July 02
2016
10 feared dead in Bhalukpong landslide, 4 injured
Staff Reporter
BHALUKPONG, July 1: At least ten people are feared dead and four injured in a massive landslide occurred at Bhalukpong in West Kameng district on Friday due to incessant rains for the last one week.
Five bodies have been recovered by the rescue team while another five persons are still missing, presumed dead, according to official sources.
Rescue operation had to be halted by the evening due to inclement weather. It would resume by morning.
The recovered five bodies are identified as that of Lil Bahadur Chetry, 57, Cook of the old circuit house, helper to cook Dilip Gwala, 15, RWD staff Hiren Barman, 54, his wife Durga Barman, 45 and their daughter Rina Barman (24).
The injured, who were identified as Deb Bahadur, Santosh Thapa, Pankaj Chetry and Mohan Barman, were admitted at CHC Bhalukpong.
It is suspected that out of five missing persons, two are adults while three are minors including a 10-year and nine-month-old child, informed EAC i/c Bhalukpong K Wangda who along with police team led the rescue operation.
The powerful landslide swept away four quarters and damaged nine buildings. It buried entire IB and partially damaged the new circuit house. While two vehicles were damaged, a scooty was buried in the landslide. The debris was also deposited at Hotel Sulu, source added.
West Kameng Deputy Commissioner, Sonal Swaroop along with SP rushed to Bhalukpong from Bomdila to assess the damage caused in landslide. The Deputy Commissioner also coordinated with the Army, and paramilitary forces including BRO for rescue operation. The district administration pressed engineering departments in clearing debris and retrieving the bodies. DC also informed that NDRF team would be arriving soon.
Expressing shock over the tragic incident, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, who is currently in New Delhi, has directed the West Kameng district administration to rope in the services of Army, ITBP jawans, local police and government officials for the search and rescue operation.
The Chief Minister instructed the district administration to use the fund of Rs 30 lakhs at their disposal to meet the financial needs for carrying out relief and restoration works. He also told that an additional Rs 1 crore will be provided to carry out the relief and restoration activities.
The Chief Minister also directed all the concern authorities to ensure timely relief activities, including provision of proper medical care, food and shelter for the affected.
The Chief Minister, who spoke to the Director of Disaster Management YW Ringu, West Kameng Deputy Commissioner, DDMO and EAC, to get first hand information of the situation, has directed the authorities to dispatch medical team from Itanagar to Bhalukpong and also asked them to set up medical camp at the accident site so that timely help could be provided to the injured persons.
Pul has while expressing profound grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in the landslides, assured that the State Government would bear all the medical expenses of the injured persons. He also assured that welfare of the families of the deceased and those injured would be taken care of and promised to visit them.
Meanwhile, the CM has announced ex-gratia relief to next of keen of the deceased and those injured in the incident.
He prayed to almighty give enough courage and strength to the bereaved families to withstand the tragedy and also prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls.
Meanwhile, Governor JP Rajkhowa has expressed shock and grieved the loss of lives at Bhalukpong.
Conveying his condolences on the loss of lives and praying for the eternal peace of the departed souls, the Governor has announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs. 1 lakh for the next of kin of the dead in the landslide.
The Governor has cautioned the people and has advised them to be alert and take necessary precautions as the state is experiencing torrential rainfall. He also asked the state government and district administrations review the directives issued earlier regarding the people living in landslide and flood prone areas.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has also expressed deep shock and sorrow over tragic incident and prayed for victims and those affected by the incident.
Meanwhile, Power, NCER and Research Minister Tenzing Norbu Thongdok also expressed deep shock over the loss of lives in Bhalukpong landslide.
The minister prayed to the Almighty to bestow enough strength to the bereaved family members and for eternal rest for the departed souls.
While appreciating the district administration for its quick response, the minister also urged the administration to put all its machineries on high alert to tackle any such untoward incidents during the monsoon season.
Arunachal Pradesh Tour Operator Association (APTOA) has expressed shock over the tragic incident in which five bodies were recovered so far.
The association prayed to almighty to give enough strength to the bereaved family members at the time of grief.
APTOA vice-president Fesom Sekong, who is based at Tippi, has rushed to the spot after hearing the news and is assisting the relief and rescue operation. (with inputs from DIPRO Bomdila).
RGU declares BA final year results, Yanya tops the list
ITANAGAR, July 1: Kago Yanya, a geography honours student has topped this year’s Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) BA final year exam result. Ligang Aniya and Dipak Sharma have secured 2nd and 3rd position respectively. The result of under-graduate exam was declared on Friday. While Yanya and Aniya are the students of Saint Claret College (SCC) Ziro, Sharma is a student of Donyi Polo Govt College, Kamki.
In the overall pass percentage also, SCC Ziro recorded highest percentage of 98.17% followed by SFS Aalo (91.30 %), WRGC Deomali(88%) and Don Bosco College Itanagar(83%). Two of the most popular government colleges of state - JNC Pasighat and DNGC Itanagar recorded pass percentage of 76.32% and 75.95% respectively. This year altogether 1322 students appeared, out of which results were declared for 1318 students. 1028 students passed while 193 failed, 4-with held and 97-result cancelled. The private colleges have outperformed their government counterparts.
