feb16 27

February 27

2011

2016

Editorial

Equality in developmental process

The demand raised by Pasighat based Eastern Arunachal People's Welfare Association seeking establishments of Zonal Offices of all departments besides early posting of Divisional Commissioner for Eastern Zonal office at Namsai should be give due importance by the state government. It's a genuine demand and deserves attention of the government. State government created offices of PHED, PWD, Power (electrical) and WRD eastern zone years ago to cater to the needs of the people of eastern Arunachal. But surprisingly these offices are functioning from Itanagar. Therefore creation of separate offices has not served the purposes.

Also the office of Divisional Commissioner eastern zone has already been constructed at Joypur under Namsai district. Though infrastructure is in place the office has not started functioning till now. For the greater interest of state, the office should be made functional at the earliest. Also the offices of PHED, PWD, Power (electrical) and WRD eastern zone should be established at Namsai. They should be given full financial power, so that they can take independent decision and do not have to run to Itanagar to seek financial clearance. Arunachal is geographically quite big. For the people of eastern Arunachal it becomes very difficult to travel to Itanagar for every minor work. Especially poor people face tough time. Hopefully new government under the leadership of dynamic Chief Minister Kalikho Pul will take steps towards ensuring equal development of both eastern and western Arunachal.

________________________________

Readers’ Forum

Dedicated helpline number needed

Dear Editor,

APPSC has been missing some of the helpline numbers which can prove vital for many aspirants. Some of us who are in-service are sometime posted at isolated areas and unable to visit the office in person. And, as a normal aspirant, good deal of confusions arise in our mind regarding notifications and date fixed for examinations. In absence of updated notification with the Commission's official website, we often remain insecure for want of personal visit at office. Sometimes, despite of receiving call letters, we feel like confirming the same through official notification. Though some mobile numbers are given, however a dedicated helpline number and constant update in the official website would have been much better.

Yours,

T.Tasso, Itanagar

Child labour perpetuates poverty

Dear Editor,

A popular myth is doing the rounds that poverty is to be alleviated first and then only we can solve the problem of child labour. Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi points out that it is just vice versa. He rightly says that poverty does not breed child labour but it is the child labour that perpetuates poverty. Now, to get to his point, we can consider a poor family consisting of parents and two brothers - one adult and one child. The market force will try to employ the child as a cheaper option of labour. This will have a negative impact on the child's health, education and his acquiring necessary skills to cut the vicious cycle of his family poverty. Given India's huge unemployment problem, the child's entry into the job market will certainly hamper his elder's (or at least one other adult's) prospect of getting employment. If the adult brother gets the job in place of his little younger one then their family income will, definitely, shoot up as a child labour usually earns much less than his or her adult counterpart. Moreover, there is every possibility that the parents will send their 'unemployed' child to school to fend for his mid-day meal. Therefore, in this case, the child with the help of increased family income and school education can become a game changer for his family in particular and for India in general. So, it is not at all possible to eradicate poverty without giving top priority to end child labour. Those who think that they are helping a poor family by providing employment to a child is actually pouring diesel to put out fires of poverty.

Yours,

Sujit De, Kolkata

Misadventure dont seem to be nearing any end

Dear Editor,

First they enter into jobs illegally using all skewed means they can device , in the process denying opportunity to the talented deserving youths; then by vicious means of superceeding they go on enjoying the perks of holding the posts- actually deserved by seniors. In the event of such brazenness emanating from them- I doubt if they have the right ethics and ability to discharge their duties honestly or even worse - whether they have the talent to perform their tasks efficiently. Now running helter-skelter, even in the face of open exposure, their misadventure dont seem to be nearing any end. Harnessing on all sorts of means and garnering support from other wickedly corrupt groups, there are trying to beat back the order. All these bogus associations claiming to the righteous should note that there's not an ounce of such thing as righteousness or propriety in supporting such people. This particularly goes out to all the SUSU's.

Some more joining the bandwagon of these cacophonous caricatures are contractor's WAWAs. Now, come on people! What the heck? Haven't you ever got good things at hand?

Till now they have succeeded in delaying the order from being executed. This only goes on to show how deep in the dirt, these people can drag everyone! It has also become quite evident the higher up officials in the departments are- first having them appointed and now trying to abide by their ill gotten interests. More efficient and eager youths are running from pole to pole in search of employment. They'll be more than glad to compete fairly for any opportunities. By the way we have no faith in departmental exams!

So I urge all the people of the state to take a stand in the fight against injustice! Protest against all the corrupt officials and SUSUs alike. A peaceful struggle can only be our means to pressurise the departments to act swiftly on the order and thus achieve justice for the young and old alike. Don't stay silent. Let all know that the people are happy with the Governor's wise decision.

Yours,

A citizen

Towards conservation of the wild life

Dear Editor,

Recently some of the state governments in India have been complaining about the negative impacts of over population of some wildlife species due to successful conservation measures adopted for several decades.

