December -
Govt doing everything to ensure safety of citizens of NE Region in Delhi : PM
NE students delegation calls on Prime Minister Singh
ITANAGAR, Dec 10: The Prime Minister met today a delegation of Students representing all the eight North Eastern States studying in Delhi in the presence of Bijoy Krishna Handique, Minister for Mines & Development of North Eastern Region, Agatha Sangma, MoS for Rural Development, Vincent Pala, MoS for Water Resources and senior Government Officials, in the context of recent incidents of violence against students/ youth hailing from the NE Region.
Arunachal was represented by Lokam Anand president Arunachal Students Union Delhi. The Prime Minister mentioned that the Government has taken a serious note of the incidents and informed the delegation about the various steps which have been taken to ensure safety and security of the people hailing from the Region. Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of DoNER are constantly monitoring the situation and the Government is trying to put in place a fool proof mechanism to ensure security to the people of the NE Region in Delhi. The Resident Commissioners of the NE States in Delhi are also taking all necessary steps to instill a sense of confidence in the minds of people and they would closely liaise with the M/ Home Affairs and M/ DoNER in this regard.
The representatives of students felt that the perception in the minds of local people about the people hailing from the NE region is the root cause of the present situation. In his response, the Prime Minister noted that there is an urgent need to sensitize the people about this issue and said that steps would be taken to enlighten the general public about the culture and life style of each of the NE states through Doordarshan and Cable/ satellite Channels shortly. Suitable arrangements would be made for cultural exchange programmes at the local level, which would include organizing NE Festivals, Cultural Programmes in colleges etc.
Welfare Officers of the Universities in Delhi would be asked to look into the problems faced by NE Students on admissions, hostel facilities etc. They would also be advised to take urgent steps to promote General Social awareness about the cultural uniqueness of the NE Region among the student community. Other steps being taken by the Government include organizing a football tournament in the NE Region, cultural festivals.
It was noted that the FIRs presently being recorded in Hindi at police station in
Delhi are not properly understood by many of the NE residents. The police personnel
would be sensitized appropriately to ensure that the complaints of NE residents are
properly understood and suitable follow-
It was noted that a Girls’ Hostel is being constructed in the Delhi University to mitigate the accommodation problem. The representatives of students’ community requested for augmentation of capacity of Hostels for NE students and sought construction of a Working Women’s hostel in the city.
The Prime Minister noted that the Ministry of DoNER has set up North East Connect
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In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister reiterated that the Government was doing everything in its power to ensure that all the students/ youth from the NE Region are safe in Delhi.
Students call for govt action
Arunachal Students Union Delhi has called on the Delhi government to take initiative to ensure safety of students coming from NE region. It said that students are being left on thier own with no one to understnd thier hardships.
ASUD expressed concerned that the incidents of harassment involving the students from Northeast region. In an email, the Union stated that action is yet to be taken against those involved in the Oct 17 molestation of the young Arunachali girl in Delhi. Even as the shock is yet to sink in, another girl from the state was molested on Dec 8 at Sarojini market. Then union demanded that perpetrators be taken to task.
Child welfare cries for attention in Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Dec 10: Arunachal has to go a long long way go when it comes to care of
children and juveniles. Apart from opening schools, the state seemed to have done
practically nothing to cater to needs of the young ones of the state. The uncomfortable
truth confronted everyone at a one day orientation workshop on the rights of the
child which was organised today at Banquet Hall by Indian Council of Child Welfare-
Absence of homes for juvenile in conflict with law, special police for juvenile,
absence of funds, non-
Impulse –NGO Network Team Leader Hasina Kharbih in her keynote address emphasized on collaboration among all the stakeholders including state government to ensure safety and secured future of children and young people.
Kharbih, who has been championing the cause of children lamented that the children have been relegated to a corner as the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) and Child Welfare Committees (CWC), set up for their welfare, are only in the papers.
Jarjum Ete called for more networking and follow up actions. She said that action has just started and has a long way to go while expressing the hope that present govt headed by Dorjee Khandu will focus on the issues.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chairperson Arunachal Pradesh State Women’s Commission
Mepung Tadar Bage said that Juvenile Justice Board in Arunachal needs to be activated.
