wpecfd3a33.png

January 07

wpb96db862.png
wp171ac0c1.png
wp9b1a9b49.png
wp708c905d.png

Rijiju may replace Pema as CM: Report

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: Days after Chief Minister Pema Khandu joined the BJP with 32 MLAs to present the saffron party with its first full-fledged government in the region, speculations are rife that he may be replaced soon.

According to rumours that surfaced in the corridors of power of Itanagar, Pema may have to make way for an old saffron face, according to a report published in Hindustan Times on Friday.

The report said that Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju’s name is doing the rounds as the next likely chief minister of the state.

State BJP president Tapir Gao is also said to be in the race, the report stated.

It is no surprise that political changes in Arunachal Pradesh are as unpredictable as the earthquakes that frequently strike the region.

Though BJP office-bearers and senior ministers in the Khandu government denied any such development, party legislators in the state are reportedly unhappy with Pema’s presence in their midst.

Gao, however, dismissed the reports as false. “Pema Khandu is and will remain, our chief minister. These rumours are being spread as by some Congress workers,” the report said quoting Gao as saying.

Senior BJP leaders from the state, including Rijiju, Pema and Gao, are in the national capital to attend the party’s national executive meet – which started on Friday.

“There is no question of Khandu being replaced as there are no differences among our MLAs, neither the old members nor the new ones who joined from the PPA. We have all settled in here comfortably,” deputy chief minister Chowna Mein said.

Pema became the Chief Minister as a Congress legislator in July last year. He switched sides to join the PPA in September, and then entered the BJP after he and 10 other MLAs were suspended for anti-party activities.

 

 

 

 

Si-Donyi celebrated with traditional pomp and gaiety

[ Karda Natam ]

DAPORIJO, Jan 6: Si Donyi festival was celebrated with traditional pomp and gaiety in Daporijo, Dumporijo and in other parts of the state. Si Donyi festival of Tagin community is celebrated every year in the month of January for the wellbeing and prosperity of humankind.

Union Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju, who attended the celebration at Dumporijo called upon people to preserve and promote cultural heritage and its intangible values.

Stating that he has seen many community/tribes modifying their festivals to suit the present day ambience and needs, Rijiju opined that modification of festival is good but it should be done without diluting the values and their originality. The Union Minister called upon the community members, particularly young generation to carry forward the objective of promoting and preserving cultural heritage for the present as well as the future generation with active participation of all sections of society. An integrated approach is required for preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage, Rijiju said, and called upon the younger generation to be the vital stakeholder in preservation of the age-old culture and tradition.

“Children nowadays are reluctant to speak their own language or tend not to learn their indigenous languages,” lamented the Union Minister. He appealed to the younger generation to use their own language in day-to-day communications.

Rijiju also gave emphasis on value based education among children.

Speaking about Centre’s development initiatives for Arunachal, the Union Minister informed that various schemes, particularly for development of road communication have been sanctioned.

During his speech, Rijiju also explained the benefits of e-transaction for payment.

Si Donyi festival was also celebrated in Nacho, Taliha, Aalo, Roing, Seppa, Naharlagun and many places, where Tagin community are residing.

Famous comedian Raju Shrivastav and other actors from Bollywood enthralled the audience during the cultural nites which was also witnessed by Rijiju.

At Naharlagun- The Tagin community of Capital Complex celebrated Si- Donyi at the festival ground near helipad with traditional fervour and gaiety.

Attending the festival, Parliamentary Secretary, Karya Bagang called for preservation of one’s own culture and traditions passed on from generation to generation.

Bagang said festivals provide opportunities to exchange love, happiness among the community members and promote belonging and oneness.

While speaking about importance of language and culture she urged the members of the community to teach and encourage their children to learn their own language as language is fundamental to cultural identity.

APIDFC Managing Director, Tony Koyu appealed to all to maintain peace and communal harmony and remain united for development.

Koyu advised the people, particularly younger generation not to use any drugs and consume alcohol, which may ruin their life.  He urged them to fulfil the dreams of their parents by excelling in their chosen fields.

The main attraction of festival was Singtung Junam, Koni Boker, Hoyi Penam, traditional sport competition and display of rhythmic dances.

Former IFCSAP president, Taba Hare, Director Higher & Technical Education, Tejum Padu, IFCSAP vice president, Gichik Taja, General Secretary, Gyati Rana, former Chief Municipal Councilor, Higio Aruni, members of Arunachal Vikas Parishad and RSS team from Pune attended the celebration.

Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority also organized a day-long free legal awareness camp-cum-legal counseling on the sidelines of Si- Donyi Festival at Naharlagun.

