February 13
State finance dept accused of blocking Naharlagun -
Staff Reporter
NAHARLAGUN, Feb 12: The state Finance Department is reportedly sitting over a file proposal for construction of steel bridge between Naharlagun Helipad and Borum village.
The foundation stone for the said bridge was laid on 2nd January, 2016 last. This bridge is considered a significant project in order to ease the massive traffic congestion in Naharlagun town.
However, more than a year has passed but the Finance Department is yet to clear the file.
"Once completed, the bridge will help those going towards Nirjuli, Banderdewa, Assam
and to other districts to avoid Naharlagun. It will also aid office-
The ever increasing traffic congestion in the Capital Complex, especially at Naharlagun has become a major headache for the denizens. Also, the work for construction of RCC Bridge to connect the railway station in Yupia with Lekhi village is also progressing at a snail's pace. This project has been funded by the Indian Railways as part of the package for construction of Borum Railway Station. However, the work is reportedly going at an extremely slow pace and is expected to take many more years to complete.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Secretary for Urban Development cum Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso has expressed frustration with the Finance Department for holding up the file proposal for construction of steel bridge between Naharlagun Helipad and Borum village.
"This is the working season for hilly states like ours, but unfortunately, the file is pending in the Finance Department for approval. The department should understand the gravity of the traffic problem affecting citizens of Capital Complex," said Kaso, before urging the Commissioner Finance to clear the file in the greater interest of the people.
"We are initiating various steps to ease traffic in the Capital Complex. The Jully-
State needs to review affordable housing schemes
[ Junroi Mamai ]
An affordable home of one's own, be sides food and cloth is the basic need of every
individual. Lately, many have cheered Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement
to provide subsidy on home loans taken by the urban poor. Under the Pradhan Mantri
Awas Yojana (PMAY), which focuses on the needs of the economically weaker sections
and low income group, the amount of home loans has been increased to Rs 12 lakhs
with interest subsidy up to 4 percent as part of the government's push for low-
The scheme was earlier announced in June 2015 by the PM to provide housing for all by 2022. It offered beneficiaries an interest subsidy at the rate of 6.5 percent for a loan up to Rs 6 lakh, with interest subvention of up to 4 percent. Later, the loan amount was doubled to Rs 12 lakhs with interest subsidy up to 4 percent.
Meanwhile, in a state like Arunachal, which recorded an enormous increase in percentage of urban population, about 3,13,446 according to a 2011 report, the scheme, if properly implemented would benefit a large number of people.
The state has currently about 3.5 lakh people living below the poverty line and it would be a real challenge for the government to ensure that the said scheme actually reaches the targeted section of people. Most of the people living below the poverty line are not properly aware of the government's latest welfare schemes as they are often uneducated and hence unable to avail these schemes.
There is undoubtedly, an urgent need for the state government to modify the norms under the said housing scheme loan for the actual benefit of both the urban and rural poor. As a case in point, the criterion for availing the loan in our state needs to be modified since it requires a person to primarily get land allotment and furnish Land Possession Certificate (LPC) to apply for the housing loan.
Now, it is a fact that majority of people in our state especially, the scheduled tribe population living below the poverty line still depend upon ancestral and community land and for them, who invariably have no knowledge of the welfare schemes to fulfil all these norms is a real challenge. Here in this scenario, there is an apprehension of the more educated and employed section of the society manipulating the norms for their benefit and depriving the real targeted section.
For the state government to ensure proper implementation of the housing scheme, it must review the norms under the schemes, not only the PMAY but of all the similar schemes currently implemented in the state including; Housing for All (Urban) (HFA), Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) and Basic Service for Urban Poor (BSUP) and Integrated Housing for Slum Development Project (IHSDP).
