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August 09

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Pema Khandu should resign on moral grounds: APCC  

ITANAGAR, Aug 8:  The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) demanded Chief Minister Pema Khandu's resignation on moral grounds, for his government's failure to respond to the party's demand to release IAS officer Satya Gopal for allegedly misguiding the ECI on 12th Pakke-Kessang bye-election.

Saying that this clearly indicates that the Khandu-led Government is hatching a conspiracy against the people and the state, the APCC reiterated that ‘Pema Khandu should resign voluntarily from the post of Chief Minister on moral ground for perpetrating high level of corruption'.

The APCC had said that intentional delay in release of the officer indicates certain nexus between Pema and Gopal.

'The allocation of fund in few selective areas and one-sided diversion of various development schemes of the state in 2016-17 exposes high-level corruption perpetrated by Khandu', claimed the APCC, adding that the tall claims of the Pema-led Government about their good governance, transparency and accountability is a mere rhetoric as the denizens of the state are kept in the darkness regarding allocation of fund from centre and the system of government funding in the state.

Demanding white paper from the state government on the issue of central fund allocation to the state, the party has further said that it will continue with its second phase of democratic action in case the GoAP further delays the release of Satya Gopal.

 

 

 

Indifferent age

[ Tongam Rina ]

Till few decades ago, when Arunachal was still guided by tribal ethos and responsibility, crimes were few and those who indulged in criminal activities were taken to task by the villagers themselves. Our strong traditional institutions were still independent which meant that trials were not diluted by any pressure. There was basically no escape from these institutions if one committed a crime, from petty to murders. One had to pay fine and in some tribal communities, some criminals, who did not mend their ways, were banished by the families themselves, mostly to the rivers, and no one ever mentioned it. Though covertly, the families had the sanction of the villagers to do so.

People valued tribal prestige and ethos which basically meant that there were few repeat offenders.

One paid fines imposed by the traditional institutions, headed by the learned men, not questioning it once. Some families, unable to deal with shame that followed any criminal activities migrated to other places where they could start a new life.  

 We have tossed aside all the tribal ethics leading to unimaginable consequences. No one thinks twice before eating up the money meant for  mid day meal or textbooks or the food supplied through Public Distribution System for the poorest of the poor tribal and funds meant for helping those facing natural disasters. Today, all these schemes and funds have ended up as pocket money of politicians, their workers and bureaucrats. While villagers slog day in and out, even though there are a lot of policies framed by the central government for their wellbeing, those who gobble up their share are the ones running the state and the government. More crime one commits, more it is ensured that you will climb higher up in the society. Today crime, including corruption of all hues is a badge of honour.  

When society accepts crime as a way of life and these criminals in the guise of politicians, bureaucrats, technocrats and businessmen and women as their role model, it is no wonder that common citizens have followed suit. Everyone knows that they can get away with all kinds of crimes, including corruption, rapes and murders.

It’s been one year since 2011 batch Arunachal Pradesh Police Service Officer Bomto Kamdak was so mercilessly murdered. One year later, no one knows where Tagyung Yangfo is, named by the police responsible for officer’s killing.

It appears that government, home department and more so the police is not too keen to find out the person who took the life of one of their own. With much fanfare, the government announced Arunachal Ratna for the officer and gave a job to the wife. But is that enough?  By not arresting Yangfo, the government and the Police Department is sending a clear message out to the prospective criminals that they can commit any crime and no one will come after them. It is rather saddening that the son of the police officer will never know the details of what happened with his father. As a state, we owe it to the little child, if not ourselves.

2016 was also the year a popular former chief minister Kalikho Pul took his own life. August 9 to be precise.

The elder wife has been knocking every possible door looking for an answer. The government’s responsibility ended when it ensured election of one of the younger wives as an MLA.  Agreed that Pul, in his dying declaration implicated everyone while absolving himself in those 60 pages but at least an attempt should have been, even if cursory by the government, to find what led to the suicide.

Sadly, we live in indifferent times.

 

 

 

All students following guidelines will get scholarship: SJETA

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Aug 8: The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment and Tribal Affairs (SJETA) has said that scholarship money is for tribal students and they will definitely get it, provided they follow proper rules and regulations.  

“We appeal to the student communities to trust us and we assure that not a single penny will be misused”, said the department as it appealed to those students who were left out in post and pre-matric scholarship to have patience since the department is working hard to sort out the issues.