The team of legal aid advocates and para legal volunteers provided free legal counseling and information regarding availability of free legal services, various schemes and activities available for the citizens in the state.

As a part of awareness, brochures on Arunachal Pradesh Victim Compensation Scheme, Para Legal Volunteers Scheme, Legal Aid Clinic, Lok Adalat, Women’s Right to Protect from Domestic Violence, Child Right, Fundamental Right, Access to Justice for All under Legal Services Authority Act, 1987 and Plea Bargaining were distributed to nearly 70 visitors who have visited the stall during the festival.

DIPRO adds from Aalo: Si-Donyi was celebrated with pomp and gaiety at Gumin Kiin, Aalo on Friday.

West Siang DC, Gamli Padu, who attended the celebration, said that all festivals are alike as they all have common essence with fertility cult and general well being of the society.

The festivals showcase our rich culture, he said and stressed on documentation and preservation of culture stating that many of the rich ancient culture have vanished due to lack of interest and patronage.

Festival should not only be confined to celebration alone but promote unity, mutual trust, and universal brotherhood in all strata of society, he opined.  

He also exhorted young generation to take keen interest and shoulder social responsibility in this kind of festival and festivity.

Col. Pramod Kaushik, Administrative Commandant 5 Mountain Brigade said that tribal people of the region have rich legacy of culture, traditional practices and present a unique identity of their own. He stressed on promoting and exposing it to the outside world.

SDFCC Chairman, Tabu Kamra, Vice Chairman, Taku Maying and Assistant Secretary, Talo Maying also spoke in details about the significance and mythological aspects of Si-Donyi festival.

Situ Dinam, Si-Donyi anthem, various cultural competition, Mithun sacrifice and prize distribution were the other highlights of the day-long programme.  

 

 

 

 

DD to launch new channel for NE

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: A month after Prasar Bharati announced to launch Arun Prabha, Doordarshan’s second channel for the north-east, the first ever interactive meeting in this regard was held at the Doordarshan Kendra centre here on Friday.

The meeting which had its prime focus on evolving the prospects of film making in the state of Arunachal also dealt in detail on the programme proposals for DD-Arun Prabha which are open for the reputed producers/production houses of the state for the upcoming 24x7 satellite channel.

Where the Prasar Bharati team was headed by Doordarshan DG, Supriya Sahu who is a senior IAS officer, the film fraternity of the state was led by Film Federation of Arunachal (FFA) president Chopa Cheda.  

Speaking on the occasion, Sahu called upon the film producers and directors to come up with innovative proposals for programmes, serials, telefilms, documentaries etc and assured that the entire proposal put forward, especially by the filmmakers from Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim would be given utmost priority.

“Though the channel will cover entire North East, however, special focus and precedence will be given to shows/programmes from Arunachal and Sikkim,” assured Sahu. She however, clarified that proposals put forward would be properly scrutinized and transparency will be maintained in order to make sure that only the best programmes go through.      

Appealing the filmmakers to come up with interesting programmes and one’s which are out of the box, the DG added, “We are looking for innovative shows and documentaries. Give programmes that are of good quality and that can help you make your name in the world.”

“The camera work should be splendid while the anchor should be dynamic,” she added.  

Further, stating that no experience criteria is required to submit proposals while the same was different a few years ago, Sahu appealed to utilize the funds provided by the government properly if one’s proposal is selected.

 Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the FFA, Cheda appealed the DG to also accept proposals for showcasing feature films in the channel, to which the latter assured to look into.

Cheda was of the opinion that if Doordarshan gives the filmmakers of state an opportunity to showcase their films then it would boost their morale in a huge way.

“Though Arunachal has ample amount of talent in terms of filmmaking but we do not have the platform to showcase them and accordingly we incur huge loses. This directly de-motivate us to make more films,” Cheda who himself is a film producer and president of Arunachal Press Club added.

Documentary film maker Sanju Dodum put forwards various suggestions which according to him needed small considerations such as non refundable fees (Rs. 25,000) for the proposal, senior actor-cum-director of state Hage D Appa also shared his views in terms of proposal ratio which is 50:50.

Doordarshan’s Engineer-in-chief C B S Marnya, ADGs Dr. Shailendra Kumar, Alok Agarwal, J K Chandiva and ADG (NE) M S Ansari also spoke on the occasion.

Among others present were Tsengpa Norbu (film director cum producer), Shambo Flago (director), Alison Welly (producer), and the technical staff of DD Arun Prabha.  

