August 22
BJP leader seeks investigation into alleged corruption in RWD
ITANAGAR, Aug 21: Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vijay Sonam has demanded a high level inquiry into the alleged corruption in awarding road contract works under PMGSY and illegal appointments in the Rural Works Department (RWD).
In a complaint letter to the Chief Minister, Sonam alleged that corruption has been rampant in RWD, involving senior officials.
He alleged that contractors, who pay gratification, are awarded the project work keeping aside all laid down norms, even if the credentials of the firm do not meet the criteria.
"The PMGSY project of Siga to Dayam (Stage-
Sonam said that the direction given by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India for an inquiry into the implementation of PMGSY projects in East Kameng district should be taken seriously.
He also alleged appointment of around 40 JEs by the Department on back date in violation of the decision of the state government.
"Though the State Cabinet has decided to recruit Group 'A' & 'B' officers through the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission, it is learnt that the Department of RWD has already appointed around 40 JEs," Sonam said.
He demanded early constitution of a high level inquiry committee to unearth the truth and also to reveal what exactly is going on in the department.
For a free and fair Inquiry, Sonam said, T K Tagin, SE (Coordination), RWD; D Nyodu, CEO, ARRDA (RWD) and Bida Tadang, Section Officer, RWD should be suspended till completion of the inquiry for their alleged involvement in such malpractices.
Mother cries for justice
Molestation accused evades arrest due to laxity of police & health depts
ITANAGAR, Aug 21: The mother of an 11 year old girl, who was allegedly molested by Joint Commissioner of Tax and Excise, Tani Jongkey, has alleged higher authorities of trying to save the officer.
In a letter to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, she has appealed to the Chief Minister to intervene so that justice prevails.
"The culprit is a government official holding a responsible post. If he continues with his post, he may try to influence the investigation of the case using his power and position", she said, adding that such a person does not deserve to hold a responsible position in any government department for long.
"No doubt, the case is under subjudice and the law will take its own course of action, but there is one area which needs your immediate intervention. The culprit should be suspended immediately from his post by the government. But till date, the file for his suspension is not moving any further and instead it is simply gathering dust in the department's almirah. The concerned authorities at the higher level are not cooperating in the case," she wrote in the letter.
Jongkey was reportedly evading arrest for a long time and had been applying for anticipatory bail. When his anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the court, he got himself admitted in Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, Naharlagun on health grounds. He is still admitted in the hospital, because of which, the police have not been able to arrest him.
Talking to this daily, SP Capital Dr A Koan informed that police have placed an appeal before the Court of the CJM on Jongkey's prolonged stay in the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, Naharlagun and appealed to the court to constitute a medical board and ascertain the truth behind his illness.
When contacted, officials from the hospital said that they do not have much idea about any patient accused of such a crime undergoing treatment in the hospital, adding that if such a patient is in fact admitted in the hospital, the concerned doctor treating the patient would have a better idea on his condition.
A doctor, who is treating the alleged accused, informed that Jongkey was admitted in the hospital for hypertension, diabetes, and is also undergoing psychiatric treatment. The doctor also appealed for early constitution of a medical board to examine Jongkey’s case.
Seeking justice for her 11 year old child, the distraught mother said, “God forbid, if such an incident happens to any of the family members of the concerned authority, what will be their stand on such an issue? Is it because I am poor and the accused is a rich and a high ranked government official that the authority is shielding him?"
Further, she said that since the occurrence of the incident, her child is traumatized and keeps herself locked in the bedroom most of the times and refuses to communicate with people.
"Today, this has happened to my family, but where is the guarantee that this will not happen to some other family. After a lot of struggle and much thought on the repercussions it is going to bring, I have decided to fight for justice, and it was not an easy decision. I am a bonafide citizen of India, and my child and I have the right to get justice for the crime meted out to her", she said.
After Himachal and Uttarakhand, Arunachal adopts national policy for Tibetans
DHARAMSHALA, Aug 21: In a noble gesture for the Tibetans living in exile in India, Arunachal Pradesh has also adopted the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy Act.
Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand had already done the same in 2015 after the Government of India formalized this act in 2014.
In a letter written to Lobsang Sangay, the President of Central Tibetan administration (CTA), which is the global headquarters for the 1,50,000 Tibetans living across 40 countries of the world, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu has confirmed the move.
"I am happy to inform you that in the cabinet meeting convened by me on August 12 this year, I, along with my colleagues decided to adopt and extend the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy 2014 in the state of Arunachal Pradesh," said Pema in his letter.
He has further mentioned that Arunachal Pradesh has the fourth largest number of
Tibetans in India. It has four Tibetan settlements -
"Therefore, in order to provide better opportunities to Tibetan youths residing in Arunachal Pradesh, my cabinet resolved to implement the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy 2014 as framed by the Government of India," he added.
Sangay has expressed thanks for considering the Tibetan residents in exile. "I thank my dear friend Pema Khandu, who is an ardent follower of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and lifelong friend of the Tibetan people. The state of Arunachal Pradesh shares an unshakeable and historic bond with the Tibetan people. This gesture will further strengthen this bond of friendship and affinity between the two," said Sangay.
Since the official announcement of the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy Act by the Government of India in 2014, several states, including Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttarakhand have also formulated the policy as requested by Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration.
Based on the Rehabilitation Policy Act, in the presence of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama in Mundgod and recently in Hunsur, both in the Indian state of Karnataka and two of the largest Tibetan settlements have officially signed land lease agreements ensuring the sustenance of the Tibetan settlements.
Rehabilitation policy deals with matters concerning land lease, and extending central and state benefits. The guideline states that Tibetans may be allowed to undertake any economic activity and to that extent, relevant papers/ trade license/ permit may be issued to them and also permit to take jobs in any field for which they are professionally qualified. (Source: Times of India)
Union Minister Vardhan on two-
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Aug 21: Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Harsh Vardhan called for taking a pledge to work for the nation and humanity, to bring back the past glory of India.
Dr Vardhan, who is on a two-
“To commemorate 75 years of the Quit India Movement, the Narendra Modi Government
led the nation to a pledge to create a 'New India' that is strong, prosperous and
all-
Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to make New India, Dr Vardhan said, ever since Narendra Bhai became Prime Minister of India, he has become a symbol of aspiration of young Indians and urged people of Arunachal Pradesh to resolve to do something for India.
He also informed that Prime Minister Modi is serious about development of Northeast region.
Minister Urban Development and Town Planning, Nabam Rebia in his address stated that every citizen needs to resolve to carry forward the Prime Minister's vision of a 'New India'. Rebia hoped that under the NDA Government, Arunachal Pradesh would witness a sea of development.
One arrested with 16.30 grams of opium
Reporter
PASIGHAT, Aug 21: On a complaint received by the Women Against Social Evils (WASE), the Pasighat unit police arrested one Tomeng Tayeng on Sunday afternoon with 16.30 grams of opium from Jarku.
According to WASE activists, there were more people, including a teacher at the house of the arrested, who fled from the scene.
Refuting WASE's claim, the alleged accused claimed that he was consuming the opium alone at the time of the raid. However, he confessed that he has been consuming opium for the past 40 years.
"I have tried quitting the addiction earlier, but it is very difficult. I am 67 years now and I cannot lie, I will use opium again even if I get out of jail", claimed Tayeng.
When contacted, Pasighat Police Station OC In-
Activists allege violation of RTI Act by WRD engineers
Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Aug 19: RTI activists have levelled allegations against the Executive Engineer (EE) cum Public Information Officer (PIO) of Water Resource Department (WRD), Pasighat division of violating the Right to Information Act, 2005, which is chargeable under relevant clause of the act.
RTI activists Shoney Pertin and Omuk Aje have alleged that the Executive Engineer cum PIO of WRD, Pasighat division office is wilfully denying official information to the petitioners/appellants and thereby violating the RTI Act, 2005.
