aug16 28

August 28

2011

2016

Stop shielding criminals, support police, says wife of slain officer

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Aug 27: Moyir Basar, the wife of slain DSP Seppa, Bomto Kamdak said that it is time citizens stop supporting and shielding criminals.

"There are demands for arrest of criminals but even after they are arrested by police, they are out soon on bail. It is time we stop supporting criminals. It is our duty as well to do what is right," she said while addressing the press persons at Arunachal Press Club here on Saturday.

"People have criticized the police for letting the dreaded criminal Tagyung Yangfo escape from the Jail. But after his escape, the accused was roaming freely. Why did not people hand him over to police, she asked.

She further called for sensitizing people about the risks policemen take in protecting their lives so that people become compassionate about them.

Policemen risk their lives in order to make our society crime free. But how often have we thought of them and thanked them enough for carrying out the dangerous job, Basar said.

"I have seen my husband work under tough conditions. He could never get away from work even at home. Encouraging their job, saying a little thank you would mean a lot to them," she said.

Basar who has been to Seppa and Chayang Tajo recently after the incident had all praise for the people there. She thanked APWWS, East Kameng unit, EKSCWO, ADC Chayang Tajo and others for supporting her.

She further expressed her gratitude to everyone for supporting her during trying times.

CM Khandu woos tourists to Arunachal at ‘Songs and Dances of Northeast’

Maha Govt assures to help NE students

MUMBAI, Aug 27: Showcasing Arunachal Pradesh as an compelling holiday destination in India, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday wooed the tourists at the ‘Songs and Dances of Northeast’ at CIDCO exhibition and convention hall, Vashi, NaviMimbai.

Khandu was speaking during the inaugural function of the festival, which was attended by MoS Home Kiren Rijiju and Maharashtra Education and Art & Culture Minister, Vinod Tawde.

“Arunachal Pradesh, the land of the rising sun is one of the most compelling holiday destinations in India. This remote outpost of the North Eastern state entices the adventurer with its picturesque Himalayan landscapes with snow-capped mountain peaks crisscrossed by mighty rivers and pristine mountain streams,” he said.

Welcoming everyone to the festival, Pema said the event was a great opportunity for the people of western India, especially Mumbai to know and understand about the cultures of Northeast India and a step towards national integration.

Highlighting Northeast India as one of the most ethnically diverse regions of the nation, Pema asserted that the region has God gifted endowments in terms of natural beauty – Himalayan landscape, beautiful and fertile valleys, rich flora and fauna, mighty rivers and pristine lakes.

Addressing the gathering, Union MoS, Kiren Rijiju asserted that the Centre is giving full attention to Northeast in infrastructural development. He said revamping development, particularly road and communications and cultural promotion would strengthen the tourism in NE region.

Stating that, ‘Songs and Dances of North East’ is a good platform to bridge the communication gap, the MoS also assured that a similar conglomeration of North-East Students studying in Maharashtra would be arranged in collaboration with Maharashtra government in November.

Much to the delight of all present, Art and Culture, Education Minister, Govt of Maharashtra, Vinod Tawde announced that a nodal officer would be appointed to oversee education related issues of students from Northeast studying in Maharashtra.

While extolling the rich culture of the NE region, he added that there are many things India needs to learn from the region. He also sought support from the Arunachal government to organize an event in Maharashtra so that every citizen of the state is aware about NE region.

Earlier, welcoming the participants in the musical and dance extravaganza, Secretary Tourism, Dr. Joram Beda said that rich cultures and traditions of North East are unknown to many Indians and the event is an attempt to close the gap and increase understanding between rest of Indians and the people from North East.

Secretary NEC, Ram Muviah also spoke on the occasion.

Among others, Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein, MLA Bamang Felix, MLA of Vashi, Chief Secretary Sakuntala D. Gamlin, and Police Commissioner Vashi etc. attended the inaugural function.