The department is reportedly in the process of checking duplicity and making course correction so that no student is left out.

"Due to software error, some students of B Tech were shown as BA in the list and this led to a lot of confusion. We are making corrections and the correct list will be issued soon. Also, some students who had already availed stipend from state government have returned it and are now seeking scholarship from our department. We also detected certain case of duplicity and are working towards correcting it. As soon as process ends, we will release remaining amount of scholarship to all the eligible students," said an official of SJETA.

Further he added, "The money is credited to bank accounts of students under direct benefit transfer scheme. Therefore, allegation of corruption against department going around in social media is strange. Despite struggling with manpower crisis, we are working hard for the benefit of students. In fact, among NE states, Arunachal has received highest scholarship money amounting to Rs 54, 36, 81, 440 from the ministry of Tribal affairs."

Till now, 2562 students out of 2594 that had applied under Pre Matric scheme have received scholarship money amounting to Rs 62, 39, 250.  In post-matric, out of 22,564 students that had applied, 19,043 students have received scholarship totalling to Rs 44, 56, 53, 600.

"A total of Rs 9, 17, 88, 590 is now left in the account of the department. It will be paid to the remaining students after properly following the laid down norms, the official said.  

 

 

 

Residents start demolition of structures as DA set deadline

ITANAGAR, Aug 8: Several residents of Itanagar have started demolition of buildings and premises on their own to pave the way for construction of four-lane highway.

The final survey of building and other structure was recently completed by the Capital District Administration.

Many commercial building owners, right from Chandranagar to Papu Hapa began the demolition process, which is being done as per marking by the Capital District Administration.

Some of the building owners said they have accepted the measurement made by the administration.

"As a citizen of Capital Complex, I fully support the construction of four-lane road, which is why I have started demolition of my premise after final verification", said a citizen.

As per the formula developed by the state government, a lump sum relief package would be given to those owners who cooperate and demolish structures which fall within the Right of Way on their own.

The last date for applying under this scheme is August 18. The defaulters will not get the relief and their buildings will be demolished by district administration.

 

 

 

Need to fight against drug menace head on: Governor

CHONGKHAM, Aug 8: Stating that Namsai has crippling drugs problems with around 25 percent of the youths falling prey to drugs, Governor P B Acharya appealed to the society to join in the fight against drug addiction.

There is a huge failure in understanding and addressing the problem of drugs. We need to fight against this menace head on as it is crippling about 25 percent of our youth in the district, said the Governor.

Addressing a meeting at Tai-Khamti, Singpho Museum cum Research Centre at Arunachal Pali Vidyapith Complex at Chongkham on August 6, the Governor called for preservation of the rich cultural heritage.

"Our youth should take pride in our culture, traditions and dialect. At the same time, the elders of the society must pass on the prized legacy in order to preserve, promote and propagate it," he stressed.

The Governor reiterated that educated and empowered people of Tai- Khampti, Singpho communities must ensure that poor and illiterate people of the society avail maximum benefits from the welfare schemes and programmes of state and central governments, including Jan Dhan Yojana and One Rupee Insurance.  

Earlier, Parliamentary Secretary of Environment & Forest, Chow Tewa Mein and former PCCF, C K Namchoom briefed the Governor about the challenges of the people of Namsai, including seasonal floods, deplorable roads, security, administrational infrastructure and drug menace.

General Secretary of Tai Khamti Singpho Council, CM Moungmau briefed the Governor about the council, its cultural heritage and practices.

He informed that only Tai Khampti-Singpho and Monpa tribes have their own scripts. (PRO to Raj Bhawan)

 

 

 

ANSU resents indifferent attitude of Edu Department

ITANAGAR, Aug 8: The All Nyishi Students' Union (ANSU) expressed its strong resentment over the alleged indifferent attitude of the Education Department in redressing the grievances placed before the Education Minister.

A team of the ANSU on Monday met the Director of Secondary Education to know about the progress of the memorandum submitted to the Education Minister. However, it was brought to the knowledge of the ANSU team that no steps have been taken to redress the grievances, stated the ANSU in a release.

Saying that there was a complete failure in rationalization of transfer and posting of teachers, the ANSU urged the Education Department to strictly implement all the education policies announced by the government without any nepotism.

