July 13

News Impact

• Butterflies of Arunachal awaits permanent havens
• Food crisis in Dibang Valley
• Central team to visit Arunachal to assess flood damage
• World Population Fortnight launched at Dumporijo CHC
• Several houses gutted in Daporijo
• KVK-ATMA-SHG Interface meet
• Centre assures assistance for Arunachal tourism development
• Blanket ban on use of polythene carry bags in Capital Complex
• Tamil Nadu’s model of Public Health System: A lesson for us to learn
• NABARD and its 30 years of dedicated service

HC admits PIL, asks State Govt to submit original records

ITANAGAR, Jul 12:  While admitting a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) No 33/2012 filed by Payi Gyadi, chairman of the  Sange Lamte Foundation seeking “direction to look into the appointments of eight persons (respondent nos 16-23) made in the year 2007,  a Double Bench of Gauhati High Court in its order issued on  June five

directed the State govt to produce the original records before the Court on July 31.

The appointments ‘in question’ were stated to have been in the Departments of Tax & Excise and Art & Culture.

“We are inclined to entertain this petition in view of statement of learned standing counsel for the State that respondent No 16 is son of a sitting Minister and it is not clear by what procedure he was appointed,” the Court observed.

The HC also asked to “issue notice to the State of Arunachal Pradesh to file affidavit as to validity of appointment of respondent Nos. 16 to 23.”

 

Richo, Siram appointed as election agents

Presidential election

NEW DELHI, Jul 12: Parliamentary Secretary Padi Richo has been appointed as the Election Agent for the upcoming Presidential election for Pranab Mukherjee, the UPA candidate for the country’s highest post.

In a letter to the Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) of Arunachal Pradesh, dated July 9, Mukherjee informed that Richo has been appointed as ‘the authorized representative for dealing with matters relating to the Presidential Elections being held on July 19’.

“He (Richo) may, on my behalf, deal with you and your office for all matters relating to the above said election, including polling and any other requisite formality pertaining to the said election,” Mukherjee wrote in the letter.

Besides Richo, Bosiram Siram, Education Minister, has also been authorized as Mukerjee’s additional authorized representative for the polling day.

 

2nd phase of disaster management sensitization workshop held

Naharlagun, Jul 12: The second phase of the state level disaster management sensitization workshop for senior and middle level officers and nodal officers of various departments was held today at Administrative Training Institute, Naharlagun.

Attending the programme, ATI Director (Trg) P Tshetan urged all the departments, especially engineering to shoulder more responsibility as the work of reconstruction and restoration after disaster falls on them. He appealed them to ensure that infrastructure created are built as per norms. He stressed on more such workshops to share ideas, knowledge and skill in disaster management.

YW Ringu, Director, Department of Disaster Management explained in details the pre and post disaster activities. The Director also informed enforcement of NDM Act 2005 in the whole of the state. DIPRO

 

ABVP state office inaugurated

ITANAGAR, Jul 12: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parashid(ABVP) state office at DNGC road, Vivek Vihar was inaugurated by its National President Prof. Milind Marathe yesterday.

In his speech, Marathe briefed about the aims and objectives of his organization. Marathe, who also is professor in K J Somaiya Engineering College, Vidyavihar Mumbai, advocated for opening more Colleges and Universities in the state for development of education sector. He said that the state office of APVP would provide free computer education to the interested persons.

On the occasion, Assistant Professor of Dera Natung Govt. College Dr. Joram Aniya Tana, who is also associated with ABVP, spoke about character building of the students, importance of career counseling and building self confidence in students by teachers.

The programme was attended by former ABVP workers, politicians, officers, large numbers  of students and general public.

 

AdiSU welcomes ban on ghutkas and polythene

ITANAGAR, Jul 12: Welcoming the Upper Siang District Magistrate’s executive order banning ghutkas, plastic and polythene carry bags in the district, Adi Students Union (AdiSU) has decided to extend cooperation to the administration in all possible ways in implementing the order in letter and spirit.

While the consumption of Gutkha by the young boys and girls have become a matter of serious concern, the use of polythene bags has created environmental hazard, AdiSU said. It appealed all to desist from consuming gutkha, tobacco and using polythene.

 

ASM alleges misuse of fund

ITANAGAR, Jul 11: Loth ASM today alleged misuse of fund sanctioned for construction of Loth-Chambang NABARD road under Yazali PWD division.

ASM Dora Raja said that out of the total Rs 9,68,00000 sanctioned fund for road project, an amount of Rs 6 crore has been misused and  genuine  road contractors  were deprived of their payment.

The ASM appealed to the state Govt and higher authorities of PWD department not to transfer the project site engineer until there is a clarification on misuse of fund.

 

‘Release salary’

ITANAGAR, Jul 12: All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union (AAPWU) highlighting the grievances of labourers appealed to the authorities of Power, PHED, PWD and WRD departments to release the salary/wages of labourers on time.

It also appealed to all the Heads of the departments to give three days re-training to group D staff immediately as approved by state government.

Meanwhile, AAPWU, Upper Subansiri Unit appealed to the Deputy Commissioner of the Upper Subansiri district to initiate immediate steps for compensation  to fire victims  who lost their properties in a recent fire at New Market, Daporijo.

 

Fulfill assurance: AMSU

ITANAGAR, Jul 11: All Memba Students’ Union (AMSU) has appealed to the concern authorities to take immediate step for fulfillment of its assurance and proper supply of electricity to Menchukha within 30 days.

The assurance for improved power supply was given by the concern engineer of the hydro-power development department in a public meeting held on July 2 last, the union said.  The meeting presided over by Menchukha ADC was attended by CO, Congress leaders, gaon burahs, Panchayat leaders, representatives of various students unions and  general public, it said.

The union threatened to launch its second phase of agitation if its demands are not fulfilled within the stipulated time.

Various organizations of Menchukha in West Siang district have been agitating since last month against the non-staying of officers in posting places and inadequate supply of electricity.

