feb17 09

2017

February 09

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Pul’s Mere Vichaar implicates all

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Feb 8: The contents of the explosive note of former Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, 'Mere Vichaar' or 'My Thoughts' finally came out in the open when the Hindi version of the online portal, 'The Wire' made it public on its website on Wednesday morning.

The notes are typed in Hindi and signed allegedly by Pul on each page. The note implicates- Congress and the BJP, judiciary, bureaucrats, and politicians in the state.

One of the employees, who worked in close proximity with late Pul, also said that the signatures in the exposed notes seem to be that of Kalikho Pul's. He acknowledged that a typist, who was appointed by Pul as his staff had helped in the Hindi typing. He has since left his job. One of the personal staffs said that Pul had told them that he was writing a book on the current state of affairs in the state. The former staff said that Pul and the typist took three days to finish the pages.

The main targets of Pul's notes are late Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

While the Chief Minister's Office and the Deputy Chief Minister's Office refused to comment on the issue, former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki blatantly denied the allegations against him and other politicians in the 60-page note.

Terming the revelation of the notes as a political conspiracy, Tuki said, "I do not agree with any of the allegations put forth by late Pul since it does not have an iota of truth and is rather baseless".

Asserting that the notes were written out of frustration after the Supreme Court verdict went against him (Pul), Tuki said, "He was the longest serving Finance Minister of the state and Chief Minister for over four months. If the allegations were true, why was there no action or inquiry held against those whom he had named?"

Tuki also blamed the BJP Government at the Centre for creating a situation, which led to death of Kalikho Pul after the Congress Government was dislodged, and called on the state government to constitute an inquiry committee to find out the actual reason behind Pul's death.

Meanwhile, the police and the Additional District Magistrate have different versions when this daily contacted them for details of the investigation as well as the content of the notes. While the police said the investigation has been closed, the ADM said that sealed documents could not be opened without his approval.

ADM Talo Potom, who has magisterial authority over the notes informed that he could not authenticate the online published notes without going through all its contents.

He claimed that he did not know the notes were published anywhere, while adding that if the notes are to be unsealed, the Investigating Officer of the case has to write a formal application to the ADM's office to unseal the notes for investigation, if any, in presence and signatures of all those officers who were present during the time the notes were seized and sealed.

"Unless I dispose an order citing reasons why it should be opened, no one has the authority to open them. But before that, we have to verify whether the seal has been tampered with", he said, before adding that "no proposal or application has come to my office to investigate the notes yet, and I have not issued any instructions to unseal late Pul's notes".

He claimed that the seized and sealed copies, which are under the custody of the police, are still in a sealed package.

When reporters questioned Inspector General of Police, N Payeng regarding the same, he said that the notes have already been sent to Yupia Sessions Court two to three months earlier, and are no longer under the custody of the Police Department. The final report has been submitted already and the case has been closed.

On whether the notes were used for investigations, the IGP claimed that they were.

This is in contrast to the ADM's statement, who said that the rules do not allow anyone to use or tamper with the notes without the authority of three magistrates, including him and the police officer, who were there at the time of sealing the notes.

The ADM maintained that no one has come up with any request to unseal the notes yet.

Refraining from divulging any further details, the IGP said, "I supervised the case, but the IO will know the details of the case better, and you should ask him about it".

Attempts to contact Investigating Officer R K Jha also failed as he is reportedly on leave.

According to sources, there are around 10 copies of 'My Vichaar' -with one copy sent to the Prime Minister of India, one with one of the OSDs of late Pul, three copies with his wives, and the rest under magisterial/ police custody.

Sources also informed that the three wives of late Pul had earlier given a complaint regarding the death of their husband, and claimed that the cause of death is somewhere in those notes, but it was never considered for investigations.

One of the three wives of late Pul, Dasanglu Pul is also a BJP MLA from 45-Hayuliang (ST) Constituency. She contested for the by-poll election after her husband's demise.

‘Mere Vichaar’

(The Wire’s Hindi site, which has obtained a copy of the note – titled ‘Mere Vichaar’ or ‘My Thoughts’ – by Former Chief Minister Late Kalikho Pul published it in its entirety on Wednesday. Due to space constrain, we are not able to reproduce all of it but readers may access it online at www.arunachaltimes.com and thewire.in and www.thewirehindi.com. Reproduced with permission from The Wire. Translated from the Hindi original by Chitra Padmanabhan. The Arunachal Times has not been able to independently verify the authenticity of the suicide note allegedly signed by Kalikho Pul.)