Few species such as the Blue bull or nilgai, spotted deer, wild boars, rhesus monkeys, langurs and peacocks have reached unsustainably high

population level in some states and have been turning counterproductive now with serious annual damage to the standing crops. Bangladesh having similar climatic regimes and physiography

like India had some of these species becoming extinct in the wild, like the blue peafowl, blue bull etc. A joint initiative between the Indian

and Bangladesh governments could help some of these surplus wildlife populations in India after veterinary inspection and successful quarantine period to suitable habitats in Bangladesh to repopulate their old habitats and help propagation of these beautiful species of wildlife in different countries of south Asia.

Yours,

Saikat Kumar Basu

Lethbridge AB Canada

Sewage water inside OT, schedule goes haywire

[ Amar Sangno ]

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: In an appalling incident at Tomo Riba State Hospital Naharlagun on Thursday, surgeons had to postpone atleast six surgeries after sewage water leaked into operation theatre (OT), apparently through the construction site of 300 bedded hospital building.

On being contacted Medical Superintendent, Dr. Dukhum Raina confirmed the incident and said that due to ongoing construction of 300 bedded hospital, the leakage happened. The hospital authority informed this daily that leakage of sewage, rainwater and blockade of toilet pipes has become a routine problem in the new hospital building.

The sources from hospital said that current two-storied hospital building has no septic tank and it was commissioned without septic tank. It is said that then Chief Minister Late Dorjee Khandu had also expressed displeasure over it. Later to mitigate the problem, sewage pipe of new-hospital building was reportedly connected to old SPT building.

"Sometime, the water pipe is blocked and at times there are leakages leading to flood like situation in the Gynae and labour rooms as well as OT. This is a problem that reoccurs every two day" said Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr. R.D Khrimey.

The incident has infuriated not only the patients but their relatives too.

"Due to surging of sewage water into OT, doctors had to postpone surgeries on many patients. Imagine, what would happen in an emergency situation", said Lota Singhi, who was taking care of a patient when the incident happened.

Later, surgeons reportedly operated on Bangro Singhi at around 4:30 PM considering the seriousness of his health, whereas the schedule for the operation was fixed at 10:30 AM.

At a time when the state is striving to take giant leap in health sector by creating better infrastructures to improve health service, the latest incident in Tomo Riba State Hospital Naharlagun tells a different story.

The glitches and nagging apathy could lead to serious health issues.

Medical professionals say that it is paramount to have high form of sterility in operation theatres and surgical gears and instruments should be constantly fumigated to stay away from infections.

The leakage of any contaminated water could make OT highly infectious and make the patients vulnerable to sepsis and septicaemia, often the results of poor hygiene during pre and post surgery.

Nyokum celebrated throughout Arunachal

Governor calls for review of public animal sacrifice practice

ITANAGAR, Feb 25: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has suggested elders of Nyishi community to review the practice of public animal (Mithun) sacrifice.

Since many communities have done away with the practice (of public animal sacrifice), the elders of the community should ponder upon it, said Rajkhowa while addressing a huge gathering on the occasion of Nyokum Yullo celebration at Nyokum Lapang ground here on Friday.

The Nyishis being the largest tribe of the state has got the responsibility to take care of other tribes and sub-tribes of the State, he said.

The Governor said that all indigenous festivals in Arunachal Pradesh showcase the rich cultural heritage of the State thereby contributing to preservation of legacy passed on from one generation to another. He advised the members of the community to contribute to conservation of the dwindling rich cultural legacy of the State and its traditions. He also exhorted all irrespective of age, sex and creed to actively participate in all indigenous festivals of the State.

Recalling the early interaction between the Nyishi Tribe of present day Arunachal Pradesh and Royals of Cooch Behar and assistance provided by the Tribe to Ahom Kings during the Mughal invasion of Assam, the Governor called for strengthening amity among the two neighbours.

Impressed by the mega 'Rikam Pada' dance of the community, the Governor advised the festival organisers to go for Guinness Book of World Records in the coming years, which was greeted with huge applause by all the participants.

In his address, MLA Kumar Waii said that Nyokum is a festival for all which inspires all to preserve the flora and fauna, showcases the cultural richness of the community.

Enlightening on Nyokum mythology, Dr. Joram Begi, said that Nyokum is a prayer for welfare of all human beings and for peace, progress and prosperity.

More than thousand young girls and boys and elders participated in mega dance performance 'Rikam Pada' and Buya. Students of VKV, Chimpu, Itanagar also presented traditional dances. First Lady of the State Rita Rajkhowa also attended the festival. PRO to Raj Bhawan

At CHAYANGTAJO, Arunachal Press Club (APC) President Chopa Cheda stated that Nyokum Yullo is the only festival of the Nyishi community through which one can preserve the identity of the community.

Urging the Central Nyokum Celebration Committee to carry on with their endeavor, Cheda said that there was a need for change in the celebration date as the present schedule falls in the beginning of the monsoon season.