While advocating for setting up of juvenile homes, she said that Arunachal needs
to do more for the young people of its state. She is also the Secretary ICCW-
Advocate and Rights Activist Sunil Mow of Human Rights Law Network speaking on the pornography, paedophile and trafficking, in the state highlighted on the lack of will from the state government on these issues.
The police force led AIGP (Crimes) Eba Lingu, SP Capital Hibu Tamang, SP Papum Pare
P N Khrimey and other officers from the Police dept attended one-
AIGP Eba Lingu spoke on the Juvenile Justice, Child Welfare and Child Right protection
while G Kato, spoke on Fundamental Right to Education-
The resolutions adopted would further be submitted to the Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu for action.
Recommendations for child welfare in Arunachal
State to have realistic export policy soon
Ojing Tayeng
ITANAGAR, Dec 10: The preliminary reports on export potential in Arunachal Pradesh prepared by Rajiv Gandhi University and the comments and suggestions from various departments, NGOs and Entrepreneurs of the state would pave a way for the state government in formulating a realistic policy decision soon, said Commissioner, Trade and Commerce M Pertin today.
He was speaking as a Chief Guest in the one day workshop on “Export Potential and Marketing Strategies in Arunachal Pradesh” held at Udyog Sadan, Itanagar today.
The programme was sponsored by the Department of Trade and Commerce, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh in collaboration with the Department of Economics, Rajiv Gandhi University.
However, Pertin lamented over poor transportation and power supply to streamline the demand and supply of the goods and service in the state. He said that frequent Bandh calls, lack of hospitality and infrastructural facilities also directly or indirectly hampers proper economic growth in the state.
While, appreciating the RGU particularly Economics Department and officers of Directorate of Trade and Commerce Department for preparing the preliminary project report, he urged the RGU to complete the final report at the earliest possible time after incorporating various points and suggestions put forwarded by the stakeholder Departments, NGOs and Agencies during the workshop. Trade and Commerce, Director Tokong Pertin urged all the participants to give their suggestions and comments on the draft report prepared by the Department of Economics, RGU so that a best and standard report is prepared which will be beneficial for evolving realistic policy decision by the Government, for the benefit of the traders and entrepreneur of the state.
Tokong further stated that taking cue from the Governor ‘Team Arunachal’ idea, the Department of Trade and Commerce is involving all stakeholder including govt departments, NGOs and various agencies including Central and State Government to fine tune the report which bears both direction and solution for traders and entrepreneurs of Arunachal Pradesh.
Chairperson of the Study Team Prof. N C Roy through power point presentation on the
draft report informed that their Study mainly focused on major Agri-
He suggested some policy measures such as Market information, marketing network,
Technological up-
Director of Tribal Studies, RGU Prof. T. Mibang suggested for establishment of export zone, properly tapping of water resources and setting up of mineral water packaging industry in the state.
He further, briefing on declining Mithun stock and environmental effects, appealed the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department to short out scientific study to save them from extinction in near future.
Tilling Doley of Nano Orchid Centre, Ziro, briefed about various problems confronted by him in exporting orchid from the state.
Tilling, recollecting an earlier plan, put forward his view for establishment of three export zones within the state at western, eastern and central Arunachal and also suggested localization of producing centres in the state.
He further emphasizing on importance of organic farming and highlighting the physical and environmental advantages emphasized on organic tea cultivation and called for more awareness programme on it.
Representatives from Agriculture Department also called for institutionalization of organic farming. He said that by 2012 the state would emerge as a major player in organic farming in the country, and placed vegetable oils and Mize as one of the important items to be included in the report.
Prof. A. Mitra, Prof. S. K. Nayak , Assistant Professor B Upadhaya from RGU, representatives from Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Fisheries, Industries, Textile and Handicrafts, NEDFi, NABARD, NGOs and exporters also placed their comments and suggestion during the workshop.
ANSU calls acceleration of road projects
ITANAGAR, Dec 10: The All Nyishi Students Union (ANSU) appealed all to co-
Union urge concerned authorities to notify the compensation rate as per notification of ministry of national highway and that DC takes up the issue of compensation in the districts. It said that troubles of the people who have to take the road to Assam would be lessened with the construction of the highway and reduced the number of accident would be reduced with the coming of four lane road in the capital region. Meanwhile, union suggested that Chief Engineer, Highway should be established with proper office staff and well equipped infrastructure so that there is no delay in official process to implement the long pending dream project of Arunachal Pradesh. Union further said that tender process should not be politicized.