The daylong festival offered the northeast region and its rich and vibrant culture- food, songs, dances, attires, etc. in one platform. Popular folk dances such as Oki Soyim of Nagaland, Cheraw of Mizoram, Wangala of Meghalaya, Cham of Sikkim, Lai Haraoba of Manipur, Hojagiri of Tripura and Bagurumba of Assam were performed.

From Arunachal, Buya dance of Nyishis, Peacock dance of Khamptis, Erap dance of Galos and PakhuIttu dance of Apatanis were showcased.

Artists Lou Majaw of Meghalaya and Naga folk singer, Guru Rewbn Mashangva, Omak Komut, Takar Nabam and Taba Chake of Arunachal and many other artists from the North East enthralled the audience.

Although the inaugural function witnessed few audiences, crowd began to swell with the beginning of the evening programme.

‘Songs and Dances of North East 2016’ is being organized jointly by Government of Arunachal Pradesh and North East Council (NEC), Ministry of DoNER. Conceptualized and designed by NEC the event aims to bind together the diverse culture and heritage of the Northeast on a common platform and connect it with the rest of India. It began in the year 2015 and is held by rotation in different parts of the country as part of the series of events planned by NEC and DoNER. The first edition of the festival was hosted by Meghalaya and held in Delhi.

Fire at Aalo, one critically injured

AALO, Aug 27: An old man suffered critical burnt injuries in a fire accident that broke out at Boken Market, Aalo at 3 AM on Saturday.

The injured person has been admitted in General Hospital, Aalo in critical condition.

One dwelling house, a shop and fabrication store were completely gutted in the fire.

The shopkeeper of the fabrication unit also sustained burn injuries.

Many properties, including cash money are reportedly lost in the fire.

Fire tender from Aalo Fire Station managed to off the fire . DIPRO

Nalong Mize conferred True

Legends - Northeast Award

ITANAGAR, Aug 28: Nalong Mize, Secretary, Sustainable Development Forum Arunachal Pradesh (SDFA) has been selected by the prestigious Kolkata based Telegraph Newspaper as one of the awardees for the second edition of True Legends - North East Award for this year.

The award is being given to Mize for his contribution in the field of sustainable development and environment conservation during more than a decade and half career in the development sector.

Mize has actively worked in the area of policy advocacy for sustainable and meaningful policies for the mountain region at regional and national level. Besides, being in development sector, Mize has also provided advises on sustainable development approaches to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh as Adviser to the Chief Minister , Arunachal Pradesh and as Officer-on- Special Duty to Minister,

Agriculture & Horticulture, Arunachal Pradesh.

In Arunachal Pradesh, as Director of Future Generations India & Executive Director, Future Generations Arunachal Pradesh, Mize worked in the area of Panchayat training in database decision making, training of village women in primary healthcare, conservation efforts in facilitating designing of nature preserves in line with United Nations defined biosphere reserve, economic and social empowerment of women, eco-tourism by promoting home stay, peer to peer learning of best practices of local farmers of different places in Arunachal Pradesh.

As Secretary of SDFA, Mize has organised the first major international developmental pan Himalayan Summit called Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS) of Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI), which is pan Indian Himalayan region association of 11 mountain states of India advocating the interests of the mountain states in India in realm policy advocacy, developmental project implementation, research et al. With the holding of the Summit in Itanagar various policies issues and challenges unique to Arunachal Pradesh was highlighted at national and international level to key policy makers and thinkers.

As of now, Mize, along with the progressive farmers of Siang valley is promoting horticultural activities in Siang District, particularly in Pangin-Boleng area by motivating and facilitating compact horticulture garden in order to economically empower them. Many villages have taken up compact garden approach and many more are likely to join the movement. The success of this movement can transform the rural economy of the region.

Mize is also Leadership for Environment and Development (LEAD) Fellow, a fellowship programme of people with proven leadership quality in respective field by Rockefellar Foundation after the Rio Earth Summit 1992.

Mize dedicates this award to the thousands of women in the hundreds of villages in Arunachal Pradesh who toiled hard every day to sustain their family.

In his long career in the developmental sector, Mize feels that women are the harbinger of all the positive changes - they are anchor of the family, they are the anchor of the society and most importantly, they are the anchor of life!

