December 08
2016
Govt to formulate stipend policy for students
ITANAGAR, Dec 7: The state government has decided to make Aadhaar card mandatory for government stipend of the students. Besides, a committee headed by Commissioner, Education as chairman has also been constituted to formulate a 'Stipend Policy' in a meeting convened by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein in his office chamber on Wednesday.
Mein said that it has become very necessary to streamline the disbursement of students' stipend to check draining out of govt. resources. The step is being taken in line with the streamlining of wages of the labourers that was done during the time of former Chief Minister late Dorjee Khandu to link payment of wages with Photo Identity, he said.
He asked to formulate the new Stipend Policy within the current financial year so that it can be implemented from the next session.
Besides, the meeting also decided to examine all central government schemes and stipends that provide higher rates to tribal students.
Secretary (Planning) Joram Beda made a presentation on department-wise details of stipend holders, requirements of fund and budgetary allocations. He also highlighted about the Govt. of India Stipend/Scholarship Schemes through PowerPoint.
Education and Libraries Minister Honchun Ngandam, Parliamentary Secretaries Bamang Felix, Chow Zingnu Namchoom, Commissioner (Textile) Marnya Ete, Secretary (Education) Bidol Tayeng and Directors of School Education, Higher Education, Health, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Fisheries, Textile & Handicraft, Social Justice Empowerment & Tribal Affairs and Skill Development attended the meeting.
CM inaugurates Block-I of TRIHMS
State Govt. urged for timely utilization of sanctioned fund
ITANAGAR, Dec 07: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday inaugurated the Block-I of the Tomo Riba Institute of Health & Medical Sciences in presence of Health Minister Jomde Kena, Secretary to the Government of India (Health & Family Welfare) CK Mishra and Chief Secretary Shakuntaka D Gamlin.
This block has 300 beds and will temporarily accommodate the Out Patient Departments (OPD), operation theatre and labour room till the block -II is constructed for the upcoming Medical College.
Taking keen interest in learning the ground reality, Secretary (HFW) Mishra visited the hospital campus as well as the old Legislative Assembly Complex for starting the Medical College along with Health Minister and Chief Secretary.
He took a brief review on the status of health infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh.
While underscoring the need to extend healthcare services to every citizen of the State, Mishra urged the State Government to utilize the sanctioned funds in time so that fund flow is not interrupted.
He suggested that healthcare planning should be consolidated to improve delivery points and also to rationalize manpower distribution. He assured support to provide free Generic Medicines and diagnostic tests through NHM even if additional fund requirement is over and above State's resource envelope.
Mishra also told that he would consider extending support for five zonal general hospitals. He reassured his support in terms of finances and getting approval and called for teamwork to improve the health of the nation.
Earlier, the Health Minister and the Chief Secretary requested Mishra for support of Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to meet the infrastructure needs of the State.
Commissioner (Health &Family Welfare) Kaling Tayeng sought support from Union Government to improve health scenario of the state and fund for up-gradation of five Zonal General Hospitals.
Mission Director (NHM) PN Thungon made presentation about NHM, status of vertical program status and its activities.
‘Centre committed to improve state’s technology sector’
NEW DELHI, Dec 7: Union Minister Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the central government was sincere to address all the grievances of the state of Arunachal Pradesh to uplift the socio-economic condition of the people through appropriate science and technology interventions.
The Union Minister said this when Chairman of Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science and Technology Bamang Mangha called on him in New Delhi on Wednesday and requested him to strengthen Science and Technology capacity of the state.
Dr Vardhan also assured to visit Arunachal Pradesh in mid-January and expected to announce a number of schemes during his three days visit to the state.
The minister directed the Secretaries of various divisions of the Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences to hold a meeting on Thursday with the Chairman of Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science and Technology and his accompanying team.
During meeting with Union Minister, Mangha pointed out that Arunachal Pradesh is endowed with vast natural resources, rich biodiversity, ethnic diversity with richness in indigenous knowledge systems etc. providing vast scopes for S &T interventions in the state. However, due to financial constraints at the state level many important need based projects/schemes could be not taken up for implementation.
The meeting was facilitated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju.
CoSAAP highlights demands, keeps eyes on govt
ITANAGAR, Dec 7: Confederation of Service Association of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) Secretary General Gonya Riba said that the apex state govt. employees' organisation will be compelled to launch its proposed democratic movement in form of pen and tool down strikes, if the state government fails to fulfill its demands.
