February 20
Workers’ board distributes solar lamps
ITANAGAR Feb 19: As part of awareness to the working class of the state, Nyamar Karbak, Chairman Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Constructions Workers Welfare Board distributed solar lamps to the registered workers of the Board at Nirjuli on Feb 15 last.
Speaking on the occasion, Nyamar Karbak encouraged the workers to get them registered with the Board. He also advised them to abstain from all the bad habits of drinking alcohol, gambling etc. He further requested them to work dedicatedly towards all round development of the state.
Nyamar also highlighted about the benefits being provided by the Board such as medical assistance, death benefits etc.
Kenkar Yomcha, General Secretary, INTUC Pradesh Branch (AP) and Dana Tadu President AAPLU also spoke on the occasion.
Election meeting held
AALO, Feb 19: An elaborate election meeting attended by HoDs, ADCs, EACs from entire district was held under the chairmanship of West Siang district election officer M K Sahoo at DC’s Conference Hall on February 18.
Convening his last meeting as Deputy Commissioner, Sahoo said that the meeting had to be convened after relinquishing his charges as DEO of the district as circulars were issued to all two weeks back. He exhorted the officers at different level to gear up the election related tasks with full preparedness using their experiences and wisdom. Election Commission has well set guidelines and all officers should go with the rule books.
The incoming District Election Officer Pige Ligu in his address on the occasion said that the continuity must go without any laxity as election is a national duty. He appealed all election related officers to cooperate him as a well knit team unit for conducting a free and fair election and for the over all development of the district. DIPRO
DRDA employees reiterate demand
ITANAGAR, Feb 19: Reiterating its demand for absorption in the state government, the All India DRDA Staff Welfare Association state unit has urged the government to pay heed to the demand by February end.
In a release while warning of resorting to rigorous democratic movement till the demand is met, it expressed that the state government despite its assurance to place the demand for cabinet approval is still delaying the process.
Modi to address rally at Pasighat
ITANAGAR, Feb 19: BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi would address the maiden “Vijay Sankalp Abhiyan” rally at Pasighat in East Siang district on February 22. The rally will kick up election campaign for the Mission 272+in Arunachal Pradesh for the ensuing Lok Sabha election 2014.
Fire renders six boarders homeless
ITANAGAR, Feb 19: At least six tenants were rendered homeless when a major fire broke out at the house of Kenter Tacha Bogum on February 15 evening.
The fire, which supposedly started with a candle lit by a child, engulfed household items and properties of all the occupants, informed a release by Tacha Welfare Society.
As the news of the fire broke out, MP West Takam Sanjoy, Arunachal Christian Forum general secretary Toko Teki, APCRCC GS Evangelist Tai Ete, BJP Papum Pare unit president Tarh Tarak, PPA leaders, Former Chairman APB&OCWWB Jalley Sonam, leaders of CRC and Chief Councilor IMC provided immediate relief to the victims.
Census data dissemination workshop conducted
ITANAGAR, Feb 19: Directorate of Census department, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh,
conducted a one-
Bharati Chanda, Joint Director for Census – Assam and Arunachal Pradesh explained
the definition, objectives and uses of Census data for the progress of the country
on the occasion. She said, ‘Census is not merely a head counting, it gives valuable
information for planning and formulation of policies in 5-
During her power point presentation she highlighted various data pertained to Arunachal Pradesh. She appealed all the students, the future citizens of the nation to be aware about the importance of census and share the knowledge to their parents, brothers and sisters.
Utpal Sharma, Assistant director of Census department also present in the workshop. All participants including 80 students and teachers received certificates from the department.
PVYWA observes foundation day
ITANAGAR, Feb 19: The Pakke Valley Youth Welfare Association (PVYWA) observed its foundation day at Pakke Kessang Helipad ground, East Kameng district on February 11 last.
During the celebration, the foundation stone for its office building was laid by the chief guest.
