dec16 11

December 11

2011

2016

I&B ministry to give 90% subsidy for starting community radio stations in NE

Arunachal has immense potential for film-making: Felix

NEW DELHI, Dec 10: Aiming to give a boost to the community radio sector, the Central government today announced that 90 per cent subsidy will be provided for starting such stations in the northeastern states and 75 per cent in other states. Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Venkaiah Naidu made this announcement at a conference of state ministers, organised by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry after a gap of around seven years. As per the present rules, I&B ministry gives a subsidy of 50 per cent up to a limit of Rs 7.5 lakh, for starting community radio stations.

Addressing a two-day 28th State Information Minister's Conference (SIMCON) held at Vigyan Bhavan which concluded here on Saturday, Naidu in his concluding remarks, also announced that a new dedicated Doordarshan channel for the northeastern states will come up in the first half of January. This channel will show the richness, variety and diversity of the local culture and seamlessly integrate these states with the rest of the country, he said.

The community Radio Stations numbering two hundred presently in the country have tremendous potential in the field of information dissemination and entertainment and hugely help promote socio-economic interests of the people, he added. He also informed that 'Arun Prabha' a new DD channel would be launched from Itanagar for catering to the needs of the N E region in the month of January, 2017.

Naidu announced that the Ministry would provide a cash prize of Rs one crore for the Best Film Friendly Destination State from this year along with a Rajat Kamal Award and a certificate.

Naidu further called for developing an integrated Information Policy through consultation and joint action plan between states and the Centre to take forward the goal of all-round development of the people.

'Taking care of the last man in the queue and taking him on board in the development path of the government is the ultimate agenda of the government and in order to realize this noble goal, the state Information officers as well as the Ministry of I & B have immense role to contribute in the form of effective information dissemination at every stage of development process', he added.

He also emphasized on formulation of a comprehensive 'Communication Policy' and film policy for facilitation of film shooting by both domestic and foreign filmmakers by providing a single window clearance.

Representing Arunachal Pradesh, Parliamentary Secretary, Education, Bamang Felix said that Arunachal Predesh has immense potential for becoming a favorite film shooting destination with its beautiful landscape and rich cultural heritage of the varied ethnic tribes inhabiting it. He also thanked the Union Minister for facilitating sanction of the film institute in the state and informed that the state government has completed most of its commitments including erection of boundary pillars, mapping and land acquisition.

Felix further called upon the Doordarshan authorities to upgrade all existing Very Low Power Stations for better services and requested the Ministry to enhance AIR programme duration of Tutsa, Hrusso and Sajolang from existing five minutes programme to twenty minutes each to include news, discussions and music for better integration of small tribes in the mainstream. He further requested the Ministry to provide assistance in setting up of Community Radio Stations in a few select places in view of the state's low population and lack of technical know-how.

Felix also invited Venkaiah Naidu to visit the state for laying the foundation stone of Film and Television Institute at Jollang- Rakap at an appropriate time.

Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore said collaboration is the bedrock of unity and success and called upon all states to extend all possible co-operation in implementing various programmes of the government.

Earlier on Friday, the conference was preceded by a secretary level meeting where all secretaries of State Information Departments participated.

DIPR Obang Tayeng, while representing the department apprised the initiatives of the department including regular exhibition of film festival, efforts at streamlining the advertisement policies of the state through implementation of a centralized advertisement system with centralized funding as also active co-operation of the state in the matter of early establishment of Film and Television Institute.

Secretary of Ministry of I& B, Ajay Mitral who presided over the meeting urged them to implement Cable TV Act effectively besides formulating a proper Film Policy for facilitating easy and quick film shooting by providing a single Film Facilitation window by appointing a Nodal Officer. (DIPR/ PTI)

Major forest fire in Bomdila averted

BOMDILA, Dec 10: A major forest fire in Bomdila was averted on Saturday after fire and army personnel, including BRO doused the blaze after a grueling effort of more than six hours.

The fire which started at around 11.30 am near Bomdila welcome gate was spotted by Deputy Commissioner Sonal Swaroop while coming back after inspecting the Trout hatchery at Shergaon farm.

She immediately alerted the fire services as well as requisitioned the Army, BRO and the SSB. There were two places where fire broke out in the forest simultaneously; one near Bomdila Township and the other at Pedung village, adjacent to Bomdila.

