jul17 16

2017

July 16

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Arunachal launches Smart Classroom project, 713 govt-run schools to be covered

ITANAGAR, Jul 15: Chief Minister Pema Khandu launched the 'Smart Classroom' project at the Itanagar Government Higher Secondary School, under the Chief Minister's Adhunik Shiksha Yojana on Saturday.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister hoped that with the introduction of 'Smart Classroom', using the Knowledge Yan (K-Yan), it would give a big push to Arunachal's education sector.

He informed that the 'Smart Classroom' project was undertaken through a tri-partite agreement between state's education and IT Department and EdCIL (India) Limited. As per the agreement, the project would be introduced in government-run primary, upper primary, secondary and higher secondary schools within the next three years.

In the first phase, 713 government-run schools will be covered, which would include 100 higher secondary schools, 182 secondary schools, 178 upper primary schools and 253 primary schools, informed the Chief Minister.

He further informed that 21 master trainers and 1097 teachers across 21 districts have been imparted training on 'Smart Classroom', out of which 103 teachers are from the state capital region.

The Chief Minister said it might take some time for the teachers to familiarize themselves with the electronic teaching devices. But with time, such trivial issues could be overcome when we understand the myriad advantages the use of technology in classroom teachings offer.

Touching upon the issue of poor educational performance of the state, the Chief Minister said that the no detention policy in primary classes has severely affected the efficiency of the state's educational system. He said he is against the no-detention policy.

He announced that from this year onwards, board exams will be introduced for class V and class VIII. Through such system, he hoped that it would bring in sincerity among teachers, students and parents.

He said that education cannot be left alone to teachers and students but emphasized on role of parents as well. He said a collaborated effort of teachers, students and parents is must for quality education for children.

He also appealed to the Education Department officials to review the education system in the state, district and in all rural levels.

Speaker Tenzing Norbu Thongdok also said that education has come a long way from traditional classroom teaching to introduction of smart classrooms, while Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein emphasized on backup plan for successful implementation of smart classroom and assured state government's support in creating such infrastructure and facilities.

Further, Education Minister Honchun Ngandam appealed to the students from tribal communities to come out from their fear of maths and science subjects. He said smart classroom will be successful when the tribal students develop a smart attitude.

Education Parliamentary Secretary Pani Taram termed the occasion as historic and welcomed the launch of smart classroom concept. He hoped that this would revolutionize the teaching system.

Rijiju visits flood ravaged Aalo and interacts with people

AALO, Jul 15: Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju arrived at Aalo on Saturday and made spot inspection of the devastations caused by the recent flood and landslides, and had close interaction with the flood affected people.

The Minister disclosed that the central government has already released some aid and assistance for flood affected states and Rs 5 lakhs has been released to General Hospital, Aalo for purchase of medicines to deal with likely outbreak of diseases post flood.

"Though government will not be able to compensate all the losses, but some relief and assistance will definitely be provided to the affected", he said and asked for sending consolidated report on damages to the government.

Responding to grievances of the people for flood protective measures at vulnerable locations to safeguard important establishments of Aalo town, Rijiju said that it will require a very large project and the matter will be discussed in the future.

The Minister was accompanied by a high-level central team comprising senior officials of the NDRF, the NDMA and the Niti Aayog, along with Deputy Speaker Tumke Bagra and Deputy Commissioner Gamli Padu. (DIPRO)

BJP and Congress engage in war of words

ITANAGAR, Jul 15: A war of words between the state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) broke out over demand for releasing a top bureaucrat by the latter.

The APCC served two days ultimatum to the state government on July 12 to relieve Chief Secretary (in-charge) Satya Gopal for his alleged role in getting bye-election to Pakke-Kessang Assembly Constituency postponed. The Congress party alleges that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has been misguided by the Chief Secretary In-Charge.

The state BJP defended Satya Gopal stating that the postponement (of the bye-election) was in the greater interest and safety and security of all those involved in the electioneering process.

Out rightly rejecting the demand of the APCC, the BJP stated, "Gopal is not going anywhere, anytime soon."

According to the BJP, Satya Gopal wrote to the ECI only after he had received a report from the DEO of East Kameng and reviewed the situation with departmental heads before communicating the same to the ECI.

"Under present circumstance, it is next to impossible to send polling staff and materials to 2-Gumtung, 3-Tengri, 4-Hotte, 14-Lamta 17-Lassum Pate and 18-Taposo. It took two days to deliver EVM/VVPAT to Seppa from Itanagar," stated the BJP.