It is pertinent to mention here that Prasar Bharati is making special efforts in North East Region (NER) to promote and nurture talent, provide a platform to deserving producers/artists from NER as well as from outside to encourage production of better programmes for Doordarshan viewers.

DD-Arunprabha will be a 24x7 satellite Channel of Doordarshan, originating from DDK, Itanagar. Programmes on DD-Arunprabha would show richness, variety and diversity of local culture. The channel would seamlessly integrate NER with the entire country. The channel’s USP will be to attract young people of NER with contemporary entertainment shows embedded with informative content.

The Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry has allocated a sum of Rs. 7 Crore to the broadcaster for the launch of DD Arun Prabha which will be Doordarshan’s second channel for the north-eastern region.

Prasar Bharati runs Doordarshan and All India Radio.

 

 

 

Chief Secretary visits Handloom Expo

ITANAGAR, Jan 6:  State Chief Secretary, Shakuntala Gamlin visited Special Handloom Expo-2017, being conducted by Arunachal Pradesh Handloom Handicrafts Development Society (APHHDS) here on Friday.

She appreciated the department officers for displaying impressive stalls especially, the cane stall put up by an NGO from Kra-Daadi district.

The Chief Secretary further thanked Development Commissioner (Handloom) GoI for sanctioning Special Handloom Expo (SHE) for Arunachal Pradesh and hoped that it will benefit the weavers/artisans/NGOs/cooperative societies of the state.

 

 

 

Sub-Junior (U-14) National Football Championship 2017-2018

Arunachal to play Mizoram on Jan 8

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: Arunachal Pradesh will play against Mizoram in their opening match of the Sub-Junior (U-14) National Football Championship 2017-2018 North East Zone qualifying round on January 8 at Bokaghat, Assam.

They will take on Manipur in the second match on January 10.

Rocky Ramching and Ha Tashi are the coach and manager of the team, according to Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA).

Team : Thupten Phuntsok Naksang, Samem Romat, Bukey Lamgu, Ongbu Dili Singpho, Jemit Mara, Ha Tasha, Chama Gyadi, Korlu Bui, Omang Dodum, Toku Punung, Joram Tuma, Gangte Rikam, Gonching Haisa, Phassang Tayung, Dado Tatung, Tasar Dignium, Kozam Beyong, Kargil Yinyo, Matu Ekke, Nokdun Lohum.

Meanwhile, APFA will launch programme focusing on youth development. It will kick off programme for children of age bracket 6-12 at grassroots level this month in various districts in phase-wise manner, informed APFA general secretary.

 

 

 

Administrative officers are backbone of government: DC

PASIGHAT, Jan 6: Administrative officers are the backbone of the government and supposed to be strong, dedicated and sincere to deliver a clean and transparent administration. This was stated by Deputy Commissioner Tamiyo Tatak during his first coordination meeting with the administrative officers of East Siang at Siang Hall here on Friday.

“The administrative officers perform a range of administrative tasks. They must know about office methods and safety in the workplace,” the DC said,

New technology has had a major impact on the role of the officers and increased office automation has been making them more efficient and productive, the DC said while sharing his views on administrative reforms.

He suggested the officers to conduct ILP and MV checking and to keep constant vigil on ill practices in order to make East Siang a drugs free district.

“They should make unannounced visits to schools to check teacher absenteeism and deliver speeches to motivate the students for their bright future.”

“We have to strive hard to accommodate the needs of the new generation,” said Tatak adding that there should be an equation between requirement and resources to fulfill the aspiration of the people.

The DC said that the state government has fulfilled its commitment by implementing the 7th pay commission recommendation and it is now turn of govt employees to reciprocate.

Various issues, such as improvement of health, education, cleanliness drive, water supply, Smart City Mission, road communication, maintenance of law and order, control of stray animals, completed and ongoing projects etc were discussed in the meeting.  

All the ADCs, EACs and CCs updated the new DC on all development activities and progress of works of their respective jurisdictions and also shared their grievances and suggestions in the meeting. DIPRO

 

 

 

 

Chum Darang named ‘Person of The Year’ Mingkeng Osik

PASIGHAT, Jan 6:  Miss Earth India finalist, Chum Darang has been named as the ‘person of the year 2016’ in fashion category, by TNT-The North East Today on Wednesday last. TNT recently conducted mass public polls for TNT person of the year 2016 that encompassed categories ranging from politics to fashion, entertainment, sports, entrepreneurship and social impact. The results have been derived in sync with the number of votes received by each nominee for the same.

The 25 year old inspiring beauty Chum Darang, born to Tajep Darang and Yamik Dulom Darang of East Siang district had participated in Miss Earth India and emerged as a finalist.

