August 31
2016
Arunachal miss the bus, fails to submit required papers to Medical Council of India
[ Taba Ajum ]
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: In a major setback, government of Arunachal has failed to submit required documents to Medical Council of India (MCI) to start the medical college in 2017 session.
The state government was supposed to submit all the required documents to MCI on or before July 17 to get letter of permission (LOP) to start the college at Tomo Riba State Hospital, Naharlagun from session 2017 onwards.
Late Chief Minister Kalikho Pul had pushed hard to start functioning of medical college from 2017 onwards. Pul had even met Union Health Minister JP Nadda twice in this regard.
However, due to political instability, the medical college project is once again in doldrums. "Late Pul took personal interest and really worked hard. We also tried out best. The file for LOP was supposed to be cleared from CM office. However, due to political fight, the file got stuck. It's unfortunate that a major development project which could have really benefitted the poor people has been shelved due to greed of the politicians," said an official involved with medical college project.
Central Government had assured Arunachal Govt to immediately sanction funds for the same. The Centre also gave its nod for establishment of one more medical college at Tezu.
Earlier, the state government had set a deadline for completion of the construction of new building blocks at Tomo Riba State Hospital by August 15 this year and had also asked the health department to take steps to see that work is not halted for lack of funds.
But there is no update on construction of new building as yet.
The government has also been making all out efforts to acquire designated land for setting up of medical college at Pachin colony.
It is to be noted that process for establishing Arunachal's first medical college in Naharlagun started way back in 1999.
In November 2003, former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani had laid the foundation stone for setting up of college at Pachin village. State government even paid compensation to the villagers for acquisition of 200 acres of land at Pachin village. However, successive state governments failed to start the project. It was late CM Kalikho Pul who took personal initiative to re-start the medical college project.
With this year's deadline missed, health department officials are pinning hope on starting the college in 2018. "State government really needs to work harder regarding the college. Central government has already assured all the required help. If we don't avail this opportunity, we will really miss out. Starting of medical college will vastly improve the health care system of state," stated an official of health department.
Relief for Sawin and Wangsu
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: The Supreme Court has disposed off the review petition in the Wanglam Sawin and ANR versus the Speaker, Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly and ors pertaining to the membership of the Wanglam Sawin and Gabriel D Wangsu in the Arunachal Legislative Assembly on Aug 24.
In the order, it stated that parties to the litigation have agreed to the effect that the matter can be remanded to the Speaker so that it can be decided afresh after hearing the concerned parties.
“We are sure that the Hon'ble Speaker shall decide the matter expeditiously, preferably within one month from the date of receipt of a copy of this order,” said the order.
Sawin and Wangsu have been directed to appear before the Speaker on Sep 19 so that the date of further hearing can be decided.
Sawin and Wangsu, who were elected to the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly from 55- Khonsa East (ST) and 58- Kanubari (ST) resigned their seats in the Assembly on 1st October last year.
The resignations were accepted by the than Speaker but the Wanglam Sawin and Gabriel Denwang Wangsu filed a Writ Petition No. 6193 of 2015 before the Gauhati High Court questioning the validity of the Speaker's decision to accept their resignations. And the Gauhati High Court dismissed the said writ petition on 12th January, 2016.
A Special Leave Petition No. 2044/2016 was filed by the MLAs before the Supreme Court which was also dismissed. On dismissal of the Special Leave Petition by the Supreme Court on 9th February, 2016 the vacancy from 58- Kanubari (ST) Assembly Constituency was treated as a clear vacancy. The election commission had called for a by election in May which was challenged as they filled a Review Petition No.2324 of 2016 in SLP(C) No.2044/2016 before the Supreme Court in Wanglam Sawin and anr. versus the Speaker, Arunachal Pradesh and ors which led to the deferment of the by election as well as the current order.
Govt. approves Rs. 7,457 cr highway projects in 11 states
New Delhi, Aug 30: Government today approved 16 highway projects in 11 states to be executed at a cost of Rs 7,457 crore.
"The standing finance committee (SFC) today cleared 16 projects worth Rs 7,456.88 crore for 622 km," Road Transport and HighwaysSecretary Sanjay Mitra told reporters.
Of these, two projects will be built on hybrid annuity mode, 13 on engineering, procurement and construction mode and remaining one on build, operate and transfer (BOT) mode.
The projects are in Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Sikkim.
Mitra said two of the projects pertained to Char Dham Yatra connectivity in Uttarakhandon EPC mode.
These include Rs 248 crore and Rs 200 crore projects for Geometric improvement and widening of stretches on NH 58.
The two projects to be built on hybrid annuity mode (HBA) include Rs 905 crore and Rs 1,338 crore projects in Maharashtra for upgradation of NH 66 stretches under National Highways Development Project (NHDP) phase IV.
The BOT project pertained to four laning of Haryana/Punjab border Jind section of NH 71 design, build, finance, operate and transfer mode.
The projects sanctioned today include five projects under SARDP-NE for Arunachal Pradesh,Assam and Sikkim.
Mitra said projects would be bid out shortly while work on them would start after acquisition of 90 per cent land.
Road black topping from Munna Camp to Dirang completed
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: Much to the relief of the commuters, BRO has completed the black topping works of the two lane between Munna Camp to Dirang on Tawang Highway on Tuesday.
42 BRTF located at Sapper Camp in West Kameng undertook the work.
The road construction on Tawang axis was held up for long time due to some issues, have now been addressed by the BRO, Chief Engineer Project Vartak.