"In order to facilitate greater participation of youth and students in the festival, rescheduling the date of celebration to the month of November or December would be more convenient," he opined.

The APC President appealed to the people of four circles-- Chayangtajo, Pipu, Gyawepurang and Sawa respectively not to practice discrimination in the name of religion and rather to celebrate the festival in united.

Chayangtajo ZPM Lama Bagang appealed to the entire Nyishi community not to commercialize the celebration which banishes the true meaning of the festival.

Earlier, chairman of the celebration committee, Ashok Tajo, ADC spoke on the theme of the festival "Our culture-our identity,"and exhorted the parents and young generation to be rooted to their own culture and traditional values through preservation of own Nyishi language, customs and traditions and to maintain continuity for future generation.

The celebration of the festival, which began on February 23, culminated on Friday with the invocation of Ane-Donyi for a peaceful, prosperous and progressive year ahead.

At NIRUBJULI, young and old, men and women in their best traditional attires rising above all difference joined the silver jubilee Nyokum Yullo celebration.

French tourist Sophie in her jubilant mode interacting with the local denizens was capturing the best aspects of their age-old cultural heritage. She arrived here after touring Assam and Nagaland.

"What is seen is unbelievable and awe-inspiring", she quipped when asked.

Arunachal has numerous tribes but their cultures reflect their identity, said former RD director Bokar Basar, addressing the huge gathering, adding the festival being celebrated throughout the state is of high relevance.

Stressing on distinction between culture and religion, he exhorted the revellers not to mix them and the younger generation to take a lead role in passing this philosophy to future generations.

Organizing committee chairman Tarh Nachung underscored the importance of the festival for the humanity. He cited the example of criticism of alien culture that Nyishis offer sacrifices to ghost which was a wrong conception as the offering are to Mother Nature, the way we offer gifts to daughters while giving them in marriage.

Earlier, Nyokum nyibu Tadar Takiang, Nyokum galang nyibu Tadar Taniang led the men and women for the rituals at the altar to perform the rituals before the ritual sacrifice before the gathering performed buya, a dance holding hands that proves all are equal children of Mother Earth.

At PASIGHAT, the festival was celebrated by members of the community residing in and around Pasighat township with much enthusiasm at the Central Gangging Multicultural Hall.

The daylong celebration began with hoisting of the ceremonial flag by the PMC Chief Councilor Denong Tamuk followed by chanting of hymns and traditional Rikham Pada dance.

Addressing the revelers, Tamuk emphasized of the need to preserve ones own culture and traditions. Tradition and religion should not be mixed as tradition reflects one's own identity, he opined. He hailed the members of the community for safeguarding and promoting the age-old tradition and culture,

EAC Ainstein Koyu in his brief speech stated that Nyokum is one of the most colourful and socio-religious festivals of Nyishi community, with age-old culture and traditional value and enthusiasm. Such festivals bring all the sections of society together and helps promote peace and harmony.

Earlier, Festival organizing Chairman Bimol Welly appealed all to partake in the preservation of culture.

The Nyokum Mythology was read out by Astt. Gen Secy. Dr. Nido Tayo.

People from all walks of life including officers, leaders and municipal councilors participated in the festival.

Traditional song and dance presentations enthralled the audience.

Vvarious sports and games were organized as part of the celebration.

At ROING, the festival was celebrated with must fanfare and enthusiasm at Multipurpose Cultural Hall at Roing.

In his speech, ZPC Sipi Elapra Linggi said that the festival gives us an occasion to share our joy. It gives us an opportunity to come closer thereby strengthening the brotherhood and oneness, the ZPC said.

Starson Saring, ZPM Parbuk-Bukkong Block called upon the members of the community, being the largest tribe of the state, to lead by example in maintaining unity and communal harmony. He lauded the efforts of the Roing Nyokum Yullow Celebration Committee for involving traditional dances of the other tribes of the district in the festival thereby showing an affinity for all the tribes.

Bengia Nyer, Chairman of Nyokum Yullow Celebration Committee, Roing highlighted the mythology of the Nyokum-Yullo. He informed that this festival is the New Year Celebration of the Nyishi Community as it is being celebrated in the first Nyishi month called 'Limi' pol.

He further said that the festival is celebrated not only to worship almighty for peace, prosperity and happiness for all human beings but it is also a symbol of unity and equality.

Rikham Pada, Buya and traditional and modern dances by troupes from various tribes, including Nyishi, Tagin, Apatani, Adi etc and arrow shooting were other attractions of the festival.

Deputy Commissioner Ravi Dhawan, SP Take Ringu, HoDs, PRI members and senior leaders attended the festival among others.

At BANDERDEWA, Nyokum was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety on Friday at community hall ground.

Chief Conservator of Forest (Western Circle) Banderdewa RK Singh, CO Banderdewa Pama Bagang, Director, Geology & Mining Tassar Tallar and DFO Banderdewa Neelam Nido attended the festival.