 

APCC trashes resignation demand

ITANAGAR, Jul 12: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee has strongly reacted against demand made by Arunachal Righteous Forum to drop Power (Elect) and RD Minister Tanga Byaling from the council of ministers.

APPC thrashed all allegation leveled against Byaling and said everything is being done to gain cheap publicity by new born organizations.

Further APCC said no one can dictate term to Congress party and it is upto party to decide whom to drop from council of ministers.

Terming Byaling as senior and responsible leader of state, party warns organization to refrain from levelling baseless allegations.

 

New college opens

ITANAGAR, Jul 12: Dr. N T Rikam has taken over the charge of principal, government college Doimukh yesterday.

The academic session of the new college will start from July 16 at its temporary location at Lekhi village, Nirjuli. The college will offer English, Hindi, Economics, Political Science and History courses.

 

AAPANWA reiterates demands

ITANAGAR, Jul 12: All Arunachal Pradesh Abotani Nibu (Priest) Welfare Association (AAPANWA) has reiterated its demand for action against the persons allegedly involved in illegal earth cutting and construction activities at Nyibu Nyijik Model village, Jammi Jate area here.

In a complaint letter addressed to the Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner, the Association alleged that 14 illegal structure/houses were constructed under Jammi Jate area. It demanded eviction of illegal structures and deployment of security personnel in Jammi Jate –I & II area.

 

Forum demands

ITANAGAR, Jul 12: Ziro-II Anti-corruption Youth Forum has demanded a high level investigation into the alleged mismanagement of development fund by the Executive Engineer PWD, Yazali  Division within a month, failing which the Forum has threatened to launch democratic movement in the form of hunger strike, peaceful rally and Ziro bandh. The Forum also demanded the authority not to effect any transfer order of the junior staff of the PWD Yazali division till the investigation is over.

 

BSNL services demanded

ITANAGAR, Jul 12: All Maro Baririjo Area Students’ Union appealed to the BSNL authorities for immediate BSNL telephone services at Baririjo.

It alleged that the erected BSNL tower of Baririjo is not functioning for the last two years.

 

‘Advertise the vacant post’

ITANAGAR, Jul 12: All Arunachal Pradesh Diploma Holders in Elementary Education Association appealed to the concerned authority to immediately terminate Santosh  Jha AT/SSA, of Government Primary School Gichi, Dumporijo Circle from his service and advertise the vacant post.

It said that Jha was appointed as AT against the vacant post of MK Sikom on  14th  April 2012 without any advertisement.

 

Committee alleges

ITANAGAR, Jul 12: Rayo Village Development Committee alleged that some vested individuals are occupying the land of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department near Rayo village.

The committee condemned the encroachment  of Govt land and urged the encroachers to refrain from such activities.

 

New Church inaugurated

ITANAGAR, Jul 12: Zilla parishad chairperson Nabam Aka inaugurated “St. Paul’s Catholic Church” at Yupia recently.

On the occasion Aka advised the church members to spread the message of love and peace. He particularly urged the women believers to play the major role.

Fr. Jacob Mattathilany, the Vicar general of the Diocese of Itanagar, Techi Jordu Abraham, Head Pastor Boa Taring and Secretary Naharlagun Parish Council Tadar Dominick also spoke on the occasion.

 

Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Award-2012 to Maji

ITANAGAR, Jul 12: Debabrata Maji of Mechanical Engineering Department of North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST)  has been awarded Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Award-2012 in recognition of his meritorious service and outstanding performance in his career field.

He received the award from Union Minister (Coal) Sriprakash Jaiswal in a glittering function on July 10 at Speaker Hall, Constitution Club, New Delhi.

 

Former ACE faculty remembered

ITANAGAR, Jul 12: The students, faculty and staff members of Advance Computer Education (ACE) with its Head office at Guwahati, observed the 2nd death anniversary of its senior faculty Shiva Baidya here today.

The sincerity and dedication of Late Shiva as a faculty of the ACE will always be remembered by its members, said the centre head  of the institute.  While recalling the contributions of Late Shiva, all the members present on the occasion said she was loved by all the students of ACE for her caring attitude.

The students and staff members observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul and prayed for enough strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.

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Butterflies of Arunachal awaits permanent havens

Pisi Zauing

In his Chaos Theory, renowned meteorologist Edward Lorenz proved to the world how the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil could set off a tornado in Texas. That may sound a little far-fetched to most but awareness on the importance of these attractive winged creatures has been growing in recent years.

India has its huge share of butterfly lovers which includes a dedicated band of nature enthusiasts, entomologists and environmentalists who have set their sights on ensuring that these beautiful insects have havens of their own. What sets their heart aflutter is their conviction and logic that butterflies has a vital role to play in preserving bio-diversity. For conservation of nature, a butterfly garden is worth one’s while. It promotes pollination and secures the bio-diversity of a place.  Butterflies entice birds making predator-prey combination a perfect example contributing largely to balanced ecology. Several butterfly gardens have sprung up in India in recent years because of their multifaceted benefits. The Kolkata Forest Department approached Arjan Basu Roy to set up a state-of-the-art butterfly garden for which a 60-acre area at Salt Lake was allotted. An initial survey revealed that there are around 70 species of butterflies in the garden. Twenty-two other species were selected for whom a habitat was recreated by planting various species of trees. Within a very short span of time the garden has managed to attract incredible attention.  Yashodhan and Jyoti Heblekar from Goa are living out their dream through a roomy bungalow with a roof-top garden and a self-made butterfly sanctuary called “Banabitan Butterfly Garden”. Those longing to have a glimpse of thousands of butterflies can be disillusioned but around 40 to 50 species of butterflies can be spotted there to utter contentment of visitors. The duo’s moment of glory came when they managed to breed 11 Southern Bird wings – the largest Indian butterfly.

Ophthalmologist Milind Bhakare from the district of Satara in Maharashtra has also developed a similar butterfly garden at his farm where 65 to 70 species of butterflies can be spotted and it depends on cycle of seasons.

