January 20
Centre keen on Arunachal airport
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju said that
the Central Government is committed to gift Arunachal Pradesh with a full-
Raju informed that a central team has recently surveyed both the sites at Karsingsa and Hollongi proposed for an airport and his ministry is waiting for the report.
He was interacting with officials of the state Civil Aviation officers in presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Chief Secretary Shakuntala D Gamlin and Principal Secretary Satya Gopal on Thursday in Itanagar,
He said the detailed report and its submissions would be then forwarded to the state government for a final call and expressed optimism that works on the airport would begin soon.
Going through a power-
Meanwhile, he asked the state Civil Aviation department to find out concrete ways and means to do away with issues that are proving hurdles in implementation of the proposals. He assured full support and cooperation from the Ministry in strengthening air connectivity in the state.
The State Government has been requesting the Center to allow use of civilian terminus in the various ALGs coming up in the state for ATRs, which are under the control of the Indian Air Force.
The State Government, which is planning to run commercial ATR flights, for about three months on experiment basis to start with, also requested the Minister to give one time relaxation on some stringent rules.
Raju, while saying that safety and security angles cannot be compromised, assured that the Ministry can consider some other rules concerning with administration, etc.
He also suggested the state government to look out for possibilities in bringing in cargo flights as the state has immense potential in horticulture crops, floriculture and medicinal plants.
Earlier, in a one-
The Chief Minister informed that as the state has a population of about 14 lakhs only, the initiative to curb black money by the Prime Minister was widely accepted by the people.
Former Planning Secretary of the state Ankur Garg, who is now Private Secretary to the Union Minister, is accompanying Raju.
All NE states are distinctive: Pema
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: The Chief Minister Pema Khandu has said that different states of the Northeast have distinct culture, language, customs and traditions and that it was unfair to club all of them as one.
He was interacting with 18 IAS probationers who had called on him on Thursday at his office.
"I have seen that people in cities of the mainland stereotype North East as one state with similar features and demography. But the fact is very different. Arunachal Pradesh on its own has so many distinct tribes and communities so different from each other in culture, language, customs and traditions," he pointed out while observing that most of the people in the metros are not aware of the distinctness of each state in the North East.
Under the Bharat Darshan programme, the trainee IAS officers are on a two-
To a query by one of the probationers on the challenges faced by a Chief Minister in meeting the aspirations and expectations of so many tribes and communities, Khandu said that it was a tough challenge for any chief minister of the state.
"Yes, this is a huge challenge therefore we believe in inclusive government. Political empowerment of each tribe is most important. So we see to it that each community or tribe is represented in the government so that aspirations of each tribe can be fulfilled as much as possible," he said.
On the backwardness of the region and the state, Khandu accepted that Arunachal Pradesh got the attention of the Center very late; however, things are changing now. He said Arunachal Pradesh is behind other states in various fields, particularly in education and expressed hope that with the Central Government giving due attention the scenario would change sooner than later.
The interaction was joined by Parliamentary Secretary, UD & Housing, Techi Kaso, Chief Secretary Shakuntala D Gamlin, Principal Secretary Satya Gopal and Secretary to CM Sonam Chombay.
ACF contributes to Wakka fire victims
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) organized a relief drive for the victims of recent fire incident at Wakka in Longding district.
The ACF collected Rs 301040 from various donors among Christian Community within Capital Complex.
The collected amounts along with warm clothes including blankets were handed over to the District Disaster Management Officer, Longding by ACF General Secretary Toko Teki on behalf of the apex body of the Christian community of Arunachal Pradesh on January 19, 2017.
The DDMO received the relief amounts and other items on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner of Longding for further distribution among the affected people.
The donors are Arunachal Pradesh Christian Revival Church Council (Rs 1 Lakh), Nyishi Baptist Church Council (Rs 50,000), Town Baptist Church Itanagar (Rs.50,000), Town Baptist Church Chandranagar (Rs 40,000), Town Baptist Church Naharlagun (Rs 20,000), Town Baptist Church Doimukh (Rs 22,000), Christian Church Nirjuli (Rs 11,053), Grace Covenant Church (Rs 3,840), PCFC (CEA) Nirjuli (Rs 4,147).