Riba, who attended the executive committee meeting of the CoSAAP's Lower Subansiri district unit at Hapoli on Wednesday, however, expressed the hope that the state govt. will consider its demands and implement the 7th CPC and FR-56 pertaining to retirement age at 60 years in the next cabinet meeting.
Highlighting on the series of meetings held with the state government with regards to its various demands during October this year, the CoSAAP secretary general said that the apex employees' organisation has given sufficient time to the state govt. to address its genuine demands, which expires on December 25.
Every time, the state govt. assures us to consider all of our demands, he said adding the October 17 meeting is self-explanatory in which the state govt. had accepted the demands in-principle, especially, immediate implementation of 7th CPC, implementation of FR-56 pertaining to retirement age at 60 years and Children Education Allowance & Transport Allowance.
CoSAAP AGS Likha Tech urged its district unit members to inculcate in themselves the habit of sincere work culture which in turn would help in making the demands of the CoSAAP more relevant when pursuing any matters with the government establishment.
The CoSAAP district unit also submitted a memorandum to its CEC team for further submission to the state government for early implementation of the 7th Pay Commission with other allowances, including winter allowances as per scale of temperature not altitude, implementation of child education allowances, house rent as per central service pattern etc.
The meeting chaired by Deputy Director of Agriculture, Ziro N. Boria, also chalked out future strategies, besides constituting a new executive committee of the CoSAAP's Lower Subansiri district unit. (With inputs from DIPRO, Ziro)
Jote-Itanagar road to be converted into 2-lane highway:CM
ITANAGAR, Dec 7: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday said that the Jote-Itanagar village road will be converted into 2-lane highway.
Pema, who inspected the ongoing construction of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) at its permanent site in Jote, appealed to the people not to create hindrances on work in future by making inflated claims of compensation.
Interacting with the land donors of the institute and the villagers, the CM assured them that all benefits liable to them will be provided.
Health Minister Jomde Kena, who accompanied the chief minister, said that once the NIT is fully functional, the villagers will benefit a lot as land value will increase and scope for commercial activities will improve.
He appreciated the land donors for donating land of 301 acre for NIT, which is of national importance.
Earlier, the chief minister interacted with the institute officials and engineers of construction agency Hindustan Prefab Limited and sought their suggestions on how the state government could help put the ongoing works on fast track.
The construction work for the institute began in 2012 with fund estimate of Rs 800 crore and was supposed to complete by 2015. Due to delay, the work cost escalated and a revised DPR was submitted. However, since last 8 months, there have been no funds made available by the Centre for the ongoing work, informed the officials. So far, all necessary works of site development is complete and the institute has operating classes of Mechanical Engineering department.
Also the officials informed that remoteness, poor road connectivity, incomplete works on hostel buildings, medical facilities and several engineering blocks including absence of mobile and internet connectivity were few impediments for the institute to be fully functional. Due to such poor facilities, the students and the faculty members were facing great difficulties.
The Chief Minister assured that the matter will be taken up with the HRD Ministry in his next visit in New Delhi. He also asked the institute officials to make a detailed report on the status of works to be presented to the ministry.
The Chief Minister accompanied by Secretary Sports Dani Salu also visited the government Law College at Jote village and inspected the court room, academic buildings, classrooms, faculty rooms etc. The officials informed that all construction work for the college is complete and only works for water and power connectivity remains.
Assam CM calls for freeing NE from corruption, terrorism
15 trained police officers from Arunachal march out of NEPA
ITANAGAR/UMSAW (Meghalaya), Dec 7: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday called for freeing the North Eastern region of the country from corruption, terrorism and foreign intruders to maintain peace.
"We should free the NE region from corruption, terrorism and foreign intruders, he said at the 42nd passing out parade at North East Police Academy (NEPA).
"We have to maintain peace and for that we have to fight against terror and it will be your (police) responsibility to ensure terrorism are thwarted despite terrorists becoming more sophisticated, he said.
Altogether 98 trainees, including 86 in the rank of Deputy SPs, 11 Sub-Inspectors and 1 Assistant Sub Inspector were part of the officers, who graduated from the academy after several months of intense training.
Of these, 58 are from Assam, Meghalaya 1, 15 Arunachal Pradesh, 5 Mizoram, 1 Sikkim, 9 Tripura, 7 Nagaland and 2 Manipur.
NEPA Director DR Doley Barman administered oath to the young officers.
As he congratulated the graduating officers, Sonowal reiterated the need to fight against terrorism, which he said is the biggest challenge, to ensure citizens live in peace and without fear.