The students' union urged the Education Department and the State Government for early regularisation of all the upgraded schools, immediate posting of subject teachers (TGT/PGT) in various schools and place sufficient fund for infrastructure development of various schools under Nyishi-inhabitant areas.

Meanwhile, Upper Subansiri unit of the ANSU has in a release on Tuesday claimed that some of the government-run higher secondary schools in the district have been facing shortage of subject teachers and NCERT books, while the schools' structures are mostly dilapidated.

The ANSU unit had informed this after its members, led by President Piju Gab undertook a three-day education tour and inspected various government-run higher secondary, primary and upper primary schools in Nyishi-inhabited areas of Upper Subansiri district, namely Muri-Mugli, Ligu, Puchigeku etc, and interacted with the faculty members, students and school management committee of the schools.

 

 

 

CM assures to rehabilitate fire victims

ITANAGAR, Aug 8: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has expressed deep shock and grief over the fire accident that took place in Nerba Colony here on Monday morning, which reportedly gutted down about nine houses, including two motorcycles.

He assured to take all measures to rehabilitate and compensate the loss. The concerned department and the district administration have been issued necessary instructions to take up immediate relief activities and make assessment of all the losses, he informed. Khandu appealed to all sections of the society to rise to the occasion as they always did to help the unfortunate victims through contributions in cash and kind.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has announced ex-gratia relief of Rs 4 lakhs each to the immediate kin of late Tashi Ngurup Auas Natoka of Lhoudung Village, Tawang who recently drowned at Tawang, and of the two JNV students who drowned on July 27 last, namely Aloko Borang and Biky Pertin.

One of the students, namely Abraham Lipir is still missing. Khandu reiterated his grave concern on repeated fire mishaps and drowning cases and asked the department concerned to find out ways to prevent such occurrences, besides creating awareness and sensitizing people.

 

 

 

Mein calls for strengthening economic cooperation among ASEAN countries

VIENTIANE, Aug 8: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein called for strengthening economic cooperation, trade and cultural relations among the ASEAN countries, including Lao PDR and entire North East India.

Mein, who is leading a delegation from the North East to Laos, on Tuesday held a series of meeting with various ministers of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Addressing a meeting, Mein encouraged business partnership among ASEAN countries and North East India and called for using the tourism potentials of both the regions for economic development.

He further called to explore connectivity through air, railway and river ways, besides road connectivity and stated that North East India can play a vital role in expanding trade and business connectivity between ASEAN countries and India.

Mein also highlighted the prospects of investment in Arunachal Pradesh citing the vast potential of natural resources of the state, like fast flowing rivers suitable for hydropower generation and informed that Arunachal Pradesh is poised to add about 1000-2000 MW of hydropower in the next decade,

and the excess power generated can be transmitted to the neighbouring ASEAN countries which hold a huge prospect.

He also briefed on ecological resources of the state with its high biodiversity of flora and fauna of varieties of medicinal plants, orchids and bamboos that hold huge investment potential in research and development and value addition.

He also cited the investment potential of the state in niche tourism; nature tourism, adventure sports and high-end customized therapeutic tourism.

Chief Minister of Manipur, Biren Singh apprised the Ministers of Lao PDR about the impetus given by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi to the ASEAN countries and North East India with respect to connectivity and economic development in the region.

He informed that the expansion of road from Moreh in Manipur to Tamu in Myanmar which will go up to Vietnam passing through Myanmar, Thailand and Laos is under progress and the Government of India has already given fund for the expansion of the road up to Tamu in Myanmar.

Once this road is completed, the major connectivity will be achieved and there can be increase trade activities and people to people contact between the people of North East India and ASEAN countries, he opined.  

Alounkeo, Minister of Prime Minister Office of Lao PDR has shown keen interest on building close ties with the North Eastern states of India, citing cultural and geographical similarities.

He also stressed on people to people contact and called for promotion of tourism and trade activities in the region.

Khemanni Pholsena, Minister of Industry & Commerce, Lao PDR pitched for mutual efforts in making ASEAN-India relationships grow stronger vis-a-vis India-Laos relations. She invited more Indian to come to Laos and to explore tourism potential and see for themselves the investment opportunities in the country.

The subsequent meeting discussed numerous issues and mutually agreed to draw future follow up action plans to further strengthen the relationship between North East India and the Lao PDR.