This Award is for the indomitable spirit of the resilient tribal women of Arunachal Pradesh. This is for them!

Voluntary blood donation camp at NERIST

ITANAGAR, Aug 27: A total of 46 units of blood were collected during a voluntary blood donation camp organized by the National Service Scheme (NSS) cell of North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST).

The camp was organized in association with Tomo Riba State Hospital and State Blood Transfusion Council, Naharlagun at NERIST Health Unit on Saturday.

Before the start of the camp, SBTC Deputy Director Dr. Nabam Budh highlighted about the importance of blood in hospital treatment systems and the need of haemovigilance to ensure the quality and sustainable supply of blood.

NSS being a youth organization has a vital role to play to reach the target of 100% voluntary blood donation. If all the volunteers donate atleast once a year a huge portion of the blood requirement will be fulfilled, stated Dr. A. Dinamani Singh, Asst. Professor and HoD, Deptt. of ECE, NERIST, while addressing the donors.

Enhancing tourism in Arunachal

Flights Of Fantasy...

Group Captain Mohonto Panging VM (Retd)

Arunachal Pradesh has the potential to be a major tourist destination. There are many pristine and exotic destinations which can captivate both national and international tourists. If planned and developed properly, Arunachal has the potential to compete with Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim as the preferred tourist destination.

Picturesque Mechuka, scenic Ziro valley, lovely landscape of Bomdila, Dirang, Tawang...snow laden Mayudia...Namdapha Sanctuary are all endowed with natural beauty. Tourists can explore the thrill of white water rafting and angling on the Siang, Subansiri, Dibang, Kameng and Lohit rivers and its tributaries. Travellers could also experience the rejuvenating mountain trekking in the virgin areas of Pemako.

There are other important historical sites like14th century Malinithan, the medieval Ita Fort, Parsuram Kund of Mahabharat era where Parsuram washed away his sins, the land of Bhismaknagar and the beautiful Rukmini who was whisked away in marriage by Lord Krishna, the 400 years old second largest monastery of the Buddhists.

A typical package for a tourist could include sightseeing, adventure sports, river rafting/ angling, trekking, visit to tribal house/village, tribal dance with bonfire etc. Even golf tourism could be explored.

Increase in tourism will create many jobs in fields directly related to tourism like hotels, restaurants, transportation, adventure sports etc. There would be many more jobs created in forward and backward linkages. In addition, the state would also earn revenue.

The major obstacle to development of tourism in Arunachal is the dilapidated infrastructure. As per Arunachal Pradesh official website there are 12 Tourist Circuits. The roads along all these 12 circuits are in bad condition. Except for few, these dilapidated roads are not new roads. Roads to Bomdila/ Tawang, Aalo, Yingkiong/ Tuting, Roing/ Mayudia/ Anini have been in existence/ under repair/ construction for many decades now. After travelling for 10-16 hrs on potholed, narrow, mountainous, winding roads, a tourist would be left with no energy and enthusiasm to explore the place. Railways connect only two towns in Arunachal. There are no operational airports in the state. Due to the lack of railways and airports, tourists have no choice but to travel by these bad roads.

There are inadequate numbers of hotels, restaurants and resorts in these places. The existing ones are also of poor standard. There is frequent failure of electricity leading to lack of geysers, internet, air conditioners etc. There is a general lack of tourist guides, maps of the area, souvenir shops, vehicle repair facilities, ATMs etc.

The way forward is to ensure all weather roads to these exotic tourist destinations like Bomdila/ Tawang, Aalo/ Mechuka, Pasighat/ Yingkiong/ Tuting, Roing/ Mayudia/ Anini etc. The other step is to quickly operationalise the ALGs at Pasighat, Aalo, Mechuka, Tezu and the Heliport at Tawang for operations by medium size civil aircraft. Once the tourists start flowing in, automatically supporting infrastructure like hotels, restaurants, resorts will come up.

To ease the inner line woes for tourists, like being done for Visas in many countries, inner line permits and protected area permits should be made available on arrival at all the entry points of these identified 12 Tourist Circuits.