The whole exercise of containing the spread of fire was conducted under the direct supervision of the DC with the help of the fire tenders, personnel from 28 Battalion of Madras Regiment, BRO and SSB.

ADC (HQ) Sang Khandu along with Executive Engineers WRD, Power, PHED, PWD, DDMO and DUDA officers were also present and co-ordinated the fire fighting exercise.

Town Magistrate Toni Mitkong along with the villagers of Pedung extinguished the fire at Pedung forest by adopting counter fire strategy as well as clearing the forest area along with the Army and the SSB.

The traffic was regulated across the national highway by just handful of civil police. Police personnel of officer ranks were nowhere to be seen. DIPRO

Waii unhappy over performance of ROs

From a Correspondent

ITANAGAR, Dec 10: Minister for Home Kumar Waii, who also is the Chairman of Arunachal Pradesh Building Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board (APBOCWWB) expressed his unhappiness over the functioning and performance of majority of Registering Officers (ROs) and said that insincerity and non-performance will not be tolerated.

Waii, who presided over the state level meeting of the Board (APBOCWWB) at a city Hotel here on Saturday, said that each RO must manage to reach each and every registered worker of the state and make them aware about various welfare schemes available with the Board. He asked the ROs to submit the names of those workers with proper records to Board's head office for necessary action.

It was a liberal proceeding where each district RO was given privilege to place their grievances before the meeting.

After patience hearing, the Chairman told them that transfer and posting will be purely on the basis of their performance and regularization of the posts in phase manner.

He also said to construct office buildings for district ROs in eight places during 2016-2017, provide incentive for sincere and efficient ROs shortly.

He informed that the Board will soon start organising programme on workers welfare schemes where non-statutory benefits, like colour TV set will be distributed among the registered workers. The programme will be launched from eastern parts of the state, Waii said.

The meeting also decided to start bio-metric registration for workers for maintaining transparency.

A half-day training was conducted for the ROs in afternoon under the supervision of its Secretary Ojing Darung, who is also the Commissioner Labour & Employment, GoAP and Saikia Yangda, OSD to Chairman, APBOCWWB.

Since its inception in 2008, the Board has been collecting 1% cess from various construction parties and spent its collection for the welfare of the workers.

According to Act, even the private party whose construction project cost is Rs.10 lakh and above is liable to pay 1% cess to APBOCWWB. But till today no private party in the State had ever paid it, including BSNL.

If it is being implemented in letter and spirit, APBOCWWB can definitely extend welfare services to each and every worker, who constitutes the major chunk of the population in the state and country.

The meeting was attended by all the Registering Officers from entire districts and its head office.

Phosum inaugurates two Mini Hydel Projects

CHANGLANG, Dec 10: Chiklong and Tinning Mini Hydel projects with installed capacities of 150 KW and 50 KW respectively, were inaugurated on Saturday by Parliamentary Secretary for Hydro-Power Phosum Khimhun amidst the presence of Changlang DC, Wayong Khimhun, SE Hydro Power, HoDs, ZPM, ASC, public leaders and GBs of the area.

Speaking on the occasion, Khimhun said that the commissioning of Chiklong Mini Hydro Hydel sanctioned under SPA with an estimated cost of Rs. 146.99 lakhs, is presently supplying electricity to Khimyang EAC headquarter and plans to cover nearby villages of Longkey Hanalthung and Magantong village in near future. It will not only solve the problems of the people of the area but also help boost government revenue generation, he added.

Stating that many hydro projects under Khimyang Circle namely; Tarat-Tara MHS (1.75MW) near Jongjihavi, Tarit Nallah (75 KW) and Tissue Hydel Ph-II (500 KW) are under consideration during the current financial year he appealed all and sundry to cooperate with the department for successful implementation of these projects.

Khimhun further expressed hoped that with the commissioning of Tinning Micro Hydel which will supply electricity to Rang Frah Govt College, the problem of erratic power supply faced by students will be permanently solved. The Hydel will also be covering Lunglong village in near future, he added.