CoSAAP threatens to stir non cooperation movement
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Feb 12: Reiterating its charter of demands, the Confederation of Service
Associations of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) on Sunday threatened to go on a non-
The CoSAAP said that it has been demanding the state government to implement the
Fundamental Rules (FR)-
Withdrawal or review of No Objection Certificate for promotion and retirement of
government employees, restoration of Lateral Entry in APCS entry grade, implementation
of children education allowance, transport allowance for employees who are not entitled
to government vehicles, medical attendance rules, payment of adhoc bonus for non-
Addressing a press conference here at the APC on Sunday, the CoSAAP alleged that Chief Minister Pema Khandu's government has been repeatedly denying and overlooking their issues. CoSAAP President Pate Marik said, "CoSAAP is not demanding anything out of law. We are asking the government for those facilities which are within the framework of the rules". The CoSAAP President argued that there is no particular rule or law in the state or central government which says that the retirement age limit should be within 58 years.
Marik further added that "Fundamental Rule 56 has been adopted in the Adaptation Laws Act No. 4 of 1989 as provisions contained in section 46 of the state of Arunachal Pradesh Act, 1989. However, the state government is still maintaining three retirement systems in the state".
He alleged that the Fundamental Rule 56 has been discriminatorily implemented in Arunachal Pradesh as certain sections of employees retire at the age of 60 and are deprived, while certain sections of employees are allowed to retire at the age of 62.
On the NOC system being imposed by the state government for government employees before promotion and retirement, the CoSAAP claimed that most employees are unnecessarily harassed by the NOC system. The Federation asked the government to come up with a mechanism so that innocent employees are not harassed.
It further asked the government to make equal rules for common people who encroached government quarters and land illegally.
Further, expressing displeasure over the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union for opposing the enhancement of retirement age limit, the employees' federation asked that apex student body to refrain from commenting on the issue without learning the facts.
Likabali declared temporary headquarter of LSD
ITANAGAR, Feb 12: Following a massive hue and cry over the headquarter for Lower Siang district, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) on Sunday issued a statement and disclosed that the state cabinet in a meeting on February 7 last, has taken the decision to make Lower Siang district functional soon by posting a Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police.
While the Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Pema Khandu has decided on Garu to be the district headquarters of Lower Siang district, it also informed that till such time infrastructure is built up, the temporary functional District Administration shall be operational from Likabali.
"The decision on the demand for a new district -
Meanwhile, various organizations, students' unions and NGOs demanding Likabali as headquarters of the proposed Lower Siang district have demanded immediate resignation of local MLA and Health Minister Jomde Kena on moral ground for failing to fulfil their demands.
"The demand for Lower Siang district with its headquarters at Likabali was made solely for the purpose of administrative convenience and keeping in mind the security concerns of people living in foothill areas, but the government failed to live up to its assurance of making Likabali the functional headquarters", said the LSD Bandh Call Committee in a release.
The Committee also informed that the first day of the 96 hours Lower Siang bandh called by Jigo Yego Students' Union, Ramle Bango Students' Union, Kangku Circle Students' Union and various other organizations in protest against the state government's failure to notify Likabali as functional district headquarters passed off peacefully on Sunday.
The Committee has also decided to observe Statehood Day on February 20 as 'Black Day' and launch an indefinite bandh after February 20 until the demand was met.
Pasighat gears up activities for Smart City race
[ Maksam Tayeng ]
PASIGHAT, Feb 12: After two unsuccessful attempts in the previous Smart City bids, Pasighat has geared up its activities for the Smart City competition for the third time.
In order to generate public awareness on Smart City and increase participation in the race through suggestions/proposals, the Pasighat Municipal Council, in association with the District Administration organized a Smart City Marathon on Sunday morning to mark the beginning of Smart City Week.
The marathon, which received overwhelming response from people, was flagged off by Pasighat East MLA Kaling Moyong, in the presence of PMC Chief Councilor Kaling Doruk, Municipal Executive Officer Ainstein Koyu and representatives from Pasighat Smart City Consultants.
Maktem Modi won the race in men's category, followed by Kaling Tamin and Kamin Miyu in second and third positions.
In female category, Yabang Tali, Olak Moyong and Olak Nopi won the first, second and third positions respectively.
MLA Moyong, Chief Councilor Doruk and ABKWW President Yalem Taga Burang distributed prizes to the winners.
