feb16 11

February 11

2011

2016

Rajkhowa defends his actions in SC

Governor cannot act on mere apprehension: Panel

NEW DELHI, Feb 10: Embattled Arunachal Pradesh governor J P Rajkhowa on Wednesday strongly defended his actions of advancing assembly session and fixing its agenda claiming that the chief minister and the speaker were "hand-in-glove" and trying to remain in power despite losing majority, even as the Supreme Court observed that he cannot take away the House's discretion on the basis of "mere apprehension".

Terming the political situation on the "sensitive border" state as "chronic and chaotic", Rajkhowa's counsel said, “Speaker Nabam Rebia was under the clout and was hand-in-glove with the chief minister (Nabam Tuki).

"The governor apprehended that the biased Speaker would act in support of the chief minister...It was not justified to wait till January 14 this year, so he advanced the session to December 16. This was done for the public cause and in their interest.

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Justice J S Khehar reiterated its objection, saying the governor may advance assembly session but he cannot take away "discretion of the House" to "discuss, debate and decide" any issue.

"There are two aspects to it that is whether the resolution to remove the speaker is debated upon and decided is upto his discretion or the discretion of the House. How can you Governor ask them to deal it as the first agenda? Who is he to say this? Therefore, by saying so, he has taken away discretion of the House," the bench, also comprising Justices Dipak Misra, M B Lokur, P C Ghose and N V Ramana, said.

"The governor cannot act on mere apprehension. He has the right to play under the Constitution, as constitutional discipline warrants that the sanctity of democracy remains," it said.

Senior advocate T R Andhyarujina, appearing for Rajkhowa, began the arguments by referring to the sequence of events and alleged "arm-twisting tactics" adopted by the Tuki government in its attempt to rein in 21 revolting MLAs and said there was little scope for judicial review of the discretionary decisions taken by him.

The bench, examining constitutional schemes on the scope of discretionary powers of the governor and his actions to advance the assembly session, also said, "not only the governor but any prudent man will apply his intellect before acting on a complaint or an apprehension."PTI

JAC appeals Governor not to release HTS bill

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: Fearing the Supreme Court’s direction to the government of Arunachal Pradesh to release Hills Transport Subsidy (HTS) payment of Public Distribution System (PDS) contractor would drive the state into bankruptcy, BJP Jan Andolan Committee (JAC) Chairman Tame Phassang appealed to the governor to challenge the apex court ruling on Wednesday.

Addressing the media persons today, JAC Chairman claimed that Advocate General Ranji Thomas had intentionally lost the PDS case in Supreme Court in collusion with some powerful contractors. It is said that HTS bill Rs 266 crore is due to be paid to former PHED Minister Takam Pario, former Parliamentary Secretary Likha Saaya and contractor Likha Maj after the apex court gave direction to state government to release the bill.

“HTS Bill which is to be released in favour of these three contractors is not based on genuine claims, Phassang said adding that if the bill is paid off to contractor, the government would be unable to pay employees salary. Phassang added state is already going through tough financial position after the liabilities created by former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki government. The situation will be worse if the bill is released as, SSA teachers and NHM employees are yet to get their monthly salaries and students’ stipend yet to be paid.

“Under no circumstances, the Governor should not release the bill” he appealed.

Meanwhile, responding to queries of media persons over press release sent by Party Spokesperson cum state vice president Techi Necha which pointed at problems within the party, Phassang said that there was no rift.

At the same time he admitted that there may be differences in views among the party functionaries but denied that there is no division within the party. He informed that on approval of National President Amit Shah, JAC was formed with objective to raise the common people’s issues.

Action plan on prevention of suicide among Idu-Mishmi Community

[ Karyir Riba ]

Roing, Feb 7: An Action plan will be prepared with the outcome of the Workshop on Suicide Prevention among the Idu-Mishmi Community of Arunachal Pradesh' organised under the aegis of the Idu Mishmi Cultural and Literary Society(IMCLS), with Samaritans Mumbai, here at Cheta Rehko on Feb 6-7.

