feb16 28

February 28

2011

2016

Pul sets targets to complete civil secretariat and assembly buildings

ITANAGAR, Feb 27: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul sets April 20, 2016 as target to complete the Arunachal Civil Secretariat and August 14, 2016 as deadline for completion of the Arunachal Legislative Assembly building.

He issued directives to the PWD and the construction agencies to work 24x7 to achieve the target and meet the deadline. He directed the construction agencies to increase the manpower, including masons, carpenters and engineers, and work in three shifts on eight hourly basis.

Directives were also issued to the executing department officers and engineers to monitor the pace of the work round-the-clock by making a work chart.

Actions like suspension will be taken on-the-spot against any government officers, who are found dereliction of their duty or those who are found absent, he warned and said that unannounced inspections would be made any time and any day.

Pul accompanied by Arunachal Legislative Assembly Speaker Wangki Lowang, legislators Pema Khandu, Kumar Waii, Passang D Sona, Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary Finance and PWD Chief Engineer, inspected the two most important infrastructures of the state Saturday morning.

These two infrastructure have not been completed even after 10 years and are delayed beyond the stipulated time period of completion.

Pul questioned as to how the original cost of the Civil Secretariat, which was Rs. 91.86 Cr in 2009, escalated to Rs. 198.56 Cr in 2016 while the department has to freeze the tender below the original sanctioned amount.

Similar questions were also raised on Assembly building by the CM. Concerned over appearance of five different figures starting from Rs. 51.81 Cr as original estimated cost, Rs. 38.92 Cr as sanctioned amount, a projected tender cost of Rs. 41 Cr, a projected revised cost estimate of Rs. 119.50 Cr and, finally modified revised cost of Rs. 135.85 Cr, with regard to the Assembly building, the CM directed the Chief Secretary to immediately verify the matter and place it before him for appropriate actions.

He also hinted of a detailed enquiry into various loopholes and sought detailed justification of the queries he has raised.

The CM assured to provide the required fund for completion of the two projects maintaining that the state and its people can not and should not suffer due to faults of few.

He directed the Principal Secretary Finance to release Rs. 20 Cr for Arunachal Civil Secretariat and another Rs. 20 Cr for Arunachal Legislative Assembly building.

He, however, maintained that the project should ensure financial as well as physical discipline during execution and all other corresponding activities like photography and videography of the projects for transparency.

CM was upset by the substandard civil works undertaken in the civil secretariat as the locks, tower bolts and door handles etc. were already broken while there was no water facility in the washrooms.

Directing for immediate rectification of the faults, the CM warned that such low standard works would not be tolerated and those found involved in such activities would be strictly dealt with according to the laid down provisions.

He further directed the department to ensure sample display of the materials used during construction which should be coupled by price list.

Tender should be floated for such materials and there should not be any compromise with the materials. In case of deviation, complete replacement should be made besides stringent actions would be attracted, CM assertively said.

The Chief Minister made it amply clear that the Civil Secretariat and the Arunachal Assembly Building should be equipped with all essential services, like power and drinking water facility round the clock. Apart from the regular electricity supply from power grid and sub-stations, there would be back up DG sets to supply power to the buildings.

He asked the department to make provisions for taping electricity through solar energy. There should be independent power supply to every block and even in every floors of the building, he viewed.

Expressing surprise over non-inclusion of security fencing in the DPR of the Civil Secretariat, Pul instructed the department to immediately construct it to ensure security of the employees and officers for which he assured to make funds available.

He directed the engineers to take up the planning office as well as the APSC building to bring it under the security purview.

Declaring to convene the next Assembly Session of September in the new building, the Chief Minister exhorted the officers and construction agencies to put their heart in completing the projects in the given targeted time.

He also suggested for naming the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Secretariat as Arunachal Civil Secretariat and Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly as Arunachal Legislative Assembly.

Mother and child die in fire mishap

ITANAGAR, Feb 27: Tragedy struck the family of one Taba Lala on the day of Nyokum Yullo when his wife Taba Yaki (22) and 26-month-old daughter Taba Appung were killed in a fire mishap at Aniya village near Nirjuli on Friday night.

The tragedy occurred when mother Yaki was trying to rescue her daughter from their burning house and got trapped in the ragging fire. Before her death, Yaki had evacuated her 2-month-old baby from the fire.

Though a fire tender had arrived from Naharlagun Fire Station, but it was too late.

The fire spread very fast with the blasting of the LPG cylinder for which no house belongings could be saved.

