RSS works for nation building, welfare of people: Bhagwat
ITANAGAR, Dec 11: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) works overground for the welfare of all and it does not have anything to keep secret, said RSS chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat.
Addressing the Arun Chetana Sammelan at IG Park here on Sunday, the RSS chief said that it does not work against anybody, but works for the uplift of the nation and welfare of all the people.
Refuting the allegation on RSS of conversion, Dr. Bhagwat appealed to the people not to judge the Sangh through media reports.
Dr Mohan Bhagwat further stated that the RSS is maintaining distance itself from politics, though it feels the necessity of honest and patriotic people in the political parties and tries to send such people to the parties.
"RSS does not own any political party, but would like to send good people to all parties, if they accept our workers," he said.
Referring to the greatness of country Bharat and its cultural heritage, the RSS chief stated that unity in diversity is the bench mark of our culture.
Opposing conversions from one religion to another, Dr. Bhagwat opined that uniformity is not required for unity. The diversity that we have is only atop but deep inside there is a common string of ethics and cultural identity which connects the different languages, food habits, ways of worship, etc.
Bhagwat further stated RSS does not differentiate people on minority and majority issues but would like to organize all the citizens to work for the uplift and welfare of the nation.
Appreciating the national spirit and patriotism of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, Dr Bhagwat said he saluted them for strongly opposing the Chinese claim over Arunachal Pradesh.
Earlier, Taba Tedir, President Organizing Committee of the Aruna Chetana Sammelan in his welcome address said that this "Land of rising Sun" has always been an integral part of the greater Bharat since the pre-Mahabharat period and will remain so. The places like Parasuram Kund, Bhishmak Nagar and Malinithan stand as the testimony to it, he said.
The war Memorials at Tawang and Wallong reflect the strategic importance and contribution of the state for national integration, Tedir said.
Rubbishing the allegations on RSS being anti-minority and anti-beef-eaters, Tedir asserted that during his association with the RSS and its likeminded organizations for the last 25 years, he has never come across any instances that prove the allegations.
Referring to the statements of former President Dr Zakir Hussein and renowned counsel and former Supreme Court Judge Justice KT Thomas, Tedir opined that those who blame the RSS should first learn what RSS actually is and what does it actually do.
He called upon the people of Arunachal Pradesh to positively respond to the efforts of the RSS and said that the more we get associated with the RSS the more the state shall be benefitted.
Tumge Lollen, an eminent businessman and Secretary of the organizing committee also spoke on the occasion.
A host of dignitaries including Deputy Speaker Alo Libang, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein, Ministers Tamiyo Taga, Kumar Waii, Tanga Byaling, Wangki Lowang, former Chief Minister Gegong Apang, several Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs, State BJP President Tapir Gao, Chief Secretary Shakuntala Gamlin, Principal Secretary Satyagopal, State Information Commissioner Joram Begi and leaders of several socio-cultural and religious organizations, senior bureaucrats, technocrats and thousands of RSS well wishers attended the Sammelan.
Corruption in recruitment alleged
ITANAGAR, Dec 11: Allegations of malpractice and corruption has been levelled against the officials of department of hydropower in evaluation of answer papers in the recently conducted recruitment exam for the post of junior engineer (civil).
Armed with the copies of answer scripts, a candidate who did not made it to the selected list, alleged that SE co-ordination Er K Perme misused his position to favour certain candidates and demanded investigation into the matter by the special investigation cell of the police department to unearth the truth and give justice to the deserving candidates.
Giving several examples of wrong evaluation of answer scripts, the candidate said that she had written the correct answer to a question - 'Who founded the Vande Mataram. But she got zero mark for writing the answer - Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. The candidate claimed that she had approached the authority only to hear the verbal reply that “founder is Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and the composer is Bankim Chandra Chatterjee” which is very unfortunate and shameful.
Similarly the candidate claimed that she got zero mark for writing 'five years' in a reply to a question - 'What is the mission period for Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan?'
But another candidate was given two mark for the same answer, the complainant said.
"If answer scripts were checked properly without partiality I could have found my name in No 14 in the merit list with total score of 228.5 marks, the candidate claimed.