 

 

 

Several injured in APST bus accident

AALO, Aug 8: An APST bus met with an accident near Pushi Doke village in the wee hours of August 7, leaving several passengers injured, including two seriously injured.

The accident occured when the Itanagar to Kamba night service bus, carrying around 25 passengers skid-off the road and fell eight meters below the road.

Many passengers also sustained minor injuries in the accident.

The injured passengers were rushed to Basar and Aalo General Hospitals for treatment.  

Circle Officer (Bagra) Jumkar Karbi, who rushed to the spot, disclosed that the bus could have rolled down deeper had not a tree caught strong hold of the sliding bus.

The actual cause of accident is not yet known. (DIPRO)

 

 

 

NPP extends support to state BJP

ITANAGAR, Aug 8: Though without a single MLA, the National People's Party (NPP), Arunachal Pradesh has extended its support to the BJP Government in the state.

State NPP President, Gicho Kabak along with party Spokesperson, Nima Sangey Saling on Tuesday called on state BJP president, Tapir Gao and  assured their full support and cooperation to the Pema-led BJP Government.

Appreciating the decision of the NPP to work with the BJP Government in the state, Gao expressed confidence that with the support of alliance partners, the state will achieve all round development.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state unit merged with the NPP, a partner of the NDA Government at the Centre, on Monday in presence of NPP President Conrad Sangma, who welcomed the merger and appointed Gicho Kabak as state President of NPP.

 

 

 

ATSU takes up Kali Bulo murder case

ITANAGAR, Aug 8: Reviving the Kali Bulo murder case, the All Tagin Students' Union (ATSU) has demanded fresh investigation into the case.

It has been two years since he was murdered on 3 August, 2015 in Mechukha, but there has been no breakthrough in the murder case, rued the ATSU.

Stating that justice delayed is justice denied, the students' union sought the intervention of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju in the case and demanded constitution of a Special Investigation Team afresh to probe the murder.

The ATSU also demanded compensation to the family of the victim.

 

 

 

BAI president to attend opening ceremony of DK Badminton C’ship

ITANAGAR, Aug 8: Newly-elected Badminton Association of India (BAI) President, Himanta Biswa Sarma is expected to attend the inaugural function of the 5th edition of the Dorjee Khandu Memorial State Open Badminton Championship-2017 scheduled to be held at Itanagar from August 10 to 13 next.

This would be the first appearance of Sarma, who is also a prominent Cabinet minister of Assam in a major badminton tournament after being elected as the BAI chief.

More than 260 players from 18 districts of Arunachal Pradesh are participating in the championship which would see its finals being played on August 13 next.

Where national badminton referees from Assam, Monjeet P Borah and Abjeet Borah would be present as match controllers, ASBA joint secretary, Penya Bagra, would be looking after the proceedings of the tournament as match referee.

The Dorjee Khandu Memorial State Open Badminton Championship is organized by the Arunachal State Badminton Association, in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.

 

 

 

UFC, SUFC (V) match draw, DGFC registers win

ITANAGAR, Aug 8: A last minute goal by Mosi Saroh helped Siang United FC hold Solung United FC (Veteran) to a 2-2 draw in the Solung Festival Football Tournament 2017 at DNGC ground on Tuesday.

Mosi Saroh struck the equalizer in 78th minute to force Solung United (Veteran) share points.

Earlier, the match started on a promising note for Solung United FC (Veteran) as the team took the lead in just 20 second with goal from Kaling Tatin. However, Solung United FC (Veteran) could not hold onto to the lead for long as Mosi Saroh restored parity in 16th minute (1-1).  

Honuk Tayeng gave Solung United FC (Veteran) the lead for the second time in 62nd minute (2-1). After that several attempts were made by Siang United FC but failed to score until Mosi Saroh found the net in dying minutes to level the score 2-2.

The second match was played between Dooying Goolong and Sisang Angong, wherein the former beat the latter 2-1 goal.

Sisang Angong was leading Dooying Goolong 1-0 at halftime with Lucky Tamut's 9th minute goal.

In a dramatic turn of events in the second half, Gegong Tayeng and Omin Pangging scored for Dooying Goolong to snatch the match from Sisang Angong.

