Enforcement dept. impose penalty on tax defaulters
ITANAGAR, Jun 8: The Enforcement Eastern Zone Team of Tax and Excise Department has imposed entry tax of Rs 5,83,507 and Administrative Penalty of Rs 61900 for late filling/non-filling of returns on due date.
In a press release, Joint Commissioner Tax and Excise Tani Jongkey informed that in Pasighat market, a readymade garments dealer was caught with stock of around 4 lakhs garments that dealer could not produce entry tax payment in Challan/FF07/ Money receipt. Taking cognizance, the entry tax of due Rs 16000 was imposed on the spot, Joint Commissioner added.
The Tax and Excise department later imposed penalty of Rs 20000 against one unregistered motor parts dealer. Some registered dealers were also penalized under Administrative Penalty under section 87(9) of Arunachal Pradesh Goods Tax (APGT)Act, 2005. Under section 19(1) of APGT Act, 2005 every dealer is required to apply for registration if the dealer’s turnover in the current years exceeds taxable quantum of rupees five lakh, a communiqué said.
Implement CSS properly: Gao
ITANAGAR, Jun 8: Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) state Chief Tapir Gao has called for proper implementation of centrally sponsored projects.
While addressing media person on sideline of the inauguration ceremony of new Capital unit BJP office here at Itanagar on Wednesday, Gao said "We are concerned by the information that not a single widow has been facilitated with the free cooking cylinder under PM's project in the state'.
He also expressed concern at the lack of proper implementation of other national schemes like NFSA in the state. We also in touch with the planning department of the state regarding all the schemes of center, he disclosed.
Further, Gao also urged the party workers to create awareness on all the project and schemes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Meanwhile, Gao has urged its party workers to reach the unreached from booth to village level to make lotus bloom in next election.
Gao opined that the Capital is the mirror of the state and every activities of the party will be reflect from here.
'Party has to be always ready for election and definitely will work to conquer the Capital constituency in next election' added President while responding to the media.
Governor emphasises Archaeological research
ITANAGAR, Jun 8: A delegation of the Indian Archaeological Society (IAS), New Delhi led by its Chairman Dr. K.N. Dixit called on the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on June 8.
The Governor said that the State has large number of very significant, fascinating and exclusive archaeological sites.
With more research, discoveries and archaeological activities in the State, these sites can throw lights on the rich history of these places, its people and their cultural heritages. Such activities will add to the cultural richness of the State and also attract lots of people interested in the archaeology. The Governor pointed that at the same time, it will bring in tourists, through cultural and heritage tourism, which in turn with enhance the economy of the State. He called for preservation and proper maintenances of Archaeological sites in the State. The indigenous people have to shoulder this responsibility in order to preserve the culture, history and folklores as these sites are connected and correlated in many aspects, the Governor emphasised. (PRO, Rajbhavan)
Mission Indradhanush 3rd phase starts in Lohit
ITANAGAR, Jun 8: To curb the infant mortality the District Health Society (DHS), Lohit district has taken all the precautionary measures for effective implementation of 3rd Phase of Mission Indradhanush which started on Monday. A series of meetings was held on 3rd and 4th of this month in this regard.
The meeting organized by DHS was attended among others by the medical staff, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and Fair Price shop dealers/owners. Lohit Deputy Commissioner who is also the Chairman of District Health Society wanted an integrated approach for achieving this target. Necessary instructions have been given to all stakeholders to render all necessary help and cooperation for effective implementation of the programme.
To encourage the all stakeholders DC Danish Ashraf announced that a Commendation Certificate will be awarded from the district administration to the best worker of ASHA, Anganwadi and Fair Price Shop dealer/owner. (DIPRO)
Road Safety Council to curb accidents
ITANAGAR, Jun 8: The first District Road Safety Council meeting was held in the office chamber of the Deputy Commissioner, Lower Subansiri on Wednesday.
Chairing the meeting Deputy Commissioner Kemo Lollen said that the formation of the Road Safety Council was a long felt need to curb road accidents. The enforcement bodies should be more vigilant and all the erring persons irrespective of their status and background should be booked under suitable MV Acts, he added and directed SP Tage Habung and DTO (MV) Yumlam Yajum Lombi to carry out regular checking for invalid documents and drunken and reckless driving.
Police, magistrates and the DTO will have to coordinate and ensure safe driving practices. He further directed the engineering departments to maintain road safety specifications as per guidelines to reduce accidents.
DTO cum member Secretary of the council Yumlam Yajum Lombi stressed on the need to prepare an action plan to set targets for reduction of road fatalities, injuries and accidents and sought cooperation from police, education, medical and engineering departments concerned with road constructions. She also informed the house that registrations for driving licenses would be made online once the software is installed in the office to avoid bogus licences.
SP Tage Habung emphasized on sensitization on road safety measures. He suggested for involving NGOs and visiting schools across the district to counsel and educate the youngsters about good road safety measures.
Executive Engineer, PWD, Ado Borang lamented the fact that at times road safety specifications like high elevation,
alignment etc are not adhered to due to topogrphy constraints and other local issues, however he assured that the department is putting up all efforts to ensure safety norms are maintained.
