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2011

December -  17

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ATMA management committee meeting held

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: A meeting of the Management Committee of  Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Pasighat was held in the office of the Project Director, ATMA, Pasighat to  finalize the programme implementation.

The meeting mainly focused on distribution and conduct of the Method Demonstration by  the Department of Agriculture and allied sectors through the respective block technology managers (BTMs). It decided to allocate a few numbers of method demonstration units to the programme  co-ordinator, KVK, CAU, Pasighat for conducting training on agriculture and allied sectors through the SMS of the KVK.

Further, the district level exhibition would be conducted jointly by the departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary, Fishery and Textile and Handicraft under the sponsorship of ATMA, Pasighat.

 

Foundation course on coop. management & audit

Naharlagun,  Dec 16:  The month-long foundation course on Cooperative Management and Audit organized by State Cooperative Union began here today.

All together 25 trainees  are attending the course .

Attending the inaugural function and declaring the course open, Parliamentary Secretary for Food and Civil Supply, Health and Family Welfare Nido Pavitra appreciated the Cooperative Union for introducing such short-term course which will improve and bring a remarkable change in the functioning of the society.

Earlier, the Secretary Cooperative Union Hage Khoda Shalla appealed to all the Board of Directors to work together in the interest of the society for smooth operation. Highlighting the importance of the training programme, the Secretary requested the trainees to do homework properly by organizing group discussion since the lectures of resource persons and guest lecturer were not enough for better understanding of the subject.

President State cooperative Meghalaya, P Mawkhiew, AT Kulo, Chairman State Cooperative Union also spoke on the occasion. DIPR

 

Training on IDSP in Koloriang held

Koloriang, Dec 16: A one day training on integrated disease surveillance project (IDSP) for medical officers and paramedical staff of Kurung Kumey district was organized by the District Surveillance Unit (DSU), Koloriang in the office of district medical officer, Kurung Kumey yesterday.

A total 10 medical officers and 40 paramedical staff from various health centres of the district participated the training on  data collection, outbreak response, overview and introduction to IDSP.

The training was conducted under the supervision and guidance of Dr.L.Jampa, State Surveillance Officer, IDSP Arunachal Pradesh as the resource person.

Dr.Boni Tuluk, DMO (i/c), Kurung Kumey and other medical officers attending the training had a lengthy discussion on issues ranging from various emerging diseases in Kurung Kumey, communication bottleneck, vaccine transportation problem and its viability.

Earlier, Bani Meitei, Epidemiologist, DSU, Koloriang and urged the all the participants for timely submission of weekly data on various communicable diseases under the surveillance so that effective response can be taken up in a timely manner.

With this the training on IDSP in the entire state of Arunachal is completed which was started in September month of this year.

 

Skill dev. prog.

ITANAGAR, Dec 16:  A 40 days skill development programme on Jute handicraft organized by Mecha Welfare Society began at Yachuli yesterday.  

The basic objective of the training is to initiate rural entrepreneurship to improve rural economy.

 

Relief demanded

ITANAGAR, Dec 16:  The Lokam Welfare Society today appealed to the authority concerned to provide relief to the fire victims of Pachin Colony, Naharlagun The society claimed that two houses were gutted in a fire at Pachin colony recently along with valuable articles worth lakh rupees.

 

Awareness campaign

ITANAGAR, Dec 16:   Dadi Homgio Charitable Society of Upper Subansiri district conducted Gram Shaba awareness campaign on ‘backward grant fund’ at Puchi Geko under Pate, III, IV and V Gram Panchayat Segments on Wednesday last.  Advising the  PR leaders’ trainer Mana Dadi called for judicious use of backward grant fund.  President of All Nyishi Students’ Union also attended the campaign.

 

Sports meet

ITANAGAR, Dec 16:  East Kameng Middle Zone Students’ Union (EKMZSU)  would organize the Late Raso Yangda Memorial Sports meet in the last part of January, 2012. Various sports like football, volleyball, badminton for both boys and girls  and literary competitions would be organized during the meet, according to a release.