APSCW urges Dept to implement schemes
ITANAGAR, July 1: Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) Chairperson Mitali Tingkhatra urged the ministry of Women and Child Development Department to be proactive to ensure proper implementation of various women related schemes in Arunachal Pradesh.
Addressing the Regional Consultation meeting on “Draft National Policy for Women 2016” organized by NCW in collaboration with Assam State Commission in Guwahati on June 27, Tingkhatra appealed to ensure that the benefits of such schemes will reach the grassroots level.
It’s often seen that the most of the women are ignorant about the various schemes due to lack of awareness, she said.
During the day-long consultation, various issues related to education and governance, decision making, violence against women, health including food security and nutrition, environment and climate change were discussed to create an effective frame work.
The consultant meeting was attended by all the members of regional commissions.
From Arunachal Pradesh, former State Commission for Women Chairperson Komoli Mossang, State Commission for Women Member Secretary Yame Higio, Additional Director Health Service Dr. M Lego, All Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society (APWWS) general secretary Samnem Nyemu, Women and Child Development Deputy Director Nyapi Ringu, Arunachal Pradesh Rural Senior State Mission Manager N B Doye and Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Service Authority (APSLSA) project co-coordinator Advocate Taba Rosy attended the meeting.
Pare Project affected people declares 12 hours bandh
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, July 1: Agitated with repeated denials of their rights and expiry of ultimatum served by them to NEEPCO, the Pare Project Land Affected Welfare Committee (PPLAWC) on Friday declared 12 hours bandh in the project area on July 5. The land affected people were demanding for early absorption of 50 youths, who were sponsored by NEEPCO for two years vocational training as per agreement with the committee way back in March, 16, 2012.
The project activities, such as transportation of men and materials, vehicle movement near project site will not be allowed for twelve hours during the bandh, stated Gyamar Kuka, Chairman of the committee in a press conference held at Press Club this afternoon.
However, Kuka clarified that National Highway Papu- Yupia Hoj-Potin will remain open for vehicular movements and bandh will be affected only near project area.
The Committee chairman further claimed that NEEPCO gave written assurance to the affected people that it would absorb 50 youths in different section just after completion of two years vocational training.
It is said that the agreement between NEEPCO CMD PC Pankaj and the affected people was made in presence of former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki on March, 2012, wherein power developer agreed to absorb 50 youths just after completion of training.
“The committee had submitted the list of applicants who had completed the vocational training sponsored by NEEPCO itself as per the agreement for early absorption but no response has been communicated so far”. Bengia Tada, PPLAWC General Secretary claimed. He further alleged that NEEPCO is instead recruiting people from Assam and Meghalaya under so called special recruitment drive for STs/SCs and OBC.
“NEEPCO is befooling us, if they can recruit people from other states in the name of special recruitment drive, why can’t affected people be recruited” Tada further claims.
“Why should we donate our land for the national development at the cost of local people, he asked as he alleged the NEEPCO of cheating.
He has sought the intervention of Chief Minister Kalikho Pul to resolve the impasse.
The land affected people threatened more agitation until their demands are fulfilled by NEEPCO. The committee had staged peaceful dharna on June 29, 2016 demanding for early absorption of 50 youth.
Civilian accuses Army of atrocity
ITANAGAR, July 1: Alleging military atrocity on civilians, the wife of one Moni Singh, who was apprehended by security forces for his alleged nexus with an insurgency group from Changlang recently, has claimed that her husband has been victimized without any fault.
Demanding justice and narrating the whole episode behind the apprehension of her husband by 14 Assam Rifles, the wife in her complaint letter to Changlang Deputy Commissioner appealed for a thorough inquiry into the whole incident. She demanded forensic testing of arms and ammunitions, incriminating documents like extortion notes allegedly recovered from his possession by security forces.
The complaint letter stated that the jawans of Assam Rifles led by personnel in the rank of Captain had first raided their rented house on June 13 and beat Moni Singh ‘without any reason’. They found no objectionable items or incriminating document during the raid. The incident was resolved in an amicable manner as the Major of the Battalion asked the Captain to apologize.
But, after two weeks of the incident, the Captain accompanied by two others again entered into the house of Singh on the night of June 27 and beat him mercilessly, the letter claimed.
“When the Captain was about to leave, two police personnel in a Gypsy car arrived and took away my husband,” the letter said. He was detained for a night and day at AR camp.
In the meantime, a press statement was issued in local print media claiming that two pistols with six live rounds and incriminating documents, including extortion notes were recovered from Moni Singh.
“It is a clear case of revenge as the Captain had to apologize for his misdeed,” the wife claimed.
She appealed to the DC to order for a forensic testing of the demand letter, handwriting of paper documents allegedly recovered from him to confirm the fingerprinting. She also appealed to the DC to instruct the Army Captain involved in the incident to submit the list of person(s), who have paid extortion money to her husband.