Rebia takes stock of the various activities in his constituency

ITANAGAR, Dec 10: UD Minister Nabam Rebia made an unannounced visit to Lichi village under Kimin Sub-Division on Thursday and inspected the newly renovated Steel Hanging Bridge which connects Lichi village with Par Lichi and Bumchi Bumte. He expressed satisfaction over the immediate and timely renovation work of the bridge by RWD Department.

On his way back to Itanagar, he visited the orange garden at Hawa Camp. Taking privilege of the opportunity, Chairperson Kimin Anchal Samiti Takio Yanu Tarh, on behalf of the villagers, requested the Minister to provide fund for construction of RLR upto the orange garden which is a long pending demand, so that oranges can be collected and transported with the help of light vehicles during harvest season.

Rebia responded positively and instructed EE RWD Yupia Division to prepare the estimate for RLR immediately.

Later, he also visited under construction Steel Bailey Bridge over Ranga Nadi connecting Upper Jumi village. He expressed disappointment over the slow pace of work. Seeking valid reason for the inordinate delay in the execution of work despite available fund, he gave ultimatum to the executing agency and the concerned contractor to complete the bridge before March 2017.

Parl. Secretary Tado inspects infrastructures in Tali

ITANAGAR, Dec 10: Tali MLA-cum-Parliamentary Secretary, Food & Civil Supplies, Markio Tado who was recently on a ten-day tour to his constituency, Tali inspected a number of infrastructures there.

The Parliamentary Secretary on Thursday last, inspected the bailey suspension bridge over Kumey River which was constructed under RIDF. He also inaugurated a newly constructed office building of the Assistant Engineer, Electrical (Power), Tali Sub-Division which was constructed under SPA 2013-14 and inspected the SPT Building of AE, JE and labour barracks at Langha village.

Speaking during a meeting later in the day, Tado assured to pursue the state government to ensure regular power supply to the area as it was the long felt demand of the public.

He also visited Tali police outpost and Primary Health Center and attended the social awareness tour organized by the Nyishi Elite Society (NES) at Tali on Monday last.

Earlier, on Nov 30 last, the Parliamentary Secretary had attended a function which was held to celebrate restoration of 52-Magney-Doga ASM segment's administrative jurisdiction from Yangte Circle to Tali Circle at Homi(Pakter).

The Magney-Doga Panchayat segment consisting of Magney, Dogha, Rangha and Homi villages, which have been earlier transferred from Tali administrative jurisdiction to Yangte circle, have now been restored to Tali circle vide a government notification.

Yachuli has huge resources for development: Saaya

YACHULI, Dec 10: The Yachuli Assembly Constituency has all potentials to turn into one of the best constituencies in state and country, asserted Parliamentary Secretary (Supply and Transport) Likha Saaya. Saaya said this while addressing a large number of Christian believers at the Radhpu Baptist Church of Deed Circle under Lower Subansiri district, which on Friday last celebrated its silver jubilee.

Calling on the people of the area to work in unison, Saaya said that Yachuli constituency has many resources in terms of cardamom and kiwi production and would also see a new tea factory soon, which would definitely assist in the growth and development of the area by leaps and bounds.

Giving an overview of his new venture Saaya Group (SG),

a social commerce business, the parliamentary secretary stated that once his tea factory starts to function in full swing, it will open up job opportunities for the locals.

"I can show you the path towards development. However, it's up to you to take advantage of the situations", he added.

Congratulating pastors, evangelists and members of the Radhpu Baptist Church for spreading the message of God for 25 longs years in the remote circle, Saaya further urged all Christian brethrens to lead youngsters from the front and towards the right path, so that they do not go astray.

Earlier, Saaya, who is also the local MLA, inaugurated the newly constructed link road that connects the church from the highway.

Arunachal Theological College principal Reverend Dr Changha Chippo inaugurated the Jubilee Memorial Gate and also laid the foundation stone for the new building of the church.

The land where the new church would now be established has been donated by one Debai Tana.

Quoting verses from the Bible, Dr Chippo too called upon the members of the church to state united and follow the path shown by Jesus Christ.

He later also released a souvenir of the church to mark the occasion.

Where RBC silver jubilee celebration committee secretary Likha Budh welcomed all the guests and dignitaries, a brief history of the church since its establishment was given by chief editor Debia Kojum.

Apart from various cultural programmes, a skit on how Christianity was introduced in the area was also showcased by the elders of the church.