Pertin and Aje in a press statement said that they submitted an RTI petition on May 22, 2017 and sought information about the RCC Minor Irrigation Project (MIP) implemented by the RWD at Motum village in East Siang district.
The tender amount of the construction of RCC MIP at Motum was Rs 1, 87,20,000.
The duo claimed that the PIO had not responded to their RTI petition, which compelled them to appeal before the FAA, which is the East Siang Deputy Commissioner, on June 21, 2017.
Pursuing their appeal on June 22, the DC had instructed the Executive Engineer cum PIO to furnish information to the petitioners within 15 days. Following this, the PIO had furnished some information, but the petitioners termed them 'incomplete'.
The petitioners then moved the Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC) for justice. The APIC in turn served a notice to the PIO (WRD) Pasighat division for a hearing on August 7 last, wherein an Assistant Engineer of the department on behalf of the PIO appeared.
According to the petitioners, the Assistant Engineer (WRD) assured before the APIC that he/they would furnish all required information to the petitioners regarding MIP at Mebo within 10 days. However, the petitioners alleged that they are yet to receive any communication from the WRD's end.
When contacted, WRD Pasighat division Executive Engineer, Tamo Jamoh informed that he had issued some documents meant for the petitioners after the APIC's intervention.
"I signed some documents for the petitioners a few days ago, which may not have reach them. We do not pass any information or document to petitioner hand to hand", he added.
Speaker makes surprise visit
ITANAGAR, Aug 21: Speaker of Arunachal Legislative Assembly, T N Thongdok recently made a surprise visit to Government Middle School and Government Secondary School, Shergaon.
During the visit, the Speaker found some teachers absent from duty and asked the headmaster to issue advisory and warnings to the absentee teachers.
Thongdok advised the teachers and students to be punctual towards their duties, and also advised the students to study hard and be passionate about their aims and endeavours in life. He also spoke about the mantra of zero tolerance towards corruption and irregularities adopted by the state government.
DC disappointed
TEZU, Aug 21: District Health Society Chairman, Karma Leki DC reviewed the immunization coverage of the district under Mission Indradhanush and expressed disappointment over the coverage percentage of merely 56.5.
Chairing a meeting of the District Task Force on Immunization on Monday, Leki, who is also the Deputy Commissioner, felt the necessity to come out with a solution for all the problems which have led to under performance by the district.
The DC instructed the DRCHO to conduct awareness programmes in the villages and suggested that concerned PRI members and gaon burahs of the area be included in the awareness programmes for more credibility.
He also asked medical officers to be sincere in their work and find solution for better performance and coverage.
Proper training of ASHAs was one of the key areas where the DC emphasized on. He said that there should be drastic improvement in the figures in the next District Task Force meeting.
DRCHO Dr S Nayil presented status of submission of Routine Immunization Micro Plan, vaccines and logistics stocks, etc. He informed the members that Intensified Mission Indradhanush, which aims to achieve full Immunization by 2018, will be launched in October this year.
District Medical officer, Dr S Chai Pul, DRCHO Dr S Nayil, Deputy Director School
Education, Deputy Director ICDS, DIPRO, CO (Dev), MOs in-
MLA, DC visit General Hospital, Khonsa
KHONSA, Aug 21: Khonsa East MLA Wanglam Sawin, along with Tirap Deputy Commissioner P N Thungon on Monday inspected General Hospital, Khonsa to take stock of the functioning of the hospital.
Both Sawin and Thungon interacted with the DMO, doctors and nurses and also checked the attendance register of medical staff, diet in the kitchen and medicine stock ledger. The blood bank of the hospital, which is nearing its completion, was also inspected.
Addressing the ANMs, Anganwadi and ASHAs workers at a workshop on Intensified Mission
Indradhanush, the MLA suggested them to discharge duties sincerely at their respective
places of posting. Sawin also urged the DMO to ensure that all the medical officers,
para-
Deputy Commissioner Thungon, urged the medical officers, ANMs, Anganwadi and ASHA workers to work with missionary zeal, adding that the district must achieve 100 percent vaccination coverage.
