feb17 11

2017

February 11

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BJP trying to convert AP into Hindu state: APCC

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has alleged Narendra Modi led BJP government of trying to convert Arunachal Pradesh into a Hindu state.

The rich tradition and culture of the indigenous tribe of Arunachal Pradesh are at stake under BJP rule, it said.

The APCC also alleged BJP and Modi of creating political instability in the state.

It said, in recent past, Modi and BJP has created political instability in the state by masterminding the entire episode of toppling the popularly elected Congress Govt. and now they are using all tactics in destroying the Panchayat level, the mandate for which was given to Congress by the people of the state.

It is understood that Modi has pumped lots of black money before demonetization through MoS Kiren Rijiju to horse-trade the Panchayat leaders, APCC alleged.

"Rijiju, after assuming the charge of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, is doing nothing for the development of the state as he has no clear vision. He is rather busy in creating instability and destabilizing the people's mandate -Congress Govt. and Panchayat in the state. Instead of doing such activities, he should concentrate for all round development of the state. People are closely watching his every step and he will repent for it and also get answer from them in days to come", it warned.

"The recent mergers of many Congress Panchayat leaders to BJP have no meaning at all as the Panchayat election is nearing in the state. The reason behind the merger is just to please Modi by Rijiju and state BJP and also to pull crowd during the visit of Modi to Itanagar this month", the committee said.

"The past three years have seen a dull and dark shadow creep in the country under the Modi-led NDA Government with all hollow promises, false and tall claims. Performance mapping of the last three years demonstrate that this government is only about unrealistic promises instead of promise of 'Achche Din'" the party said.

" Even, all the developmental activities in the state came to a total halt and got engulfed in dust in the present BJP regime. The much talked about development special packages by Modi for the State and Panchayat is just a fooling tactic to lure the legislators and Panchayat leaders of the state", it further added.

Fire devastates Rubber plantations in Ruksin

[ Maksam Tayeng ]

PASIGHAT, Feb 10: Several hectares of Rubber plantations at Lingka village under Ruksin subdivision in East Siang district were totally destroyed reportedly by wild fire recently.

Three fire tenders from Pasighat and one from Jonai (Assam) were pressed into service to bring the fire under control, which was spreading fast engulfing new areas due to dry condition.

According to OC Fire Service Nyong Minnoh, the raging fire was brought under control from spreading further after hours of hard effort.

The actual cause of the fire is still not known.

Although the preliminary damage report has been communicated to the higher authority, a proper assessment of the damage caused by the fire is being assessed by the Department of Agriculture, informed DDMO G. Tsumo.

PPA demands resignation of Pema, Mein and Sona

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) has sought the resignation of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Parliamentary Secretary Pasang Dorjee Sona to pave way for fair investigation into allegations leveled against them by former Chief Minister Late Kalikho Pul in his diary "Mere Vichar".

"The three main architects of political defection and deception leading to the death of Lt. Kalikho Pul must step down from their respective posts at the earliest and a new Chief Minister ' inducted under whom a free and fair investigation of the entire allegations written in Mere Vichar are done. Unless they do so, the people of the state will not rest in peace, said a party statement.

"These few leaders have thoroughly exploited the innocence of the common people in the state, its rich and bountiful resources, thereby causing untold damages to the sustainable economy of the state bringing darkness to the future generation of the state. Every concerned citizen in the state should read this 60 page suicide note and take the pledge to teach them befitting lessons and throw them out once and for all before they can cause further damage to the clean democracy in the state", the PPA said.

The shootings in Tawang killing innocent public raising voice against a Hydro Power Project should be investigated afresh and that is possible only under a new government headed by a new Chief Minister, it said.

Chairman CWC, PPA Kamen Ringu stated, "The much awaited Mere Vichar finally has opened the Pandora's box of political corruptions, financial embezzlement, cheating and lies afflicting this peaceful state since decades taking the state towards doom. Mere Vichar has revealed the genesis of political and economic corruption and its systematic effects on the innocent common people because of the misdeeds and misrule of few crooks disguised in the form of the leaders of the innocent voters namely Lt. Dorjee Khandu, Nabam Tuki, Pema Khandu, Chowna Mein and Pasang Dorjee Sona. I don't think it will be fair and right to blame any political party in the state and the elected legislators in general just for the misdeeds of these few. They must be squarely blamed for all these mess and they are the ones who have tarnished image of the leaders in the state."

"Pema Khandu, Chowna Mein and Pasang Dorjee have brought disrepute to the images of Congress, PPA, BJP and finally badly dented the clean image of Narandra Modi" the party further said.

PPA has already written to Hemanta Biswa Sharma regarding the "scandalous background of the present Chief Minister and his continuity as the Chief Minister of the state that can possibly widen the rift between both the BJP and PPA in the state, both alliance partners under the umbrella of North East Democratic Alliance".

The Party further said that they will protest till Pema Khandu and Chowna Mein step down on moral ground.

