jan17 19

2017

January 19

Home

ASER survey reveals startling statistics

ITANAGAR, Jan 18: The ASER (Annual Status of Education Report 2016) survey report released on Wednesday reveals some startling statistics about education in Arunachal Pradesh.

Though the country is close to universal enrollment for the age group 6-14 with the percentage of children enrolled in school at 96.9% % in 2016 the situation with basic reading continues to be disheartening.

As per the report, among children in Std III, 2% cannot even read letters, 34.2% can read letters but not words or higher, 36.3% can read words but not Std I level text or higher, 15.7% can read Std I level text but not Std II level text, and 11.8% can read Std II level text.

In English reading, 1.6% children in Standard III in Arunachal Pradesh cannot even read capital letters, 3.5% can read capital letters but not small letters or higher, 38.8% can read small letters but not words or higher, 39% can read words but not sentences, and 17.1% can read sentences.

The survey also stated that mathematics continues to be serious cause of concern.

Among children in Std III, 1.6% cannot even recognize numbers 1-9, 8% can recognize numbers up to 9 but cannot recognize numbers up to 99 or higher, 58.7% can recognize numbers up to 99 but cannot do subtraction, 27.8% can do subtraction but cannot do division, and 3.9% can do division.

The percentage of children in standard IV, who can at least do subtraction, is 36.4% but can not do division. Similarly, in standard V, 36.4% percent children can do subtraction but cannot do division.

The ASER volunteers visited 86 Primary and 126 Upper Primary schools in 10 districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

The data indicates that 74.1% of enrolled children in Primary and 77.6% of enrolled children in Upper Primary Schools were present on the day of visit.

The percentages of teachers' attendance in average in schools on the day of visit were 81.5 % in Primary and 81.0% in Upper Primary School, the report stated,

The percentage of primary schools with total enrollment of 60 or less, where Std. II children were observed sitting with one or more other classes, was 42.2% and the percentage of schools where Std IV children were observed sitting with one or more other classes was 38.0%.

Further, the percentages of upper primary schools with total enrollment of 60 or less, where Std. II and Std. IV children were observed sitting with one or more other classes, were 27.6% and 20.2%.

As per the report, 37% of the schools visited do not have drinking water facility and 11.9% do not have toilet facility.

There were no separate provisions for girls' toilet in 34.7% schools.

The percentage of school, where there is separate provision for girls toilet but found locked, was 12.6% and the percentage of schools with separate provision for girls' toilet but not useable, was 16.8%.

A little more than 50 percent of the visited schools were found served mid-day meal on day of visit, the report added.

The report also stated that there has been a substantial increase since 2014 in private school enrollment among children in the age group of 6-14 years in Arunachal Pradesh from 24.4% to 29.5%.

Arunachal all set to go cashless, Digi Dhan Mela on Friday

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jan 18: In a bid to sensitize its citizens on cashless transaction, the government of Arunachal is conducting a one-day Digi Dhan Mela on January 20, 2017 at Indira Gandhi Park here. Government of India has deputed Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju to oversee the programe and Chief Minister Pema Khandu will preside over the function in presence of Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein, Union Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju and Veterinary and Animal Husbandry and Art and Culture Minister Dr. Mohesh Chai.

Addressing the media persons at Civil Secretariat Conference room here this evening, Chief Secretary Shakuntala D Gamlin appealed all the stakeholders to participate in the digitalization of economy. Chief Secretary was accompanied by Secretary Information Technology (IT) Sonam Chombay, Principal Secretary, Home, Satya Gopal and Special Secretary IT and Health and Family Welfare, Prince Dhawan.

Outlining the aims and objectives of the Digi Dhan Mela, Chief Secretary informed that Government of India has already published and circulated the simplified solution on cashless transaction through media. CS added programes will be rolled out in districts and far off places to sensitize the people on cashless transaction.

"Aftermath of demonetization, digitalization would have to take place ideally because we are going to be the consumer state, in the goods and service tax which is largely uniform system of tax collection" CS added.

The CS further informed that large numbers of traders have been enlisted and they would demonstrate digitalization method of payments and all the bank branches will be setting up demonstration/exhibition counters during Digi Dhan Mela to educate the people on cashless transaction.

She informed that the all payments are likely to be done through integrated computerized, IT enable system after launching of digitalization. "Sooner we get into digitalization mode of transaction, we would be in better position as a state to earn the revenue. Also black money will be phased out and government will be able to collect more taxes which will be useful for infrastructure development," she exhorted.