It is suspected that candlelight might have caused the fire in the temporary house with bamboo fencing and polythene roofing as there was no electricity supply in the colony for about two months.

The accident occurred when owner of the house Lala (32), an LDC, was away attending the Nyokum Yullo festival at Nyikum Niya Ground.

Meanwhile, Nirjuli Police launched investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire.

Shocked at the incident, Arunachal Chamber of Commerce & Industries general secretary-cum-Nirjuli councillor Tarh Nachung along with ACCI chief adviser Pradeep Kumar, members and Nirjuli BWC chairman Kipa Achuk and general secretary Tok Tebin, senior traders, Tarh Welfare Society president Tarh Gangkap and GS Tarh Tarak and PH&WS EE Teli Dutta with relief material visited the spot to take stock of the situation.

The relief materials included utensils, three cookers, water filter, blanket, two mates, rice, potatoes, sugar, salt and water bottles.

Expressing deep shock with the irreparable loss caused to the family, the team consoled Lala and joined the family in praying for the eternal peace of the departed souls.

They urged the Capital district administration, particularly the state government to grant ex-gratia relief to the shocked and bereaved family.

All Nirjuli Youth Organization (ANYO) and Save Arunachal Youth Association (SAYA) also expressed deep shock over loss of two lives in the fire accident.

Both SAYA and ANYO have appealed to the Chief Minister and the Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner to provide adequate compensation, relief and assistance to the bereaved family as per norms.

Governor calls upon young generation to imbibe essence of traditions

ITANAGAR, Feb 27: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh J P Rajkhowa has called upon the young generation to imbibe the essence of customs and traditions of the tribes and expressed hope that the indigenous movement will facilitate the people of the state to live in harmony and strengthen the spirit of Team Arunachal.

He said this during the 12th Meder Nello Foundation Day celebration-cum-4th General Conference of Meder Nello Council (MNC) held at Ziro on Feb 27.

Conveying his good wishes to the members of the Meder Nello, the Governor accompanied by First Lady of the state, Rita Rajkhowa emphasized that new generations needs to imbibe the essence of customs and traditions of the tribes and the best place for them to socialize or learn is the prayer halls.

Recalling 15th–16th century Assamese polymath, Srimanta Sankardev, a saint-scholar, poet, playwright, social-religious reformer and a figure per excellence in the cultural and religious history of Assam and his Sattras, which continue to be essential socio-religious institutions, the Governor stressed on the importance of such prayer halls, like Meder Nello, Kargu Gamgi, Gangging and Nyider Namlo for sustaining faith movement. He added that it can be a centre of education and art & culture. Moreover, it will be a place for discourses on traditional practices.

While paying tributes to Golgi Bote Late Talom Rukbo, founder of the indigenous faith movement in the state and Late Nani Tachang and Late Tage Dibo for their pioneering contribution towards faith movement, the Governor reiterated on promotion of indigenous language and development of scripts to preserve the cultural heritage. He also suggested for amendment of some archaic rituals and march forward with time.

The Sun is the symbol of strength, nourishment and life giving force similarly, the moon also gives light, balance and harmony for the living beings. If these power elements were not there, there will be no life, plants or water. Therefore, it is a very significant religion, he said adding that all religion must be treated equally as it reinforces the distinctive Indian cultural characteristic which always has been Unity in Diversity and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the whole world is a family. Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) member and former Director, Higher & Technical Education, Dr. Joram Begi said that all the Tani groups may differ in rituals and traditions but core values remains the same. He advocated that with time this group also must change for inclusion of younger generation and also do away with public sacrifices as done by many other religions.

Meder Nello Council, chief patron and Commissioner GA, DA, Hage Kojeen said that Donyi Polo, the oldest faith tradition, is gradually diminishing with the emergence of modernity, due to lack of proper organizational support, state patronage, adequate resources and infrastructure such as organized prayer centre, documentation of rich oral heritage etc. Sharing his experience in Puducherry, where there is full-fledged dedicated official institution funded and promoted by the state government for constructions and maintenance of religious centres and for religion celebration, Kojeen called for state assistance in the adopted line.

On the occasion, Meder Nello Council Chairman, Bamin Hinda also submitted a memorandum for grant of financial assistance for construction of traditional cultural hall at Danii-Pillo Ground, Hapoli.

Earlier, the Governor inaugurated the two-day celebration by unfurling the prayer flag, which was followed by mass prayer song and rituals.

Ziro MLA, Tage Taki, Dr. Ligu Tacho, President, Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh and MNC Chief Advisor Lod Kojeen along with representatives of 13 Meder Nellos of Itanagar and Ziro, guests and invitees were also present on the occasion.