Demonetization and Arunachal
Monday Musing
[ M.Doley ]
Keeping small amounts of money in hands is a habit and culture of our people. They keep them even under the pillow cover and mattress. These small amounts of money kept for miscellaneous expenses come handy during emergencies. However, the "Demonetization"-the word much talked about nowadays-played the spoilsport for them to change the habit.
People in rural areas still prefer home over bank to keep their hard earned money. This may be due to non availability of banking facility in their locality or lack of savings habit. Whatever may be the reason, this is a separate story.
The new monetary policy launched by Narendra Modi Government last month, in fact, has brought in an unprecedented storm in the history of Indian economy. Modi continues to receive both pats and brickbats from critics for his new monetary policy that aims at making India a 'cashless' country. Some critics say, it has totally destroyed the rural economy hitting the farmers and small businessmen hard.
In Arunachal Pradesh, Agriculture and Horticulture is the principal mainstay of majority of people in rural areas, who grow wide range of crops. Now they are bearing the brunt of cash crunch.
As per survey conducted in two main markets of Itanagar, selling of all commodities, including vegetables, continues to fall drastically since demonetization. It is worth mentioning here that vegetable markets in Itanagar and Naharlagun is dominated by local women vendors. A thorough and proper survey may reveal the volume of crisis the farming community has been facing.
If the situation does not improve immediately, it is apprehended that the farmers will be unable to recover their capital they have invested in farming activities. Because, the situation in some states, like Karnataka, where vegetables like tomatoes are selling for as low as Rs 3 per kg, has already gone from bad to worst.
Many critics say that the idea of demonetization and going cashless was not a calculated and carefully worked out plan. Many people even dared to say that it was an autocratic decision of tech savvy Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
We are living on the same world but not on the same living condition and environment. Like many rural areas in the country, Arunachal too has many areas where internet and banking facilities are still a distant dream. Perhaps, Modi did not realize the situation that may likely to arise before mooting the idea of going cashless.
It will be interesting to see whether the situation improves in the next two weeks as Modi sought 50 days, of which 35 days have already passed.
The crack down on black money may be successful to some extent, but it is also true that big fishes, like hawala dealers/brokers have whitened their dirty money with the nexus of unscrupulous bankers, which is evident from media reports of constant seizure of crores of rupees of 2000 denomination by IT officials from elsewhere in the country.
A calculated and carefully worked out plan and policy is needed to achieve this kind of gigantic task. Otherwise, it boomerangs.
In the current situation, the State Government has got more responsibility than before. It must take some certain immediate measures, like awareness programme on e-transaction and making the people familiarize with it, providing internet and banking facilities with ATMs in all uncovered areas, encouraging people to open bank accounts to avail the e-transaction facilities etc, to ease the situation. Otherwise, people will continue to suffer.
Tadar Tang Football C’ship from Dec 17
21 teams to vie for top honour
ITANAGAR, Dec 11: The 15th Tadar Tang State Level Football Championship organized by Arunachal Football Association (APFA) is all set to kick off at RG Stadium, Naharlagun on December 17.
This year, the total number of teams participating in the championship is 21, which is the highest in the history of the state's top football tournament since its inception, informed APFA general secretary Kipa Ajay.
All the teams are divided into seven groups/pools of three teams each with winners of each group, including the best loser, entering into the quarterfinals.
The opening match will be played between Capital Complex and Kurung Kumey. The tournament will be kicked off by Govt. Spokesperson and Parliamentary Secretary (Tourism) Passang D. Sona at 1.30 pm.
The semifinals will be held on December 27 while the final will be played on December 28.
The state team for the 71st National Football Tournament for Santosh Trophy to be held in Meghalaya during January-February, 2017 will be selected on the basis of performance of the players in the Tadar Tang Memorial football championship.
Meanwhile, APFA appealed to all the participating players to maintain strict discipline on and off the field throughout the tournament and cautioned that action will be initiated against undisciplined players as per APFA bye laws. It also sought cooperation from audience and general public to conduct the tournament smoothly.