Like hydro power, tourism has the potential to transform the image and economic status of Arunachal Pradesh. With proper planning, push for infrastructure and a little vision, could we hope to see a boom in the tourism sector?

Gao presses Center for early rail connectivity to Pasighat

ITANAGAR, Aug 27: State BJP president Tapir Gao called on Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu in connection with the issue of railway connectivity to Pasighat town on Friday.

During their meeting, Gao appealed to the Union Minister to expedite the process of expansion of railway lines to Pasighat town from Murkong Selek Railway Station in Assam, which is just 35 km from Pasighat town.

He urged Prabhu to settle the issue of compensation for land acquisition as par with the rate being given by Indian Railways in other parts of the country. He explained to the minister that the lands that are proposed to be acquired are cultivated lands which are still producing food grain for the farmers' families.

"These are prime land for which a fair compensation should be given by the Indian Railways which commensurate with the rate for similar land in other parts of the country," Gao urged.

The State BJP president shared with the Union Minister that rail connectivity to Pasighat Town will greatly boost the economy of Siang and Dibang valleys in central part of the State.

Besides, improving the flow of tourist into these regions, the railway connectivity will also greatly enhance the trade and commerce, particularly of horticulture and agriculture produces, Gao said.

As hinterland of Pasighat town is one of the most vibrant horticulture belts of Arunachal Pradesh, coming of railway can greatly facilitate export of various horticulture produces, like ginger, orange, pineapple, large cardamom, aromatic oils, edible oil, exotic fruits, flowers etc. from Pasighat to rest of the country and the world which will make Pasighat a major tourism and trade & commerce hub.

Gao was accompanied by team of State BJP leaders.

Unprecedented dry spell in the last 38 years

Basar, Aug 27: There is no appreciable rainfall (>2.5 mm/day) in Basar and adjoining areas from last 30 days. According to Dr. R. Bhagawati, Joint Director, ICAR Basar, this dry spell is unprecedented in the last 38 years (1979-2016) as per data recorded in Agrometeorological Observatory at ICAR Research Farm, Gori.

Commenting on the issue of climate change in the state, K. Bhagawati (i/c Technical Officer, Agromet) said that based on the statistical analysis 38 years recorded data, the annual total rainfall shows weak increasing trend and considerable inter/intra seasonal variations. Also, it was found that there is significant drop in the number of rainy days in the last decade (118 days) compared to 38 years average rainy days of 143 days. As per the current prediction, increase in rainfall trend and decrease in rainy days may lead to increase in extreme rainfall events like high intensity rainfall and mid-season drought in several areas in the recent future. He also reiterated that these real but statistically insignificant rainfall trends indicate a worrisome future scenario and natural climatic excursions may be much larger than predicted or imagined. According to T. Angami (Scientist Horticulture), with the increase in temperature and drought like situation, there are more chances of disease and pest incidences especially under protected cultivation (polyhouses), as disease and pest incidence are more prominent in warm and humid conditions. There will be severe leaf scorching in almost all fruit crops and vegetables. Angami also suggested life saving irrigation of crops and cultivation of vegetables under naturally ventilated polyhouses with 75 % shade net as side walls.

He also recommended mulching of crops with naturally growing grasses in almost all the fruit crops to prevent moisture loss.

Regarding agronomical impacts, B. Makdoh (Scientist Agronomy) said that the current dry spell created drought like situation in the area adversely affecting WRC rice and other field crops like pulses, vegetables etc. However, the current situation is found to be favourable for ready to harvest Jhum rice and expected to increase its yield.

Dr Anup Chandra (Scientist Entomology) reported emergence of new soil borne insect pests especially in WRC rice which according to him may be due to current persistent dry spell. Dr. Doni Jini (Scientist Vet. Extension) suspects possible decline in animal feed/fodder due to scarcity of rainfall and mortality due to heat stress under intensive system of rearing. He recommended farmers to provide adequate potable water with vitamin C supplements to livestock and poultry, and to avoid transportation during noon hours. He also suggested the farmers to cover livestock/poultry houses with locally available grasses or Toko leaves. As per Amit Sen (SRF NICRA), the increase of soil temperature above 40oC leads to reduction in soil moisture as well as inhibitory responses in biomass carbon of upper layer of soil.