Present on the occasion, among others, were Nyishi Baptist Church Council president Reverend Tarh Choya, Dem Baptish Church pastor Licha Tall and CoSAAP assistant general secretary Likha Tech.

Emerging farmer of Bhalukpong - Randhu Liphiyang

[ By Khoda Rakhi ]

Tucked away between the village of Tippi and Sessa at a distance of about 12kms away from Bhalukpong is a very small village called Elephant Flat in West Kameng district with a population of meager 107 persons as per the 2011 census records. Apart from this place earlier being famous for the presence and frequent sightings of wild elephants in the past from where it got its nomenclature, today Elephant Flat is steadily being recognized for its local produce of sweet and juicy pineapples in the local market, popularly distinguished as the "Elephant-Pineapple". The man behind it Randhu Liphiyang is popularly known as Gaon Burah.

Son of Lt. Besa Liphiyang of Buragaon, Randhu had first set his foot at the present Elephant Flat village in the early 1970s. He further went to serve as a Gram Panchayat Member of the village for two terms and later on was appointed as the Gaon Burah of the village. He has been a permanent resident of the village ever since.

Situated behind the village on a rocky slope is his pineapple garden stretching at an expanse of around 6000sqm (approx), which he claims is a completely organic garden. Earlier he had utilized his field for rice cultivation, which he found out required investment of enormous labour compared to its meager production which was almost used up for household consumption. Moreover, since there was no immediate market for it, he found that it was not revenue generating as well. This somehow encouraged him to look out for other more profitable options of farming and hence he tried diversifying into pineapple farming instead.

On being queried about his venture into pineapple farming, he recalled his visit to Bhalukpong town in the year 1998, from where he had purchased 5 nos of pineapples for his children from an Assamese vendor for Rs.30. He later on used the pineapple crown as a seedling and planted it in his nearby kitchen garden which, owing to the favorable climatic conditions started to bear fruits every season and somehow drew his interest to further cultivate it in his field. It then started bearing a good amount of produce for his household consumption and also occasional gifts to family and friends. The ease of its farming, low maintenance and bountiful produce encouraged him to continuously increase its cultivation year after year and soon he started selling it commercially for the first time in the 2006 when he had sold 150-200 nos of pineapples in the nearby local market of Bhalukpong. This was an eye-opener for him to look at pineapple farming as an income generating activity. Ever since then he have been regularly marketing his produce at Bhalukpong every season which is at least two times a year.

He further went on to reveal that last season i.e. in between April-June 2016 he was able to sell around 4000 nos of fresh pineapples which was able to fetch him a decent income. He is now highly enthusiastic for this current harvesting season which has already started from this month i.e. November onwards and would continue up to January. He further adds that every season there is an increase of at least 100-150 pineapples which adds on to a steady and continuous increase in the income. This number of sold out produce is exclusive of the wastage involved in it which accounts to around 25% of the total produce i.e. out of each 100 pineapples produced at least 25 pineapples gets wasted in the process. He further states that this amount of wastage is unavoidable for him since pineapples are perishable which tends to get damaged due to various reasons such as excessive exposure to sunlight or unprecedented rains, straying of cattle or wild animals like elephants, improper harvesting, lack of proper storage and also during transportation. For Randhu his main market is at Bhalukpong where there are at least 5 nos of fruit vendors where he sells his products every season at a wholesale rate depending on the size of pineapples. This year he was also able to venture out to Bomdila, Rupa and Tenga markets with his bountiful harvest. He however admits that the high cost of transportation is making it hard for him to sell his pineapples at a competitive price.

Pineapples in Randhu's field, he says give him two harvest seasons annually, thus keeping him busy and occupied throughout the year while also giving him the chance of reaping its benefits at least twice a year. The activities in Randhu's pineapple field includes manual weeding, planting of new crown and maintenance of nurseries, transplantation from the nursery and finally harvesting of pineapples apart from the occasional irrigational activities which involves frequent visits to the field. He further claims that his is a completely organic field using bio-manure by decomposing the used up banana plants, etc. He keeps away from any kind of chemical fertilizers, pesticides or weedicides which he says may hamper the health of the soil and quality of produce, thereby practicing a completely organic way of farming due to which he believes his pineapples have a unique exotic sweet and juicy taste which is received very well in the market.