There is a need to create an environment of security among all citizens which will also ensure that women and children are protected from all forms of violence, the chief minister said.
Sonowal’s statement on foreign intruders assumes significance in wake of allegation of illegal tresspassers or intruders into the region.
There were several such cases which came to light after BSF from time to time apprehend such people.
Also stating that police have to bridge the gap and work together to establish friendship among the states of Northeast, he said “This should be done for the better development of humanity”.
Deputy SP Rike Kamsi of Arunachal Pradesh was awarded Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister's Baton of Honour and the Meghalaya Governor's Sword of Honour for best outdoor trainee and All Round Best Dy SP (P) respectively.
Deputy SP Dekio Gumja won the Academy Running Trophies for the best Sportsman.
BR Lal Academy Running Trophy was given to Miding Borang (C/S.I) of Arunachal Pradesh for exemplary conduct during the training period.
Home Minister of Nagaland Yanthungo Patton was also present in the programme.
The 48-week-long integrated basic training course started on January 17, 2016 and training was given as per the approved syllabus of BPR&D. (with inputs from PTI)
Shun petty differences, work for development: NES
ITANAGAR, Dec 7: Nyishi Elite Society (NES) president Bengia Tolum has exhorted the people, especially, the leaders to shun their petty differences and work in unison towards the development of Tali & Pip-Sorang circles. Tolum said this in his message to the Tali people which was conveyed by NES general secretary Heri Maring at the main social awareness programme held at Tali on Dec 5 last. Tolum, who was scheduled to address the gathering, could not reach Tali due technical snag of Helicopter.
In his message, Tolum further said "the essence of NES is to reach the unreached people and places of the great Nyishi community so as to have feeling of oneness, unity, integrity, dignity and to stand for the cause of people in respect of development and social emancipation.
Speaking on the occasion, Heri Maring lamented that even after 60 years of its establishment as administrative centre in 1957, Tali is the only Assembly constituency which has not been connected by road in the state.
However, he expressed hope that with the historic NES entourage to this remotest administrative centre, the road connectivity will be a reality soon.
Earlier, addressing the gathering, Khya Safar Pao, Chairman EKSCWO, called upon the youths to fight against social menace like early marriage. “Because of early marriage, neither the boy nor the girl could able to complete their education”, he said. Pao said the parents and guardians must help and guide students to accomplish their commitment towards education. He also stressed on maintaining cleanliness and conservation of wild life for ecological balance.
Tali MLA and Parliamentary Secretary, Food & Civil Supplies, Er Markio Tado, narrated the historical background of the backwardness of Tali assembly constituency including the basic reasons for non connectivity of road to Tali. However, he informed the gathering that he is trying his best for all-round development of his constituency and sought co-operation from all concerned.
Gichik Thaji Kiogi, public leader and Takam Sorang, former MLA, Tali also spoke on the occasion.
It is worth mentioning here that executive members of NES, and its District Units, the All Nyishi Students Union (ANSU), the East Kameng Socio Cultural Welfare Organisation (EKSCWO), the Nyishi Arts & Cultural Welfare Society (NACWS) and the senior members and workers of the community ventured to Tali for a social awareness campaign from December 3 to 6, 2016.
Earlier, en-route to Tali, a massive social awareness programme was conducted at Yangte on December 3. Addressing the gathering, Bengia Tolum, exhorted the people to change their mind set and move ahead with the changing time and situation. But he cautioned that a change must be guided by progressive mind and value system not merely by a particular ideology or view point. Enchanted with the beautiful landscape and a resourceful area of Yangte in particular and Kra Daadi District in general, he said "We must make best use of it by speeding up developmental activities giving top priority on connectivity to this region. The function was also addressed by Nyanya Gollo, General Secretary ANSU and Khya Safar Pao, Chairman EKSCWO.
Keeping in view of the multiple problems and sufferings confronting the people of Tali and Pip-Sorang circles due to absence of road connectivity in the villages, the touring team assured to take up road connectivity issue with the Government at the appropriate level.
The story of a Progressive Kiwi Grower Hage Halley Tara
[ Ramar J Ligu ]
Around 8 km from Hari village in Ziro, Lower Subansiri , into the wilderness , amidst dense forest , at an altitude of 5610 feet above the sea level lies the enchanting Himalayan Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) garden. Hage Halley Tara is the proud owner of the sprawling 8 hectare garden.
On a lazy afternoon, I along with few of my friends decided to visit this garden which is the largest in the entire Ziro Valley.