Vested interests depriving mobile connectivity to border areas: Ering

NEW DELHI, Feb 8: Residents of some remote villages of Arunachal Pradesh are being denied mobile connectivity services of state-run telecom provider BSNL for over two years by some "vested interests", an MP from the state has alleged in his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ninong Ering, the Congress Lok Sabha MP from Arunachal East seat, has also faulted some un-named bureaucrats who, he alleged, were "acting unprofessio-nally" in this case.

Ering, in a recent letter to the PM, claimed that despite a "delayed" call of tenders in April 2016 for providing mobile connectivity to his region, "there has been a further delay of over five months even after tenders were evaluated, because the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) and BSNL are trying to include rejected bidders by manipulating the CVC and tender guidelines."

"Despite your (PM) stated position on speedy execution of public investment projects and inexorable push towards Digital India, it seems people with vested interests are bent upon denying mobile connectivity to the people of North East region and in particular Arunachal Pradesh, the area that I represent.

"..it seems they want to deny the citizens of my villages their very voice. I have already informed about such delays being caused and perpetuated by bizarre action in my letters written (earlier)," Ering said.

The MP wondered "if some officials in the USOF and BSNL are working to distort and bend rules for reasons best known to them, by altering tender conditions, or favouring select bidders, passing the buck and ostensibly pitching for a re-tendering process even when clear bidders are in place," he said.

The MP rued that while there are some "shining" bureaucrats in the country who are working hard to push India into a pre-eminent global position, there are "others who sully their example by acting unprofessionally".

"It is time such individuals were held accountable for their actions," he said, adding that the border areas of his state were "highly sensitive due to sharing of international borders like China and Burma (Myanmar) in particular."

"There are many places, villages and even towns which are yet to be exposed to the cellular technology. I therefore, urge you (PM) to personally examine the matter and take the strictest action possible to prevent further delays in execution of this crucial project," he said. PTI

Tadar Taniang Hall, Dorjee Khandu Annexe unveiled

Skill development of youth for employment : CM

ITANAGAR, Feb 8: Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the Tadar Taniang Hall and unveiled the foundation slab of late Dorjee Khandu Annexe at the Don Bosco Youth Centre (DBYC) on Wednesday.

The Chief Minister appreciated late Tadar Taniang as a visionary man who did his job well as PHED Minister and took the department to a new height.

"Politics will come and go, but what matters is the contribution he had made for the society and the state," he said and appreciated Taniang's contribution towards youth development.

Asserting that Arunachal must not be left behind while the world is speedily moving towards development, Khandu said the state government too is taking measures and formulating policies to equip the youths towards skill development. He appreciated the DBYC for giving proper direction to youths in helping them to live their life of dreams.

Almost 80 percent of youths who have passed out from the centre are employed today, observed the Chief Minister.

He admitted that though the state has many skilled entrepreneurs, they were lacking financial help. To address it, the Chief Minister informed that state government is seriously looking towards measures to convert all naturally available resources to revenue.

The Chief Minister also focused on skilling as important step towards meeting youth employability. For that, he informed that land reforms are being initiated to facilitate investment. Under the new reform, the land holders will decide the type of investment by pooling in suitable investors. The state government will only act as the mediator between land holders and investors so that both are secured in their own ends.

Khandu informed that soon a suitable minister or parliamentary secretary will be offered the additional charge of skill development.

Assuring to work for all 60 constituencies without any party biases, the Chief Minister said, "We want to give equal importance to all 60 constituencies. Though some PPA MLAs may feel they are left out, but they are no different from us. Government funding will be equally distributed in all constituencies."

Khandu also assured to fund Rs 80 lakhs for a retaining wall to protect DBYC campus from land erosion and Rs 3 crore for building of annex of late Dorjee Khandu in the campus.

PHED Minister Bamang Felix appreciated late Taniang as a visionary man, who two decades earlier had encouraged people of Nyapin to grow horticulture crops. Initially, people rejected such ideas, but now people following his footsteps are becoming self-sufficient and growing various horticultural crops, said Felix.

Appreciating late Dorjee Khandu, the PHED Minister called him a visionary man who understood that institutes, such as DBYC will go a long way to help youths to equip them with employability skills, and stop them from being misguided.

Felix said late Khandu was the first CM to fund DBYC from government exchequer, which today has become an institute to transform and give the youths a better life.

