Information activist who doled out lakhs
as RTI fee felicitated
Do not use RTI Act as a tool to blackmail: Cheda
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Jan 16: Arunachal RTI Activist Forum (ARTIAF) felicitated Nabam Pali for his effort to reduce the RTI application fee from Rs 10 to 2 in the state, in Itanagar today.
Arunachal Press Club (APC) President Chopa Cheda while felicitating Nabam Pali in a simple yet impressive function congratulated him for achieving the feat.
At the event, Pali showed records of paying Rs 3.40 lakhs and Rs 1. 21 lakhs in two instances as treasury challan to get information.
“When I initially started using RTI Act in 2007-
“Officers of various departments charge huge fees to give out information which is not just and they do so because they want to hide information so accordingly the poorer section cannot seek information under RTI Act. That was the reason I filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in a single bench High Court at Naharlagun asking them to reduce the application fees from Rs 10 to Rs 2 as the charge in many states are very less and even free in some,” lamented Pali. He further informed that the application at the High Court was filed on February 18, 2014 and finally got approved after a long struggle.
Cheda cautioned the activists not to get carried away and set bad examples for the future generation by misusing RTI Act.
“There is a huge gap between the activists who seek information under RTI Act at national levels and us, as many people misuse RTI Act to earn easy money and blackmail people. Don’t use RTI Act for vested interest,” said Cheda.
Cheda who is also a life time member of National Campaign for People’s Right to Information (NCPRI) which includes the likes of Aruna Roy, Mukul Dey etc further informed that BPL category people could file RTI free of cost.
Cheda who was the founder president of ARTIAF, in his address said that during his tenure he too had initiated the process to reduce the fee.
“We have submitted a memorandum in this regard to the govt in 2010 and again during Nabam Tuki’s tenure asking them to reduce the charges of fees for RTI applications but our pleas went unheard. This is a big achievement and a gift given by Pali to the RTI activists of the state,” said Cheda.
“ There are thousands of unions and organizations in the state but only a handful are popular because of their works. We struggled a lot as RTI activists but we used RTI Act for genuine cases for which the forum had became so popular,” said Cheda adding that the small steps taken by the forum paid dividend for all the RTI activists of the state while the steps taken by Pali would serve as a weapon in the future.
Earlier in the programme, ARTIAF Chairman Advocate Kasung Cheda while describing the objectives of RTI claimed that it is a big weapon for a normal citizen against corruption.
“RTI Act promotes transparency and accountability but a few are misusing it and blackmailing officers for money which has to be avoided. RTI activists have a bad image in the society as people tag them as Right to Income,” said Kasung stressing that the forum was trying to overcome those hurdles.
“No corruption or blackmailing will take place if the officers are clean. If they are clean then they can simply furnish the documents sought. Even the RTI activists should use RTI Act in a proper way and seek the right information to avoid any discrepancies, as one should not forget that even the activists can be penalized for blackmailing,” he added.
Govt committed to development: Tuki
YACHULI, Jan 16: Despite all kind of hurdles, the state government is committed to developing the state’s priority sectors, said Chief Minister Nabam Tuki at Yachuli today. Addressing a mega vikas rally cum development meeting here, he reiterated that working for welfare of the people is the only motto of his government.
"In such a short span of time, we have emerged as one of the most progressive states in the country. Even the central government is acknowledging our progress. We need to collectively march ahead....despite our differences if any," he said.
Calling upon the people to be active partners in this journey of progress, Tuki assured full cooperation and support to the overall development of Yachuli.
Responding to a memorandum submitted by Toko Puna, Organizing Committee of the rally,
Tuki regretted that despite the foundation stone laid for creation of the office
of Divisional Commissioner and DIGP (Western Zone) at Yachuli by one of his predecessors
in 1999, the project could not take off. He assured that the proposal would be re-
To another demand, Tuki requested the deputy commissioner to submit proposals for creation of a circle headquarter at Tajgi and CD Block at Yazali Zilla segment.
He further assured that a B Class police station would be considered at Yachuli and Pistana headquarters in consultation with the Home Minister.
To commemorate the occasion, the Chief Minister and his colleagues distributed LED colour TVs to gaon buras and buris under the Chief Minister's Rural Information scheme.
Also present on the occasion were Home Minister Tanga Byaling, Civil Supplies Minister Tirong Aboh, Parliamentary Secretaries Punji Mara, Karya Bagang and Pani Taram besides others including government officials and gaon buras. Pradesh Congress Commitee President Padi Richo with party colleagues and representatives of frontal wings were also present in the rally.