He also states that since pineapple farming has somehow established his financial health he has hence put in a few investments in his field by constructing a protection wall in order to protect from intruders and wild animals and also connected his field with water pipeline for irrigation purpose which was however an expensive affair involving the laying of at least 63 nos of GI pipes from the water source up to the field. He further informed that he had also received help from the government in constructing a portion of his protection wall and a water tank in his field through IWMP (Integrated Watershed Management Programme). He said that the department of Horticulture had distributed 30 nos of orange seedling to him free of cost during the year 2001-02 which he had planted in his field. Today, apart from pineapples, his field is reaping multiple crops like orange, banana, lime, sugarcane, mango, areca-nut, bamboo, black-pepper and litchi out of which he is able to commercially sell oranges, bananas and lime as well which adds on to the family income. Rest of the crops are in their nascent stage and being used up for household consumption.

He reveals that one of the main obstacle faced by any emerging farmer out here is that since the entire Bhalukpong circle falls within the jurisdiction of Reserve Forest and Wild life sanctuary area, there is hardly any scope for large scale farming which is one of the reasons why people find it discouraging.

He frequently mentions his honest desire to open a fresh juice stall as well in his existing small road side stall at Elephant Flat where he would sell fresh pineapple juice if he had a commercial juicer machine some day. Such are the small and simple wishes of a humble farmer that was revealed to me during our interaction.

Though in a very small way, but today Randhu Liphiyang is definitely standing out in the Bhalukpong crowd as an emerging pineapple farmer. He says that today he is able to educate his children and send them to nearby boarding school at Tezpur as well as maintain his entire family respectably which would not have been possible if it was not for his interest and sincerity towards farming. Farming is a hard and testing profession and not for the impatient and weak-hearted says Randhu. It demands a lot of hard work, sincerity, patience and zeal, but at the same time it is an extremely fulfilling activity. He is confident that he will keep on farming and maintaining his organic field as it gives him a sense of purpose and achievement while also earning him a respectable living for his family. He sends out his message to all the unemployed youths to also join this humble profession with new ideas, vigor and zeal. (The writer is a Circle Officer posted in Bhalukpong)

RSS chief dedicate Seva Dham to society

ITANAGAR, Dec 10: RSS Chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat who is on his maiden visit to the state capital in the capacity of Sarsanghachalak formally dedicated 'Seva Dham', the office complex of Arunachal Pradesh Charitable Task (APCT), to the society on Saturday.

Located near the Govt Women's College at Lekhi village, the Seva Dham is the epicenter of all the service projects and charity works undertaken by RSS through its registered societies like APCT and Seva Bharati Arunachal Pradesh.

Addressing the selected gathering of senior karyakartas on the occasion, Dr Mohan Bhagwat said that the Seva Dham should serve the objectives for which it is established and the society should benefit from it. "Facilities like office premises and buildings are only means to achieve our purposes and not the purposes in itself," he added.

He lauded the initiatives like vocational and skill development projects undertaken by the APCT and wished success to its entire further endeavour.

Prominent personalities including senior counsel and Assam Kshetra Sanghachalak of RSS Adv. Asim Kumar Dutta, RSS Kshetra Karyavah Manik Chandra Das, state Industries Minister Tamiyo Taga, Ziro MLA and first RSS trainee of Arunachal Pradesh Tage Taki, office bearers of APCT, Patrons, President, Secretary and members of the Organising Committee of Arun Chetana sammelan, all the Vibhag Pracharaks and other senior RSS functionaries from the other NE states were present on the occasion. The RSS Chief also released the second issue of Arun Chetana Sandesh on the occasion.

Earlier, the Sarsanghachalak who arrived in the capital by the Guwahati - Naharlagun Intercity Express was warmly received at the railway station by the President, Org Committee Taba Tedir, Prant Karyavah Nido Sakter, Prant Pracharak Dr Sunil Mohanty and other senior RSS workers.

Kra Daadi DC tours remote Pipsorang, Tali circles

PALIN, Dec 10: Kra Daadi Deputy Commissioner Habung Doni accompanied by Pipsorang CO Kipa Raja and team of officials visited numerous far-flung villages, including Pipsorang and Tali Circle headquarters, to gather first hand information on the prevailing administrative and developmental scenario.