 

Absenteeism irks association

ITANAGAR, Dec 16:  Irked by reported absenteeism of various government officials posted in Seppa, East Kameng, All East Kameng Capital Complex Students’ Welfare Association (AEKCCSWA) today demanded the district administration to direct those officials, who are reluctance to stay at Seppa  to report for duties immediately. It said that  absence of officials in various department has hampered the development process.

 

Renovation of road demanded

ITANAGAR, Dec 16:  After conducting joint survey from Ramghat suspension bridge to Balijan under Tarasso circle of Papum Pare district, the Panchayat leaders and village elders in a representation to the Parliamentary Secretary of Planning today urged for early renovation of the 11 km road stretching from Tarasso to Balijan in Assam-Arunachal boundary.

It said that the said road was constructed by department of forest in 1975 during NEFA period and do not falls under disputed area.  

 

Re-exam demanded

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: Expressing its displeasure with the unfair evolution of answer script by evaluator, the Unemployed Arunachal Engineers’ Association (UAEA) demanded the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) Chairman to re-conduct the examination for recruitment of Assistant Engineer (civil). Failing to fulfill the demand would compel the association to launch protest movement at APPSC office premises, it threatened.

In its representation to the APPSC, All Arunachal Pradesh Unemployed Youth Organization appealed to the state’s highest civilian competitive board to re-conduct the Assistant Engineer (Civil) Examination.

The organization claimed that the examination was not fairly conducted and tempering of answer was found.

 

Project affected people’s demand

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: Project affected people of 1750 mw Hydel Project over river Lohit, in a letter to Deputy Commissioner Anjaw district appealed for proper demarcation and planning of submergence areas under Lohit and Anjaw districts.

The letter claimed that several areas falling under Lohit and Anjaw districts are on the process of acquisition by the respective district administration in favour of the Anthena Demwe Power Limited, New Delhi based at Tezu for the 1750 MW Hydel Project.

It alleged that the people are still ignorant about the areas likely to be submerged by the project and demanded proper marking and planning of the areas. Otherwise, the project affected villagers would not accept  any compensation, the letter added.

 

BRC and CRC coordinators training held

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: Adolescence Education Cell of the State Institute of Education has organized a four-day training programme for BRC and CRC Coordinators on population education from December 12-15 here.

Participants from five districts attended the training programme.

 

CE clarifies while federation demands action

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: While the All Arunachal Youngster United Federation (AAYUF), in a memorandum, has drawn the attention of the chief minister towards what it alleged fraudulent issue of LOC worth crores of rupees by PWD (Eastern zone) chief engineer for Changlang-Margerita road, 10 bridges along Dambuk-Paglam road and Kora-Mane road without any fund provision during financial year 2010-11, quoting documents obtained through RTI, the CE, when contacted clarified that the normal procedures have been followed to complete the time-bound projects on target. When the state authorities have been emphasizing on accelerating all developmental projects, the executing departments have to reflect commitment to make best use of the working season.    

Claiming violation of laid down procedures, the memorandum threatened democratic movement if the GoAP failed to act against the CE.

 

NYP to conduct certificate course in Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, under Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and National Youth Project (NYP) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote entrepreneurship in the country, according to NYP Arunachal Pradesh Unit release.

As per the MoU, the National Youth Project of Arunachal Pradesh unit has been authorised to conduct certificate courses in Arunachal Pradesh  on Food & Fruit Processing, Carpet Weaving, Cane & Bamboo Handicrafts,  Wood Carving, Beautician, Cutting, Tailoring and Embroidery and Computer Hardware and Networking, the release said.

 

Students delegation calls on CM

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: All Tai Khampti Singpho Students Union and All Namsai Area Youth Association met Chief Minister Nabam Tuki at his official residence and submitted a memorandum and apprised various issues relating to development and welfare of Lohit district.

Meanwhile, responding to their demands, Tuki assured to look into the demands, including  compensation to the family members of late Chow Pipali Choutang and Ajeckso Manyu and also assured to initiate inquiry regarding the death of both the students of JNV Mahadevpur.

 

Health camp at remote Payum circle

Aalo, Dec 16: A free health camp was organized at remote Payum, one of the most interior CO headquarters in West Siang without having road connectivity and other modern facilities.