 

 

 

GRK Football Academy selects 30 students in first batch

ITANAGAR, Aug 8: Thirty children below 10 years were selected for the first batch of GRK Football Academy, Basar in West Siang district.

Around 120 children attended the selection trials, which were conducted at Basar, Dari and Tirbin circles from August 1 to 4.

Coaching for the first batch students will start from August 16, where the trainees will be provided free coaching, football kits and complementary diets.

The academy has signed a contract with Nyamar Loyi as the coach.

An alumnus of SAI, Loyi played for clubs like Mumbai FC, BMFC Chennai, Guwahati Town Club and Langsigning FC, Shillong. He has also represented the state four times in the Santosh Trophy.

Secretary of GRK Football Academy Karto Bam said, the academy aims to produce at least 10 football players from Basar, who can represent the state and country at national and international levels in 10 years.

The academy aims to identify talented and potential football players of Basar area at an early age and nurture them with professional and quality coaching.

GRK Football Academy is an initiative of Gumin Rego Kilaju, which is an apolitical and non profit making organization of government employees of Basar.

 

 

 

Smart classroom introduced in IGJHS School

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Aug 8: Independent Golden Jubilee (IGJ) Government Higher Secondary School in East Siang district has introduced Smart Classroom with installation of hi-tech digital display device in the secondary classes, according to Education Department sources.

The 'Smart Classroom' project under Chief Minister's Adhunik Shiksha Yojana is being implemented in state government run institutes through execution of tripartite agreement between the state's education and IT departments and EdCIL (India) Ltd.

Inaugurating the Smart Classroom at IGJ Higher Secondary School on Monday, school Principal, T Taloh exuded hope that the teaching technology would boost existing education system besides career building of the students of the state.

 

 

 

‘Lack of special marketing efforts reason for low popularity of handloom products’

YUPIA, Aug 8: Assistant Director, Textile Office, Yupia, T C Kapa said that the absence of special marketing efforts for handloom products is the main reason behind the low popularity of handloom products among people in the country.

Kapa was speaking as  resource person during a day-long awareness programme on handlooms, organized by the Directorate of Field Publicity (DFP) GoI, Ministry of I & B, Itanagar on the occasion of National Handloom Day at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Yupia on August 7 last.

The objective of the programme was to sensitize the NIT students about handloom industry and its role in socio-economic development of the country.

He informed the students about activities like training, technical guidance to weavers and three years diploma sponsored course, etc being taken up by the Textile & Handicraft Departments, and highlighted various centrally sponsored schemes on handloom and handicrafts.

Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner, Tai Kaye said that the popular hand made products reflect the rich culture of North East and the local handloom products of the country.  The motive behind creating awareness among the people about handlooms is to modify the handlooms and handicrafts and include it in the mainstream fashion design industry.

Registrar In-charge, Professor P K Bandhopadhyay, Professor P D Kashyap, T T Goyng and Assistant Administration Registrar from NIT Yupia also spoke on the occasion.

A quiz competition and a handloom and handicraft exhibition were also part of the awareness programme.

 

 

 

Workshop on govt flagship programmes held

KHONSA, Aug 8: A pre-PLP (Pre-Potential Linked Credit Plan) 2018-19 meeting cum workshop on government's flagship programmes was conducted on Tuesday as part of "Stand up India" and "Start up India" initiative launched by the Central Government.

DDM NABARD Kamal Roy briefed about the operative mechanism evolved to provide self employment opportunities to the unemployed youths by the central government and the state through flagship programmes, like Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Swavalamban Yojana, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Bunkar Yojana, CM's Krishi Rinn Yojana, District Innovation & Challenge Fund, CM's Adarsh Gram Yojana, Ujala Yojana, etc

Speaking on the occasion, Tirap Deputy Commissioner, Techu Aran appealed to all the line departments to work out modalities to facilitate the beneficiaries by helping them out in preparing DPR and other pre-requisite documents required to avail the benefits of these flagship programmes.

The DC further emphasized that the genuine and aspiring entrepreneurs and poor beneficiaries should not be cornered out due to official constraints and silly excuses, which would be a bottleneck for implementation of these programmes. He added that maximum benefit must percolate to the lowest strata of the communities in Tirap.