She further objected to raiding of their house by army in absence of local police and non-disclosure of their alleged recoveries before the local police.
Event for PWDs
ITANAGAR, July 1: Mumbai-based Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped (AYJNIHH) and the National Youth Project (NYP) would bridge the isolation gap for the GoI and GoAP welfare schemes to tap the potentials of state's people with disabilites (PWDs), Health commissioner Hage Kojeen said.
The NYP in collaboration with the AYJNIHH and state's Social Welfare & Empowerment And Tribal Affairs (SWETA) Department has been doing excellent works for the welfare of the PWSAs which bodes well with the present state government’s zero tolerance policy to health sector, he said in his inaugural address to the day-long awareness-cum-sensitization programme at NYP office here on Friday.
The first medical college would start functioning next year, state's 811 health institutions are being upgraded so that state patients get treatment instead of going outside for treatment and postings are being streamlined in health department, he said, and sought the cooperation of the civil society.
Exhorting the sensitized PWDs to become AYJNIHH's ambassadors, its HoD (socio-economic rehabilitation) R Bhatacherjee said that numerous GoI schemes are failing to reach the PWSAs for ignorance, and in Arunachal Pradesh because of geographical isolation. The AYJNIHH has focused the North East region with commitment for which it had trained many PWSAs through the NYP with the GoAP support in the past. The NYP has been given 850 PWSAs as target for 2015-16, he said.
AYJNIHH under the GoI scheme also supplies cochlear implant, an electronic medical device that replaces the function of the damaged inner ear. Unlike hearing aids, which make sounds louder, it bypass the damaged hair cells of the inner ear to provide sound signals to the brain, he added.
The NYP in close association with SWETA department since the last two years has organised skill development camps in Tawang, West Kameng, Papum Pare, Lower Subansiri, West Siang, Lohit, Namsai, Anjaw and Changlang districts and made 3,640 PWDs employable, its director Taw Tebin said.
Hinting at 34,000 PWDs in the state as per 2011 census, he exhorted them to rise to the occasion but extended the department's all support. The CM's disability pension @ Rs 1,000 pm is in force, he said and called for the entitled PWSAs to have Aadhar card to avail the benefit besides the GoI's Rs 300 pm pension. He hoped that the AYJNIHH-NYP would take forward the mission.
NYP since 1999 has developed a youth force of 22,000, skilled over 50,000 belonging to BPL category and unemployed youth in the state with GoI schemes, its president H P Biswas disclosed, while vice president Pradeep Kumar said that if American lady Helen Keller, despite being deaf-dumb could become an author, political activist, lecturer and advocate for PWDs globally, none with disabilities should develop inferiority complex.
"You have special abilities which would surface with such programmes, Kumar added.
AYJNIHH lecturers Palash Dutta (speech & hearing) and Dipak Kumar Aich (education) and social welfare officer Dr P Majumdar from Kolkata regional centre, during the technical session, apprised about 100 PWDs present the concept, educational development and rehabilitation of persons with hearing impairment.
‘Change in living style can reduce malaria cases’
ITANAGAR, July 1: Kra Daadi District Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (DVBDCP) Officer Dr. Tadar Tagh said that some changes in living style and behaviors among community members can reduce malaria cases to a large extent.
Addressing the people during the month-long anti-malaria campaign in Kra Daadi District conducted by District Vector Borne Disease Control Society, Dr. Dr. Tagh advised every community member to maintain good health and hygiene practices and keep their surroundings clean to prevent mosquito breeding.
Explaining the malaria signs and symptoms and its treatment, Dr. Tagh said that community participation is a must in the fight against eradication of the killer disease.
District Vector Borne Disease Consultant of Kra-Daadi Techi Pekhi Tara explained it details about various vector borne diseases, their control and prevention programme.
Besides distribution of long lasting insecticide treated nets for the villagers mass malaria awareness rallies, cleanliness drive to reduce sources of mosquito breeding, drawing and essay competition among the school children were organized during month-long anti-malaria campaign throughout the district.
Tribal Food & Cultural festival concludes
[ Prafulla Kaman ]
RUKSIN, July 1: The first ever ‘Ethnic Tribal Food & Cultural Festival’ conducted at Ruksin, which began on June 25 last concluded on Thursday evening.
Attending the concluding ceremony of the five-day programme, District Art & Cultural Officer, Augusti Jamoh urged the youths to shoulder responsibility to preserve their traditional culture to keep their ethnic identity. He lamented that the youngsters are not interested in their Ponung, Aabang, but follow the western cultures.
Jamoh opined that there is need to modify the monotonous Ponung song-dance and traditional attires in order to make these popular among other Indian communities. He laid stress on projection of the existing folk songs and music dances at national and international level by making necessary modifications while preserving the essence.
The concluding day programme was followed by felicitation of meritorious students and eminent social workers of the area. The organizers also felicitated Sanskar Bharati activist Delong Padung and social activist Paniram Panyang of Ruksin for their immense socio-cultural contributions.