Consensus reached on creation of new district with Miao as HQ

[ Pisi Zauing ]

NAMPHAI-I, Feb 10: After eight hours long marathon deliberation in a public meeting held at Namphai-I on Thursday pertaining to creation of new district, it was unanimously decided to bifurcate Changlang district and create a new district comprising six administrative circles of Bordumsa, Diyun, Kharsang, Namphai, Miao and Vijaynagar. Since consensus didn't arrive on the name of the district, a lottery draw was conducted to choose and finalize the name of the district from among Namdapha, Miao and Rima. In the draw, Rima was picked up. After finalization of Rima as name of the district with Miao as it's headquarter, the apprehension and debate on whether or not to create a new district is put to a permanent halt.

Minister Kamlung Mossang who has been given a free hand to carry forward the remaining official tasks pertaining to creation of Rima district expressed his gratefulness to the people for the decision taken with maturity.

Earlier, expressing shock that few individuals with vested interest are trying to hijack the process of district creation, Mossang questioned "what is the logic in saying that creation of new district will result in outnumbering of locals by outsiders. Terming the move anti-development, anti-people and politically motivated, Mossang urged the gathering to be cautious and stay away from such forces.

Zilla Parishad Chairperson Jowkhong Singpho also strongly condemned the steps initiated by some individuals saying that it purely aimed at delaying creation of the new district. He also called upon the people of Miao sub-division to be cautious.

Son Bahadur Punj representing Gorkha settlers of Vijaynagar said that the entire population of the valley are in favor of new district creation. Gumjanong Singpho, prominent public leader while extending his support said that creation of new district was indeed essential to accelerate the pace of development.

Samson Ngemu and Sanjay Kimsing representing Tangsa Youth Association and Kharsang Circle Unemployed Youth Association while seeking apology for not inviting Singpho and Yobin leaders in Feb 4 meeting said they didn't mean to politicize or communalize the issue.

ZPM Kharsang, Korong Longri said creation of new district is a must in the present context. Stating that Changlang HQ is too far, she pressed for new district with Miao as its HQ.

NES demands early creation of Rupung and Khamle (Kamla) dists

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: A team of Nyishi Elite Society (NES) led by its President Bengia Tolum on Thursday called on Chief Minister Pema Khandu and submitted its long-pending four-point demands, which included creation of Rupung and Khamle (Kamla) districts, construction of Itanagar-Seijosa and Palin-Tali roads with Kumey bridge and implementation of Heritage village scheme.

Stating that creation of the two districts has been long pending demand of NES since 2009, NES President Bengia Tolum in a memorandum, urged the Chief Minister to pass the creation of both the district in the ensuing Budget Session 2017 and notify the same in the gazette.

In the meantime, NES urged the State Government to relax government employees from its recent circular (vide No. PERS/AIS-03/99(Pt-I)/948 dated 7th February 2017) banning leave up to March, 31, 2017 in view of the month long Golden Jubilee Nyokum celebration at Joram which is underway.

NES appealed for relaxation of the ban order till February 28 to enable people to participate in the festival.

Golden Jubilee Nyokum Yullo Celebration begins

JORAM, Feb 10: Motor rally from Itanagar to Joram was organized as a run up to the Golden Jubilee Nyokum Yullo Celebration 2017 on Friday.

A good number of cars as well as members of Arunachal Bullet Club participated in the rally which was flagged off from Begi Lapang in Itanagar early in the morning.

Seven Namlos (long traditional house) for six Nyishi inhabited districts along with one Nyokum Namlo was inaugurated on the occasion by Yachuli MLA Likha Saaya.

Various sports and literary competitions are being organized in the event.

In the senior level essay competition, Terchi Gapak was declared the winner while Nikrun Bui came second and Taku Tabang third respectively.

In Junior Level Essay competition, Deepa Gosh of GHSS Seijosa was the winner while Kipa Tachuk of VKV Yazali and Lulu Lamdik of VKV ZIRO came in second and third positions respectively.

In sports, opening football match was played between Capital Complex and 21st Koloriang Team, where Capital Complex won by 2-0.

In women Volleyball, Yachuli ZPM XI lost to Yazali ZPM XI and in Men's volleyball Koloriang won against Pistana Anchal.

Nyokum Yullo will last for another 17 days at Joram and the main celebration will begin from February 17 next.

Pema assures APCSOA

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: Chief Minister Pema Khandu today assured the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service Officers' Association (APCSOA) that he would look into their problems and sort out their grievances.

Khandu also informed that proposal for a separate IAS cadre for Arunachal Pradesh has been placed with the Prime Minister of India.

The Chief Minister while acknowledging their grievances over career progression of the APCS civil service officers in the state has assured to immediately have a sitting with personnel department to sort out the issue.

He said the strengthening of APCS civil service officers was highly essential as non promotional scope dealt a serious blow to their morale and expectations.

Chief Minister advised the officers to work sincerely for the government and the people, as people had lots of expectations. "We are public servant and we are paid salary to work for the people," he said and urged them to work in transparent way keeping in mind the welfare of the public.

He further said all ministers and MLAs have also been asked to maintain transparency and accountability.

"We can change the mindset of the people only when we are sincere in our job. The state is ours and the onus lies more on our officers. For that we need to build a right atmosphere and work culture," Khandu urged. (PRO to CM)

Take utmost care while drafting cabinet note: DCM

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein on Friday inaugurated the day long training programme of Senior Officers on Cabinet Notes in the Office of the Chief Secretary at Civil Secretariat. DCM called upon the officers to take utmost care while drafting cabinet note citing that the basis and correctness of the decisions of the cabinet are solely based on the cabinet notes. As the decisions in the Cabinet are taken on the basis of inputs by the various departments in the form of Cabinet Notes, therefore it is quite imperative that correct facts are reflected, said Mein.