The party urged the Congressmen to rise above petty politics in this trying time, when the entire state has been badly hit by monsoon furry.

"We have lost several lives and the entire state is still in a state of shock and is mourning the tragic deaths," stated the BJP.

Claiming that damage assessment of public infrastructure and private properties might take longer than expected this year, the BJP asserted that Satya Gopal has not miscommunicated.

"As per the law of the land, the by-election would be held within six months. Deferring it by few weeks is not above rule or law," added the BJP.

On the other hand, the APCC is still firm on its demand.

"Our demand to relieve Satya Gopal is genuine and legal from the election point of view," the APCC said.

Reacting sharply to the BJP statement, the APCC stated, "The state BJP is digging its own grave by defending the 'tainted' officer, whose role is well proven in misguiding the ECI to cancel the bye-election."

The APCC also questioned as to why Satya Gopal has been retained for almost two month after he was transferred by the MHA on May 29 last.

"Since the Election Commission is an autonomous body, the in-charge Chief Secretary is not supposed to intervene and seek report from District Election Office directly until the District Election Office itself writes to the Chief Electoral Officer pertaining to the election," the APCC said.

Moreover, all-party meeting was not called before filing of the report to discuss the gravity of the situation, the APCC said, and added that the BJP being a political entity should not interfere in the functioning of the government.

Arunachal Forest officials trained on human-snake conflict

ITANAGAR, Jul 15: Field staff and officers from the Pakke Tiger Reserve, Singchung Biodiversity and Community Reserve and Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary have taken on the responsibility of mitigating conflict between humans and snakes throughout their ranges.

In order to do this efficiently, the teams were trained on identification, handling and management of snakes in and around human habitation.

Gerry Martin and Chandini Chhabra of The Gerry Martin Project (TGMP) partnered with the Divisional Forest Officers of the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department and ran the entire programme in two phases.

The first phase was a visit to both locations in May, 2017 where Martin and Chhabra exposed all the teams to the basics of snake behaviour, identification and handling as well as the management and first aid of snakebites in two days training workshops at Tippi as well as Ramalingam.

It was then felt that a more extensive training was required for staff to get properly trained as snake-conflict managers. Very often snakes have entered people's houses in the rainy season and are often killed.

Accordingly, the second phase of in-house training was conducted from July 7 to 13 for a select few members of staff from both the reserves at TGMP's field base.

A private donor supported the travel of Pakke Tiger Reserve staff to Rathnapuri, Hunsur in Karnataka.

The participants were exposed to the realities of working with snakes in the wild and in various scenarios.

This included learning to catch snakes in water bodies, trees and other difficult situations.

Wild snakes were tracked during the day as well as night and the trainees were taught how to safely handle them without any stress to the snake or danger to the handler. Other sessions also included taxonomy, snakebite treatment, managing conflict scenarios, dealing with crowds and more.

"The boys have learned a lot and have made tremendous progress with their skills", said Martin.

"I am very impressed by the dedication, hard work and commitment to learning that they have all demonstrated and I know that they will be effective in their efforts to mitigate human-snake conflict", he added.

The group also interacted with children from the local schools around Hunsur and shared their experiences of working in Arunachal Pradesh.

The children were very excited to meet the staff and hear their stories. They made cards for the staff with messages and thanked them for their service towards protection.

"This has been a very inspiring trip on all fronts", said Kime Rambia, Range Forest Officer of Tippi Wildlife Range.

Now that the teams have made their way back to Pakke and Eaglenest, one of the main services that the teams will provide will be the removal of snakes from within human dwellings. If you do have a snake in your house, office, factory, etc, do not try to kill the snake, as help is now near at hand.

Rijiju for better school infrastructure

ITANAGAR, Jul 15: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stressed on better co-ordination between the centre and the state governments in improving the state's educational institutions.

He said this during the inaugural programme of the permanent building of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya at Gumto, Doimukh in Papum Pare district.

"It is a proud moment for all that the new permanent building of the school was inaugurated today," he said.

The Union Minister also donated Rs 50,000 to the school, which has been built on 54 acres.

Praising the overall academic performance of Navodaya schools, Rijiju said relationship between students and teachers should be cordial.

He also said that the infrastructure of schools in this north eastern state needed improvement, and that the cooperation between the state and the centre held the key in this regard.