The health camp was initiated by Tarut Pari, DCC vice president with the support of West Siang DC Amjad Tak and DMO.

A large number of people suffering from various ailments were benefitted from the health camp.

Pari expressed his gratitude to medical fraternity for taking pain to reach Payum to for the much needed health camp . DIPRO

 

Project site bandh suspended

ITANAGAR: Youth Association of Ross Panchayat has temporarily suspended its proposed first phase 24 hours project site bandh call following NEEPCO authority’s  assurance to look into their demands. The Association has been demanding for appointment in group ‘C’ and ‘D’ posts in Pare HE project and immediate withdrawal of central order banning regularization service of those employees working in the project.

 

Measles catch-up campaign

ITANAGAR: Measles catch-up campaign in Lohit district concluded on December 13 last.

Altogether, 32,431 children of age group between 9 months and 10 years were vaccinated covering five blocks.

The campaign was started on November 28 last.

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News Impact

NCM suggests CM to set up Minority Commission

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: Vice chairman of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Dr H T Sangliana this evening called on Chief Minister Nabam Tuki at his office here and suggested formation of a state Commission for the minorities.

Sangliana, however, informed the Chief Minister that his was not a programmed visit but an informal one.

“Will take time out after you are well settled and will visit officially soon,” he told Tuki, who received him with traditional gifts.

Sangliana, though, gave a brief background of the Commission and asserted that certain provisions of the Commission can be beneficial to a state like Arunachal Pradesh.

As per Section 9(1) of the NCM At, 1992, the Commission is required to perform functions like evaluation of the progress of the development of minorities; monitoring of the safeguards for minorities; making recommendations for effective implementation of safeguards for the protection of the interests of minorities, looking into specific complaints regarding deprivation of rights and safeguards of minorities and taking up such matters with the appropriate authorities, etc. The Vice Chairman underscored the benefits of the Prime Minister’s New 15-Point Programme for welfare of minorities and said that once the state has its own minority commission it can avail the benefits of the programme.

Tuki informed the NCM Vice Chairman of the distinct pattern of the tribal populace of the state and sought to know the exact feasibility of a minority commission in context of Arunachal Pradesh.

He urged the Vice Chairman to impress upon the Center to implement the Multi Sectoral Development Programme (MsDP), which is a fully Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Minority Concentration Districts (MCDs) in Arunachal Pradesh. He informed that only 7 districts have been identified in the state for implementation of the programme, whereas due to its multi-tribe and scattered habitations, every district ought to be brought under its ambit.

While assuring that the state government will pursue this with the Center, he requested Sangliana also to stress on the Center in this regard through NCM.

A retired IPS officer who was elected to the 14th Lok Sabha in 2004 from Bangalore North, Sangliana sought a detailed report on the minority population in each district. To the officials of the Social Welfare and Women & Child Development department, the nodal agency implementing the MsDP in the state, he said, “I am always available and whatever proposals are submitted by the state government for welfare of minorities, the Commission will be always considerate.”

 

Arunachalee archers win gold

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: The Girl archers of Arunachal Pradesh brought laurels to the state by winning Gold medal in the 34th Junior National Archery Championship held at Shillong Meghalaya from December 4 to 9 last.

The team comprising Genung Teksing, Maselo Mehu, Sorang Yumi and Ledi Loye won their first ever Gold in Olympic Round Team fight in Compound category beating Andhra Pradesh team comprised of international players.

It is worth mentioning here that all the medal winning players are from Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy. The team was trained by lone archery coach of the state KE Devi.  However, the Boys team could not take part in this category of the event due to non-availbility of bow and arrows, informed Sports and Youth Affairs Asst. Director Tadar Apa. He informed that the state has presently 4 bows which were procured only a couple months ago.

Meanwhile, the jubilant team was felicitated by Apa, also secretary of Arunachal Archery Association, in a simple function at the sports directorate.

 

Ete asks govt servants to work to fulfill people’s aspiration

AALO, Dec 16: The Govt. servants must go with a coordinated approach to touch all core issues of people through awareness generation and commitment to fulfill their growing expectations, said Gadam Ete, Parliamentary Secretary Home, Geology and Mining while addressing a coordination meeting of HODs.