Post Doctoral Fellow, RGU Dr Tarun Mene informed that a Core Committee that will be responsible to put the outcomes into action is underway.

"All our findings and suggestions from the experts, including views and suggestions from the participants, have been taken into consideration, and soon our Action Plan will be ready for implementation, he said.

"Suicide, especially in the tribal society, is considered a taboo and hence, we are not supposed to talk about it. However, such a huge participation shows that everyone agrees that suicide is a serious problem that our community is facing, and that it is preventable too", said Organising Secretary Assistant Professor(History) Govt. College Yachuli, Dr Rajiv Miso.

DC Anini Tamune Miso said, "Rate of suicide in the community is indeed alarmingly high, and such workshops are a need of the hour. With such awareness creating programmes, we can reduce the number of deaths because of suicide".

He urged the organisors to conduct similar workshops at Anini, Italin, Hunli, and other parts of both the districts too.

Rintu Borah, a scholar from IIT Guwahati, shared some of his findings from his study on 'suicide amongst the students of IIT'.

“The most common factor that I have come across is that most of the students belong to lower middle class families, and the path of suicide is chosen mainly because they cannot cope up with the pressure of the debts families accumulate for supporting their studies", he said.

Separate interactive sessions for students with Consultant Psychiatrists Dr Pakha Tesia and Dr Sonali Tesia were held.

"Many vulnerable cases have been identified during the interactive sessions. We have the names of these students and necessary help will be provided to them", said Dr Mene.

Improve health and education sectors in the State: Governor

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has called for strengthening the health and education sectors in the State, which he said has acute problems as compared to the rest of the departments.

The Governor remarked that postings of teachers have been a highly politicalized affair. He said that whenever regular Government is put in place, it is desirable that the Cabinet has to take firm decision on it.

Interacting with Bailo Mele and Eri Tayu, public representatives from Dibang Valley District at Raj Bhavan, the Governor advised the Secretary Education to place the surplus teachers from the neighbouring places to the places where there is acute shortage of teachers.

The Governor noted with concern that against six sanctioned post of Subject Teachers in the Higher Secondary School, there is only one teacher in position. Secretary Education assured to post two additional Subject Teachers to the Govt. Higher Secondary School, Anini immediately to start with and fresh recruitment is done within two month’s time.

On health issues of the District, the Governor advised that the Deputy Commissioner and District Medical Officer must conduct a study on the health related cases more particularly increasing cancer cases in Dibang Valley on priority. He also advised for conducting awareness campaigns on health and social issues.

Secretary Education Marnya Ete, Secretary Health (Link officer), Dr. BM Mishra and Director Health Services Dr. Moji Jini were present in the meeting.

Lollen inspects Fishery facilities, unhappy with Pasighat govt fish farm

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: Commissioner Fisheries Huzar Lollen conducted three days tour of East Siang, Lohit and Namsai districts recently.

After inspecting the govt. fish farm, Pasighat Lollen expressed his displeasure for not utilizing the water body for fish culture and demonstration purpose.

On 2nd day, he visited Govt. Fish Seed Farm T-R Camp, Tezu and advised the DFDO to utilize the fund allotted for improvement of farm under Model Fish Farm development. Later on he visited the Pvt. Fish Farm of Jurisai Boo Ngadong, who is developing a water area of 2.2 ha at Danglat Village under RKVY.

He also advised the farmer to increase the depth of all the ponds for maintaining required water level throughout the year.

The Commissioner inspected Podum Nallah & took stock of the work undertaken by the beneficiaries in making partition dykes. He suggested all the stake holders to ensure completion of the work before onset of monsoon.

He also inspected Govt. Fish Farm, Nongkhon to know the reason of zero revenue for last five years & directed ADF, Namsai to stock seeds in ensuing monsoon months.

On the 3rd day of his visit, he inspected Govt. Fish Seed Farm, Lathao (Jonna-I) and Borbeel Fishery Project. He took stock of the ongoing renovation work under NMPS and advised the contractor present on the spot to ensure timely completion of all the components of the project within time frame. Installation of pen culture was also inspected at Borbeel fishery.

