Govt Engineering College derails as politics take centre stage
[ Taba Ajum ]
ITANAGAR, July 7: Politics seems to be taking a toll on the progress of Arunachal’s first proposed government degree engineering college being funded by ministry of human resource development (MHRD) under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA).
MHRD has already released Rs two crore ninety two lakh to education department as first installment for infrastructure development of the college in the financial year 2015-16. However, due to political instability followed by imposition of President rule and installation of new government, the project has been delayed.
The foundation stone for the college was laid down by former chief minister Nabam Tuki at Toru in April 2015.
As per the sources, the file is stuck at Finance Ministry since last year and state government is sitting over it much to the displeasure of MHRD. There is growing fear that fund released by the ministry may lapse which will adversely affect the future of this dream engineering college.
On their part, a state government official has assured that project is still on and there is nothing to fear. “Due to various issues the project got delayed. However, during the meeting of Education Department recently, there was a lengthy discussion regarding the college. Minister Education along with senior officials of department will visit the proposed site at Toru by end of this month and accordingly take a decision,” shared an official of Education Department.
He also clarified that rumour about new government deliberately trying to derail engineering college project at Toru on political ground is baseless and without iota of truth. He added that at this stage it will be difficult to shift the project to other place as present site has already been finalized by the MHRD.
On their part Papum Pare district administration has already acquired 50 acre land at Toru for the purpose of engineering college. “Villagers have donated land free of cost to the state government. A gift deed has been signed and all the formalities are over. In return land donors have only sought minor contract work when the project starts. They are very cooperative and have been patiently waiting for project to start,” informed an official of Papum Pare district administration. Every year thousands of Arunachalee students go outside the state to pursue engineering courses. Many of them become victim of fraud universities and lose money. There was growing hope that coming up of government engineering college in the state will fulfill aspirations of Arunachalee students who wants to pursue engineering course. Especially it will help those students hailing from economically poor background who finds it extremely difficult to go outside the state to pursue their study. But it seems politics is posing huge threat to the future of proposed government engineering college at Toru.
APPSC yet to get a Chairperson
[ Amar Sangno ]
ITANAGAR, July 7: Following the recusal of Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) Chairman Dr. Ligu Tacho, after it was rocked by tumultuous hullabaloo over alleged leakage of APPSCCE question papers, the Commission has been running without head.
There are currently three members, Mamang Dai, Nippo Nabam and CT Mansai.
The Commission had floated an advertisement for the vacant post of Chairperson that is lying vacant since recusal of Dr. Tacho on November 7, 2015, however even after seven months, a chairperson is yet to be appointed. The absence of regular chairperson is reportedly affecting not only the functioning and management but also the administration as the commission is constantly conducting interviews for recruitment of state govt employees on a regular interval.
However, in order to keep the commission going, the current three members had adopted a resolution as per the laid down provisions and delegated power to its senior most member Mamang Dai for temporary functioning.
It is reported that three members had also called on Chief Minister Kalikho Pul just after the APPSCCE viva-voice result appraising him for early appointment of new the commission Chairperson. It is said that Chief Minister had assured them for early appointment.
Sources from the department informed The Arunachal Times, that ten eminent personalities have applied from distinct fields for the position. It is also reported that all required procedures have been completed by Administrative Reforms and now the file is awaiting the Governor final say. Presumably, the file may take longer time, as Governor JP Rajkhowa is on medical leave.
Sources further informed that out of ten applicants, former IAS officer TajumTalo who retired recently is front-runner in the race. Now, all eyes are on the Governor in charge for a final call and the new Chairperson on how the commission would step forward following its derided and blotted image.
Govt mulls for fresh mining lease license to OIL
ITANAGAR, July 7: The state government has decided to initiate fresh mining lease to Oil India Ltd, for execution of 10 MW Gas based Power Project at Kumchai.
The decision was taken in a meeting attended by Minister Power, NCER & Research, T.N. Thongdok, Minister Mines Kamlung Mossang, Parliamentary Secretary, Mines, T. Taku, Commissioner (Power) and other senior officers of Geology & Mining, Oil India Ltd., DGM & HoP, A. K. Baruah at the conference hall of Minister Power on July 7.