Author of ‘The Book of Indian Butterflies’ Isaac Kehimkar pens that butterflies come to your garden for two reasons – to feed on nectar, and to lay eggs. Thus, a butterfly sanctuary is full of plants that offer both options. For instance, flowers such as dahlias and roses may not be preferred by butterflies but periwinkles, lantana and coat buttons have them over in a jiffy.

Nelson Rodrigues, who will soon release a book on the creature, believes that butterflies can be picky, with some even preferring sweet and overripe fruit.

Bangalore-based Haneesh has been rearing butterflies for the last two years at his home. His methods are simple – house caterpillars in plastic containers and supply them with fresh leaves every day. A few years ago, an enclosed butterfly park was started at the Banerghatta National Park, Bangalore, with assistance from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE).

According to forest officer Chandramohan Reddy, an open-air butterfly park is coming up in the Nallamalla forest of Andhra Pradesh. Over 280 species of both nectar and host plants have been identified for the humble cause.

Arunachal Pradesh, the land of eternal beauty is bestowed with a galaxy of different group of butterflies. Variety of butterflies is the outcome of different types of forest Arunachal houses. Many sporadic works have been done to concoct butterfly species but these surveys were confined to few specific areas, mostly in the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. A complete list of butterflies in Arunachal Pradesh is yet to be discovered. There may be a concise list of plants and animals, but there is no list of this unique creature that immensely has economic, cultural and aesthetic importance.

Miao so far carried out two systematic surveys in post-monsoon season in Nov 2008 and pre-monsoon season in March 2009 in Namdapha National Park and Miao township areas during which at least 242 and 301 species respectively were recorded. The study on the creature should continue in a systematic way covering every season by seeking service of experts that will lead to invent of a complete list of butterfly of Arunachal Pradesh.

Arunachal Pradesh can be the first state in the northeast to develop butterfly parks in climatic zones in every district to conserve this precious treasure for the future generations. Creation of butterfly parks can guarantee permanent employment to many educated youths of the state and will greatly help in maintaining the ecology and beauty of the state.  If the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Nabum Tuki so desires, it can be a great venture.

However, the eye catching butterflies of Arunachal await their permanent havens and the ball is now in the government’s court. If taken lightly, butterfly is very light but if engaged seriously, it can be the state’s pride.

 

 

Food crisis in Dibang Valley

Power and water shortage afflict Upper Siang

ANINI, Jul 12: There is mass exodus of citizens from Dibang Valley owing to apparent food crises following the road disruption. According to an official report, there are also shortages of all essential commodities in the market as per random survey conducted.

While vegetables markets ran out of stock, petrol price shot up to Rs 250 per liter.

Of the six food sorties approved, only two relief sorties could be materialized.

Dibang Valley has been cut off from the rest of the state for more than a month.

Meanwhile, Kanchi- Nallah Bailey Bridge which was washed away by heavy flash flood was restored bringing some respite to the people of Anini by cutting a diversion road adjacent to the old abutments. The diversion is of purely temporary nature constructed to tide over the present communication crises.

This was possible because of efforts put in by BRO.

The Anini-Roing road between 173 km -Arzoo and Etalin- Malinye remains cut off at numerous locations.

The restoration work of Endulin-Nallah block point got disrupted due to heavy down pour over the last two days while Deopani nallah was flowing above danger level according reports from Roing.

On the otherhand, Upper Siang, hitherto considered as one of the privileged districts for obvious reason with uninterrupted power supply and safe drinking water has now a different story to tell.

According to a report, power supply is now irregular and in most of the localities, muddy water run in taps and subsequently it is blocked for many days together. There is landslide on all roads of various sectors disrupting surface communication   which resulting in shortage of essential commodities and price rise.

Until and unless the 24th kilometer slide (Komkar Erak), which may be considered as the sorrow of Upper Siang, is improved, Yingkiong and the district will continue to suffer during summer.

It may be mentioned that said slide zone is on BRTF road and there is only a vehicle track which gets blocked with little slide. So far, solution by the BRTF seems distant as the matter has already been taken up with them earlier by various concerned authorities.

Meanwhile, the damage caused by floods in Upper Siang district has been preliminarily estimated at Rs.18 crore and the report has been submitted to the Government by the district administration (DIPROs).

The  NH-52A road connecting the State Capital via Banderdewa has been restored and the road would be reopened for light vehicular movement from tomorrow (July 13), according to EE,  Naharlagun Highway Division.

The administration had prohibited traffic movement as well as pedestrians along the road and diverted it via Nirjuli-Doimukh-Gumto road following washing away of a portion of the highway near Karsingsa recently.

The road would be opened for regular traffic movement, including heavy vehicles after completion of the pavement cutting, the release said.

The road was closed to traffic movement since June 26 last following precarious erosion at the Karsingsa sinking point.  

 

 

Central team to visit Arunachal to assess flood damage

NEW DELHI, Jul 12: Centre would soon send a team to Arunachal to assess the damages caused by  the recent floods. This was informed by Union Minister of Home Affairs P Chidambaram when the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki called on him this morning to brief on the extensive damages caused by the recent spate of flash floods in  Arunachal.

A final decision for provision of relief would be taken after submission of the report by the Central Team, Chidambaram said.

Tuki particularly highlighted the damages caused to road infrastructure snapping connectivity to various townships and villages in districts including the state capital Itanagar. He also informed of disruption of power and water supplies and inundation of vast lands of agriculture and horticulture causing huge losses to farmers. Ongoing projects, like hydro-power and the Trans Arunachal Highway, have also been adversely affected by the abrupt monsoon rains and cloud bursts.

Heavy and continuous rainfall during the last part of June and early July had triggered an unprecedented spate of flash floods across the state washing away several roads and bridges and inundating innumerable villages. Besides causing extensive damages to properties, a couple of lives were also lost forcing the state government to sound red alert.

