Kameng River Festival begins
SEPPA, Jan 21: The maiden three-
Demonstration of folk songs and dances, indigenous games and sports events like bamboo
stilt walk, archery, pole climbing, hop jump, adventure sports like white water rafting,
para gliding and angling besides ethnic fashion show, food festival and traditional
exhibitions are the major highlights of the three-
The festival is being organised by EKSWCO, district administration and state tourism department.
Overnight continuous downpour could not dampen the spirit of the people who thronged the venue since morning to be a part of the mega tourism extravaganza.
Sikkim Tourism Parliamentary Secretary D N Sherpa declared the festival open.
Sherpa who had to travel by road from Guwahati since Wednesday as chopper failed
to take off due to inclement weather was in all-
Sherpa while announcing to provide technological support from his state to boost the tourism industry of Arunachal Pradesh, called for inculcating the spirit of discipline, the success mantra of Sikkim tourism.
“Sikkim has close resemblance with Arunachal and both the states could help each other in development of tourism and other industries.... I assure you of providing all the technical knowhow to develop the tourism industry in the state by sending experts soon to suggest the state government,” he said.
“Development of tourism depends on concerted efforts and all stakeholders must join hands for its development in the state,” he added.
Clad in traditional Nyishi Pari Ege (shawl), muffler and Bopia (head gear), Sherpa disclosed that the success story of Sikkim tourism industry was because of peace prevailing in the Himalayan state. He called upon the people to create conducive atmosphere and not to charge high rates from tourists visiting the state.
State PWD Parliamentary Secretary Alo Libang speaking on the occasion said that tourism industry in the state could be a money spinner if its potentials were harnessed to the fullest.
Tourism Parliamentary secretary Mama Natung while stressing on tourism marketing called for creating conducive atmosphere in the state to woo tourists by sensitizing the people.
Assuring all support, Power, Tax & Excise Parliamentary Secretary Tapuk Taku urged the people of East Kameng to strive for keeping the Kameng River clean, which he said, could be a source of livelihood if tourism industry is developed in the district.
Health & Family Welfare Parliamentary Secretary Karya Bagang advocated for preservation of wildlife and environment for development of eco tourism in the district.
East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organisation (EKSWCO) chairman Khya Safar Pao called upon the people to whole heartedly participate in the festival and be polite with the visitors.
He said, the objective of the festival is to showcase the hidden cultural diversity of the five tribes of the district namely Nyishi, Puroik, Aka, Sajolang and the Galo, to develop the district as a popular tourist destinations of the state and to promote cultural and communal harmony.
DC tours interior sub-
ROING, Jan 21: Lower Dibang Valley DC, Ravi Dhawan inspected all the residential
schools besides, CHC, medical sub center and PHC of Hunli and Desali division as
part of his three-
The DC was accompanied by Hunli SDO in charge J Umpo, DMO, DDSE, PD, DRDA, EE RWD and other officials. The DC while interacting with the teachers urged them to work hard and remain dedicated towards their duties. He also urged upon the parents to become a role model while bringing up their children.
Further, while addressing a public rally at Desali, the DC said that he wanted to meet the people living in the farthest administrative centers of the district and understand their problems for its early redress. He further stated that each and every department is committed for all round development of the district.
Dhawan assured to uphold the villagers proposal of stationing the government officials to the outpost and further requested the HoDs to depute their staff accordingly. Terming road communication as the administration’s first priority, he assured to take up the matter with the higher authority.
The DC also expressed dismay over the dilapidated condition of tourist lodge-
At Hunli, the DC along with his team inspected PMGSY road from 3 km point on Hunli-
The team also visited Abrango primary school and tourist lodge in New Elope, SDO
office, PHC, KGBV school, middle school, tourist lodge, construction site of 30-
Responding to the difficulty faced by SDO Hunli due to shortage of electricity supply, the DC assured to provide one DG set at SDO office Hunli.
The team also attended registration-
The DC also visited tourist lodge at Mayudia Pass and insisted on proper maintenance of existing infrastructure to attract more tourists. (DIPRO)
Road repairing works draw flak, authority assures quality
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Jan 21: The ongoing repairing cum re-
Currently PWD (Highway) is carrying out repairing work in the stretch between Helipad road and Arunachal State Hospital. The project is being initiated under Improvement of Riding Quality Programme (IRQP). “Due to diversion of road Naharlagun witnesses massive traffic jam. This is giving torrid time to the motorists. However seeing poor quality of work, it really makes us angry. PWD (Highway) and contractor should not take us for granted,” said a harassed commuter. However on their part highway authorities assured that they are strictly monitoring the work and will not compromise with quality.
“Despite all the difficulties, the contractor is putting honest effort. We strongly believe that once this IRQP project is completed, road condition will be much better,” said Er. Nani That, executive engineer PWD (Highway) capital division. Further he informed that, “IRQP program is a periodic repairing of national highway within the period of 2 to 3 years. Altogether 16 kilometer will be covered in this phase.”