The 97 RCC working under Commander 42 BRTF is highly motivated to complete the balance stretch between Bomdila- Munna Camp by March 2017, said a statement.
RCC bridge inaugurated at Mechuka
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: A 30.20 mtr long RCC bridge, Tamding Phujo-III was inaugurated at Mechuka on Tuesday by Chief Engineer, Project Brahmank, Brigadier CC Jaleel.
Speaking on the occasion, Brigadier Jaleel informed that Project Brahmank will soon prepare estimates for widening of Tato-Mechuka and Mechuka-Segong-Yarlung roads. The said project is entrusted to 1443 BCC and work is presently underway. He further sought support of the district administration and locals to accelerate the pace of the ongoing works and early submission of the land acquisition proposal for the upcoming projects.
NCC Battalion and NCC Academy soon
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: Brig M.S Jodha, Commander (NCC), Group HQ 4 Corps, Tezpur has informed that that one NCC Battalion is being raised shortly in Tawang while an NCC Academy is proposed at the State Capital. He said this during a meeting with Education Minister Honchun Ngandam on Monday.
Brig Jodha informed about necessary infrastructures such as Office space, living accommodation for the new Battalion Hq as well requirement of manpower in the new establishment.
An NCC Academy is proposed at the State Capital for which 20 acres of land is required, he said while adding that there is shortage of manpower at 22(I) Coy Pasighat, 26th Assam (I)Coy Digboi and 73 Assam Girls(I) Coy NCC Tezpur.
The Minister (Education) assured that state Govt will provide the required infrastructure and manpower for the new Battalion in Tawang.
For the proposed NCC Academy, State Govt will provide the land in Itanagar or if not available in the state capital, Govt will propose an alternative site.
State Govt would also provide the staffs to meet up the shortage of manpower in various locations of NCC establishment.
Brigadier was accompanied by Commanding Officer (NCC), 1st APBN, Naharlagun Col Jaswal, and Deputy Commandant Lt Col N.K Bishnoi while MLA 2-Tawang Assembly Constituency Tashi Tsering, Secretary (Education) Bidol Tayeng, SPD SSA Opak Gao and other Officers from the Department were present during the meeting.
Public decry delay in investigation into death of young girl
[ Pisi Zauing ]
MIAO, Aug 30: The general public, panchayat and community leaders, women organizations have expressed their discontentment over the pace of investigation into the death of a young girl in Miao.
The decomposed body of the girl was recovered from the bank of Noa Dihing with both legs tied and her face unrecognizable.
In this connection, Miao police on July 1 arrested one AK Khan, who works as a Junior Engineer (JE) under Rural Works Department at Miao.
The arrest was made on the basis of a complaint lodged with Additional Deputy Commissioner (Miao) by the parents of the deceased after their daughter's body was recovered.
The parents of the girl in their complaint letter stated that their daughter, who was working as housemaid with the JE, had gone missing from the residence of the JE on June 13.
Since, no FIR was lodged after the body was found, Miao police initially took suo-moto cognizance of the case and conducted preliminary investigation.
Though late, the parents of the girl, who live at Namphai-II, around 8 km from Miao, lodged a complaint with the Miao ADC on June 22 naming JE Khan as suspected the culprit.
The complaint was forwarded and case was finally registered at Miao Police Station (PS Case No. 22/2016) Under Section 302/ 201 IPC. The JE was taken into custody.
But, the JE was released on bail on health ground within few days.
After examining the different angles of the case, the JE was given bail. But, the investigation into the case is certainly in a turtle pace.
Expressing their unhappiness over the slow pace of investigation into the murder case, the Miao unit of APWWS and other women organizations, which are closely following the case, on Monday convened a meeting at Miao Community Hall.
Changlang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Jowkhong Singpho while questioning the attitude of investigating agencies wanted to know the reasons behind the delay in investigation.
Various speakers, including APCC General Secretary, ZPMs, Anchal Samiti Chairpersons, community leaders and intellectuals urged the State Government to take the matter seriously and provide compensation as she was the only working member of the family.
Public leader Nongri Taidong lambasted the investigating agencies for delaying the investigation. If necessary, the case should be handed over to an experienced team of officers to unearth the truth.
It remains to be seen whether Miao Police replicates their history of successfully solving mysterious cases within stipulated period.
Later, the public submitted a memorandum to Miao ADC requesting him to ensure speedy investigation of the case.
Lt. Moji Riba, the Freedom Fighter
We were asked to sacrifice a mithun and take oath by drinking blood in affirmation that from that moment we would give up the membership of the Congress and never join in future. The British Administrator of Pasighat also proposed to sacrifice a mithun on the occasion. We sacrificed the mithun but did not take oath as demanded.
ITANAGAR, Aug 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a programme called '70 Saal Azadi - Zara Yaad Karo Kurbani' (70 years of independence: Do recall the sacrifices). But India seems to have forgotten its brave son, Late Moji Riba (1911-1973), the freedom fighter who stood up against the might of the British. His name did not find mention anywhere as several freedom fighters from across the country were recognized by the centre.
Jiyo Jini, the daughter of Late Riba says "We have just celebrated the Independence day on 15th of August. Since Independence our state has also progressed along with the rest of the country. But many of the young generation do not know much about our own people especially those who played important part in India's Struggle for Freedom. History that has been forgotten, brushed aside and lost amidst the tremendous progress that we have seen since then, she says as she shares with this daily a portion of a dairy her father kept. She has saved the notes and letters written mostly in Assamese by Lt. Moji Riba, the first recipient of the prestigious 'Tamra Patra' presented by Indira Gandhi, the then Prime minister of India marking the commencement of the year long ceremonies in honour of Freedom Fighters inaugurated at Red Fort, Delhi on 15th August 1972 by the President of India, V.V. Giri.