All the dignitaries spoke about preservation of ones own culture and traditions. They also stressed on cleanliness by all.

Volleyball competition was also organised for both men and women in which 6 teams in men's category and 12 teams in women's category took part.

The Banderdewa Sporting Club won the men's volleyball competition while Dasang Team was the runners up.

The Yora Mizu team won the women's volleyball title and Maming Azin team was the runners.

Buya dance by 25 dance troupes from different villages and committees was one of the main attractions of the festival.

At BOASIMLA, All Nyishi Students' Union president Byabang Joram and All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union Spokesperson Tania Agu attended the 34th Nyokum Yullo celebration alongwith other members of both the unions were present on the occasion. DIPROs/ Source

Rijiju calls for preservation of culture

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday called upon the elites and intellectuals, including youths of the Nyishi community to preserve and promote traditional culture, including local languages for posterity.

"Influenced by the latest fashion trend of Hollywood and Bollywood, our new generations are trying to discard their own tradition and customs which is not a good sign. They should be guided by the elders so that they realise the values and ethos of their own culture and preserve the rich culture for identity," Rijiju said while participating in Nyokum Yullo at Seppa in East Kameng district. "Foreign and domestic tourists visit our place to see our rich culture and traditions. If we will lose our culture and traditions, no one will visit our places, our villages and our state," he added.

While assuring to transform East Kameng to one of the most progressive districts of the state, Rijiju disclosed that the Centre on his persuasion has agreed to allocate budgetary support to the district this fiscal.

Referring to the just concluded Kameng River Festival at Seppa, Rijiju informed that he would try to sponsor the festival next year through the union tourism ministry.

"The river Kameng has huge potential for tourism especially, in angling and rafting," he added.

The minister also promised to provide a X-Ray machine and an ambulance to the General Hospital at Seppa besides a Nyokum ground.

Nyokum Yullo was celebrated in Seppa with traditional gaiety and religious fervour since February 23 last.

Coaching & mock interview for Govt job aspirants held

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: The week-long free coaching cum series of mock interview organized by the Coaching Centre for entry in Govt jobs, Dera Natung Government College, Itanagar (DNGCI) to train aspirants for ensuing interview/personality test concluded at College's Library Hall here successfully today.

Altogether thirty-one candidates attended the programme. Every candidate got the opportunity to face three rounds of mock interview and at the end of every round the panelists/experts gave beneficial feed back analyzing the performance for further improvement.

Interacting with the aspirants, the resource persons and the panelists covered all aspects of interview including 'What and how to prepare for interview’ How to behave before the Interview Board; Maintaining proper body language, etiquette and posture' besides giving other general tips on Interview.

In the closing interaction Sandeep Kumar Singh, Capital Deputy Commissioner, Tongam Rina, Senior Journalist and Associate Editor, The Arunachal Times and Dr. M.Q. Khan, who is also coordinator of the programme addressed to several queries, questions and doubts of the aspirants.

Other resource persons who effectively guided the aspirants in the week long coaching cum series of mock interview programme include Indra Mallo, Commissioner (Rural Development), Prof. Sarsing Gao, Head, Department of Electrical Engineering NERIST, Er. Mara Kocho, Deputy General Manager, Hydro Power, Minto Ete, Deputy State Project Director (RUSA), Jiken Bomjen, EAC, Shania Mize, APCS topper & Co.

The programme was tremendously effective and successful, stated Dr. M Q Khan, in a press release.

Govt. willing to engage community leaders to work as partners: Pul

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul said that the government is willing to engage community leaders to work as partners, during a meeting with All Tutsa Welfare Society (ATWS) on Thursday.

He said that by such engagement, the government will be able to include priorities of all the communities and improve quality of life for all.

"Basically, the prime focus of the government will be on health, education, power and water supply", informed Pul.

The chief minister, speaking to the leaders of the community, called for a greater role of community leaders in the development of the state, as they have better knowledge of the local conditions.

Sharing their community grievances with the chief minister, ATWS identified their community as one of the most backward in the state and expressed high expectations from the government.

The community leaders were accompanied by Changlang MLA Tesam Pongte and former Khonsa East MLA Wanglam Sawin.

"To gain trust of the people, honesty is the most essential quality," The CM said and advised the community leaders to strictly adopt honest means of livelihood.

To fight opium cultivation in the districts of Tirap and Changlang, Pul told the visiting delegates that the government will be taking all initiatives to provide alternate livelihood means through horticulture and agriculture. The chief minister shared the experience of Anjaw and Lohit districts where poppy cultivation has greatly reduced.

"Farmers have started reaping huge benefit by growing cardamom and orange. In the current year, the turnover from cardamom in Anjaw district was Rs 19-20 crore," informed the chief minister adding, "Now the farmers in Anjaw are expanding their cultivable areas with the new cash crops such as cardamom, orange and ginger, which is being introduced with the help of the government."