Mein further said that it is important to have Inter departmental consultations and obtain opinions of important regulatory departments such as law, finance, personnel and Administrative reforms before finalizing cabinet notes.

He expressed hope that that the training which is being imparted by a very experienced resource person, P K Jaiswal from New Delhi- Institute of Secretariat Training and Management (ISTM) will go a long way in Strengthening systems for Good Governance.

Chief Secretary, Shakuntala D Gamlin said that the training on Cabinet Note is being conducted to introduce reforms in the governance and to reiterate govt guidelines. She said that the Cabinet Notes must clearly follow the prescribed format for submission to the Cabinet and should strictly adhere to the guidelines framed by the Cabinet Secretariat, Govt of India.

She said that the Cabinet Notes must be prepared, appraised and finalised well in time by the HoDs enabling the Cabinet members to adequately go through the proposals in-depth prior to the Cabinet Meeting.

Principal Secretary to Home, Personnel, AR and Political, Satya Gopal in his introductory speech said that the training is being imparted to refresh skills and knowledge in drafting of Cabinet Notes as it requires considerable care and attention.

Resource Person, P K Jaiswal, Under Secretary, GoI, New Delhi appreciated the state Cabinet Cell and the IT Department for launching the e-Cabinet saying that Arunachal is among the first few states to introduce e-Cabinet in the country. Secretary to Chief Minister, Sonam Chombay also spoke on the occasion.

Handbook on Writing Cabinet Notes was also released by the Deputy Chief Minister on the occasion.

32 patients regain eyesight

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: Altogether thirty-two eye patient got back their vision in a two days eye screening cum surgery camp conducted by the RK Mission Hospital Itanagar at Shergaon and Rupa in West Kameng district on February 7 and 8 last.

The eye surgeries were conducted at Rupa Community Health Centre (CHC) by the team of doctors including Dr. Lobsang Tsetim, Ophthalmologist from RK Misision Itanagar. Dr. S.K. Thongon, SMO and Dr. Tsering Dorjee Thongdok also joined the eye camps.

Altogether 464 eye patients from Tenzingang, Morshing, Rupa, Jigaon, Thongre, Tenga, Kalaltang attended the camp.

A 67-year-old Tsering Dema Thungon who regained her sight expressed gratitude to the team, particularly, Dr. Lobsang Tsetim and NGO Garung Thuk for organising the camp.

Expressing satisfaction over the camp, Dr. Lobsang said there were four severe cases which could not be operated there. But he promised to conduct the surgery free of cost in RK Mission Hospital Itanagar.

NE women convention unanimous on strengthening Women Commissions

IMPHAL, Feb 10: The need to strengthen state women commissions in respective North East states made headway in the discussions at the North East Women Consultation, a two-day convention of women representatives from North Eastern states.

Policy framework of the government for political participation of women of the North Eastern states were also critiqued, with the resolution that states have to introduce or reinforce gender policies and gender budget.

Organised by the North East Dialogue Forum and sponsored by the Centre for Social Development the workshop held on Thursday at Youth Hostel Imphal, Manipur, saw women representatives sharing first hand experiences of women issues; domestic violence, restriction to inheritance rights, denial of human rights, displacement of women, sexual violence including forced participation of women in pornography, polygamy, spiritual violence, absence of regular court of law under customary laws etc. Issues of marginalisation of North Eastern women in social, political, and economic domain prominently came up in the discussion.

With the objective to give a platform to women representatives of the Northeastern states to share experiences and their struggle against issues related to women, the convention also aimed at developing strategies and mechanism for capacity building to protect and promote women's rights.

Chairing the session on identifying common issues of women and developing strategy, Editor of The Dawnlit Post, Dakter Esse spoke on women's political participation and customary laws in Arunachal Pradesh.

Stressing on the need to codify and modify customary laws, Esse said that there's conflict between the common law and the customary laws, adding that in customary laws where practices of child marriage, polygamy, bride price are not regarded as offences, is an offence under IPC. Though there has been slight decrease in practising such offences, there is still a strong need to introduce an Act in the state that of The Mizo, Divorce, Marriage and Inheritance of Property Act, 2014, added Esse.

This was also backed by representatives of other states who pitched for written forms of customary laws in states where customary laws are seeped deep.

On political participation of women in Arunachal, Esse said that though women's participation in electoral process is more than the male counterpart, women representatives till date is less in state assembly and that their participation in village council meetings is still under the guidance of male counterpart.

Convenor North East Dialogue Forum U Nobokishore speaking to the participants called for research and documentation of all violence meted out to women in their respective states while stressing on advocacy, capacity building and networking of women groups in the North East.

Secretary Women Action for Development, Imphal Sobita Mangstabam gave an indepth overview of armed conflict and its impact of women and children in Manipur.

Sobita stated that the trends of sexual violence on women has shifted from state and non-state actors to the common people (relatives, neighbours, selfstyled relatives of ministers and armed forces etc), while adding that attention is required on Criminal justice System to improve human security and human rights.

Informing that the total recorded cases of crime against women since 2010 till date is 1684, Sobita said that nothing much is being done by the state and centre to control the rising crime against women in the region, thereby calling for Unite Nation's intervention in the matter.