Meet the prescribed deadlines: Khandu tells NEEPCO
ITANAGAR, Dec 10: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has strongly indicated that the state government will not compromise with the time frame allotted to the power developers to complete the projects. The Public Sector Units or Private developers have to strictly adhere to the provisions of the MoUs and MoAs signed between them and the government, Khandu assertively said during a review meeting held between the state government and NEEPCO representatives in CMs conference hall today.
The meeting which was attended by NEEPCO CMD I P Barooah with his directors and project officers was aimed to sort out some outstanding issues in respect of implementation of Hydro Power Projects by NEEPCO in the state.
While assuring a logistic support to NEEPCO for early commissioning of their projects in the state, Khandu asked the CMD to engage eligible state government employees on deputation as per agreed terms and conditions of the MoA at the earliest possible. The chief minister insisted that the preference should be given to the qualified local youths of the state in all categories of technical and non technical post through open recruitment procedures also considering the proviso of 100 % reservation for APST in group C and D post against the project.
Khandu said as per terms and conditions of the MoA the corporation needs to provide all basic infrastructures and amenities for the convenience of the local people under social sector development and urged them to put in place the commitment.
Participating in the discussion, NEEPCO, CMD Barooah agreed to sort out all pending issues confronting the corporation. We have already been working on social sector development and have built roads and provided basic amenities to the local populace in the project areas Barooah claimed. He however requested the chief minister to create a police outpost at Kimi, West Kameng District with adequate personnel for tackling the law and order problem. To this, the chief minister assured all possible assistance from the state governments end. He promised to create a congenial working atmosphere for the corporation in the state.
Among others Parliamentary Secretary Hydro Power R T Khunjuju, Advisor Power T Mara, Secretary Power Tumke Bagra and host of Chief Engineers of Power department participated. (PRO to CM)
NABARD takes promotional progs for rural prosperity to Yingkiong
ITANAGAR, Dec 10: Various promotional progra-
DGM dealt at length about the formation of Farmers’ Clubs in villages, upscaling SHG bank linkage programme, setting up orchards by 500 farmers with NABARD assistance under Tribal Development Fund, skill development programmes, capacity building of farmers relating to shifting from jhoom cultivation to settled cultivation, vegetable cultivation increasing productivity of crops, orchard farming, dairy/poultry/ piggery activities etc, for which KVK may forward proposals to NABARD under Capacity Building for Adoption of Technology (CAT) DGM suggested that list of good NGOs, registered and active in the area for at least 3 years having good reputation and financial management capacity may be forwarded by District Admnistration to NABARD so as to involve them in various promotional programmes. Panchayats could be involved regarding advantages in formation of SHGs, financial literacy, banking habit and formation of Farmers Clubs. LAMP could open rural haat with NABARD assistance. To meet the credit requirements of farmers, DGM suggested Agriculture Department may identify eligible farmers willing to take bank loan and forward KCC applications to banks so that at least 250 new farmers may be issued KCC by each branch every year. Deptt of Industries / DRDA may identify training needs of entrepreneurs for skill upgradation for generation of employment and arrange to forward proposals for their capacity building (4 to 8 weeks programme) through reputed NGO. KVK/ good performing NGOs/ Post Offices/ PRIs may form Farmers Clubs and submit proposals to NABARD. Proposals for grant for formation of SHGs may be forwarded by NGOs to NABARD. District Administration emphasized for regular conduct of DCC meetings so that credit requirements of farmers, entrepreneurs and disposal of loan applications sponsored by Deptts could be settled.
The participants while showing enthusiasm, suggested that NABARD may conduct full day awareness programmes for promotional schemes so that full benefit may be taken for the development of rural areas in Upper Siang District.
ITANAGAR, Dec 10: Directorate of Rural Development conducted performance review meeting of all Rural Development programmes at its office premises today.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister RD Takar Marde appealed to all the Officers of the implementing agencies to work with sincerity and dedication so that the benefit reaches to the rural masses.