The chief minister, however, favoured for soft approach when dealing with the opium cultivators. "Without support of alternative means, the opium cultivators may face livelihood crisis as it may be their only source of income," he said.

The chief minister further said that the government is willing to establish de-addiction and rehabilitation centers, if such interventions are necessary to address the drug addiction menace in the Tirap and Changlang district.

Org demands posting of zonal head officers

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: Addressing the media persons at the Press Club, the Co-ordinator of Eastern Arunachal People's Welfare Organisation (EAPWO) reiterated their demand for posting of Divisional Commissioner (East) and Establishment of Zonal head Offices (Eastern Zone) of all departments today.

Highlighting EAPWO's grievances Bani Danggen (Retired Commissioner) while informing that state government's approval of posting the Divisional Commissioner (East) at Joypur, Namsai vide it's order no. Appt.17/89, dated 30/04/1998 is still non-functional, requested the government to make it functional by immediately posting an officer and staffs with full financial authorisation. Also, alleging that the offices of the zonal heads created for Eastern zone are still functioning from Itanagar and consequently serving no purpose to the public and the departmental offices of the eastern zone, EAPWO demanded for immediate shifting of the same with full financial power. Further, suggesting for 50:50 bifurcation of all the government departments on East/West Zone basis, EAPWO also called for decentralisation of funds and allocate the same separately under a Sub-Head within the state budget.

Meanwhile, EAPWO while stressing that the GREF Task Force engaged in construction/maintenance of NH-52 stretch from Ruksin to Bomjir and beyond are doing "a highly commendable job by providing the public with best motorable road in generations," also strongly demanded for a rollback on the Government's decision to hand over the National Highway -52 construction to state PWD from GREF.

The EAPWO Co-ordinator while observing that the present "Civil Terminal of the Advance Landing Ground (ALG), Pasighat will not be able to cope with the increasing number of air passengers," he urged the government to initiate actions for expansion of Civil terminal.

Need to create health awareness stressed

Correspondent

ROING, Feb 25: Expressing serious concern over the lack of health care facilities and high rate of suicide among the Idu Mishmis, the Idu Mishmi Welfare Society (IMWS), Anini has in a letter to the Director Health and Services, GoAP today, stressed the need for conducting more awareness campaign on Information Education and Communication (IEC) and Behavioral Change Communication (BCC) at Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley districts.

IMWS President Omila Migi said that the twin districts are in dire need of such awareness campaign especially, because of the serious threat faced by the endangered tribe in the form of an ever growing rate of suicide and lack of health care facilities.

'Awareness about the ill-effects of alcohol and drugs, mental health problems, hypertension problems, capacity building training for manpower, adolescent friendly clinical approach in schools, Anganwadi centers and other educational institutions are also the need of the hour', said Migi.

The IMWS has further appealed to the Director of Secondary Education for early posting of regular senior and junior teachers at Government Higher Secondary School, Anini.

Despite the school's Principal submitting a letter to the Education Secretary regarding the requirement and posting of regular subject teachers none of these subject teachers have been posted to the school yet, Migi claimed.

Adhere to APDBEP Rules, contractors to HoDs

[ Prafulla Kaman ]

PASIGHAT, Feb 26: Reiterating their demands to adhere to Arunachal Pradesh District Based Entrepreneurs and Professionals (Incentives, Development and Promotional) Rules, 2015, Pasighat Local Contractor Association has urged the authority concerned to implement the rules for the greater interest of the local people.

The Association's General Secretary, Tagon Tasung in a press statement lamented that many government departments in East Siang district are awarding contract works and supply order to contractors and firms from outside the district violating the rules. As a result, a large number of unemployed youths are facing a bleak future, it added.

The association has circulated 'An Appeal' to all heads of departments in East Siang district that the local contractors should be given first preference in awarding of contract works or supply order in their respective departments. It also warned that those awarding supply order or contract to contractors residing outside the district by violating the legitimate norms might face serious repercussions. "The HoDs concerned will be responsible for any unnecessary situation arising out of the non-compliance of our appeal made in the wake of rules passed by the government", the appeal read.

GPDC to be constituted in every Panchayat: DC

AALO, Feb 26: Gram Panchayat Development Committee will be constituted in every Panchayat village within Feb 2016 for involving of PRI leaders in various National Flagship programme, informed West Siang ADC, Tamik Talom while addressing a District Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee (DLVMC) meeting of National Health Mission held at the DC's Conference Hall here on Feb 25 last.

The meeting reviewed progress of works and implementation of National Health Mission within the framework of central guidelines.

The ADC further stressed on specific timeline for proper implementation of NHM programme and cooperation from the line department under inter-convergence with the other department.

DMO, Dr. Marbom Basar also appealed all HoDs & PRIs for participation and support to DLVMC to achieve its main objectives and insisted on community participation and monitoring of NHM programme through RKS monitoring committee.

DFWO Dr. K Ori highlighted physical and financial achievements of NHM activities in the district during 2015-16 with the help of a PowerPoint presentation.