Lt. Moji Riba died at Daring Village, West Siang District on 11 Oct 1973 at the age of 62.
Reproduced below is the English version of the diaries and notes written by late Moji Riba. The version is a literal translation from the original Assamese text. The translation was facilitated by his daughter Jiyo, the custodian of the notes and diaries of her illustrious father.
In the writing of the illustrious son of the Arunachal:
"I was born in 1911 at Daring Village of Siang District then known as Abor Hills. When I was 12 years old, I took admission in the L.P. School at Sadiya run by the American Baptist Missionaries. I studied there for four years from 1923 to 1927. In 1927, I took admission in Mission High School at Jorhat and read upto class VII. My father grew very old and needed my presence at home to look after him and so in 1931 I left school and settled at Daring Village. My father died on 1st March 1932 and then the whole burden of my family fell upon me.
During the days of my early life, the British Administrators had extended their administration into the interior of Pasighat area and the Simen river was made boundary between administered and un-administered area. Daring Village fell within the un-administered area.
The people of the un-administered area were not allowed to move freely in administered area and as such, they had to depend upon the Tibetan goods that came from the North. We bartered skins of various wild animals with Tibetan coats and salts through the middle man. Our people never visited Dibrugarh town.
When I was studying at Jorhat our teachers used to tell us about the hanging of Maniram Dewan, Piyali Phukon for their struggle for independence and also about Gandhiji and the Congress Organization. These stories inspired me very much and I was always looking forward for an opportunity to join in the Independence Struggle. The attitude of the British administrators at Pasighat were also responsible for my such feelings. I already initiated a Campaign against the British and was telling people secretly about the Congress Organization and Gandhiji and the efforts in driving out the white men from India. The British administrators at Pasighat got smelt of it and they therefore could not see me eye to eye.
In 1942, the struggle for Independence reached the climax and my mind trembled with excitement. Meanwhile three British Officers visited Along and met the local leaders and told them that they should tell the Congress that they would not allow the coloured men to administer their areas and cannot call them " Hojur". The ambition of the British was such that they could administer the area from the Brahmaputra to Chinese border even if India went out of their hand.
In May 1947, Gopinath Bordoloi from Shillong sent intimation to the Adis that they should meet him at Sadiya. The British administrators at Pasighat selected those people whom they motivated earlier to speak before Gopinath Bordoloi and escorted them to Sadiya. There were instructions that only those who were selected could go and speak before Gopinath Bordoloi and others could not. If anybody would violate these instructions would be jailed on return. We, 17 persons who enrolled ourselves as members of the movement, went to Sadiya secretly and kept ourselves hidden in the market of Sadiya and met Gopinath Bordoloi, Noyang Maksa, Nikols Roy and Medhi at night and told them about the activities of the British. They told us not to be afraid of the British or anybody and expressed that they would always help us in our needs. We told them that we were treated by the British as monkeys and even not allowed to visit Pasighat, Dibrugarh. Had the Congress gave us schools, roads, medicals-aids and help fighting malaria as it did in the plains, we would not have cared for the British jail. Then we told them that the British had threatened us to put in jail on our return to Pasighat for the breach of the instruction i.e. for meeting them on our own accord. Gopinath Bordoloi then told us that the British administrator gave them an impression that Pasighat was full of jungle and they would not be able to go there and if it was the Headquarters of the Assistant Political Officer then they would come to Pasighat and leave us there. They also told us that they could not talk all things at Pasighat and so invited us to Shillong for detailed talk. Gopinath Bordoloi and his party came to Pasighat and returned the same day. Accordingly after a week, we went to discussions with Gopinath Bordoloi and there we decided to form a Congress committee with headquarters at Dipa. Gopinath Bordoloi gave us a letter to that effect and within a month we collected 500 men from our areas and constructed eleven houses and also opened a school. Then we, with the help of Lolit Chandra Hazarika, Advocate, the then Secretary of the Congress Committee got about 5-6 thousand cards printed in the Boruah Press, Dibrugarh.
We held weekly meetings at Dipa and distributed those cards to persons who consented to be members of our Committee and obtained thumb impression from them. Then we went out on a Propaganda -Cum- Organisation tour via Koyu, village of Pasighat area crossed Puche Punge hills and came to Ngomdir, Doje-Jeli, Doje-Jeku, Bagra, Angu and reached Daring via Basar. During the tour we talked to the people about the Independence struggle and Congress Organisation and about Gandhiji and Gopinath Bordoloi and requested the villagers to join in our committee by accepting the cards we printed. We hoisted Congress flags in every village we visited. At Daring Village, we heard that there was a warrant issued from Pasighat that Moje Riba and I were to be arrested for our action during the tour. Having learnt about this warrant, we hastened to Dipa and only after three days of our arrival at Dipa, I heard that my eldest daughter expired and I had to return to Daring Village. The British agents collected the cards I distributed and threatened drastic action. The British were able to divide our people into two groups one " anti - British fully supporting the Congress Government " and the other " Pro British supporting the action of the British Administrators ".
The Pro-British group was instrumental to tell the British that I would sure to come to the funeral rites of my daughter as a custom and accordingly a trap was laid. I was arrested and ttaken to Pasighat and kept under the custody for about two (2) months.