The meeting discussed the execution of 10MW Gas based Power Project at Kumchai and Thermal Power Plant at Kharsang.
The Oil India was directed to take up for issuance of fresh Forest Clearance with the PCCF on priority.
Minister Power, Thongdok pointing out that since the two projects were declared as CSR schemes of Oil India Ltd to Arunachal Pradesh, the schemes should have been owned by the State Govt, and therefore the question of purchase of power does not arise. Also the royalty of the gas to be utilized for the power plant should be paid to the State, he added.
Thongdok suggested that the State Govt may take up the issue with the Ministry of Coal & Mines for awarding the project under CSR scheme to Arunachal Pradesh as declared by the then Union Minister (P&NG), and likewise the Oil India Ltd. should take it up at their own level.
Stating that the recruitment of technical/non-technical staff is being conducted in Assam, Minister Mines, Kamlung Mossang called for conducting such recruitments in the state to benefit the local unemployed youths. The DGM, Oil India Ltd. was requested to consider this in future recruitments.
On the establishment of a coal based thermal power plant at Kharsang, Minister Power stated that the state government should propose a coal-pit thermal power plant at Kharsang and accordingly the proposal should be submitted to the Ministry of Coal and Mines urgently.
It was informed that the Commissioner (Power) has already been informed to prepare DPR in consultation with the Department of Geology & Mines.
The foundation stone of the proposed 10 MW gas based power project at Kumchai and Nursing School at Namsai was laid at Itanagar by the then Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Veerappa Moily as a CSR scheme. However the Oil India Ltd desired for signing of the MoU with the state government for purchase of power from the Project. There was no provision for employment of local people of Arunachal and royalty to the State Govt in the MoU proposed by Oil India Ltd.
Earlier, officials from Oil India Ltd informed that the available gas from the existing well presently is about 30,000 SCMD whereas the required amount is 55,000 SCMD for the proposed 10 MW project. The construction period of the proposed project will be one year and will require drilling of three more wells to supplement the present availability of gas by another 25,000 SCMD, which is the actual requirement for the project. As the mining lease permission and forest clearance issued by the State Govt for the present wells have expired, the OIL officials requested for issuing of fresh mining lease permission and forest clearance.
CM calls on UD dept to stick to quality and deadline
ITANAGAR, July 7: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has called for maintaining quality and timely executions of all the govt schemes. He was attending the review meeting of the Urban Development & Housing Department at the CMO on Thursday.
Pul said, there will be no compromise on quality of works, and timeframe/deadline for every work should be clearly given. He asked the department officers to ensure constant monitoring and timely reporting on quality and progress of works. He also instructed the executing agencies to conduct regular revision on monthly, quarterly and on annual basis. He firmly asserted that if any department was found non-performing, the work shall be allotted to the other department. He also said to mark and identify the good contractors that work honestly, maintains the quality and time as per the departmental guidelines/norms and stated of rewarding such contractors.
While emphasizing on cleanliness of the urban areas, the CM directed the Department of Urban Development & Housing to increase the man power and sanitary workers for ensuring cleanliness of the towns in the state. He asked the department to make it mandatory to collect garbage and wastages during night hours that gets accumulated during day time in the town areas. For this, he advised the department to divide the man power in to two shifts, for night and day separately.
While heeding to the shortage of man power in the department that requires 383 unskilled (sanitary assistants) and skilled labours (drivers) all over the state, the CM assured to provide required man power, machineries and logistic support for the purpose and asked the department to put up the proposals for requirement of man power and machineries immediately. He however said that for the post of sanitary assistants, only the willing persons must be appointed purely on contract basis. He also advised the departments to divide the man powers equally, without any disparity to all the districts with extra man power to highly populated district headquarters like Itanagar, Pasighat, Aalo, Ziro and Tezu.