Meanwhile, the people of Pasighat have started to respond and are participating in the public poll by filling up the Pasighat Smart City Public Poll questionnaires.
Municipal Executive Officer Koyu exuded confidence that this time Pasighat would win the Smart City race. The same was echoed by the smart city consultants.
PPA rakes up Mere Vichaar, hydropower, demands Pema's resignation
ITANAGAR, Feb 12: The People's Party of Arunachal has asked the Pema Khandu led government
to make public the sealed 60-
The People's Party of Arunachal further appreciated the courage shown by the eldest wife of late Pul for her appeal for justice from the people of the state for her late husband. The party assured the family members of late Pul of every possible support till the culprits are booked and punished.
Calling the "hydro power scandal" a bigger scandal than the 2G scam, it further said that the people of the state must know that "huge amounts against 42,000 Mega Watts at the rate of Rs. 12 lacs per Mega Watt was collected during late Dorjee Khandu's time, much of which went to the office of the AICC and the rest into the private accounts of late Dorjee Khandu".
"The public of the state must demand serious enquiry as to who has inherited the huge illegal amounts collected against signing of MoUs against various river basins in the state. Pema Khandu must step down to pave way for a systematic enquiry, it said as it threatened to launch statewide democratic and peaceful agitations.
TAH compensation for Dumporijo to Tai underway
DAPORIJO, Feb 12: Disbursement of compensation for land-
Reportedly, at least 1850 beneficiaries have been paid compensation till date. The
TAH Committee, headed by the Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner took six days time
to measure each chainage of the stretch during its re-
Govt to remove barriers in implementation of SLP
DOLLONGMUKH, Feb 12: Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that the state government will soon start dialogue with the Centre and Assam Government to remove all barriers in implementation of the Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project (SLP).
The Chief Minister, who visited the project site and held a meeting with the NHPC officials here on Sunday, said that he would hold discussions with Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal and his Assam counterpart Sarbananda Sonowal to remove the stumbling blocks in implementation of the project of 2000MW capacity.
"Finding an early solution to the stalled Subansiri Lower dam assumes high importance as the state government is losing around Rs 1.20 crore everyday, which, otherwise, could have been accrued from 12 percent free power sharing", said Pema.
Pema opined, "No chief minister in Arunachal can take the state ahead without harnessing the hydropower potentials."
The executive director of Subansiri HEP apprised the Chief Minister on the present status of the project and informed that 55 percent of the work has been completed till date.
The official informed that the company is losing Rs 10 crore every day due to halt in the construction activities. Till date, the project has incurred an expenditure of Rs 9000 crore.
The NHPC was forced to suspend its construction activities of the project in December 2011 following protests from few of the stakeholders and pressure groups.
Earlier, the chief minister and his team visited the water intake site, followed by a 1.5 km drive inside the surge tunnel. The team also made a brief halt inside the tunnel where the NHPC officials briefed them on the layout of the eight surge tunnels.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Industries Minister Tamiyo Taga, Health Minister Jomde Kena, PHED Minister Bamang Felix, Transport and Supply Parliamentary Secretary Likha Saaya, Raga MLA Tamar Murtem, and Ziro MLA Tage Taki accompanied the chief minister during the visit.
Meet of the Mountain States organized
ITANAGAR, Feb 12: The fourth edition of the Meet of the Mountain States, organized by the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI) was held on Friday at WWF India Secretariat in New Delhi.
Inaugurated by Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, the meet deliberated on subjects of water security, skill development and disaster risk reduction in the mountains.
The IMI is a civil society organisation formed in 2011, aimed at redefining the architecture of sustainable development across the 12 mountain states in the Indian Himalayan region. It is a collective initiative for recognizing the value of mountain regions and enabling people to realise its potential by integrating the knowledge and experiences of multiple stakeholders.
The IMI operationalizes this platform through its annual Sustainable Development Summits and Meet of Mountain States by engaging different stakeholders to come together and engage in informed debates on themes relevant to the mountain regions.