AITF intervention was for best interest of communities: NES

ITANAGAR, Aug 27: Reacting to the Cherom-Chera Welfare Society's nullification of resolution passed between Nyishi Elite Society (NES) and Cultural and Literary Society of Mishmi (CALSOM) initiated by Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF) over the Aug 14 Tezu incident, NES has said that the intervention of the AITF is in the best interest of the Nyishi and Mishmi communities in particular and the entire indigenous communities of the state in general for ensuring peaceful co-existence for overall peace, progress and prosperity of the state.

NES said that it had detailed discussion with two boys on Aug 16 wherein, they explained that they have been victimized in the name of the community and demanded immediate steps from the community under the aegis of NES. Thereafter, NES took up the issue with Chief Secretary to ensure safety and security of Nyishis in Lohit, Dibang Valley and Anjaw districts, stated a press release.

NES further said intervention has been necessitated as it involved inter-community conflict and communal in nature and not an inter-clan dispute while adding that intervention was also as desired by victims Boria Atung and Chera Taji.

DC plays the role of doctor, examines patients in health camp

BOMDILA, Aug 27: West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sonal Swaroop, who herself is a MBBS degree holder from MAMC, played the role of a doctor and examined patients and prescribed medicines accordingly during a health camp at Balemu on Saturday.

She examined one infant and neonate with paraumbilical hernia and congenital heart disease, who have been referred to GNRC.

A total of 175 patients were examined and immunization services provided to 50 children during the camp.

There was a huge rush of patients of all age groups suffering from various ailments, like hypertension, scabies, cyst, impaired vision , dermatitis, PID etc in the camp.

Along with the SMO, there were doctors from PHC Balemu and veterinary doctor from Sab.

SSB also provided sports equipments and honorarium to Balemu and Paknaktang School students as a token of appreciation.

The health camp was organized following a decision of the District Health Monitoring Committee to hold intensive medical camps throughout the district to provide outreach services to citizens, who can't come to medical centres and to specifically focus on maternal and child health.

Accordingly, the first one was organized at Govt. Middle school Balemu circle, Kalaktang on Saturday. All preparation for the camp was made by ADC Kalaktang H.Lailang and SMO Kalkatang Dr R Thongchi under directions of the DC.

SSB DIG Sudhir Kumar and Co 61Bn also chipped in this medic civil action to make it Joint Civic -Paramilitary Medical Camp by providing Veterinary support by means of Senior Vet Doctor and medicines for animals as well as human medicines.

Later in the day, the DC along with the DIG, ADC, ZPM and DSP and other officers visited Indo-Bhutan border and both check gates to see the security arrangements.

Students asked to generate habit of reading good books

SEPPA, Aug 27: East Kameng Deputy Commissioner Rajeev Takuk on Friday advised the students to accord top priority to discipline in order to become a successful man. "Only discipline can bring hard work, determination, punctuality and other positive factors for success. And, at the same time, love and compassion for exercising those positive factors keep them together," the DC said while attending the 7th Freshers' Meet cum Interaction programme at Govt. Model Degree College, Wessang.

He also exhorted the students to generate a habit of reading good books and try to introspect and learn new things. "Merely obtaining a degree is of no use rather one should be competitive," he advised. Asking the meaning of a college, he said them that not knowing something is not wrong rather not trying to learn that thing is wrong. Describing the original meaning of college in Latin, likewise, he appealed them to perform and practice academic activities within the set norms of college.

Acknowledging that the college has long way to go, he said, popularity and success of any school, college or university is primarily depends on the performance and achievement of its students. He appealed them to make this institution as a model college so that other colleges would imitate and take reference of it. Quoting "money is good servant but bad master," he cautioned them that success should never go beyond your head and makes you wonder astray.

He also advised the students to keep away from bad and immoral activities, which may taste sweet in beginning but has bitter outcome.