After a spine breaking 8 km journey on a very tough forest road, the sight of the garden totally mystified us. Spread across both sides of the road, enclosed by a natural boundary of huge trees the garden told us a story of a man, who single handedly converted the no man's land into a sprawling kiwi garden.
Son of lt. Hage Hale of Hari Village, Tara quit his government job to pursue his love - farming. After a failed attempt of apple farming, he decided to survey and technically improvise his farming methods. An internet savvy farmer, he researched about kiwi cultivation on the net. The reason for choosing to set up this garden miles away from the town at one of the highest points of Ziro Valley is a outcome of this research, he modestly shared with us. The fact that kiwis require sunshine and shade in equal proportions is taken care by the trees surrounding the garden, he further explains.
As he toured us around his garden, he narrated his struggle, his dreams and ambitions which left us so captivated and overwhelmed.
In the year 2010, he started clearing the part of this dense jungle (ancestral property). He spent six months at a stretch in the jungle clearing the area and planted around 100 kiwi plants in the first year with only the chirping of the birds and deer's barking around to keep him company. Unlike other farmers who use the T-bars as support for the vines, he adopted the Pergola system (the only kind in entire state) which provides better space for the vines to spread out. Today, after 6 years, his 8 hectare garden proudly flaunts more than 2200 vines on his small hillocks of four varieties of kiwis, namely Monty, Hayward, Alison and Bruno.
A kiwi vine starts fruiting after three years. So, from 2010 to 2013 I have made daily trips to the hills that even the trees swing to the sound of my old maruti 800 car, he proudly beams.
Advocating organic cultivation, he has set up a piggery in the garden to meet the manure requirements of the plants. He has also planted trees known as "Riime "scientifically known as Alnus Nepalenensis in between the vines which does nitrogen fixation.
As he lovingly plucked a ripened kiwi, he told us that he has regular health checkups for the vines. Religiously he tests the soil around weak vines with his own soil testing kits and later supplements the manure requirements. A healthy vine can bear around 40-50 kgs of kiwi. Based on their weights and the sugar content, they are graded as A,B and C. An 'A' grade kiwi can be sold at Rs 130 per kg in the local market, he explained to us. As he went on and on about chilling period, rainy hour, dry period requirement for best tasting kiwis, I realized for this man farming is not just a livelihood, but it s his passion and he has a long way to go.
Besides Kiwi plantations, he has an interesting method of keeping track of his Mithuns. Every evening he leaves more than a handful of salt on Shie (stone slab) for these Mithuns, who comes to have their share of salt every evening.
Today, he along with other kiwi growers of Ziro has a registered Cooperative society of which Hage is the chief advisor. For these growers the one major concern is the marketing. Although Tara has a website www.himalayankiwi.com, he too expressed concern over poor marketing facilities.
"Our kiwis are at par with the New Zealand kiwis in taste and quality. A good Kiwi could cost around 50 rupees per piece in the metros. But due to poor marketing facilities we are unable to fetch good price for our kiwis and also we can minimize loses but for the want of cold storage facility. But we kiwi growers along with other farming community are still trying to impress upon the government the dire requirement of a cold storage facility in Ziro Valley. Ziro can become agriculture and horticulture hub, as it's bestowed with very fertile land," he added.
For me and my friends it really was a wonderful experience as we stood beneath the vines with hundreds of kiwis dangling all over our heads and listening to this man's story and yes a basketful of kiwis from the owner.
Few Facts about Kiwis:
The kiwi fruit is native to the Yangtze River Valley of northern China and Zheijiang Province on the coast of east China. The seeds were brought out of China by missionaries to New Zealand at the turn of this century. Early nurserymen in New Zealand such as Alexander Allison, Bruno Just, Hayward Wright (the kiwis have been named after them) recognized the potential of the fruit and it soon became a popular backyard vine.
Kiwis have multiple health benefits. It strengthens the immune system, protects against respiratory problems including asthma, coughs and wheezing, promotes healthy skin and a good digestive system, boost s heart and cardiovascular health, promotes vision and eye health and protects against DNA damage and oxidative stress. Its peel can also be used as a natural exfoliating agent by using it as scrub for the face. [The contributor is a DIPRO, Ziro, Lower Subansiri]
Workshop on promoting craft products in e-marketing platform
ITANAGAR, Dec 07: Online marketing of craft products can facilitate direct linkage to the consumer and the state policy on ease of doing business will further help in creating business opportunities in the state, said Marnya Ete, Commissioner, Handloom and Handicraft, Govt of A.P. while addressing a workshop on e-commerce study at a city hotel here on Wednesday.