He asked the deputy commissioner (DC) and superintendent of police (SP) to look into the problems at various circle headquarters and police stations of the district. He urged the govt. agencies to take Panchayat Bodies along as they are in direct touch with the grassroots people. The incidents which may take colour should sensibly be handled and nipped in the bud, he said. Stressing the relevance of traditional Keba system to settle disputes, he advocated for streamlining this institution to settle all local disputes.

He asked the Urban Development department to chalk out detailed town planning for consensus and consideration of govt. The parliamentary secretary gave patient hearing to all issues and suggestions raised by the HODs and assured to take up with the government.

Participating in the discussion, former Minister Doi Ado stressed on govt. decision on functioning of Lower Siang district, pendency in office works at various level and feasibility of upgrading District Hospital to General Hospital.

Various HODs of the district pointed out burning issues like land encroachments in various departments, shortage of police stations and police force, concentration and distribution of teachers in the district, problems of vehicles, pending electricity bills to the tune of crores of rupees, improper functioning of the lone service provider BSNL in the district, road widening and town planning.  DIPRO

 

Felix on a whirlwind tour of his constituency

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: The people of Nyapin assembly constituency under Kurung Kumey district have expressed their satisfaction that local MLA is true to his words – vote for change – as he began developmental activities as promised after his election.

Nyapin Development Committee chairman Tadar Zaman said this during the inauguration of Govt HS School compound here funded by NEC and SPA-funded high mast tower recently.

 In his address, Felix, who was on a whirlwind tour of his interior constituency since December 09 last, said that development is an inclusive process and without the willing support of the people, who are the beneficiaries, the process can neither be completed nor would any development effort be successful.

Without resorting to any blame game, he said that a slew of development schemes have been taken up at his initiative, including giving a face lift to the old township scheduled to be over during this financial year, while the GoI-funded VKV school would be made functional by 2013.

Felix said that as the advice of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki all the elected leaders are touring their respective constituencies to monitor the progress of ongoing works besides suggesting need-based projects on return.

The CM has promised that funds either from the state or central government would not be a problem if the leaders, people and the constructing agencies join hands together to ensure quality of work and complete those schemes on time.

While addressing the parents-teachers meet of Ane Moriam School, Sangram, Felix underscored the importance of knowledge society but was stunned when the tiny tots after presenting a very informative cultural programme on preservation of environment, questioned the gathering:  “Where is our future? We do not get quality drinking water.... there is water crisis for many months in a year. Many rare species visible in the periphery of the townships have almost disappeared because of wanton destruction of flora and fauna. Your (Parents’) duty is not limited to educating us. If you continue to destroy and exploit the mother earth, what would be left for us to live in? – the questions left all present stunned and speechless.

However, Felix, realizing the situation that the children have become teachers for their parents, advocated for ending jhooming forthwith by switching over to horticulture and refrain from eating any wildlife meat to conserve the environment and maintain ecological balance.

As the first step, the MLA promised to not eat wildlife meat and appealed to the parents to follow suit. Accepting the concern of the children, he said that such a step alone could conserve the wild animals least they are seen only in text books in future.

He also visited the Sangram Govt HS school where he promised the borders and teachers to renovate all dilapidated infrastructures but he was satisfied with the Sangram health unit run by Karuna Trust for its adequate staff and availability of medicines. He informed the local people that funds would be made available for the construction of new circle office there, according to Zaman.

 

Eminent scientist’s birthday observed

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: Along with rest of the country, the Vivekanda Kendra Vidyalaya family today observed the 150th birth anniversaries of Sir Praful Chandra Ray, an eminent scientist, here today in a colourful manner.

A procession was taken out by the students of VKVs in the main thoroughfare of the township to mark the occasion as well as Mahabaskara Shastra Vijnan Pradarshini, a northeast level science exhibition beginning tomorrow. VKVs from Banderdewa, Nirjuli and Naharlagun also joined the procession.

Deputy Director of Higher and Technical Education Dr. Tejum Padu attended the function, who stressed on inculcating scientific temperament among students.