"Providing water, electricity supply, constructing roads among others fall under the ambit of the state government," he said.

The BJP leader also noted, "Quality education builds character of students".

The Union Minister also thanked the land donors and sought their assistance for smooth functioning of the school.

State Minister for Urban Development, Planning and Housing, Nabam Rebia was also present during the inauguration.

EKSWCO plans roadmap to improve education, communication

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jul 15: Appalled by various contentious issues in East Kameng district, the East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organisation (EKSWCO) on Saturday resolved to create a roadmap to improve education and communications in the district.

Highlighting a few instances like the proposed establishment of Rama Krishna Mission School at Lumdung, deteriorating Seppa-Chayang Tajo road, law and order issues, and poor performance of the district in recently concluded All India Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (AISSCE) 2017, the EKSWCO resolved to approach higher authorities on all the matters.

Attending the meeting, Parliamentary Secretary Panchayati Raj and Rural Development and IPR, Mama Natung briefed on the current status of proposed Rama Krishna Mission School at Lumdung.

He added that the respective legislators of Tawang and West Kameng districts have contributed Rs 5 lakh each for the infrastructural development of the school.

"Chief Minister Pema Khandu has been cooperative since the beginning and under his initiation, the state government has released corpus fund and infrastructural fund of Rs 12.5 crore", Natung informed.

EKSWCO lauded Chief Minister Pema Khandu and legislators of Tawang and West Kameng districts for their contributions, and further resolved to appeal to Western Parliamentarian cum MoS Home Kiren Rijiju to allocate fund from his MP LAD fund for the development of RK Mission School.

It also asked legislators of East Kameng district, excluding local MLA Mama Natung, to contribute Rs 10 lakhs each from their MLA LAD fund for the development of the said school.

The EKSWCO further categorized its members, ranging from businessmen and public leaders to government officers for contribution of infrastructural development of Rama Krishna Mission School and VKV Chayang Tajo.

On deteriorating Seppa-Chayang Tajo road, the district parental organization resolved to constitute a technical committee or monitoring committee to ensure quality work.

Observing that the district is crippled by shortage of government officers, the ESKWCO further entrusted respective legislators of East Kameng district to initiate immediate posting of administrative officers, including regular Superintendent of Police with the state government.

Also condemning the shooting incident at Naharlagun in the strongest term, where persons from the district were allegedly involved, the ESKWCO urged the law enforcing authority to give exemplary punishment to them under appropriate sections of law.

The organisation also extended condolences on the loss of 14 lives in Laptap village. It also appealed to the authority to provide relief to flood affected villagers of Ngoleko village under Passa circle in the district.

Abu Tani’s speaking tree - IV

Flights Of Fantasy

[ M Panging ]

'Come, all my sons, Where are you all? Techi, Hage, Take, Gamli, Kaling and Migom, come to me' Abu Tani summoned his six sons.

'I am here Abu...' Techi replied.

'Abu, I am here...' Hage replied.

'I am here Abu...' Take replied.

'Abu, I am here...' Gamli replied.

'I am here Abu...' Kaling replied.

'Abu, I am here...' Migom replied.

'My sons, how are you all? Are your lives on Earth comfortable?' Abu Tani asked his children.

'Abu, we all are fine. We are living comfortably on Mother Earth. We and our families are happy.' Techi replied.

'Abu, we have sufficient to eat; our granaries are full and our children are healthy' Hage replied.

'Abu, we have comforts of life like houses to live in, dresses to wear and vehicles to drive', Take replied.

'Abu, we are well educated; our children are going to good schools', Gamli replied.

'Abu, we are retaining our culture, customs and traditions that you taught us', Kaling replied.

'Abu, our social life is good; we have maintained good relations with our neighbours', Migom replied.

'Being your father, I am very happy to hear that all of you are living well on Mother Earth' Abu Tani continued. 'However, I have to ask you some questions.'

'Why are so many trees being cut? Why are you killing so many animals, birds and fish? This is not the Earth Donyi Polo gave us! I have always taught you to live in consonance with nature' Abu Tani continued.

'If Mother Earth has given so much to us, we must care for and protect whatever grows or lives on earth' Abu Tani continued.

'I can also see that some of you are picking up few wrong traits like dishonesty, stealing, cheating, cunningness, arrogance etc. My advice to you all is to correct yourself and live a life of high principles' Abu Tani continued.