Among others, Ruksin Anchal Chairperson, Aruni Jamoh, public leaders, Tasung Saroh and Takin Taying also spoke on the occasion.
The five-day food and cultural event was conducted by Indigenous Tribal Art & Cultural Enlighten Society. Display cum sale of traditional attires, traditional food items, competitions on traditional sports and various cultural presentations were the highlights of the programme. Modified songs and dances on tribal myths presented by the young artiste of Karpung Karduk Music Academy, Ruksin was special attraction of the concluding function.
IT in the Mountains
[ Sonam C ]
There’s a young “techie” waiting outside the DC’s chamber.
She is staring intently at her outsized mobile; the familiar blue Facebook theme is visible as I sit beside her, watching her nimble fingers rapidly typing on the screen.
“Can you think of an aspect in our daily lives which has remained untouched by Technology?”, I asked her intrudingly - out of curiosity.
After a long pause, “Practically none”, she replied, without stopping her rapid typing.
History has exhibited time and again that “Information is power”.
The time – honoured truth is that wars were won, empires ruled and rebellions crushed by those having control over vital information. Since the 1990’s, the world witnessed the marriage of Technology with Information - ushering in possibilities transcending human imagination. The internet invention brought about a revolution which led to democratisation of Information. Information was no longer preserve of the few - those in control of resources and/or power, potentially changing the entire power equation.
As I sit on the wooden benches of the waiting hall, in the midst of sea of visitors, wondering at this extraordinary marriage which has revolutionized the world around, the girl finally looks up at me and adds, ‘Did you know about the Digital India mission?”
I hesitantly shook my head, attempting to conceal my ignorance.
“The Digital India Mission has the mandate of taking all aspects of governance through the IT route.”, she said.
“It means that soon we won’t need to sit on these hard wooden benches and wait for getting basic citizen services. We can do all this, sitting at home, on our computers or even mobile phones.”, she added with a kind smile.
I imagined the consequences - A paradigm shift in how governments will run and how citizens will respond to this transformed environment. We hear of how both government and citizens benefits from such interventions.
“Do you really believe that’s possible? I mean, can this really happen in our State?” I queried with spontaneous scepticism.
“Arunachal Pradesh too, like many other states, has taken up this mission. However, it will be unfair not to admit that there are bottlenecks, difficult though not unsurmountable. Our terrain - vast, rugged, forested coupled with the sparse population throws up challenges which needs to be tackled by thinking out of box.”, she countered passionately.
She continued with optimism, “Having said this, a lot has already moved towards the direction of success of this mission. A robust fail free network, a sine qua non, for the success of this mission is under progress. As on date the state already has about 1300 km of Optical fibre cables laid and more than 5000 km is being laid with a timeline of 2017. VSATs, Microwave Towers and other non-conventional means are also being deployed for both mobile telephony and internet. For the storage of information, a State Data Centre (SDC) will be put in place soon-a storehouse of information- practically all the data of the State.”
Amused, I replied, “All this technology confuses me. Tell me how can I sit at home and get my govt work done? Sometimes, I don’t even get proper network service!!!”
She also smiled and replied, “Rome wasn’t built in a day! The government is working on improving your network connectivity on priority. As for the citizen services (government issued documents, renewals, payment of utility bills etc) – these will be through the e-District and the State Service delivery gateway (SSDG) platform. This means that the citizen-government interface will be online and you need not come physically to each office personally.”
By now, even I was getting intrigued; “How will this happen? What do I need to do to make sure this happens? Do we common citizens need to do anything?”
Quickly typing something, the young girl (I hadn’t even asked her name!!) showed me her mobile screen. Something called AADHAR NUMBER with some instructions was on the screen.
“What’s that?” I asked.
“Aadhar Number is the next important tool because all govt delivered benefits must reach the right person and in correct measure. So far, 70% of the population have already been allotted with Aadhar numbers. Have you got yours? It’s very easy to do – I can help you or you can go to your nearest Centre and get registered. Do you want me to do it for you?” she asked.
Just then, a peon called my name and signalled me towards the DC’s chamber.
Smiling at her offer, I thanked her and queried as I was leaving, “What do you see when all this is done?”
Serenely she replied, “ I visualise an aged e-literate mother in a remote village smiling, while browsing a smart phone, seeing her daughter’s ST certificate, messages of her grandson’s education stipend and her old age pension credited in their bank accounts and her family’s PDS items’ delivery date – all mailed from the DC’s office”.
Smart Governance, I thought!!
[The writer is a career bureaucrat and this is a work of Fi(a)ction.]
Monsoon rain revived in Siang valley
[ Prafulla Kaman ]
PASIGHAT, Jul 01: Monsoon rains have revived in Siang Valley with the region witnessing sufficient rainfall over for the last couple of days.
Sources from India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the Southwest Monsoon entered a weak phase in northeastern region since last few days, which resulted in dry weather at many places of Arunachal Pradesh and other parts of Northeast.