The CM also asked the department to take up need based schemes on priority. He suggested them to propose for constructions of CC roads and drainage in those district headquarters on priority where it has not been constructed and started. He further said that all the remaining roads in the notified urban areas in district, ADC and administrative headquarters must be converted in to CC roads in phase wise manner.
He also proposed for construction of Multilayer Parking Lots at Naharlagun, Ganga and Chandan Nagar to ease the traffic congestions.
With a view to give an aesthetic look to the towns, he asked the department to make avenue plantations and provide sufficient space to do so. Lauding the initiatives at Aalo and Ziro with regards to cleanliness, he urged the department to emulate such good examples of keeping the township clean and plastic free in other districts too.
He also asked the department to submit the details of Centrally Sponsored Schemes received and sanctioned, completed and half completed since the year 2007 till date so that the required funds for completion of the remaining works may be asked from the central govt as one time assistance.
Secretary (UD), Madhu K Garg assured to comply with quality as per the directives of the Chief Minister. She urged the departmental officers to do the role and responsibilities of the department with honesty.
Chief Engineer cum Director (UD & Housing),Taba Tedir highlighted the physical & financial achievements of various schemes, man power, machinery and fund requirements of the department through a presentation.
Joint Directors, Deputy Directors and UPOs from the districts attended the review meeting.
Car Free Day at Tezu saves 250 ltrs of POL
TEZU, July 7: A total of 250 litres of POL was saved on the Car Free Day observed at Tezu by not using Govt. vehicles.
An official release stated that with the success of the first Car Free Day which was observed on June 7 as part of the World Environment Week, Lohit district administration is geared up for the second observation of the Car Free Day.
Every seventh day of the month or next day in case of an holiday would be observed as Car Free Day to maintain pollution free environment, promoting cycling and to minimise the departmental expenditure. DIPRO
Dr. Joram Begi appointed as new CIC
ITANAGAR, July 7: Dr Joram Begi has been appointed as Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of Arunachal Pradesh State Information Commission.
The APSIC has been running without CIC after YD Thongchi’s official tenure ended in 2015.
The former Director of Higher and Technical Education, Dr. Joram Begi was born on 21st October 1956 at Joram Village under Yachuli circle of Lower Subansiri District.
He served as Director Higher and Technical Education from 2002 to 2014. And also served the North East Regional Institute of Science and Technology(NERIST) as its Director from 2008-2010. Dr. Begi was also Registrar of Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills erstwhile Arunachal University from 1991 to 1996 and Principal Dera Natung Government College from 1979 to 1982. He started his illustrious service career as senior lecturer in Dera Natung Government College from 1979.
Apart from government service, Dr. Begi has been proactive in social service. He was founder President of Nyishi Elite Society (NES) and also longest serving president of NES . Dr. Begi is also advisory board member in Central Advisory Board of Education, National Council of Teacher Education. The swearing in ceremony is likely to be held this week.
AR kills 4 NSCN (R) cadres
KHONSA, July 7: The Khonsa Battalion of Assam Rifles under DAO Division has killed four hardcore cadres of NSCN (R) at their hideout located in the vicinity of Kheti village, 7 kms from Khonsa.
Based on intelligence input that the cadres were in a temporary base camp at Kheti, three columns of Assam Rifles cordoned off the area in wee hours on Thursday.
As one of the columns closed in towards the camp they came under heavy automatic fire.
The troops retaliated and in the gunfight SS Capt Jano Tekwa and SS Sergeant Major Lombho Pangsa were killed and one AK rifle and a pistol were recovered. During search of the area, the troops were fired upon again and in the retaliatory fire SS Sergeant Tongbai and SS Corporal Wangkhu Wangsa were neutralized and one AK Rifle recovered.
Combing operation was in full swing till the filing of this report.
The camp of NCSN (R) is in Kheti village area, near Khonsa village.
Mein emphasises on plantation of coffee
ITANAGAR, July 7: Contribution of coffee is significant to sustain the unique bio-diversity of the region and is also responsible for the socio-economic development of the area where it is grown in large scale, said Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein on Wednesday during his visit to Namsangmukh Coffee Estate at Deomali.