Later in the day, the Governor saw the progress of the ALG and was briefed by the construction and district officials, wherein he advised them to expedite the project. (PRO to Governor)

Differences in idea, views can lead to family conflict: DC

[ Indrajit Tingwa ]

ITANAGAR, Feb 27: Differences in ideas, opinions, views etc. can lead to family conflict and this can be solved through mutual understanding, opined Namsai Deputy Commissioner RK Sharma.

Sharma, who attended a one day sensitization and awareness programme on “Protection of Women from Domestic Violence (PWDV) Act, 2005” and “Prevention of Children from Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act, 2012” as resource person held in his conference hall on Friday, explained in details on various nature and forms of domestic violence, the duties and functions of Protection Officers, Magistrates and Service Providers.

He suggested the NGOs to come forward and register themselves as service providers for victims of domestic violence and child abuse.

Namsai SDPO Kirli Padu explained about various provisions under POCSO Act, which provides for protection of children from sexual assault/harassment and safeguarding interests of children. Padu also spoke about free legal aid and assistance under Legal Services Authorities Act.

Dr. CM Thomoung spoke on medical aid to victims and survivors of offences of sexual assault, rape and domestic violence. He also gave a detailed explanation of physical abuse and provisions of medical assistance for overcoming trauma for victims.

Retired Superintendent of Police CP Namsai spoke in length on the importance of the Acts and shared his ideas and experiences for implementation of the same.

Dr. Keshav Sharma, DVO (i/c) and Talom Padin, DDSE also spoke and gave their inputs.

The sensitization programme was organized by the Department of Women and Child Development under Namsai - Chongkham ICDS Project for district level officers, including judicial and police officers. Heads of various departments, police officers and representatives from two NGOs of Namsai, Socio Economic Welfare Association (SEWA) and Women Welfare Society (WWS) participated.

Major bureaucratic reshuffle, Dr. Beda replaces Sonam Chombay as Planning Secy

ITANAGAR, Feb 27: In a major bureaucratic reshuffle effected by the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Hage Kojeen, Commissioner GA/ DA, Transport and Divisional Commissioner (West) was given additional charge of Health and Family Welfare and Disaster Management. The secretary, Disaster Management, Lottery, Industry & Skill Development, Kapa Kholie has been assigned to Secretary Labour and Employment.

While Bolung Siram, Commissioner, Health and Family Welfare has been given transfer as secretary, Transport. Sonam Chombay, Secretary, Planning, IPR, Printing and Eco & Statistics has been assigned to Information Technology, Cultural Affairs and Eco and Statistics while Planning, IPR and Printing have been assigned to Secretary to Governor Dr. Joram Beda along with Tourism.

Onit Payang who has been looking after Law & Judicial, Parliamentary Affairs and Registrar (SIC) has been given additional charge of Political, while Ashok Kumar has given the charge of Industry and Skill Development in addition to APPSC, vigilance and IG (Prision). Dr. BM Mishra, Secretary, Finance and Civil Aviation, has been given additional charge of Lottery. Dani Salu, Secretary Finance Commission, Sports & Youth Affairs, SPO and Cultural Affairs, has been given additional charge of Library.

Meanwhile, Nyabin Ete DC Anjaw has been transferred as Joint Secretary (Arts and Culture). He will be replaced by Deputy Commissioner Kurung Kumey Mamta Riba. Kemo Lollen, Director DoTCL will be replaced K. Darang as Deputy Comissioner, Ziro and Darang has been posted to DC Kurung Kumey. Additional Secretary General Administration and District Administration, PWD Sadhana Deori has been given additional charge of Director DoTCL.

Challenges in implementation of RTE 2009 in context of Arunachal Pradesh

[ R.K Paul Chawang ]

ITANAGAR, Feb 27: The Right to Education Act, 2009 was passed in the Parliament in August, 2009 and implemented by April 2010. The Act ensures education to all children between the ages of 6-14. We Indians in general are very good at making plans and policies but we do not think seriously about its implementation in letter & spirit. We pay least attention to details and do not realize the challenges and difficulties while implementing the RTE Act.

Some of the challenges while implementing RTE Act in our state can be surmised as under:

Low rate of literacy: Over 80% of the state population living in the villages does not have proper access to quality education. There is a great disparity between the growth of population and growth of educational facilities.

Definition of child: The Act ensures free education to children between 6-14 years thus, leaving out a significant part of children’s population i.e, (below 6 yrs to 14-18yrs) from its ambit.