Farmers exposure visit conducted
PASIGHAT, Feb 19: Krishi Vigyan Kendra East Siang, College of Horticulture & Forestry, Central Agricultural University, Pasighat organized 3 days Exposure cum Training Programme for 10 farmers from Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur at Directorate of Rapseed and Mustard Research, Bharatpur, Rajasthan during February 13 to 15. The 5 farmers were from Miram and Sikatode Village of East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh. During the programme the farmers were imparted Training on different aspects of Mustard and Rapseed and also visited Research Farm and experimental cum seed production Farm of DRMR.
Farmers were also taken to instructional farm of KVK Kumher under Rajasthan Agriculture
University. The programme was sponsored by Tribal Sub-
Workshop on SABLA organized
ITANAGAR, Feb 19: As part of implementation of Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment
of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG)-
Attending the workshop, the Joint Director, Women and Child Development Department T P Loyi, while appreciating the ICDS Project for organizing the workshop, suggested all the adolescent Girls (AGs) attending the workshop to avail the benefit of the workshop. She also asked Fields Functionaries of the project to be dutiful towards their duties and responsibilities to implement the various programmes of the department effectively.
Dani Yami, Dy. Director (ICDS), Distt. ICDS Cell, Yupia, K. Bordoloi Demonstration Officer, FNB, Min. of WCD, Y.R Ete, CDPO, Naharlagun have also spoke on the occasion.
S C Tok, CDPO of the Project outlined the objective of the scheme and said that considering the inconsistency meted out to the women folk the ministry of WCD had taken up various welfare programmes among which SABLA is one. Tok sought cooperation of all stakeholders for its effective implementation.
Dr. Toko Papu, MO, NRHM, Yupia, Subu Tabin, Jt. Director, Industries department, Pumin Taku, SI, Police Station(Women Cell), Itanagar and Mepung Tadar, Chairperson, CWC, Itanagar and Former Vice Chairperson, APSCW have attended the programme as resource persons and dwelt on various topics.
In the afternoon, an exposure trips for the AGs to the office of the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW), Women Police Station and the Post Office, Itanagar was conducted.
News Impact
State cabinet nod for hike in workers’ wages, power to Municipal Councils
ITANAGAR, Feb 19: “My government is alive to the problems of working class so a number of welfare measures have been initiated to address their concern” asserted Chief Minister Nabam Tuki after formally inking the proposal of enhancement of minimum wages for unskilled, semi skilled and skilled workers of state today.
The proposal had got a positive nod in the state cabinet held on February 18 last.
Under the enhanced rate of wages the unskilled workers who used to get Rs. 80 per
day in area –I, shall now get Rs 150 per day while area -
In a landmark decision by the state cabinet, additional powers to Municipal Councils in form of imposition of civic charges has been devolved. With the transfer of this function and power, all total 14 functions out of 18 enlisted in the 12th Schedule of the Constitution of India have been devolved to the urban local bodies. “Remaining functions shall be devolved in a phased manner” stated the chief minister.
In order to ensure rural participation, the cabinet approved transfer of operation and maintenance of intra village component of Rural water supply scheme to the Gram Panchayat through village water and sanitation committee.
Apart from this, few bills were approved to be moved in the ensuing budget session of Legislative Assembly in March next, which included Arunachal Pradesh Building (lease, rent and eviction) control bill 2014, Arunachal Pradesh Urban Local Authorities (Prohibition of Defection) bill 2014, and introduction of horticulture produce marketing and processing board bill 2014, informed Government Spokesman Nabam Rebia in a press statement.
ITANAGAR, Feb 19: The names of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and Speaker Wanglin Lowangdong will be etched in the history of Borduria village and Tirap district for ever for introducing air connectivity to Borduria village which was hitherto a distant dream.
The helipad perched on the top of the village amidst serene surroundings and breathtaking landscapes will not only caters it’s services to the people of Borduria alone but to all the peripheral villages during emergency situations.
The Chief Minister inaugurated the new helipad, the government higher secondary school and the Paang [Boys’ Dormitory] today amidst a huge applause.