Earlier in the day, Tuki along with his colleagues inaugurated the newly built Circuit
House, a 33/11 KV, 3.15 MVA switchyard sub-
Komoli Mosang recognized for social work
ITANAGAR, Jan 16: Komoli Mosang, Chairperson, RK Mossang Memorial Society has received “National Mahila Rattan Gold Medal Award” from the International Institute of Education and Management on January 15 in a function held in Indian Society of International Law, New Delhi.
She also received the “Star Asia Award” on the same day from International Business Council, New Delhi.
Both the awards have been awarded for her outstanding works for the community through RK Mossang Memorial Society, Jairampur, Arunachal Pradesh.
3-
[ Prafulla Kaman ]
PASIGHAT, Jan 16: Arunachal Agri Expo-
The three-
Inaugurating the programme, Vice Chancellor of Central Agriculture University, Dr Premjeet Sing said that Arunachal Pradesh having different agro climatic condition was suitable for cultivation of various food crops, spices and other horticulture activities. He lamented that in spite of having sufficient resources farmers of the region are yet to harness the rice potentiality in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. Sing said that objective of the Central Agriculture University is not confined to confer degree or diploma to the students/ learners, but it aims to extend technical education among the farmers through research and documentation. Running of institutes of Agriculture/ Horticulture is meaningless until these can achieve success in helping the rural farmers to boost their productivity, he added. Laying stress on ‘crop diversification’ and ‘protected cultivation’ to increase production, the VC suggested the farmers to adopt the modern technologies in cultivation.
“Our university has launched some ambitious project to train the rural farmers in
a phase-
East Siang, Deputy Commissioner, Isha Khosla attending function, urged the farmers
to avail the training benefits to improve their cultivation activities. She said
the farmers of the region earlier faced problems for technical guidance in agriculture
and allied activities, which has now been solved after setting up the CHF and Krishi
Vigyan Kendra at Pasighat as well. She appreciated the organizers for conducting
such programme to train the farmers on farming activities and assured all possible
cooperation from the administration’s end. The slogan-
Among others, former Director of CAU cum Horticulture Adviser of Arunachal, Prof KK Jindal, Director of Introduction (CAU), Prof SS Nagra, BHU Director of Agriculture Institution AN Maurya, NERIST (Nirjuli) Director PK Das, Dean of CHF Pasighat, Dr AK Pandey and Prof BN Hazarika also spoke in the function.
The inaugural programme was followed by a seminar with the theme “Horticulture for Nutritional Security and Economic Prosperity”, wherein the scientists and agriculture experts presented papers pertaining to improvement of cultivation procedure to boost production, plant protection, pre and post harvest management and production of climate resilient horticulture crops.
Seppa ready for Kameng River Festival
SEPPA, Jan 16: East Kameng District Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar Singh today
convened a review meeting on the progress of preparation for Kameng River Festival
slated for Jan 21-
DC briefed about the status of the overall preparation and expressed satisfaction at maintenance and widening of Township roads and approach road to the festival venue. He also acknowledged the involvement of officers particularly EE PWD Seppa Division and its staffs and festival committee.
The DC also suggested for informative signage on trees and artifacts, religious places,
cultural and historical importance. Singh further asked the committee to undertake
precautionary measures and be prepared with medical emergency services. On security
front, he suggested for arrangement of walkie-
Indian army celebrates 68th Army Day
AALO, Jan 16: The 68th Army Day was celebrated by Indian Army at DSA ground, Aalo
on January 15 to comemorate Late Field Marshal KM Carriappa’s taking over as the
first Commander-
The celebration started with ‘Run for Fun’, which was flagged off by Station Commander,
Along Military Station, followed by painting and inter-
Weapon display was one of the main attractions of the celebration.
The Army Pipe Band and Jazz Band also dsiplayed their performance. DIPRO
Fire mishap at Dumporijo devastates six houses
DAPORIJO, Jan 16: A fire broke out at Bazaar line, Dumporijo on January 15 devastating six houses completely, including two RCC type, one SPT and three kutcha houses. The incident occurred four days after another fire mishap had devastated six rooms of Rijo Middle School and several houses on January 11 at Daporijo.
Meanwhile, the district administration along with the SP visited the accident site and assessed the extent of properties lost and damages in fire accident at Dumporijo.
Rs 2500 each was provided to the families of the victims. Local MLA Paknga Bage has also announced Rs 5 lakhs for the fire victims, informed Dr. Tagi Dango, i/c ADC, Dumporijo.