Lamenting over the poor achievement, he advised the project directors to take the assigned task as a challenge and urged the officers to seek suggestion in case any problems arise in the department. Commissioner, RD Tape Bagra, Director Rural Development, Project Directors, Joint Director, NREGA NK Sinha and Deputy Director NREGA Sube Singh also attended the programme.
It is indeed a land of Khusi-
Dear Editor,
With due regards I would like to write in support of Miss Vanessa Borang, who had highlighted the very genuine part of the forth coming APPCS examination by mentioning that the rejection is a part of the on going examination procedure and those rejected should be considered out of the race.
On the readers forum of the Dec 9 some Mepe Ete and Pattey Tayum have responded without valid point and argument. They have maintained throughout their writings that there was no proper guidelines for filling up the form and especially for the attestation of the photographs. On this view I have a question: did the Commission published two kinds of Advertisements? Did the News Papers of our state publish a special edition for those 1750 sincere candidates who missed out the instructions? Otherwise it’s a matter of great surprise that if we had the same instructions and the same advertisement how come they say that self attestation for two passport size photographs were not given whereas we saw it every time we took up the paper on the second and third lines of the advertisement. On the other hand, does Ete and Tayum want to prove 7000 plus candidates wrong?
We have the sympathy for the rejected candidates but its competition and they have proved themselves incompetent by making such a Blunder.
Coming to Comm-
To Ete and Tayum let me tell them that the District codes or the Centre codes were not mistaken on any paper. Have a sincere look at the advertisement published on the Aug 20 and the instructions on the OMR leaflet you will realize your mistakes. You have right to request for sympathy but you dont have right to judge ones view, especially when you are not on the right part. Any way commission has reconsidered the matter which is a joy for you.
This was possible only because you are in Arunachal Pradesh, the Land Of Khusi Khusi!
Yours,
Jumken Lobom
Itanagar
On e-
It is advisable to look before you leap
Dear Editor,
I would like to refer to the advertisement no. PSC-
Responding to one of our friends Mepe Ete, I would like enlighten him that the leaflet which was provided along with the OMR form was just a sample not an instruction. For kind information, so far as column 16 is concerned, the Commission had already provided the instructions for self attestation in the daily as mention above.
This issue should not be taken personally. And it is of course my "Divine and Rational" view that these are in the true sense of "A Silly Mistake" committed by graduate and educated persons. I am, sincerely not against the reconsideration of any candidate but I am apprehensive of the functioning of the Commission and the chaos it has created so far. No wonder, the Commission is itself delighted in inviting indignation and being snubbed.
I really empathize with my dear friends "Pattey Tayum and Kabuk Lego because that they failed to differentiate between an instruction given in the advertisement and the leaflet (sample).
So far as the negative impact on the younger generation is concerned, you are indeed setting a wrong example before them. Rather you should be fighting for the right cause but here it is other way round.
In response to Kano's publication dated Tuesday, the rejection of the candidates was not only on a single ground but on various grounds. I wonder that if Mr. Kano had the advertisement handy as proclaimed. How could he say that the information was incomplete. I would very much want him to refer to his Xerox copy of the ad once again properly. Thanks to Kano for proving me right and accurate. And also regarding your stay outside the state, with the advancement of technology things have become very easy and accessible. Kindly avert from making, lame excuses.
Well, I am elated with the commission's decision to reconsider the rejected candidates. And I do anticipate from these candidates that such silly mistake will not be repeated in the future. It is always wise to look before you leap. Hold on to your words until you know it is true and apparent.
Yours,
Miss Vanessa Borang
Bank Tinali, Itanagar
Commission need to stick to its rules
Dear Editor,
The Laissez faire and lackadaisical approach of the Arunachal Public Service Commission is being observed since the last APPSCCE and the trend is still continuing. It is apparent that the commission is not upholding the rules and regulations in executing its duties and responsibilities as prescribed in the constitution. The lackadaisical approach of the commission has victimized a certain section of the APPS aspirants in the process of selection of the candidates in last examination. There is apprehension that it is likely to be continued in this coming examination.
Why is the commission so unstable with its decision and why does it get easily influenced? Its answer must have ambiguity. I do need to remind the concerned authority that the viscous circle of the issue raised is nothing but the "instruction" which had been published in The Arunachal Times, dated 20`" Aug'09. Every aspiring candidate is supposed to refer to the news daily for information and instructions.