Shortage of Teachers: According to the RTE, the pupil-teacher ratio is 30:1 but with the exception of schools located in and around district headquarters most schools in rural villages are left with hardly one or two teachers.

Evaluation system: As per RTE, students have to be passed in every standard till 8th without appearing in exams so; there is no provision for improvements. The Act does not guarantee knowledge resulting in wastage of formative school life. Pupils are neither able to develop skills nor obtain knowledge. Although the Act permits the state to develop suitable model rules for assessment of the progress of the students but question remains whether the state education department has done anything about it. The formative and summative evaluation methods adopted by RTE does not really assess the progress of the students rather more a formality of documenting reports for teachers. Due to non-presence of rigorous methods of appraising the students most students drop-out after facing CBSE board exams. Very few continue their studies after their first failure. Thus, there is increasing school drop-outs in the districts.

Lack of awareness on education among parents: More than 80% of the parents in the state are still not conscious of the importance of education nor are capable of guiding their children towards proper education. Thus, throwing overall burden of teaching to teachers only resulting in poor performance of the students.

SMC a mere Committee: In most of the schools School Management Committees are not clear idea about their roles and responsibilities. They are more interested in contract works rather than contributing towards improving quality of education by bridging the gap between teachers-pupil-parents and the community.

Infrastructure challenges: The RTE Act’s 19th clause demands proper infrastructure, salaries, facilities of separate washrooms/toilets, pure drinking water etc, but if we concentrate on present scenario, it is challenging to update infrastructures.

Bringing child labour into main education stream:The number of child labour in our country is more than 12 millions. RTE Act has not made any special provision to bring back these children to the main stream of education.

With the implementation of RTE Act much success has been achieved in the educational sector but at the same time we cannot just ignore the lacunas when it comes to the context of North East and Arunachal Pradesh in particular. State and central governments, private institutions and NGOs should work harmoniously for better implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Act.

7 houses gutted in Daporijo

ITANAGAR, Feb 27: Informing that seven houses were reduced in a major fire accident at Veterinary Colony, Daporijo at around 7pm on Friday evening, the All Tagin Youth Association (ATYA) has appealed to the concern authority to provide relief assistance for the affected families.

Villagers allege unfair distribution of CSR Scheme

Correspondent

ROING, Feb 27: A group of villagers of Banggo village under Dambuk Circle of Lower Dibang Valley district have raised strong objection to the alleged diversion and unfair distribution of Home Lighting System under CSR Scheme at the village by the ASM and the GPC.

They alleged that a total of 9 persons whose names were listed in the list of beneficiaries were not given the home lighting system under the CSR Scheme.

"The deprived persons are very poor and helpless, and do not know how to fight for their right. The poor people of the village have always been exploited in every possible way. This time we have decided to fight for our rights", they said.

They also informed that a complaint letter in this regard was lodged with the Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner along with the names, house numbers and signatures of the affected people.

"The DC has assured to take necessary action against the ASM and GPC of the village", they informed.

"We have full faith that the District Administration will intervene and the rights of the poor and downtrodden will be restored", they further added.

Cultural troupes from NE States to participate at Golden Jubilee Mopin celebration

AALO, Feb 27: Cultural troupes from seven north eastern states, including Sikkim, Rajasthan and Gujarat will participate in the ensuing Golden Jubilee Mopin celebration at Aalo this year.

This was confirmed by the Golden Jubilee Central Mopin Celebration Committee (GJCMCC).

This is a maiden effort of the GJCMCC to showcase the cultural heritage of neighboring states and India and also to express a sense of unity in diversity.

Cultural programmes will be held from March 29 to April 4, 2016 in which all sitting MLAs and Ex-MLAs of the district will attend in every night.

The main event of cultural extravaganzas will unfold during April 3 to 6 where the cultural troupes from seven North Eastern States, including Sikkim, Rajasthan and Punjab will display various cultural programmes.

“Miss Mopin Contest” is being organized by Tonu Riba, leading Fashion Designer. The film on Abotani and Mopin will also be unveiled on the occasion.

Meanwhile Donyi Polo Dere has been fully renovated by the DPDTC, Gumin Kiin, Pinku Pinte Lekar, Priest House and Kitchen have been fully renovated by the GJCMCC. A Golden Jubilee Pillar sponsored by Gaken Ete, Secretary PHED has been constructed and names of prominent donors to GJCMCC will be engraved in the pillar. DIPRO

Medicated net distribution starts at Pasighat

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Feb 27: With a view to prevent mosquito-borne diseases in Pasighat township, Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) is distributing insecticide-treated mosquito nets among the town dwellers. The distribution started on Saturday in Ward-12 in presence of health department officials.