Mein calls for timely implementation of CSS
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein while reviewing the progress of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) of various departments in the State called for its timely and quality implementation.
While speaking at the office of State Planning Department on Thursday, he asked the heads of the executing agencies to improve the performance of CSS saying that the plan size of the next year will depend on the performance of this year. He urged them submit the utilization certificates at the earliest as the release of next installment would be based on the furnished UC.
He asked the commissioners, secretaries and senior officers present in the meeting to come forward with new ideas and expertise and to suggest innovative, developmental and result oriented projects that can be incorporated.
He stated that districts located in the foot hills area of the state have huge irrigation
potentials and good productivity of various agriculture and horticulture crops. Such
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Parliamentary Secretary for Planning Zingnu Namchoom also participated in the review meeting.
Secretary Planning Joram Beda updated the latest positions on the performance and submission of UCs by various departments.
He informed that the NITI Aayog, Govt of India have rationalized the existing 66 Centrally Sponsored Schemes into 28 Umbrella Schemes. Out of which, 6 schemes have been categorized as the Core of the Core schemes, 20 schemes as Core Schemes and remaining two as Optional schemes. Core Schemes will have compulsory participation by the States whereas participation amongst the Optional Schemes would be by choice, he informed.
Commissioners, Secretaries and Directors of various departments highlighted the progress of various CSS through power point presentations in the meeting.
Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Along with rest of the country, Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign will be launched in Arunachal Pradesh on the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on January 30.
Gram Sabhas will be organized across the state in collaboration and coordination with allied sector of health department/ministries on the day of launching to intensify leprosy detection and treatment campaign.
The main thrust of the campaign will be to promote community participation to reorient the delivery of service of diagnosis and treatment of leprosy in its early stages.
A preparatory orientation meeting cum workshop for the campaign is being held on January 23 at the conference hall of Directorate of Health Services, Naharlagun at 10 am.
AWs should act as agents of social change: DC
PANGIN, Jan 19: Siang Deputy Commissioner Rahul Singh said that Anganwadi workers (AWs) were the frontline workers of ICDS programmes and should work for the betterment of society.
Presiding over the coordination meeting of all the CDPOs and Supervisors of Siang District at his conference hall here on Thursday, Singh exhorted the AWs to work as agents of social change and mobilize community support for better care of young children.
He also asked them to ensure that pregnant women are immunized against various diseases.
Singh also reviewed the performance of Anganwadis, shortcomings and challenges to centres.
In an another coordination meeting with admin officers, DC Singh reviewed various vital issues related to health and hygiene, education, opening of bank accounts, Aadhar enrollment, illegal encroachment of government lands etc. DIPRO
APSCW prog on domestic violence, drugs abuse
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: To safeguard women and children from domestic violence, the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) organized awareness programmes at Namsai and Sunpura in Lohit district recently.
Stating that the main motto of Domestic Violence Act and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) is to safeguard the women and children from domestic violence, APSCW Chairperson Mitali Tingkhatra urged the participants to spread the message of the Acts to masses.
Advocate K. Dorjee of District Legal Service Authority explained in details about different types of domestic violence, salient features of Domestic Violence Act and the process of getting free legal aid and services.
Resource person Nani Mamung, Assistant Professor of Arunachal Law Academy spoke about harmful effects of drugs abuse, alcoholism and its impact on user's health and the society as well. She also highlighted on POCSO Act, 2012 and property rights for women.
APSCW Member Oter Ering Tayeng spoke about compulsory marriage registration and its benefits. She urged the people to discourage and stop practicing polygamy.
Dr. M. Thoumong explained the importance of maintaining good health and hygiene practices.
Deputy Commissioner RK Sharma encouraged the victims of domestic violence that they should seek legal aid under the Act rather than continue to tolerate abuse.