The programme was attended by all the line departments, besides Project Manager NERCORMP, bank managers, HoDs of the district and administrative officers. (DIPRO)

 

 

 

KVK conducts HRD prog for farmers

ROING, Aug 8: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lower Dibang Valley district has organized a programme on sustainable agriculture for livelihood support for farming communities at the KVK office in Balek village on Monday.

A senior scientist and head of KVK, Nimpith in West Bengal, Dr Nilendu  Jyoti Maitra in his address as resource person  briefed  in detail about  cost-effective and farmer-friendly innovative technologies, namely land shaping and rain water harvesting for round-the-year production of crops, integrated farming system for rational utilization of farm resources for better production and income generating avenues for self-sustenance of SHGs, farmer clubs, commodity interest groups, etc.

Senior Scientist and Head of KVK, Lower Dibang  Valley,  Dr T J Ramesha urged farmers to adopt scientific farming practices to improve their socio-economic status.

A total of 25 women farmers and rural youths participated in the programme who were also provided with women-friendly tools for drudgery reduction in agriculture.

 

 

 

OIL donates ambulance to Daporijo Dist Hospital

Correspondent

DAPORIJO, Aug 8: An ambulance donated by the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) to District Hospital, Daporijo was flagged off by Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner, A K Singh on Tuesday.

The ambulance was donated following initiative of Union MoS, Kiren Rijiju.

 

 

 

Pratham holds orientation programme

BOMDILA, Aug 8: Pratham, an education-based NGO has stepped in to strengthen and improve the quality of education and fill in the critical gaps in the education sector of West Kameng district.

The objective of Pratham is to help school children, particularly from classes III to V, who are behind in their studies.

This is a pilot project being implemented in West Kameng, besides Longding district in the state.

The Education Department and Pratham, after having entered into a Memorandum of Understanding have agreed to collaborate on evidence-based, innovative teaching-learning programme for the purpose of improving student-learning outcome.

Interestingly, the approach, also known as Combined Activities for Maximized Learning (CAMaL), re-orients the instruction to the level and pace of the student, rather than focusing on teaching to complete the curriculum.

Impressing upon the officials of Pratham the need for an elaborate road map as per the requirement of the district, Deputy Commissioner Sonal Swaroop said that the success of the project entirely lies on the officials of the BRCs and CRCs of the district.

"Your sincerity and commitment would define the outcome of this pilot project in the district," she said. The orientation programme would be followed by two days training on August 9 and 10.

The DDSE along with all BRCs and CRCs of the district would also be attending the two days training programme. (DIPRO)

 

 

 

Auditions for 10th Miss Arunachal 2017 come Sept

ITANAGAR, Aug 8:  Organizers of the 10th Miss Arunachal 2017, have during a press conference at the press Club here on Tuesday, informed that auditions for the beauty pageant will begin from September 10 next.

The pageant, being organized by Miles Acres under the aegis of Arunachal Guild for Cultural Integration (AGCI) will have special quota for three tribes this year, namely Nah, Puroik and Lisu tribes.

'Contestants from the said tribes will be given direct entry for the contest',  informed in-charge of the competition, Tai Rocket, adding that the head organizations of the three tribes have already been informed regarding the contest and they will be sending representative from their respective districts.

Rocket further informed that the district-wise audition will begin from September 10 for East Kameng, Bomdila and Tawang districts, the venue for which will be Bomdila.

Auditions for Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi and Lower Subansiri will be held on September 15 with Ziro as the venue, while auditions for Upper Subansiri will be held at Daporijo as venue (Sept 18), West Siang and Lower Siang at Aalo as venue (Sept 21), Upper Siang, Siang and East Siang at Pasighat as venue (Sept 24), Upper Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley with Roing as venue (Sept 27), Lohit and Anjaw with venue at Tezu (Sept 29), Changlang and Namsai with Namsai as venue (Oct 2), Deomali as venue for Tirap and Longding (Oct 5) while, the mega audition will be held at Papum Pare and Capital Complex on  October 15 next, informed the organizers.

Organizing Secretary, Bengia Nachong further informed that the winner of the 10th Miss Arunachal 2017 will get a chance to represent the state in the Femina Miss India contest.

 

 

 

Dept of UD & Housing conducts training on PMAY-HFA

ITANAGAR, Aug 8: The Department of UD & Housing conducted two days state level capacity training programme on August 7 and 8 to impart training to the newly recruited State Level Technical Cell (SLTC) and City Level Technical Cell (CLTC) under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Housing for All (PMAY-HFA,Urban), in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India.