 

Sports meets under PYKKA in E. Kameng, P. Pare conclude

ITANAGAR, Dec, 16: Chayang Tajo Pancayat block was declared overall championship of the four days U-16 Annual Sports Competitions-2011 organized under Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA) at Seppa. Altogether 13 blocks participated in the tournament which concluded yesterday.

Attending the concluding ceremony, MLA  Tani Loffa urged the participants to take full advantage of the ambitious programme of the Centre for development of sports  at grassroots level. He hoped that the selected players would perform well at state and national level competitions.

Buru Sangyu, ZPM advised the players to maintain peaceful atmosphere while taking part in any competition. He also advised the players, who did not win, not to be discourage since winning and losing are part and parcel of sports.

Karbia Dodum, DSO highlighted the report of the tournament .

The final football match was played between Seppa West Vs Sawa team in which the latter defeated the former 1-0. The winner was scored by  Doka Jamoh in the 2nd half of the match.

Meanwhile, the district level sport meet under PYKKA of Papum Pare district concluded at DSYA Sports Complex, Chimpu today,

Borum block emerged overall champion (6 gold, 6 sil., 4 br.) while Upper Balijan (6 gold, 7 sil., 4 br.) and Lower Balijan blocks (5 Gold, 4 sil, 3 br) finished second and third respectively in the meet.

 

Indefinite blockade launched against NHPC dam

Guwahati, Dec 16: An indefinite blockade against transportation of raw materials and equipment for an NHPC hydel power project at Gerukamukh on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border has been launched jointly by various anti-big dam organisations today.

Thousands of protesters have come together in North Lakhimpur district of Assam and blocked the national highway 52 that leads to the NHPC dam site in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh.

The blockade call has been given by several organisations, including the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) and Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP).

Leaders and members of various groups, including the AASU and different political parties, have also joined the protests.

KMSS general secretary Akhil Gogoi said the blockade will continue till the NHPC is forced to stop their construction activities at Gerukamukh.

"We will block all trucks and vehicles carrying raw materials and other equipment to the dam site. Of course, we will allow essentials, like ration for the workers, to move," he said.

Gogoi said work at the transmission towers that are being built to carry the power out of the dam will also be blocked by the protesters.

"If we do not apply these strategies to pressurise NHPC and the government, our voices will go unheard," he added.

The anti-big dam protesters had forced the administration to stop a turbine-carrying truck at Lakhimpur since December 1.

The NHPC is building a 2000 MW hydel power project on Lower Subansiri river at Gerukamukh, which has led to widespread protests in downstream areas of Assam.

The anti-big dam activists want a comprehensive downstream impact study before the proposed dams are built in Arunachal Pradesh.

Even as anti-dam protesters in the state continue to hold ground against construction of the 2000 MW Lower Subansiri hydel project in the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, the state government formed a group of ministers (GoM) to deal with all aspects of the project, including fears of impact of the dam in the downstream areas.

Assam Power minister Pradyut Bordoloi said here, "The group of ministers is ready to talk with the protesters but we expect a conducive atmosphere for discussions." The GoM, headed by Bordoloi, includes forest minister Rockybul Hussain, irrigation minister Ardhendu Dey, education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and minister of state for water resources Rajib Lochan Pegu.

The state government has already made its stand clear - construction work will not be stopped under any circumstances. The GoM will only try to diffuse the situation by discussing the issue with the protestors and find a suitable solution.

This GoM will study the project from all angles like possible impact on forest and environment, irrigation and water resources apart from how much power the state would get. The project is being implemented by the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC). Agencies

 

FCI resumes food supply in Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: Foodgrains are being transported to various FCI base depots in Arunachal Pradesh for further distribution. So far, 2000 quintals rice have reached FCI main depots at Banderdewa and Bhalukpong,  according to a release issued by FCI Regional Office, Itanagar today.

Transportation of rice from Bhalukpong and Banderdewa to FCI depots at Tawang, Seppa, Ziro, Daporijo and Pasighat has already started today.

