the Buddha Park and polished the interior wooden floors of the Gompa.
Later, dustbins were also distributed for use within the premises of the Gompa. (DIPRO)
Union refutes DC's clarification
ITANAGAR, Aug 25: Refuting the clarification given by the Kra Daadi DC on Aug 23, the All Kra Daadi District Students Union (AKDDSU) has stated it as baseless and misleading.
In a release, the union contented that the Community Health Centre which has been shifted to the 50 bedded hospital is not in the interest of the public as the hospital is at least 4 kms away from the town and there is no proper public transportation to reach the hospital with no pharmacy nearby. The CHC had been serving as a lifeline to the poor people as it is located in the heart of the town and caters to the needs of the poor. If at all the DC wanted to establish his office, he should have established it at Jamin rather than trying to create problems for the poor people by shifting the CHC 4 kms away from the town, reasoned the union.
Further, on the implementation of MSDP and RMSA, the union alleged that the DC has cleaned his hand away by putting it the issue on the BDO and DDSE. The DC's involvement is evident as he has issued the cheques to the contractors whereas the executing department should have issued the cheques. Moreover no tenders were floated for these works, it said.
The allegations also stated that the DC has failed to stop encroachment of school land and govt. quarters and has illegally recommended for appointment in govt. jobs without any interview. Since he has mismanaged the untied fund meant for the districts' development, the DC has failed to clarify these issues in his statement, the release added.
Finally saying that the DC has rejected to meet the union for clarifications on the issues, AKDDSU stated that the DC's indifferent attitude towards the students' community and his anti development and pro corruption policies are detrimental for the district. It called for an IAS cadre DC to be posted at Kra Daadi.
APCTGTSU allege DHS of cheating
ITANAGAR, Aug 25: The All Palin, Chambang, Yangte, Gangte & Tarak-Langdi Students' Union (APCYGTSU) has alleged directorate of health services of cheating in the recently advertised group C & D posts against Kra-Daadi district.
In its complaint letter to the chief secretary seeking an enquiry into it, the union claimed that a total of 47 posts of group C & D grades were earmarked for the district however only 30 posts were advertised for which the interview was held on August 21 last.
17 posts are missing, it said fearing that the posts may be filled up by kiths and kins of officers concern.
The union further demanded not to conduct viva-voce till an amicable solution is reached at and warned to launch democratic movement if the department still goes ahead with recruitment of the only 30 advertised posts.
Transfer JE PWD Mengio
ITANAGAR, Aug 25: The All Mengio Students' Union (AMSU) has sought immediate transfer of JE PWD Mengio Sub-Division A K Mishra claiming that he has served 12 years in the same posting place.
In its representation to the superintending engineer (Coord), training & vigilance PWD, the union claimed that the officer was transferred from Mengio Sub-Division but he was retained.
Approve revise estimate: Committee
ITANAGAR, Aug 25: The Koloriang Bridge Point Parsi-Parlo Nabard Road Review Committee (KBPPPNRRC) has demanded re-approval of revised estimate of Rs 23.46 crore against C/O Road from Koloriang Bridge Point to Damin via Parsi-Parlo part-II of phase-I under RIDF-XV under NABARD. The committee has written to the deputy chief minister in this regard.
Rs 32 crore during the initial funding could not meet up the total accomplishment of the work due to part-wise release of fund at long intervals and market price escalation, it said.
A revised estimate amounting to Rs 23.46 crore was approved vide Memo no. PD/LF-01/2005(part-III)/503-512, dated Itanagar the 9th December, 2015, to be considered under RIDF-XXI under NABARD. However it was delayed in sanctioning during stipulated year 2015-16 due to delay in carrying out technical verification by NABARD. Now NABARD needs re-approval of the state government for consideration and sanctioning under RIDF XXII 2016-17 supported by technical observations from executing agency (APWD), its letter to the DCM further reads.
Socio-Academic Counseling
ITANAGAR, Aug 25: Socio-Economic Welfare Association (SEWA) organized a Socio-Academic Counseling for students and parents on Aug 24 at GHSS, Old-Mohong, Upper Lekang, Namsai on Thursday.