However, the CS Gamlin made it clear that in order to sensitize semi-literate and elderly people in rural areas; the campaign will be followed up in the districts and would enforce the DCs and district machinery to ensure larger participation of people in entire process of digitalization of economy. ´

"In some of the interior places some amount of cash transaction will be continued until the IT infrastructures and bank facilities on cashless transaction are available" she stated adding that for the long term perspective, digitalization should have to be pushed as entire system of goods and services tax regime is going to be launched from July.

Chief Secretary also informed that most simplified method of payment could be done through Aadhar card as biometric device would be installed to identify Aadhar card holders especially for illiterate people. She appealed to the media to play vital role in disseminating information so that all stakeholders could be sensitized.

Earlier, in his initial remarks, Secretary Information Technology said “Idea of conducting Digital Mela, is to sensitize all the citizens on the cashless transaction.”

Aftermath of demonetization of high value currency notes, the union Government has been pushing the citizens to embrace digital transaction with objective to check black money and improper collection of tax.

Brave heart's father laments unfulfilled promises

NEW DELHI, Jan 18: Father of 8-year-old Arunachal girl Tarh Peeju, who has been conferred the National Bravery Award posthumously, yesterday said former chief minister of the state Kalikho Pul had "promised" to dedicate a bridge after his daughter, but "nothing has happened" after his death.

"I am very proud of my daughter, who sacrificed her life as she saved two children while they were drowning in Pachin river last May.

"The then chief minister Kalikho Pul had visited our home and announced that my daughter would be immortalized by building a new bridge over the river and naming it after her. But, since his death, nothing has happened," Tarh Kama claimed.

Kama was interacting with reporters at the press conference held here on the National Bravery Award by the Indian Council of Child Welfare (ICCW), where the awardees were also present.

The awards would be formally given by the Prime Minister on January 23.

Holding a portrait of his late daughter, he made an impassioned plea to the state government to "fulfill the promise" made by Pul.

Peeju, who died while rescuing two of her friends when they were swept away by the current in the Pachin River in Arunachal Pradesh, is among the four awardees to have been conferred the honour posthumously. She received the coveted Bharat Award.

"A few months after the death of my daughter, Pul also died," he said, while alleging, "the new government has not done anything in this regard."

Kama, who has two sons and another daughter, further claimed, "An ex-gratia of Rs 7 lakh was to be given, which we have not received. Free education up to graduation level was promised to one of my children, but no progress in that regard either." PTI

CM calls for effective implementation of all CSS and state sponsored progs.

ITANAGAR, Jan 18: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has called for effective implementation of all Centrally Sponsored Schemes and state sponsored programmes besides, tightening up the internal security apparatus in Tawang district.

He said this during a meeting with Tawang Deputy Commissioner, Sang Phuntso through video conferencing conducted by National Informatics Centre, Arunachal Pradesh State and District Unit, here on Wednesday.

Khandu reviewed various critical ongoing projects and schemes in the district besides law and order. He enquired about the social sector programmes and directed the DC and district officers to ensure smooth and effective implementation.

Speaking about Prime Minister's vision of Digital India, the CM asked the DC and head of offices in the district to sensitize the masses on digital transaction and its benefits.

He sought the status of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana being implemented in the rural areas and urged to ensure the benefits of Aadhar-linked accounts to reach the rural masses. 'Jan Dhan Yojana is not just a bank account; it has lots of benefits attached to it. But to avail these benefits, it must be linked with Aadhar Card with Jan Dhan Yojana bank accounts', he said. The CM directed the district officials to educate the people about the Jan Dhan Yojana and ensure its 100% coverage.

The CM enquired on the status of power supply in the district and held detailed discussion to improve the power scenario.

He also called for proper implementation of all Prime Minister's flagship programmes such as PMJDY, Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, Skill India etc.

NABARD to fund over 20 state development projects

ITANAGAR, Jan 18: NABARD has sanctioned Rs. 237 crore and will sanction another Rs. 18 crore soon for 21 projects under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) to the state government which will be utilized for improving infrastructure in road connectivity (112.60 km), rural drinking water supply, school education and flood protection projects. This was informed by General Manager and Officer-In-Charge of NABARD, Arunachal Pradesh Regional Office, S Sankara Narayanan when he along with AGM K Jagadeesh called on Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein, in his official residence on Wednesday.