Speaking on the occasion, Rijiju stressed on the need to work in convergence to ensure sustainable development in the mountain regions of India. He also highlighted the dilemmas of livelihood in the development context and environmental consequences of development facing the mountain cities which have lead to severe damage in valleys of Kullu and Manali and hill cities of Mussourie, Nainital, amongst others.
As a part of the meet, a legislators' dialogue was also held, where all the Members
of Parliament insisted on the need to focus on research in mountain subjects, such
as glaciology, hydrology, renewable energy, human-
MP PD Rai also shared the path followed by Sikkim towards sustainable development. He also mentioned that the state is moving to build a legislation to mainstream the subject in all departments and amongst the citizens. The meet was convened by Alemtemshi Jamir, President of IMI and former Chief Secretary of Nagaland.
Members of Parliament Dr Thokchom Meinya (Manipur), Vincent Pala (Meghalaya), Jitendra Chaudhury (Tripura), PD Rai (Sikkim) and former Member of Parliament Tarun Vijay were also in attendance, besides several eminent leaders of the development sector from organisations, such as FAO (UN), NECTAR, NSDC, ICIMOD, SDC, and WWF.
379 dogs vaccinated
ITANAGAR, Feb 12: As many as 379 dogs were vaccinated against rabies free of cost
at a camp here on Sunday organized by "Lip-
Conducted under the supervision of Dr Marli Ete, one of the main objectives of the vaccination camp was to generate public awareness on the importance of immunizing pets to stay safe from rabies.
According to veterinaries attending the camp, a pet should be vaccinated once every year, besides the monthly booster dose.
Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi fest begins
[ Indrajit Tingwa ]
BORDUMSA, Feb 12: Firing of 33 celebratory gunshots into the air marked the beginning of celebration of the 33rd Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi festival of the Singphos here on Sunday.
Later, the Poi Baw Manau (inaugural dance) was performed around the Manau shadungs
(the ceremonial pillars) at the Singpho Heritage Centre, Bordumsa. Another round
of dance called Kumrum Manau (Get-
One of the Singpho Chiefs, Duwa Bisa Latnong, who unfurled the festival flag, said that the Singpho tribe was on the path of development with the blessings of the Shapawng Yawng, believed to be the progenitor of the Singphos.
He believed that celebration of the festival in his commemoration has brought significant
benefits to the socio-
The festival will conclude on February 15 next.
The Tikhak community, which is considered close brethren of the Singphos is also participating in the festival, besides delegates from Assam, Zo Reorganisation Organisation (ZoRO) and Mizo Zirlai Pawl (Mizo Student's Association).
President and General Secretary of Singpho Development Society, Jowkhong Singpho and Ongyun Maio, former minister C C Singpho, president and general secretary of the celebration committee Sunanda Singpho and Koing Samon Umbon, and chiefs, GBs, public leaders and delegates from various regions were present during the inaugural function.
Govt accords priority to quality teacher recruitment: Pema
DOLLONGMUKH, Feb 12: Calling teachers as the ones who shape lives of children, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Sunday said that the state government has given high importance on recruitment of quality teachers, for which the government has decided to bring in qualified aspirants even from outside the state for subjects such as Maths and Science.
He, however, said that their filling up of the post will be subject to non-
"The state has all the ingredients to become a self-
Speaking on the budget preparation, Pema said, "We always hear the state has potential in agriculture, horticulture and tourism. I assure we will get to see it now that we are preparing a budget, which will be a participatory and inclusive one." All the comments and suggestions posted on his official Facebook page regarding the budget are being read, and the best one will be soon announced, he informed.
He also assured to take up with the home ministry regarding the long pending demand for an IRBN headquarters at Dollongmukh. On demand of the locals to stop firing practices by the Indian Air Force, the chief minister assured to take up the matter with the defence establishment. All pending assurances of the previous chief ministers will be fulfilled, Khandu announced, while adding that the requirement for an SDO headquarter will be immediately addressed.
Lauding the VKV for its contribution in the education sector in the state, he assured to release Rs 2 crore for the school under RE and also to release the entire pending corpus amount for the VKVs. He also advised the students and the public to give the teachers the respect they deserve.