Representatives from North East Affected Area Development Society, Assam Nilashi Neog and M. Saikia spoke on socio-political status of Assamese women, crime against women and judicial system in Assam wherein the duo highlighted on delay in justice and weak support from the administration and police department.

Human rights violation faced by Bodo women in Assam such as witch hunting and sexual assaults were also highlighted.

Need of indigenous women group in Tripura and the challenges of indigenous population falling under microscopic minority is an issue that is not being addressed, said Ajita Tripura, a women representative of Tripura.

Vice chairman AIKO, Mizoram Maggie L Ralte spoke on land ownership by women and problem of women drug users in Mizoram.

Issues of women survivor due to armed conflict in Nagaland, issues of migration due to mining and its impact on women in Meghalaya were also discussed.

Formation of a common North East forum for women, workshops for head councils, lobby and advocacy and capacity building training for women were some of the resolution from the convention.

VC calls for quality teacher education

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: Rajiv Gandhi University Vice Chancellor, Prof. T. Mibang has urged upon all the education institutions to work seriously to provide quality teacher education specifically school Internship programmes for quality education in schools.

Prof Mibang said this at the one-day workshop-cum-orientation on School Internship of B.Ed. Programme organized by the Department of Education, RGU on Friday.

Pointing out the deteriorating condition of education scenario, Vice Chancellor has requested all the teacher education institutions to take the programme seriously. He appreciated the effort of the Department of Education for successful implementation of School Internship of B.Ed. programme, first of its kind in the country, after the introduction of B. Ed two years course.

Controller of Examination, Prof. R. Tamuli, highlighted the importance of Teacher Education Programme as a professional course. He requested all the teacher education institutes to take the Internship programme seriously for four months in addition to their theoretical two-year programmes for proper orientation and professionalization of teacher education.

Prof. K.C. Kapoor, Coordinator of the workshop, Prof. E. Hangsing, Prof. J. Sahoo, Dean of the Faculty of Education also spoke on the occasion.

In the first technical session, Prof. Kapoor deliberated at length on the modalities and procedure of implementing internship programme rigorously with proper evaluation procedures. Prof. J Sahoo highlighted the involvement and cooperation of state education department specifically Directorate of Elementary and Secondary Education for which department has already conducted one consultative meet with both the directors on Thursday.

Nine Teacher Education Institutions (B.Ed) attended the workshop.

RGU Registrar, Prof. R. Taba, a senior faculty of education, underlined the importance of the Internship Programme to have better teachers for better education. Taba also distributed certificates to all the participants in the programme.

The internship programme is a joint effort of University, Teacher Education Institutions and Directorate of School Education.

8 children detected with congenital heart disease

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: An echocardiography camp was conducted for children of age 0-18 years to confirm congenital heart diseases among children at Tomo Riba State Hospital Naharlagun on Friday.

Of the total 37 children screened, eight were detected with congenital heart disease and they were referred to Manipal Hospital for treatment.

The camp was conducted under Rashtriya Bal Swastiya Karyakaram of National Health Mission and in collaboration with Arunachal Pradesh Health Society.

NHM State Mission Director PN Thungon informed that the children detected with the diseases will be given free treatment under referral support scheme of the RBSK.

The main objective of the screening camp was to provide the under privileged free consultation and check up.

Nodal officer (RBSK) Dr Amping Perme said that the camp mainly focused on children with heart diseases particularly children with hole in heart. The patients will operated upon free of cost under this mission.

Further, under this scheme, early screening and management of defects at birth, including hole in the heart, defects in brain, spinal cord etc., deficiencies, diseases and development delays in children upto 18 years are done and given free treatment, Dr. Perme informed.

Cardiac surgeon Dr. Gangadar and Echo technician Boge Kishore from Manipal Hospitals, Bangalore were also present.

ALSDSU reiterates demand

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: The All Lower Subansiri District Students' Union (ALSDSU) has reiterated its demand for maintenance and immediate execution of Trans Arunachal Highway from Potin to Bopi.

In its representation to the DC, it appealed for proper monitoring of the project so that the desired target can be reached.

Urging the concern department and the construction agency for smooth and early completion of the project, it warned individuals/groups to abstain from indulging in any kind of hindrance against the work.

It further said that it would monitor the work till its completion; as it asked the district administration to immediately disburse the compensation amount.

Union demands Likabali as temporary headquarters

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: While welcoming the GoAP's decision to create the Lower Siang district, the Galo Students' Union (GSU) on Friday strongly urged the Chief Minister and the local MLA -cum- Minster for Health & Family Welfare, Jomde Kena to honor the assurances given to the Galo Welfare Society (GWS) and all its frontal organizations regarding immediate functioning of temporary headquarters at Likabali.

'The people of 28th Likabali AC and 36th Nari-Koyu AC have been facing untold miseries and sufferings since the last many decades. The districts should be created for administrative convenience keeping in mind the welfare of the people and should not be used as a political tool', the release further said.

The GSU further demanded immediate posting of DC and SP for Lower Siang at Likabali by February 20 next, failing which it has threatened to launch mass boycott. It also said that adequate funds should also be earmarked for the district in the upcoming Budget session.