Rimo Riba (now dead) and other Congress members were called to Pasighat to hold a meeting and when they reached there, they too were arrested. My team of fourteen members got arrested at Pasighat. They were: Rimo Riba & Moje Riba of Daring Village, Marge Lollen & Marnya Lollen of Kombo Village, Retum Doji & Nyoi Doji of Doji Village, Jungki Hamo; Jungki Lollen and Damin Lollen & Mopo Lollen of Kombo Village, Nyisen Diyum, Margam Maryom and Sogge Maryom & Marnya Bakar of Bagra village. Next day, we were released from jail and were made to submit to an amicable settlement of the whole affair. We were asked to sacrifice a mithun and take oath by drinking blood in affirmation that from that moment we would give up the membership of the Congress and never join in future. The British Administrator of Pasighat also proposed to sacrifice a mithun on the occasion. We sacrificed the mithun but did not take oath as demanded. However we gave in writing that we would not go back to Dipa and work for the Congress but we had to pay rupees one hundred each as fine.
We did not keep the assurance and came to Dipa again and from there we went to Dibrugarh where we met Devidas, Vice Chairman of Congress Committee. We narrated to him the incidents which took place at Pasighat. Meanwhile, the British Administrator burnt the 11 houses at Dipa we constructed for Congress work. Devidas arranged to make a communication with Gopinath Bordoloi at Shillong by phone. His phone no was 92 and I told him the whole affair and sought help and advice from him. We also submitted a representation by which we wanted to tell him that the British officers should not be allowed to continue in office. If they were allowed they would always create groupism and cause quarrels among our own people. We also expressed the feelings that if the British were still in power we would not be able to continue our work in the Congress.
It was a great news for us that after sometime from the date of the submission of our representation, we were told that the British Officers were sent away from various position. The Deputy Commissioner of Dibrugarh N. K. Rustomji was made Adviser to the Governor of Assam in place of Walker and we also started living in peace from then.
Poor performance affecting release of fund under CSSs
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Tanga Bayaling said that poor performance by various executing agencies has affected in timely release of fund from Centre under various centrally sponsored schemes.
Addressing the officials of RD Department on the first day of the two day performance review meeting at Banquet Hall here on Tuesday, the Minister called for improving the working pattern of RD Department to show results. He asked the officials to discharge duties with utmost sincerity and dedication.
While reviewing implementation of various schemes/projects such as PMKSY, Watershed, PMAY and MGNREGA, Byaling cautioned the officers and officials to make all out efforts for successful implementation of projects in specified time frame as par instruction issued by GoI.
The Minister also asked them to closely monitor the works saying that payment should be released only on completion of works.
Allocation of fund from Centre totally depends upon performance, he said and asked PDs, BDOs and other officials to work hard and collectively.
Byaling also said all the projects work should be done in advance without waiting for release of fund from the Govt. He also called for identification of the genuine BPL families so that they can avail the benefit of the CSSs.
Commissioner Rural Development Indra Malo, Director of RD, Joint Directors PDS and BDOs from various districts and other officials of Directorate of RD were present. DIPR
Samsung Electronics to install X-Ray, ultrasound machines in TRSH
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: Extending its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, leading Electronics giants Samsung Electronics has decided to install high-end X-Ray and Ultrasound Digital Machines in three hospitals in the state under its health care and education programme.
The Deputy General Manager (CSR) of the Samsung Electronics, Rebecca Oommen and the Client Service Director Deepika Kumar on Tuesday visited the Tomo Riba State Hospital (TRSH) to take first hand information of the site for installation.
Later in the evening, they called on Chief Minister Pema Khandu and briefed him about their visit.
This is result of a meeting between the chief minister and representatives of Samsung Electronics on July 25 in New Delhi wherein the company had agreed to establish 'Samsung Digital Healthcare Centres' in the state under their CSR programme.
ACS raises concern over issue of ST certificates to Tibetan refugees
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: Claiming that many Tibetan refugees settled in Arunachal Pradesh have obtained ST certificates, the Arunachal Civil Society (ACS has demanded the state government to cancel all those certificates.
In its memorandum to the Chief Minister, ACS further alleged infiltration of Tibetan nationals in the guise of businessmen, who permanently settle down in different parts of the state.
"It is difficult to identify these refugees because of their religious and ethnic similarities with the local Monpas, Membas or Sherdukpens," the ACS said, and urged the CM to look into the matter seriously.
"The Government of Arunachal Pradesh should immediately constitute an Expert Committee to study and find out the whole gamut of Tibetan refugee issue."
ACS further demanded to initiate immediate steps to abrogate 'Any Naga Tribe' used for the tribal communities in Arunachal Pradesh in the Constitution and the State of Arunachal Pradesh Act, 1986.
"Even after 30 years of Arunachal's statehood, the numbers and names of tribal communities have not been exactly identified. The Arunachal Pradesh Act, 1986, has listed only 12 tribal communities in Arunachal Pradesh. Moreover, the tribes, like Tangsa, Nocte, Wanchoos, Tutsa have been clubbed together under 'Any Naga Tribe'.
"The insertion of 'Any Naga Tribe' has provided an ample opportunity to our neighbour Nagaland and NSCN to include eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh within the ambit of the so-called 'Greater Nagalim," the ACS added in its memorandum.
CMITPS launched in Aalo
Weavers exhorted to preserve weaving culture, traditional dress designs
AALO, Aug 30: Chief Minister's Indigenous Textile Promotion Scheme (CMITPS) was formally launched by ZPM (Aalo Lower East) Higam Loyi Angu at Conference Hall here on Tuesday.
Altogether, 150 weavers from different parts of the district, including Mechukha, Monigong, Aalo turned up for the occasion.