The IMD report predicts that once rainfall restarts in the region, it is expected to bring down the temperature with the day-time maximum temperature hovering around the mid-30s since past few days. It further said that the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon was weak, but rainfall in the region could be expected after few days.
IMD reports further revealed that there was a low pressure area in the Andhra Pradesh coast. So moisture incursion in the Northeast is less and this is also contributing to the lack of rains. The monsoon is never at a continuous pace and rather come in phases of sudden surge followed by dry weather and again surge.
Meanwhile, rainfall distribution for the season from June 1 to June 22 has been deficient in all over the Northeast, barring isolated parts of Arunachal Pradesh,
As per data maintained in Pasighat Water Resource Division, the area received 663.50 mm rainfall during April this year, which is twice of the last year. The area also witnesses sufficient rainfall during June after the South West monsoon hit Himalayan region during early last month.
Citizens, Orgs conduct social service, renovate road
ITANAGAR, July 1: Citizens from across East Kameng district descended at Pakke-Kessang today in an effort to make life easier for commuters travelling along the Doimukh-Seppa section of the Trans-Arunachal Highway.
An initiative of the East Kameng Social Welfare & Cultural Organisation (EKSWCO), residents from all over the district representing different organisations took part in a mass social service spanning a distance of 100 km.
While social service activities are usually confined to cleaning garbage in small areas, East Kameng residents, known for their unique and dynamic approach to life, took a different path by levelling sections of the road which are damaged. Due to periodic rains, parts of the road acts an impediment to travelling as cars often get stuck in the resultant mud.
EKSWCO chairman, Khya Safar Pao, said that the only motive for the social service was to help people travelling along the important highway.
Work on most parts of the highway is going on smoothly, although there is some opposition resulting from compensation claims.
Today’s social service was a landmark one not just because of its massive scale but also because it coincided with the 52nd birth anniversary of former minister Dera Natung.
Natung was born in 1964 and was the first MLA from Pakke-Kessang assembly constituency. He was the state education minister when the Pawan Hans helicopter he was travelling in crashed near Tawang on May 2001.
Along with the EKSWCO, other organisations that participated in the event today were: Natung Welfare Society, ASSATA, ATA East Kameng district unit and ANYA district unit among others.
GSS GTC receives best school award of E/Siang
[ Maksam Tayeng ]
PASIGHAT, July 1: The Government Secondary School, GTC has received the best school award of East Siang district for the session 2015-16. An award of Rs. 1 lakh was handed over to the school recently by the Directorate of School Education in recognition of the schools performance on all fronts. Unlike other schools, the GSS GTC is well-maintained; its premises are kept clean.
The classes are well managed and teaching staffs are equally dutiful and responsible. This good performance record was marked by East Siang DC, Isha Khola and former Education Minister, Bosiram Siram during their visit to the school in 2015.
Head Master of the school, Lutni Perme shared his mantra which should be a lesson for other head of institutions who really want to serve society by building human resources. Perme said, ‘I personally take up cleanliness activities, planting of saplings, flowers etc. When I started doing all these works, my fellow staff and students also followed, which I find endearing’, he added.
Training for SHGs
ITANAGAR, Jul 1: A two-day long training was organized by the Hayuliang CDPO, on empowerment of women at Tafraling village.
Hayuliang CDPO, S. Longling advised womenfolk to form Self Help Groups and Farmer Clubs for better manpower management while carrying out any development activities for their economic empowerment and the community as a whole.
Hayuliang ZPM, Abray Manyu in his address further exhorted the need for Gram Panchyats to coordinate with line departments of agriculture and allied department so that development can reach the farmers at the grassroots level.
During the training sessions resource persons from KVK Anjaw including; SMSs of Agronomy, Horticulture and Animal Science informed the trainees about various aspects of crop production of sweet corn and soybean with special reference to value addition of sweet corn for increasing farm income as well as rural livelihood of the farm women, value addition on fruits besides, broiler farming for sustainable income generation. In all, 68 trainees took part in the training.
Anti-Malaria month observed in Namsai
NAMSAI, July 1: The Anti-Malaria Month was observed in a befitting manner throughout the Namsai district with mass awareness programme to reduce the incidence of Malaria cases by the District Health Society (NVBDCP) Namsai.
The district also geared up to reduce the Annual Parasite Index (API) below 1 by 2020. Various activities like mass awareness rally, workshop on Malaria and Vector Borne Diseases, mass blood tests, screening of short Malaria movies to the public and students at various villages and schools of the district, awareness campaign of Vector Borne diseases and Inter Personnel Communication (IPC) explaining the importance of their involvement in control of diseases were conducted across the month. Further IEC materials like leaflets on Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis and Dengue were distributed to the participants in all the functions.
NGO donates medicines to hospital
ITANAGAR, July 1: Tribal Welfare & Development Society, the partner NGO of NERCORMP, Changlang has donated medicines worth of Rs. 24,000 to District Hospital Changlang.
The medicines were received by Medical Superintendent of the Hospital Dr H Tangjang in a simple function held in the office chamber of the NGO on July 1.