The union has also strongly demanded the Chief Minister to initiate the process for creation of Leppa Rada district at the earliest.

Team of vets rushed to FMD hit areas

ZIRO, Feb 10: A team of vets and para-vets along with required medicines has been rushed to Kebi, Depo, Chulyu, Amgi and Takam Pasa and Ziro-II areas of Lower Subansiri district to contain the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) in mithuns and other livestock following the report from All Lower Subansiri District Volunteer Front.

Lower Subansiri, District Veterinary Officer, Dr. Hage Taley has informed that in addition to treatment, the team will also see the ground realities and collect serum and tissue samples for virus isolation and typing.

While informing that FMD is a viral disease and does not have any treatment, Dr. Taley said that the disease can only be prevented by scheduled vaccination and controlled by ring vaccination and treatment of affected animals to stop secondary infection. He also urged the livestock owners to co-operate with the field functionaries in immunizing their valued livestock and to report any outbreak or unnatural death to the nearest veterinary centers at the earliest. (DIPRO)

Orientation programme for Smart City Volunteers

NAHARLAGUN, Feb 10: An orientation programme of the capital youths under the aegis of 'Smart City Volunteer' for door to door and online campaign for citizen feedback for smart city proposal of Itanagar was held at Itanagar Municipal Council Building here on Friday. 38 boys and 12 girls, attended the orientation programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Municipal Executive Officer, Itanagar Municipal Council, Habung Lampung exhorted the youths to extend support to sensitise the citizens of capital about smart city. He opined that the youth is the ultimate ones to spread awareness among the citizens.

IMC Smart city in charge cum Deputy Chief Councilor, Tarh Nachung also exhorted the youths for successful door to door campaign. He spoke on the importance and involvement of each and every individual in the process of preparation of smart city proposal and said that the path to win smart city tag is almost like preparing for examination.

Itanagar Municipal Council Executive Engineer cum Nodal Officer Smart City, Tadar Tarang, sensitised the youths about smart city project, its objectives, their role and processes of winning smart city race.

He further informed that for selection of smart city Itanagar, four zones have been identified, two at Itanagar, one each at Naharlagun and Nirjuli, whereby any citizens can go the link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5782XFC circulated in social media and have the freedom to vote for the areas to be developed first.

Apart from this, he educated the youth on good behaviour and gentle approach while on door to door survey.

As part of sensitisation, they were trained on filling up of citizen feedback forms and online polling.

Further survey kits were handed over to the Smart city Volunteers.

District Level Implementation Committee meeting on MOVCD-NER

ZIRO, Feb 10: A District Level Implementation Committee meeting on Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD-NER) was held in the office chamber of the Deputy Director, Agriculture, here on Friday.

According to the MoU signed by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh with organic production and certification agencies in September, as part of the flagship program under PMO's vision to brand North East Region as the organic hub of the world, Oppu Engineering and Agro Services (OEAS), Naharlagun has been assigned as the consultant agency for Lower Subansiri along with four other districts.

Speaking on the occasion, ADC, Nending Chatung extended full cooperation from the district administration to OEAS in carrying out the mission organic chain development program in the district.

'With the completion of this three year spanned project, farmers should have accessibility to improved agriculture services and better access to markets and a better livelihood. At the same time need-based infrastructures like cool rooms should be identified and prioritized,' he added while citing example of kiwis which often get spoiled due to unavailability of storage facilities.

He further suggested for including experts from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Yachuli as members of the District Level Implementation Committee to utilize their knowledge and experience pertaining to the agricultural activities in the district.

Deputy Director Agriculture-cum-MOVCD-NER member secretary, Boria Nakum informed the members that farmers in Ziro-I have been practicing organic cultivation since couple of years especially, in kiwi gardens. He further suggested for declaring the district as 'organic district' to phase out use of chemical fertilizers in other parts of the district and replace it with organic fertilizers. He also insisted on geo tagging of all farmlands for effective monitoring and inspections.

MOVCD Consultant, Tushar Ghosh with the help of a PowerPoint presentation informed about the implementation process of MOVCD and the role of the OEAS as the Consultant Agency. He further said that two crops have been indentified for organic certification from Lower Subansiri district - Kiwis for Ziro-I and Cardamom for Yazali Circle.

OEAS Proprietor, Tadra Gandhi also spoke on the occasion.

HDO, Hibu Obing, ADO, Joram Robi and officials from the agriculture and horticulture department also attended the meeting. (DIPRO)

IYA expresses displeasure over slow pace of work

Correspondent

ROING, Feb 10: The Ithumro Youth Association (IYA) of Hunli-Desali Block, have expressed great displeasure over the overtly slow paced work of the BRO on the Hunli-Desali-Metengliang-Hayuliang road under its Indo-China border road programme.

According to the IYA, 20 kms of the 3531.66 lacs project was supposed to be completed by 2014, however, construction of only 8-9 kms has been done till date, whereas the work had started around 4 years ago in 2012.

Hunli, Desali and other adjoining places face a lot of problem due to lack of motorable road connectivity, making villages beyond Hunli accessible only via foot. Such road projects bring a lot of hope for the people of the area, but improper and untimely completion of the work makes people dejected, said the IYA.

The IYA also informed that during a meeting with OC BRO Hunli office in early August last year the officer had told them that the survey is being conducted and the machines and equipment would be installed in the selected areas by the end of August or September 2016. However, the equipment and machinery are yet to be installed.