Later, Rt Reverend Robert Kerketta, SDB Bishop Emeritus of Diocese of Tezpur blessed the newly inaugurated hall.

Former Vice Chairperson of Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women, Mepung Tadar Bage, and Member of Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission Jati Pulu were among others who spoke during the day.

The family members of late Tadar Tanyiang, including his wife Tadar Yajik was present during the event.

Potin-Ziro-Bopi on TAH track

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Feb 8: Finally there is some hope for the long pending Potin-Ziro-Bopi stretch of Trans Arunachal Highway (TAH) project. A meeting was held on Tuesday at Delhi to push forward this stalled project. The officials of Ministry of Road, Transport and Highway have reportedly agreed to process land compensation estimate of Rs 188 Cr. for Potin- Ziro -Bopi stretch. The said project has been stalled for the last many years due to high compensation issue.

It was also decided during the meeting that concessionaire will start work as soon as possible. Further MoRTH has directed state government to call a review and coordination meeting of all stake holder of Potin-Pangin stretch of TAH chaired by the Chief Secretary, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh by Feb 14.

The meeting was attended among other by Director General cum Special Secretary Ministry of Road, Transport and Highway SN Das, Commissioner PWD Hage Khoda and officials of PWD Highway.

Meet on Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disability

ITANAGAR, Feb 8: The Arunachal Pradesh Parents Association for Disabled (APPAD) Children is going to host the Regional Parents Meet 2017 concerning the Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disability (PWIDD) for the first time in the state. It will be organized in collaboration with PARIVAAR (The National Federation of Parents' Association) and National Institution for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID formerly NIMH). The delegates from North Eastern States and various districts of Arunachal Pradesh, resource persons from different part of India, volunteers and host of parents of PWIDDs will participate in the Regional Parental Meet.

The association has appealed to like-minded people to make voluntarily donation in aid of the meet as they are finding it extremely difficult to manage the event. "Disabled children also deserve respect but unfortunately due to lack of awareness, parents try to hide and do not allow them to come out. By hosting the regional parents meet, we would like to bring awareness among people in this regard," the association stated. Persons willing to contribute can contact Nabam Rana (President)-9436637731 and Simal Ranje (General Secretary)-9436861193.

Parents of late Tarh Peeju meet CM, seek fulfilment of promise

ITANAGAR, Feb 8: The parents of National Bravery Award winner, late Tarh Peeju met Chief Minister Pema Khandu at his office here on Thursday.

Father of 8-year-old late Peeju, Tarh Kama apprised the Chief Minister of the commitment made by the previous government to which the Chief Minister assured that a bridge would be built over Pachin River and named after her.

CM Khandu lauded the bravery of late Peeju and assured that all state level recognition to her will be fulfilled. He also promised to mark all their demands to the Chief Secretary and bring the matter to the cabinet.

On May 19, 2016, nine year old Peeju drowned while saving her cousins when they attempted to cross Pachin River in Naharlagun. Peeju jumped into the turbulent river and dragged both to safety. She was swept away by the river and her body was later recovered downstream.

Acute water shortage in Barfu Village

ITANAGAR, Feb 8: A survey was conducted at Barfu village in Anjaw district to monitor the prevailing condition of acute shortage of water by KVK Anjaw in collaboration with ICAR RC for NEH Region, Barapani, Meghalaya on Tuesday last.

The village is located at an elevation of 1700 m above sea level and faces acute scarcity of water.

During the survey, different methods of water harvesting structures were discussed with the villagers to find out the feasible solution for harvesting and storing of water within the village.

Scientist, Farm Machinery and Power, Huidrom Dayananda Singh said that the sources of water to the village are located very far which makes it difficult to develop water pumping system and it may not be feasible for providing immediate solution to address scarcity of water in the village. He therefore, said that low cost rain water harvesting structure, Jalkund (plastic pond) will be the best option for mitigating the acute shortage of water that persist in the village.

Technical Officer T-5, Sibendra Nath Talukdar spoke about the process and methodology of construction of Jalkund to the villagers. He also highlighted on different low cost rain water harvesting methods. KVK Anjaw SMS, Social Sciences, S Peter Singh advised each and every villager to dig ponds on participatory mode for construction of Jalkund. The village is also adopted under the Tribal Sub Plan funded project 'Development of Rainwater Harvesting Structure for Year Round Production at Anjaw District' and 'Mera Gaun Mera Gaurav'.