EE That also informed that Chandranagar-
Ethnic harmony should be top priority: Bishop
Itanagar, Jan 21: Addressing the Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association (APCA) foundation day meet, Rev. Dr. John Thomas, Bishop of Itanagar at St. Mary’s Church Itanagar said that ethnic harmony should be on the top priority of the list as the state is composed of many tribes.
Other forces in the society may try to exploit ethnic sentiments for temporary benefits without thinking of the consequences of instigating ethnic rivalry, he said while adding that APCA have to be on the watch.
Addressing a gathering of more than a thousand faithful, he said that today’s faithful should also take along APCA side by side with their daily personal duty. Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association has been formed to carry forward the legacy to build and support the Church, he added.
Referring to injustice towards Church, President APCA Taw Tebin sent out a very strong message which said, ‘we will defend our church at any cost. We will fight back in defence in such matters of aggression towards our Church’.
The leadership training program was spearheaded by Rev. Fr. Devasia Vazhil.
Toko Putum, ADM Capital Complex also spoke on the occasion. Highly praising the nature and working style of APCA, he appealed the members to work in perfect discipline.
Toko Tekhi, President of ACF also spoke on the occasion. He urged all to pray for all the politicians and leaders of the State that they may lead the state to peace and prosperity.
Sonia, Rahul positive of Tuki leadership: APCC
ITANAGAR, Jan 21: Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi are reported to have reiterated their confidence in the State Government led by Nabam Tuki.
This was informed by APCC President Padi Richo who apprised the Gandhis about the present political situation in Arunachal Pradesh in separate meetings held with them in New Delhi today.
They advised Richo to strengthen the Party and emphasised on the implementation of the Congress Election Manifesto of 2014. The Party High command also urged Richo to prevail upon the elected representatives of the Congress Party at all levels to work dedicatedly towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people who have voted them to responsible positions.
AICC In Charge of Arunachal Pradesh V. Narayanasamy was also present during the PCC President's meeting with Rahul Gandhi.
Schools without toilets, unfit blackboards
DAPORIJO, Jan 21: During a survey of govt schools, a team of govt officials observed that there is lack of sanitary toilet at various schools and blackboards provided are too small. The schools also require proper water supply and separate toilet for girls and boys. It was also found that the teachers are accommodated in thatch houses without proper roofing.
A survey and mapping team led by Giteripa CO and Dumporijo BRCC surveyed the schools boundaries of Government IV and Primary Schools of Hali, Paksok, Yudik and Aki Nirin villages in Upper Subansiri district from Jan 15 last.
The team also convened meetings at the villages regarding the problems being faced by the school teachers and villagers.
Addressing the villagers during the meetings, the CO advised the teaching staff to provide quality education to children studying in the village schools and requested the villagers to extend their full cooperation. The CO also stressed on the importance of clean water supply system and sanitation and advised the villagers against the practice of open defecation. He also advised the GBs, HGBs and youths to desist from hunting wild life. (DIPRO)
HC directs Health dept
to regularize MPWs jobs
ITANAGAR, Jan 21: The Itanagar Permanent Bench of Gauhati High Court has directed the Department of Health and Family Welfare to regularize the remaining 206 candidates within four months after the first phase of regularization of 150 posts of Multipurpose Workers (MPWs).
The direction comes after few of MPWs filed writ petition against the advertisement published on November 20 last for appointment of 150 MPWs on regular basis in the Arunachal Pradesh State Vector Borne Disease Control Society of the existing 356 MPWs.
In the writ petition, petitioners felt that the length of service already put in by them have been totally ignored by the dept.
Since the petitioners and others who were appointed in2008 and 2009 have put in more years of service, it cannot be equated with those appointed in 2010 and on any other later date, the petitioners argued.
AASSATA threatens stir, demands salary
ITANAGAR, Jan 21: Reiterating non release of its salary which is pending since October last year, the All Arunachal Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers’ Association (AASSATA) has warned that it would be left with no other option but to resort to democratic movement if the demand is not fulfilled at the earliest. It wrote to chief secretary cum Chairman SSA Rajya Mission.
Stating that the chief minister had assured that the salary will be disbursed on time, it said that the repeated delay is an absolute humiliation by the state government.
Court directives to halt work order
ITANAGAR, Jan 21: While hearing the Misc. case no (J) 02/2016 in money suit No. 57/2012, the court of civil judge, (senior division), capital Complex has directed the defendants namely, Chief engineer, PWD Western Zone, Executive Engineer, Seppa PWD division and Assistant Engineer, M/F Subdivision PWD Seijosa in East Kameng not to issue work order in the stretch of the road between Lanka to Suchang specifically from 14.54 KM to 24 KM till next date fixed for the case.