Stating that these projects intend to benefit about 1.80 lakh population in 146 villages in eleven districts, Narayanan said that the NABARD sanctions amounted to 127% of allocation for the state under RIDF which is the highest in the country this year. He also stated NABARD has already released Rs 84.30 crore in respect of ongoing projects and expects to release Rs 80 crore more for projects sanctioned during the year.

DCM, Chowna Mein asked the NABARD GM to invest more fund in Rural Infrastructure Development Projects and to provide financial assistance in terms of easy loans to the farmers of the state citing that the state has good scope for agriculture and horticulture crops. He said efforts are needed to add value to the crops so that the farmers in the state can get better price and yield.

He further said that there is a need to identify potential through remote sensing and conduct soil testing to identify and suggest measures to improve productivity and suitability of crops.

Narayanan also informed that NABARD prepares Potential Linked Credit Plan (PLPs) for each district to map the potential available for development in agriculture and rural sector through credit flow.

Intensive coaching for state karate team begins

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jan 18: A 20 days intensive coaching camp for players selected to represent the state in the ensuing KAI National Senior Karate Championship began at Naharlagun on Wednesday.

Arunachal Karate Association (AKA) has selected 19 gold medalists of the last State Karate Championship held in Ziro, Lower Subansiri district, for the upcoming two days national karate championship scheduled to be held in Panaji, Goa from February 25.

The team comprises 11 male and 9 female karatekas, who will be accompanied by AKA Technical Director S Deben Sharma as Coach, Treasurer Tai Hipik as Manager and Rakesh Gamnu as Assistant Manager.

The camp aims at fine tuning technical as well as improving the karate skills of the players, said AKA President Shihan Likha Tara.

Delivering few motivational pieces of advice, Tara, who also is the vice president of Karate Association of India, asked the players to give 100 percent in practice in order to improve their skills.

Tara, who has dedicated his life for development of the sports in the state, also asked the players to attend the camp sincerely and cautioned them that irregular ones would be replaced.

The coaching camp is solely sponsored by AKA and the karate players attending the camp have been provided free food and lodging facilities.

Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA) Secretary General Abraham K Techi also attended the inauguration function and encouraged the players to perform well.

Highlighting the present sports scenario of the state, Abraham said , "Our youths have an in-born talent in sports; but what is required to hone their talents is a good platform, infrastructure and proper training." He reiterated AOA's long-pending demand for construction of a multi-purpose indoor hall in Capital Complex to meet the infrastructural needs.

AKA general secretary Bulang Marik informed about the upcoming KAI National Senior Karate Championship and various scopes that the country's top karate event offers to the winning players.

Arunachal Taekwondo Association general secretary Tara Tagin, all the officials of AKA, instructors and senior players attended the programme.

Nirjuli to face Police Colony in final

ITANAGAR, Jan 18: Nirjuli Cricket Club (NCC) entered into the final of the sixth T-20 Christmas Cricket Tournament defeating Chimpu Richi Youth Club by 140 runs at Ganga village playground here on Wednesday.

After winning the toss, NCC captain decided to bat first and scored 249 runs in 20 overs.

Techi Dorio, Mintu Chetry, Rakesh Sahani, Licha John and Jayanto Doley of NCC scored 73, 27, 27, 39 and 52 runs respectively. Teli Sera and Tana Radh claimed 2 and 1 wickets respectively.

While chasing the target of 250, CRY Club were all out for just 109 runs in 20 over.

Jayanto Doley took four wickets while Mintu Chetry claimed two. Sandeep Kumar Thakur, Techi Dorio, Takar Paja and Yajum Sera took wicked wicket each.

In the second semi final, Police Colony Cricket Club defeated Kingfisher XI and entered into the final.

Deputy Speaker resigns

ITANAGAR, Jan 18: State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker, Alo Libang has resigned from the office of Deputy Speaker with effect from Jan 14 last, informed a release from Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

CM directs administration to extend relief to fire victims

ITANAGAR, Jan 18: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has expressed shock over two different incidents of fire mishap in West Siang district. While extending his solidarity with the victims, the CM issued directives to the department of disaster management to provide adequate relief to the victims.

He also directed the district administration to extend all possible assistance to the fire victims for relief and rehabilitation by taking due care of their needs, ration, food, shelter and safe drinking water.

Assam Rifles distributes sports items

CHANGLANG, Jan 18: The Changlang Battalion of Assam Rifles distributed sports items to the students of Primary School, Simran Village here on Tuesday last as part of its Military Civic Action Programme on the occasion of the 69th Army Day celebrations.