Students of class-IX to XII and their parents were counseled on various academic issues as well as health and hygiene.
The SEWA team was led by President Dr. C.M Thamoung who spoke on health, hygiene and adolescent and child care.
Principal GHSS Old-Mohong M.Megu stressed on the important role of parents towards their children in the field of studies as he underscored the need for proper guidance.
The principal informed the SEWA regarding lack of school infrastructure, water supply and facilities for girl students. Due to insufficient class rooms, School has to make do with two shifts.
Editorial
Hydro dream
The new Chief Minister Pema Khandu has shown interest to expedite the development
of hydropower projects in Arunachal. Khandu has been meeting officials of hydropower
developers like NHPC to assess the situation. Like his predecessors Pema Khandu is
also trying to sell hydro dream to the people of state. This whole thing was started
by his late father Dorjee Khandu. During his tenure as CM late Khandu opened the
door for hydro powers developers. Hundreds of MOU/MOA was signed.
But unfortunately most of these projects never took off and many of the private companies
have virtually abandoned the project. Only few projects taken up by PSUs like NHPC,
NEEPCO are still on. Due to various reasons including bitter opposition by local
people the projects could not be started. Also the power developers like NHPC and
NEEPCO has been accused of neglecting the project affected people. Recently Pare
project land affected people alleged NEEPCO of not fulfilling the promise of providing
jobs to them. Project affected people started mass agitation asking NEEPCO to fulfill
the promise. Government should ensure that this kind of incident does not take place.
There should be proper job reservation for the project affected people. Also in those
areas where locals oppose the coming up of dam, the government should not forcefully
impose the decision.
________________________________
Readers’ Forum
Stop playing with the patience of the youths
Dear Editor,
To quote “We dwell in one of the most corrupted state of India" I feel no shame for
it is a fact. One finds default in every section of govt works here. Among them one
of the most corrupted and haphazard is- 'job recruitment process'. There is no fixed
pattern and plan for recruitment. No tentative dates for exam and result are detailed
while publishing advertisements in papers. After submissions of forms, the frustrated
and unemployed youths have to wait for long for exam to be held. Wait extends for
a year or more. Its irritating when you receive your admit card suddenly ordering-
your exam is on next week. By then many had almost forgotten about the forms and
exam.
Mostly admit card never arrives and students lurks.
More annoying is when you have to wait for results after the delayed exam. Results
of even simple LDC post takes around 5-6 months.
Most of the departments delay the result and results are sometimes not declared.
What happens behind the door- only God and so called officers knows. Citing an example
to validate my points- APEX BANK of AP published advertisement for various posts
last year asking each candidate to submit DD of Rs 50 or 100 in its name. A year
has passed yet there is no news.
Thousands of students who filled the forms for the posts are still waiting. God only
knows the story within.
These are common practices by various departments of our state. Is this fair? I ask
the govt and officers as a denizen.
Everything looks fake when you see a departmental advertisement now. The youths are
frustrated with patience level almost ruptured.
Through your esteemed columns, I urge govt and officers to heed and take effective
actions to mend the corrupted recruitment process. And stop playing with the patience
and brains of the youths.
Yours,
Biku Jaipu
Itanagar
Essence of humanity
Dear Editor,
By devoting her entire life for the cause of the poor, homeless, orphans and lepers,
Mother Teresa had displayed to the world what the essence of humanity and true purpose
of life are all about. Along with this self-obsessed consumerist society the critics
of Mother Teresa, who accuse her of sponsoring “religious imperialism”, should hang
their heads in shame.
Who will teach these fanatics that basic necessities of life and dignity are infinite
times more important than mere religion? And why don’t the self-declared guardians
of Hindutva come forward and put a balm on the starved stomachs and hurt souls of
the marginalised helpless lot who are mercilessly left to die on the streets?
Officially she might get “promoted” from Mother to Saint, but actually she was nothing
but the “God who walked on this earth”. My respect to the great humanitarian.