Petitioner plaintiff Kuli Tachang filed the petition before the court praying for
injunction over the NIT floated by the PWD for improvement/upgradation of Pakke-
The court also issued notice to the defendant parties for filing their objection
as to why the prayer for injunction shall not be granted. “Since the present application
for injunction is to restrain the NIT for Improvement/up-
Next date of hearing is fixed on January 28.
It was submitted in the court that if the said area of road (from 14.54 km to 24
km) is re-
Mahindra launches Young SUV, KUV100 in Arunachal
NAHARLAGUN, Jan 21: Iconic Automobiles on Thursday unveiled the much anticipated KUV 100, a compact SUV to boost Mahindra’s market share in the passenger utility vehicle segment here in Lekhi village, Naharlagun.
The mega launch was attended by SBI (Naharlagun) AGM Dibaker Roy along with various other bankers, government officials, and current Mahindra customers.
KUV 100 as per the company is the first utility vehicle in the sub-
Coming in seven variants, the price (ex-
Features of the compact SUV include ABS with EBD across all variants, seating for six persons, daytime running lamps and power/ECO mode etc.
The launches and demos of the KUV 100 would also take place in Ziro, Aalo, Pasighat and Bomdila.
NGO takes up cleanliness mission
AALO, Jan 21: The Reyi Multipurpose Cooperative Society, a local NGO in collaboration with RCCN TV, Aalo led by its Director Liduk Ete is taking up mission ‘Clean Aalo’ to promote cleanliness and organizing ‘Most Beautiful Colony Award’ which will be presented in the first week of April next.
A panel of judges consisting of the Director of RCCN TV, Liduk Ete will visit every sector, colony and market of the township and create awareness among people regarding hygiene and use of dustbins. (DIPRO)
SBA cleanliness drive at Mechukha
ITANAGAR, Jan 21: The Mechukha township was cleaned as part of Swachch Bharat Abhiyan at Mechukha Township on Jan 20. The cleanliness drive was the fourth one under SBA.
Addressing the gathering before the cleanliness drive, ASM Mechukha Township and Bazaar Secretary, K.L Mosing requested all participants to work with enthusiasm to keep Mechukha Township clean and tidy for a better health.
Stating that it was the dream of Mahtama Gandhi for a clean India, ADC Mechukha, Tunnge Loya called on people gathered to seriously take the cleanliness drive as an obligation and moral duty to make Gandhi’s dream come true.
Commander 5 Mountain Brigade, Brigadier RS Budwor assured the local public and administration of help from his regiment for a better Mechukha.
All shopkeepers, members of Bazaar Welfare Committee all ranks and files of 13th Kumaon Regiment, 1st Arunachal Scouts, 20th ITBPBn, students from all the schools of Mechukha, staff of TK Consortium and Nagarjuna Construction Company actively participated in the cleanliness drive.
5 players from Arunachal at SAG trials
ITANAGAR, Jan 21: A five member team will represent the state for the 12th South Asian Games 2015 trials, to be held at Shillong from Feb 21 to 23. The Table Tennis Arunachal (TTA) informed that Nyader Angu, Joseph Perme, Yangphey Suyang and Jarge Yoxall are all top men players in the state, while Changoi Rangyang is the top women table tennis player who will be representing the state.
The team will be headed by team manager Gouridas Oinam with H.Tombisiona.
Appreciating the players for their rigorous practice put in so far, TTA Secretary General, Passang Dingla stated that the state expects medals to be won by the players.
Organizations reiterate demand to install new govt
ITANAGAR, Jan 21: 15 organizations has reiterated their demand for dismissal of Nabam Tuki led state government and installation of new government as per the outcome of last controversial legislative assembly session held in December.
Joint Action Committee Arunachal Pradesh along with other organizations in their demand placed to the governor criticized Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for not respecting the mandate of the house and step down from the post of CM.
We cannot afford to go for mid-
January 22
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
Editorial
Timely action
Ever since winter has set in capital complex has turned into ‘dusty city.’ It is
becoming next to impossible for vehicle users especially bikers to ride along the
national highway. The ongoing repairing cum re-
PWD (Highway) and construction agencies engaged by them are showing utter lack of
professionalism. There are laid down norms for construction of highways. Unfortunately
they have turned blind eye to it. High level of pollution is posing serious health
hazard to the dwellers of capital complex. Situation is so worse that Arunachal Pradesh
State Pollution Control Board finally had to intervene. Pollution Control Board
has slammed PWD (highway) and various construction agencies for failing to abide
by the pollution Act and Rules. They have urged road construction agencies to obtain
requisite clearances from the Board while constructing highway/trans-
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Readers’ Forum
Why this prejudice?