The Committee reviewed all the major activities under NHM with strict adherence to prudent fiscal norms, inter-sect oral convergence, community participation and monitoring under NHM in West Siang district during the Year 2015-16.

Most of the members stressed on providing sanctioned order of released fund to various health centres of the district such as RKS Fund, Untied fund etc. under decentralized allocation. (DIPRO)

2-day Library workshop at Ruksin concludes

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Feb 26: A 2-day Library Awareness cum Orientation programme which opened at Govt LP School, Debing under Ruksin circle concluded at National Public School, Ruksin on Friday evening. It was conducted by Ruksin Sub-divisional Library authority.

Explaining the objective in the series of programme, Junior Librarian, Toyi Tagi highlighted various aspects and importance of library institutions. He suggested the students to adopt book-reading habit to enrich their knowledge referring to library as a good source of storehouse of knowledge.

Tagi informed that various books, magazines and newspapers can be obtained easily from the sub-divisional library, which can help them in career building.

Speaking the occasion ASM Debing, Takiram Siboh urged the students and local youths to take membership in the library and increase their knowledge through development of reading habit.

Appreciating the efforts of library department for conducting field programme, the ASM requested them to conduct more such programme to make the local people aware about their services.

Among others, headmaster of Debing LP school, O Modi and principal of National Public School, P Prasad also spoke and guided the students to avail opportunities provided by the sub-divisional library.

Set up in the heart of Ruksin town in 2009, the Sub-divisional Library is the only well-equipped library in greater Pasighat-West area. The library RCC building worth Rs 25 Lakh was funded by Kolkata based 'Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation' three years back. At present, the library contains about five thousand books including a number of magazines and newsletters.

Tukum win gold in PNB Midtlife Jr. Badminton C’ship

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: Budding badminton player of the State Laa Tukum won the boys U-15 singles title in the PNB Midtlife Junior Badminton Championship (East Zone) at Guwahati from February 22 to 25.

Top seeded Tukum defeated second seeded Akash Yadav of Bihar 21-16, 21-14 in the final to win the title and gold medal, informed Arunachal State Badminton Association (ASBA).

Laa Yajum won a bronze medal for Arunachal Pradesh in Girls Single U-17 event. She went down fighting 21-11, 19-21, 20-22 to first seeded Deyashi Kanjibillya of Jharkhand in the semifinal.

Arunachal Pradesh fielded an 18-member team in the championship, where players from eight Northeastern State’s and Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa and Jharkhand participated.

There five categories —U-9, U-11, U-13, U-15 and U-17 — both boys and girls singles.

30 illegal structures evicted in Daporijo

DAPORIJO, Feb 26: A massive eviction drive of illegal structures was carried out by the District Administration at Daporijo on Friday to clear up illegal structures on government land. A total of 30 illegal structures consisting of RCC walls, buildings and bamboo structures were demolished.

Structures were dismantled at Research Office Complex, Fishery department residential complex, Teacher's Colony, BSNL Office Complex and P&T Colony.

DC Komkar Dulom, SP Taru Gusar, Town Magistrate CO Tanam Kyali and a police team carried out the eviction drive. DIPRO

Pul calls on wildlife officials to be vigilant

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has called upon the Environment & Forest department to ensure that the wildlife conservation and protection is given utmost importance. He suggested for conducting regular awareness campaign on the merits of forest and wildlife preservation besides also imparting knowledge on the strict provisions of wildlife act.

Lauding the Wildlife officials of Raneghat Forest Check Gate for detecting the Hog-Deer carcass and apprehending the culprit on Thursday near Pasighat, CM Pul also called for emulating similar steps by the Wildlife officials deputed in key areas. The CM expressed that wildlife crimes could be totally contained if each and every official of the department discharge their duties with sincerity and devotion.

The CM also appealed the citizens for being partners in preservation of the rich flora and fauna of the state.

Medal winners to be awarded: Pul

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul today announced to appropriately award all the medal winners and others who have been bringing laurels for the state.

In a release, the CM congratulated lifter Kojum Taba for winning 3 Gold medals and other weightlifters also for their success in the ongoing 11th Youth (Boys & Girls) and 52nd Men and 28th Women Junior National Weightlifting Championships-2016 at Patna.

Further, the CM expressed hope that with the sportspersons from the state excelling in various disciplines at the national and international level, it will pave way for many other youths to take sports as a promising career option.

SCO terminated from service

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: The Chief Secretary has approved the termination of Sonam Choeden, SCO, Department of Art and Culture, Tawang from services with immediate effect for remaining absent from duty unauthorisedly for long.

Choeden has been terminated from the service after she failed to respond to the memorandum served on 15.03.2013 & 20.05.2015 directing her to join duty within 15 days from the date of issue of memoranda by the Tawang Deputy Commissioner on both the occasions, according to an official release.

Outreach programme on scientific awareness

AALO, Feb 26: An outreach programme on scientific awareness for students was conducted at Kamba on Feb 24 and 25 by the West Siang District Students Union in collaboration with Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science and Technology.