The Union Home Minister also assured provisions from MHA for development of infrastructure under police modernization to the state.

 

 

World Population Fortnight launched at Dumporijo CHC

Daporijo, Jul 12: The  World  Population Fortnight has been launched at Dumporijo CHC on World Population Day yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion,  Upper Subansiri District  Congress  Committee president Nyato  Marde said that the increasing population in the country has become a matter of grave concern, especially in a tribal district like Upper Subansiri, where population is increasing rapidly mainly because of lack of knowledge about birth control measures.

Describing the effects of a large family on individual children’s education, health etc, he advised all to adopt family planning for a small and happy family.

DMO Dr.D.Bagra highlighted the overall performances of various family planning methods in the district. He asked the ASHAs to spread the message of ‘A Small Family a Happy Family’ to the villagers who are not aware of the family planning methods available in the health centres in free of cost. He also urged the Panchayat leaders to take a lead role in improving public health.

RCH  officer Dr.Nyage  Geyi while highlighted the various family planning methods, both temporary and permanent and explained their merits and demerits. He also spoke on HIV/AIDS and RTI/STI and informed that Govt. had fixed certain amount for the acceptors of CuT, tubectomy and Vasectomy.

PRI members, medical staff and public of Dumporijo attended the meeting. DIPRO

 

 

Several houses gutted in Daporijo

ITANAGAR, Jul 12: Several dwelling houses were completely burned down in a devastating fire at New Market, Daporijo today at around 12.30 pm.

It was reported that the houses of Sharuk Lida, Tater Lida and Mote Bui, Tako Nalo and many others were burnt to ashes.

However, the cause of the fire is not  known yet and is being investigated.

While expressing grave concern over repeated fire accidents in Daporijo, the All Tani-Tator Area Welfare Society (ATTAWS) of Upper Subansiri District urged higher authority to take necessary steps to prevent fire in future. It also urged the common public of Daporijo to be extra cautious with fire and follow the basic fire safety tips and instructions to avoid such accidents.

The society also urged the district administration to provide immediate relief to the fire victims.

 

 

KVK-ATMA-SHG Interface meet

Pasighat, Jul 12: A day long district level ATMA-KVK-SHG Interface meeting was organized by KVK East Siang at College of Horticulture and Forestry here.

In all 64 progressive farmers from 15 Self Help Group, namely Mingkeng Ane (JNC & GTC) , Aseng Group, Sikatode Gorom Nagar (Sikatode), Ayang Ane (Kiyid), Agam Ane, Mone Rosang (Ngopok), Logi Ane, Nargo, Aati SHG (Niglok), Engo Kaje, Kai Ane (Tekang), Kaling Ane (Taki Lalung), Ngamme (Sikabamin) and Api biking, Agam Ane (Yagrung) participated in the programme.

Inaugurating the programme, Y. J. Lego, DTO -cum- PD ATMA East Siang, highlighted the initiatives by ATMA in formation of SHGs in the district.

Dr. M. Pathak PC, KVK, East Siang briefed about the purpose, importance of SHGs and role of KVK in strengthening of SHGs.

Dr. K M Singh, HOD Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Forestry also spoke on the occasion.

Lectures on crop production and protection, agricultural engineering, horticulture, fisheries, home science and animal husbandry were delivered the training session by  the resource persons. During the interaction session, the  SHG members  shared their views on the different activities performed by them. The participants were of the view that block level and district level farm women self help groups should be brought under one body.  They also emphasized on holding such programmes in days to come.

The programme was sponsored by ATMA, East Siang.

 

 

Centre assures assistance for Arunachal tourism development

New Delhi, Jul 12: Tourism Minister Pema Khandu accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary Tourism Passang Dorjee Sona,  Secretary Tourism Sonam Chombay and Director Tourism A K Singh called on Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahay in New Delhi yesterday  and discussed the strategy and plan for development and promotion of tourism activities in the state.

A memorandum was also submitted to Union Minister seeking special attention for development of tourism in the state, particularly in the area of infrastructure, capacity building and marketing.

The Union Minister assured the delegation of all possible support and assistance for making Arunachal a premium tourist destination.  

The Union Ministry of Tourism has decided to provide 100% financial support under the ‘Hunar Se Rojgar Tak’ scheme for skill development of class VIII passed drop out students for 6 to 8 week training under various tourism activities. A target of 500 trainees has been fixed by the Ministry, the Union Minister informed..

He further decided to invite Arunachal tourism to participate in the various Road shows being organized outside the country for marketing of Arunachal tourism products. The state Minister also invited Union  Tourism Minister to visit Arunachal Pradesh with his team.

 

 

Blanket ban on use of polythene carry bags in Capital Complex

Naharlagun, Jul 12: The Capital Complex District Magistrate, Sanjay Goel in exercise of power given under Rule 3(b) of the Plastics Manufacture, Sale and Usage Rules, 1999 and under section 133 Cr.P.C has completely banned the use of polythene/ plastic carry bags for supply of goods within Itanagar Capital Complex.

In its order, the Capital Complex District Magistrate stated that no person shall manufacture, store, import, sell or use polythene plastic carry bags in the Capital Complex.

All shopkeepers, establishments etc are given 15 days to remove such bags from their shops or else the material would be seized and destroyed accordingly. Violators of the order would be dealt under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code  and  penalty would be imposed, the executive order said.

EAC, J Bomjen and EAC (TL), Capital complex Tom Ratan have been authorized to execute the order with the help of police and support staff and submit reports fortnightly.

Such action has been taken as there is no any scientific system of solid waste management/disposal in the Capital Complex region and all the non biodegradable polythene carry bags, littered all around the capital cities creating great danger to the fragile environment of the state capital. The District Magistrate in earlier occasion on Dec 24, 2008 had also issued an executive order putting complete ban on use of polythene/plastic carry bags in the capital complex areas.  DIPR

The Deputy Commissioner cum District Magistrate of Lohit District has also imposed ban on use of polythene carry bags in the district.