Loyi spoke at length on the importance of preservation and revival of traditional dress designs, arts and crafts activities.
Circle Officer Oni Padun (Admin) and DDI Gomar Angu stressed on the need of preserving weaving culture using the skills handed down from generation to generation, re-collection and blending of modern and traditional designs without making any basic changes to increase the marketability of the products.
Earlier, Assistant Director, Textile and Handicrafts, West Siang Teresa Padu highlighted the aim and objective of CMITPS and encouraged the participants to co-ordinate with the department. She appealed them to properly utilize the yarns and looms distributed among them and also keep touch with the govt. for assistance.
The programme was organized by the Department of Textile and Handicraft, West Siang. DIPRO
Beads of Arunachal Pradesh: Emerging Cultural Context
New Delhi, Aug 30: The tradition of beads has been embedded in the lives of the people of Arunachal Pradesh from time immemorial and a new book explores the oral history, gender questions, social dynamics and tribal relationships related to this ornament.
In "Beads of Arunachal Pradesh: Emerging Cultural Context," published by Niyogi Books, Sarit K Chaudhuri and Sucheta S Chaudhuri describe the economic, cultural and ritual significance of beads, their historical relation to migration and popular beliefs, classification mechanism, legends and history around them and ethnic specifications.
Despite the impact of globalisation even in rural areas, the popularity of beads has not diminished among the people.
Beads are used as a bartering item and usually take the place of money even now. Beads are a status symbol in Arunachali society.
"Brides bring 'tadoks' (beads) from their parental homes and these become the property of the husbands' families, thus elevating the family status," the book says.
According to the authors, beads are worn also to mark the wearer's social and cultural status during festivals, cultural events and even at the reception of important people.
"The role of beads as an identity has become more important with increase in ethnic aspirations. In this age of globalisation, global events influence even the remotest area. Fashion shows are spreading fast. Beads are displayed here, elaborately showcasing their ethnic identity and aesthetic sensibilities," they say.
Beads are worn in offices, market places and even in agricultural fields.
The prices of beads depend on their age and size.
"The more the age and size, the higher the price. Often the beads are graded into different classes such as first, second and third. The first class, consisting of oldest beads, is the costliest and is highly regarded by people," the book says. PTI
Shower brings respite to scorching heat
Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Aug 30: Moderate to heavy shower lasted for several hours on Tuesday morning, which lashed Ruksin, Pasighat and adjoining areas, providing respite to the people of the region from the scorching heat. The rainfall was also a relief for the tea farmers of the region, who were worrying of the low production of tea leaves due to dry weather this summer. The dry spell for the last one month is causing immense trouble to the people of Siang region. The temperature at different pockets of the region reached 38 degree Celsius last week.
The heavy shower however, clogged in low-lying areas and damaged many vegetable cultivated fields.
As the sky cleared from noon, the water receded from the rural roads and vegetable cropped areas.
ADC, ZPM repairs transformer
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: Electricity supply to Bali village under Seijosa sub-division, which was reeling under darkness after the 25Kv transformer of the village got damaged, was restored thanks to helping hands of the Seijosa ADC and ZPM.
ADC Kento Riba contributed Rs.50,000 from his own to repair the damaged transformer after the Power Department expressed its helplessness, informed the Bali village ASM Tamar Bagang.
Empowered Committee of State FMs meet
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: In a bid to reach out to the apex chambers of commerce and industry, and other trade organisations, the first meeting of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers with trade organisations and industry experts on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was held at Hotel Ashoka in New Delhi.
Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein, Secretary (Finance Tax & Excise), Dr.Brijmohan Mishra and Secretary (Planning), Dr.Joram Beda represented Arunachal Pradesh in the meeting.
The meeting was held to get the inputs of the industry insiders like, the Confederation of Indian Industry, and to share their concerns so as to evolve a consensus on the implementation plan.
Goods and Services Tax, an indirect tax that aims at a uniform tax rate throughout the country, was approved by the Parliament earlier this month. GST would subsume all other taxes that are levied now like the Excise Duty, Service Tax, VAT, etc. Eight state assemblies have already cleared the GST Constitutional amendment Bill out of the minimum15 states required before the Bill can be sent to the President for his approval.
Keeping in line with the federal structure of the country, GST would be implemented concurrently by both the Central and State governments.
CM assures to make PRIs as stakeholder of development
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: Chief Minister Pema Khandu assured All Arunachal Pradesh Panchayat Parishad (AAPPP) that the State Government will take up all the issues and demands of AAPPP in a time-bound manner to make the Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) a vibrant stakeholder for development of rural areas.
The chief minister assured this to a delegation of AAPPP, which called on him at his office chamber here on Tuesday.
Earlier, the delegation led by AAPPR Secretary General Sangha Tagik submitted a 12-point memorandum to the Chief Minister, demanding his initiative to address the long-pending demands of the Panchayat Parishad.
The memorandum demanded early notification from the government reinstating the ZPCs as the Chairperson of District Planning Committee (DPC) of the respective districts.
It stated that ZPCs were the Chairperson of DPC during 2007. But after the constitution of urban local bodies, the Deputy Commissioners were made the Chairperson of DPC which is against the spirit of Constitution.
In another major demand, the AAPPP urged the government to notify protocol status to ZPC in the capacity of a State Minister stating that Zilla Parishad Chairperson is the highest position in PRIs.