Interacting with the officials of Arunachal Pradesh Forest Corporation Limited (APFCL) and officers of district administration Tirap, Mein said that cultivation of coffee has to be promoted in large scale in Arunachal Pradesh. He asked the APFCL to encourage people to adopt coffee plantation and called upon the Coffee Board of India to provide support in this regard.
He also said that the farmers in the state should start multi-cropping.
The APFCL officials informed about the issues confronting the Namsangmukh Coffee Estate. Divisional Manager G.Rime stated that the coffee plantation of Namsangmukh has virtually become organic but due to non certification of organic coffee, the APFCL is losing huge revenues.
To obtain organic certification, the coffee needs to undergo various laboratory tests which would require cost involvement of Rs.8 to 10 lakhs. At present the coffee plantation is under consolidation process with 100% financial support from the Coffee Board of India and does not have its own fund, he informed.
Furthermore, plantations are required to be maintained for 8 subsequent years but due to non availability of fund, the APFCL is finding it hard to manage the plantation. As per the directives of the Coffee Board of India, the Forest Corporation have already started a coffee nursery for raising 1,00,000 seedlings in the area and fund for which will be provided by Coffee Board of India, Rime added. He also suggested for having State’s own hauling cum drying unit which would reduce the expenditure of hauling which in turn would benefit the small coffee growers in large scale.
Range Manager, T.Songthing presented the overview of Namsangmukh Coffee Estate run under APFCL and spoke that the plantation was started in 1973 with creation of 3.80 Ha of Robusta Coffee but subsequently it raised to 163.70 Ha. During the year 2015-16, Coffee Board of India sanctioned for raising Coffee nursery of 70,000 seedlings at Namsangmukh Coffee Estate. Out of which 30000 seedlings were supplied to Coffee Board for supply to the local small Coffee grower and rest were planted in 30 Ha vacant area of the Namsangmukh Coffee Estate.
Among others present during the visit were DC Tirap, Ravi Jha, SP Longding, C.K Mein, DFO C.Simai.
Education sector needs Rs. 7000 Cr: Lowangdong
KHONSA, July 7: In order to arrest the infrastructural gaps in the education sector, the state department of education requires a whopping 7000 crore rupees; the figure is based on an internal assessment of the inventories of existing resources and needs, which includes hostels and school libraries, said Education Minister, Wanglin Lowangdong.
The Minister was speaking on the sidelines of an inaugural function of the newly constructed Tirap Zilla Parishad Chairperson office building at Khonsa on Thursday.
Admitting that there is a shortfall of teachers everywhere in the state barring a few districts, and the results of CBSE-2016 have been dismal, Lowangdong called for concerted effort to bring education scenario of the state back on track. He called on all sections of the society, including the parents for a collective effort towards the improvement of the education sector.
Reacting to negative comments about the poor state of Khonsa to Naharkatia, Assam road in the social media, the Minister appealed for patience and assured that the maintenance works of the road would be completed by March 2017.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA-cum-chairman APEDA, Wanglam Sawin stressed for taking serious steps to streamline the education sector, particularly of Tirap district, which had fared poorly in class-X CBSE exams this year.
Tirap District Deputy Commissioner, Ravi Jha appealed to the PRI members to take greater responsibilities towards the planning for grass-root development in the light of the 14th Finance Commission emphasizing on greater devolution of power to Panchayati Raj through the ‘My Village My Development Plan’ idea.
ZPC, Sangtung Bangsia submitted a memorandum to the Education Minister highlighting the problems of Tirap’s education sector and of those being confronted by the PRI members.
She opined that a shortage of 215 teachers in the district was the cause of dismal results of the district.
Earlier, Lowangdong inaugurated the Tirap district Zilla Parishad Chairperson office building in presence of MLA, Wanglam Sawin, PRI members, HoDs and public leaders.