Lollen also interacted with 30 fish farmers of Lekang circle and informed the farmers about various schemes of the department.

Commissioner fisheries advised Deputy Commissioner Namsai to intervene and sort out the difficulties that may come in the way of implementation of NMPS project at Jona III. The Commissioner Fisheries informed about the decision of the Department to release the subsidy through electronic transfer only to beneficiaries A/C and requested him to ensure this in the District. The Deputy Commissioner, Namsai appraised the Commissioner about the vulnerability of the fish ponds to flood in many parts of Namsai and Lekang circles.

Sambo Lapung gets Rs Ten lakhs

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has presented a cheque of Rs.10.00 (Ten) lakh to South Asian Games 2016 Gold medallist Sambo Lapung, at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on Wednesday. Presenting the award to Lapung, the Governor exhorted him to excel further and bring more laurels to the State and the Country in future.

“ I am confident that you will win a medal in the Olympics for the Country and it will be a proud moment for all the people of Arunachal Pradesh”, the Governor said.

The Governor asked the Advisor (H&P) BD Sharma who was also present to initiate steps recommending a ‘out of turn’ promotion for Lapung, who is in the Army.

The Governor said that sports talent is very high in the State. With proper trainings, guidance, support and direction, the State can produce large numbers of sportspersons of national and international standards. He directed the Sports Department to take immediate action to address the bottlenecks, including training halls etc. and to strengthen the State Sports Authority.

Earlier, Arunachal Weightlifting Association Secretary Teli Deniel briefed the Governor on Weightlifting scenerio in the State.

Advisor (FPD) GS Patnaik, Secretary Sports Dani Salu and Director Sports Tadar Appa were among those present during the meeting. (PRO, Raj Bhavan)

National De-worming Day launched in State

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: National De-worming Day—an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare aimed at reducing the risk of parasite worms in children-- was launched in Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday.

While launching the programme at training hall of National Health Mission (NHM), Naharlagun, Mission Director PN Thungon called for concerted efforts to make the children of the State worm free. The Mission Director said that basic health and sanitation practices like, washing hands before and after a meal, open defecations can minimize the risk.

He appealed to the parents and guardians to send their children to schools and Anganwadi centers for administration of Albendazole pill which will be given free of cost to all children of 1- 19 years.

Nodal officer (Mother and Child Health) Dr Tana Natung highlighted on the activities undertaken to create awareness among the masses on the importance of the Day. Trained Anganwadi Workers and teachers would administer the Albendazole pill to the children at schools and Anganwadi centres, he said, adding that Mop Up round would be carried out on February 15 to cover all the left out children.

The de-worming campaign in Papum Pare district was launched at Upper Primary School, Yupia by Deputy Commissioner Pooja Jain by administering Albendazole pills to students of the school. Explaining about the benefits of taking de-worming tablets, the Deputy Commissioner stressed on proper and meaningful implementation of the programme.

Later, the DC inspected the classrooms, school compound and interacted with the students teaching staff.

Earlier, DMO Dr.S Ronya highlighted the aims and objectives of the de-worming programme.

Meanwhile, reports of launching de-worming campaign are pouring in from every district headquarters.

According to an official report, a total of 45 Government and Private/Public schools of East Siang were covered during the De-worming Day today.

The de-worming programme was inaugurated by East Siang Deputy Commissioner Isha Khosla giving a deworming tablet to a student at Mirku Government Secondary School, Pasighat.

Among others, DMO Dr. M Perme, DRCHO Dr. T Gao, Headmaster T Tayeng and teachers of the school were present on the occasion.

At Pangin, reportedly 600 students were administered Albendazole tablets during the day.

Siang Deputy Commissioner Dr. N Lego, who launched the programme at Government Town Secondary School, Pangin, asked the stakeholders to ensure cent percent coverage, informed DMO Dr. Komling Perme.

Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha, who launched the programme for the district at Bo-peep Middle School, Khonsa urged parents and guardians to bring their wards to avail the benefits of free deworming campaign.