Yours,
Kajal Chatterjee,
Kolkata
Untapped tourism potential in Arunachal
Dear Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to raise my concern and
reach out to the officials of the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal
Pradesh to understand the reason as to why are we still lagging behind in tourism
sector.
Undoubtedly, our state is blessed with immense tourism resources. Though endowed
with huge potential, Arunachal is still in pristine state and lacks the ways and
means to harvest what it has to offer. I would like to understand, why we aren’t
making full potential.
We are completely aware about tourism having high potential to earn foreign exchange.
Keeping in view of the resources, Arunachal is also one of the most potential regions,
owing to its geographical and cultural richness and attract both domestic and international
tourists.
The beauty and the marvels of Arunachal is crying out loud, but unfortunately there
is no one to hear and bring out the best of it. We have many tourist spots which
are naturally beautiful, but have we really nurtured these?
I am sure that if the potentials of tourism are taken seriously, then definitely
growth is bound to happen. However, unplanned tourism is killing the unique estate.
I would like to bring into notice about tourist attractions in Itanagar. We have
Ganga Lake which has never been cleaned I believe, the steps are lying unattended,
boats are rusted but there is literately no one who really cares to clean up the
mess properly. Additionally, Itafort could be the highest tourist earning spot,
but sad to point out that there are very few visitors visiting this beautiful site
and even the locals might have hardly visited it twice. I tell you the reason, because
apart from the bricks, there is nothing more. There are no extra efforts from us
to attract the eyes of the visitors.
However, there are huge gaps that need to be filled. If the Government and the Department
of Tourism can mutually work together by improving communication bottlenecks, e-facilities
for online payment, accommodation, food and beverage arrangements, transport conveniences,
travel bookings, infrastructure, administrative and security concerns, then only
we can foresee our Arunachal tourism to flourish as a developed industry.
I wonder if our Government and the Department of Tourism, Arunachal Pradesh have
done enough justice. Our state is filled with immense talents and skills, namely,
graduates and post-graduates who are specialised in the Tourism & Hospitality Industry
and are waiting for their chances to be part of Arunachal Tourism and to take the
state to the next level, with much determination and innovation. Unfortunately, the
Department of Tourism seems to lack interest and with no intention to advertise job
vacancies. It looks like a slap on the faces of the graduate who have been expecting
so much from the state.
Therefore, it is an earnest request to the State Government to take the local population
and the specialised graduates into confidence to harness the tourism potentiality.
Yours,
Bishal Aran, Itanagar
Random, unplanned constructions
Dear Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the kind attention
of the concern authorities towards the random, unplanned construction going on in
the Capital Complex. It has come to notice that in these few years unplanned, random
and haphazard constructions are mushrooming in almost all the sectors, market areas
and more importantly nearby the National Highway. They are turning blind eye to future
development and expansion, upgrading and renovations of areas; and thus, erecting
permanent structures especially in highly congested area.
In some places, they do not even leave enough space for vehicle movement especially
loaded four wheelers and more importantly fire service vehicles. If a major fire
accident happens then god only knows how to save them because fire service vehicle
would not be able to ply freely in such congested little space. Moreover, most of
the apartments, rent houses do not leave space for parking. As a result, motor vehicles
are parked nearby the roads.
Most of the construction works are supervised and carried out by masons, semi-skilled
labors. Only a handful of building construction works is carried out by Structural
and Civil Engineers. Owing to the Seismic Zone-V and on Himalaya tectonic plate and
considering the soil formation; the large building construction plan has to be perfect
and building structures should not exceed 4 storey mark. Knowingly or unknowingly
many of commercial buildings, apartments and even residential buildings have already
crossed 4 storey mark and thus they are posing real dangers to common people in case
of major earthquake.
In light of the above facts and considering the danger posed by unplanned building
constructions and for future renovation and beautification of area and to salvage
Colonies, Sectors from turning into a Slum Area in near future; I earnestly request
the concern authorities to look into the matter and initiate a big positive steps
to curb the menace and prepare a blueprint for disaster management and honest implementation
of building bye-laws and other Acts of the Government.
Yours,
Mizum Lollen