Speaking on the historic occasion, Tuki regretted that he could not land at Borduria on 16th February due to inclement weather. He appreciated the quality of work maintained by the executing agencies while creating the three important assets.
The Chief Minister told the huge gathering that his government was according top
priority to the development of the youths of the state by trying to provide them
with job opportunities adding that many boys and girls of Tirap-
The Chief Minister emphatically said that without proper education no place could
make any progress adding that his government was addressing the pressing problems
of the educational institutions very seriously. He said that under CM’s talent search
schemes, the meritorious students who scored 60% and above had been awarded laptops
and urged the people to take maximum benefit out of the beneficial schemes launched
by his government. The Chief Minister was full of praise for the local MLA and Speaker
Wanglin Lowangdong for initiating a number of beneficial and path-
While replying to the public memoranda submitted by various villages and organizations,
the Chief Minister assured to look into the genuine grievances as per feasibility
adding that he was alive to the water scarcity problem faced by Borduria and nearby
villages and re-
Speaker Lowangdong in his speech profusely thanked the Chief Minister for his august
visit to Borduria and hoped that the grievances submitted to him by the people would
be addressed by the Chief Minister with all seriousness. While highlighting the problems
of the 57-
The function was attended by Political Secretary to CM Bamang Tago, APCC Secretary C. Hondik, APCC Vice President Padi Hinda, HoDs, Chiefs, GBs, PRI leaders and students and teachers. The students of various schools also presented an attractive cultural programmes to mark the occasion.
Stage all set for the statehood day celebration
ITANAGAR, Feb 19: The stage has been set up for the grand celebration of the Statehood Day 2014 and Festival of Arunachal.
Altogether 109 exhibition stalls and 51 food stalls representing the different cuisine of the state is also set up. The Chief Minister along with a host of dignitaries and the Chairman of the Organizing Committee Dani Sulu and Deputy Commissioner Mige Kamki had visited I G Park to oversee the last minute preparation and to ensure that the day stands up to its name. The Organizing Chairman’s office is also operating from the park and facilitation centre has also been set up for any kind of information.
During the three days event, cultural programmes by school children, artists of the state as well as from the NE region would be held. The major highlight of the day would be the Job Mela which will give a chance to unemployed youths of the state to enroll themselves with different Vocational Training Providers. Besides many other attractions, Aaj ka Arunachal, a documentary film would also be screened during the festival. The State Awards to the awardees which was announced earlier during the Republic Day Celebrations 2014 and Independence Day Celebrations 2013 will be presented. DIPRO
The freedom to pursue the truth
Ranju Dodum
Much has been said about the recent shut down of media houses in the state in many
forums among various social circles. While several people sided with one point of
view or the other, a miniscule minority chose the left-
The episode also caused many to feel that the press was being stubborn but it is important to state in clear terms that if the press stood its ground as sternly as it did, it was because it was important to do so. Here we are reminded of the words of wise men who often said “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything”.
Now that the situation seems to have passed, to deliberate upon an imagined standoff seems futile. At the very onset it must be clarified that the reason why one need not speak of a standoff is because there never was a standoff between the media and any group to begin with. The almost weeklong impasse was actually a result of a fight for an idea; one that is enshrined in the pages of the Constitution of India. It just so happened that yesterday there was one particular organisation that was on the other side of the fence and tomorrow it may be someone else. To repeat, our fight never was and never will be with anyone other than the enemies of freedom.
However, it would be wrong to say that there are no lessons for the press to be learnt from the entire episode. It would be further incorrect to proclaim that the media houses could not have handled things in a different manner. But this view is a luxury that is provided to all of us in hindsight. While the merit of the decision to shut down offices can be questioned, in the same breath it must also be asked as to what does one do when repeatedly pushed into a corner? After all, when a balloon is blown beyond its limit, it is bound to burst.