The one-floor RCC office building, which was constructed for Rs. 90 lakhs under SPA fund was sanctioned in the year 2013-14 by the DRDA Tirap, houses the offices the ZPC and Member Secretary-cum-DPDO. It also has a conference room under its roof. DIPRO
AAPACSU on PDS issue
ITANAGAR, July 7: The All Arunachal Pradesh Anti Corruption Students’ Union (AAPACSU) toured Lower Subansiri and Upper Subansiri districts to look into the PDS issues on July 4 and 5 last.
In Lower Subansiri district, the union asked the DFSCO to increase the monthly allotment of PDS items for areas where paddy cultivation is not practiced. It also intimated the IOC cum SKO dealer & DFCSO to warn the sub dealers of each circle, sub-division not to deprive general public. In Upper Subansiri district, IOC cum SKO dealers were asked to check on the sub dealers not to deprive the consumers. It claimed that sub-dealer play active role in mismanagement of SKOs depriving general public.
APPDBSU for amicable solution to boundary issue
ITANAGAR, July 7: The All Papum Pare District Border Students’ Union (APPDBSU) has said that an amicable settlement to the vexed boundary issue between Assam and Arunachal is the need of the hour.
The union on July 5 and 6 had visited the boundary areas of Kimin and Kakoi circles in Papum Pare district and interacted with the village headman and PRI leaders. They also met Assam-Arunachal Border Peace Committee secretary Gyamar Sikap of Kakoi circle.
The union expressed disappointment that the state government is yet to provide basic minimum civic requirements such as roads, water supply, and electricity to the people of Lora, Bello, Dirga and Boginadi villages claiming it to be the reason why Assam officials conduct eviction drives in the areas without giving any prior notices.
Local people are feeling insecure in their own village which needs proper intervention of the state government of both the states and the Central government, it further added.
RGU campus recruitment drive
ITANAGAR, July 7: Three students of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) with masters in Geography and PG Diploma in Geo-informatics were selected during a campus recruitment drive conducted here on Thursday to be recruited as Geographical Information System Executives (Trainee level) in Tajuk Technologies Pvt. Ltd (TTPL), Itanagar.
During the formal giving away of offer letter ceremony, the Dean of the faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Nishamani Kar said that RGU could be a genuine supplier to the demands of the companies in particular and the society in general considering its large pool of talented graduates.
Deputy Registrar of the University, Dr. David Pertin also hoped that more companies will come forward especially in the fields of human resource management, computer science & information technology & media, banking and corporate sectors and for research oriented ones.
The Vice-President of TTPL, Timothy Nima informed that the candidates shall be initially appointed as trainees for the first 3-6 months and then based on their performances, they will be absorbed in the company payroll.
DC emphasises on maintenance of law & order
TAWANG, July 7: Tawang DC, Kashish Mittal has emphasised on maintenance of law and order, proper road communication and power supply. The DC was speaking at a coordination meeting with the Heads of Departments of Lumla sub-division at Lumla on Thursday.
Taking stock of the disaster preparedness in view of the ongoing monsoon, the DC asked the SDMO Lumla to update the disaster management plan for quick response in case of any natural calamity.
Later, the DC accompanied by ADC Mika Nyori, ZPM Lobsang Yonten visited the schools, CHC Lumla and infrastructures damaged during April. Inspecting various centrally sponsored schemes and other projects, the DC stressed on timely completion of the works. He reiterated that quality of work is to be ensured and no compromise would be accepted at any cost. DIPRO
APCC denounce 7th pay recommendation
ITANAGAR, July 7: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee(APCC) has denounced Centre’s recommendation of 7th pay commission and has termed it as most disappointing.
It is the worst, lowest and inadequate pay hike in the last 70 years since independence, it said in a press release.
Extending support to the National Joint Council of Action (NJCA) of the Central Government employees in their fight against the unilateral announcement of the Central government on implementation of the 7th pay commission, it said, the last two years have seen a dull and dark shadow creep over India under the Modi-led NDA government with hollow and tall claims. Performance mapping of the last two years demonstrates that this government is only about unrealistic promises instead of the promised ‘Achche Din’.
The disappointment of people is loud and clear across the nation against the Central govt for its incompetence and inability for the all round development of the country, APCC further added.