Also, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein inaugurated a 200-
Mein lauded the visionary steps of late Chief Minister, Dorjee Khandu, who acknowledging the importance of VKVs and RK Missions in the state had provided them with corpus fund and all financial help from time to time. He acknowledged that it is due to his support that VKVs are able to function smoothly without financial hitches.
Also, on demand of the people for a post of Assistant Engineer in Dollongmukh, the Deputy Chief Minister assured to fulfill it.
The new academic building of VKV School and 200-
The chief minister was accompanied by Industries Minister Tamiyo Taga, Health Minister Jomde Kena, PHED Minister Bamang Felix, Transport and Supply Parliamentary Secretary Likha Saaya, Raga MLA Tamar Murtem, and Ziro MLA Tage Taki.
Two houses gutted
RIGA, Feb 12: Two houses were completely reduced to ashes in a major fire accident at Riga (Mobuk) village in Siang district on Sunday afternoon. Reportedly, house owners, Taring Taga and Tangir Taga have lost properties worth lakhs and failed to save any household items from the devastating fire.
However, sources informed that villagers rushed to the fire spot and prevented the fire from engulfing nearby houses.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.
CS takes stock of development activities in West Kameng
BOMDILA, Feb 12: Chief Secretary Shakuntala D Gamlin has asked all the government officers of various departments in West Kameng district to ensure timely implementation of all the development schemes with transparency as per guidelines.
She was reviewing the progress of ongoing schemes in a meeting with government officers, including Deputy Commissioner Sonal Swaroop at Bomdila on Saturday.
Highlighting the ambitious vision of the state to go organic, she urged the concerned
department to encourage organic farming and extend all possible assistance to
the farmers considering the favourable agro-
Accompanied by Food and Civil Supplies Secretary, J Angu, the CS also visited Dirang in the afternoon and interacted with government officials and Panchayat leaders. Giving patient hearing to the grievances of the locals, the CS emphasized on the need to develop health, education and agriculture sectors.
Earlier, former Dirang ZPM Dor Tsering raised vital issues, including the need for fire tender, solid waste management plant, and filling up of vacancies of gaon burahs.
CS Gamlin also visited Buddhist Dharma Practicing Centre, the TDL monastery on Sunday and took stock of the preparation for ensuing visit of His Holiness The Dalai Lama.
Later, she inaugurated the newly renovated "hot water spring" infrastructure near Dirang and also visited the National Institute of Mountaineering & Allied Sports and Chuk village.
PBKIVV organizes Swachha Arunachal-
ITANAGAR, Feb 12: The Rajyoga Center of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa
Vidyalaya (PBKIVV) organized a "Swachha Arunachal-
Speaking on the occasion, senior bureaucrat Huzar Lollen, while lauding activities of the Brahma Kumaris in promoting religious harmony and social cohesion, appealed to one and all to pledge to discard negative traits and lead a life filled with love, compassion, respect, humility, and divinity by empowering ourselves through Raja Yoga Meditation. He expressed hope that NGOs like Brahma Kumaris would fulfill the need of the society and help the government in building a healthy and strong society.
In his address, Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) President Dr Tacho Ligu stressed on the need of spreading peace and strengthening moral values through such programmes of universal brotherhood among human beings. He also emphasized on joint efforts with Brahma Kumaris to work on preservation, promotion and protection of indigenous faith and culture as well as for well being of rural people through sustainable development projects.
Chairman of Hydropower Development Corporation, Tungri Effa called for unity among all religions which is the need of the hour. He also explained about the benefits of Raj Yoga Meditation.
A senior exponent of Brahma Kumaris, Dr Jayadeba Sahoo, who is also Reader, Department of Education, Rajiv Gandhi University, explained Shiva as the Universal Name of God Incorporeal.