Further, sufficient stock of foodgrains are being positioned at Narayanpur, Lakhimpur and Dhemaji meant for various base depots in Arunachal Pradesh, the release said

Arrangements are also made for lifting foodgrains on daily basis to Banderdewa and Bhalukpong base depots from Naranyanpur and Bhindukuri FCI godowns, Assam, it said.

The FCI authority expressed the hope that with the appointment of the new Handling and Transport Contractors (HTC) of food grains and levy sugar, the present crisis of food grains would be over soon.

Earlier on December 14, MP Ninong Ering, while raising the issue of non-availability of foodgrains and other PDS items in the state in the Parliament, had sought clarification from FCI CMD regarding the latest position of PDS items sent to Arunachal Pradesh.

 

State Library Planning Committee meeting held

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: Annual State Library Planning Committee and Book Selection Committee meeting was held here today.

Addressing the meeting, Public Libraries Director J Borang highlighted the procedures and importance of book selection and advised the members to select valuable books for public libraries.

Chairperson, Indra Malo Jain while emphasizing on early digitalization of the state central library, expressed her desire to take up the matter with IT department. She also gave emphasis on the need to digitalize the district libraries.  Director (IT) SD Sarkar also emphasized the need of upgrading the library with better technology and assured his all possible help to the department in this regard.

Padmashree awardee Mamang Dai, State Editor S Kri, SIO (NIC) in-charge T Habung also attended the programme.

 

Begi expresses concern over involvement of ‘huge money’ in students’ election

ITANAGAR, Dec 16:  A one day state level workshop on tribal politics and student activism in Arunachal Pradesh with special reference to the role of All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU), the first of its kind in the state, was held at auditorium of Rajiv Gandhi Polytechnic, Itanagar today. The workshop was organized by Indira Gandhi Government College, Tezu under ICSSR sponsored major research project.

Director, Higher and Technical Education Dr Joram Begi attended the programme as chief guest while Principal of Dera Natung Government College, Tomar Ete was the guest of honour for the inaugural session. AAPSU president Takam Tatung attended the valedictory function as chief guest.

In his address, Dr Begi expressed serious concern over involvement of huge amount of money in students’ election. “The students are the future of country and student unions are laboratories to make future leaders. So, it is important that student organizations are given right direction.  The present trend of involvement of heavy amount of money is not for future,” stated Dr Begi.

Principal Tomar Ete while appreciating the role of students’ organization right from  NEFA days called upon apex student body of the state AAPSU to check the mushrooming of innumerable number of students unions in Arunachal.

Later there was workshop in which resource persons namely, Dr Nani Bath, HOD Political Science (RGU), Gumjum Haider Secretary General NESO, Kanu Bagang former president AAPSU and Taba Ajum, journalist with Arunachal Times presented their views regarding role of student unions in Arunachal.  The views put forward by resource persons were well received by audience present.

A number of student organizations, including ALSU president Tadar Tarish along with students of Dera Natung Government College participated in the workshop. The programme was held under the guidance of Dr PC Swain, project director and was coordinated by AAPSU spokesperson Tobom Dai.

Need for a start

 

The United Nations in its first report on lesbian, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBTs) notes how around the world people are killed or endure hate-motivated violence, torture, detention, criminalisation and discrimination in jobs, health care and education because of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

The report, released on Dec 15 by the UN Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) says governments have too often overlooked violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Homophobic and transphobic violence has been recorded in every region of the world, the report finds, and ranges from murder, kidnappings, assaults and rapes to psychological threats and arbitrary deprivations of liberty.

LGBT people are often targets of organised abuse from religious extremists, paramilitary groups, neo-Nazis, extreme nationalists and others, as well as family and community violence, with lesbians and transgender women at particular risk.

Violent incidents or acts of discrimination frequently go unreported because victims do not trust police, are afraid of reprisals or are unwilling to identify themselves as LGBT.

In 76 countries it remains illegal to engage in same-sex conduct and in at least five countries – Iran, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen – the death penalty prevails.

The High Commissioner also calls on countries to ensure that no one fleeing persecution because of their sexual orientation or gender identity is returned to a territory where their life or freedom is at threat, and that asylum laws recognise that sexual orientation or gender identity is a valid basis for claiming persecution.