The DC suggested the DMO to keep medical surrounding neat and clean and also to dismantle all unauthorized OBT buildings from the general hospital complex.
DMO Dr N Lowang appealed to the local MLA for timely funding for procurement of medicines.
Later, Sawin and Thungon made a sudden visit of the Government Higher Secondary School, Khonsa and inspected all the classrooms and the science laboratory. They also interacted with the teachers and students.
The Deputy Commissioner instructed the teachers to strictly monitor daily attendance of students and said that students should not be allowed to appear in examinations if they have not completed 75 percent school attendance.
He urged the teaching staff of the school to be more cautious and motivate the students to focus on their studies and to avoid bad habits, like consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
MLA Sawin assured the school authority to extend all possible help and assistance in the improvement of school management. (DIPRO)
DC calls for complete coverage of Aadhaar
YINGKIONG, Aug 21: Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Duly Kamduk has directed the DSO (Statistics) to complete enrolment and generation of Aadhaar card by the end of September this year.
There should be 100 percent coverage of population based on 2011 census data, he added.
Further, the DC asked the DSO (Statistics) to carry out surprise checks and pass on clear instructions to the operators carrying out the task of Aadhaar enrolment at various outposts, to expedite the process and compete it by the end of September, enabling the uploading of beneficiaries list in the MIS.
Necessary requisition of government staff to assist the operators can be done wherever shortage of manpower is felt, the DC added.
DSO (Statistics) M D Naksang informed that 77 percent coverage of Aadhaar card enrolment has been achieved till August 14 last. He said that poor internet connectivity places hurdles in the way of early coverage of Aadhaar card enrolment. (DIPRO)
Bharat Scouts & Guides organize awareness campaign
Correspondent
ROING, Aug 21: The District Association Bharat Scouts/Guides, Lower Dibang Valley,
organised a celebration of Vanma-
DDSE Ego Doye said that the purpose of the programme was to educate people about the causes of environmental pollution and how to protect the environment. He appreciated the scouts and guides for their work towards the society and nation through such awareness programmes.
"The motto of Scout/Guide is 'Be prepared', hence, always remain ready to help others in any situation", he further added.
Programme coordinator, DTO Somit Mena informed that a total of 70 saplings were planted at different locations around the township area during the campaign, with an objective to bring awareness amongst the youth and the citizens of the town regarding the importance of tree plantation.
Executive Director NHPC DMP Gobinda Vaidya asked everyone to change their outlook and behave responsible towards the environment. The programme was sponsored by the NHPC DMP, and was conducted under the guidance and supervision of DDSE Roing.
ABCC provides relief items to Laptap landslide victims
ITANAGAR, Aug 21: The Arunachal Baptist Church Council (ABCC), in collaboration with the Council of Baptist Churches of North East India distributed relief materials among the surviving members of the seven families of Laptap landslide victims.
The ABCC team headed by its President Norbu Lama and General Secretary Rev (Dr) Changha Chippo provided blankets, rice and utensils among the family members of the victims.
The ABCC team expressed its solidarity with the bereaved family members and consoled them. All present on the occasion prayed for peace, happiness and prosperity of the village.
AAPWU LDV unit donates
ROING, Aug 21: In a show of solidarity, Lower Dibang Valley district unit of the All Arunachal Pradesh Workers' Union (AAPWU) contributed an amount of Rs 10, 000 from the workers welfare relief fund for victims of Jamupani suspension bridge collapse incident.
The amount was handed over to D Gogoi, a staff of the DC's office to be deposited into the relief fund sponsored by the District Administration.
The district unit AAPWU President Ita Mimi, along with his team members donated the amount in presence of DLEO Rokom Tayeng. (DIPRO)
Medical camp organized
AALO, Aug 21: A medical camp was organized by Rama Krishna Mission, School at Doji-
NSCN (IM) cadres, drug peddler nabbed
KHONSA, Aug 21: The Khonsa Battalion of the Assam Rifles (AR) apprehended two hardcore NSCN (IM) cadres on Sunday.