Other demands included yearly grant of fund to Zilla Parishad and Anchal Samiti @ Rs 5 Crore and Rs 30 Lakh each respectively for creating need base assets of the Panchayats, early adoption of recommendations for better functioning of PRIs, including the hike of honorarium of GPMs, GPCs, ASMs, ASCs, ZPMs and ZPCs , to appoint dedicated DPDOs exclusively to look after the PRI activities, regularization of services of those, who were employed under 13th Finance Commission Grants as well as under RGPSA, proper implementation of the devolution of power to PRIs with executive rules so that the PRIs are able to shoulder their responsibilities vested through the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1997, deputation of senior officer from SIRD, Itanagar having specialization on Panchayati Raj to perform in the capacity of State Panchayati Raj Technical Officer (SPRTO) in the Directorate of PR, one time fund of Rs 20.00 Crore for construction of State Panchayati Raj Hostel, sparing one floor of the building of Directorate of PR exclusively for AAPPP, amendment in the guidelines so that Zilla Parishad can be involved as one of the major stakeholder of planning and implementation of the 14th FC grants, early release of the last installment under 13th FC and second installment fund under 14th FC in one go so that the plans prepared by Panchayats can be executed.
APIC impose penalty
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: The Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission has imposed a penalty of Rs 25000/- on PIO cum executive engineer (electrical), Deomali (Elect) Division for deliberately defying the orders of the commission in connection with the appeal case no. APIC-95/2016 & APIC-99/2016 made by one Suraj Ligu.
The commission further directed that in case of his failure to comply with its order, arrest warrant will be issued against the PIO.
CM hails NYP initiatives
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: Chief Minister Pema Khandu lauded the National Youth Project ( NYP) initiatives to benefit Arunachal Pradesh when NYP team led by president HP Biswas, vice president Pradeep Kumar and secretary Tarh Nachung called on him here on Tuesday.
The CM's comment came after he was apprised that the NYP has been empanelled as national training partner by Union Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry besides the GoI's Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship.
It may be mentioned that the NYP has so far skilled 54,547 people of the state, mostly educated unemployed youth and working women belonging to BPL category, 3,460 people with disability as working partner of Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Hearing Impaired and 144 youth, including 78 girls through the CM's Livelihood Mission School, set up by former minister Setong Sena at Nampong as a pilot project and run by the NYP as decided by the Cabinet. All 58, 907 have become self-employed.
Taking note of the appreciable contributions to socio-economic development of NYP to the state, Khandu reassured his Govt. full support to future endevaours of the NYP.
When the CM enquired about the National Youth Integration Camp which he had proposed as Lumla in October next, Biswas informed that representatives from all states of the country would come while five each would represent each district of the state.
NYP Tawang coordinator Chombay Kee supplemented that preparation had begun for the camp with the support of his lawmaker elder brother Jambay Tashi.
The NYP team including legal consultant Abhijit Bhattacherjee, coordinators Dawa Lhamu, Subu Anga and Yajar Jeke presented a framed picture of NYP camp in July last attended by Khandu. NYP chairman Gandhian Dr S N Subba Rao, lovingly called Bhaiji had desired the picture should be presented to the CM.
Gora Pada dies
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: Goda Gora Gochu Gokia 4G Association and Abu Tamer Welfare Association (ATWS) has condoled the untimely demise of Gora Pada, who breathed last this morning at RK Mission Hospital Itanagar. Born on June 10, 1968, Pada did his primary and Higher Secondary Education from Govt. Higher Secondary school Palin in 1992. He served as president of All Arunachal Priest Association and was also founder president of 4G Association and founder Chairman of Abu Tamer Welfare Association.
His untimely demise is a great loss to Nyishi community in particular and state as a whole, ATWS said in a condolence message.
He left behind his two wives, six sons and three daughters.
His last rite will be performed at Sincheng village under Chambang Circle on August 31.
The 4G Association and Abu Tamer Welfare Society prayed to almighty for eternally peace of departed soul and also to give enough strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.
Computer training for employees commence
PASIGHAT, Aug 30: A four weeks computer training for employees on Course on Computer Concepts (CCC) started on Monday at the Computer Lab, DPDO Office Pasighat.
A total of 20 trainees are taking part in the first batch of the training sponsored by National e-Governance Division, GoI under the Digital India Scheme. The training is being organized by the East Siang District Administration in collaboration with NIELIT Pasighat Extension Center and NIC Pasighat.
Attending the training, Deputy Commissioner Isha Khosla said that moving forward digitalization, all government files would be processed electronically in future days, ensuring speedy decision-making, clean governance and transparency in public welfare policies and procedures.
The DC also assured DIO Debraj Singh of all cooperation and advised the trainees to avail optimum benefits of the training and to implement their knowledge and skills after the training in their respective fields to deliver better services to the people. DIPRO
Training on Khasi Mandarin
PASIGHAT, Aug 30: One day training programme on sustainable and quality production technology of Khasi Mandarin was held at Mirem village, East Siang by the College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University, Pasighat. The programme was sponsored by Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi under All Indian Coordinated Research Project on Fruits, Pasighat Center, Pasighat.
All together 200 farmers from Mirem, Ledum and Miglung village participated in the training.
Speaking in the inaugural function, MLA Pasighat West, Tatung Jamoh emphasized on adoption of advance technology in farming and also cited the progress of farming in Sikkim through organic cultivation. He opined that horticulture is the most potential field of farming in the hill region for sustainable income.
Dean of the College, Dr. AK Pandey emphasised on use of quality planting materials of different crops and also suggested to develop a model orchard of Khasi Mandarin in Mirem village through budded sapling produced in the college and also stressed on developing model kitchen garden for fulfillment of nutritional requirement of farming community.