Dr Ashok Pandey, a senior faculty of Dera Natung Government College and Brahma Kumari
Junu, Manager, PBKIVV also spoke on the occasion. Junu also administered the pledge
for "Swachha Arunachal-
Training for medical-
ITANAGAR, Feb 12: Series of major training programmes, organized by the Directorate
of Medical Education concluded with the two days training on medical-
Professor of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology in AIIMS, New Delhi Dr Millo Tabin
trained the doctors on medico-
Professor Tabin elaborately discussed and demonstrated the procedural and technical
aspects, besides the need of using latest instruments for proper handling of medico-
Earlier in the day, Director in-
A total of seven themes were covered during the series of training programme from January 16 last.
The department is also planning to conduct more such training sessions from time to time, informed Dr Doye.
A large number of doctors from various parts of the state, along with GNM students of ASNS, Naharlagun were also present on the occasion.
AKDDSU renews demand for DC's ouster
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Feb 12: Renewing its demand for the ouster of Kra Daadi district Deputy Commissioner Habung Doni over alleged unfair means and irregularities in the recently held MPWS/ MTS interview in Kra Daadi district, the All Kra Daadi District Students' Union (AKDDSU) demanded immediate transfer and replacement of its deputy commissioner and posting of an IAS cadre officer in his place.
The AKDDSU has been demanding the replacement of DC Habung Doni for alleged nepotism and lack of intervention in the controversial MPWS/MTS interview, in which nine interviewees' documents were found to be doubtful in nature.
The nine MPWS/MTS candidates were terminated by the Commissioner Health and Family Welfare on February 2, 2017 after the candidates whose certificates were doubtful, were unable to produce original and authentic certificates. The department had constituted a Fact Finding Committee headed by Dr Higio Tama after the controversy erupted last year, in which the committee indicated "unfair means" in its report.
Speaking to reporters at the Press Club today, AKDDSU President Gora Rikam stated, "Since day one, we were alleging that there is some nepotism going on under the table of the said DC. Now , after the report of the high level inquiry team constituted by the Director of Health Service and intervention of Commissioner Health, Kaling Tayeng, it has been proved that there was some nepotism and mismanagement under the supervision of the said Deputy Commissioner".
"How can the authority just ignore such things?" he questioned while informing that due to such nepotism, many deserving candidates were deprived from the said job.
Demanding an SIT inquiry against all erring officers involved in this job scam, Rikam also appealed to the authority to recover the salaries of the said victim from the deputy commissioner, who allegedly mislead the poor people.
The AKDDSU further hailed the Commissioner Health and Family Welfare's decision to terminate the faulty candidates and also praised the inquiry team for their hard work in unearthing the truth behind the job scam in Kra Daadi district.
RGU awareness camp on drug addiction
Ziro, Feb 12: Lack of proper parenting, use of liquor in every function, non-
This was revealed during the second phase of awareness programme on drug addiction, especially opium, conducted by Rajiv Gandhi University in Lower Subansiri district from February 2 to 10.
The assessment was made involving school children, women groups, various NGOs and teachers.
The university conducted drawing and essay competitions among school children to study their views about the prevalence of opium addiction in their society.
Most of the children knew of the presence of drugs in their society which was revealed from their essay and drawings.
It was also found that use of bhang (marijuana) is highly prevalent in the district.
While expressing their views for arresting drug menace, the NGOs called for stern action against drug peddlers, organizing courses on parenting, ban on cheap IMFL, ban on liquor advertisement and sale or opening of wine shops for limited time only. They also stated that financial constraint has been hindering them in conducting awareness programme.
The team covered 12 schools with around 1000 students, and held literary competitions. The team had fruitful discussion with Enjalumenda Women’s Empowerment Forum Roing and the women wing of Adi Bane Kebang, Roing separately.
The winners of the competitions were given prizes and certificates.
Prof. Tomo Riba, Coordinator Outreach Program of the RGU was joined by Dr. Odol Pertin Assistant Professor from IGG College Tezu, Monshi Tayeng In charge Principal and Dr. Rajiv Miso Assistant Professor of JT Model Degree College Roing during the awareness programme.
Chairperson of EWEF Lomi Linggi, Geneneral Secretary Sumila Linggi and Legal Adviser Bulia Pulu, President WWABK Tenam Tayeng and Secretary Oseng Apum with other members attended the meeting.