While lauding the kind gesture of the NGO, Dr Tangtang suggested its members to organise more awareness campaign on health and hygiene in interior villages.
The NGO had also contributed medicines to district Hospital last year benefiting hundreds of poor and needy patients, he said.
Medical Officer Dr M. Kenglang, TWDS Chairman and General Secretary N.Changmi and Tupkam Kitnya former ZPM NK Longchang were present on the occasion.
APSPCB gets new Member Secretary
ITANAGAR, July 1: DCF Tapek Riba on Friday assumed charge as Member Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB) relieving N Tam, CCF.
APSPCB Chairman Techi Tagi Tara while welcoming the new Member Secretary expressed the hope that Riba would work for the welfare of the public and preservation of the environment.
APIC imposes penalty
ITANAGAR, July 1: The Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission has imposed a penalty of Rs 25000/- on PIO cum executive engineer, PWD, Sagalee division for deliberately defying the orders of the commission in connection with the appeal case no. APIC-61/2016 made by Phassang Kassung and Takio Dani.
The commission has also recommended state government to take appropriate disciplinary action against PIO cum Managing director, APSCAB Ltd and PIO cum DDSE, Daporijo for persistently failing to comply with the orders of the commission and violating sub-section (1) of section 7 of the Right To Information Act, 2005.
CoSAAP demands enhancement of retirement age
ITANAGAR, July 1: Encouraged by the Govt. decision to enhance the retirement age of Doctors, the Confederation of Service Associations of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) have demanded to increase the retirement age of other state government employees too.
While welcoming the enhancement of retirement age of doctors from 58 years to 62 years by the State Government, CoSAAP in a release hoped for a same kind of gesture from the government in redressing various genuine pending demands of the entire state government employees, including retirement age from 58 years to 60 years, release of 6% Arrear DA/DR w.e.f. January 1, 2016 to June 30.
ATA calls for speedy trial of Kali Bulo case
AALO, July 1: Arunachal Teachers’ Association, West Siang Unit has appealed the West Siang Superintendent of Police to inquire into the mysterious death of Kali Bulo.
The teacher was found dead under mysterious circumstances at his government quarter at Mechuka on May 5, 2015.
Stating that the case has been handed to the SIT, the ATA unit expressed hope that the pace of investigation will be faster so that justice is delivered to the family members of the deceased. DIPRO
Address problems at girl schools:Women Wings
AALO, July 1: Citing various problems in the Govt 100 Girls Residential Schools at Kamba and Yomcha, the Women Wings of various student’s union have requested the West Siang DC and DDSE to the needful.
After jointly visiting the schools at Yomcha and Kamba, the Women Wing members of West Siang District Students’ Union, Galo Students’ Union and Kargu Kardi Students’ Union called for posting of Mathematics teacher stating that there is no Mathematics teachers in the Govt 100 Girls Residential Schools at Kamba and Yomcha since its opening.
During interaction with the school students and the warden, the visiting members came to know that a part time teacher posted has never turned up since her appointment at the school in Kamba.
Further, the school the Govt. 100 Girls Residential School Yomcha is in a dilapidated condition without any power connection and requisite infrastructures.
The Women Wing members appealed the authorities to intervene for supply of electricity in the school, posting of full time Mathematics teachers and to initiate action against absent teachers. DIPRO
AKDDSU felicitates CBSE toppers
ITANAGAR, July 1: The CBSE toppers of Class 10 and Class 12 of Kra-Daadi district were felicitated in a function at Papu Nallah, Naharlagun on Thursday by All Kra-Daadi District Students' Union.
A total of 17 students from science, arts and commerce were felicitated and awarded.
Attending the function, AAPSU general secretary, Biru Nasi advised the student to keep patience and maintain their character as mere education of learning to read and write is not enough to become a successful person.
Parents, guardians and members from various student organisations attended the function.
Blood donation camp conducted
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, July 1: Commemorating 52nd birth anniversary of former Education Minister Late Dera Natung, All East Kameng Capital Complex Students’ Welfare Association (AEKCCSWA) in collaboration with RK Mission Hospital on Friday conducted Blood Donation Camp at RK Mission Hospital here. Altogether fifty donors turned up for the occasion; however, only 19 donors could donate the blood.
Highlighting the objectives of blood donation camp, the organizing Chairman Rahul Sipa (Pije) said that the org wanted to highlight the importance of blood bank on the 52th birth anniversary of late leader Dera Natung.
While appreciating the AEKCCSWA for conducting blood donation camp, Dr. Chaudhry, Blood Bank Officer, RK Mission Hospital appealed to people to come forward to donate blood as it saves people lives.
“Only a human can help another human as blood is not found in market” said Dr Chaudhry while stressing the importance of blood donation.
Public leader from East Kameng District, Chaung Yangda briefed about the short history and contribution of late Dera Natung.
Committee demands Govt. to institute CBI probe
ITANAGAR, July 1: The 302 Action Committee of Tawang in a representation to Chief Secretary demanded immediate institution of CBI probe into the May 2 Tawang firing.