Tirap targets to de-worm an estimated 24,764 children from 147 schools, both Govt. and Private, and 256 Anganwadi Centres during the campaign.

Tirap DMO Dr. N Lowang and DRCHO Dr. Namsa were present on the occasion.

The NDD was launched in Upper Siang at Yingkiong by Deputy Commissioner Remo Kamki at Govt. Town Secondary School in presence of DMO Dr. Radesh Tatan and DRCHO Dr. Appir Apang.

The DC cum Chairman of District Health Society distributed the de-worming tablets among the school children and advised them to take one dose of medicine atleast once in six months.

In East Kameng district, over 35,000 children were administered deworming tablets in around 280 schools and 480 Anganwadi centres informed, DRCHO Dr. K. Lapung.

The de-worming campaign in the district was kicked off at the Govt. Middle School Pacha, Seppa by administering Albendazole tablet to a school child by EAC L. Thungon in the presence of DMO CL Mallo, the DRCHO.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Deepak Shinde had instructed all the administrative officers to monitor and supervise the programme in their respective jurisdiction.

At Daporijo, the campaign was launched at Iman Memorial Girl School.

DMO Nyage Geyi appealed to the parents and guardians to send their children to schools and Anganwadi centres to take the de-worming tablets.

Dr. Ganik Hankar, DRCHO, explained about the health risk posed by parasite worms in children and the benefits of consuming de-worming tablets.

Namsai targets to cover 42,091 children in 232 schools and 286 Angawadi during the de-worming campaign.

Namsai Deputy Commissioner RK Sharma, who gave the first dose of the de-worming medicine to a child at Tiny Tot’s School in the district, emphasized on proper monitoring and supervision by District Level Monitoring Committee to ensure cent percent coverage.

The DC also emphasized on regular health checkup of children and directed the DMO to initiate necessary step to depute medical teams to all educational institutions. He agreed to provide funds and logistic support for the purpose.

DMO, Dr. Nani Rika informed that de-worming tablets and syrup have been made available in all schools and Anganwadi Centers free of cost. The DMO sought the cooperation of school teachers, Anganwadi workers and ASHAs for successful implementation of the De-worming programme.

Former MLA Nang Sati Mein was also present.

VKV Nirjuli also observed National Deworming Day today and a total of 1100 students were given deworming tablets.

Principal of the school Panchanan Tripathy inaugurated the programme.

Tripathy spoke about the importance of staying physically fit and mentally sound.

Sanjay Kr Yadav, NSS Programme Officer of the school highlighted the importance of the de-worming programme.

CM’s Trophy: Capital Complex, East Kameng, Kurung Kumey win in men’s football

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: Capital Complex downed lowly Tirap 5-1 in Men’s Football in the CM’s Trophy at Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy complex, Chimpu, near here today.

Tadar Kojum scored a hat-trick while Toko Poliam and Gobenso Drai netted one goal each for Capital Complex.

The consolation goal for Tirap was scored by Phur Takwa.

East Kameng also advanced to the second round in men’s football beating Changlang 2-1.

Vivek Gurung and S N Deori were the scorers of East Kameng.

R D Karma scored the only goal for Changlang.

In another lopsided match in men’s football, Lower Subansiri beat Upper Siang 5-0.

Tamo Bida (3 goal), Mihin Pullo and Pura Byai were the scorers.

Upper Subansiri defeated West Siang 3-0 in the fourth and last men’s football match in the day.

Kangem Ete, Joke Ete and Limer Loya scored a goal each for the winning team.

In women’s football, Upper Subansiri beat Tirap 3-0 (scorers Ade Gongo, Nama Lida (2 goal), Kurung Kumey beat Siang 7-0 (scorers-Taw Anu, Takam Yaram ( 2 goal), Mery Bengia, Ha Yapa, Tamchi Yapi (2 goal), East Siang beat Anjaw 4-0 (scorers- Rebika Taying, Karde Bomjen, Bompi Riba, Renu Padung), East Kameng beat Kra-Daadi 1-0 (Scorer- Dui Dodum).