She won the Miss Earth India Water category. She has also devoted herself to various social causes and is currently participating in Miss Tiara India 2017.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju was also nominated as the ‘person of the year’ in politics category.

 

 

 

 

Workshop on IPPI and Mission Indradhanush-IV

CHANGLANG, Jan 6: The District Task Force for Immunisation-cum-Workshop on IPPI and Mission Indradhanush-IV was organised by the District Health Society, Changlang for successful implementation of both the programme at DC’s Conference Hall here on Friday.

Chairing the meeting, SDO Changlang, Nampang Wangjen stated that successful implementation of IPPI and MI-IV depends on joint efforts of the Health department and other key departments.

Appealing all the departments to cooperate the implementing agency with man and machine, he said that directions will be issued to all the departments to keep their vehicles on road in order to compensate the shortage of vehicles during the programme.

Expressing concern over the implementation of the programme in inaccessible Vijoynagar Circle, Wangjen said that all efforts will be put to airlift the medicines and vaccination team to Vijoynagar Health Centre. He further asked the Health department to detail vaccination teams for all the remote areas in advance so that no children will be deprived from immunisation.

DRCHO Changlang, Dr. Tope Yomcha presented the facility-wise performance of IPPI (First round), Micro-Plan for IPPI 2017 and Micro-plan for Migratory & settled High Risk Areas in the district which needs to be focused during the immunization. Stating that there are errors in formulating the Micro-Plans and data submission, Dr. Yomcha reiterated to submit correct data. He asked Incharge MOs of various Health Facility Centres to clear all the doubts to ensure formulation of error free Micro-Plans. While discussing other major issues he urged all the MOs to give special focuses on slum areas, brick kiln, construction sites and migratory areas.

Giving presentation on global and national updates and risks to polio eradication, Surveillance Medical Officer, WHO, Dr. Taga Taka informed that though India has been declared Polio Free country for the last five year, the country is still at risk as the chances of international importation of the virus from neighbouring countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan is high. He explained how easily the virus can be transmitted through human movement and said the efforts should be made to stop the importation of the virus by intensifying immunization.

During the technical session, Dr. Taka spoke on planning training, ensuring inter-sectoral coordination and effective supervision. He also discussed planning and issues for vaccinators and supervisors training and overview of operational guidelines for Mission Indradhanush with the MOs as well as many other important issues related to Mission Indradhanush.

The meeting was attended by the members of District Task Force for immunisation, incharge MOs of various health facilities and representative from various schools. (DIPRO)

 

 

 

IEC activities conducted to promote digital payment

BOMDILA, Dec 6: Altogether 70 trainees participated in an awareness programme-cum-hands on training on Digital payment organized here under the guidance of West Kameng DC, Dr. Sonal Swaroop on Friday. It was attended by officials from DC office, residents of Bomdila township and villagers from Sera, Pedung and Wanghoo villages.

Incharge ADC Bomdila, Sang Khandu, while urging the participants to adopt cashless transaction, announced Rs. 10 as incentive per transaction in the end of the session for persons doing cashless transaction using any App.

DIO, P K Thungon gave a detailed PowerPoint presentation on cashless transaction using various available Apps. He emphasized on the need of cashless transaction and gave presentation of its pros and cons.

Chief Manager, Lead Bank SBI, Bomdila, R K Mahilary and Branch Manager, SBI, Bomdila, M G Saha also speaking of SBI Banking facilities informed about the advantages of using POS machines and ATM cards. (DIPRO)

 

 

 

Cleanliness drive conducted

ITANAGAR, Jan 6:  A day-long cleanliness drive was organized by the Namey Youth Welfare Association (NYWA) and Upper Primary School, Namey at Namey village.

During the drive, hundreds of volunteers cleared the overgrown weeds along the     3 Km long Namey to Nari road. The NYWA further informed in a release that the Namey to Nari road, which was constructed a few years back under the PMGSY, is presently in urgent need of maintenance.

 

 

 

NBK conducts social awareness tour

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: The Nugong Banggo Kebang (NBK) conducted social awareness tour of Nugong Banggo area recently to educate the villagers about all round development.

During the tour, the members of NBK visited the ongoing PMGSY road construction from Jorsing to Komsing and Riew to Mopit. They observed that the contractors of both the works have not adhered to the PMGSY norms and standard guidelines and that all the concrete structure including the culvert and retaining wall were of poor quality. It has appealed to the state government and the executing agency to strictly monitor the construction activity. Further, urging that contractors should adhere to the required norms and guidelines, it said that it would launch mass movement against the contractors if its demand goes unheard.