The executive order has been issued under Recycled Plastic Manufacture & Usage Rules’99 of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, which has banned use of recycled polythene/plastic bags for storing, carrying, dispensing or packaging of foodstuffs. DIPRO

 

 

Tamil Nadu’s model of Public Health System: A lesson for us to learn

Dr Tana Natung

I do not intend to imply that the Tamil Nadu model is the only effective approach to organizing a public health system. What is more pertinent is that this is a model that has developed  basic organizational principles of public health system which has proved to be an effective approach towards mitigating the public health problems of Tamil Nadu and its effectiveness has been appreciated by the Government of India. Adoption of the same model with certain modification as per the local requirement of our state of Arunachal Pradesh within the existing administrative and fiscal resources is a viable possibility with immense long term public health benefit to the common man of the state.

The key components of the Tamil Nadu public health system are (a) an organizational focal point for policy and planning with (b) its own budget (c) legislative underpinning for its work (d) its own workforce.

In Tamil Nadu, public health has its own dedicated Directorate in the State Health Department, which is in place since 1922. The department has three key Directorates under the Health Secretary: the Directorates of Public Health, Medical Services, and Medical Education. Each of these Directorates has its own dedicated budget and workforce. Each service stream has its own career paths and incentives, and offers the possibility of rising to the same level within the health department.

The Directorate of Public Health is staffed by a professional cadre of trained public health managers, who are promoted to the Directorate after long years of experience of planning and oversight of public health services in both rural and urban areas. Other technical staffs in the Directorate, such as the entomologists and statisticians, also obtain strong hands-on experience in the districts before being promoted to state-level positions in the Directorate. Interestingly, the medical cadre staff, begin their career in a Primary Health Centres where they obtain hands-on experience of public health management under the supervision of the public health cadre before being promoted to the higher medical centres, making the medical cadre more appreciative of public health needs and approaches, and of the work of public health professionals.

This system makes possible the proactive planning and effective disaster management by trained professionals which is sharply in contrasts with the existing system prevalent in many other states, where the planning and management of public health services is done by staff of an amalgamated health service of other specialities who had no formal professional training on public health management.

The Directorate of Public Health of Tamil Nadu is able to sustain its proactive public health work because it has a dedicated budget, which enables it to carry out all the activities related to planning and implementation of services as firstly, the Directorate is able to ensure that its workforce includes not only the managerial and grassroots health workers, but also a wide range of technical staff such as entomologists and public health laboratory staff, public health nurse as well as the field staff and labourers needed for environmental sanitation measures such as clearing vector-breeding places, and also, secondly, it provides the budget for ensuring service delivery, including supporting the planning process, conducting research, and the funding for implementation. It also enables the Directorate to maintain needed technical units, such as various disease surveillance unit of public health interest and importance for health forecast.

Public health service provision in Tamil Nadu is greatly facilitated by the fact that it has a Public Health Act which is felt wanting in our state of Arunachal Pradesh till date. Such an Act enables proactive measures to avert health threats. Firstly, it specifies the legal and administrative structures under which a public health system functions, assigns responsibilities and powers to different levels of government and agencies, and specifies their source of funding for discharging these duties. Secondly, it also sets out powers for protecting people’s health, including powers of regulation and of inspection; and the responsibility to use these powers to monitor any situations or activities that could potentially threaten public health, and seek to redress them if needed. Thirdly, public health laws set standards, such as those for food hygiene, slaughterhouse and market hygiene, water quality, and local government activities for sanitation and environmental health. They also specify who is responsible for assuring that these standards are met, as well as the procedures for assuring that they are met.

The most crucial advantage of the Public Health Act in Tamil Nadu over other available legislation with public health implications is that it includes a very broad definition of a public health “nuisance”. This wide definition of potential health threats and associated powers gives the Public Health Act more sweeping powers to act proactively to protect public health than the Penal Code and Epidemic Act, which essentially provide powers to act after a severe health threat has materialized. It also offers advantages over the Municipalities Act and Panchayati Raj Act, since its provisions are much more detailed and comprehensive, and apply uniformly across the state instead of just in specific areas.

This also provides the legislative basis for all the planning and policy implementation work of the Directorate of Public Health, ranging from its efforts to avert potential public health threats to its work to address existing threats. For example, the annual district plans for responding to public health threats posed by floods are drawn up under the legislative authority of the Public Health Act.

When it comes to workforce training, incentives and responsibilities of public health managers; the public health managerial cadre is given careful training. They are oriented towards an administrative and management role rather than a clinical role, and towards examining health issues from a population-wide perspective instead of focusing on the needs of a specific patient. After obtaining their medical degree, those who choose to enter this service are given three months pre-placement training in public health, and must within four years obtain a post-graduate diploma or degree in public health. They are prohibited from private medical practice, and indeed given the nonclinical nature of their work they are unlikely to attract patients. Nevertheless, this cadre has faster promotion avenues than the medical cadre, and enjoys considerable administrative responsibility and authority - all of which helps keep them incentivized.

Their first posting as Municipal Health Officer (MHO) puts them in charge of public health services of a city or large town, which in our case would be equivalent to Medical Officer In-charge of PHCs, CHCs and UHCs, where he is responsible not only for management of health centres but also carry out promotive and preventive healthcare services at community level. From here they are also given various post of District Health Programme Officers as per their seniority and also promoted to District Health/Medical Officer, which puts him in charge of a whole district. Thereafter they are promoted to the Directorate of Public Health in various post as per their qualification and seniority, thereby are culminating to that of the post of Director. They can also opt to teach for a while, which has the important benefit of giving future public health managers an opportunity to learn from his hands-on experience.