Thursday’s match schedule

Men’s Football

Papum Pare vs Lohit (7.45 am), Namsai vs Kurung Kumey (9.15 am), East Kameng vs Longding (1.15 pm), Lower Dibang Valley vs Tirap (2.45 pm).

Women’s Football: Capital Complex vs West Siang (7.45 am), Longding Vs Lower Dibang Valley (9.15 am), Papum Pare vs Lower Subansiri( 1.15 pm), Tawang vs Tirap (2.45 pm).

Ensure quality work and timely completion: DC

Khonsa, Feb 10: Addressing the Tirap District Level Monitoring Committee at Khonsa today, Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha while reviewing the progress of work under various schemes displayed by the executing departments said that there should be proper working coordination between the different departments to ensure quality work and timely completion.

He opined that the departments engaged in building construction should invariably consult the power department to ensure proper provision for electrification of the buildings being constructed. While expressing his dissatisfaction over the inferior quality of work on the PDS go-down at Khonsa under the urban department, the Deputy Commissioner asked the executing agencies not to compromise with the quality of work at any cost. The Deputy Commissioner further urged all the departments to complete the schemes under BADP and other programmes before March and told the HoDs to maintain complete transparency.

The EE, PWD highlighted the progress of work on CC roads and pavements in Khonsa Township, district secretariat building, double-lane roads, pucca drains, approach roads to various villages, retaining walls etc. The engineer said that the Kapu to Ozakho link road which is 14.5 KM under SPA was nearing completion.

The augmentation of water supply at Khonsa under NLCPR has been completed and colony-wise water storage tanks have been constructed by the PHED.

The WRD has taken up 4 rain water harvesting schemes and 12 rooftop water harvesting projects in Deomali circle. The Urban department has completed storm water drainage construction at Khonsa Township and the PDS go-down at Deomali.

The DRDA has taken up a number of important schemes under MsDP, BADP and MPLAD which are under progress. AK Tiwari, JE, DRDA while participating in the deliberation, threw light on the progress of work under Lazu and Dadam CD-Blocks. The EE, Power told the house that work on various power lines was going on in full swing adding that the Dadam Police Station has been fully electrified. The DHO in her presentation said that under BADP large cardamom plantation has been started adding that community-wise plantation of cash crops at different circles beginning from Lazu and Dadam circles had been taken up under NEC. The 1st Assam Rifles is implementing solar light, piggery, poultry, playground and forest trekking paths schemes under BADP in the border villages. The meeting was also attended by Tirap ZPC Chawang Lowang among others. (DIPRO)

Superficial Modi had no idea about Naga accord: Rahul

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: Sharpening his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused him of being “superficial”.

The Congress vice-president also alleged that Modi “lacks understanding of things” and that he makes “big media celebrations” around “his ideas”.

Addressing the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee executive meeting , he said Modi does not want to go into details and likes to do his politics based on events.

Citing an example, he said Modi had called up Congress president Sonia Gandhi and informed her about the signing of the Naga accord, when none of the Chief Ministers of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam knew about it.

“None of the Chief Ministers — Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam — knew about it. His Home Minister does not know and soon we find out that there was no such accord and that the Prime Minister was actually not aware of what is going on.”

“Somebody told the Prime Minister that the accord has been signed and PM told the Congress president that an accord has been signed,” he said. “So there is superficiality in the way he uses the government,” Gandhi said. PTI

Establishment of Fire station sought

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: The Banderdewa Circle Youth Organization (BCYO) has submitted a memorandum to the Capital Complex DC demanding early establishment of a Fire Station at PTC Banderdewa.

The extent of damages caused by recent fire incidents in Banderdewa could have been minimized if a Fire station equipped with modern fire fighting equipments was established nearby, the Organization stated. They further appealed to the DC to provide prompt relief to the fire victims of Doyen Colony, DFO colony and Dree Colony whose houses were recently damaged in separate fire incidents.