Students from DPGC Kamba, KPE School, Adi Topo School and Parent Hope participated in the programme. The students were also distributed pens, notbooks and stationery items.

Residential camp for VKVians concludes

ITANAGAR, Feb 26: In all, 41 selected class VI students from VKVs of Amiliang, Tafragam, Sunpura, Roing, Kharsang, Jairampur, Divine Word School and Intaya Public school underwent training for solving GMAT, analogy, classification of figures, problem solving, reading skills, group work, leadership qualities and sports and games during a six day-long residential camp which concluded at Roing on Feb 25.

Addressing the valedictory function Roing EAC, N K Namchoom advised the students to use the skills learnt not only for the competitive exams but for their entire life. 'Success is not the money one has, it is the ability to live in the society as human being', she added.

During the specially designed programme, resource person Gyan Prabhodini, Pune Secretary, Vivek Pongse trained the students on the skills of questioning. He said that questions are more important than the answers and taught the students of classes VIII to X of VKV Roing about the study techniques like survey, pre-reading, questions making, classroom learning, post reading, notes taking, notes making, mock exam etc.

Prizes were also distributed on the occasion to the students who excelled in different activities held during the camp.

Over 100% children covered under IPPI

ROING, Feb 26: Of the total of 6990 target group between (0-5 years), 7515 children were covered in the first phase of the Intensive Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) programme held in Lower Dibang Valley recently while, another 7111 children were covered in the second phase.

In an average, 105% of the target groups were covered this year in comparison to 95% achieved in IPPI 2015. The coverage was affected during the 2nd Phase due to heavy rainfall.

The Department of Health has made the polio drops available in all the PHCs, CHCs and Medical Sub-Centers of the district. Further, those children who missed out during the 2nd phase may bring their children to the nearest PHCs/CHCs and Medical Sub-Centers, according to an official release.

Training on Integrated Farming System

DIRANG, Feb 26: A three days training cum demonstration programme on Integrated Farming System was organized by ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, West Kameng for the farmers of Salari village from Feb 23 to 25 under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP).

The farmers were imparted knowledge on various topics of Integrated Farming System by the experts and scientists from KVK West Kameng, Dirang and ICAR-NRC on Yak, Dirang.

Highlighting the significance of integrated farming, PTO, Farmers Training Centre, Salari, SK Srivastava appealed the farmers to take scientific knowledge from the scientists of KVK and ICAR-NRC on Yak for improving their socio-economic status.

ASM Salari Tsering Dorjee Rokpa appealed the farmers to adopt this IFS for more diversified production from an unit area, nutritional security and for livelihood generation.

District Training Officer, Farmers Training Centre, Salari, S. K. Thongon, P.T.O, Dr. D. Medhi (Sr. Scientist) from ICAR-NRC on Yak, Dr. N.D. Singh, Programme Coordinator, Dr. V. K. Misra S.M.S. (Fishery) and Ashish Kumar Singh, Senior Research Fellow (NICRA) from KVK West Kameng, Dirang were present during the concluding day.

The farmer trainees were provided important garden tools. Programme Coordinator, KVK, West Kameng, Dr. N.D. Singh demonstrated the use of garden tools.

A total of 35 farmers participated in the training.

Refrain from raising income tax exemption limits: Survey

New Delhi, Feb 26: The Economic Survey today said the government should refrain from raising exemption limits on income tax to facilitate natural growth of individual earnings and widen the taxpayers base, even as it also suggested increasing property tax.

The Economic Survey 2015-16, tabled in Parliament today, also called for a review and phasing out of the tax exemption raj that benefited the richer private sector and a "reasonable" taxation for better-off individuals.

A cross-country comparison shows that India currently has the lowest number of taxpayers, it said, adding that nearly 85 per cent of the economy still remains outside the tax net.

"Just 5.5 per cent of earning individuals are in the tax net and the ratio should be raised to a desirable estimate of about 23 per cent," it said.

Making a study of the data since Independence, the Survey said that the exemption thresholds have been raised much more rapidly than underlying income growth resulting in a widening of wedge between average income and threshold limit.

"One of the low hanging fruit would be to refrain from raising exemption thresholds for the personal income tax, allowing natural growth in income to increase the number of taxpayers.

In some ways, this would be reform through inaction," the Survey said.

It said that subsidies amounting to Rs 1 lakh crore paid to well-off need to be scaled back. Also tax exemptions raj which often amount to redistribution toward the richer private sector will also need to be reviewed and phased out.

"Reasonable taxation of the better-off, regardless of where they got their income from -- industry, services, real estate or agriculture -- will also help build legitimacy," the Survey added.

It also suggested that property taxation needs to be developed as sparse systematic data on property taxation shows how little attention has been given to this tax.

"Property taxes are especially desirable because they are progressive, buoyant and difficult to evade, since they are imposed on a non-mobile good which can be relatively easily identified," it said.