'My children, you are no less than anyone...go forth and conquer the world with wisdom, research, hard work and discipline. Show the world that the sons and daughters of Abu Tani are no less than any other human being on earth' Abu Tani continued.

'You all are my sons. I love all six of you equally, but I can see that few of you are picking up fights and quarrelling with each other. There may be minor differences in each of you, but always remember that you all are blood brothers. You all speak the same language and have similar customs and traditions. My advice to you is to please cooperate with each other and live in unity. Otherwise each of you will go different ways and other people will divide and use you' Abu Tani continued.

'Remember my children united you stand and divided you fall.'

'Promise me, my children...' Abu Tani urged his children.

'As your sons and daughters, we will work hard to excel in this world and as advised by you we promise to remain united' all six children replied in a chorus.

'Yes sons, always remember we all are one...we are Tani!' concluded Abu Tani. (The writer is a retired Group Captain of the Indian Air Force)

Arunachal Football Academy launched

ITANAGAR, Jul 15: A long-felt dream of building foundation for future footballers of the state took a big leap with the launch of the Arunachal Football Academy at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium on Saturday.

IMC Councilor Kipa Takum, who inaugurated the Academy, said it will give football in Arunachal Pradesh a shot in the arm by providing much-needed training facilities to budding players of ages 12 to 14.

He advised the first batch of the academy to maintain good discipline both on and off the field. While emphasizing on maintaining a balance between study and sports for better future, Kakum also urged the parents to maintain proper diet for their children to help them grow healthy.

The football academy is an initiative of the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association to develop grassroots level football in the state by providing necessary training facilities to the budding players.

DC inaugurates parking lot

ITANAGAR, Jul 15: The newly constructed parking lot of Itanagar Municipal Council at Bank Tiniali was made operational after a formal inauguration of the public facility by Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner, Prince Dhawan on Saturday.

Parking fees has been fixed at Rs 10 per vehicle and Rs 5 for two-wheeler.

Dhawan said that the Bank Tiniali area would be notified as 'No Parking Zone' in a few days and the vehicles would be allowed to park only in the parking lot.

It is the first such kind of parking lot in the Capital Complex, the DC said and appealed to the public to cooperate and park their vehicles only in the parking lot and not on the roadside.

Dhawan hoped that the parking lot will go a long way in easing traffic congestion in Itanagar.

Chief Councillor Kipa Kakum, ESC members, councillors and the CMEO were also present on the occasion. (DIPRO)

MVAC to observe Black Day on July 17

ITANAGAR, Jul 15: Terming the swearing-in day of Chief Minister Pema Khandu on 17 July, 2016 as 'Black Day', the Mere Vichaar Andolan Committee (MVAC) declared that it would organize a peaceful sit down protest at Tennis Court in Indira Gandhi Park to Mark July 17 as 'Black Day' of the state from here on out.

Also acknowledging the suicide of former Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, MVAC Convenor Kaling Tasing informed that every 9th of August would also be observed as 'Suicide Day'.

The MVAC also reiterated its previous demands of asking Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein to step down from their respective posts, and for Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Pasang Dorjee Sona to return the Rs. 4 crore, which he allegedly took from late Pul.

National Reading Month

ITANAGAR, Jul 15: Heeding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to 'make India a land of wisdom and knowledge', the Department of Public Libraries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh has conducted a reading cum art competition as a part of the ongoing National Reading Month (June 19 to July 18) celebrations.

Young children from about a dozen schools of Capital Complex enthusiastically took part in the event, organized at the premises of the State Central Library here on Friday.

The Prime Minister while launching the National Reading Day - Reading Month celebration at Kochi in Kerala on June 19 last has entrusted the PN Panicker Foundation with the responsibility of networking with all public libraries, schools, civil society organizations, educational institutions, private sector entities and various government agencies towards achieving the goal of turning India into a total literate and reading nation.

The 19th of June has been observed as the Reading Day by the Government of Kerala for the past 22 years and with this launch, the day will be observed nationally from now on. It will also have a target of making India a literate and a reading nation by the year 2022.

PN Panicker Foundation, while inviting all stakeholders to be a partner in this initiative said, both print and digital reading are immensely important to transforming India into a knowledge economy, capable of leading the world into the next era of innovation. Reading habit helps in developing conversational abilities, improving focus, learning to listen, boosting creative spirit, increasing brain power, reducing stress and it is vital for human development.