The workshop was organised by North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi) to create awareness about marketing of craft products in the online platform.
The workshop also included collection of details of craft products including its photographs brought by the participating artisans of the state.
Ashim Kumar Das, Dy. General Manager, NEDFi informed that similar state level workshops are being conducted in other states of the region. The data will be compiled by NEDFi and shared with online marketing agencies so that the online marketing agencies can source their products directly from the artisans and weavers, informed Das.
Since logistics is very important for e-marketing, the services of the department of post were explained by KK Deori, Post Master, Head Post Office, Itanagar.
Handloom and handicraft is not for mass production but it is production by masses mentioned Dr. S Deb, CEO, KVIB. He urged the artisans to take advantage of the various ethnic designs and motifs which has given the state an advantage because of its traditional heritage.
Haj Dodung, JDH, and I Athuba Lusang, Dy. Director KVIC also shared their experience and encouraged the participants attended by leading producers of the state.
NEDFi will continue the data collection for a period of one month, informed Alen Nabam, Branch Manager, NEDFi who urged all artisans and entrepreneurs of crafts to contact NEDFi, Itanagar office for all details.
Jampani farmers crying for basic amenities, government silent
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Dec 7: About 500 hundreds farm families of Jampani area bordering to Assam are crying for basic amenities as the area still lags far behind from rest of the state in terms of all round development. The area under Sille-Oyan circle lacks all means of communication and basic needs such as water supply, education, power supply and heath care faculties.
Located at 16 km East from Ruksin ADC headquarter, Jampani area is famous for production of rabi and kharif vegetables besides cereals, pulse and oilseeds round the year. Raw vegetables and spices produced in the area are supplied to different parts of the state and neighboring Assam round the year. But, the progressive farmers of this area are deprived from any incentive by district agriculture department.
It is alleged by the local people that vegetable gardening scheme Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and subsidized machinery supply schemes through farm mechanization under state's agriculture department are not implemented in the farming sites of Jamapani area.
"The government is not giving attention towards our dejected farmers, even after witnessing abundant production of food grain and vegetables in the area. The government even after repeated appeals has not yet introduced water and electricity supply in the area. Due to road lack of road link and proper marketing facilities, our farmers are not getting the right price for their produces", lamented Chandra Bahadur Rai, a progressive farmer of Jampani.
The rural people of Oyan and Kemi area use temporary bamboo bridges to cross the rivers to reach Jampani, which snaps during summer season every year, disrupting road communication.
Pointing out negligence on the part of the state government, some progressive farmer of Jampani (Upper) alleged that Agriculture officers of the district and other field workers area were utterly neglecting the farming communities of Jampani. They said "farmers have not been informed about farming schemes under state Agriculture and Horticulture departments. We have to depend on natural factors while farming as there is no water supply".
At Jampani, farms covers around 10,000 bighas fertile crop land on the bank of mighty Siang River. It has enormous scope for agriculture, horticulture and allied activities like apiculture and animal farming. But the rich potentialities are yet to be harnessed by farmers due to lack of technology and funding from government's end.
Furthermore, the educational scenario is also depressing; there is a Lower Primary School at middle Jampani, which has no infrastructure and required amenities. Locals informed that a bulk of school children have already left the school due to lack facilities there.
Pasighat West MLA, Tatung Jamoh, who visited Jampani area during January last year assured of introducing power supply, road connectivity and development of Medical Sub-centre at Jampani, but the locals are yet to see the assurances fulfilled. The Progressive Farmers Union of Jampani have also submitted a memorandum to the MLA seeking a solar panel project for power generation at Jampani, but no steps have been initiated in this regard as yet.
APBOCWWB conducts awareness camps
ITANAGAR, Dec 07: In its effort to create awareness on the benefits being provided to registered workers by the Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Constructions Workers' Welfare Board (APBOCWWB), series of awareness camps were conducted at various places in eastern district of the state.
The camps were conducted at Miao, Burdumsa, Yammang (Changlang south), Changlang North, Waka, Kanubari, Longding, Chowkham, Lekang, Namsai, Khonsa and Roing from November 23 to December 6 to make the registered works of APB&OCWWB aware on free PMJJBY and PMSBY insurance.
It was informed by the Board officers (Headquarter) that the premium of PMJJBY and PMSBY @ of Rs. 330 and Rs.12 per annum will be borne by APBOCWWB only for the registered workers.