As a sensible citizen of this state, I humbly request the Commission to stick to its rules and regulations and stop playing the `Manipulation Game' and should not succumb to the `Whims and Fancies' of the influential lot. If this persists, it will imbibe a bad name. Values and ethics should be maintained because once it is lost, it cannot be retained. It should portray such an image which the future generation could rely on without any inhibition.
And yes, it is a privilege to see a girl like Vanessa Borang who has showed the guts to raise her voice against the unprecedented matter and unlawful claims of the rejected candidates. However, it has been accepted by the commission. It is an earnest appeal to the public, student bodies and student unions not to be biased for particular sections of student and pressure groups for their own vested interest.
Yours,
Mit
Itanagar, C sector
Kudos to the man who still remembers
Dear Editor,
Regarding Mr Tapan Chakroborthy's letter dated 9th dec 2009, it is heartening to see a man born in Arunachal still remembers the place of his birth. What is more commendable is his willingness to do something for the state. Hats off to him! Hopefully the NGOs working for the deprived and helpless people will come forward and take full advantage of Mr Tapan's expertise and help. Daporijo sure is a beautiful place and he might like to see few photos of picturesque Dapo. He just has to mail me at kakoo111@rediffmail.com
Yours,
Kakoo
Daporijo, (On email)
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
Arunachal demands two more tourist circuits
ITANAGAR, Dec 10: State Tourism department has urged the union ministry of tourism to create additional two tourist circuits in Arunachal Pradesh to boost tourism.
Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Gajen Gadi, who along with two high officials
of tourism department, attended the Inter-
There is huge potential for tourism development in our state. The union ministry of tourism is also providing all helps for infrastructure development in tourism sector in the state, Gadi said and urged upon all the people of the state to receive tourists as guest and see that no inconvenience is caused during their stay in the state.
Kumari Selja has expressed her willingness to attend the Siang River Festival to be held at Aalo, West Siang from January 11 to 15, 2010, Gadi informed.
Meanwhile, the union tourism ministry urged upon the state governments to take all possible measures to protect the interest of the tourists coming from abroad as well as the local. In the meeting it was also informed that in some states tourists are being harassed which gives a very bad image of the state outside. Tourism can only flourish when there is a cordial atmosphere where tourists can travel and enjoy the beauty without fear, the meeting observed.
The meeting was organized to review all the tourism related activities being undertaken in the East and Northeastern states.
16 schools descends at Khowji for interschool meet
LEKANG, Dec 10: Three-
The inaugural session started with floral tribute of Lt. Lalit Chandra Rajkhowa, a dedicated teacher and an active member of “Asom Sahitya Sabha” who passed away in late Nov 2009 after prolonged illness. Lt. Rajkhowa was the man behind organizing this unique event year after year in Lekang Circle for promotion of extra curricular activities amongst students of the area. A colourfull march past of participating school contingent added to the beauty & glory of the event.
In his inaugural speech, Minister PHED & WS Chowna Mein who was the chief guest remembered
the untiring efforts of Lt. L. C. Rajkhowa in organizing this event time and urged
upon the teachers community to inculcate such devotion for betterment of education
scenario and all round development of future generation. He proposed to hold circle
level inter school meet in memory of Lt. Rajkhowa from next year onwards at district
level to find and promote the hidden talent of the district. Additional Deputy Commissioner,
Namsai R. K. Sharma addressing the mammoth gathering assured all possible help in
organizing circle level and sub-
The DDSE, Lohit K. Rina remembered Lt. Rajkhowa and offered a tribute by reciting Lt. Rajkhowa’s published compositions.
Along with a large number of students, Panchayat leaders, teachers and public took part in the inaugural session.
ITANAGAR, Dec 10: Kargu Kardi Students’ Union (KKSU) has expressed serious concern over illegal encroachment of Govt land by public in Tirbin township.
KKSU, in a release, alleged that Govt. lands, especially EAC complex and medical department are being encroached by some people with vested interest. If this practice continues for few years, there would be hardly any land left for further development of the township, especially the recently upgraded EAC complex and the present PHC (primary health center) which is expected to be upgraded to CHC (community health center) shortly.