ZPC Kyasing Munglang expressed disappointment over the reported disturbing incidents happened with few youths of the state in placement under skill development programme.
Namsai CDPO Wihong Khimhun projected a short animated film co-
WWS Namsai unit president Shristi Maio, general secretary Pinjira Namchoom also spoke on the occasion.
The awareness meeting was attended by Nang Sujata Namchoom, government officials, ASHA and Anganwadi workers and SHG members.
The programme was conducted in collaboration with Women Welfare Society (WWS), Namsai unit.
A similar programme was also organized at Sunpura on January 17 and 18 in association with Jeko Women Help Group, All Mishmi Women Welfare Society, Tezu, wherein the APSCW Chairperson urged everyone to fight against drugs menace in the district.
Tezu BDO G. Manyu encouraged everyone to take advantage of government schemes and stressed on local handloom businesses.
Senior Medical Officer Dr. W. Anand Singh gave some general health tips for staying healthy and to lead a disease free life.
Sunpura Circle Officer Vikhelum Bellai, former general secretary of Cultural and Literary Society of Mishmi Bakhrimso Chikro, WWS president Jemsilu Kri and general secretary Shibali Yun also spoke on the occasion.
The team has also visited Vivekananda Kendra Vidiyalay, Sunpura.
More than 200 students attended the programme, including students from Govt. Hr. Sec School, Jeko, Govt. Sec School, Yeliang and teachers. The APSCW team will conclude its awareness programme at Wakro on January 20 and 21.
CM's XI to lock horns with APC in football friendly
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: A friendly football match between Chief Minister's XI (CM's XI) and Arunachal Press Club (APC) is being organized at Bn. Ground, Chimpu, Itanagar on January 20.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu will lead his team as captain while APC president Chopa Cheda will captain the APC team.
The tournament is being organized by Department of Information Technology in collaboration with Arunachal Pradesh Football Association as part of Digi Dhan Mela.
Chief Secretary Shakuntala D. Gamlin is the manager of CM's XI. APUWJ president Amar Sangno and Sanjay Mosing are the manager and head coach of APC team.
The match will start at 1 pm sharp.
Digi Dhan Mela
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Various government departments and banks will explain options available for digital payments at Digi Dhan Mela at Indira Gandhi Park on Friday.
They will also assist the visitors in downloading and installing various mobile apps for digital payments and help do one digital transaction.
The Digi Dhan Mela aims at helping the users in downloading, installing and using various digital payment systems for carrying out digital transactions.
Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju will inaugurate the Digidhan Mela at 10.30 am.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu will also be present on the occasion.
Meetings on GST
Itanagar, Jan 19: A consultation meeting on migration of VAT dealers to GST portal organized by Department of Tax and Excise was held at Abotani Hall, Hapoli on Thursday.
Chairing the meeting, ADC Nending Chatung expressed hope that the traders will avail the opportunity to clear doubts on the new taxation method and as responsible citizens pay taxes to the government as per norms.
Superintendent of Tax and Excise, Punyo Paje dwelt at length regarding the process of migration from VAT dealers to GST portal.
Informing that the migration process from VAT to GST has already been initiated by the department, he said that the traders will have to produce their PAN cards and provide a mobile number and an email address as entire process of GST will be online.
"We are running behind schedule and will have to work in a war footing manner to complete the migration process," he added and appealed for cooperation from all the stakeholders.
He further assured to conduct workshops on GST and tax return process for the welfare of the business community.
In a questionnaire session that followed later, the traders and businessmen present clarified their doubts on VAT and GST from the Superintendent.