DCM Mein inspects ongoing works at Mohanbari
ITANAGAR, July 7: Deputy Chief Minister, also the Minister for PWD, Chowna Mein on Wednesday reviewed the progress of sanctioned as well as ongoing developmental works at Additional Deputy Resident Commissioner (ARC) Complex Mohanbari, Dibrugarh.
During inspection of the ongoing construction work of the Arunachal Bhawan at Mohanbari, Dibrugarh, Assam, the DCM was informed that the work on the building will be completed by March 2017. PWD Executive Engineer Changlang, Khoda Gyati informed that the work at the Bhawan is being carried out in three phases. Work in Phase I and II are in progress and expected to be completed by March next and work in Phase III will begin on receiving the required fund from the state government, Gyati said.
Considering the importance of Arunachal Bhawan at Dibrugarh, Mein directed the executing agencies and the officials concerned to complete the developmental works within the stipulated time duration.
Mein also visited the old Inspection Bungalow, Circuit House, RWD & PHED Guest House, PWD Godown, staff quarter of ACR & JDST, office of ACR at Additional Deputy Residents Commissioner Complex.
Earlier, the DCM was briefed that most of the staff quarters are of late 1960’s and needed renovation at the earliest.
Mein informed that the renovation work of the old Inspection Bungalow (IB) at Mohanbari which is lying defunct will be also taken up soon. He said that old IB and Circuit House are important assets for the state and their renovation are needed to be taken up soon as it serves the people from eight districts of eastern Arunachal Pradesh and provides comforts to the travellers, both officials and common public.
Further, he informed that the estimate submitted for the renovation and maintenance works to be carried out in old IB, Circuit House and other places in ARC Complex will be taken up by the DCM and discussed during the SDC meeting scheduled to be held in third week of July.
The DCM was accompanied by SE PWD Jairampur, Tayu Gara, EE PWD Changlang, Khoda Gyati, DDST Mohanbari, S.K.Singh and SDFCO Mohanbari, R.P.Borkotoki.
Mass awareness prog on Swachh Bharat
ITANAGAR, July 7: The signature campaign cum mass awareness programme on implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission (gramin) was launched at Namsang Gaon Panchayat on Thursday.
Addressing the mass awareness programme on Swachh Bharat held at the Community Hall, Namsang, Khonsa PHE & WS Division Consultant, Doi Tarak, highlighted the model of improvised sanitary toilets wherein the brick walled superstructure with CGI sheet roofing is connected to twin pit disposal system. He informed that the same model has been successfully taken up in Borduria Gaon Panchayat under Khonsa CD Block which will also be implemented in Namsang.
Another Consultant, Lampang Wangsa administered “Swachhata Pledge” to orient people’s behavior towards hygienic practices. This was followed by signature campaign wherein head of the each family has been asked for toilet construction.
Khonsa, PHE & WS JE, Wangrey Lowang, explained in details on the materials required for construction of an improvised brick walled sanitary toilet. He urged the gathering to involve all the family members for construction of the toilets.
Block Coordinators Noksi Ketok and Napong Kangnong, ASM Mongdey Hondique, GPC Tepheak Tangjang also spoke on the occasion.
The campaign was launched by the Khonsa PHE and WS division. Before the awareness programme at Namsang, the officials of the PHE visited each and every household and interacted with them for construction of improvised sanitary toilets during its week-long interaction and house-to-house visit programme. Altogether 200 persons took part in it. DIPRO
UD & Housing shopping complex inaugurated
TEZU, July 7: Tezu-Sunpura MLA, Dr. Mohesh Chai inaugurated a UD & Housing shopping complex here on Thursday amidst the presence of Lohit DC, Danish Ashraf, ASP Guni Pertin, SDO Gautam Hazarika, HoDs and general public.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Chai advised the people of Tezu to preserve all public properties including the shopping complex which is a double storied building with a capacity of providing both shopping and residential facilities and maintain cleanliness in the market place.
The DC in his address sought cooperation from the general public in implementing innovative town cleaning programmes like, Swachh Lohit, Swachta Lohit launched on the lines of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).