Earlier, fire accidents had occurred at Pakam Colony on January 2, Ligu Village on January 4, Sigin Colony on December 8 and 25. One abandoned Maruti car was destroyed in fire at Airfield on January 5. With inputs from DIPRO
Current political circumstances a blessing in disguise: PPA
ITANAGAR, Jan 16: Peoples' Party of Arunachal (PPA) termed the state’s prevailing political circumstances a blessing in disguise as this has brought forth the loopholes of the ‘controversial and defective’ Arunachal Statehood Act of 1987 to the knowledge of the common public.
Recalling the political history of Arunachal Pradesh, PPA president Kahfa Bengia stated that the year in which the Arunachal Statehood Act was passed in 1987, Arunachal Pradesh was under Congress rule and Nabam Rebia was then the AAPSU president.
“Pranab Mukherjee was one of the closest aides of Rajiv Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India. And, now we see the same party in the state going to the President of India over the contentious issue of the power of the Governor of Arunachal, who himself was instrumental in the passage of the Arunachal Statehood Act being a senior Congress Leader in the Centre at that time", Kahfa said.
Recalling Lt. Bakin Pertin, the founder President of PPA, who had vociferously opposed the passage of the Act in the Union Parliament, Party secretary general Kaling Jerang stated, "Today as the history unfolds, the members of the same party who had neglected and overlooked the spark in the form of defective contents in Article 371 H giving overriding powers to the Governor of Arunachal are fighting a losing battle.
“Nabam Rebia, who had finally aided in the passage of the Act by silently withdrawing his protest, himself has become the victim of the provisions of the Act,” Jerang said.
The discretionary powers of the Governor of Arunachal is a subject of argument in the Supreme Court today but the inherent flaws in the defective Statehood Act cannot be undone unless amended through an Act of Parliament, he added.
Swarvajanik Siang Aarti Mahotsava 2016 concludes
PASIGHAT, Jan 16: The 2nd Swarvajanik Siang Aarti Mahotsava 2016 concluded today at the banks of Siang, Komlighat, Pasighat.
Aarti and prayers were performed by different communities and tribes residing in Pasighat on Jan 14 which was followed by a cultural night on the second day of the festival on Jan 15.
An essay and drawing competition for secondary and higher secondary level students was also organised by the committee. Around 35 students from various schools of Pasighat participated in the events.
Activities like arrow shooting, rafting and angling was done to enthrall the spectators and public.
Attending the programme, Col. Sanjeev Thakur, Rayang Military Station said that this type of benevolent steps should be carried on by the people of Pasighat for peace and prosperity of township and for the state as a whole.
Swarvajanik Siang Aarti Mahotsava celebrated involving all the communities of Pasighat
town irrespective of caste, colour and creed, status and tribe with a mission to
promote communal harmony, universal brotherhood, peaceful co-
Makar Sankranti celebrated by Keralites in state Capital
NAHARALGUN, Jan 16: Makar Sankranti/Makara Vilakku was celebrated by the Keralites residing in the Capital Complex with special prayers and lighting of traditional brass pedestal wick lamps.
The rituals were held at Shiv Mandir at E-
The place of worship where Swami Saranam was placed was beautifully decorated with
flowers. The front podium with the figure of Lord Ganesha made up of marigold flower
petals surrounded with coconut lamps was a great sight for visitors to see. The lamp
that was lighted as part of the festival akin to Makar Sankranti is called Nilavilakku-
Karate team leaves for National School Games
ITANAGAR, Jan 16: Arunachal Karate-
Prakash Limbu, Karate Coach, Sports Authority of Arunachal is the Chef de Mission.
Gampi Taku, J/T, GHSS, Hija, Ziro and Chukhu Saha, Constable, Tax & Excise, BFC Bordumsa, Changlang are the team coaches for girls and boys respectively.
The team will be leaving here for Pujab tonight.
The team (boys): Armaan Parang Londa(-
Girls: Rosemlu Tamblung (-
DC reviews various on-
SEPPA, Jan 16: East Kameng Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar Singh in a meeting with all the government officials posted at Pakke Kessang reviewed the implementation of various ongoing schemes in the Pakke Kessang circle.
The Deputy Commissioner has constituted a committee with V Bellai, EAC, Pakke Kessang as its Chairman and GBs from the respective villages and RK Singh, Site Engineer of Sushee Infra as its members to resolve various local issues to ensure smooth progress of the TAH works. Dispute redressal and issues under CSR activities will also be taken care of by the committee. He expressed satisfaction over the progress of the TAH where BT carpeting has been done by the company from Khodaso to Alangtapte including Pakke Kessang.