RGGP conducts field visit for final year students of EEE

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: The Rajiv Gandhi Government Polytechnic College (RGGPC), Itanagar has conducted field visit for the final year students of Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE). The students visited Teesta-V Hydroelectric Plant under National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC) at Singtam in East Sikkim on Thursday. The visit was done under All India Council for Technical Education-North East Quality Improvement Programme (AICTE-NEQIP). It was led by Lecturer cum Course Coordinator Bengia Taday. They visited power station located at Balutar and dam site at Dikchu

Teesta-V Hydroelectric Plant (NHPC Ltd.), Singtam has installed capacity of 510 MW and was commissioned in the year 2008. During the visit, students were shown various types of electrical parts as well as equipments used in electrical generating station. The engineers and officials deputed for the visit explained to the students about their operations, control, maintenance and applications at length. They guided the students at their highest technical level.

"It was a rare opportunity which gave the students to learn things practically in a real-time functional environment through interaction, witnessing the working methods and clarifying the doubts from experienced engineers/ officials from such a big power developer of the country. This visit will give the students exposure to current work practices as opposed to theoretical knowledge being taught in class rooms at Colleges," shared Course Coordinator, Bengia Taday.

Farm mela conducted at NERIST

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: The department of Agricultural Engineering under North East Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST) conducted Farm Technology Awareness-cum-Demonstration Mela on Friday at its campus. The event was sponsored by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) through All India Coordinated Research Project on Ergonomics and Safety in Agriculture. About 50 farmers from different parts of Papum Pare district as well as from nearby Assam participated in the Mela. The main theme of the Mela was to show improved hand tools and farm machinery for enhancing the knowledge of the farmers of this region through customized lectures, exhibitions along with demonstration of the various feasible farm tools and machineries.

The Director of NERIST Prof. H. S. Yadav appreciated the efforts of the Department of Agricultural Engineering for inspiring the farmers to adopt advanced technologies in order to boost productivity. This is of primary importance given the fact that India is a major agri-producing country, he added. Prof. Yadav further stated that Agricultural Engineering is going to be one of the most sought after disciplines in the years to come. The benefits can be drawn further by channelizing the resources particularly, by harnessing the energy of the youth and orienting their focus towards agriculture said Prof. Yadav.

Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary and Mission Director, Mithun and Yak Conservation, Dr. Taba Heli in his address emphasized on identifying the needs of the farmers and imparting collaborative and coordinated efforts for the greater benefits on the field. He also emphasized on the creation of a common platform for knowledge sharing by bringing in the expertise of different departments under one platform in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Dr Heli also stressed on the need of soil testing in the Krishi Vigyan Kendras for ensuring better productivity and assessing suitability of cultivating different crops.

Several farm machineries such as package of paddy cultivation (transplanter, drum seeder, Vertical Conveyor reaper, improved sickle, pedal threshers, weeder winnower) orange harvester, safety gadgets for dao, maize Sheller have been displayed during the mela. Further, maize sheller and improved sickle has been distributed to each farmer.

District Agricultural Officer, Papum Pare Joram Tako highlighted the problems faced by the farmers in the state and the declining agri-productivity. He appreciated the efforts made by the Department of Agricultural Engineering in mitigating the problems faced by the farmers in the state of Arunachal Pradesh and welcomed the move of conducting the Mela. Further, he also provided an overview of the plans and programmes initiated by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh for the benefit of the farmers.

While the head of the Department of Agricultural Engineering welcomed the delegates, the PI of Project Dr. P. K. Pranav provided an outline of the programme and stressed upon aligning the research made in the field of agriculture engineering to address the actual needs of the farmers to boost productivity and profit.

Defence Pension Adalat held

KOHIMA, Feb 10: The 145th Defence Pension Adalat to educate the Ex-Servicemen of North East region on pension policies and to rectify anomalies was held for the first time in Dimapur under the aegis of Spear Corps.

Out of the 148 anomalies came up in the adalat, 109 cases were settled on the spot and remaining cases were referred to PCDA, Allahabad for early settlement.

The Adalat was conducted by Controller General of Defence Accounts N Neihsial and officials of PCDA, Allahabad.

The benefits of 7th Pay Commission and One Rank One Pension (OROP) were also elaborated.

The adalat held on February 8 and 9 was attended by 175 Ex- Servicemen, widows, Veer Naris.

Forest conservation and environmental awareness prog

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: Public were sensitized on the importance of protection, preservation and conservation of environment, forests and wildlife during an awareness camp organized recently at Khapla village in East Kameng district by All East Kameng Environment Protection & Development Committee (AEKEPDC).

Explaining the impacts and consequences of environmental pollution and forest fires due to rampant destruction of forests, State CAMPA Steering Committee member Madan Sonam, who also is the Chairman of Kassar Valley Welfare Organisation, appealed all to refrain from rampant tree felling, hunting and fishing using chemicals and explosives, electric current.

State CAMPA Steering Committee Members Panye Laji and Nyakar Raksap appealed to the public to become savior of wildlife by not killing them and burning down and destructing their habitats.