During Friday's art competition, the participants were given a piece of small write-up and asked to read it attentively to build a concept of intended art work in their mind and accordingly, draw a natural landscape.

At the end, the first, second and third position holders - Vasundhara Buragohain of VKV Vivek Vihar, Likha Teyi of GHSS Itanagar and Rosemoyee Bhuyan of VKV Chimpu - were awarded cash prizes of Rs 5000, 3000 and 2000 respectively. All other participants were given away consolation prizes as well as certificates of participation.

The prizes were presented by Director of Public Libraries, Jotom Borang, in presence of DLIO Y Kena and junior librarians BB Lal and Kamal Nath Dey, among others.

Drugs awareness campaign

[ Indrajit Tingwa ]

MIAO, Jul 15: Drugs awareness campaign in Miao and Kharsang circles, organized by the Inter Collegiate Youth Association (ICYA), in collaboration with Miao branch of Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society, concluded with a three days awareness meeting at New Khimyang village.

The meeting, which was held at Government Primary School and attended by villagers, teachers and students of the school, mainly focused on guiding the youths in proper way to save the younger generation from the perils of drugs.

Changlang ZPC, Jowkhong Singpho, who presided over the meeting, said that youths were the most important section of a society and they need to be properly guided.

CO Namrata Bhatt Tiwari said addiction was good as long as it is confined to positive things. She called for addiction to good and positive things and asked parents to identify the hidden talents of their children and groom them accordingly.

Dr Khimhun spoke on the health implications due to drug abuse. He advised the villagers to keep their surrounding clean for healthy environment. SI Mingki gave demonstration on impact of drug abuse in the area and society as a whole. She sought concerted effort to combat drug menace. She also highlighted on the NDPS Act, 1985.

The GB and ASM of the village also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, President of ICYA Kenli Jini briefed the motto of launching the drug awareness programme.

Miao branch APWWS President, Odi Tamut Singpho spoke on harmful effects of drugs on user’s health and appealed to youths, students and villagers to abstain themselves from using all forms of drugs

ICYA launched its drugs awareness campaign coinciding with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26 last month.

Guava saplings distributed to famers

YACHULI, Jul 15: Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner, Kemo Lollen has appealed to the people to start green revolution by adopting plantation activities and boost the state's economy.

He was addressing a gathering of PRI members and locals of Yachuli area on the occasion of free distribution of guava saplings to small growers at a function organised by the Agro Gramin Limited (AGUN), sponsored by Green Gold, Naharlagun.

Emphasising on organic farming, Lollen said that the harvest which would be done by the farmers will be taken back on buyback system, which shall be used for producing juice and other products.

Organising committee member and a progressive farmer, Likha Maj said that after large cardamom, guava will be the next big thing for farmers of Yachuli.

Maj said that this is the first initiative of his firm Green Gold, which will soon establish a fruit processing unit. The knowhow is being provided by Lucknow based Central Institute for Sub-Tropical Horticulture under Indian Council of Agriculture Research, Government of India. He further appealed to the locals to come forward to take up horticulture activities.

ZPM Yachuli Joram Anya also urged the gathering of farmers and officials of horticulture and agriculture departments to plant fruit trees for livelihood.

In all, 50, 000 guava saplings were distributed to the public on Saturday, while one lakh saplings will be planted by AGUN.

NEHRO seeks CM’s attention on law & order situation

ITANAGAR, Jul 15: Disappointed with the sudden rise in crime rate, particularly in the Capital Complex, the Arunachal Pradesh unit of North East Human Rights Organisation (NEHRO) on Saturday submitted a representation to Chief Minister Pema Khandu seeking his attention into the deteriorating law and order situation.

Addressing reporters, state NEHRO President Vijoy Mize said, "The law and order situation is escalating in an alarming rate in the state's capital as reports of molestation, murder, assault and extortion etc is increasing with each passing day. And all of this is happening despite of us having a minister as well as a parliamentary secretary at the Home Department".

Claiming that the lack of manpower in the Police Department is one of the key reasons for crimes on almost a daily basis, NEHRO General Secretary Buteng Tayeng said, "It is high time that the government start working on recruitment of adequate police forces and improve the security infrastructure of the state.

Tayeng said that the strength of police force in the Itanagar Police Station is only 53, whereas the sanctioned strength is that of 182. Similar is the situation with Sub Inspectors and there are only eight SIs against 161 posts vacant.