Nali Nyamtey and Rangmo Thakte, the Self Styled Privates of the outfit were apprehended during an operation in Bera Village.
The cadres were reportedly trying to carryout extortion activities in the village.
A 7.65 mm pistol, five live ammunitions, extortion money amounting to Rs 25,000 and other incriminating evidences were seized from their possessions.
Meanwhile, Bordumsa unit police arrested a drug peddler with 50 gram of drugs, suspected to be brown sugar from Borduria.
Acting on tip off about presence of a drug peddler at Goju village under Borduria circle, a team of police from Bordumsa Police Station, led by OC SI T Tayeng and SI R K Yein rushed to the village and arrested one Yohun Saikia of No.1 Dibong village, Margherita, Assam.
In connection with the drug recovery, a case under NDPS Act has been registered and investigation is on.
Students felicitated
ITANAGAR, Aug 21: As a part of its community development programme, the Arunachal Pradesh Tour Operator Association (APTOA) felicitated six meritorious students of Government 7th Mile Primary School, Pasighat on Monday.
The Association, during its recent meeting, decided to felicitate the toppers of all the classes (from KG to class V) of the school with some cash and stationery items from this year onwards.
The APTOA under its community social responsibility service had adopted the school in the outskirts of Pasighat town at 7th Mile during its annual conference in June, 2016.
APTOA President John Panye distributed the token amount to the toppers and also distributed stationeries to all the 95 students and water filter for the teaching staff.
He exhorted the students to study hard and be disciplined to achieve success in life, and appealed to the teachers to render their services with full dedication to improve the state's literacy rate.
The awardees were Yashuda Ghale, Sanjay Ghale, Ganesh Chetry, Chandra Thapa, Sagar Tamang and Paratima Karki.
Abotani Cup Football Championship
KKFC pip Deed, easy win for BTFC
ITANAGAR, Aug 21: The Kargu Kardi FC (KKFC) pipped Deed Circle 1-
Kozam Beyong, who scored the winning goal, was adjudged man of the match.
Bamang Taji FC (BTFC) beat Huto English School 5-
Koj Omo of BTFC was chosen for man of the match award.
NES awards achievers
ITANAGAR, Aug 21: The Nyishi Elite Society (NES) Academic Excellence Award -
Byabang Amin (93%), Yowa Uma (89.8%) and Tarh Aniya (86.8%) were awarded NES Academic Excellence Award for their brilliant results in Class XII (Science). The award for Commerce Stream was bagged by Biri Nana (68.6%). Under Humanities stream, Dodum Natung (94.6%), Balo Jarema (94%) and Menung Phassang (88.8%) were awarded.
NEET 2017 qualifiers Techi Takam (rank 252), Tar Tayam (261), Michael Kino (426) were awarded the Professional Achievers Award.
The JEE (Advanced) qualifiers for admission into IITs Tai Gangmu (106) and Gollo Taga (119) were also awarded.
In the professional achievers category, Dr Nabam Tata was felicitated for being conferred the Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) by Guwahati University, Assam in April 2017.
In his address, NES President Bengia Tolum urged the community members to contribute meaningfully towards the community in their respective fields of expertise for the benefit of the community.
NES Academic Award recipient of 2010, Mike Mikza Kina, who has cracked APPSC Engineering Examination very recently and was inducted as AE (PWD), has sponsored a month's salary for this programme, he informed.
Dr Nabam Tata encouraged the young academic achievers not to be complacent and strive to upgrade their performance in the coming years.
The NES also organized a ceremonious reception of contributors for construction of NES Secretariat on Saturday, where NES General Secretary Heri Maring informed that the head office of the NES was a long felt need of the community.
The foundation stone of the NES head office was laid by its President Bengia Tolum on the occasion of the decadal Nyishi Day celebration at Nyokum Lapang, Itanagar on April 19 this year.
Techi Ratu and Takam Pario have contributed Rs 3 crore each for construction of the head office, while a plot of land, measuring 22000 sqm at Jollang Road, Itanagar has been donated by Nabam Tuki and his family after NES approached him.