Informing about the terms and conditions for the above schemes, the Board officer he said that PMJJBY premium @ Rs.330 will be borne only one time by APB&OCWWB and rest of the remaining premium will be borne by registered workers themselves.
However, PMSBY premium @ Rs. 12 will be completely borne by APBBOCWW free of cost from one percent cess.
Member of APB&OCWWB Dana Tadu, Board officer and labour officer, gave information on enhancement of various benefits for the registered workers by Government of Arunachal Pradesh. He informed that accidental benefits has been enhanced from Rs.50000 to Rs one lakhs, Natural death benefits from Rs15,000 to Rs.50,000, Housing loan from Rs50,000 to Rs one lakhs, tools advance from Rs.5,000 to Rs.15,000, medical benefits from Rs.5,000 to Rs. 15,000, marriage assistance from Rs. 2000 to Rs.10,000 and Educational Assistance for the children of registered workers will be completely borne by APBOCWWB from first year to completion of the course free of cost.
Beside, board will also provide various items like mosquito net, gumboot, mobile handset etc only to registered workers annually.
The Registered workers of APB&OCWWB from other state can transfer their beneficiary card to their own state under the provision of APB&OCWWB, when they leave from Arunachal Pradesh at any time, he added.
Minister, WRD & Geology and Mining, Kamlung Mossang appreciating the free insurance coverage by APB&OCWWB from one percent cess for registered workers, urged the welfare board officer to work pro actively to inform the workers about the benefits and to deliver the benefits to them in transparent to ensure the benefit reach the actual beneficiary.
The awareness camps were participated by various trade union organizations.
Many trade union organizations requested to give sufficient items, like torchlight, gumboot, and mosquito net to all the registered workers. They also requested for equal distribution items to all districts since one percent cess is collected from the entire district equally.
Woman entrepreneurs take part in Himalayan Orange Tourism Festival in Kolkata
ITANAGAR, Dec 7: A group of four-lady entrepreneurs in different rural sectors from Arunachal Pradesh participated in the Himalayan Orange Tourism Festival which concluded in Kolkata on December 4.
The festival, which aimed at reinstating pride in northeast India's legacy of orange production through tourism also showcased indigenous items like, handlooms, pickles, handmade tea, Himalayan herbs and spices, fruit products from across the Eastern Himalayan landscape.
Seventeen stalls consisting of rural tourism circuits from Eastern Nepal, Sikkim, Darjeeling Hills, South-Central-Eastern Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh supported by Department of Tourism, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh and a local NGO-- Arunachal Pradesh Society for Education and Development-- participated in it.
Arunachal Pradesh stepped in for the first time with Bhutan, Nepal, and Darjeeling giving information on home stays and promoting Arunachal Tourism.
There were also special stalls from India Tourism, Himalayan Orchids, Darjeeling Tea Women Cooperative, International Travel Artists Forum and Photographers working in East Himalayan landscape.
The Himalayan Orange Tourism Festival was started in 2010 at Samsing, a small village in Kalimpong subdivision of Darjeeling District by Association for Conservation & Tourism (ACT).
The inaugural function on December 2 was attended by Eaknarayan Aryal, Consulate General of Nepal to India, JP Shaw, Regional Director, Ministry of Tourism, GOI.
Joining the festival, Bengia Manna Sonam, Asst. Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh expressed gratitude to the organising committee for giving the opportunity to showcase Arunachal tourism.
The closing ceremony was attended by Gautam Deb, Minister for Tourism, Government of West Bengal. Many people enthralled the stall in the 3 days festival taking photograph in traditional dress.
Central team to survey green field airport sites
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Dec 7: A team of officials from Airport Authority of India (AAI), ministries of civil aviation, Road Transport and Highway, DoNER arrived on Wednesday to inspect Karsingsa and Hollongi green field airport sites. The team accompanied by state government officials will carry out both aerial as well as land survey of two sites in the next two days.
Based on their survey, the team is expected to submit report to the civil aviation ministry which will take final call in this regard. It is worth mentioning that green field airport was initially planned at Karsingsa but later AAI shifted it to Hollongi citing technical issues. However controversy after controversy has mired airport project and till date it is yet to take off.
Winter vacation of High Court
ITANAGAR, Dec 07: The Itanagar Permanent Bench of the Gauhati High Court (HC) will remain closed from December 24 to 31 on account of Winter Vacation (Christmas Holidays).
However, the Registry office will remain open on December 27, 28 and 29 and closed on December 26, 30 and 31. Limitation will not run during the vacation period, according to HC notification.