The APFA general secretary said that the present allocation of Rs 20 lakh was not enough to conduct such a big tournament and appealed to the State Government to increase the fund allocation.
The teams:
Pool A: Kra Daadi, Changlang, Longding; Pool B: West Kameng, Lower Dibang Valley, East Kameng; Pool C: East Siang, Papum Pare, Arunachal Pradesh Police; Pool D: Namsai, Anjaw, Upper Subansiri; Pool E: Lohit, West Siang, Dibang Valley; Pool F: Lower Subansiri, Siang, Tirap; Pool G: Upper Siang, Capital Complex, Kurung Kumey.
IMFL, tobacco products seized
ITANAGAR, Dec 11: A large quantities of liquor and tobacco products were seized from various shops in Kamba during an unannounced checking conducted by district administration with police on Friday.
The checking was conducted under supervision of ADC Kamba Nyikken Lollen to check illegal selling of Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL), including beer in Kamba township and tobacco products in and around DPGC College, Kamba and Higher Secondary School premises.
Later, the entire seized items were destroyed.
The team also checked the validity periods of trading license as well as Inner Line Permit (ILP).
Kamba CO Tamish Mugli, who led the team, informed that similar checking drive will be conducted from time to time in future too.
NCP hails Govt.
CoSAAP exhorts members to perform
ITANAGAR, Dec 11: The Confederation of Service Association of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) welcomed the decision of the State Government to implement the 7th Central Pay Commission recommendation in Arunachal Pradesh.
Congratulating all the state government employees on implementation of the 7th CPC recommendation, CoSAAP President Pate Marik, who is currently undergoing official training in Hyderabad, appealed them to reciprocate by improving work culture.
Meanwhile, CoSAAP Secretary General Gonya Riba attended the general body meeting of West Siang district unit of CoSAAP at Aalo on December 10. He advised the state government employees to perform duty with utmost sincerity and dedication for all round development of the state.
During the meeting, the executive committee of CoSAAP's West Siang unit was reconstituted. The meeting was presided over by CoSAAP's district president Dr. Linya Lollen.
The State Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) termed the implementation of the 7th CPC recommendation as bold decision by the state government led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
Terming it New Year gift to the state government employees, the NCP unit called upon the employees to work hard with sincerity and dedication to take state development to a new height.
The State NCP also welcomed the decision of State govt. to confer State Gold Medal with cash award and to allot a plot of land in Itanagar to Nabam Rungkhi in recognition of his selfless contribution in making Itanagar the state capital.
Further, state NCP hailed Govt.'s decision to award Dy SP rank to M Kamdak Basar, wife of late Bomto Kamdak, the cop (DySP), who was killed while performing duty and enhance the cash awards to the gallantry awardees.
Awareness camps on digital payment, demonetization
TAWANG, Dec 11: In its bid to promote digital payment and also ensure cent percent deposit of old demonetized currency notes, awareness camps were organized at Bomba, Seru, Kitpi, Lhou, Jang, Mukto jointly by District Administration and Bank Authorities operating in the area along with support from GBs, PRI leaders and education department.
Awareness on Unified Payment Interface, USSD (*999#), Aadhaar enabled payments, Wallets, Rupay/Debit/ Prepaid/ Credit Cards were imparted to the participants. They were also apprised about the initiative being taken up by the Govt to encourage cashless transaction for day to day purchases and how the same if adopted by majority would help in bringing transparency and accountability in the system.
As per the directives of Government, arrangements were also made for on the spot deposit of old demonetized currency notes and opening of bank accounts.
The participants were advised not to let their accounts be used by others and refrain from depositing other people's money in their account. They were informed that this sort of activities would be deemed illegal and is liable for prosecution.
Similar camps are also scheduled at various other locations in the district during the ensuing week. Special thrust is being given to rural pockets so as to rule out inconvenience being faced by the villagers and the uneducated due to ignorance and mobility factor in the wake of demonetization. (DIPRO)
HWS felicitates Moyir Basar Kamdak
ITANAGAR, Dec 11: Heche Welfare Society has felicitated Moyir Basar Kamdak for awarding Dy SP rank by the Govt in a simple function at Itanagar on Saturday. She is the wife of late Bomto kamdak Heche who was martyred in the line of duty. The Society also extended sincere thank to Chief Minister Pema Khandu for such noble gesture.