Assembly session summoned

ITANAGAR, Feb 8: Arunachal Pradesh Governor P B Acharya has summoned the eleventh (budget) session of the Sixth Legislative Assembly from March 6 to 15, excluding holidays, according to an official release.

CM seeks report card from his colleagues

ITANAGAR, Feb 8: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has asked the ministers to work for faster development of the state through innovative methodologies that ensure result-oriented performance of their respective departments.

"It is time that we live up to our people's expectations and make this government a truly welfare government, where the fruits of development are reaped by each and every citizen of our beautiful state," Khandu said.

He sought quarterly report from ministers on tangible developments undertaken in their respective ministries, which also includes, plans, policies, status of ongoing projects, completed projects, central and state sponsored programmes with special focus on Prime Minister's flagship programmes, like Digital India, Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachh Bharat and Skill India.

Orgs declares bandh call at Likabali

ITANAGAR, Feb 08: Expressing resentment at Minister Health and Family Welfare Jomde Kena for allegedly failing to fulfil their demand to make designated Likabali as functional headquarter of Lower Siang district, Jigo Yego Students Union(JYSU) and Ramle Bango Students Union(RBSU), Kangku Circle Students Union(KCSU) and various other organisations has declared bandh call from Feb 12- 15 as 1st phase of the agitation.

The organisations also threatened indefinite bandh call if Likabali is not notified as functional headquarter by 12th Feb 2017. The organisation also said that the State Hood Day will be observed as Black Day at their areas if the demands are not fulfilled.

Anjaw calls for collectives efforts against opium menace

HAWAI, Feb 8: The Anjaw district administration has emphasised on collective and sustained efforts of all the stakeholders for eradication of opium menace from the district and the state as a whole.

Taking part in a brain storming meeting held at Hawai on Wednesday to chalk out a road map for drafting a policy to tackle opium menace from the state, all the participants from various departments, representatives of various NGOs and ZPMs of Anjaw districts have unanimously resolved and recommended that collective efforts need to be taken with family support of opium affected people to overcome the situation. Opium being intrinsic to ritualistic usage, an overnight eradication is not possible, and as such steady and sustained efforts by all stakeholders should be done, they observed.

The members also stressed on a wide network of national and state level performing NGOs and establishment of an anti narcotic unit to be manned by trained personnel to fight against the menace at the earliest.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Mamata Riba, who presided over the meeting put emphasis on the importance of distinguishing and understanding the problems associated with opium addiction vis a vis opium cultivation. "Opium cultivation being an integral part of ritualistic usage in Anjaw district and consequent increase in opium addiction being associated with rituals, the societal threat associated with the same, need to be recognised and positive changes which wean users must be accelerated," added the Deputy Commissioner.

State Nodal Officer (Narcotic cell) Oli Koyu, while lauding the DC for her development activities, spoke on the specific areas like alternative livelihood, identification of value based herbs and Rehab Skill Development. He informed that as per records only 32 percent rehabilitation was successful with relapse data at 62 percent .

Anjaw DMO K. Perme, who had successfully conducted de-addiction programmes in other districts of the state gave an overview on how drug affects.

Representing various NGOs and Panchayati Raj bodies, eminent personalities of the district like A Manyu, ZPM Hayuluiang, K Talyo ZPM Chaglagam, L Pul former ZPM and J Krong, DLEO, also spoke on the occasion. DIPRO

ANSU concerned over lack infrastructure, teachers in schools

ITANAGAR, Feb 9: The All Nyishi Students' Union (ANSU) has expressed concern over lack of proper building, shortage of teachers and other facilities in some government schools in Lower and Upper Subansiri districts.

A team of ANSU recently visited various schools of the two districts in order to gather first hand information through interaction with the school authorities and students regarding various problems faced in smooth functioning of the schools.

As per the findings of the team, most of the schools it visited were struggling with poor facilities like lack of proper classrooms or school buildings, shortage of trained graduate and post graduate teachers (TGT/PGT) and non appointment of principals in some schools.

ANSU strongly demanded the state government to post the required teachers in those schools with insufficient teaching staff and also repair all the damaged school buildings.

The schools the team visited include, government higher secondary schools Yazali, Boasimla and Raga in Lower Subansiri and Ligu and Muri Mugli of Upper Subansiri district.

The ANSU executive members also visited the families of victims of January 27 fire accident at Dumporijo and appealed to the state government to sanction ex-gratia to kin of victims of the accident.