The union demanded the local administration to take inflexible action against those land grabbers else it would be compelled to take up democratic means, such as bandh calls, for fulfillment of the demand.
ITANAGAR, Dec 10: A day-
Attending the workshop, Sagalee BDO G Pusang spoke about the importance of SHGs of rural areas and advised the trainees to create their identity and bring social awareness for rural women.
While deputy director (ICDS) P.E. Angu highlighted the objectives and importance
of the micro-
CDPO ICDS project, Sagalee Oyam Panor, who was the master trainer spoke about the
importance of the training programme under micro-
Over 68 trainees under Sagalee ICDS project took part.
ITANAGAR, Dec 10: Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIB) will organize a
day-
Nabam Ribia, Parliamentary secretary to Industry will attend the workshop as chief guest while MLA Jarkar Gamlin will be the guest of honour. Officials from Bank, APKVIB, industry and representatives from various NGOs are expected to participate.
Infrastructure for college, school demanded
ITANAGAR, Dec 10: All Yachuli Students’ Union (AYSU), in a memorandum, has demanded the education minister to provide necessary infrastructure for Yachuli College.
The memorandum stated that Yachuli College, the only college in Ziro-
Further, Govt. Hr. Sec. schools Joram, Deed, especially the recently upgraded Govt. Hr. Secondary school Talo have not got the proper infrastructure till date, the memorandum said and appealed the minister to do the needful for early construction of more classrooms and quarters fro teachers. It also demanded for posting sufficient subject teachers to the schools for the betterment of the students.
SAFMA meet express concern at commercialization of media
Nava Thakuria
The commercialization of mainstream media, degradation of media ethics and practices in the country and the subsequent eroding public trust and support to the entire media community were some of the relevant issues those were discussed in a media conference held in Mumbai on December 5 last. The meeting also appealed to the media fraternity to play a constrictive role in making the South Asia as a region of peace, trust and prosperity for everyone.
The speakers in a meeting of South Asian Free Media Association, which is recognized by the SAARC, were unanimous that the media in the entire region must come forward for paving way for an atmosphere for better understating among the people from different countries.
Though admitted about the limitation and also the nature of recent challenges facing by the media in the region in particular and then globe in general, the speakers claimed that the media must remain or stand a lone voice for the benefit of the common people in the coming days.
An official statement of the annual general meeting of SAFMA (India chapter), expressed serious concern, at the growing trend in the Indian media of selling news space, saying The recent assembly elections in Maharashtra and elsewhere had revealed the spread of the pernicious practice of accepting money for giving editorial space to contestants. In fact, this evil had been perpetrated by instituationalising it.
Addressing the audience, eminent journalist P Sainath elaborated the challenges for the media persons in India, where many of them are being forced to engage in some activities, which are not ethically acceptable to them. He claimed that the corporatisation of the media world has simply threatened the existence of free media.
Now the newspaper owners are greatly influenced by the political clouts. And to entertain
their growing demands, many media groups have even go for arranging extra space in
the advantageous period, Hindu, said, adding‚Sainath, who is the rural affairs editor
of The that if the newspapers (also TV news channel) start receiving huge amount
of money as advertisement, but in an improper way, the journalist-
Inaugurated by the Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, the meet was attended by a number of eminent journalists from various parts of the country and also representatives from Pakistan and Bangladesh. In his inaugural speech, the Chief Minister Chavan urged the media persons from the region to play a greater role in paving way for an atmosphere of better friendship among various nations for sustainable partnership, growth and development.
Eminent Pakistani journalist Imtiaz Alam, while expressing his views, observed that the media in both India and Pakistan have to play responsible role while reporting bilateral issues.
While appealing to Indian journalists, the secretary general of SAFMA said, Please don’t term Pakistan as an enemy nation. I say the same for the Pakistani journalists (towards India) as well. Our country is under tremendous threat from various corners. We expect some solidarity from the largest democracy in the world. Being a journalist, I feel we have to do more for the people of both the countries.
He was however critical of some so-
The Bangladeshi journalist Reazuddin Ahmed made it a point that an inherent suspicion remained always intact with the people in general and the journalists in particular of South Asia. A The editor of The News Today, an English daily published from Dhaka, emphasized more journalists to travel their neighbouring countries to understand relevant issues and report accordingly. He also appealed to the governments of the region to make relaxation to visa rules for the benefit of the travelling journalists.