The team held five public meetings at Songio, Karsang, Koleng, Sepa Ha, and Nyobia villages under Pipsorang circle enroute to Tali.

While taking serious note of all the public grievances and memoranda, the DC assured to look into all the genuine demands and needs of the people within his official capacity on top priority basis and also take up the matter with the highest level to address the grievances in a time-bound manner.

He visited numerous Govt. schools enroute to Tali and assured to provide fund for renovation of classrooms and construction of teachers' quarters, toilet for the KGVB School at Pipsorang as soon as the Govt. releases the DC's discretionary fund.

He exhorted all the HoDs of various work executing departments to ensure proper execution of all the sanctioned works by taking extra pain.

Whilst considering the practical challenges, he appealed to the teachers to work with passion and a missionary zeal. He also gave away the certificate and red coat to the newly appointed GB at Songio village and appealed to all the Gaon Buras to perform their duties with utmost fairness and social commitment.

While hailing Habung Doni as the first Deputy Commissioner to set foot on Pipsorang circle, the Panchayat leaders, Gaon Buras, and village elders submitted several public memoranda appealing for posting of adequate teachers; renovation of classrooms; construction of teachers' quarters and toilets, provision of rural drinking water supply, Aadhar Card coverage; appointment of GBs against the dead and the aged; effective implementation of the National Food Security Ordinance (NFSO); provision of medical care facilities; renovation of suspension bridges and potter tracks, dropping of salt, sugar, and dal along with the ration sorties; provision of hardship allowances to GBs and ALCs, establishment of Police Outpost and introduction of regular chopper service to Pipsorang Circle Hqs.

The occasion also marked the conduct of mass public rally cum awareness campaign as a part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by the Department of PHED & WS under the banner of Jarkum Yania Charitable Society at Songio, Karsang, Koleng, Sapa Ha, and Nyobia villages under Pipsorang Circle.

Speaking on the occasion, Kirba Sora, EE PHED & WS and Jikke Tako, Resource Person cum president APYC exhorted the villagers to stop open defecation for prevention of vector borne diseases and educated the villagers regarding the importance of constructing low-cost sanitary latrines and washing hands before and after food.

Kirba Sora, EE PHED & WS assured to provide adequate units of individual low-cost toilets to all genuine beneficiaries and locate community toilets nearer to Govt. schools for larger leverage by teachers and school children. He also informed the villagers regarding the concurrent efforts of the Dept. of PHED & WS to provide potable drinking water supply to all villages of Pipsorang Circle through their already submitted proposal to the GoI under BADP.

Dr. Bamang Raja, DVO created public awareness regarding the innovative role of micro-chipping of Mithuns to prevent social disputes and conflicts over ownership issue, prevention of diseases by avoiding traditional consumption of carcasses of dead mithuns, and timely cattle vaccination.

Dr. Gimi Tang, MO distributed essential medicines to villagers and assured that a medical staff along with essential medicines would be stationed in Pipsorang Circle HQs. especially during monsoon.

Giogi Tajuk, BEO while visiting numerous schools along with DC briefed about the difficulties faced by the teachers and students like non-availability of textbooks, uniforms, teachers' quarters, water supply, and dilapidated condition of most schools. He appealed to DC to take up these matters with the concern higher authority for early redressal.

Benjamin Pertin, HDO while lamenting on the lack of road connectivity as the biggest impediment for horticultural marketing, informed the villagers about the various facilities provided by the Horticulture Department and encouraged the villagers to take up horticulture as a viable rural livelihood option.

Kipa Raja, CO Pipsorang along with Sorang Taji, EO (RE) Pipsorang CD Block visited the villages and monitored all the ongoing projects sanctioned under BADP.

While stressing on work culture, the CO asserted that he would prefer an immediate transfer than succumb to any kind of pressure from any quarter for the release of any bills under BADP schemes without proper execution of work.

While considering the lack of law enforcement authority in Pipsorang, he emphasized on the vital role of the GBs and HGBs and appealed them to exercise their enshrined powers for maintenance of law and order in their respective villages.

The week-long tour from November 25 to 30 began from Parsi-Parlo in Kurung Kumey district and ended at Tali via Pipsorang circle under Kra Daadi district.