Mahabodhi Mega Free Medical Camp 2017 concludes

DIYUN, Feb 8: The Mahabodhi Mega Free Medical Camp 2017, which commenced on Jan 30 concluded on Wednesday.

The eight-day free medical camp, inaugurated by Jutta Erika Mattausch from Germany, was organised by Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable Medical Centre Diyun, in collaboration with Department of Health and Family Welfare, Changlang district.

Mattausch is the person behind the free medical camp as a sponsor as well as facilitating the services of specialist doctors from abroad during the camp. This is her third medical camp. Besides, she is also the donor of the facility which houses the Mahabodhi Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable Medical Centre, Diyun.

Jutta informed that she has a long association with the Mahabodhi Society, which runs a school and medical centre at Diyun, and holding a medical camp was to ensure that the less privileged get better healthcare services. She plans to continue the efforts of providing healthcare through such camps in coming years too.

The Department of Health and Family Welfare has deputed a doctor, nurses and also supplied medicines for the camp. Dr Mope Loyi, MD (Forensic Medicine), who represented the Health and Family Welfare Department, said that it was a learning experience working with experienced doctors from abroad and added that the experience will help in organising future camps too.

Dr. Loyi also termed as overwhelming, the response of the public with regards to the recent camp, besides stating that it was satisfying to cater to the health needs of the people.

At least four doctors from Germany rendered their voluntary services during the camps, which include Dr Ayla (Gynaecologist), Dr Kay (Dentist), Dr Birgit (Dentist) and Dr Gotz (Child Specialist). Dr Daya Prasad, Bangalore, Dr Mope Loyi and Dr Mantu Talukdar (resident doctor of Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable Medical Centre) also provided their serves during the eight-day camp. The doctors from Germany are here during their holidays to volunteer for the health camp.

All through the eight-day camp, at least 2500 persons, including women and children were screened and free medicines given. The laboratory at the medical centre also provided free investigations.

Dr Daya Prasad, who also runs an NGO Arogya Sewa based in Bangalore and USA, informed that he was planning to start telemedicine services in collaboration with the Mahabodhi Society and experienced and specialist doctors from around the world who have volunteered for his organisation. Arogya Sewa provides free medical services through volunteer doctors, besides prosthetic hands for children free-of-cost.

Dilip Bodh, Administrator of Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable Medical Centre said that almost the entire Diyun circle availed benefits from the medical camp, including parts of Namsai district.

In four out of the total eight days, the camp was held at the Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable Medical Centre, while the rest were conducted at Manabhum, Mudoi, Innaopothar and Dumpothar.

Bodh conveyed his gratitude to the Department of Health and Family Welfare and DMO Dr Karrik Basar, in particular, the GBs of respective villages and in-charges of schools where the camps were held for collaborating and ensuring the smooth conduct of the medical camp.

This is the third annual free medical camp though the Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable Medical Centre provides free healthcare to the public the year round. The centre also has facilities for child delivery and in 2016, 58 children were delivered there.

Training for extension functionaries

NAMSAI, Feb 8: Training on various aspects of horticulture, agriculture, fishery science and veterinary science was organized by KVK Lohit under ICAR-NRC on Yak, for the field staffs of ATMA, horticulture, agriculture and veterinary science during a three-day training programme from February 6 to 8 last in Namsai district.

SMS, Horticulture, Ph. Chandramoni Singh spoke in detail about various diseases and prevention of horticulture crops, seed treatment and its importance, soil collection and testing, while Animal Science SMS, Dr. Binod Kr. Dutta Borah described in detail about the purpose of artificial insemination, semen collection procedures, semen preservation, storage, thawing of frozen straw, techniques etc.

Chongkham ADO, Singh and Chongkham, SVO, Dr. Manalisa Lungkeing also spoke on the occasion.

A total of 36 field staffs of ATMA, horticulture, agriculture and veterinary science from different parts of the district participated in the training.

KVK Scientific Advisory Committee meeting conducted

DAPORIJO, Feb 8: Upper Subansiri district Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) conducted its 7th Scientific Advisory Committee meeting at the KVK office in Daporijo on Wednesday last, which was attended by 17 committee members along with farmers and farm women of the district.

Upper Subansiri DC, AK Singh said that KVK Upper Subansiri is working very hard despite lack of infrastructure and encouraged all the line departments to collaborate with KVK in imparting its various activities. He also assured for the proper land demarcation of 20 hectare KVK farm land.