Chief Engineer-cum-Director UD & Housing, Taba Tedir briefed the objectives of the training and asked the participants to use the opportunity to learn from the resource persons in detail about the guidelines and implementation process of PMAY-HFA.

The training programme included practical session and interactive session between SLTC, CLTC and resource persons for getting more exposure on the PMAY-HFA.

The Chief Engineer further informed that already seven DPRs for Bomdila, Ziro, Pasighat, Basar, Boleng, Namsai and Koloriang had been submitted to the Ministry and DPR for Bomdila had been sanctioned, while 40 percent of the total amount has been released. The rest of the DPRs of other towns shall be submitted to the Ministry by March 2018.

Lead Engineer, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, New Delhi, Sarat Bharkakati spoke on DPR preparation, DPR implementation and Technology Sub-Mission. Lead Urban Planner, Dr Khatibullah Sheikh elaborated on preparation of Housing for All Plan of Action (HFAPoA), Annual Implementation Plan and project management.

SIRD Deputy Director, Dr K Sahoo gave a power point presentation on social audit and the procedure to carry out social audit.  RGU Assistant Professor, Moji Riba spoke about efficient information, education and communication strategies to create mass awareness.  

The Department of Urban Development and Housing is the state nodal department for implementing the PMAY-HFA (Urban) for 33 towns in Arunachal Pradesh.

 

 

 

GST workshop for dealers held

ITANAGAR, Aug 8: A one-day workshop on Goods and Services Tax (GST) for dealers of the Capital Complex was conducted by the District Administration and Department of Tax and Excise at the state Banquet Hall here on Tuesday.

Assistant Commissioner of Tax and Excise, Tapas Dutta in his power-point presentation highlighted various aspects of GST, including its benefit and importance. He also explained the working system of GST, an indirect tax, which was introduced in the country on July 1 last, replacing multiple cascading taxes levied by the central and state governments.

The GST will help the country's businesses gain a level playing field and put us at par with foreign nations who have a more structured tax system, he said, adding there will now be a single tax on goods and services

It is also expected that Goods and Services Tax will improve the collection of taxes as well as boost the development of Indian economy by removing the indirect tax barriers between states and integrating the country through a uniform tax rate. (DIPR)

 

 

 

Army men celebrate Raksha Bandhan

KOHIMA, Aug 8: The Assam Rifles celebrated the occasion of Raksha Bandhan with students and teachers of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (NEC), Baragoli at Lekhapani on Monday.

Young students of classes VIII to X tied rakhis to the soldiers, praying for their well-being. The students were also treated with sweets and gift hampers.

All ranks of Assam Rifles promised to protect the citizens of the north east and stand by their motto "Friends of the north east people".

Arunachal Pradesh unit of the Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch (women wing), along with Project Arunank, celebrated Raksha Bandhan with the Indian Army at Damsite, Naharlagun.

President of BTSM (WW), Gojum Mahi Nyodu tied rakhis to the jawans of the Indian Army and wished them sound health.

Officiating Chief Engineer, Colonel Shiva Prasad said such messages of love and goodwill inspire the jawans to work harder for the country. He prayed for peace and harmony for all and the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector - E, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh - 791111, India

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---- Editorial ----

 

 

 

Respect the sentiment of local community

The Save Mon Region Federation (SMRF) which is spearheading the movement against mega dam in Tawang district have threatened to knock door of United Nation Organization if  state government goes ahead with hydro power projects on Tawang Chu river. SMRF has been battling against the said project claiming that it will submerge pilgrimage sites and fertile lands. Two people were killed in May 2016 when police opened fire on anti-dam protestors at Tawang. Despite several attempts made by the state government and hydro power developers using various tactics, the people of Tawang is continuing to bitterly oppose the hydropower projects that is coming up in the district.

The move of state government to go ahead with hydro projects in Tawang despite opposition from local people is against their policy. Government spokesperson PD Sona in May this year while participating in a symposium organized by Arunachal Press Club had publicly declared that State Government will not construct any dam against the will of the community. But they don't seem to be applying this yardstick in Tawang and is willingly going against the will of the local community. This is pure case of cheating. State government should re-look and listen to the voices of the people of Tawang. If local community is not ready to part away with the land, govt should respect their will and stop the project. In the name of development, the people's sentiment should not be overlooked. In a sensitive tribal like ours, the forceful imposition of the will of government and corporate on local community can have serious repercussion.  