The Tax & Excise department also organized a Workshop on migration of VAT into GST
registration at Anchal Samity Hall, Roing in Dibang Valley district today. The programme
was attended by CO, in-
While presenting the steps and procedure for online registration, Sanjay Taram directed
all registered firms/dealers of Lower Dibang Valley district to migrate to GST from
existing VAT system. He also informed that the introduction of GST registration system
is new Govt policy to regulate uniform Tax system to facilitate user friendly online
services. VAT registration certificate, passport photo, bank statement, identity
proof documents are required for uploading and filling up online application. In
case of power of Attorney holder, Voter ID, Pan Card, Passport photo, PRC will be
required. They also informed that for new user e-
A meeting on VAT to GST portal was also held at Bhalukpong on Thursday.
Presiding over the meeting of the dealers at EAC Conference hall, EAC Bhalukpong Tamo Riba said that the Government of India has made it mandatory to migrate from the VAT to GST. The VAT has to be migrated in the GST portal before implementation of GST slated later in the year.
Superintendent (Tax & Excise) Kento Nyido explained the process and urged upon all dealers to migrate at the earliest.
Among others Bhalukpong Market welfare committee General Secretary Kumsi Jabisow, Inspector Excise N. Riba addressed the traders.
Nyishi Idol finalist Anamika Riang dies
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Nyishi singer Anamika Riang who had been fighting an illness for the past few years tragically died yesterday.
A finalist in the first Nyishi Idol, Riang was a trained classical singer who had
also auditioned for Indian Idol. Apart from on-
Originally hailing from East Kameng district, Riang was on her way to Shillong to seek further treatment for her ailment when she passed away. Her body has been taken to Seppa for her final rites.
Expressing its condolences, the All Riang Society Welfare Association has called her death a great loss for the arts landscape of the state and prayed for strength for the family at this time of grief. She is survived by her parents Longbo and Memak Riang, an elder brother and a younger sister. She was 31 years.
Scientific Advisory Committee meet of KVK
ZIRO, Jan 19: The Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting of Krishi Vigyan Kendra,
Yachuli under Lower Subansiri district was organized at the KVK on January 17, wherein
all the SMSs of different disciplines presented their achievements during 2016-
Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Yachuli Dr. AN Tripathi gave an overview of activities and achievements of the KVK.
Yachuli ADC AC Baruah stressed on organic farming and suggested the farmers to avoid the weedicides in crop fields.
District Fisheries Development Officer of Lower Subansiri James Nabam, who presided over the meeting, advised the farmers to consult the scientist of the KVK on problem and issues related to agriculture. He spoke on various aspects of fish farming, site selection to develop new fish pond.
SDHO, Department of Horticulture Tasso Yallu suggested for trial cultivation of particular variety of large cardamom in particular area or altitude for higher yield.
DTO (ATMA) Gamwang Hocha also spoke on the occasion.
Progressive farmers Likha Kamin and Bida Taba Goyee shared their experience on large cardamom cultivation in Yazali area.
25 officials from various line departments, progressive farmers and farm women attended.
AAUHAA demands creation of posts for trained health assistants
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: The All Arunachal Pradesh Unemployed Health Assistant Association (AAUHAA) has appealed for creating posts for the many trained unemployed health assistants of the state.
In its memorandum to the heath and family welfare minister, it said that there are
approximately 300-
The association further warned against regularizing the job of health assistants under NHM on contract basis claiming that they are untrained.
Awareness programme on FLAP
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: An awareness meeting on Financial Literacy Awareness Programme (FLAP) under the aegis of Arunachal Apex Bank, Khonsa branch in collaboration with NABARD was held on Thursday at Government Higher Secondary School, Khonsa.
Speaking on the occasion, Apex Bank, Khonsa Branch Manager Tawang Lowang, informed
that the bank is introducing a new scheme called FLAP (Financial Literacy Awareness
Programme) for opening of bank account for minor children from 10 -
Principal of the host school Manfe Hosai assured to extend full cooperation to the Apex Bank for opening of minor bank account. (DIPRO)
RGU conducts awareness on wildlife at Oyan
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Rajiv Gandhi University conducted an awareness programme on status of wildlife population and wildlife based ecotourism potential and others benefits at govt Upper primary School, Oyan on Thursday.