The Survey said the increase in wages and benefits recommended by the 7th Pay Commission is not likely to destabilise prices and will have little impact on inflation.

It advised easier monetary policy saying oil prices would keep costs low, even though the magnitude may decline in the coming year.

It also called for expeditious implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), describing it as an unprecedented reforms measure.

Inflation is projected to decline to 4.5-5 per cent in 2016-17, within the Reserve Bank of India's target, while the current account deficit would remain low at 1-1.5 per cent of the GDP.

It also said that low inflation has taken hold and confidence in price stability has improved. Prospect of lower oil prices -- around USD 35 per barrel as compared -- over medium term is likely to dampen inflationary expectations.

The Survey said the rupee's value must be fair, avoiding strengthening. Fair value, it said, can be achieved through monetary relaxation.

Stating that gradual depreciation in rupee can be allowed if capital inflows are weak, it said India needs to prepare itself for a major currency readjustment in Asia in wake of a similar adjustment in China.

The Survey also called for increasing tax-GDP ratio, and spending more on health and education. It advocated scrapping tax benefits for savings like PPF and taxing investments at time of withdrawal saying the incentives are availed mostly by the well-offs.

Calling for sweeping reforms in the fertiliser sector, it pitched for deregulation of the urea market through payment of fixed subsidy directly to farmers and freeing imports.

The Survey also pitched for allowing industries to use excess power generation capacity via open access in a push for 'Make in India' while allowing power discoms to explore the possibility of progressivity in tariff setting so that charges for the poor come down.

India, it said, needs to create a large number of formal sector jobs and deal with regulatory issues that force firms to opt for contract workers due to slow labour reforms.

It projected capital requirement for banks at around Rs 1.8 lakh crore by 2018-19.

The government, it said, should sell off certain non financial companies to infuse capital in state-run banks.

Exports, which are in the negative zone since December 2014, are expected to start picking up from the next fiscal.

Seeking to paint an optimistic picture of the economy amid a gloomy global landscape, the Survey said that "India stands as a haven of stability and an outpost of opportunity" with regard to macro-economic factors and low inflation.

"India s economic growth is amongst the highest in the world, helped by a reorientation of government spending toward needed public infrastructure," it said, adding that the task ahead would be to sustain growth in an even more difficult global environment.

The three-point agenda suggested by the Survey to push GDP growth rate to 8-10 per cent include moving away from anti-market policies, major investment in health and education and more focus on agriculture sector.

The government, it added, has been able to pursue meaningful reforms and deal with "palpable and pervasive" corruption.

FDI has been liberalised across the board and vigorous efforts have been undertaken to ease the cost of doing business, it said, adding that stability and predictability has been restored in tax decisions reflected in the settlement of the Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) imposed on foreign companies.

The Survey, however, expressed concern over delay in implementation of GST and shortfall in disinvestment target.

It asked the government to expeditiously rationalise subsidy which at present was "work-in-progress."

The Survey said that corporate and bank balance sheets remain stressed affecting the prospects for reviving private investments.

Elaborating on the global situation, it said that the upcoming budget and economic policy would have to contend with an unusually challenging and weak external environment. PTI

Other than Manipur & Sikkim, all NE states have less women police personnel: Report

Shillong, Feb 26: Except for Manipur and Sikkim, all other six North Eastern states of Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh have less number of women police in their respective state police force as compared to their male counterparts, a latest report on gender equality in the police force said.

Assam was ranked the lowest with women police comprising less than one per cent of the total police force.

Out of the total 55,033 personnel, there were only 510 women police, which constitutes to about 0.93 per cent of the force, the report titled Rough Road to Equality, released here recently, said.

The report was collected specifically for the Meghalaya Police and commissioned by the Common Wealth Human Rights Initiatives in trying to understand the importance of policing role played by women counterparts in the force.

Nagaland and Meghalaya were not far off though having just 1.05 and 2.87 per cent respectively till January 2014, although the latter has increased its women personnel to 3.99 per cent when they recruited another 160 more in 2015, the report said.

Of the 24,030 police personnel in Nagaland, there were only 253 women, while in Meghalaya there were 489 women in the 11,500 plus force.

The story was similar in Tripura where there were only 777 women in the force of 23,619 police personnel, while Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh have a slightly improved presence of women in the force with over five per cent.

Of the 11,247 police force in Arunachal Pradesh, women police constitute of 582 of them with a percentage of 5.17, while there were 568 women police in a force of 9,895 personnel in Mizoram, the report stated.

All these states were ranked below the national average of 6.11 per cent, it said.

While there was improved presence of women in the police force in Sikkim and Manipur, there were 333 women in a force of 4,281 personnel in Sikkim and 2,040 women in a force of 24,832 personnel in Manipur.

States like Chandigarh has nearly 15 per cent women police personnel in their force, while women police constitutes over ten per cent of the entire force in Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Himachal Pradesh and Maharastra, the report added. PTI