Appreciating the efforts put in by the EAC, Pakke Kessang and local leaders of Pakke Kessang who helped in early construction of the TAH, Singh appealed to the villagers to provide the same support to the company officials so that the work can be completed at the earliest. However, there is a delay on the part of Power department in the shifting of the LT and HT lines. In this regard, he has directed the JE (Power) to complete the shifting work by January 31.
In response to the security issue, the DC has assured the company to make security arrangement very shortly. He expressed satisfaction on the performance of Education department.
On water crisis in schools, he has directed the JE (PHED) to sort out the problem
as soon as possible. He has directed the EAC, Pakke Kessang and the MO in-
Sushee Infra has assured to make the Pakke Kessang Hydel functional and undertake the channel works under its CSR activities.
CDPO, Pakke Kessang has informed the DC that 10 anganwad centres have been selected as model angawadis and second tranche of SMP items are being distributed to all the centres.
In the meeting all the line departments, including Education, Health, ICDS, Power, PWD, PHED and CD Blocks have explained in details about the programmes and activities taken up by them.
The Project Manager, Sushee Infra was also present in the meeting. He has highlighted about the progress made so far by the company. He informed the DC about the problems being faced by the company in the construction of Trans Arunachal Highway in few pockets, which are Suchung and Palove. DIPRO
Vaccination against FMD in Kera-
ROING, Jan 16: Over 35 pigs were vaccinated against foot and mouth disease by the
officials of the veterinary department in a house to house vaccination programme
organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Lower Dibang Valley
district, under the Saansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana at Kera-
The department also organised an awareness campaign on animal husbandry and control of animal diseases for the villagers of the Aadarsh village yesterday at the Multipurpose Hall, where Dr Beleka Mimi, Dr Asif Ahmed and Dr K. Phukon, explained in details about scientific management of dairy, piggery and poultry, including housing techniques, feeding, prevention and care of various diseases, and adoption of animal husbandry as a source of income.
The department urged the villagers to approach in case of any information required for better breeding techniques and to bridge the gap between the villagers and the department. They encouraged the womenfolk for small backyard units of animal husbandry for extra imcome and to improve their livelihood, and assured any kind of possible assistance from the department.
The veterinary officials educated the villagers about how to dispose domestic animals that has died because of diseases and unknown cause. Dead animals that have died because of illness should never be disposed off carelessly, they should be burried deep in the ground. Ohterwise it will futher spread the disease", informed Dr Ahmed.
As informed by the department, vaccination against swine fever could be carried out
because of unavailability of the vaccine, said the GS of Kera-
In recent times, many pigs have died due to swine fever in the village, he said, requested the Veterinary Department to make the swine fever vaccination available as pigs rearing has been one of the main sources of income for many villagers.
The department also vaccinated around 70 cows at Jiprali village near Kera-
District level CM’s Trophy held
[ Karyir Riba ]
ROING, Jan 16: The men and women teams of Roing Block will represent Lower Dibang
Valley district in the State level CM's Trophy on Football while Hunli-
A total of 16 teams had participated in football and 17 teams in volleyball, from the two constituencies of the district, the Roing and Dambuk Assembly Constituencies.
Roing Block women football team defeated Parbuk team by a huge margin of 7-
In volleyball, Hunli-
Meta Dele and Ajiya Umpe were declared as best football players and Tao Dele and Wusimi Mito as best volleyball players.
The tournament was organized by the District Sports Department in coordination with the District Administration at the General ground.
Pemba Tamang felicitated
ITANAGAR, Jan 16: International shooter and army man Pemba Tamang of Rupa was felicitated by All West Kameng Nepali Sanskriti Suraksha Samiti (an NGO) for his outstanding performance in shooting in function at Sinchung, West Kameng on January 15.
Pemba won numbers of medals in national and international level in pistol shooting which include a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games in 2006 in 25 metre rapid fire pistol, and a silver medal in Asian Games 2014, held in Incheon, South Korea.
Prior to the programme the NGO conducted a Foot-
DK Dinglow, Director Youth Affairs, Arunachal Pradesh, Sange Tashi Thongdok, ZPM, Rupa Anchal Block, members of Zgang Depga, an NGO of Jigaon, and many dignitaries were present.
3rd Edition of CM’s Trophy
SANGRAM, Jan16: Team Nyobia has emerged victorious in both men’s and women’s category football match being played during the finals of the 19th Nyapin Assembly Constituency Level 3rd Edition of Chief Minister’s Trophy of Football and Volleyball at the General Ground here today.
Team Nyobia defeated Sangram by 4-
The final volleyball match in men’s category was won by team Sangram who defeated
Nyobia by a score of 25-
Sangram SDO M Tato was also present on the occasion. (DIPRO)
January 17
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