UD & Housing Deputy Director, Rokpo Tamin also spoke on the occasion.
Later, the MLA flagged off a dumper placer which will be used for door to door collection of garbage. More than 500 dustbins were also distributed to Government Schools, Indira Gandhi Government College, General Hospital, shopkeepers, SBI, Anganwadi Centre, Post Office, Mandir, Masjid, Churches, Namghar, Guruduwara etc. Protective gears such as uniforms, gumboots, masks and hand gloves were also distributed to the sanitation staff of DUDA on the occasion. (DIPRO)
Youths trained on tailoring & knitting
ITANAGAR, July 7: In all 30 youths underwent a month-long training on tailoring and knitting organized by Athupopu Social Foundation (ASF), a local NGO under the aegis of Anini, Assistant Director of Textile and Handicraft under BADP scheme 2015-2016 for unemployed youths of Anini-Mipi-Alinye CD block in Dibang Valley district.
During the valedictory function of the training programme held recently, ASF organizing secretary, Enam Pralo highlighted the objectives of the schemes and the role of PRI leaders in the selection of trainees from different ASM segments.
Anini-Mipi-Alinye ZPM, Dipen Molo also exhorted the trainees to avail maximum benefit of such skill training programme and become self reliant.
DC in charge Marto Riba, Anini ADTH, Jhumsor Rime, Matuli ASM, Hiha Mepo and Akha Mihu were also present on the occasion.
Vanamahotsava Week
ITANAGAR, July 7: The 67th Vanamahotsava Week was observed in various parts of the state from July 1 to 7.
The Department of Environment & Forests observed the week by planting a large number of tree saplings and creating awareness especially amongst the school children both at Capital Complex and in the districts through different Forest Divisions.
Chief Secretary, Shakuntala Gamlin, Advisor to HCM, K. D. Singh and senior officers of the state joined in with the students, teachers and representatives of Itanagar Municipal Council and Vivekananda Kendra to plant trees at VKV, Chimpu on July 4.
The Department of Environment & Forests also conducted essay writing and painting competitions on the occasion.
At Pasighat, a plantation programme was conducted at Sibo Korong Colony on Wednesday by the Adiland & Upright Peoples’ Organization (AUPO) with the help of the colony people.
Around 100 saplings were planted at Sibo Korong Colony near Siang River. Pasighat Municipal Councilors of Ward-2, Omen Darang and Ward-7, Osi Yosung also joined in the plantation programme.
Stating that deforestation is main cause of soil erosion, flash flood and other ecological catastrophes, the AUPO volunteers appealed the local people to join their ‘Green Pasighat Mission’ and keep their surrounding green and free from garbage and domestic wastes.
Tree plantation programmes were also organized in the premises of Monasteries, schools and landslide prone areas in West Kameng district under the aegis of Bomdila Forest Division to mark the week-long Vanamahotsava.
At Dirang, under the guidance of ADC, Dagbom Riba, the villagers of Mandala Pudung have planted around 300 saplings in the Monastery and school campuses to mark the occasion as well as the birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. At Bomdila, DFO Tasso Sira, the school children and monks planted saplings at Gumpa premises. The day was also observed at Nafra and Kimi with mass tree plantation and distribution of saplings.
Drawing and essay writing competitions among the school children were also organized to mark the Vanamahotsava.
The Khonsa Forest Division, led by its DFO, also organised a plantation programme to coincide with the Vanmahotsav in the ZPC office complex in which Lowangdong, Sawin, DC Tirap and others planted ornamental trees.
Meanwhile, students, teachers, parents and SMC members planted tree saplings in the premises of Abotani Vidya Niketan, Pachin, Naharlagun to mark the Vanamahotsava as well as the birth anniversary of educationist Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookherjee on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion, chairman of the Vidya Niketan, Tai Tagak highlighted the importance of tree plantation for pollution free environment. It helps to reduce global warming, he said.
Tagak also paid rich tributes to Dr. Mookharjee on his 116th birth anniversary and also highlighted the contribution of Mookharjee in nation building as an educationist and parliamentarian.