Meeting regarding introduction of cashless transaction held
NAMSAI, Dec 7: A meeting was conducted under the chairmanship of Namsai DC regarding introduction of cashless transaction, which was attended by various HoDs, bank managers and members from business community at the DC's office here on Wednesday.
Addressing the meeting, Namsai DC, R K Sharma highlighted the current scenario following government's decision of demonetization and stressed on the need for adoption of digital payments and transforming our economy into a cashless one.
A power point presentation on digital payments was also made on the occasion to equip the participants with information on various modes of cashless payment namely, cards, Point of Sale (PoS), e-wallet, UPI, USSD and Aadhaar enabled as well as the procedure to avail such facilities. It was impressed upon the business community to open bank accounts against their enterprises with net banking facility and apply for PoS services at the earliest, as this would be in their best interests.
DDOs of revenue earning departments such as Power, PHED were also advised to make available cashless payment facility for the convenience of the common public. Bank representatives from SBI and ICICI also shared their knowledge on this topic and requested people to always link their mobile number with bank accounts.
ACECA writes to PWD Commissioner
ITANAGAR, Dec 7: Arunachal Civil Engineer Contractor Association (ACECA) in a memorandum to the PWD Commissioner, GoAP, appealed him to relax some norms for the registered civil engineer contractors for their participation in contract works under PWD.
Placing its grievances before the Commissioner, the ACECA sought relaxation of work experience for the registered civil engineer graduate contractors in all normal tender up to Rs 1 crore.
Other points in the memorandum include 'to update class -IV tender limit up to Rs 2 crores for all civil engineer graduates'. It further said that as per CPWD and Central Vigilance Committee, there is no such hard rule against the civil engineer graduates in contract works.
Indian Army to celebrate Siang adventure-cum-cultural festival
YINGKIONG, Dec, 7: The Indian Army, 3 Mahar brigade is all set to celebrate Siang Adventure-cum-cultural Festival 2016-2017 at Yingkiong of Upper Siang district. Various events will be organized during the festival including, cycling followed by running, rowing and rafting, cultural competition, football and adventure challenge cup etc.
While addressing the coordination meeting for support from various departments on Tuesday last at DC's conference Hall, CO 5-Mahar, Col. Vidug Sharma said that the festival is aimed at enhancing the bond between the local populace and the army. He informed that 12 teams will be participating in the Adventure Challenge Cup which is conducted once every two years by the Indian Army.
ADC, Tapik Pertin directed the district HoDs to extend all possible support and assistance during the course of celebration.
Earlier, the army personnel and the general public also conducted mass cleanliness drive at the market area and general ground here on Wednesday. (DIPRO)
Water supply to be affected as PHE& WS carries out repair work
ITANAGAR, Dec 7: There will be no water supply to Itanagar township (excluding Raj Bhawan area) in A, B and C sectors and Micro wave tank area from Dec 8 to 9 next, as the PHE&WS Sub-division, Itanagar will be carrying out regular maintenance and repair works, informed the PHE&WS Sub-division, Itanagar Assistant Engineer in a release on Wednesday.
The AE has further appealed to the consumers of the aforementioned areas to bear with the inconvenience.
7th state level painting competition
NAHARLAGUN, Dec 07: The State Unit Officer of the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) organized the 7th state level painting competition at the conference hall of the Municipal Council here on Wednesday.
Chandana Das, a class VIII student of KV No. 1 Naharlagun bagged the first prize while Darshana Das (Class VII) of the same school won the second prize.
The third prize was won by Togam Riba (class VIII) of Ram Krishna Sarda Mission Girls School, Khonsa.
The first, second and third position winners were awarded a cash prize of Rs. 5,000, Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 2,000 respectively.
Rs, 1000 each was awarded to the 10 consolation prize winners.
First prize winner will participate in the National Level Painting Competition to be held in New Delhi.
Earlier, school level competitions were held in different schools from where 50 best paintings were selected by an empowered committee of renowned national artists as jury members for the state level competition.
The theme of the State level painting completion was "Save Water- Save Earth".
L Angu, Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department, RK Kalita, Scientist and officer-in-Charge, CGWB, State Unit office, VN Pandey, Superintending Enginner, Water Resources Department, B Ray, Scientist, Central Ground Water Board, North Eastern Region, Guwahati were present on the occasion.
BJP mourns death of senior party leader
ITANAGAR, Dec 07: Arunachal Pradesh unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) mourned the demise of senior BJP leader Joyonto Mili of Paklam circle in Lower Dibang Valley district on December 4.