Taking action, getting help for mental health problems
[ Osunam Pertin ]
Let us be clear about what mental health means. It does not mean staying blissful 24*7 or 7 days a week. No one can remain so. After all, we are all human beings and we will face lots of ups and down in our lives and accordingly feel emotions, like sadness, happiness, anger or anxiety. So we can say that, mental health involves three things:
We are able to
* Engage in productive activities like knitting a sweater or cooking etc
* Engage in healthy relationships and
* Ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity
Know some signs and symptoms and if several of the following are occurring and causing significant problems in your mental health, it may be useful to follow up with a mental health professional.
Withdrawal: Recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in others.
Drop in functioning: An unusual drop in functioning, at school, work or social activities, such as quitting sports, failing in school or difficulty performing familiar tasks.
Problems thinking: Problems with concentration, memory or logical thought and speech that is hard to explain.
Increased sensitivity: Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch;
avoidance of over-
Apathy: Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity.
Feeling disconnected: A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality.
Illogical thinking: Unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to understand meanings or influence events; illogical or “magical” thinking, typical of childhood in an adult.
Nervousness: Fear or suspiciousness of others or a strong nervous feeling. Unusual behavior: Odd, uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior.
Sleep or appetite changes: Dramatic sleep and appetite changes or decline in personal care.
Mood changes: Rapid or dramatic shifts in feelings.
One or two of these symptoms alone cannot predict a mental illness. But if a person is experiencing several at one time and the symptoms are causing serious problems in the ability to study, work or relate to others, he/she should be seen by a mental health professional. Even if a person does not yet show clear signs of a diagnosable mental illness, these early warning symptoms can be frightening and disruptive. Encourage the person to:
o Have an evaluation by a mental health or other health care professional.
o Learn about mental illness, including signs and symptoms.
o Receive supportive counseling about daily life and strategies for stress management.
o Be monitored closely for conditions requiring more intensive care.
The need for treatment of mental illness takes into consideration how severe the symptoms are, how much symptoms cause distress and affect daily living, the risks and benefits of available treatments and other factors.
Mental health treatment is based upon an individualized plan developed collaboratively
with a mental health clinician and an individual (and family members if the individual
desires). It may include psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication or other treatments.
Often a combination of therapy and medication is most effective. Self-
APRBPS raises Hindi graduates' grievances at national conference
NEW DELHI, Feb 12: Arunachal Pradesh Rashtra Bhasha Prachar Samiti (APRBPS) Chairperson Takam Sonia, representing Arunachal Pradesh at the recently held two days national Hindi conference, hosted by Bhasha Sahodari Hindi in New Delhi, highlighted the grievances faced by Hindi graduates in the state.
The APRBPS Chairperson said that although Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) has been offering bachelors and masters degree courses in Hindi, there was no provision for writing APPSC examinations in Hindi.
Sonia also said that 99 percent of the state's total population speaks Hindi and it serves as a common language for communication among various tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.
Senior Supreme Court Lawyer Shiv Sagar Tiwari and many others present in the meeting took note of the grievances highlighted by the APRBPS chairman and assured their help.
The programme was attended, among others by Vice Chancellor of Atal Behari Vajpayee Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal Professor Mohan Lal and BJP Spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
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Role of Governor under scanner
The role of Governor is once again in spotlight. Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao has been refusing to invite VK Sasikala to form government even though she has staked claim to form government with support of majority AIADMK MLAs. On 5th of this month Chief Minister O Panneerselvam tendered resignation and paved the way for Sasikala to take charge. On same day AIADMK MLAs elected Sakiala as their leader. Governor who also holds dual charge of Maharasthra continued to stay back in Mumbai. After few days CM Panneerselvam started rebellion against Sasikala and since then the rebellion has only grown bigger with many AIADMK leaders joining him.