In terms of strengthening the security scenario in the Capital Complex, the NEHRO was of the opinion that CCTVs, high masts should be installed at all the strategic locations and at the same time the entire stretch from Banderdewa to Hollongi should be declared a high security zone.

Meanwhile, the NEHRO has also put other demands in front of the Chief Minister, which include recognizing late Nada Umbin (IRBn constable who died in a chopper crash at Sagalee) as a martyr, immediate arrest of the culprits involved in the alleged murder of late Ojing Tayeng, a student leader, and arrest of miscreants involved in the kidnapping of Sarwan Sharma, a businessman in Lohit district.

Association seeks suspension of Director Art & Culture

ITANAGAR, Jul 15: The All Arunachal Pradesh Unemployed Youth Association (AAPUYA) has in a representation to the Chief Secretary recently, sought immediate suspension of the Naharlagun Director Art & Culture, Nyabin Ete from his post accusing him of misusing his official post.

Alleging the Director of carrying out illegal appointments in the department, the association demanded institutional inquiry against him soon and threatened to resort to democratic action in case its demand is not met.

While citing RTI documents, the association alleged the Director of obtaining sanction order against two projects, namely the Cultural Centre at Solung-Mopin Ground in Itanagar amounting to Rs 500 lakhs and the Indigenous Priest Guest House at Banderdewa amounting to Rs 100 lakhs, despite both the projects being already sanctioned earlier in SADA 2015-16.

It has further accused the Director of nepotism while appointing staff artists and appointing Grade-B Post (Assistant Art & Culture Officer) without releasing any advertisement.

World Youth Skills Day

YUPIA, Jul 15: The World Youth Skills Day was celebrated by the Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Yupia on Saturday.

Every year, 15 July is observed as World Youth Skills Day to give global focus on importance of skill training among the youths, informed Principal of Yupia ITI, Toyi Raksap, while highlighting the importance of celebrating the day.

The government under the leadership of Pema Khandu is also giving thrust and focus on employment generation through skill development and promoting entrepreneurship among the youths of the state, he said. The Principal asked the vocational instructors to play pivotal role in imparting trainings to the trainees to make them self reliant.

The faculty members and trainees also spoke on the occasion.

Games and sports, cultural and literary competitions were held among the trainees on the occasion as a part of observance of the day. (DIPRO)

'Deny bail to shooting accused'

ITANAGAR, Jul 15: Strongly condemning the recent cases of shooting in the Capital Complex, the All Arunachal Pradesh RTI Activists' Youth Forum (AAPRTIAYF) has appealed to the authorities not to grant bail to the accused and urged all sections of the society not to support them.

'Such criminals should not been spared and be awarded exemplary punishment as per the law', said AAPRTIAYF President, Fai Neri.

Neri further appealed to the GoAP and the authorities of Sushee Infra Company to expedite the road maintenance work of Seppa-Itanagar via Sagalee section of road, which was damaged during the recent rainfall, and asked to issue proper notice informing about landslide prone areas in public interest.

Plantation drive at Nyokum Lapang

ITANAGAR, Jul 15: A plantation drive was conducted by the Nyokum Lapang Youth Welfare Association with support of the Range Forest Officer, here on Saturday as part of Vanamahotsava. Ward No 17 Councillor, Kabak Taka and Lokam Nai also attended the drive.

'Improve mobile connectivity at Tirbin'

Tirbin, Jul 15: Informing that Tirbin Circle in West Siang district currently has a single BSNL tower which has resulted in poor telecom service in the area, Tirbin Area Student Union (TASU) General Secretary, Marmo Gadi has in a release on Saturday, appealed to the 29th Basar MLA to collaborate with private mobile companies, like Vodafone and Airtel to improve mobile connectivity.

The union also sought immediate posting of an Extra Assistant Commissioner at Tirbin.

TAH affected seek early release of compensation

ITANAGAR, Jul 15: In a two-point memorandum to the Chief Minister, the All Arunachal Pradesh National Highway Development Committee (AAPNHDC) has sought early release of pending compensation to the affected people residing along the Trans-Arunachal Highway.

This includes those living in the TAH of Potin to Bopi in Lower and Upper Subansiri districts, besides Joram to Koloriang road in Kurung Kumey district via Kra-Daadi district.

Informing that the people of the said districts have been facing much difficulty due to the poor road conditions owning to delay in construction work, the AAPNHDC appealed to him to ensure early release of compensation to the affected people.