 

 

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---- Readers Forum ----

 

 

 

Getting a land allotment certificate

Dear Editor,

This is regarding obtaining a land allotment certificate in our beautiful state of Arunachal Pradesh with special reference to Capital Complex.

All land being administered by the government has been donated by the local populace only. All capital complex areas from Banderdewa to Chimpu have been donated by the local tribal people.

Notification No. LR-53/87 (Vol-ii) Dated Ita-8th Sept 2008 declared entire Arunachal Pradesh as Tribal State. But, now scenario has changed. Our local publics are struggling to get a basic Land Allotment Certificates. These include poor and common masses, armed force personnel, policemen and honest govt employees.  It is confusing – whether to perform their duties sincerely or to run after DC office and Land Directorate for a Land allotment.

The system being adopted are as:-  an applicant files for Land Allotment at concerned DC office. The step wise verification and survey team includes Mandal, SK, and LRSO, DC. After clearance, the file goes to concerned Directorate of Land, Secretary and Commissioner, Parliamentary Secretary, Minister and finally Cabinet for vetting.

In depth enquiry reveals that the applications of only kit and kin of big wig politicians, higher up officials and financially influential people survive this license Raj system of British/Mughal. These influential groups could only manage to obtain Land Allotment Certificate. All officials from lowest to highest (DC to Commissioner) have been found to have worked for the influential groups only whereas, the applications of the poor /common masses remains at the dust centric DC office. These files of common masses suffer because of red tapism and briberies at the offices of DC. Some who pay the price tag for clearance gets easy headway.

As per rules, Govt servants can hold neither trading license nor commercial land allotment. However, more than 80% of commercial lands of capital complex are owned by Engineers, bureaucrats and political class.  

Whereas, Govt is planning to raise Land revenue fees per year. This is going to impact poor and common people. Instead of tapping revenue leakage, action against land encroachers by Govt officials, introduction of property tax, Govt’s action aims at harassing common publics are indigestible.

Effort of the government should be to support the common masses raise their standard of living by improving their socio-economic conditions. Fast delivery of administrative process and clearance of genuine files of common public will help them establish small business centers and other entrepreneurship means.

Our government through its corrupt servants has forgotten the theme of a welfare state. Many of the Land related officials themselves are embroiled in open corruption.

For an instance, an Indian Army soldier is serving our country for the sake of protecting its motherland. He stays away from his family most of the year. When applies for a simple Land Allotment certificate for his family, file keeps pending at DC office for immeasurable amount of time. Since he is a soldier, he believes in merit. There are many similar sad stories of common men trying to get a Land Allotment Certificate. True owners of the land are really suffering at the hand of systemic epidemic of our highly rotten system.

Our Chief Minister Pema Khandu talks about corrupt free administration. A press statement was issued that files be cleared within a stipulated time. Citizen’s charter and redressal mechanisms were supposed to be issued. DC (Capital Complex) and Land Directorate may take note of it. All genuine applications may be disposed of immediately.

Yours,

Payi Gyadi

 

 

 

Fill potholes with bricks

Dear Editor,

Every year P.W.D just adds another layer of tarmac, instead of actually repairing the damn road and with the onset of monsoon the patchwork slowly wears out and the bedraggled road becomes alive. The stretch from Doimukh, (Neepco colony) to Bage-Tinali has become minefield of potholes. Motorists have a harrowing time driving through that stretch. The rains made it worse, making it difficult for someone at the wheels to gauge the depth of the potholes. The least authorities should do now is fill the holes with pieces of bricks and level the road to avoid bumpy ride.

Yours,

Anil Thapa

Doimukh

 

 

 

India's poverty

Dear Editor,

Sri Aurobindo said, "If you want to remove poverty you must find the causes of poverty and remove them." India's agonizing unemployment or to put it more correctly ~ our jobless growth ~ is indeed the main reason for India's poverty which obstructs the natural path between food and hungry mouths. Thus, jobless growth after creating poverty produces colossal food wastage as its by - product. So, labour intensive technology must be adopted to create a bridge between excess food and empty bellies.

Yours,

Sujit De, Kolkata

 

 

 

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---Editor