EAC cum town magistrate Mobia Tai, DMO Dr. Moli Riba also shared their views pertaining to road safety measures and establishment of Trauma centre respectively.
The council unanimously decided to begin the campaign by conducting awareness programs.
DC assured to provide financial assistance to kick start the campaign until the funds are placed with the transport department.
It was also decided to identify black spots within Lower Subansiri district and parking places.
The meeting was also attended by DDSE Yumlam Tana, ST DUDA S.C.Mary and MVI Laigi Bhat. DIPRO
NABARD meet on Stand Up India Scheme
ITANAGAR, Jun 8: A State level workshop on the “Stand Up India” scheme was organized by NABARD, Arunachal Pradesh on June 08 at Itanagar.
OIC, Arunachal Pradesh Regional Office, S Sankaranarayanan said the scheme launched by Prime Minister aims at empowering SC/ ST and women beneficiaries to stand on own feet.
He said that the agriculture produces in the state offer high scope for processing and value addition. By this, the state can realise better income of local produces. Through Stand up India programme, it would be possible to leverage institutional credit structure to reach out to underserved sections by facilitating bank loans. Further, the scheme ensures handholding support to the beneficiaries during pre-loaning stage and during the operations of the unit.
DGM, RBI A. Kumar advised the banks to extend loans to the intended beneficiaries under the scheme. He further added that the loans under the scheme qualify for priority sector advances.
Director Industries T Talo stated that state schemes providing subsidy to the entrepreneurs and training programmes being conducted by District Industries can be converged with the programme to ensure better implementation.
AGM, NABARD K Jagadeesh, made a detailed presentation on various aspects of the scheme. He stated that bank loans between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore be provided to at least one Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up a Greenfield enterprise. This enterprise may be in manufacturing, services or the trading sector. A presentation on the operation of the Stand Up India portal was made by Manager, SIDBI A Baidya.
Biometric to be installed at schools soon: DC
PANGIN, Jun 8: East Siang DC, Rahul Singh, on Tuesday, informed that biometric attendance machine would be soon installed in schools to check teacher absenteeism.
He was addressing the principals, headmasters and officers of education department during a coordination meeting held at the DC’s conference hall to review the academic activities of Siang district.
In the meeting, DPC (SSA), Tadang Mibang, DPC (RMSA), Tachong Boko, principals and headmasters presented performance reports and DDSE, Odhuk Tabing briefed and updated the DC.
Singh further said that teachers should do their duty seriously with a missionary zeal and dedication to achieve desired results.
He also advised them to encourage their students to take part in sports and games to keep them fit and healthy adding that it was equally essential for personality development. He further asked the officers to conduct unannounced visit to schools and submit factual reports to him so that stern action could be taken against the erring teachers, added Singh.
The DC also took stock of targets and achievements under various schemes and projects implemented so far and new works for strengthening the infrastructure of schools. He instructed the coordinators of MDM, RMSA and SSA and teacher in-charge(s) to follow government guidelines and stressed for constant monitoring on regular basis to achieve the targets in a time-bound manner besides, maintaining transparency. (DIPRO)
Kishori Diwas-cum-exposure visits held
ITANAGAR, Jun 8: The Nirjuli Urban ICDS Project organized Kishori Diwas-cum-exposure visits for adolescent girls under Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls at Banderdewa recently.
The programme began at Community Hall, Banderdewa with lecture on adolescent reproductive sex health by Karsingsa Urban Health Centre, MO, Dr. Tadar Rupa and on legal issues pertaining to girl child and women by advocate, Toter Ete.
The Body Mass Index (BMI) of adolescent girls was recorded and iron folic acid tablets were also distributed to them.
Banderdewa Councillor, Tai Tassung also attended the programme and advised the participants to follow the advise of the medical and legal experts.
Later, Nirjuli Urban ICDS Project, CDPO, Y R Ete along with her staff led the adolescent girls to Banderdewa Post Office and Police Station as part of the exposure visit. At the Post Office, the Post Master interacted with the visiting girls and taught them on various schemes like, SUKANYA SAMRIDDHI, Re-curing Deposits, PLI and etc while, at Banderdewa Police Station, Office In-Charge, Kisi Yanfo along with SI, Dopi Pakam advised the adolescent girls not to hesitate to report any type of complaints.
Over 100 adolescent girls participated in the programme.
Information Commission apprise Raj Bhavan on challenges
ITANAGAR, Jun 8: State Information Commissioners, Matheim Linggi, Nanom Jamoh and Abraham K Techi called on the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on June 8.
The Commissioners briefed the Governor on State Information Commission and also apprised him on its challenges. The commissioners also suggested the need for website of every Government department.
On suggestion from the Commissioners, the Governor emphasised that every Government department must have its own website, which should be regularly updated and have correct information. It will reduce time and money incurred by the Public Information Officers in appearing before the Commission, which in turn will reduce the financial implication on the State Exchequer. He also stressed on activating the National Informatics Centres in every district and circles.
He also advised them to conduct awareness campaigns on Right to Information act across the state.