AEKEPDC President Taram Bagang stressed the need to stop hunting of wildlife at any cost and said that anyone found hunting should be booked under Wildlife Protection Act. He appealed to the public to inform any illegal hunting to the concern authority and informer(s) identity would not be disclosed.

Earlier, resource person from State CAMPA D Gogoi, who also is the nodal officer of CAMPA, elaborated the role and function of CAMPA and appealed public to cooperate it for larger interest of people and State.

The public, GBs and Gaon Buris from various villages of East Kameng district attended the awareness programme.

The programme was organized in collaboration with State Compensatory Aforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) under Department of Environment and Forest, GoAP. (From Taro Chatung)

NABARD launches Farmers' Club in Roing

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: A farmers' club, namely Rayang Farmers' Club in Rayang village, Roing in Lower Dibang Valley was officially launched by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) campus at Balek on Friday.

The Club has been promoted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Balek and sponsored by NABARD.

During the launching programme, NABARD District Development Manager Nitya Mili briefed all the members of the Club about the background of Farmers' Club- its origin, necessity, benefits etc. and explained them the 5 Principles of Farmers' Club.

He advised all the members of Club to work together to develop appropriate technologies and solutions to the problems of the farming sector.

Mili also explained the gathering that NABARD supports Farmers Clubs for a period of three years with assistance for exposure visits, training through experts to encourage progressive farming methods etc.

For this purpose, NABARD provides financial assistance of Rs. 10,000 to a Farmers' Club annually for three years. To continue their functioning, after the period of 3 years, these farmers clubs are encouraged to start their own small savings.

Mili also explained in detail about all Centrally Sponsored Schemes like DEDS, NLM, KCC, WCC etc. to the gathering.

Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Balek Dr. TJ Ramesha explained about the prospects of various Agri/ Horti crops and Animal Husbandry of the region. He urged the members to go for organic farming and encouraged them for cultivation of those crops which are driven by market demand.

Dr. Ramesha also shared some of his earlier experiences of forming Farmers' Club and the practicality of the Clubs. He also explained the Club members about all the necessary assistance and other benefits they would get from KVK in the coming days after formation of the Club.

Later, all the members of the Club accompanied by KVK staff were taken for a field visit in the KVK campus where they were exposed to demonstrative model of Vegetable Production Plot, Azolla unit, Vermicomposting unit, Fodder unit, Tuber crops, Poly house, Fish Smoking Unit and Solanaceous crops etc.

NDD launched in East Kameng and Papum Pare

Itanagar, Feb 10: East Kameng Deputy Commissioner Rajeev Takuk launched another round of National De-worming Day (NDD) under National Health Mission by administering an Albendozale tablet to a child here at GMS Pacha, Seppa on Friday.

The programme is being conducted in every circle of the district by the District Health Society in collaboration with the District Administration. Administrative officers, health staffs and Anganwadi Workers are closely monitoring the success of the programme. A mop up day for left out children is scheduled to be organised in every circle on February 15.

Under this programme, all children in the age group between 1-19 years are going to be de-wormed at various Anganwadi centres and schools of the district. Around 36000 children spread over 354 schools and 480 AWCs of the district are expected to be de-wormed during the proposed NDD and Mop up Day.

Among others, DMO Dr. C L Mallo, DRCHO Dr. K Lapung, DDSE i/c Ashing Lamgu, SMO Dr. K Sopin, DANO Dr. S K Suman, teachers and health staffs were present on the occasion.

Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner cum Chairman of the District Health Society Tai Kaye distributed Albendazole - de-worming tablets to school children at Upper Primary School, Yupia to mark the launch of the National De-worming Day.

In his address, the DC gave stress on proper implementation of the NDD programme at schools including Govt and Private schools, Anganwadi centres, in block levels and district levels. He further urged the DMO and DRCHO to verify expiry and manufacturing dates of de-worming tablets for ensuring any untoward incident. He also put emphasis on regular and proper hand washing, especially before taking any food and after toilets for maintaining health and hygiene.

DMO Yupia Dr Tasso Kampu highlighted the importance of NDD for the children between the 1-19 years of age. There is no any side effect of albendazole tablets, rather it kills worms of the body, she said. She also suggested the teaching staff to give albendazole tablets to all schools children from 1-19 years of age.

DRCHO Yupia Dr. J. Ado requested the public, students and other stake holders to actively take part in NDD programme for its successful implementation.

Among others, DANO Dr. Tana Raju, health staff from the offices of DMO and DRCHO, school Head Mistress Rumi, teaching staff and school children were present on the occasion.

Employable skill development training

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: The Department of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is organizing a week's short-term employable skill development training program from February 14 at Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Polytechnic, Itanagar.

Training will be imparted to 100 candidates for various jobs like electrician, plumber, computer operator, driver-cum-mechanic during the week-long programme to be conducted by GPTI, a registered /empanelled local Vocational Training Provider under the Department based at Aalo, Lakhimpur and Guwahati.

The training programme is being organized under the initiative of the Governor, who will also attend the valedictory function and distribute certificates to the successful trainees on February 22.

Do not deprive students: AAPACSU

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: The All Arunachal Pradesh Anti-Corruption Students' Union (AAPACSU) has requested the state government not to deprive students of their stipends and scholarships claiming that many rightful students were deprived of their stipend/scholarship amount. It has written to the chief minister in this regard.