In the conclusion, Tamil Nadu’s model of public health system, which is an effective model of public health service delivery system, the hallmark of which are long term planning to avert potential disease outbreak and constant vigilance to ensure non-recurrence of disease, under a team of public health professionals, will not only help protect the public health, but being a cost-effective model, in the long run, shall also help build the state’s developmental infrastructures. Its early adoption in our state would definitely prove to be a boon for the people of Arunachal Pradesh. (Dr Tana is Medical Officer, CHC Doimukh. He is presently undergoing Postgraduate Studies in Community Medicine, at RIMS-Imphal)

 

 

NABARD and its 30 years of dedicated service

NABARD was set up by an Act of Parliament on 12 July 1982 with a mission for promotion of sustainable and equitable agriculture and rural prosperity through effective credit support with its three essential core functions, namely, Credit Functions, Promotional Functions and Supervisory Functions.

NABARD started functioning in Arunachal Pradesh as a sub-office since 1989 and thereafter with view to provide greater emphasis on agriculture & rural development, the office was upgraded to Regional Office in 1998. NABARD Arunachal Pradesh, Regional Office plays a strategic role in overall economic development of the State.

Developmental and promotional activities undertaken by the NABARD in Arunachal Pradesh in the recent past: -

Credit Activities

1. Potential Linked Credit Plans (PLPs) State Focus Paper (SFP): District-wise PLPs and SFPs are prepared annually to enable the banks to map the exploitable potential in agriculture and allied sectors, rural non-farm sector, etc., through bank credit. The ground level credit flow at the district and state level  are regularly monitored through various mechanisms.

2. Strengthening Rural Financial Institutions: NABARD assisted Arunachal Pradesh State Co-operative Apex Bank Ltd. and Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank in their capacity building, providing guidance in preparing Development Action Plan (DAP) and Sustainable Viability Plans (SVP) respectively.

3. Enhancing Credit flow in agriculture: To supplement the credit flow under agriculture and allied activities, NABARD had provided refinance to the tune of Rs. 3390 lakh (approx.) to Apex Bank, Arunachal Rural Bank and Commercial Banks in the State during last decade. In the current financial year, NABARD has sanctioned an amount of Rs.115 Lakh to Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank for meeting the short-term credit requirements of farmers in cultivation of agricultural crops in various districts of the State.

4. Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF): It provided loans to State Government to support rural infrastructures. Till date, Rs.746 crore has been sanctioned under 85 rural projects and Rs. 520 crore has been disbursed including under 22 completed projects. The major infrastructure projects completed in the state are in the field of roads, bridges, drinking water.  Rs.106 Crore was disbursed to the State Government during 2011-12. The normative allocation under RIDF during 2012-13 for the State is Rs.160 crore.

Developmental and Promotional Activities

NABARD also extends financial support to NGOs and other developmental agencies for  their employment generation activities. NABARD had sanctioned and disbursed about Rs. 800 Lakh to various NGOs/ Developmental Agencies in the state as on date. Some of the promotional activities are:

1. SHG   Bank Linkage Programme

(i) GOI Scheme for Promotion of Women SHG in 30 Backward Districts:  The Central Govt identified Dibang Valley and West Siang districts  as backward districts to promote Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs) for taking up livelihood activities through capacity building and bank credit.  NABARD had sanctioned an amount of Rs. 14.90 lakh  to two NGOs for promotion of 149 SHGs, covering  about 1200   women in Dibang Valley.  The process of implementing the WSHG scheme in West Siang District is under progress.

(ii) Self Help Promoting Institutions Scheme (SHPI):   Under grant support to SHPIs more than 500 SHGs have been formed in various parts of the State by NGOs and Voluntary Agencies.  

2. Financial Inclusion

(i) Financial Literacy Camps: In order to ensure access to financial services and to provide timely and adequate credit to weaker and low income groups, NABARD has been supporting banks for conducting Financial Literacy Counseling Camps in the State since 2011-12 under its Financial Inclusion Fund. Till date, Rs 2.22 lakh has been extended to various banks for conducting 21 no. of such camps.

(ii) NABARD also identified trainer for training business correspondents/facilitators for reaching out to the unbanked blocks of the state.

(iii) Core Banking for APRB: NABARD has extended financial support under Financial Inclusion Technology Fund to Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank for introduction of Core Banking Solution in all the 23 branches of the bank. Similarly, a MoU has been signed between NABARD and Arunachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank Ltd., for implementing CBS.

3. Financial support for promotion of Farm Sector activities in the State

(i) Farmers Clubs – Farmers Clubs are promoted by NABARD to promote the concept of ‘Development through credit’. NABARD has extended financial support for formation of more than 300 Farmers’ Clubs in the State by various agencies and were provided training for adoption of new and innovative technology in vermicompost making, Bio-diesel Production, organic farming with the technical guidance and support from Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Basar and North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology Nirjuli.

(ii) Tribal Development Programmes:  The Tribal Development Fund constituted in NABARD to provide sustainable employment and alternate livelihood opportunities for tribal families.  Two project worth Rs. 370.45 lakh, one each in Lower Dibang Valley district and in Papum Pare district have been sanctioned for cultivation of orange and pineapple covering 500 families in each district.

(iii) Natural Resources Management: NABARD has sanctioned a project of Rs.39.97 lakh under Umbrella Programme for Natural Resources Management (UPNRM) in Rupa village covering 14 project villages to support growing of horticultural crops like tomato, kiwis, apple and oranges in a sustainable manner. The project also seeks to address the issue of post harvest losses, value addition and marketing linkage.

4. Financial support for promotion of Non-Farm Sector activities

(i) Skill Development Programme: NABARD has sanctioned more than 150 SDPs programmes for training of  about 3700 rural people in all the districts on various activities like handloom weaving, cane and bamboo handicrafts, mobile repairing, wood carving, pickle making etc . An amount of more than Rs. 1.58 crore  has been sanctioned and disbursed so far.

(ii) Marketing Support: NABARD supports the Artisans and Craftsmen for sale and display of their products through Rural Haats and Rural Marts and exhibitions. NABARD has so far supported 5 rural haats and 4 Rural marts in different districts of the State and supported the participation of artisans from the State in fairs and melas organized at district, state and national level.  Rs. 26.80 lakh has been sanctioned so far for marketing support.