Niketu Iralu receives ‘North East India Peace Award 2016’

SHILLONG, Dec 10: Renowned personality of Nagaland Niketu Iralu was conferred the "North East India Peace Award 2016" in a award giving ceremony for "North East India Award on Peace, Social Work, Youth & Education and Tribal Literature 2016" held on Saturday at Christ School (International), Nongsder, Umiam, Meghalaya.

Fr. Francis Thottathimyalil (T.J), SDB received the "North East India Tribal Literature Award 2016", while Dr. George Kallingal won the "North East India Education and Youth Affairs Award 2016".

Sr. Judith Shadap, RNDM was conferred “North East India Social Work Award 2016”.

The award carries a citation and a cash prize.

The Governor of Meghalaya & Arunachal Pradesh V. Shanmuganathan, distributed the awards to the four eminent personalities.

In keeping with the spirit of Christ School International and K K L Loyi Foundation (Guwahati), a set of awards has been instituted by the two organizations to honour individuals and institutions that excel in the promotion on Peace, Social work, Youth Affairs & Education and Tribal Literature.

Meeting convened for relocation of Govt Hr Sec School Lumla

TAWANG, Dec 10: A meeting regarding relocation of Government Higher Secondary School Lumla (GHSSL) from Old Lumla to New Lumla, was convened at Lumla ADC conference hall on Friday.

Chairing the meeting, Lumla ADC RD Thungon informed that the new school complex and its compound meet all requisite norms. "GHSSL will be shifted to the new site on Dec 23 and 24 and the institution will start functioning from Dec 26," he informed.

"I have written to Tawang DFCSO for PDS items for the school and we will facilitate two cooks each for boys' and girls' hostel until the deputation of regular cooks by the government. All civil works are almost complete and the rest shall be accomplished by Dec 18. The school will be equipped with basic facilities like furniture and drinking water," the ADC added.

Tawang DDSE Apel Tayeng acceded to furnish the classrooms with requisite whiteboards and utensils for both boys and girls hostel, whereas SMC chairman Thutan Gombu volunteered to provide four gas stoves.

The house also gave a patient hearing and redressed school grievances putforth by the GHSSL principal.

Dudunghar CO and i/c CO Lumla, M Borang, HoDs, public leaders, Gaon Burahs and panchayat members also attended the meeting. (Tawang Vigilance)

World Human Rights Day observed

ITANAGAR, Dec 10: International Human Rights' Association (IHRA) state unit observed World Human Rights Day at its office on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, president IHRA Demo Dada described education as the most powerful weapon for development of a society and country.

Further emphasizing on Right to Equality, he appealed everyone to stay united and fight against corruption and human Rights violation.

Association demands early installation of BTS at Khyong

ITANAGAR, Dec 10: Hali Valley Youths Association, in a letter, has urged the General Manager (Telecom), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Itanagar to send a team for site inspection for installation of GSM base transreceiver (BTS) at Khyong under Manchal circle in Anjaw district

According to the association, the circle administration of Manchal, responding to a letter of the GM dated 12.2.16 in respect of provision of land measuring 20 x 20m for installation of BTS at Khyong, had written a letter to the BSNL authority in March this year for sending a site inspection team.

But, the GM did not send team for land inspection despite repeated telephonic requests made by the chairman of the association, the letter said.

The association strongly appealed to the GM, BSNL to arrange a team and send it immediately for site inspection and also urged to initiate process for installation of the BTS to bring the area under BSNL network coverage.

Banderdewa FC win 2nd Gyamar Tajik Memorial Football Tournament

YUPIA, Dec 10: Bande-rdewa FC won the 2nd Gyamar Tajik memorial football tournament defeating Deed FC 3-1 in the final here on Saturday.

Tagu Tamang was declared best player of the tournament and Ajay of Banderdewa was adjudged as best goalkeeper and Damin Ruru best scorer. Rising Star won the trophy for best disciplined team.

Parliamentary Secretary (UD, Housing, TP & ULB) Techi Kaso, Doimukh ASM Chairperson Yab Lotus and Parliamentary Secretary (Home) Pani Taram witnessed the final match.

In their speech, the Parliamentary Secretary and Anchal Chairperson highlighted the importance of sports in our day to day life and in benefits.

A total of 12 teams from Papum Pare and Lower Subansiri took part in the championship which was inaugurated on November 26th November 2016.