The Action Committee formed aftermath of the firing incident demanded that the incident be investigated by CBI and failing to do so will compel it to demonstrate before the UNO Office in New Delhi as well as at Itanagar and Tawang.
They further demanded to provide them with the copies of the orders suspending the DC and, DSP of Tawang, government jobs to next of kin of the deceased and also to those injured in the firing incident, enquiry reports by ADC Jang as well as One-man Committee report, declaration of May 2 as Shahid Diwas and allotment of a plot of land for construction of memorial house in form of Rest House and “mani” near Buddha statue, Tawang.
Dree Food Festival inaugurated
NAHARLAGUN, July 1 : A traditional food festival organized as part of part of Dree festival celebration was inaugurated by MLA Tesam Pongte at Dree ground amidst enthusiastic crowd here on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, Pongte urged the community to preserve the rich culture and tradition of the society. He lauded the Apatani society as one of the most “advanced” tribes and a “role model” among others. He also appreciated the efforts of the community in preserving Apatani language.
Earlier, he visited the food stalls and the exhibition stalls.
A total of 12 traditional food stalls have been put up by various Self Help Groups (SHGs) and individuals. There are also six other exhibition stalls this time.
Among them, the exhibition stall put up by Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority aims to provide free legal information and services to the public during the festival.
Later in the evening, President, Apatani Women Association of Ziro (AWAZ) Hage Assung inaugurated the cultural night.
CB-NAAT site launched at District Hospital
ROING, July 1: The CB-NAAT site under revised National TB Control Programme was formally launched at District Hospital Roing on Friday.
Addressing the gathering in the function, Lower Dibang Valley, Deputy Commissioner, Ravi Dhawan called on the doctors and medical staffs to strengthen their work for best delivery services to the patient.
Extending his best wishes on the eve of International Doctor’s Day, the DC said the role of doctors and nurses are very important in health care service, and they should be proactive and compassionate for humanitarian service.
The DC handed over the two wheel chairs and stretchers for the District Hospital, which was donated and funded by SBI Roing under CSR Scheme.
DTO, Roing, Dr. J.S Mitapo briefed on the general overview of Revised National TB Control Programme. Dr. J.S Mitapo informed that the introduction of CB-NAAT site in the hospital and installation of GeneXpert system would give results within two hours of testing, which earlier took two to three months to get results for all TB related cases including MTB and MDR TB (RIF Resistance) cases.
ADC, Ruchika Katyal, ZPC, Sipi Elapara, HoDs, PRI members, doctors and other officials attended the function.
SBI donates medical items to Raj Bhavan dispensary
ITANAGAR, July 1: Medical items like stretcher, wheelchair and waiting lodge steel bench were donated to the Raj Bhavan Dispensary, here on Friday by the officials of State Bank of India (SBI), Itanagar Branch to mark the occasion of State Bank Day, which is observed to commemorate the foundation day of the SBI on Jul 1, 1955.
Assistant General Manager (AGM) SBI, Itanagar branch, Satya Sinha Bairagi accompanied by SBI Zero Point Tinali, Branch Manager, Binju Karlo and other bank officials handed over the said items to the Raj Bhavan Dispensary Medical Officer in-charge, Dr. Jennifer Tayeng. (PRO to Governor)
Parl Secy stresses on moral education in schools
TAWANG, July 1: Parliamentary Secretary Tsering Tashi stressed on imparting value and moral education to young students in schools for a better society.
Addressing the Principals, Headmaster/mistresses, BEOs, BRCCs, CRCCs of Tawang district in a coordination meeting here on Friday, Tashi urged all the participants to be more realistic, sincere and practical in discharging their responsibilities. He assured his full cooperation to them in providing best quality education to the students.
ZPC Jambey Tsering requested for team work among the teaching staff and various other agencies for achieving cent percent result in the next CBSE examinations.
The Tawang DDSE highlighted various problems being faced by Education department.
EAC Lobsang Tsetan attended the meeting on behalf of the Deputy Commisioner. DIPRO
PS Home takes stock of Police Stations
Correspondent
RUKSIN, July 1: Parliamentary Secretary for Home, Paknga Bage on Friday visited Pasighat and Ruksin Police Stations and took stock of the infrastructure problems and other shortages.
On his way to Pasighat, Bage made unannounced visit to Ruksin police station and inspected the 20-bedded Police Barrack, WT station and MESS at Ruksin and heard grievances from the policemen.
Officer-in-Charge of Ruksin Police Station, T Tamut appraised the Parliamentary Secretary about the perennial water-logging problem in and around the station, leakage of water through roof of worn-out residential quarters, shortage of vehicle in the station for patrolling and other emergency purposes.
Reportedly satisfied with the conduct of the policemen deployed in Ruksin police station, the Parliamentary Secretary assured the cops to take up the problems with state’s Home Ministry.
The PS later visited Pasighat Police Station and also met the senior police officials of the district and discussed the latest law and order situation of the district.