Public information campaigns should be introduced, especially in schools, to counter homophobia, and police and law enforcement officials should also receive training to ensure LGBT people are treated appropriately and fairly. A start must be made now.

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No malafide intention: APPSC

Dear Editor,

With reference to the recent news-item published in your paper dated 16th December, 2011, I am directed to furnish the Commission's stand on the issue-

1. Regarding delay in declaration of result of AE(Civil), firstly in between holding the written examination of AE(Civil) and declaration of its results, the APPSCC (Preliminary) Examination was conducted in 13 centres across the State which in itself is a mammoth task involving a lot of time and manpower. Secondly as its normal procedure, commission conducts double evaluation of answer-scripts. This was introduced with the aim for more transparency and cleanliness. However, the system does take double the usual time taken for normal evaluation. Further if a difference of 31 or more marks exists between the two evaluators, the answer-scripts are again sent to a third evaluator and the nearest of two marks is averaged to determine the candidate's marks in the subject.

2.  The Commission does not have any malafide intentions on its part. It has been one of the first institutions in India established under Article No.315-24 (Constitution of India) to give unrestricted access to the candidates' answer-scripts and award sheets through the RTI Act, 2005. This has been done as a reassurance measure to maintain transparent and fair practice.

3. The qualifying percentage for any recruitment examinations irrespective of the candidates' denominations, has been kept at 33% in each written paper and 45% in aggregate vide Government's standing Notification No. OM-54/2006 dated 7th January, 2008. It means if anyone fail to secure 33% in any paper and 45% in aggregate, he/she will be deemed as unqualified for Interview even if they secure good marks in one or two of the subjects.

4.   The Commission has constituted a Committee to verify the awarding of marks as alleged, immediately after receipt of complain from few candidates.

Yours,

Gamli Padu

IAS, Secretary, (APPSC)

 

 

Tali will be waiting for CM to fulfil his promise

Dear Editor,

On behalf of people of 20th Tali Constituency, I appreciate Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for visiting Tali to know the ground reality of the area. Tali Constituency is one of the remotest areas of state and this has forced majority of the citizen to migrate to  places like capital, Ziro, Daporijo, Aalo etc. This trend is not because Tali people are very prosperous but just to avoid the hardship faced by them. Tali lack basic facilities in education, healthcare and sanitation. It is only one constituency which do not road connectivity till date. Being simple and straight forward in nature people of Tali will always remember the valuable suggestion of the CM and will be looking to forward to see him fulfil all promises specially his promise of visiting Tali by road when he visit next time.

Being an educated youth of Tali Constituency, I appeal Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh to pay special attention towards 20th Tali Assembly constituency. Even after functioning as independent circle for 54 years since independent it is the most backward area of the state in all aspects. Therefore, I request CM of the state in general and PWD minister in particular to pay proper attention for the early completion of the Yangte - Tali road which can become lifeline of the 20th Tali constituency.

Lastly, I would like to extend thanks to our local MLA Er. Markio Tado for his initiation for Chief Minister’s visit and we appreciate his seven days home constituency tour by himself. We hope that he will keep his spirit, so that Tali people would be able to proudly walk along with rest of the state.

Yours,

Lingdum Taha

Former G.S. (RGUSU)

 

 

A mistake needs a correction

Dear Editor,

This is in response to a letter written by a frustrated qualified candidate (what about those who qualified?)on 16th December.

The question here is not about who qualified and who did not but it is about the way our answer sheets were evaluated, which as per R.T.I act were done very irresponsibly.

Would you really consider yourself as qualified, when our answer sheets were not properly evaluated. There might be candidates who did better than you in the written examination, but only because of their bad luck did not make it through. Now think, what about those candidates?

The question now is, can we really trust on the re-evaluation alone after so much of commotion and agitation going around? The answer is no and it calls for a fresh written examination.

No doubt some of the candidates are filing R.T.I. act, but what about those candidates who are out of state and can't turn up at such short notice to file R.T.I.

Even they deserve a fair justice.