The sporting equipments like carom boards, volleyball, football, basketball and cricket accessories were handed over to the Headmaster of the Primary School, in the presence of the local village headman.

JWCAPTU urges govt. to provide relief to Aalo fire victims

ITANAGAR, Jan 18: The Joint Working Committee of Arunachal Pradesh Trade Unions (JWCAPTU) has appealed to the state government to provide relief and compensations to the fire victims of Aalo town.

Informing that nine houses were gutted in a devastating fire that broke out around 2 am on January 17, JWCAPTU also appealed to the Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Constructions Workers Welfare Board to provide relief materials and other benefits as per the norms as many of the fire victims are registered with the Board.

Meanwhile, JWCAPTU has decided to organise a donation drive on January 19 at Aakashdeep Itanagar and January 20 at Takar Complex Naharlagun in aid of fire victims of Aalo. JWCAPTU chairman Changma Tajo has appealed to all to extend helping hands and contribute voluntarily to give succor to the affected people.

2015

2016

---- Editorial ----

Increase in fire incident matter of worry

As the winter arrives, the number of fire incidents rises across the state. This winter the Arunachal has been ravaged by several major fire incidents. The worst fire incident was reported from Wakka village in Longding district. 52 dwelling houses were gutted down making more than 100 families homeless. A 70-year-old woman was charred to death while massive amount of properties were damaged. In another major fire incident, seven dwelling houses, six semi RCC and three OBT barracks were devastated in two separate fire incidents at Ngomdir village and Gour Hill on Tuesday in Aalo town.

Several other fire incidents have caused massive devastations. Every year during the winter season, Arunachal witnesses number of fire accidents. However, people as well as authority concern do not seem to be learning any lesson from the repeated fire incidents. The state government should conduct proper study in this regard and try to find a long term solution to this issue. The study should involve fire department as well as local people. Also the number of fire station should be increased and more number of fire tending vehicles should be purchased. On their part, the citizens should learn lesson from such kind of repeated fire incident and take measures.

___________________

---- Readers Forum ----

Official hurdles

Dear Editor,

Recently a friend of mine from Canada wanted to visit our state Arunachal Pradesh but he could not make it because of official hurdles. Now let me tell the official hurdles.

The fee for entering Arunachal Pradesh is US 50$ plus 2000 each ie US 50$ will be paid as treasury challan and Rs 2000 as official fee.

The permit is given for 30 days for which US 50$ is taken as fee even if tourist want to stay for 10 days. He is forced to pay for 30 days.

The tourist is forced to look for tour operator for official works even if they want to do themselves as official do not entertain individual tourist request.

The tourist is forced to tour only the approved tour circuit otherwise they have to apply for restricted area permit from Delhi.

I would like to know why government has made so many restrictions even after 70 years of independence whereas many Bangladeshi are making Arunachal their home unofficially.

So my suggestion to government is kindly look after this hurdle if Arunachal Pradesh has to cash in from tourism.

Only making announcement for tourism will not bring tourists to Arunachal.

Yours,

Anonymous

Itanagar

Mukhya Mantri Seema Vikash Yojna

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of the present state government in regards to Mukhya Mantri Seema Vikash Yojna (MMSVY), a state government flagship programme to provide subsidy for the unemployed youth of the state to purchase vehicle for self-employment.

As per Govt, of Arunachal Pradesh letter No.STD/PD/8/23/2014 Dated 4th Feb. 2015, a selection process for West Siang District was done under the Chairmanship of Pige Ligu, the then Deputy Commissioner, Aalo, West Siang District (A-P). The selection of beneficiaries was done through lottery draw at the Office Chamber of ADC, Aalo in the presence of applicants, general public and Committee members.

In total, twelve beneficiaries were selected vide Lottery Result draw No. WS/DTO(TPT)/MMSVY-01/2016, dated Aalo, the 29thMarch 2016. Furthermore, all the necessary formalities like signing of ‘Deed of Agreement’ and deposition of 20% of project cost have been done through District Transport Officer which is the executing agency.

However, after all the formalities have been done, no further steps have been taken by the state government in this regard so far. All the unemployed selected beneficiaries are waiting to take the advantage of the scheme but all in vain. This is such a gross injustice to the selected unemployed youth of our state.

So, while taking their plight, I would like to apprise the present state government under the able leadership of Pema Khandu, Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh to look into the matter earnestly and immediately.

Yours

Kidak Geyi

Mandal General

Secretary

BJP 27th Liromoba, West Siang

___________________

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