Union demands proper implementation of policy

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: Claiming that many officers under Engineering department have been posted in a single place for many years due to non-implementation of transfer and posting policy, the All Arunachal Pradesh Labour Union (AAPLU) in a representation to the Governor has urged him to issue stern orders for proper implementation of the policy for a transparent and viable administration.

It further said that the transfer and posting of officers must be done on regular basis as per specific rules of the government so that all government employees must get equal opportunity to serve in remote areas as well as in the Capital Complex.

Meet on conservation of Eastern Hoolock Gibbon

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: In its initiative for conservation of Eastern Hoolock Gibbon in Arunachal Pradesh, ENVIRON, a society for conservation and management of nature and natural resources today organized a local stakeholder’s meet at Mishmi Hills Camp, Roing.

The discussion emphasized on heritage conservation considering gibbon as a flagship species.

There were suggestions for proper implementation of the school level programme and community conservation initiatives.

The event was supported by US Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS).

The project was officially launched in October last year in Itanagar.

The meet was attended by Divisional Forest Officers Kenjum Rina, Aduk Paron, DDSE Minjum Lego, BEO Obang Langkom, , President Jibi Pulu of Keraa Initiative for Cultural & Ecological Security (KICES), a local NGO working on culture and ecology of the region and General Secretary, Idu Mishmi Cultural & Literary Society (IMCLS)Rajib A. Miku.

Dr. Kuladip Sarma, Principal Investigator of the project gave a comprehensive overview of the CHGAAP project and work done so far in the project.

K. Mazumdar, Head (Honorary), Division of Wildlife & Biodiversity conservation appreciated the support of USFWS for the programme and hope that they will prolong their support in the similar efforts in next phase also.

Organic winter vegetable cultivation

Roing, Feb 10: The last phase of the Farm School on organic winter vegetable cultivation organised by the Agricultural Department of Lower Dibang Valley district, sponsored by ATMA, was conducted at Kera-aa Ati (under Mayu-II GP) under the Saansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana on Feb 6.

The farming school which started with demonstration of seed sowing and nursery making, followed by transplantation of saplings and pest control, ended today with demonstration of harvesting. Farming tools were also distributed to the trainees. The training was conducted by ADO Nasiya Mena and SMS KVK Pandey.

AOA hails Governor

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: The Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA) hailed the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa for rewarding South Asian Games gold medalist lifter Sambo Lapung with cash award of Rs. 10 Lakhs.

Rajkhowa today presented Sambo the cash award which he had announced yesterday.

AOA Secretary General Gechi Doke said that the cash award will inspire the youths and facilitate a positive thinking on games and sports in the state.

The AOA Secretary General also welcomed the Governor’s initiative to streamline sports activities in the state through strengthening state sports authority and conduction of meeting with various sports associations.

DC misusing his power, alleges IMWA

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: The Itanagar Market Welfare Association (IMWA) President Yumlam Achung has alleged the Capital Complex DC Sandeep Kumar Singh of abusing his power and ill-treating him in his office chamber.

Achung, in a release today claimed that the DC allegedly shouted at him when he went to his office to place some grievances concerning the business community of Itanagar.

The DC must understand that the IMWA has always cooperated with the administration for the welfare of denizens of the Capital Complex, Achung said and termed the DC’s alleged rude behavior as unwarranted.

The IMWA President has further lodged a complaint against the DC at the Itanagar Police Station.

Inquiry sought into alleged illegal appointments

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: Alleging the Chief Conservator of Forest, Banderdewa Forest department adopting pick and choose method while selecting candidates for the post of LDC, UDC, Draughtsman, PI and Forest Guard under the department of Environment and Forest, Banderdewa Forest Circle, the Arunachal Anti-Corruption Union (AACU) has in a representation to the Secretary to Governor today requested him to order an impartial inquiry to the whole issue and initiate stern action.

The Union has also claimed that despite its repeated representation to the concern office on Oct 10, 2015, the PCCF had issued formal appointment letters to the candidates.