NBK during the tour also saw that most of the schools under the Banggo are not functional because of absentee teachers. It further resolved to push for functioning of all the schools in the academic session 2017-18 and warned the absentee teachers to rededicate themselves to their service.

The members of NBK also recently met the Regional Manager (RM) of State Bank of India and appraised about poor banking service of the newly created Siang district at Pangin. It urged the RM to upgrade the banking service and open three ATM booths at Pangin, Boleng and Rumgong towns.

 

 

 

Meeting held to create awareness on Digital India

WAKRO, Jan 6:  The concept and process of digitization, various cashless activity modes like card, internet banking, USSD mode, Aadhaar and UPI payment was explained to PRI members, GBs, HoDs of Wakro Circle and members of business community from Wakro and Medo, during a meeting organized under the initiative of Wakro EAC, Dakto Riba at BRC Hall here on Friday.

Earlier, while addressing the meeting EAC, Dakto Riba called upon the people of the Circle to join the rest of the country in the Digital Revolution.

ZPC, Patam Rangmang in his address also advised all to adopt the new methods of payment and avail various discounts offered on fuel purchase, ticketing etc.

SBI Branch Manager also spoke on the occasion.

 

 

 

Nugong Banggo Kebang seeks retention of AE

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: The Nugong Banggo Kebang has sought retention of Assistant Engineer PWD, Pangin, Ojing Pajing.

In its representation, it maintained that the AE is carrying out construction work of the long pending motorable suspension bridge over Siang River at Sangam and that his posting would badly affect the construction work of the project.

 

 

 

MoU signed

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: Tajuk Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and B4B Solutions Pvt. Ltd. jointly signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Software Technology Park of India (STPI), Guwahati for establishing Business Process Office (BPO) in Itanagar.

This is the first BPO in Arunachal Pradesh and one of its kind providing Call Centre services in the state with State-of-Art Technology and with a motto of serving the best to the clients in the domestic market and providing training and employment to the youth.

Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector - E, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh - 791111, India

All rights reserved.

wp8049d2a0.png

---- Editorial ----

 

 

Union budget bone of contention

The presentation of union budget prior to assembly election in five states has become major bone of contention. Opposition parties on Thursday approached the Election Commission seeking the deferment of the Union Budget's presentation in view of polls in five states. Led by the Congress, representatives from several opposition parties reached the poll panel to raise their objections over the budget scheduled to be presented on February 1, just days ahead of the polls in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur scheduled between February 4 and March 8. The Opposition contends that holding the Budget before the Assembly polls will allow the Bharatiya Janata Party to woo voters through various schemes.

NDA Government is not in favour of postponing the budget. Supreme Court has refused to give an urgent hearing to a plea seeking postponement of the Union Budget to March. Though it looks more like a political fight, the opposition’s concern may be valid. If finance minister announces some sop for farmers during budget it has potential to impact election in states like Punjab and UP which has large farming community. Election Commission will have to seriously look into the matter, so that fairness prevails. Also this is not for the first time that budget has been postponed for an assembly election. The Congress-led UPA government had presented the 2007 and 2012 polls after the state election results were out.

 

 

___________________

 

 

---- Readers Forum ----

 

 

 

 

An appeal

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily we would like to appeal to the Chief Minister Pema Khandu to rename Indira Gandhi Park Itanagar as Techi Lama Park. In this regard, we the family member and relatives of late Techi Lama requests CM to consider our plea. Late Lama was person with strong character who achieved much success even after losing his father during early days of his life.

He started his journey as small time contractor in the year 1997 and became one of the successful entrepreneurs of the state and active participants of state politics. He became the Chairman, Arunachal Pradesh, Mineral Development & Trading Corporation Ltd (APMD & TC) from 2011 to 2015.

He had contributed a lot in the state politics, especially in formation of Pema Khandu govt. He played a major role in forming of INC Govt in the backdrop of Supreme Court verdict on 9th July, 2016 and again in the merging of Congress Govt. to PPA leaving former CM Nabam Tuki alone as Congress legislator and finally merging to BJP from PPA after temporary suspension of CM Khandu along with 6 others legislators.

On that fateful day on 2 Jan, 2017 at 4.30 am after restless political activities, being an active BJP worker, he was invited to reach Delhi for high level BJP centre -state discussion for Govt. formation programme. Late Lama started his journey for New Delhi and suddenly died in his private car at Papu Nallah while attending the party duty.

Yours,

Heri Tallang, Itanagar

 

 

 

___________________

 

All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.

----Editor