The only way to give justice to all the candidates is to conduct fresh written examination. Those who made it through written examination this time would still make it next time if they are talented enough. No hard feelings to anyone.

I request the commission to give justice to all the candidates and re-conduct the written examination. If "A mistake" is what APPSC has done, "A correction" is what they have to make.

Yours,

A Candidate

 

 

Where is NES and ANSU?

Dear Editor,

I would like to respond to the letter “Where was NYWA?” by Lingdum Taha on 15th Dec. It was not at all a surprise that Taha is contradicting his own lines in the letter. It’s clear that he appreciated the bandhs called by NES and ANSU before the government was changed, calling it mature dealing. But now he is criticizing the bandh called by NYWA calling it illegal, after the government has been changed.

Now my question, “is the TOI and Deccan Chronicle issue solved?”  

Well, a Big No!  It is still there standing same as it was before the change of government.

 Now what is ANSU and NES doing after dragging the whole Nyishi people in the issue against the then Government? Now why ANSU and NES are not showing that fire to bring back the dignity of the Nyishi People? Why are they so calm?

As Lingdum Taha said, the TOI and Deccan Chronicle issue is closely related to the sentiments of the whole Nyishi Community then each and every Nyishi individuals or Nyishi Organization has the right to protest against it.  Why only NES & ANSU has to be authorized to do so when they are sleeping at this moment?

The ANSU and NES on the behalf of Nyishi Community had already rejected the written and video apologies tendered by Pradeep Thakur , therefore we are expecting the solution to be more concrete.

I would like to appreciate NYWA for their involvement to bring justice and dignity to Nyishi Community and at the same time appeal ANSU and NES to stand committed to the words given by them to the whole Nyishi Community.

Yours,

T. Bagang

New Delhi, (on email)

 

 

Deteriorating D Ering Wildlife Sanctuary

Dear Editor,

The `Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary' of East Siang district is one of the prestigious, precious and incomparable assets of our state. But unfortunately the sanctuary is losing it pride due to its deteriorating condition for the last few years. I hope the government had funded various schemes for the development and maintenance of the said wild life sanctuary. But till today, no major improvement and development to preserve and protect the flora and fauna of the sanctuary was witnessed by the people.

One wonder, where the fund meant for sanctuary development was implemented by the concerned authority. If the authority had implemented the schemes rightly, it would have been one of the famous tourist destinations (hub) like Khaziranga of Assam.

Further, there is no timely inspection and monitoring of flora and fauna of the sanctuary.

I hope the concerned authority conduct high level enquiry regarding the deteriorating condition of the sanctuary to preserve the valuable assets of the state and the nation.

Yours,

Kangge Moyong

Vice-President (Pro)

All Arunachal Pradesh Border Students’

Union (AAPBSU)

 

 

Recognize brave act of four Seppa Youths

Dear Editor,

This is in regard to press release with headline `Brave youth miss chance due to administrative goof up” by Amar Sangno published on November 26 in your daily.

This shows total negligence of district administration towards local people. Some of the youths who put their own life in risk to save people during Seppa bridge collapse incident  (Oct- 29) were to be felicitated during national press day but mistake by district administration messed up everything. It might be very simple function for the administrators but for innocent and poor citizen like those four brave youth really it matter a lot. The thing here is not only about felicitation on press day to these youths but the award could boost the morale of other youth too. As a native of Seppa we know how tough it is to swim in mighty Kameng River and to save many drowning people it is totally out of thought. Everyone knows in Seppa that district machinery did not save any person alive and the rescue operator hired by administration was only searching for the dead body. But it was the courage act of these youth that saved many lives. Seppa town knows the brave act of Ashok Rang, Bharat Rang, Lohit Sangdo and Takhyang Blange. However we are surprised why district machinery did not notice it. Alas, if the administration had done their duty then these youth might have been felicitated by Arunachal press club & Arunachal Pradesh union of working journalist & obviously their act would have got mass public recognition.  The higher authority should take serious action against the officer responsible for this goof up and government of Arunachal pradesh should recognize the bravery of these four youths.

Yours,

Donyi Rimo,

Games and Sports Secretary,  ANSU

 

 

___________

 

All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.        

----Editor

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