The past week was a difficult and arduous one for all stakeholders of the state;
more so for those within the press fraternity who are currently feeling slightly
disillusioned by the fact that the so-
Here in our state, the idealism of pursuing the truth has little value because the truth can have many versions and depends entirely on who is telling it. But just because we don’t live in an ideal world does not mean we stop in our pursuit to turn it into one. And that idealism again can only be achieved if the truth is allowed to be pursued. As the former US president Franklin D Roosevelt best put it, “The truth is found when men are free to pursue it”. It is only this freedom that we seek, nothing more. (The writer is General Secretary of Arunachal Press Club)
Civil societies visit border villages in West Siang, plead for security forces
ITANAGAR, Feb 19: A team of various civil society groups comprising the Joint Action Committee on Border Affairs (JACBA), Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF), Adi Bane Keba (ABK), Galo Welfare Society (GWS), Galo People’s Federation (GPF), All Galo Youth Organization (AGYO) and others visited Durpai (Diripai), Uli and Kangku villages in West Siang district bordering Assam on February 13.
The visit was necessitated following recent reports in a section of electronic media based in Assam that people from Arunachal Pradesh are encroaching land belonging to Assam, said the JACBA, AITF and GWS in a joint press release.
During interactions and field verifications with the local villagers of the Kangku
circle, it has been observed that the alleged encroachments are stage-
The team further observed that provocations by Assam based vested interests had created
tension in all the bordering areas especially after the visit of the three-
Pertin inaugurates food stall
Correspondent
NIRJULI, Feb 19: Arunachal Pradesh is organic by default and that is why our local cuisines are organic, mostly boiled without any adulterated spices, which has kept the local denizens healthy, said trade and commerce director Tokong Pertin.
Inaugurating the food stall as part of the Nyokum Yullo celebration here today, Pertin exhorted the locals not to be swayed by modern dishes but maintain the special food habit that has made them unique. The food stall will be open for eight days.
Local MLA Techi Kaso, who was the guest of honour, declared the volleyball tourney open.
“Games and sports are in our blood. That is why our Arunachalees of late have been winning national and global laurels in various sports events,” he said in his address.
The state government led by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has adopted a landmark sports policy for providing a platform to the hidden talents to showcase heir potentials to the world, he added.
Councillor and celebration committee chairman Tarh Nachung extended Nyokum greetings to all, saying the festival is an occasion to appease the gods and goddesses, particularly mother earth, to best the humanity with bumper crops and keep them healthy from any diseases.
Motivational and soft skills training concludes at DBYC
ITANAGAR, Feb 19: The week-
All the trainees, resource persons, parents and guardians of trainees and general public took part in the concluding ceremony of the training programme which aimed at making the trainees fit for further training at New Delhi and subsequent placement in reputed companies.
Speaking at the valedictory function, Sharada Prasad, Principal Advisor to CM, spoke
about the skill training and job placement programme and encouraged the trainees
to be disciplined and hardworking and to face the training with courage and enthusiasm.
Sharada Prasad also informed the students about the measures the Arunachal Pradesh
Govt has taken for the safety of the Arunachalee students, post Nido Tania-
Subu Tabin, Additional Director (Project) Department of Industries informed the students that it is a serious training programme and the trainees must be committed to completing the training and taking up jobs. Tabin impressed upon the trainees the commitment the Department of Industries has to the training and its success.
Earlier during the day, Fr. C. D. Mathai, Parish Priest, Catholic Church, Itanagar,
spoke of the happiness that DBYC has in playing a role in this success story of the
Government. Fr. Mathai also expressed gratitude to the Government and the various
companies that has placed confidence in DBYC and its capability in imparting life-
Earlier, the training started on 12th February at DBYC Residential Training Centre Vivek Vihar, a mix of technical sessions on topics such as Learning to Live and Work Together, Work Ethics, Values, Dealing with Hurt and Anger, Addictive Habits, Problems Faced by Young People and practical sessions on Written and Spoken English, Interview Handling, CV Preparation, Pubic Speaking and Group Activity taken by Athikho Kholi George, Licha Pera, Julita Kamei and Fr. Cyriac was a preparation for life and employment for the trainees.