The school chairman also also inaugurated the newly constructed separate sanitary blocks for boys and girls constructed under Swachh Bharat Mission and lauded the dedicated service of all staff of the school.
PHED Executive Engineer Tadar Mongku, inaugurated the newly installed R.O (Reverse Osmosis) water purifier machine at school on the occasion.
Among others, Nabam Ruja, Secretary Arunachal Shiksha Vikas Samiti, Ashokan, KV Project Coordinator, KGBV under ASVS, Tadar Tania, President Pachin Welfare Committee, Tame Rajen, Member ASVS attended the programme.
Footballer Gumpe Rime felicitated
AALO, July 7: The West Siang District Sports Association (DSA) felicitated footballer Gumpe Rime during a function held at Aalo Club here on Wednesday last. He was given an honorary membership of the West Siang, DSA.
Rime has carved a niche for himself as a footballer. Apart from representing India in Asia Youth Championship at Bahrain in 1994, he has played for many football clubs in India and represented Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Assam and Karnataka.
He retired from the sports in 2011 after two decades of illustrious football career and was decorated with Governor’s Gold Medal for excellence in sports by GoAP in 1995. Rime is at present Head of Youth Development Shillong Lajong FC.
Among those present on the occasion were West Siang ADC, Nyiken Lollen, Secretary, Science and Technology, Gaken Ete and Secretary DSA, Karik Lollen. (DIPRO)
Shutters down in Nlg on trader’s demise
NAHARLAGUN, July 7: The shops in Naharlagun remained closed for six hours on Thursday as a mark of respect to SB Roy, a trader who died on Thursday.
Bazar Welfare Committee, Naharlagun has expressed sadness over the demise of its member. Remembering SB Roy also known as Muchua, as a good businessman, the BWC offered prayers for the departed and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family members.
Prohibit fishing, hunting
ITANAGAR, July 7: In a representation to the Maro Circle Officer, the Tasi-Tama-Lipu Environment Protection Committee (TTLEPC) has on Thursday appealed him to issue prohibitory order against fishing/hunting, mining and collection of firewood in the three villages of Tasidoni, Tamaripa and Lipu under Maro Circle of Upper Subansiri district.
Union presses for early DPC
ITANAGAR, July 7: All Arunachal Pradesh Public Health Engineering and Water Supply Department Workers’ Union in its letter to Chief Engineers of eastern and western zones has called for conduct of Departmental Promotion Committee every six months. The union claimed that there are many casual workers who have been working since last the 15 years but due to non-conducting of DPC, many workers are being deprived and facing untold woes.
Ex-gratia sought
ITANAGAR, July 7: Nyapin Nyobia Sangram Phassang Students’ Union (NNSPSU) has sought for ex-gratia from the state government for Tadar Yaha Gyamar(30) who succumbed to her injuries in a tragic road accident near Shiv Mandir along NH 415 on 4th July, 2016.
Late Tadar Yaha Gyamar is survived by two sons, two daughters and her husband and her sudden demise has forced the family into a miserable situation, the union stated in a release.
Complaint lodged against the schools
ITANAGAR, July 7: Claiming that various government schools are grossly violating the RTE Act 2009 by charging fees from the students, the International Human Rights Association (IHRA) Papum Pare district unit lodged complaint against the principals, headmaster incharge and teacher incharges of the various schools in Capital Complex.
The school authorities are collecting an amount of rupees 500 upto 2000 as admission and donation in the name of development fund for schools, the association added.
Expedite tendering process
ITANAGAR, July 7: Expressing concern over the delay in executing Pakke-Seijosa-ltakhola road project under NEC, the All Pakke-Kessang Pijerang Dissing-Passo Seijosa Students’ Union (APPDSSU) has in a representation to the Chief Engineer PWD (Western Zone) appealed him to expedite the tendering process against the said project in a free and fair manner.
The Union has alleged that the project which should have been completed within three years has been unnecessarily delayed due to non-floating of tender even a year after the said project was sanctioned.