(iii) Support for Innovative Ideas: NABARD has so far supported 4 Innovative projects viz., Innovative Vermicompost Project in Hollongi Village, Solid Waste Management Project for Itanagar Capital Complex, Rural Tourism in Ziro Valley, Touch Screen Kiosk for Transfer of Technology among the farmers in Pasighat have been extended financial support and guidance. The rural tourism project in Ziro has motivated entrepreneurs for setting up tourists’ home-stays. The total amount sanctioned for innovative projects as on date is Rs. 72.29 lakh.

(iv) R-SETI by APRB:  NABARD initiated action at various levels in the setting up of the first Rural Self Employment Training Institute in the State by Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank. The institute has started conducting trainings in Doimukh at present. Its own building is under construction. The R-SETI being the first in the state needs the support of other Government and developmental agencies for conduct training programmes for Artisans, Craftsmen and SHGs in the State.  

New initiatives and policy changes of NABARD

The first district development manager (DDM) Office of NABARD at Ziro in Lower Subansiri District is slated to be opened soon. The office will co-ordinate NABARD’s developmental activities in three districts of Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri and Kurung Kumey.  

 NABARD Infrastructure Development Assistance (NIDA) aims at direct funding of governments and other State owned organizations for creation of basic infrastructure outside of RIDF.  

 Support to Producer Organizations (POs):Under  this initiative PO has been defined as a registered body with legal entity formed by a group of producers for either farm or non-farm activities in which the producers are the shareholders, deals with business activities related to the primary produce/product for the benefit of member producers.

From Grant based to loan-cum-grant approach: Majority of the developmental programmes which aim at increasing employment and livelihood opportunities have been supported by NABARD by way of grant. However, as per experiences gained over  the period of time, it has been decided to provide loan-cum-grant support in all future activities to provide ‘end to end solution’.

Warehousing Scheme: Government of India has allocated a dedicated fund of Rs. 5000 crore to NABARD for creation of storage infrastructure for agricultural commodities, cold chain activities under RIDF. Individual, private entities ( including SPVs), cooperatives, public sector agencies can borrow loan from Commercial Banks, RRBs, State Cooperative Banks and Scheduled Primary Urban Cooperative Banks under the scheme. NABARD will provide incentives of 1.5% per annum of the interest earned on refinance to those borrowers, who repay their loans, along with interest, strictly as per the repayment schedule prescribed by the financing bank. (Contributed by Dr. P Radhakrishnan, General Manager, NABARD, Arunachal Pradesh Regional Office)

Forgotten Anini and efforts of the DC

Dear Editor,

Anini, like every year, this year too is making headlines due to nature’s unkindness.

People do face the affects of the nature’s fury for none of their faults every year during this season.

But unlike other years, this time we have some people who are working tirelessly to mitigate our distress.

One of such persons is deputy commissioner Abu Tayeng. It is the result of his dedicated effort that most stretches of the road from Roing to Anini is through and motorable.

I don’t want to offend officers or officials but in my lifetime I have never seen any person of that stature walking on foot up to every block points to supervise the clearance works. But Abu Tayeng did. He was there in block point walking on foot. No word of appreciation is enough for him.

We the people of Anini, especially, the college and university students are indebted to him for enabling us timely admission. We are grateful to him.

But still some university students are stranded at Anini or somewhere on the way. So I would like to request our DC  to kindly facilitate their passage up to Roing so that they get timely admission.

We are also thankful to the Jindal Group of Companies for their timely help during the crisis period.

Yours,

Omila Migi, Anini

 

 

My stapled visa to China

Dear Editor,

I am a third year student of B.A.LLB(Hons) at the Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar. I would like to bring to your notice an unfortunate incident that occurred with me on 29th June, 2012. I was awarded a scholarship to attend a three week Programme on Public International Law at the prestigious Xiamen Academy of International Law, China. The faculty for this year’s programme included numerous International Law Scholars from across the globe including Prof. V.S.Mani from India, a renowned authority in Public International Law , His Excellency Judge Peter Tomka, the sitting President of the International Court of Justice, Hague among others. I was one of the four students who were invited to attend the prestigious course on a scholarship.

Xiamen Academy of International Law each year holds this programme which attracts students and scholars from 40 odd countries and with a limited number of strength of 160 students each year.

After delaying my visa for several days, just two days before my scheduled date of travel to China, I was issued a stapled visa by the Chinese Embassy at New Delhi and consequently the Indian immigration at the International Airport at New Delhi did not let me travel. I was informed about the Indian government's policy of not allowing people with stapled visa to travel to China. I have a Delhi issued passport and residential address and my passport mentions West Siang, Aalo as my place of birth. My mother hails from the same district in Arunachal Pradesh. I wanted to highlight this incident through your esteemed newspaper as the issue has not been taken up by the Indian Government strongly at the bilateral level with China. The Indian government's stand on the issue only prejudices people from Arunachal Pradesh by denying them to travel even though China considers it to be a vaild visa for travel. Government can't have policies against their own people and the government officials at the T3 were only belittling towards the people of Arunachal Pradesh. I was initially told by the Indian immigration that I could travel on stapled visa and they accordingly instructed the airline to give me the boarding pass and after I checked in and was awaiting security check, they offloaded me after making me wait for hours at the airport. The immigration officials were derogatory and denigrating. They said that if I were a true Indian then I would not want to travel to China and said if they allow me to travel to China then the Chinese might want to make me their citizen. I protested and told them that I am just a student intending to attend a course on International Law that envisages to build a peaceful world order and encourages cultural exchange. I told them explicitly that they had no right to pass remarks on my sense of patriotism. I would like to bring to the notice the hardships that people from the region face may be because of their distinctive mongoloid features.

Yours,

Sooraj Sharma

 

 

Give us solar home lighting system

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily I would like to appeal to the Director APEDA, Itanagar,  to kindly direct the Deputy Director APEDA, Tezu Division to kindly give us 20 sets of Solar Home Lighting System sanctioned by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy(MNRE) Govt of India against New Tumba village under Wakro circle, Lohit District at the earliest possible.