Awareness prog on 'Energy conservation building code' concludes

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: A two-day long awareness workshop-cum-training programme on 'Energy conservation building code' jointly conducted by the APEDA and Global Evolutionary Energy Design (GEED) at Roing concluded on Wednesday last.

Lower Dibang Valley DC, Deepak Shinde who inaugurated the programme advised the trainees to avail maximum benefit from the resource persons and implement the knowledge in practical field work.

The workshop-cum-training was also attended by Roing ADC, Chesta Yadav DSP, Opir Paron besides, resource persons from GEED and HoDs of technical departments.

FIR lodged against police officer

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: Alleging that one police officer in the rank of Inspector has managed to get her appointment by submitting fake graduation certificate, one Kipa Hipik in complaint lodged at Banderdewa Police Station has appealed for early registration of the FIR and conduct inquiry.

The complainant alleged that the graduation certificate of the police officer-Gari Tai presently serving at PTC, Banderdewa, which was obtained through RTI, is found to be 'fake'.

The complainant demanded prompt inquiry into the matter by police.

Legendary singers to be honoured

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: Renowned singers Moge Doji, Jomnya Siram and late Marto Kamdak will be honored with "Galo Centurion Melodies Award" during the first Galo singing legends felicitation cum artistes' meet--2017 7 scheduled to be held on March 4 at Aalo in West Siang district.

The main objective of the programme being organized by a committee constituted under the banner of GGL Group and co-powered by Galo Peoples' Front is to give due recognition to contribution of Galo singing legends.

Further, a book containing profiles of first generation singing legends (of 1970-80s) and an audio album dedicated to them will be released on the occasion.

Merger to BJP

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: The ZPM of Thembang Block and Anchal Chairpersons of Thembang and Dirang Blocks along with other Panchayat leaders and members have merged into BJP from Congress (INC) party.

House gutted

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: A fire broke out at Dokum Colony Itanagar on February five, wherein the residence of one Takam Tader was burnt down.

Fire men were summoned and they extinguished the fire after battling for 3 hours.

But damage had already been done as the family lost all the property and important documents.

Condolence

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: The Leporiang People Welfare Committee Capital Complex (LPWCCC) has mourned the demise of Nabam Regum, who passed away in a road accident between Nirjuli and Banderdewa on Thursday.

Late Regum was pursuing his LLB from Arunachal Law Academy.

LPWCCC offered condolence to the bereaved family members and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

Also mourning the demise of the youth, the Nabam Youth Association (NYA) remembered him as kind and helpful by nature and said that his contribution towards NYA will always be remembered.

Training held on 'Production of Vermicompost'

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: In all 56 farmers/villagers/beneficiaries from different parts of the state and North Lakhimpur, Assam attended a day-long training and awareness programme on 'Production of vermicompost ,organized by CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology Branch Itanagar, at the institute's premises here on Friday.

Sc in Charge, NEIST Branch Itanagar, Dr. Jagat C Borah and resource person, Dr. B. C. Baruah delivered a lecture on 'Vermicomposting and commercial production of vermicompost' while, Senior Scientist, Dr. Chandan Tamuly assured to provide a business linkage of the vermicompost product in the market.

During the programme, the participants also visited the demonstration unit installed at the institute. Dr. Director, CSIR-NEIST Jorhat, D. Ramaiah, Co-ordinator, CSIR-NEIST Branch Itanagar, Dr. P. Sengupta and Sr. Scientist cum Principal Investigator Dipankar Neog were also present on the occasion.

Police personnel attend Legal Awareness Camp

YINGKIONG, Feb 10: Upper Siang District Superintendent of Police, Amulya Boruah urged the Police Personnel to educate themselves to know their duties and responsibilities while addressing a day-long Legal awareness camp for police personnel which was conducted by the Upper Siang District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Yingkiong at SP Conference Hall here on Friday.

The camp was conducted with the aim to create awareness and fill the communication gap between the Judiciary and Police Personnel.

JMFC-cum-Civil Judge and DLSA Member Secretary, Habung Tangu briefed the police personnel about various Services available under District Legal Services Authority, Arunachal Pradesh Victim Compensation Scheme 2011, Legal Clinic, role of Investigating Officer and Principle of Criminal Trial.

Also present as Resource Persons were advocates Akoying Tekseng, Kabang Taron and Dubom Tekseng who spoke -Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, the Narcotic drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and rights of arrested person etc.

Upper Siang DSP, Tapang Tatak also spoke on the occasion.(DIPRO)

Awareness created on Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: An awareness programme on Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan was organized in Mengio Sub-Division by the Papum Pare District Unit Mahila Morcha on Thursday last, wherein participants were informed about Prime Minister's Welfare Schemes like Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.

During the programme, Papum Pare District Unit Mahila Morcha, President, Tarak Yallo along with Bharatiya Janata Mahila Morcha President, Tadar Yaying Bengia, State Secretary incharge Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Dr. Taba Nirmali, District BJYM President, Techi Tahe Tara and former Pradesh Mahila Morcha President, Padmasri Jomoh created awareness on the importance of health care during pregnancy.

The team also informed the people about the Prime Minister's Welfare Scheme Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan under which all the doctors across the country have been given a call to provide free-medical check-up facility to pregnant women on the 9th of each month.

Free medical check-up was also conducted for the people during the awareness programme.