Parliamentary secretary visits remote village
ITANAGAR, Feb 19: Parliamentary Secretary Planning and Industry Nabam Rebia and local
legislator recently visited Habia village under Papum Pare District. He was accompanied
by Deputy Commissioner Tayi Kaye, Additional Deputy Commissioner B. J. Duia, all
HoDs, Zilla Parishad Members, Anchal Chairpersons and other public leaders. He inspected
the newly constructed road linkage from Pakke-
While interacting with the residents of Habia and its adjoining villagers Rebia congratulated them on having a new road communication in their village and said that opening up of road connectivity to their village will set in new phase of life and development of the area.
He further informed the people that being local legislator he always ensure to work for the benefit and welfare of its people and bringing all round development in the district has always been his top priority.
Rebia also added that road connectivity will help in augmentation of better facilities and infrastructural development which will be helpful in improving the living condition and economic status of the residents.
While responding to the demand of the people of Habia, Rebia assured them to fulfill their demand in a phase wise manner which includes additional teacher for Primary School, power supply, water supply and posting of medical staff etc. He also requested all heads of department accompanying him to ensure to help the public Habia village whenever they approach office for any official work.
Rebia also informed that roads connectivity from Basernallo will also be constructed to connect Habia and its adjoining villages which will further help in mitigating the geographical isolation of the area.
Calling the Habia’s natural vegetation an ideal place for rearing of Mithuns, Rebia has instructed the District Veterinary Officer to work out the feasibility of setting up a Mithun Rearing Farm in the area.
Deputy Commissioner Papum Pare Tayi Kaye also called upon the public to give proper
co-
Habia village is located in border fringe of East Kameng and Papum Pare District. Village comprising of 10 to 12 households were earlier leading a life of isolation, owing to the village’s unique geographical location. Due to inaccessibility people used to foot march through narrow hilly forest foot tracks to reach mainland whenever there is any medical emergencies or procuring other essential goods. With the Coming up of road, villagers are hopeful that opening of road will open up new era in their life. DIPRO
Provide basic amenities at Sibe: ANYA & ANSU
ITANAGAR, Feb 19: Lamenting the lack of government facilities at Sibe circle under West Siang, the All Nyishi Youth Association and All Nyishi Students Union have urged the state government to provide basic public amenities at the remote circle. The absence of government facilities like medical, school and roads within Sibe circle was highlighted during the first ever Nyishi social interaction and awareness campaign held at Sibe circle under West Siang and organised by All West Siang Nyishi Youth Association from Feb 10 to 12 last, stated a release. The Nika, Nguri, Dakpe, Daknyo, Lomdak, Muri, Game, Suru and Likha clans inhabiting at Sibe circle, who had migrated from Upper Subansiri participated in the social interaction and awareness campaign, added the release.
Expressing its gratitude to Deputy Speaker Jomde Kena, ZPM Gensi and others of Sibe and Gensi circle for their cooperation in organizing the programme, the release added that ANYA members led by president Bamang Taji and ANSU members led by president Sikka Gapak attended the programme.
DDMA conducts disaster management programme
BOMDILA, Feb 19: A day-
Underscoring the importance of such training programmes ahead of the monsoon and quoting “Prevention is better than cure”, MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary for HPD, R T Khunjuju urged the plus six hundred participants to be in readiness for any eventuality in the days to come. Prevention is better than cure, he quoted.
He also highlighted on the storm water drainage system constructed in and around the township and expressed his optimism that it would serve as a lifeline in case of heavy downpour during the monsoon.
Appealing people to refrain from mindless earth-
Earlier, Resource persons Associate Professors Dr. B N Jha & Dr. KC Mishra of Government College Bomdila and G.Taga DIPRO, dealt at length on the various aspects of Disaster and its management part with special thrust on flashfloods, landslides, flood, fire accidents and on the DOs & DONTs.