Expressing gratitude to the people who have toiled hard for making a dream of having a college into reality, College Principal Robin Hissang gave a brief account of the history of the college from its formative period of establishment up to present status. He recalled how from a single room in the GHSS Seppa where college was started temporarily and become an established institution at its permanent location, Wessang.

Cautioning the freshers to refrain from running after easy way of success or achievement, he advised them that anything which are obtained easily like easy money will evaporates easily but outcome through genuine and hard work will last for eternity.

He informed that the enrolment of the college is increasing annually in compare to other colleges. "The pass percentage is also in positive track, it is showing improvement in year-wise term," he informed.

The programme was attended by ADI N. Doka, and faculty members, staffs and senior students of the college. Tame Cheda and Namie Riang were adjudged as Mr and Miss Fresher, respectively.

Earlier in the day, DC inspected the temporary sheds for classrooms constructed at the terrace of the academic block of college. He expressed satisfaction with the work. DIPRO

CM visits Arunachal Bhawan at Mumbai

MUMBAI, Aug 27: Chief Minister Pema Khandu along with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, MLA Bamang Felix, Chief Secretary Shakuntala D Gamlin and Commissioner Finance visited the Arunachal Bhavan at Navi Mumbai.

Khandu met officers posted in the Bhavan and also interacted with students and visitors staying there. He took details of all the problems being faced in smooth functioning of the Bhavan, which is frequented mostly by cancer patients from the state for treatment in specialized hospitals of Mumbai and students studying across Maharashtra.

To set things in order, CM Khandu directed the Office of the Resident Commissioner, New Delhi to take over the charge of Arunachal Bhavan, Mumbai and appoint Deputy Resident Commissioner, Delhi, K N Damo as in-charge. On the CM's direction, Khandu's direction, the government has opened a Head of Account specifically for the Mumbai Arunachal Bhavan. This would streamline financial transaction of the Bhavan administration and equip its office with financial independence.

Funds have been placed so that essential needs such as electricity and water bills are paid on time, he assured while putting in place a permanent solution to the recurring and major issue of pending bills. Khandu also assured that a system is being put in place for long term solution to all major and minor issues confronting the functioning of the Bhavan.

Taking note of difficulties faced by cancer patients, the Chief Minister also mooted a mechanism for travel of between Arunachal Bhavan and major hospitals in the city.

Jonai Volleyball Club lifts Mega Solung Volleyball trophy

PASIGHAT, Aug 27: Jonai Volleyball Club defeated Jonai Sun Risers Club to clinch the Mega Solung Volleyball tourney at J.N. College play ground on Saturday.

Jonai Volleyball Club won the final match against Jonai Sun Risers Club in straight sets out of five.

The trophy of the tournament was sponsored by Pasighat East, MLA, Kaling Moyong and the cash prizes of winner and runner-up teams were sponsored by President, PMSCC, 2016, Aken Jongkey.

The trophy and cash prize of Rs.30000 was given out to the winning team by SE, PWD, Tapi Darang. The runner up team was given Rs.20000.

Pobiitra Gogoi of Jonai Volleyball Club, was adjudged as the Best Player of the tournament and given a cash prize of Rs.5000.

CM expresses concern on fire accident

ITANAGAR, Aug 27: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has expressed deep concern over the fire accident that took place in Chinhan village on Staurday under Lazu circle in Tirap district that gutted 40 houses.

Responding to the situation, the Chief Minister has directed the district administration to take up immediate relief activities. He also instructed the administration to make assessment of all the losses, assuring that it will be fully compensated as per the norms.

Expressing concern over the repeated fire accident in the state, particularly in Lazu circle, the CM urged the people to take extra precaution to avoid fire accident. He also requested the people to contribute to fire safety by making themselves aware of the safety provisions.

Committees constituted

ITANAGAR, Aug 27: Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker, TN Thongdok, has appointed a five-member Business Advisory Committee under his chairmanship with Chief Minister Pema Khandu and MLAs Tamiyo Taga, Wanglin Lowangdong, Jarkar Gamlin and Phurpa Tsering as its members. The appointments have been made against the vacancies caused due to formation of new council of Ministers for remaining term of the office of the Committee.