The awareness programme was held under the mandate of CPEB-
Speaking on the occasion as resource person, Dr Daniel Mize explained how wildlife
in the state is in dismal situation due to habitat encroachment and over exploitation.
He enlightened the gathering on sustainable use of bio-
Dr. Mize also spoke on eco-
RKM observes Vivekananda birthday
Aalo, Jan 19: Ramakrishna Mission, Aalo observed the 155th birthday of Swami Vivekananda. Various programmes were organised in the Main Prayer Hall from 7.00 AM to 12 noon.
An elaborate prayer was performed by the Sadhus & Brahmacharis of the Mission. There were devotional singing by monks, staff and students. The devotees hailing from Darka village also attended the programme and sang melodious devotional songs in Galo. It was followed by discourse on life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda by Srimat Swami Purnajnanananda, the Secretary.
A photo exhibition on life and teaching of Swami Vivekananda was also arranged for the visitors.
Training on oyster mushroom
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: More than 25 farm women and rural youths attended training cum demonstration on Oyster Mushroom Production technology at Krongna on Wednesday. Organized by KVK, Anjaw, it was a NABARD funded project on 'Nutritional security and livelihood improvement of tribal through Mushroom production technology'.
Coordinator of the training programme, SMS Plant Protection Dr Senpon Ngomle acquainted the participants about various aspects of mushroom cultivation.
Training the participants on mushroom cultivation, he urged the participants to start cultivating mushroom on a commercial scale.
Later, the participants were taken to a mushroom production unit of Krongna SHG.
APCC to organize Jan-
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) will organize "Jan-
The programme will be attended by Rajya Sabha Member from Assam and AICC Coordinator
and party's in-
Officer passes away
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Neelam Rikha who was serving as the Assistant Director in Yachuli
Sub-
Late Neelam Rikha is survived by his wife, a son and four daughters. The 16-
Saaya said that "in the demise of late Neelam Rikha, Yachuli Assembly Constituency has lost an energetic sincere officer and a good person."
The Confederation of Service Association of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) expressed deep shock and grief over the loss of its member, late Neelam Rikha.
In a press communiqué, CoSAAP Assistant General Secretary Likha Tech observed that "in his passing away, the state has lost an energetic and sincere officer."
Orgs seek secretary's ouster
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: After Arunachal Pradesh Elementary Teachers' Association, now Youth Organization Movement of Arunachal (YOMA) and All Nyishi Youth Organizations (ANYO) have sought ouster of education secretary.
The organizations have written to the chief secretary seeking his transfer.
Vandalism condemned
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Kepang Erang Kebang and Ratan Welfare Society have condemned the recent vandalism of Ratan Dental Care Clinic at Pasighat allegedly by one Zakir Hussain.
Suspecting foul play, the organizations have appealed to the law enforcing authorities to nab the main culprit behind the incident. Warning to take up democratic movement if the police fail to come up with logical conclusion in the case, the organizations also kept a reward of Rs.1 Lakh for the informer of the mastermind behind the vandalism.
The act of vandalising the clinic is very demoralising for us all and for Dr Kayon Ratan, who had performed first maxilofacial surgery in the state, the organizations added in its joint statement.
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US gearing up for transition
The whole world is gearing up for uncertainty as the world's most powerful nation US is about to witnesses a major transfer of power. Donald Trump will be unveiled as next President on Friday replacing Barack Obama. During his campaign and even after the winning election, Trump has alarmed international community with his erratic behavior. His views on several major issues deeply worry the rest of the world. For years the US has advocated for free trade but Trump has warned to take action against those companies who sells product in US but manufactures in other countries.