The tournament was organised in the fond memory of Gyamar Tajik, who was one of the pioneers in establishment of district Headquarters in Yupia.

Tigdo ASM Tayum Akin, Organising committee Chairman Gyamar Piter, Youth leaders Gyamar Bharat were also present and spoke on the occasion.

EE refutes allegation

ITANAGAR, Dec 10: Liromoba MHS (2x1000 KW) at Ligo has been generating power since November 11 without any interruption, claimed EE of Aalo Civil Division.

Refuting the claim made by Galo Students' Union that the project has not been functioning since its Inauguration, which appeared in this daily on November 9, the EE clarified that since the peak load demand of Liromoba Hydel is 350 KW only, which is very low, both the unit has been generating power in alternative mode to avoid under-generation.

The Unit-1 of the MHS had been generating power till December 1 and Unit-2 started generating power from December 2. The plant was shut down from 8 am to 2 pm on December 3 for scheduled/routine maintenance works after which the unit resumes power generation as usual, the EE said.

Again, on December 6, the plant was shut down due to minor maintenance work in Hydraulic System of OPU, MIV and Directional Valve of Hydel. Liromoba circle was connected with Grid supply line during that period.

However, the maintenance work was completed on December 9 and machine started generating power at Station Load, and in the very next day (10th December), the Liromoba circle was again charged/connected from Liromoba Hydel.

The EE termed the claim made by the presidents of GSU & LCWA as totally baseless, concocted and without an iota of truth.

PM Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan launched in East Siang

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Dec 10: Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritwa Abhiyan was launched in the district in a simple ceremony at General Hospital here on Friday.

East Siang ZPC, Kaling Dai, who launched the scheme in presence of medical officers and other health staffs requested the district health department for proper implementation of the flagship scheme and ensure safety of maternal and child health.

A total of 52 pregnant women were examined with ultra-sonography on the occasion. The scheme aims at ensuring safe child birth and lowering maternal mortality rate in the country.

Briefing on the importance of the scheme, District Medical Officer, Dr Mandip Perme informed that pregnant mothers would be given regular check-up to identify the complex symptom on the 9th day of every month and will be treated accordingly.

ZPM lays foundation stone of Govt. Primary school

ITANAGAR, Dec 10: 13th Pipsorang Zilla Parishad Member, Ha Tagong has laid the foundation stone of Government Primary School, Raha amidst the presence of Pipsorang BRCC, Headmaster incharge, Dana Taha, School Management Committee Chairman, Raha Kanik and Sangha Welfare Society (RWS) Chairman, Sangha Tasi at Pipsorang recently.

While addressing a gathering on the occasion, ZPM, Ha Tagong exhorted the Raha Welfare Society and people of the area to cooperate with the district administration and to work towards the development of the society and the state as a whole.

Kimin SDO visits Kakoi

ITANAGAR, Dec 10: Kimin SDO and CO Kakoi accompanied by all the head of departments of Kimin and Kakoi circle and general secretary of Border Peace Committee visited the 'disputed' area of Kakoi circle on Saturday to take stock of the various problems faced by people.

During their visit to Kui Village and Govt. Primary School, Kui under Kakoi circle, the team members contributed necessary items for the school.

The SDO contributed Rs 5000 for school maintenance while the CO contributed one solar light and 3 plastic chairs.The ADO (Agri) Kimin and OC (I/c) Kimin contributed 1 black board each. The Veterinary officer/ MO Kakoi provided one water filter each.

Forum reiterates demand

ITANAGAR, Dec 10: The Assistant Urban Programme Officer's Welfare Forum (AUPOWF) has in a letter addressed to the Minister for Urban Development and Housing on Saturday reiterated its demand to immediately repatriate deputed UPO & AUPO to their parent department (PWD).

The Forum claimed that the authorities approved the appointment of officials from other departments to the post of UPO and AUPO on deputation basis.

'Why should the authorities appoint officials from other departments on deputation when the department has sufficient number of eligible incumbents having the required service length?', questioned the Forum.

It further demanded immediate promotion of senior AUPOs and Surveyors to the vacant posts of UPO and AUPO.

The Forum has further decided to stage a peaceful dharna near Secretariat Gate to press for their demands.