CM mourns demise of Shashi Bala Jain
NEW DELHI, July 1: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has expressed sadness over the demise of Shashi Bala Jain, wife of Satya Pal Jain, Additional Solicitor General and Member of law Commission of India, who passed away on June 20.
The Chief Minister also offered prayers for the departed soul and courage to the bereaved family to bare the irreparable loss.
Water supply disrupted
ITANAGAR, July 1: Flash flood on Wednesday severely damaged the water supply at ADC HQ Balijan.
Informing that it is being restored on war footing which may take five or six days to complete, Assistant Engineer PHE&WS Sub-Division, Karsingsa in a release has requested people to cooperate with the department till it is restored.
Water supply to Model village block IV, Naharlagun was also disrupted due to damage caused to the intake structure (Gollo Dam) owing to flash flood in Kankgkar Nallah Thursday night.
Although restoration work is currently going on, it may take 2-3 days to completely restore uninterrupted water supply, informed PHE & WS SD, Naharlagun.
The department has requested the consumers to bear with the inconvenience.
Social service conducted
ITANAGAR, July 1: All Naharlagun Youth Welfare Association (ANYWA) on Friday conducted social service near the office of managing director, AP CO Op Apex Bank Ltd, D-sector, Naharlagun. The garbage dump which covered almost half the portion of the road was cleared.
Meanwhile, the association has requested residents of D-sector area not to throw garbage at the site.
Union gives ultimatum for retention of officer
ITANAGAR, July 1: The All Arunachal Pradesh Anti Corruption Students Union (AAPACSU) has given a ten days ultimatum to Chief Minister Kalikho Pul for retaining ADC Seijosa T R Tapu.
AAPACSU stated that the ADC has been transferred from his posted place before the end of his three years tenure on political grounds.
It claimed that entire GBs, PRI members, student community have no objection, rather want him as he is an efficient officer.
AAPACSU also alleged that the matter was highlighted before Deputy Chief Minister cum MLA 12th Pakke Kessang constituency, Kameng Dolo by various organizations of Seijosa but the Dy CM has intentionally ignored the issue.
Corrigendum
In the news item titled ‘Ultimatum to institute CBI probe into Tawang firing’, published on the June 30th issue of this daily, it was wrongly mentioned that the month-long ultimatum served by the 302 Action Committee and Save Mon Region Federation (SMRF) to the Tawang Deputy Commissioner expires on July 2. It should be read as July 21 instead. The inadvertent error is highly regretted.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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Editorial
Long way to go
In a historic day for the nation, today, the indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA)
also known as Tejas was inducted into Indian Air Force. It's been a long journey
for the Tejas. In the year 1983 LCA project was sanctioned and since then work has
been continuously going on. This project has been delayed and has badly affected
the IAF's plan. Even though it is claimed to be made in India but depends heavily
on foreign materials. Despite the government spending crores of rupees over three
decades, the country's first indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA, still has nearly
half of its components imported. Even the engine is imported from the US. The engine
(GE F 404), ejection seat (Martin Baker), missile (R 73 E) and the multi-
The Tejas project puts huge question mark on functioning of defence research and development organization (DRDO). The comptroller and auditor general (CAG) of India in its finding had found that 70 per cent of DRDO products are rejected by the armed forces. Others are delayed for decades. Due to this, India continues to be on the list of the largest arms importers of the world, accounting to 14 per cent of global arms imports. For now let us rejoice induction of Tejas aircraft into IAF. Even with lot of delay and lacuna atleast a beginning has been made. The IAF has contracted 20 'Tejas' aircraft in the Initial operational Clearance configuration and 20 in the Final operational Clearance configuration. Tejas will be an alternative combat aircraft that will replace the ageing MiG 21 series in Indian Air Force.
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Readers’ Forum
Transfers and political pressure
Dear Editor,
Through you esteemed daily, it would be proper to highlight the misdeed meted out to sincere and devoted teachers by the concern authority at the whims of political pressure.
It has been learnt that a bulk of elementary teachers from 32-
Has the 32-
Please don’t mislead the public, though the Siang district is new but the people in the district is wise enough to judge all the activities and record them and will give verdict suitably in time.
Yours,
Tami Mize
Rumgong
Initiate exam process
Dear Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to remind the people of Arunachal and my fellow applicants about a certain recruitment advertisement by the Apex bank of Arunachal during the month of February for the post of manager in IT and Probationary officers for which neither the exam dates nor the admit cards have been received by any of the applicants. I had been eagerly waiting for the exam because it was an opportunity for me to work in my own state. But now I am losing hope everyday feeling that it has also become a victim of our states machinery's infamous recruitment drive which gives job according to the size of your wallet.
If nothing comes up in the coming months than I and my fellow applicants will be inclined towards filing RTI against it. And I am sure I am not the only one who is equally depressed with the current state of affairs.
I hope the apex bank's authorities have some kind of explanation to give to the applicants because this attitude not only crushes the hopes of thousands of unemployed youths but also this depicts a bad picture of our state.
Yours,
An applicant