NES President appealed to the members of the community to contribute towards the construction of the NES Secretariat.
The President also re-
SUFC, GYFC register wins in final league matches
ITANAGAR, Aug 21: Solung United and Gidii Yameng registered big wins over their respective opponents, Dadi Bote and Donggin Yameng in their last league matches of the Itanagar Solung Festival Football Tournament 2017 played at DNGC ground on Monday.
Solung United trounced Dadi Bote 4-
On Tuesday, Siang United will take on Solung United in the first quarterfinal and Solung United Veteran will meet Gabang FC in the second quarter finals.
Dept of Agri holds district level training
KOLORIANG, Aug 21: The district level training programme under ATMA and Sankalp Se
Siddhi Tak 2017-
Around 50 farmers were provided information on organic farming, package, practices of cereal crop and IPM by ADOs and ATMA field functionaries, who acted as resource persons.
In his inaugural speech, Kurung Kumey DDA, Dani Yubbe administered the pledge of
"Sankalp Se Siddhi Tak, Determination to Attainment New India Movement (2017-
Attending ZPMs also stressed on timely supply of inputs, field level trail or demonstration, and appealed to the farmers to be proactive in availing various development schemes.
ADO (HQ) J Ette spoke on organic farming, its importance and organic mission of the state, while ADO (PP) B Soping ADO covered the topic of integrated pest management. BTMs Pani Yani and Dr LBhat also gave information regarding various activities. The farmers interacted with the resource persons and cleared their doubts on the subject.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
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Expectation from BRO
The decision of the government of India to delegate more administrative and financial
powers to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for the speedy completion of the road
projects has come in right time. Over the last few years BRO has acquired reputation
for being tardy while taking up the projects. Such poor has been their performance
that even Comptroller and Auditor General also took strong objection to the long
delays by the BRO in constructing 61 strategically important roads, with a total
length of 3,409km, under the India-
BRO is taking up several strategic road projects along the Indo-
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An open letter to CM
Dear Editor,
I would like to ask the Chief minister of our state on the need for creation of department for 'Indigenious faith and Culture' when there is department for 'Art and Culture'.
As we all know that India is a secular country and so all the religion is same and there should be equal preference to every religion.
I honour and respect the Indigenious faith and Culture but will not it be injustice towards other religions of the state?
It is an appeal to the Chief Minister to rethink and do justice for common welfare of all religions in the state.
Yours,
Common citizen
Killer road to be precise
Dear Editor,
As we know ‘Roadway’ is the only and most important mean of communication in our state, now let’s know about our capital roads especially the stretch between Nirjuli and Doimukh. I have turned adult from a child but roads are still the same, as it was decades before. When these roads are going to look like actual town or city roads?
We can witness lots of adventure here, because travelling from Nirjuli to Doimukh is nothing more than an adventure trip. You feel like you are on camel ride specially while riding 3 and 2 wheelers such as auto, scooty and bike. I also ride a bike and when I am on this stretch of road feels like I am riding the bike on the river which angers me and at the same time amuses me. And yes it changes its appearance as the season changes; the pothole becomes bigger during the end of monsoon and road becomes dusty in winter. The rain god makes it worse and you don’t even have any idea about how deep the potholes might be? It may also be very dangerous for expecting mothers.
Therefore, I earnestly urge to the concerned authorities to fix this menace or to come and experience a camel ride on water. It is a disastrous killer road to be precise.
Yours,
Yab Tassar
Let passenger safety be priority
Dear Editor,
Apropos your editorial, "Railway accident on rise" (August 21, 2017), Indian Railways must review their policy of going ahead with a costly bullet train project while neglecting such basics as track renewal and coach modernisation. Must Railways bite off more than they can chew? What's the use of making an attractive icing if the ingredients in the cake get rotten? Indian Railways should give top priority to passengers' safety and follow the proposals of the Anil Kakodar board on war footing.
Yours,
Sujit De, Kolkata
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