Further, the Speaker has also nominated a five-member Adhoc Committee headed by MLA Tamiyo Taga as its Chairman to examine the grievances of former Legislator's Welfare Association regarding enhancement of pension amount and medical allowances of former legislators. MLAs including, Mohesh Chai, Tume Bagra, Phassang Dorjee Sona and Tapuk Taku have been appointed as the committee's members.

ATA calls on Education Minister, places demands

ITANAGAR, Aug 28: The central executive committee members of Arunachal Teachers' Association (ATA) led by its vice president CK Yab, secretary general Tania Hakom on Saturday called on Minister for Education Honchun Ngandam at his official residence and discussed with him on various issues and problems faced by the schools, teachers and school administrations.

During their 2-hr-long meeting, the minister was seen very much concerned with the degrading quality of education at school level, for which he sought cooperation from all the stakeholders, ATA said in a release.

Education Department is a 'holy' department thus holiness is much needed for improvement of education system. Therefore, everyone should come forward for its improvement, the minister said.

The review of CCE, transfer and posting of teachers, school infrastructure and other issues were also discussed in the meeting.

Prior to the meeting , ATA team placed its demands which included, complete bifurcation of elementary and secondary education from block level to district, creation of separate Deputy Director of Elementary Education (DDEE) and Deputy Director of Secondary Education (DDSE) for all the districts and appointment in the post amongst from the senior most Principals and creation of Secondary Education Officer (SEO) post equivalent to the Block Education Officer (BEO) of elementary education and appointment amongst from the TGT and PGT.

The ATA team also expressed disappointment over sluggishness in promotional process of all categories of teachers in the department due to which most of the teachers are deprived from timely promotions despite being served for more than 20 years in the same cadre.

To remove of such discrepancy in promotion, ATA demanded immediate sanction of HM/VP and Principal posts for all the upgraded Govt. Higher Secondary and Secondary Schools, immediate notification of RR for Block Education Officers (BEO) of Elementary Education, Single Entry Grade of teachers at both Elementary and Secondary Education, sitting of Department Promotional Committee (DPC) twice a year for filling up of vacant posts of categories, immediate cancellation of all the out of turn promotions in the department.

In the memorandum, ATA also demanded Group 'B' gazette status for the Post Graduate Teachers (TGT) without financial benefit, immediately release all the pending salaries of teachers working under SSA/RMSA.

C-II Sector road repaired temporarily

ITANAGAR, Aug 27: The C-II Sector road, which was totally damaged in monsoon rain, was temporarily repaired by the Councillor of the Ward on Saturday.

The road devoid of drainage system has been lying in deplorable condition for want of maintenance, said Councillor Tadik Tagru. He also said that the road remained unattended for the last two to three years causing great inconvenience to the users of the road.

An estimate to repair the road was submitted to the PWD Division a year ago but nothing has been done so far, lamented a ward member.

Last year, the local residents and the Ward councillor renovated the road on self help basis. But it is not possible for them to repair the road on their own resources every year, the councilor said.

He said that all the sector roads are looked after either by the Capital division A or B. Renovation of many sector roads have already been completed and many are on verge of completion. But the proposal of C-II Sector road is still gathering dust. In such situation, the renovation works might not take place immediately. I was left with no alternative but to repair the road from my own resources, the councilor added.

APESU demands creation of posts of PET, Physical Director

ITANAGAR, Aug 27: Arunachal Physical Education & Sports Union (APESU) met Education Minister, Secretary Education and Director, Secondary Education at the office of the Education minister and discussed various grievances of physical education degree holders.

APESU placed two-point demands before the Education minister for immediate creation of the posts of PET (Physical Education Teacher) in every secondary and higher secondary school and Physical Director in every colleges in Arunachal Pradesh for promotion of games & sports in the state.

The Education Minister and officials of the Department have assured APESU to look into the matter seriously and create the posts immediately, informed the union.