T20 Cricket Champs

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: The Students’ Union of Dera Natung Govt. College is organizing the first Inter-Collegian Coordination T20 Cricket Championship in memory of former education minister Dera Natung at general ground of the college from February 12-14.

Editorial

Money should not be misused

The US government has proposed USD 860 million in aid for Pakistan, including USD 265 million for military hardware, which it said would help the country fight terrorists, secure nuclear weapons and improve ties with India. US believe this money will help to disrupt, dismantle and defeat violent extremist groups currently operating from inside Pakistan. Militant groups acting against the interest of India and Afghanistan are mostly operating from Pakistan. While Pakistan denies their hand in supporting such group and paint themselves as victim of terror, both India and Afghanistan remains skeptical.

Therefore the decision of US government to pump in huge money will definitely worry New Delhi and Kabul. There are fears that this money might be used for anti-India and anti-Afghanistan activities. India is already opposing the move to sell F 16 fighter jets to Pakistan by Obama administration. Even though America has been providing money and arms to fight terror group, the Pakistani has been selective in their action. They only take action against those who act against their interest. Pakistan continuous to support those terrorist organizations which are carrying out terror attack in India. On January 2nd this year Air Force station at Pathankot came under terror attack. India named Maulana Masood Azhar, the leader of Jaish-E-Mohammad as main culprit. Despite India providing evidences about his involvement Pakistan has not acted yet. They have not shown sincerity in probing 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case. There are several other examples to show how Pakistan is sympathetic towards the terror group operating against India and Afghanistan. Keeping this in mind, the Obama administration should be careful about providing money to Pakistan. They should ensure that money is not misused.

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Readers’ Forum

No potable water

Dear Editor,

Through your daily, I on behalf of dwellers of Bokpen Colony, Daporijo would like to disclose our frustration due to drinking water scarcity in the area.

As matter of fact, this colony has been deprived from one of the most necessary basic amenities since its establishment. It is administration recognized colony after Dikto Yekar, MLA Daporijo had inaugurated it in 2015 with promise to provide drinking water.

However, the colony is still out of the reach of PHE Daporijo forcing people to use muddy Water or fetch water from other colonies. .

I request the authority to provide clean potable water to the colony.

Yours,

Tajum Ekke

Bokpen Colony,

Daporijo

Pay RMSA teachers’ salaries

Dear Editor,

I am working as a Junior Teacher under RMSA and now I’m completely bankrupt as we had not been paid for last eight months. Our pending salaries of eight (8) months are already in the state exchequer since 24th September 2015 as Ministry of Human Resource Development (Department of School Education & Literary) had released 500.73 lakh (Five Crore Seventy Three Thousand Rupees Only) as 1st part payment of 1st installment recurring under Grant-in-aid for implementation of integrated RMSA during the year 2015-2016 to the state govt of Arunachal Pradesh.

Whenever our association Arunachal Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers’ Association (ARMSATA) followed the pending salary file, it found that, it only moves between Secretary Finance to Principal Secretary. My status as teacher in the society is degraded day by day because I am unable to pay my sisters school fees on time also I m gradually losing my moral confidence as my family are fully dependent upon me but I can’t affords their expectation.

Governor’s immediate intervention is necessary for release of eight months pending salaries. I get salary only one time in a year that too after lot of hue and cry made by RMSA Teacher Association, which is a matter of great concern. Moreover on 7th January 2016, Maneesh Garg, Joint Secretary (SE-I), Department of School Education & Literary (MHRD) had written a letter to Secretary Education, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar regarding delay in transfer of fund to State Implementing Society (SIS) and directed them to transfer the fund to the SIS by Jan 15.

Governor should direct the concern officers’ to move the file so that our hard earned salary could be released without further delay.

Yours,

Yayap Yoka

Convenor, ARMSATA

Upgrade Recruitment Rules

Dear Editor,

In the modern era of advance Medical Science and technology, Medical laboratories are adopting Hi-tech technology and various disciplines of laboratories are growing day by day with induction of special investigations and sophisticated computerized instrument and newer techniques. Therefore clinical laboratory need qualified personnel with degree of B.Sc MLT(Medical Lab Technology) or M.Sc MLT.