Associate Professor and Principal Investigator of the project, Dr. L.Wangchu presented recent advances in package of practice on mandarin cultivation with special reference to location specific problem relevant to the district.
During the programme Dr Tadar Tatik, Veterinary officer, O.Tayeng, HDO, Aloko Siram, ADO Bilat, Dr.M.M Kumawat, Asst Prof Entomology, Dr. RC Shakywar, Asst. Prof Pathology, Dr. Dinesh Saha, Asst Prof Agronomy, Dr. Barun Singh, Asst Prof., Plantation Crop, Toge Riba, SMS Plant Protection, SM Hussain, SMS Fishery spoke on pest and diseases, nutritional aspect, oil palm and field crop during farmers scientist interaction.
Dr. Mahesh Pathak, Programme coordinator, Krishi Vigyan Kendra and ASM, Mirem, Tabir Tatan also spoke in the programme.
Arunachal to provide land for NEZCC unit
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: Underscoring the importance of a Regional Cultural Centre in Arunachal Pradesh in preserving rich culture of the state, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that the govt will provide land for establishment of the proposed Regional Centre (Sub Centres) of North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) in the state.
Chief Minister assured this while discussing the issue of setting up of the Regional Centre of NEZCC with the Director of NEZCC at Chief Minister's Secretariat, Itanagar on Tuesday.
Director NEZCC, Lipokmar Tzudir apprised the Chief Minister about the proposal to establish a Regional Centre (Sub Centres) of NEZCC in the member states and requested to provide 10 acres of land near the state capital for establishment of the Centre.
Khandu also assured to take up the matter with the Minister of Culture, Govt of India and also urged the Director, NEZCC to upscale the activities to promote and preserve the rich art and culture of the state.
Among others Secretary Art & Culture, T T Gamdik, Director incharge, Art & Culture, Jomnya Siram and Member NEZCC, Vijay Sonam were also present.
Children vaccinated against measles
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: A total of 320 students (under 10 years) of the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Nirjuli were vaccinated during a two-day long health check up and vaccination camp conducted under the aegis of the NSS unit of VKV, Nirjuli as part of National Measles Catch-up programme, which concluded on Tuesday.
A medical team from Nirjuli Medical sub-centre consisting of GNM, Tadon Metong, MLO, Nabam Neme and ANMs, Nabam Nisho, Jotam Toko Ama and Gebam Gadi vaccinated the children.
MPWs advised to improve healthcare services
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: State National Health Mission, Additional MD, Habung Lampung has advised the Multi Purpose Workers (Female) to plan and organize their work systematically for improved healthcare services in the state.
He was addressing a day-long dissemination workshop conducted by the NHM in collaboration with Regional Resources center at the NHM training hall here on Tuesday to enhance performance of MPWs (F) of the state. While exhorting the trainees to get maximum information from the training, he said workers who plan and organize their work systematically are not only very effective but very productive, who contribute significantly in improving the healthcare service in the state.
Nodal Officer (Training), Dr. T Taku also urged the trainees to get well-equipped with all knowledge as they will be entrusted with responsibility to train the MPWs(F).
Consultant Community Process RRC, Dr. B K Shome and Rita Tamang besides, State Coordinator (Community Process)RRC North East, Devajit Bora were the resource persons of the training wherein, various important topics like, job responsibility of MPW (F) at the sub center, VHND and during field visit, synergizing role of MPW with village level functionaries like ASHA, AWW, member secretary Gram Panchayat, weekly work calendar activity checklists for MPW (F) at sub-center, performance monitoring and criteria etc, were discussed.
Medical superintendent, nursing school representatives, principal/incharge assistant matron and senior nurses attended the workshop.
AACWA appeals CS on red beacons
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: Stating that family members and drivers of Ministers, MLAs and other dignitaries use red beacon even when the owners were not seated in the cars, the All Arunachal Contractor's Welfare Association (AACWA) has requested the Chief Secretary to issue instructions to the police to check proper use of red beacons as per Supreme Court's order.
In a release, the AACWA stated that whereas the police administration is regularly checking two wheelers only, the defaulting drivers of VIP vehicles should also be arrested as per MV Act.
Further expressing surprise at the red beacons being used by chairman and vice-chairman of various agencies, AACWA stated that the state govt. should issue clear directions to the police for rigorous checking of red beacons cars and seize the beacons from the cars of the govt functionaries not authorised to use it as per Supreme Court order.
Inferior work quality alleged
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: Alleging inferior work quality of the project c/o steel bridge over Panior River between Sagalee to Sakiang, the All Mengio Youth Association (AMYA), the demanded investigation into the project being undertaken by PWD.
In its complaint letter to the Papum Pare DC claiming that the bridge was not constructed as per DPR, it said that the bridge which was built only last year is already damaged due to the use of poor quality materials.
Hundreds benefit from medical camps
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: Over 500 patients benefitted from a total of 7 free medical camps organized by the Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti in Bordumsa and Khimiyong areas of Changlang district recently.
Four camps were held at Saimo, Namleng, Wakhetna and Giding villages of Bordumsa and at Longkey, Yanman of Khimiyong besides, Rang Frah school in Changlang wherein, patients were screened for various diseases and were given free medicines by the mobile medical team of Vivekananda Kendra.