Dear Editor,
Through the column of year esteemed daily, I would like to express our frustration
regarding the prejudice by the Directorate of Elementary Education upon all the wait
listed candidates for the post of TGT (Sc. & SST) and PrT of 2014-
Being wait listed candidates, we found out from RTI source furnished by Jt. DEE (Cum PIO) in reply to application SL.NO 579 dated 28.11.2014 that 22 TGT (Sc.) and 23 TGT (SST) and some PrT post were lying vacant in the Department.
So we proposed the department for appointment to fill-
So, a fresh advertisement was advertised on 9th Oct’ 2015 and interview conducted and result came out on 23th Dec’ 2015 along with a wait listed candidates, longer than penultimate result. And thus all selected candidate along with 48 wait listed has been appointed in rapid round manner. How did the Director persuade Supreme Court this time? Is it the money factor? Is it political factor? Or the rule has changed abruptly? If the rule has change then it is good and if not then the system is looting the zeal or enthusiasm of teacher aspirants because already looted teacher can’t bestow its perspiration with true love towards educational development which will inflict the future generation enormously.
So today we want to know from Director Elementary Education that the copy of PIL or Writ Petition you have shown to nullify our wait list candidacy is valid today or no.
If it is invalid then its good on your side but if its valid till today then why you are breaking your own commitment to abide strictly by law?
Why this prejudice? At last, I want to appeal to Directorate to conduct a written test among the APTET Passed Candidate for the post of TGT and PrT for Elementary level also in future.
Yours,
Teacher aspirant
Menstruating age and Sabarimala
Dear Editor,
Apropos of Ms Priyanka Chakrabarty’s letter on the topic “Women of menstruating age has human right to enter Temples” (Jan. 20), I would like to share few facts on the matter.
The centuries old customs prevailing in Sabarimala can’t be changed in an overnight with the support of a Court order until and unless the devotees whole heartedly accept it. The women entry of Sabarima is restricted only to a certain age group (10 – 50) because of the particularity of the deity worshiped there (i.e. Lord Ayyappa’s celibate status), and there is no restriction for women of menstruating age in all other hundreds of Lord Ayyappa temples. Moreover, Sabarimala is situated in a hill top and miles to walk by foot through the dense forest to reach the shrine, where crores of devotees throng during the pilgrimage season (i.e. Nov. to Jan. estimated 4 to 5 crore every season). During the season, the devotees queues sometimes last for more than ten hours to get a Darshan, due to heavy rush. And one can imagine the picture if women are allowed for offering worship at the hill shrine in such a situation.
So, the question of gender discrimination or human right has no relevance, and such type of observation on age old customs and beliefs of a community, even if it is by the judiciary, is not at all desirable for a pluralistic society like ours. If the Court really wants to uphold the constitutional rights in places of worship, it should pass necessary orders to open all such religious places including other religions’, for all category of people.
Yours,
Praveen. G
Itanagar
Do away with the walls of divisions
Dear Editor,
Kudos to Mr. Tagam Mibang for his pointing out that ‘people and humanity deserves a glorious harmonious existence in the nations and in this greater world the kingdom of God’ in his letter, ‘Moral duty to stop endless human sufferings’ ( January 11). To achieve the glorious harmonious existence, we need to do away with the walls of divisions among us with the help of the teachings of the great souls.
Now, let us recall the incident when Swami Vivekananda was in Kashmir in autumn of 1898. He prayed a poor Muslim boatman for allowing his four year old daughter to be worshipped by Swamiji himself. The boatman was overwhelmed. He thought as if the God was asking him through Swamiji and he readily agreed.
Swami Vivekananda worshipped the girl as Goddess Uma ( Durga) on Mahasaptami day during Durga puja.
Then he knelt down to touch the feet of a poor Kashmiri Muslim girl. With this singular
act he defied divisions of religion, race, caste, creed, occupation, gender, generation
and money to hoist the flag of universal humanhood. Actually, Swami Vivekananda did
a Sri Ramkrishna who himself practiced Islam, Christianity and other religions to
live his words-
They hammered hard at the wall of religion because they wanted to make us realise the problem of religion. All religions carry with them inherent problems of confining themselves to mechanical rituals and thus obstructing the spiritual path of realising the One.
Moreover, it creates divisions and hatred among us. Sri Aurobindo in ‘Letters on Yoga’ said, “The religious life may be the first approach to the spiritual, but very often it is only a turning about in a round of rites, ceremonies and practices or set ideas and forms without any issue”. The Mother said, “God gives Himself to His whole creation; no one religion holds the monopoly of His Grace”.
Oceans of human blood could have been saved had we realised the limitation of religions. It is a pity that the juggernaut of religious prejudices is still marching forward in this twenty first century. Thus, we need more and more discourses on the teachings of those great souls for taking us, in the words of Tagore, to ‘Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit’.
Yours,
Sujit De,
Kolkata