But it seems in Arunachal Pradesh, the recruitment rules of such post are still in diploma level (i.e., 10+2 Science with 2 years DMLT), but in other state the entry level is B.Sc MLT Or M.Sc MLT.

So I would like to appeal to the concern department to look into the matter and upgrade the recruitment rules for laboratory Technician for the betterment of people of Arunachal Pradesh.

Yours,

N.Tari

PGIMER, Chandigarh

Burden of stigmatization

Dear Editor,

Rohith Vemula was a research scholar from the Hyderabad University. His suicide under suspicious circumstances has propelled the discussions on Dalit rights with a new vigor. Rohith has been an intelligent student who wanted to become a great fiction writer. That was the ambition which he wrote down in his death note. Rohith was a student who always raised his voice against the disproportionate punitive actions taken against the Dalit students in the university. And it is justifiable to raise one’s voice against the injustices done on the socially, economically and politically marginalized communities. India, with its multidimensional and multicultural societies has always been on a volatile volcano which would any time erupt with unpredictable repercussions. This is very much detrimental to a nation dreaming high with regard to its future prospects. The political system of our country attends issues which would actually gain them political dividends. Leaders from different parties thronged into the university campus pretending to console the bereaved parent who sat on a protest.

As for social disparities, I have personal experiences to quote from and emotionally disagree with. Societies divided in the name of caste and creed would never deliver to its populace with unbiased equality. The stories about the feudal upper-class and their subjugated servants from the lower-class have always been read with sadistic sarcasm by many and with unimaginable fury against oppression by some. The dominance by the upper-class on the browbeaten lower-class was the theme that actually angered social reformers like Swami Vivekananda.

While visiting the erstwhile Malabar region of Kerala, he reprimanded calling the state a lunatic asylum where a large section of the society was considered as socially untouchables. They were treated outcasts and often excommunicated for their poor family background and skin color.

Interestingly, the discrimination ran so rampant that the women belonged to the lower castes had to fight for their right to cover their breasts. Incidents such as slicing one’s own breasts in protest to the feudal upper-class are still remembered by many.

Contributions made by the spiritual saint and social reformer Narayana Guru in Kerala to eradicate the menace of caste discrimination were revolutionary. He had to lead a society which was totally disregarded and denied of freedom for the only reason that they had been standing at the lower step of the caste hierarchy ladder. The temples he consecrated across the state were for the poor and the exploited. The movement initiated by the saint gained momentum and instilled confidence in the minds of the people to fight out the evil.

Interestingly, the political parties of the country seem to be awfully shameless. Narayana Guru has later been conveniently hijacked from Kerala to Uttar Pradesh by the celebrated crusader of the Dalits the Bahujan Samajwadi Party. The saint and social reformer, who propagated One Caste, One Religion and One God for the humanity appears to be sad on the party posters. Long back, even the king of Travancore had to come to the forefront to ensure temple entry for the marginalized class of Kerala. The proclamation for temple entry by the king became an historic event for the humanity. Act of atrocity by the self-styled upper classes committed on the socially marginalized sections of the society of yore are repeated even in the present century. We need to change our mind, a new perception for the humanity, to accept and appreciate our neighbor but not to discriminate and disapprove. In fact this system of discrimination was afoot everywhere. The societies across the globe are infected with the trends of discriminations based on caste, color, territory and language. We are the most vulnerable because we are a large nation with the largest segmentation.

Rohith Vemula has become a metaphorical representation of many who still fight to get their due in a society which is politically and socially polarized. The values that Narayana Guru upheld were for the humanity. For him the caste and religion were the same, the love for the humanity. For him service to man was service to God. The discrimination run on the Dalits in schools and colleges needs to be urgently addressed by the government. But more than that, a civilized change must take place in the approach of everyone. Everybody has a right to live in this country with dignity. We need to be more and more inclusive because exclusion and humiliation are always beyond the line of acceptance.

Yours,

M.R.Lalu

VKV Sher, Kimin