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Editorial
Arunachal lags behind in air connectivity
As per the report in national media the civil aviation ministry has given green signal for expansion of Agartala airport and its conversion to an international airport to boost region's connectivity with Southeast Asia. For the purpose, approximately Rs. 400 crore has been allocated and the works is expected to start soon. While rest of the North East is witnessing increase in air connectivity the situation is still same in Arunachal Pradesh. Nobody knows the exact status of proposed green field airport at Hollongi. Ever since Governor JP Rajkhowa wrote a letter to Prime Minister to reconsider the decision to set up green field airport in the state in view of the "high cost" and instead upgrade Lilabari airport, the ministry of civil aviation has almost frozen this project.
It is believed that airport project became victim of political fight. Also the court battle over airport site further caused much delay. As of now there is no update about the project and in all probability it will die a natural death. In another setback for the Arunachalee people, the defence ministry is yet to allow civilian usage of Advance Landing Ground (ALG). Most of the recently upgraded ALGs which have been made operationalize can handle fixed wing passenger aircraft. There have been demands for setting up of civilian terminal in ALGs like Ziro and Pasighat. But defence ministry has given mixed response till date. State government will have to really fight it out with defence ministry while seeking dual usage of ALGs. Also the state government should once again knock the door of civil aviation ministry regarding construction of green field airport in Itanagar.
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Readers’ Forum
HDI and Olympics
Dear Editor,
Kudos to your editorial, "Good move" (A Times, August 27, 2016). The most effective
strategy to do well in Olympics is undoubtedly to give priority to human development.
A country, which won at least 3 gold medals at Rio Olympics, got a place among the
first 26 countries in the medal list. Of them, 17 (65 per cent) belong to Very High
Human Development group (Rank -
Mainly, the number of gold medals determines the ranking of gold medal winning countries at Olympics. Here, silver and bronze medals are only considered for ranking in case of breaking a tie. A close study reveals that out of the total number of 300 gold medals which were at stake at Rio, as many as 196 (almost two third) went to the countries with very high human development, 90 (nearly one third) to countries with high human development, only 9 to countries with medium human development and a mere 5 to those countries with low human development. Now, India should be rescued from her lowly place among Medium Human Development group in HDI (130th!) to achieve the Olympic motto of faster, higher and stronger for her sportspersons who are nothing but human beings. Indeed, a country with a high score in HDI can get a high in every field it wants to including Olympics.
Yours,
Sujit De, Kolkata
A clarification
Dear Editor,
This is in reference to the article “ D.C Assures Thorough Probe into AE,s Death” in the Arunachal Times issue of dated 26th August 2016. I was the incumbent Executive Engineer of Longding Division during the period of occurrence of that landslide which resulted in the death of late Marmi Tao, the then AE,PHED Longding. Though I had been released from Longding Division on transfer now, I on my personal capacity felt it imperative to clarify some of the allegations made by Lego Lemgo welfare Society(LLWS) against PWD Longding Division.
It is alleged that late Marmi Tao and his wife had complained twice about the condition of the newly constructed substandard retaining wall to the Executing Agency, PWD Longding. They also claimed that it is not a natural calamity rather a manmade disaster which could have been avoided by the timely remedial action and the Society further sought clarification from the executing agency regarding their failure to take corrective measures despite AE’S repeated complaints. I want to clarify here that during my incumbency as Executive Engineer of Longding Division, I did not receive any such complaint either verbal or written from anybody including Late Marmi Tao and his wife regarding the substandard quality of construction work of retaining wall as alleged by LLWS. I also did not receive any report either from my AE or JE of having received any such complaint from anybody including Late Marmi Tao and his wife during my incumbency. It is clarified further that on the morning of 15th August 2016, there was incessant rain in Longding which triggered the massive landslide and unfortunately resulted in untimely death of Late Marmi Tao. The landslide has occurred right from the toe to the crest of the hill slope. Not only the Retaining Wall of the PWD, which was constructed at the crest of the hill slope to protect the road, has collapsed but even the Over Head Water Tank of PHED constructed at the toe of the hill slope has also collapsed due to the same landslide. So claiming the poor quality of construction of the Retaining Wall of PWD as the cause of death of late Marmi Tao setting aside the affects of landslide due to incessant rain is not justified.
Moreover, when the whole mass of soil strata beneath the foundation of Retaining Wall has failed completely due to landslide, the Retaining Wall was bound to overturn and collapse under its self weight whatsoever the quality of construction may be. So the collapse of the retaining wall in this particular case cannot be attributed to the poor quality of construction and blaming the department for the misfortune due to natural calamity is not acceptable.
I know it will be very difficult to come to terms with the loss of a young engineer with a promising career. However I appeal to all members of Lego Lemgo Welfare Society(LLWS) not to make this unfortunate incident into an issue rather we should collectively pray for the eternal peace of the departed soul. I offer my condolences to Mrs. Tao and the bereaved family members for the irreparable loss.
Yours,
Tani Taki
Executive Engineer
PWD Tawang Division
A letter from Pakke-
Dear Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the kind attention of CM of Arunachal
Pradesh Pema Khandu, Local MLA 12th Pakke-
Government Secondary School was also established in year 1966 but till date there are no changes.
School is run by Head master in charge Rup Techi(J/T under SSA teacher). There is not a single regular teacher. Just imagines the condition of students.
Sorry to say that till now there are no facilities in almost every field. Pakke-
Beginning with Nyari Welly, the first lady elected MLA of Arunachal Pradesh, we have elected Dera Natung, Nyani Natung, Techi Hemu, Atum Welly and now Kameng Dolo.
Promises are big during election time but still there have been no marked changes in our area. Still peoples of have not lost hope.
So, this is an appeal to CM and MLA to take responsibility and show your love towards
people of Pakke-
Yours,
H. T. Nabam,
Pakke-