Toppers felicitated

ITANAGAR, Jul 15: Mountaineer, Tapi Mra gave away cash awards and certificates of proficiency to about 14 toppers of the current National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and Arunachal Pradesh Joint Entrance Examination (APJEE) during a function at Vidyamandir, a coaching institute, here on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, Mra exhorted the students to keep working hard to excel in their chosen field and advised them to become good citizens and serve the state at their best.

Ward no. 17 Councilor, Kabak Taka also spoke on the occasion.

Among those felicitated were Tapi Yalu, Gyati Napa Taro, Techi Takam, Tar Tayam, Kuru Borang, Rinu Yigam, Michael Kino, Osidi Muang, Byabang Amin, Kampoan Tangjang, Neri Pajing, Yummo Nyokir, Binam Tamut and Vijay Jami.

Action against absent officials demanded

ITANAGAR, Jul 15: State Pollution Control Board Chairman, Techi Tagi Tara recently visited Sagalee sub-division, where he claimed to have found most of the departmental officials absent from duty.

In a release, Tara informed that he had visited all the offices of Sagalee sub-division and found no officers or officials available in their respective offices, barring the offices of the ADC and PWD.

Only the offices of the ADC and RWD were found opened for public services, Tara claimed.

"As per government standing order, all line department officials should be in their respective places of posting, especially during the monsoon period," he said.

"There were no doctors available at CHC Sagalee during my visit on July 9," Tara further said, and appealed to the Chief Secretary to take immediate necessary disciplinary action against these defaulting officers.

Sagalee ADC Jalash Pertin, assisted by EAC Akan Regon were the only officers, who were busy in management and evacuation of stranded people, he said, adding that there were two JEs, who were extending helping hands to the Civil Administration during the crisis period.

Arunachal’s Got Talent Season 3 come September

ITANAGAR, Jul 15: The auditions for the third season of Arunachal's Got Talent (AGT) 2017 are scheduled to be held in the month of September, informed the organizing committee of AGT in a press conference on Saturday.

The organizing committee informed that the winner of AGT will receive a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh and one year free training and financial assistance in any national or international competition. Likewise, the first runner up and 2nd runner will get Rs 1 lakh and Rs 70,000 along with the same year training and financial help.

Anjaw marching fast towards open defecation free status

ITANAGAR, Jul 15: Remote Anjaw district is marching fast to achieve the open defecation free status with more than 60 percent of the population having access to household latrines.

A total of 185 villages have been declared open defecation free and efforts are on to achieve 100 percent open defecation free status, disclosed Executive Engineer (PHED) Dulom Tago during the launch of a motivation campaign at Hawai on Saturday.

Dulom urged the public to avail the scheme for Individual House Hold Latrines (IHHL) to achieve the goal of Swachh Bharat Mission of eradicating open defection.

Deputy Commissioner Mamata Riba called upon Panchayati Raj members to become ambassadors of change and spread awareness among the masses to achieve the objective of SBM.

The awareness cum motivation campaign was attended by Zilla Parishad Chairperson, H Tawsik, ZPMs K Talyo (Chaglongam), A Manyu (Hayuliang), Anchal Samity Chairperson C Khamblai and C Tindya, ASMs GPMs and public leaders.

Earlier, an awareness meeting on consideration for proposals of Delimitation under the Panchayati Raj Act, 1997 and Delimitation of Constituency etc Rule, 2002 was held in the DC's conference hall.

Don't transfer teachers without reliever: RBSU

NARI, Jul 15: The Ramle Banggo Students' Union (RBSU) of Nari-Koyu Assembly Constituency appealed to the Education Minister not to allow transfer of teachers without facilitating a reliever.

The appeal was made by RBSU President Goli Doye on July 14 last after the union's second phase of school tour within Nari and Seren circles.

Meanwhile, the RBSU observed during the tour that most of the primary and middle schools within the two circles are running with shortage of teachers, while the higher secondary school at Telam is running without Mathematic, Economic, and Geography teachers and insufficient materials for the Science stream.

The union also noted on the need of computer and laboratory facilities in the schools.

The RBSU also lamented that the schools are in dilapidated conditions and lack sufficient classrooms, textbooks, and uniforms. The union members also claimed that both teachers and students, along with school staffs are under great discomfort due to erratic or non-existing power supply in the classrooms and staff rooms and also due to limited toilet facilities in the schools.

The RBSU specifically highlighted the need for separate toilet facilities for boys and girls and also for the teachers.