I am very sorry to say that we have only received the circular APPEDA/TEZU DIVISION/E-01/2011/155-56, dated 4th April 2012.

Following the directions of the circular, we approached the APEDA Tezu, office with all requisite formalities. But they flatly refused to give the sets saying that it’s out of stock.

Since then not a single word has been heard from the Office of Deputy Director, APEDA Tezu.

Where have the 20 sets of solar home lighting system meant for New Tumba vanished?

My village is reeling under darkness please help us out.

Yours,

Bachem Chikro

GB

New Tumba

 

 

Don’t test out patience

Dear Editor,

We would like to draw the kind attention of  the Director Health & Family Welfare, with reference to Advt.no.MAID NO:1/5/2008(p)III, dated Naharlagun 9th March 2012, for the post of Technical Officer, GIPA Coordinator, Assistant Director and other posts. It is my earnest request to the concern Department to conduct the interview as earliest as possible.

On the month of March dated 25/3/2012, a written test was conducted for the mentioned above post and selected candidates of 3:1 was haphazardly called for interview on 2nd April 2012. All the candidates, some from other Districts also dully turned up for the interview but due to some reason better known by the Department, interview was cancelled that day.

After that we have made many rounds of office just to know when will be the interview conducted but it seems like the department is least concerned to conduct the interview.

Please kindly conduct the interview transparently as soon as possible and stop testing the patience of unemployment youth.

Yours,

Aggrieved candidates

 

 

Traffic, VIPs and Police

Dear Editor,

It is awfully disturbing to see the VIP’s, and few Police authorities violating the traffic laws by overriding the traffic signal paying no heed to ‘one way’, ‘keep left,’ no parking signs etc, sequentially creating not only inconvenience but sometimes even frightful results to the other vehicles plying on the road which include learners, ladies and lots of school children being driven to and from their respective schools.

Today I faced a scenario where a VIP’s vehicle turned right without any signal or indication to turn right thereby setting a bad example for vehicles following from behind. If all vehicles have to respect the traffic laws, then why not the VIPs? What is more surprisingly is that the Traffic Police on duty at the respective signal was saluting the VIP who is a violator of the law.

The traffic personnel should have acted as per law and issued a summon slip for violating the traffic sign since we are repeatedly told that  law is equal for all.

I wonder whether VIPs have some separate Constitution or some other statute or whether the concerned driver is illiterate and cannot read the ‘keep left’ sign or whether the concerned VIP sitting inside the vehicle is ignorant and not responsible enough to teach the driver not to violate the traffic laws as it is for the safety of all.

However, this particular case is not the only one breaking the law; even private vehicles belonging to the police personnel/Ex MLA, Minister also commit such violations backed by their colleagues.

As such it is my sincere request to all the VIP’s, VVIP’s, Police Personnel and all drivers not to violate the traffic signals which are intended for the safety of people at large.

Yours,

Hage Doilyang Tatum

Rtd.Sr.Area Organiser/DIGP  (S.S.B)

 

 

Don’t eat your best friend

Dear Editor,

Since time immemorial dogs have been man’s best friend. They are wonderful and faithful animals. They are like babies who need tender love,care and nourishment from us. If you truthfully love them, they feel the same way for us and love us back.

I don't understand why people take pride on eating such lovely creatures. Now it has almost become a fashion to eat dogs in Capital Complex.

If you long for meat, there are many alternative instead of eating somebody’s pet. My 9 months old Sparky was friendly, lovable and faithful who went missing. Later we found out he was brutally tortured and killed. Eating my poor Sparky was a barbarian act or not?

He was one of the members of my family; he was like my little brother. My heart bleeds with unbearable pain. Whenever I remember him, my eyes are filled with tears.  Physically and mentally, I am mourning Sparky’s death. Every day as I headed home after work, Sparky would greet me barking with joy full of zest and zeal.

Only his unforgettable memories are left, which I will cherish all my life.

Nevertheless is there any proof that eating dog meat can cure illness? According to the international clinical foundation and research, there is no scientific evidence that dogs meat has restorative or curative powers. The health claims are folklore not fact. Therefore I strongly believe that it is unethical and immoral to consume man’s best friend.

I request all my pet lovers to raise their voice against cruelty on animal so that we can save many Sparkys.  R.I.P Sparky.

Yours,

Kinung Romey

 

 

 

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

New tourism guidelines

Hoteliers and tour operators who have been cashing in on wildlife tourism without bothering about local communities and resources might finally have to part with a good share of their profit for wildlife and forest dwellers. The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has decided that hotels and resorts within a five kilometre radius of national parks and sanctuaries should be charged a minimum 10 per cent of their turnover as local conservation fee. The fund thus collected will be spent by states on conservation of forest resources, managing human-wildlife conflict and generating livelihood for local communities.

The move comes in the backdrop of a Supreme Court case where the apex court is considering whether tourism should be allowed in the core areas of tiger reserves. The court directed the ministry to finalise the eco-tourism guidelines for the protected areas.

In the new guidelines, finalized  last month, the ministry has reiterated that tourism should be phased out gradually from the core areas. As an interim measure, it suggested that for tiger reserves with the core areas of more than 500 sq km, community-based tourism can be allowed in a maximum of 20 per cent of the core zone. In return, 30 per cent of the buffer area will have to be restored as wildlife habitat. For core areas smaller than 500 sq km, 10 per cent of the core can be opened for tourism subject to the condition that 20 per cent of such area is restored as wildlife habitat.

The guidelines, thus, aim to make  tourism in such areas community-based and community-driven. Any core area in a tiger reserve from which relocation has been carried out will not be used for tourism activities. Forest dwellers who have been relocated will be given priority in terms of livelihood generation through community-based eco-tourism, according to  the guidelines.  Local home stays will be exempted from the conservation fee.