Deputy Director of Agriculture, Jomra Dulom, District Horticulture Officer, District Fishery Development Officer, Divisional Forest Officer, Chief Manager SBI, Manager APRB, Deputy Director ICDS, Executive Engineer WRD, District Veterinary Officer, Assistant Director Industry, progressive farmers and farm women representatives of the district were present during the meeting as committee members. They all suggested the KVK to take location specific technologies and take farmers for exposure visits to other districts.

New Zilla Parishad Office inaugurated

HAWAI, Feb 8: A newly constructed Anjaw district Zilla Parishad Office was inaugurated on Tuesday last, by 45-Hayuliang MLA, Dasanglu Pul at Hawai, in presence of Anjaw DC, Mamta Riba, Hawai DPDO, B Tawsik, Anjaw ZPC, Heyomai Tawsik, ZPMs , HoDs and PRIs members.

In her address, the MLA highlighted the importance of PRIs in the development of rural areas in the wake of empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institution.

Anjaw DC, Mamata Riba and Anjaw Zilla Parishad Chairperson, Heyomai Tawsik also spoke on the occasion.

ANYA demands Pakke-Kessang district

ITANAGAR, Feb 8: The All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) hoped that the Chief Minister would pay attention to the demand of creating of Pakke-Kessang district.

Stating that Kamla district, which was recently announced, had been long pending demand of ANYA and people of the concerned area, the association expressed confidence that the commitment of creating the district would definitely materialize into reality.

Meanwhile, ANYA appealed to the Chief Minister for early construction of 4-Lane Highway from Itanagar to Banderdewa, Hollongi Airport, establishment of AIIMS at Itanagar and gearing up activities for Smart City competition.

DIPRO clarifies

AALO, Feb 8: Referring to a news item under heading "Rijiju Inaugurates Golden Jubilee Gate...", which was published on November 21, 2016 in local dailies, including The Arunachal Times, the DIPRO in a release clarified that the actual land donor for establishment of Upper Primary School Nyorak was the HGB of Nyorak Rakte Village, Tomar Mayi.

ATMA conducts training cum demonstration on Agri sectors

PASIGHAT, Feb 8: Initiated by the Siang district Deputy Commissioner Rahul Singh, a day-long capacity building training cum demonstration on "Agri and allied sectors" was conducted at Riew village, under Rebo Perging Circle in Siang district on Monday last.

DHO K. Doji spoke on the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Farmers’ Registration as a resource person in the training programme. Good management practices in organic farming, common pest and disease that cause damage to crops and their control measures were also discussed.

During technical session, ADO Kempi Lollen, Veterinary Officer Dr. Jummo Ete and HDO Bami Koyu gave a power point presentation on the topics - "Organic Farming and Vermi Compositing", "Commercial Pig Farming" and "Commercial Cultivation of Large Cardamom and Disease Management."

Altogether, 96 farmers, including 40 females attended the training programme, which was sponsored by B Mengu, Project Director of ATMA.

Training imparted

DARAK, Feb 08: The Young Mission Adventure Club (YMAC) conducted scientific cultivation training on potatoes, tomatoes, and animal husbandry at Darak in West Siang district recently.

The programe was sponsored by NABARD regional office, Itanagar under farmers' club formation and training.

Dr. Theja Angami (Horticulture Scientist) and Dr M Baruah( Animal Scientist) from ICAR Basar were resource persons during the day long training for the farmers.

Teachers demand salaries

NAMSAI, Feb 8: The All Arunachal Sarva Siksha Abhiyan Teachers' Association (AASSATA) of Namsai unit today demanded that the Education Department release the two months' (December and January) pending salaries of SSA employees, which are reportedly lying in the district account for more than 20 days.

Referring to the order number AR/SSA/FIN-95/2016-17/1617-37, dated August 2016, whereby the DDSE's of all districts were directed to release the salary for all employees under SSA within a week of receiving funds from the SPO fund, meant for salary, and not to keep it lying in the district account for more than one week, the AASSATA district unit claimed that this delay in release of salaries is not a first time in the district, and that the officers are rather blaming each other in the name of absenteeism from their place of posting.

"There is no reason that the government should keep the hard-earned salaries of teachers pending for so long even after it has been credited into the district account", the district unit of AASSATA said, and appealed to the concern authorities to look into the matter seriously least it affects the smooth functioning of classes.