DDMO Tongchin at the outset dealt on the need and participation of people from all walks of life so as to have a firsthand knowledge of the issues and to deal with it effectively.
Sub Fire Officer and his Fire Brigade unit of the District Police under the supervision
of ASP D. Jini orchestrated various Mock-
Among others, DC cum Chairperson DDMA AK Singh, Chairperson Bomdila Lamps Dorjee Tsering, HODs, Officers, staff, Public & PRI members, Teachers and students of the various schools under Bomdila Township attended the training programme.
An essay writing competition was also held on February 6 last at DC’s Conference Hall among the students of the various schools on Disaster & its management. The winners of the Senior and Junior categories were awarded with certificates and cash on the day of the training. Also, leaflets and pamphlets on Disaster management were distributed to all the participants on the occasion. DIPRO
ZIRO, Feb 19: Hapoli Bazar Committee (HBC) organized a mass social service at Hapoli Bazar by involving NCC cadet of Govt. Secondary School, Hapoli on February 15. Newly constituted Hapoli Market Traders Association (HMTA) and Ziro Chambers of Commerce & Industries (ZCC&I) also joined them.
All the shopkeepers of the area came out with spade, shovel etc. and engaged themselves in cleaning their surroundings. The NCC team helped in lifting the garbage to garbage lifter vehicles of Urban Development, PWD and PHED. The main drain which remained block for quit long time has been cleared by using fire tender vehicle.
Each and every stakeholder has in their capacity extended voluntarily contribution to HBC like Medicine shop owners donated five pairs each of surgical gloves.
HBC’s social service secretary Radhe Tagia said that during rainy days the drainages in market area would clog up with garages while in sunny day’s it will release foul smell. So, it was necessary to clear the drainage on hygienic point of view.
Lower Subansiri deputy commissioner has contributed necessary assistance for conducting the mass social service while superintendent of police has provided a fire tender vehicle and department of UD, PHED & PWD one vehicle each, he added.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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Telangana all set to be newest state of country
If everything goes smoothly, by end of this month India’s 29th state Telangaga will become reality. Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha amid pandemonium, will now go to Rajya Sabha. If any amendments to the bill are passed, it has to go again to Lok Sabha. Government will place the bill in Rajya Sabha on Thursday after house was adjourned today.
With the passage of a bill in Lok Sabha, formation of a separate Telangana state
has almost become a reality. But there are still some formalities left to complete
the entire process. If all goes well, two states — Telangana and the residuary state
of Andhra Pradesh, will come into existence by month-
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Separate hostels won’t solve problem?
Dear Editor,
After recent racism related crimes in Delhi, the Delhi University and Bangalore University
has proposed to build separate hostels for north east students. Do you think this
is going to help in removing racism from the society? This will further alienate
us from them and vice-
The main problem is that mainland people have very little knowledge about our region. Instead of building separate hostel these universities should adopt some other constructive ideas to stop racism. The state govt. of our region and mainland should look for a better option. They should ask these universities to have a student exchange programs between the mainland universities and universities of our region. They should also ask counterpart for compulsorily including a chapter about north east in the textbooks of schools.
Yours,
D.Hania, Karnataka
Fourth Pillar being shaken
Dear Editor,
It was great relief to see local dailies hitting the newsstand today. For the last few days everyone felt like living in Dark Age due to shutting down of newspaper by Arunachal Press Club and Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalist to protest against repeated intimation to media houses by student unions. It’s unfortunate that media bodies have to shut down their offices fearing attacks from goons. Well atleast media bodies being private organization can shut down their house and escape attack, but what about government departments?
It is known to everyone that government offices are constantly battered by various
unions and associations. As the famous March ending approaches, the threat and abuses
against govt. officers and official increases. Life becomes hell and no one can work
in such atmosphere. If fourth pillar of democracy is disturbed and not allowed to
work freely, then forget about other pillars. My sincere and honest appeal to these
so-
Yours,
Rosin Tare,
Naharlagun
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