The meeting was concluded with the election of news office-
A few questions to ponder about Status of children in Arunachal Pradesh
Jarjum Ete
The state of Arunachal Pradesh, as per the 2001 census, has the lowest density of
population-
The sex ratio was 901 females per 1000 males in 2001 census. The sex ration of 0-
The Census 2001, Arunachal Pradesh had 57 Pre-
In 1981 the literacy %age was 25.55, in 1991 it was 41.59%. And in 2001, it was a
total of 54.34 % -
The infant mortality rate (IMR) in Arunachal Pradesh is 77/1000 live births. Highest
IMR was in Kurung Kumey at a figure for 113 and lowest was in Lower Dibang Valley
at 53. Orissa has the highest all-
According to a 30 November 2009 news item, an NGO -
Studies in Arunachal have clearly found a deep running male child preference among
most parents due to the patrilocality of most tribal societies though times are a-
Many little boys and girls suffer from emotional deprivation apart from neglects
and turn into social misfits, better known as delinquents. Juvenile crime, so to
say, is an outcome of parental and societal failure in the rearing of our young ones.
There are also many young ones who lose the love of their fathers to militancy in
the eastern districts. Due to marital discords and conjugal disputes, there are violence
in many families exposing children to the worst side of the world, scarring their
young minds for ever. Some try and heal themselves if they are lucky, but most are
not. Theft, drunken brawls, street fights, stabbing, dacoity, arson, rape, molestation,
house trespass, prostitution, kidnapping for ransom etc. -
In July 2008, Juvenile Justice Boards and Child Welfare Committees were formed and
notified for 8 of the 16 districts. But most of these boards and committees are non-
We cannot for sure say that these problems and ailments of our world will be eradicated totally even with a magic wand. But as a state with a very small population, if we as people decide and choose to prioritise the issues of the young ones, it is not too difficult to contain some of the problems on hand. But `how' is the moot question. The state had drawn up a State Action Plan for Children in Arunachal Pradesh in late 90s.
We have our PRIs in place. And empowered Panchayats at that. And many of the government programs like total sanitation, immunization, safe drinking water, universalisation of primary education, safe and institutionalised delivery, supplementary nutrition program for young children and pregnant and lactating mothers etc. are to be implemented and monitored by the PRIs, particularly at the Gram Sabha level.
Many young children are brought from neighbouring states as domestic help. They suffer physical, sexual and financial exploitations. Child labor still thrives within the four walls of our homes, roadside food joints, motor garages. There is no registration facility of domestic help. And every now and then we get to read classifieds of missing young children. What we don't know is about their recovery and in what condition. Many are known to run away from the clutches of employers or owners. And yes, we are aware of cases where these owners have paid in thousands to the parents or guardians of these young boys and girls. And then, there are many cases of adoptions.
With the opening up of the state in various ways, some forms of trafficking have
also emerged. But how to handle these cases ? With the impetus being given on Tourism,
can we rule out paedophile? With the changing profile of rape victims in the recent
years from teenagers to pre teens and infants, we cannot be too sure. Laws, Acts,
Rules, Policies, Programs, Schemes, Boards, Committees -
What could be the reasons for the dwindling sex ratio in the rural areas? Has the
increase in number of institutions helped the state's children any better? What is
the quality of education that our young citizens are getting? Are they being equipped
to face the competitive, globalised world? Is the practice of child marriages being
contained with the introduction of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan -
There is the urgent need for the creation of the Juvenile Justice Fund if the JJBs and CWCs are to be made effective. There is the need for trained personnel to establish and manage Juvenile Homes. Yes, it is not a jail. It is another Home for the young delinquents who need special care and attention. And there are too many of them in our state today. Unfortunately, there is no available data.
In this young state and particularly in its state capital, there is hardly any open space or park for the little ones to play. Town planning is not just technology.
The need for the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights is urgently felt. We need a coordinated strategy to secure a healthy space for the young ones in this state where they will have a say, their needs and thoughts will be heard. There ought to be a process for child budgeting and child budget analysis.
There is much to do. So it has to start with dialogues and interactions. (Ete, a
Rights Activist is also chairperson Indian Council For Child Welfare-