Youths urged to inculcate moral values

PASIGHAT, Feb 8: The five-day-long intensive training to build capacity and develop leadership qualities of youth organised by Nehru Yuva Kendra concluded at Farmer Training Centre at GTC, Pasighat.

DSO Nada Apa and Advocate Borik Tarang, who attended the programme as resource persons, spoke on topics related to moral values for youths, character building, national integration, patriotism, communal harmony etc.

Both the resource persons stressed on the need to inculcate moral values among youths and their character building for the betterment of the society and the nation. They exhorted the youths to be patriotic and serve the nation selflessly.

Discussions were also held on various social and cultural issues affecting the society and the role of youths during the training.

District Youth Coordinator East Siang, Tapun Taki highlighted the activities undertaken by Nehru Yuva Kendra, Pasighat and other flagship programme of Government of India to the trainees.

He also made fervent appeal to all the volunteers and youth attending the training to form a youth club and Mahila Mandal in their respective villages and conduct awareness progra-mmes. Further, he urged them to contribute something for the nation with the concept of "Nation First-Character Must."

Certificates were also distributed after successful completion of five days training programme to all the trainees.

AIP 2017-18 under SBM(G) for East Kameng finalized

SEPPA, Feb 08: District Swachh Bharat Mission Management Committee (DSBMMC) in a meeting on Wednesday finalized the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) for 2017-18 under SBM (Gramin) in East Kameng district.

Deputy Commissioner Rajeev Takuk, who presided over the meeting at Kameng Hall here, appealed to all stakeholders to work in tandem with dedication to make East Kameng an open defecation free (ODF) district.

Requesting for active participation in SBM programmes, he urged everyone to take oath to eradicate open defecation.

The DC suggested the department staff and stakeholders to encourage every individual to adopt and inculcate the habit of living healthy and hygienic life.

Takuk suggested all administrative officers for proper monitoring and providing logistic support in construction of individual household latrine and other activities under SBM (G) in the district.

The DC announced cash award for Veo and Sekong villages for achieving the status of open defecation free.

ZPC Mering Natung requested the PHE&WS Department to monitor and verify the works comprehensively before sanctioning any bills.

The ZPM stated that her village has attained the status of ODF due to sheer hard work and dedication of local populace and the department concerned.

She further requested the department to educate and guide other people with same zeal and vigour to attain an open defecation free society.

Briefing about the achievement during 2016-17, EE (PHE&WSD) Bharat Sonam highlighted on the performance and current status of IHHL activities and SBM (G) in the district. He also highlighted the aims and objectives of SBM (G), which include eradication of open defecation, conversion of unsanitary toilets into flush water toilets, to bring behavioral change among people regarding healthy sanitation practices, to generate awareness about health and hygiene, and others.

Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) under SBM (G) for the session 2017-18 was also discussed and finalized in the meeting.

ZPMs, Anchal Chairpersons and members of the DSBMMC were present and took part in the discussion. DIPRO

Ayang donates blood to mark its 1st anniversary

[ Maksam Tayeng ]

PASIGHAT, Feb 08: "AYANG" a voluntary blood donating organization had organized a blood donation camp to mark its 1st anniversary at Bakin Pertin General Hospital here on Tuesday.

While lauding the activities of the NGO, Joint Director, Health Service (R & T) said "AYANG" is probably the first organization in our region which is donating blood to the needy patients. Medical Superintendent, Dr Y R Darang who also deeply appreciated the noble work of AYANG said that more people need to come forward for voluntary blood donation to save the life of others.

Senior Pathologist Kaling Jerang, who is closely associated with the NGO said, "Arunachal requires around 15,000 units of blood annually. But only 5000 units are being donated." While highlighting the activities of the organization, he said that AYANG is doing a great job by motivating its members and others to donate blood.

Dr. Gegong Jongkey, Blood Bank Officer said that the blood bank office has improved due to regular power supply and more people are requested to come forward for blood donation.

While talking to this reporter, Aini Taki Taloh, Founder Chairman cum Life-Head of "AYANG" said that till date around 150 lives have been saved by donating blood. Taloh, who alone donated 17 units of blood, was felicitated and awarded with certificates by AIDS Control Society, GoAP, Federation of Blood Donor Organizations of India for his noble works. She informed that Arunachal Pradesh Government had announced commendation certificate during 2014 for her, but unfortunately the certificate has not been handed over to her till date.