Mili was an active member of BJP and held many posts at district level. He was a well-known social worker and a respected person in Paklam circle.
Terming his demise a great loss to the Party and the society, State BJP president Tapir Gao, vice president Dominic Tadar and other state office bearers and senior party leaders conveyed deepest sense condolences to the bereaved family of Late Mili and prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul.
Damaging of Boguli-Denka porter track condemned
ITANAGAR, Dec 7: The People's Party of Arunachal Youth Council (PPAYC) has in a release on Wednesday strongly condemned the alleged damaging of Boguli to Denka porter track by Assam Police Personnel and Forest officials on Dec 3 last, and appealed to the state government to look into the issue at the earliest.
'Denka and Boguli villages are notified villages of Arunachal under Gumto administrative circle, Papum Pare district and the porter track is which belongs to the people of the said villages. There is not a single plantation by Assam or Arunachal either', claimed PPAYC President, Gautam Ringu in the release and urged the governments of both the states to seek an amicable solution to the issue soon.
Training on microfinance for livelihood support held
ITANGAR, Dec 7: In all, 25 rural youths, farm women and members of Nilang women Self Help Group (SHG) and Farmers Club took part in a KVK Anjaw conducted day-long training programme on 'Importance of microfinance for livelihood support among warm women and rural youths' held at Nilang village on Thursday.
SMS, Social Sciences, S Peter Singh said that the training aims to make the partcipants more aware regarding income generation activities and taking up of short duration activities like vegetable cultivation, food processing, poultry farming among others.
Information were also imparted for mobilization of savings among the groups for creation of revenue.
Later, vegetable seeds were also distributed to the members of the SHGs and Farmers Clubs.
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Editorial
Make plan
The recent sanctioning of the first phase of Itanagar-
The announcement of Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso to repair Chimpu-
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Readers’ Forum
Respect religious feeling
Dear Editor,
The Arunachal Naga Students' Federation (ANSF) strongly condemns the move of NDA Government to declare 25th December as Good Governance Day. Since last 2000 years this day is popularly celebrated as the birth day of Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, how could NDA government ignore such a big day and decided to mark it as some other day? 25th December is celebrated as Christmas day by the whole world. In support of the move initiated by the apex Christian organization the Arunachal Christian Forum, the state Naga Students' Federation extends our support to ACF in this move to protect the constitutional rights of the Christians in India.
Lastly the ANSF want to add that the Christianity in India is third-
Yours,
Manjing Arangham,
Information & Publicity Secretary ANSF
ANSF
Ensure that people’s suffering do not go waste
Dear Editor,
Your editorial, "Take more steps" (December 3, 2016) is right in pointing out that the union government must take more steps to make demonetisation process a success. The liquid black money in our country is only the tip of the iceberg of the black wealth. It constitutes only 5 to 6 per cent of the total black assets and is actually less than the percentage share of a tip of an iceberg.
The government has not touched the "black solid" of gold, benami property and the
"black liquid" of foreign-
Yours,
Sujit De, Kolkata
Halo society setting an example
Dear editor,
I would like to write few lines on Halo Society in the reader forum column of your
esteemed daily. In my decade long journalism career I have seen thousands of NGOs
having different agendas but this Halo Society is a different one. It had come up
in 2006 among the students batch of 1997 VKV Balijan and Jairampur. It is a registered
NGO whose patron is Dr. Joram Beda, IAS and secretary with Govt of AP. The present
Chairman and Secretary are Dani Tatung and Dolang Vijay respectively. It has members
from various tribes of Arunachal Pradesh thus making it a Pan-
Its strongest message is not to collect any donation unlike other NGOs but to carry out various activities that pertain to environment, health, education and social well being by voluntarily contributing fund among themselves. It does not receive any grant from Government. Their monthly subscription is Rs.500 per head having joint account in SBI Itanagar. In case of organizing any awareness program or free medical camp each members make voluntarily contribution among themselves for particular event. So, far Halo Society has participated in thirteen different events where it had donated relief items to fire victims, drinking water, dustbins, fruits to patients, organized free medical service, sponsoring tents in tourism festival, served free refreshment to hundred of participants during Clean Kley River 2016, Ziro and donated a motor cycle to Police Station Mechuka during Mechuka Adventure Festival 2016.
It is already eleven years since its inception in 2006 and it has spent few lakhs
in various events out of their voluntary contribution which is truly inspiration.
Above all each member is getting older and older but their friendship is becoming
closer and closer which symbolizes true spirit of Pan-
Yours,
Taro Chatung,
Senior Journalist