The fight for supremacy between caretaker CM Panneerselvam and Sasikala can be resolved
in the floor of assembly. Governor should either ask Panneerselvam to prove majority
or if not invite Sasikala to form government and let her prove majority. The constitution
clearly says that if a person is elected leader by majority of MLAs, then he/she
should be immediately sworn-
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A school without facilities
Dear Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to bring into the notice of the concerned authority regarding the plight of one Govt run Middle school located at press colony Papunala, Naharlagun.
The school is at its worst condition with colourless dull walls all over with no
proper school signboard. There are very few classrooms which would not at all suffice
a middle school. My heart sighed a relief knowing school runs in two batches-
Colony dwellers informed that the school was established decades ago but till now I can see no proper boundary walls being erected. As a result of this, there is emergence of various footpath randomly bifurcating school playgrounds. Land encroachment is at its height.
There are numbers of Kutcha house built at the vicinity of school campuses with ever increasing "varandah" and local kitchen garden. When I tried to peep over those broken glass windows, I found very few desk benches some of which were lame and others on their verge to collapse. When enquired one lady told me that they are helpless as govt is taking no initiative. She said that she is forced to send her child to the Govt School which is in a bad shape. This is the condition of every poor family in our society. Gone are the days when we saw that our teacher's own sons and daughters were studying in the same govt. School where he was teaching.
As I continued, I found one two storey building nearby and beside that building was
a inaugural stone written "Shiksak Bhawan " inaugurated by HCM Nabam Tuki on dated-
Here, I m not considering Shiksak Bhawan as unimportant but my point is to prioritise things. We must always remember the term "shiksak" has not came out of its own but by virtue of student community. There are more than 600 students in this school and we all hold the future responsibilities of theirs. The department concerned are pleaded to take the issue as a matter of serious concern.
Yours,
Chera Akia
Restore scholarship and stipend
Dear Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I would like to state that many students of JNC Pasighat were in awe and total dismay as their names were struck out from the Stipend list. While some struck out names were found in the scholarship notice board, some did not made it to either any of them. On enquiry, the administrative officials commented on the matter that they will not provide any stipend to those who enrolled themselves in the scholarship merit list, saying "Double Stipend" won't be allowed.
The previous year had no complication as such. Stipends as well as scholarship were both granted. There were no notices or highlights that said anything about these. Some students who hail from poor sections of the society rely completely upon the scholarship and the stipend to meet their educational budget.
The scholarship is granted to tribal students of Arunchal Pradesh who were poor yet determined and secured good marks. It’s more of like an award and not a demand.
On behalf of all the dismayed students, we don't know who is responsible but kindly request that the matter be sorted out as soon as possible.
Yours,
Anonymous
Cashless economy with caution
Dear Editor,
We heard a roar of applause and criticism over the present budget! Yes, it’s the first budget in the time of financial uncertainties and the industrial downturn. Every citizen has been haunted by the dreadful specter of demonetization. More so when the center Government goes all out to push the idea of cashless economy. All glory to the visionary Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this revolutionary step. He knows very well to make much of the modern gadgets. Not just that, he easily makes peace with the unpredictable challenges too.
Well, E-
Another worrying factor is how reliable all these digital transactions are. Many
have long been voicing their concerns as to their safety and security features. Needless
to say, many ill-
With regard to the credit card many have sad tales to tell. I personally had a number
of hot exchanges with HDFC bank representatives. It was because the bank had reimbursed
only small amount from the integrated source account by leaving the bigger expenditure-
So, finally, one feels, before trumpeting the “cashless” exercise -
Yours,
Salil Gewali, Shillong
Congress should be fair and impartial
Dear Editor,
To say, that its own leaders are pious and clean and others are corrupt and deceitful
is completely wrong and unbecoming a National Party like Congress-
The party of INC acted like a judge and jury to direct Shri P.D. Sona to return the amount to Pul’s family. Such a malicious approach not only dents the clean image of a young and energetic politician like sona, but it brings bad name to the public of the constituency in particular and the state in general.
Therefore, through this letters to the editors of esteemed dailies I strongly appeal the Congress leaders to desist from such a blind accusation rather wait for the law to take its own course in the whole episode.
Yours,
Rillang Chege
Former Youth President, PPA
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