The Society wished her great success in life and hoped that she will do her best for the Nation as her late husband did.
It may be mentioned here that honouring the sacrifice made by Dy SP Late Bomto Kamdak in the line of duty, the state cabinet recently decided and approved for awarding Dy SP rank to late Bomto Kamdak's wife, Moyir Kamdak Basar on compassionate ground.
Mass coordination meeting held at Lumla
Tawang, Dec 11: A mass coordination meeting of Panchayat leaders, Gaon Burahs, party workers and public leaders was called by Parliamentary Secretary for RWD Jambey Tashi, at Zomkhang hall, Lumla, on Saturday.
Speaking on the ocassion Jambey sought cooperation from everyone for the development of the region, and urged the people to forget petty individual resentments and work hand in glove for the comprehensive development of the region. Further, laying emphasis on the vitality of imparting quality education, health facilities and safeguarding tradition and culture, he stressed on work quality and called for robust local support for the officials posted in the region.
In-depth debates on topics like development of education sector, health sector, tourism, Art and culture and sacred places also followed. PCC secretary Jhowa Tsering and Lumla BCCI president Tsering Tashi also spoke on the occasion. (Tawang Vigilance)
Bodybuilder Paklu Taipodia to represent state in National championship
ITANAGAR, Dec 11: The Arunachal Bodybuilding Association (ABA) has selected the winner of women's Sports Physique-2016 Paklu Taipodia to represent state in the 9th Satish Sugar Classic Senior Women National Championship to be held at Belgovi, Karnataka from Dec 16 to 18 next.
Taipodia will be accompanied by her coach Raj Thakuri.
Paklu Taipodia is a former National level weightlifter from the state and is a mother of three. She is the first from the state to participate in the National Weightlifting Championship. She won Gold medal from her maiden participation at Eastern India Weightlifting Championship in 1997-98.
ESMWAAP resolves to give highest priority to construction of war memorial in Itanagar
ITANAGAR, Dec 11: The Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association Arunachal Pradesh (ESMWAAP) has resolved to give highest priority to the construction of War Memorial in the state capital, Censorship of the ESM in the state, Sainik Aramgarh at Itanagar, Khonsa and Tawang for the needy ESM and their Next of Kins visiting from rural areas for medical treatment etc. This was decided in its 5th Annual General Body Meeting held at Naharlagun under the chairmanship of Wg Cdr Kago Gyati, President ESMWAAP on Sunday.
Editorial
Something to cheer about
Finally there seems to be some good news for the Indian Airforce (IAF). The depleting
strength of IAF is going to get boost with induction of Rafale fighter jets which
is expected to start in the next three years. Air Force chief Arup Raha has shared
that within three years time India will have the first few Rafale aircraft delivered
and within five and a half years IAF will have two full squadron of aircrafts in
operation. These fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons and equipped with
latest missiles, will tremendously increase the force's capability. India is also
going to produce Light Combat Aircraft Tejas in large numbers. For years the fast
depleting strength of IAF has been matter of deep concern for the nation.
India's air force risks a major capability gap opening up with China and Pakistan
without new western warplanes or if local defence contractors can't produce what
the military needs in a timely manner. Contrary to India, both the hostile neighbours
Pakistan and China have been modernizing their air force. India is vulnerable in
the skies because of its over reliance on a disparate fleet of ageing Russian-made
MiG and French Mirage fighters, along with more modern Russian Sukhoi Su-30s. Half
of India's fighters are due to retire by 2024. If the new fighter jets are not inducted
on time, it will have catastrophic effect in years to come.
________________________________
Readers’ Forum
Story of two cousins-Cashless and Staffless
Dear Editor,
The cousin of cashless economy, staffless banking, has created lesser havoc compared
to his younger cousin because one footprint of continuance lashing of strike was
confine within the bank whereas the other was let loose across the nation, with revered
intend but ended up catapulting harassment. The younger cousin, cashless economy,
was meticulously thought of, half baked planned and then badly delivered; who set
the whole country in a run mode.