PMC councilor (Ward-12), Kangge Moyong urged the people assembled not to misuse the nets as its poison mixed with the nets might affect their health in many ways. He assured that the municipal authority would ensure to give such net free of cost to every household in a phase-wise manner.

Addressing the occasion, state health consultant of Vector Born Disease Control Programme, Dr. P J Sharma said the government was strictly monitoring the net distribution system that the net must not be given to others or sold in the market.

Retired ADC, Obang Dai, taking part in the net distribution programme, urged the beneficiaries to take active part in preventing mosquito born diseases in their locality. As many as 1,800 government supplied nets were distributed on Saturday.

Earlier a cleaning programme on the National Highway, Children Park, regulated fish and meat market area was conducted.

ABVP’s skill dev. training begins at RGGPC

ITANAGAR, Feb 27: A week-long free skill development training programme for girl students organized by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Arunachal Pradesh unit, began at Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Polytechnic College (RGGPC) auditorium on Saturday.

Training will be imparted on candle making and designing, soft toys cutting, stitching and stuffing, photo frame making, bottle decoration, ceramic wall pieces, glass painting & fabric painting, mehndi desgning (Dulhan, Arabic, Traditional) etc during the week-long programme.

The training was inaugurated by Indra Mallo, Commissioner Rural Development and Panchyati Raj.

Around 100 girl students were present during the occasion and also took participation in it.

Public leader Tatong Padung dies

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Feb 27: Former East Siang District Congress Committee (I) president Tatong Padung breathed his last at his Pasighat residence Saturday morning. He was suffering from prolonged illness.

Born at Ledum village under East Siang district in 1953, Padung did his graduation from Jawaharlal Nehru College at Pasighat.

A former Anchal Samity Member of Ledum, Padung worked in different political parties and served them in different capacities.

As an NCC cadet, he once got an opportunity of paragliding at Agra.

A renowned football player Padung also served as junior teacher in a village Primary School.

He left behind his two wives, five sons, four daughters.

East Siang Zilla Parishad chairman Kaling Dai and panchayat leaders, East Siang District Football Association and District Olympic Association have deeply mourned Padung’s death.

SHGs trained on fish drying method

PASIGHAT, Feb 27: A day-long training cum hands on demonstration programme on method of fish drying by using low cost solar dryer was conducted today at Kyit Village by Krishi Vigyan Kendra East Siang, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agriculture University, Pasighat.

Subject Matter Specialist, Fisheries, S. M. Hussain demonstrated the methods for constructing low cost solar dryer and process of fish drying. The low cost solar dryer can be constructed by utilizing locally available material viz. bamboo, wood, white and black polythene sheet.

Altogether 31 members of Ayang, Mingkeng and Uteporo women Self Help Groups of Kyit village were trained about the procedure of fish preservation by using salting and sun-drying method hygienically. The trainees expressed that the small low cost solar dryer would definitely help them for fish preservation and income generation.

Consumer awareness campaign at JNC Pasighat

PASIGHAT, Feb 27: In continuation with its Jago Grahak Jago campaign, the Department of Legal Metrology & Consumer Affairs, Pasighat on Saturday organised a product demonstration cum consumer awareness campaign at J N College auditorium.

Taking serious note of sub-standard products being marketed openly and non standard weights and measures being put in use, JNC Vice-Principal, Dr. S.D. Choudhary suggested the consumer not to compromise with such practices but to exercise their rights.

Citing example of a branded sweater of Monte Carlo that he procured from a shop few years back which turned out to be an imitation, he suggested consumers to be extra careful while buying costly products. He also cautioned buying of sub-standard products at exorbitant price in the name of foreign goods. Modern days online shopping is also another area in where there is every possibility of fraud dealing, he added.

Earlier, Asstt. Controller Legal Metrology, K. P. Tago briefed the objective of the campaign said that despite ‘Jago Grahak Jago’ campaign being launched a decade back by the Govt. of India and in the same line Department of Legal Metrology & CA are also taking up publicity activities for several years but awareness level of people in the state has remained very low. As such, due to lack of awareness, only two cases of consumer grievances have been registered each year under East Siang District Forum, Consumer Court.

A total of 15 trained college students have been engaged as the demonstrators in the campaign on the subject matter of product standardization, packaged goods, imitation and counterfeit products, food adulteration etc.

Hundreds of students and staff of J N College and public benefitted from the awareness campaign.