Strangely he is replacing a president who is going out with strong approval rating. As per the survey carried out by various media group in US, President Obama has very high approval rating. Being the first black president Obama has tried his best to unite the country and world. He has always avoided military action and tried to use diplomatic ways to resolve issues. There are differing opinions on Obama's legacy. Critics see him as weak president for not taking decisive action against ISIS. However his supporters project him as angel of peace for initiating peace process with countries like Cuba and Iran with whom US had hostile relation for years. The argument about his legacy may go on but there is no denying that Obama and his family has made office of US president more humane. They have been the perfect role model for millions of people across the world. As he prepares to leave office Barack Obama continues to inspire youths across the world with his achievement. As Trump gets ready to occupy White House many will be hoping that he takes some inspiration from Obama and don't take any decision which can divide the international community.
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Akhilesh and Samajwadi Party
Dear Editor,
This refers to your editorial “Three horse race in UP” (Jan 18). It is a good decision
of the Election Commission to allot the “bicycle” symbol to the Akhilesh faction
of the Samajwadi Party as the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister who enjoyed majority in
the party’s organizational and legislative structures. The son finally came out of
his father’s shadow. This was the most important case to decide as to who will get
the bicycle. Akhilesh is a clear winner with Cycle Symbol and by joining with Congress
and Others; he can very well confine BSP and BJP to single digits. Akhilesh is an
undisputed leader of the Samajwadi Party and shows that he is the new face of the
Uttar Pradesh politics. Akhilesh with his ability to deliver on development be it
roads, Lucknow Metro and the ongoing project Agra-
Young generation is increasingly asserting itself in UP, resounding thumping victory of Akhilesh in being legal claimant to election symbol of Samajwadi Party 'Cycle' is the testimony to it. Besides all ups and downs, one feels that it is a family drama and in the end they will fight elections jointly.
Yours,
Vinod C. Dixit,
Ahmedabad
Misplaced priorities
Dear Editor,
While languishing at 130th position of Human Development Index that tells the tale of our miseries, can India afford the luxury of spending a bomb on erecting some gigantic statues?
If our political leaders are so eager then they need to build a statue of poverty with an inscription "194.6 million Indians go hungry everyday"; a statue of malnutrition with a reminder "1 in 3 children facing stunted growth and 15 per cent of our population undernourished from lack of food" and a statue of unemployment with a message “India has been losing 550 jobs per day for the last 4 years". These statues can help them get their priorities right.
Yours,
Sujit De
Kolkata
The new face of terror
Dear Editor,
It is quite unnecessary to be surprised on the realization that a train tragedy which claimed the lives of 150 innocent people was not a tragedy but the terrific result of a terror plan hatched from across the border. It did not send shock waves across the country as we as a nation are now habituated to suffer the ways and methods by which our evil neighbour tries to bleed us through a thousand cuts.
If demonetization stopped terror funding and stone pelting along the border, it was not difficult for the perpetrators of terror to terrorize our country by pulling a speedy train off the track. With one of the largest railway networks in the world and millions of passengers on board in any given time, it should really be a matter of grave concern as terror can kill hundreds of innocent people without any big bang blast blowing black thick clouds into the air in any crowded metropolitan suburb.
It was just a derailment for many when the Indore – Patna Express came out of the track on 20 November,2016 colliding and collapsing and killing a huge number of passengers and injuring many. As usual the memory of the tragedy got buried along with the dead, and we got on to the track of life with no remorse remaining in the backyard of our memory.
Nothing grievous was found throughout the investigation as a reason, except for the opposition to cry out the laxity of the officials and the ministry and stalling the proceedings of the parliament for few hours. Almost every accident is treated this usual manner. The government’s initiative to bring the passengers under the purview of insurance coverage with a premium of less than one rupee is a great initiative. But to ensure safety and security for the passengers from the nasty terror attempts of the enemy seems to be a difficult task for the government.
With the latest revelations of the culprits, it is established beyond doubt that Pakistan and its internal establishment would try effortless ways to spill the blood of innocent people in our country, but how prepared is our country to face these new level of threats with our ineffective security mechanisms. Our dreams to keep pace with the rest of the world in bullet trains are great but they should not get shattered on the broken rail tracks before they take shape.
Yours,
M.R.Lalu,
VKV Sher, Kimin,
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