In a country where we see people waking up early morning for their usual practice,
which is an open air toilet, were forced to go to ATM machine but many ATM machine
were found to be adamantly stand in favour of cashless economy by having no cash.
In some corner many people stood in the queue with breakfast and lunch dabba in their
hand, and many running to stand first in the serpentine queue that the birth of younger
one bought in this land.
The elder cousin birth date is unknown but he too made us felt his presence along
with his cousin. The sudden joint attack by them made banker too run for everything.
Run for office, run for meal, run for air etc.
Since the dawn of this two cousin, every day breaking news involve people running
for cash for which the credit goes to younger one, but no news carries the story
of elder cousin.
Nevertheless the story of havoc continues as the parent of both cousins has left
them with a gun in their hand.
Yours,
T Menjo,
Roing
Please Clarify
Dear Editor,
In response to advertisement of Assistant Audit Officer vide no-PSC-A (A)/05/2016
by APPSC that was published in your daily, I would like to put some words before
the concern authority. The education qualifications required for the said post was
mentioned as any graduate of Arts, Science and Commerce with Mathematics and Economic
as one of subject. There was no mention about whether B.Tech. /B.E. graduates can
also apply. When we contacted APPSC office they say there are no separate guidelines
for B.Tech/B.E graduate students.
They say only at the time of scrutiny they will decide whether application will be
accepted or rejected. Here the questions arises how they can easily just say that
at the time of scrutiny they will decide, which means if not accepted than our application
fees, others expenditures charge and our valuables time will be wasted. In our four
year degree course we also study Mathematics, Economics, Probability and Statistics,
Management and others subjects including branch subjects.
Therefore, I would like to appeals concern authority to kindly please clarify and
give us chance to apply and compete with others.
Yours,
H.T Nabam,
B. Tech Graduate
Airport Fiasco and possible solution
Dear Editor,
This is in response to the news item “Uncertainty continues to haunt airport project”
published in your daily. This airport fiasco has become such boring news and we really
hate to read about it. Every time we only hear about demands of Karsingsa Land Affected
People, Hollongi Land Affected, this and that. It seems like people of these two
places have taken airport project hostage.
If they have so many problems, governments should take the airport to other place.
As the airport is supposed to come up near Capital, government should explore other
areas nearby capital which is non-controversial. The whole problems seem to be self
inflicted. First of all selecting Karsingsa as site for Green Field Airport is huge
mistake. Topography and soil of the area is not feasible. Forget about experts even
a layman will tell that Karsingsa is not fit for the airport. Those who planned airport
there seem to have forgotten the annual Karsingsa blocked festival which we experience
due to continuous sinking of national highway. Even 4 lane project is going elevated
over Pare River as engineers have failed to fight the sinking phenomena. So, constructing
an airport there is like inviting a disaster.
Another big mistake authority did was taking airport to Hollongi and allowing people
to make exaggerated compensation claims. In Hollongi where airport is planned there
is lot of Chakmas whose list was published in ArunachalTimes. How can we give them
compensation when we are fighting against their claim of Indian citizenship? This
will be second disaster if we give compensation to them. But technically and topography
wise there is no doubt that Hollongi looks much better.
Another mistake is the court case filed by people of Karsingsa. It shows their greediness.
Just because airport did not come up in their area, they kept on filing cases after
cases and delayed the project. And if government is planning to again shift airport
back to Karsingsa you can expect second greedy group of people from Hollongi to make
life miserable for everyone of us. Therefore my suggestion as a layman are- 1) Find
a new place and ignore both Karsingsa/Hollongi. 2) If at Hollongi, delete Chakma
and acquire only land belonging to local tribal. Bring down compensation claim by
making strict checking and if possible people of Hollongi should offer land free
of cost. If everything is not possible, then just keep quiet and enjoy Naharlagun-Guwahati
and Naharlagun-New Delhi train journey.
Yours,
Nini T, New Delhi