Social service conducted

ITANAGAR, Aug 27: Kime Paka Colony Development Committee (KPCDC) on Saturday organized cleanliness drive in the colony and nearby areas under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan.

Along with the executive members, people from the colony participated in the drive.

Workshop on folk dances and arts held

NAMSAI, Aug 27: A workshop on folk dances and arts was held at Sagar Vidya Niketan, Jona III, Lathao on

Aug 26 and 27 with the assistance of Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India.

SDO Namsai, Vijay Talukdar, Principal of GHSS Mahadevpur, Principal of GHSS Lathao, Goan Burahs, ASM and other villagers attended the workshop.

The session were conducted on traditional dances of Khampti, Adis, Assamese Bihu, Tai Ahom, Adivasi, Chakma, Galo and Moran, while competitions were held for folk dance, patriotic dance, folk song, drawing, essay writing, quiz, drama, poem recitation, Rangoli, story-telling and crafts.

Completion of Degree College, Palin sought

ITANAGAR, Aug 27: The Arunachal Pradesh Colleges' Forum (APCF) has appealed to the education department for immediate completion of the construction of Degree College, Palin.

The forum claim that the college has no proper infrastructure and that the administrative block is yet to be completed. Also claiming that the administrative block building has developed some cracks, it held responsible the supervisor for it.

APCF members along with the officials of higher and technical education had visited the college on Friday.

IMWA bans tobacco products, alcohol to minors

ITANAGAR, Aug 27: In a firm resolution, Itanagar Market Welfare Association (IMWA) has banned selling of gutkha, biri, cigarette, alcohol to students and minors by shopkeepers.

IMWA has adopted the resolution in its general body meeting held here on Saturday.

Shops and other business establishments under IMWA will remain closed till 3.30 pm on Sundays. Every shopkeeper must hold ID cards and ILPs (in case of non-Arunachalee) for security purposes, the meeting resolved.

The meeting also banned use of alcohol and drugs by the members of business community. Moreover, IMWA has decided to install Dustbin in the capital city.

The meeting was chaired by IMWA president Yumlam Achung.

Remain alert during disasters: ADC

SAGALEE, Aug 27: Sagalee ADC, Jalash Pertin asked people to remain alert and adopt the formula of 'Stop look and go' during any kind of disaster.

He was speaking during a day-long disaster awareness-cum-training programme conducted by the Department of Disaster Management and the ADC at Donyi Polo Mission School here on Saturday which was attended by students, teaching staffs, PR leaders and villagers.

Later, the NDRF team headed by Assistant Commandant, Pankaj Kumar displayed mock safety drills.

Eye donation fortnight launched

SEPPA, Aug 27: East Kameng DC Rajeev Takuk along with the DHS, school children and faculty members has launched the 31st "Eye Donation Fortnight" under National Programme for Control of Blindness here at St. Joseph's School, Seppa on Friday. The Eye Donation Fortnight started from 25th August to 8th September, 2016.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC said that out of all senses of human body the eye sight is the most important and wonderful gift of the god. Expressing utter shock on hearing the higher percentage of child blindness, he added that there is something wrong in the system and we should work for rectifying it. Exhorting the people to donate eye, he said it is a noble and wonderful job, as even after our death our part of the body is being used by someone else and it is remaining alive in the world." Further, he appealed one and all that the day should not be considered merely as a day of celebration and donation rather one should also keep their eyes healthy.

Informing that the programme is being organized in all parts of the nation, MS Dr K Gyadi briefed the gathering about the aims and objective of the programme which is basically to generate awareness and the importance of eye donation. He illustrated about the cornea, causes of corneal blindness, causes of childhood blindness, procedure and formalities of eye donation. Allaying and clarifying the fear, he further informed that there is neither any age and gender bar in eye donation nor any religion speaks against eye donation. He urged everyone to donate their eyes.

Informing that for the first time the district is organizing this programme, DMO Dr. C L Mallo has pinned a hope to continue and celebrate the same as annual event. ADI N Doka, WWO President Veena Waii Sonam, and other health staffs were present in the programme. DIPRO