The Governor cautioned the Statutory Body against misuse of RTI provisions by some unscrupulous people for their illegal gains.
Commissioner Finance Ashish Kundra, Secretary to Governor Dr. Joram Beda, Additional Secretary to Governor BS Hada and Deputy Registrar, APIC Marina Siram were also present in the meeting.
RGU to host IAS, HCS, ISPQS meet
ITANAGAR, Jun 8: Rajiv Gandhi University is all set to host the prestigious Joint Annual Conference of the Indian Archaeological Society (IAS), the History and Culture Society (HCS) and the Indian Society for Prehistoric and Quaternary Studies (ISPQS) tentatively from 9th to 11th February, 2017 with Department of Anthropolgy and Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies, RGU as the nodal departments.
Hundreds of delegates comprising international and national level experts on the related fields of archaeological research, history and culture of the country and the region, officials of the societies, academicians, policy makers and researchers are expected to participate from across the country and abroad. This was decided in an interaction meeting of four official delegates who are on a 3-day visit to the state from Indian Archaeological Society and Indian Art History Congress with the university’s Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tamo Mibang on Wednesday.
The interaction meeting was attended by Chairman of the Indian Art History Congress Prof. R.D. Choudhury, Chairman of the Indian Archaeological Society Dr. K.N. Dikshit, Academic Director of IAS Dr. S.S. Biswas, Hindi Consultant of IAS Dr. Asha Joshi, Registrar RGU Prof. Rachob Taba and Deputy Registrar RGU Dr. David Pertin. The visiting team after a round in the campus expressed their satisfaction on overall setting and arrangements for the upcoming mega event at Rono Hills. The annual conference is being held in the north-east after a long gap of 32 years, first being recorded in 1984 at Guwahati.
Parl. Sec visits WTP
ITANAGAR, Jun 8: Local MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary for PHE & WS Alo Libang along with officials of PHE on Tuesday visited Water Treatment Plant (WTP) site at Yingkiong. He was accompanied by executive engineer Er M Dupak, assistant engineer Er. LK Srivastava and junior engineer AK Dutta, JE
Libang instructed PHED engineers to improve the capacity of WTP. On their part the engineers appealed to the state government to provide fund to improve the WTP.
Union presses for SIT on alleged fraudulent
ITANAGAR, Jun 8: Claiming that an of amount of Rs 2.29 crores were allegedly withdrawn from Arunachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Account number 33014419126 by some unknown persons from SBI Aalo Branch, All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union (AAPWU) on Wednesday demanded Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate on fraudulent. It is said that matter is already under investigation as the Labour Commissioner Ojing Darung filed a case with Itanagar police station. The union expressed surprise at the withdrawal from Aalo branch, whereas the board has account in SBI Ganga branch. It further appealed to the investigating agency to constitute a SIT to unravel the truth and book the culprits responsible for fraudulent act.
Toko Nado Taba passes away
ITANAGAR, Jun 8: Toko Nado Taba, an upper division clerk (UDC) with PWD has died after a brief illness at Apollo Hospital, Delhi on Tuesday. She is the wife of Taba Tachi, Zilla Parishad Member of Yazali under Lower Subansiri district. She leaves behind four daughters. The Yazali Employee Welfare Forum has deeply mourned the untimely demise of Toko Nado Taba.
In a release Forum remembered her as a righteous human being and said with her death, the people of Yazali area has lot a young soul with lot of potential. Yachuli MLA Likha Saaya has termed her death as irreparable loss to the people of area and expressed sadness over it. The Confederation of Service Association of Arunachal Pradesh has also mourned her untimely death. Meanwhile the staff of PWD, Capital Division-A observed two minute silence as a mark of respect for their late colleague Toko Nado Taba.
GSU resents ‘busy’ education minister
ITANAGAR, Jun 8: The Galo Students’ Union (GSU) has alleged that despite repeated attempt, the education minister has not met them. They have been trying to meet minister to discuss regarding immediate posting of ST Teacher in the already upgraded Govt. Higher Secondary Schools under Galo inhabited areas. GSU claimed that they visited office of education minister ten times but most of the time minister is busy.
Union alleged that most of the ministers are always out of station and when they are in station, they do not have time for their visitors. “A minister is for the entire state and he/she is obliged to give equal response to the denizens of every part of the state. If at all he/she is to give response to a particular area then person should confine as MLA of that area,” stated GSU.
FPS associations urged to desist from illegal activities
ITANAGAR, Jun 8: Claiming that the beneficiaries of PHH, GCHH and AAY of East Kameng are not receiving sufficient rice due to the illegal activities of the Fair Price Shops, the All Arunachal Pradesh Anti-Corruption Students’ Union (AAPACSU) has urged the area’s Fair Price Shop Associations to desist from such activities.
The AAPACSU, in a release on Wednesday said that its members had recently toured both East and West Kameng districts and interacted with the District Food and Civil Supply Officers and found out that the Fair Price Shops in East Kameng distributed rice to even to non-card holders resulting in the shortage of rice for the PHH, GCHH and AAY card holders.
Revert back SE, demands union
ITANAGAR, Jun 8: In a memorandum submitted to the state Chief Secretary, the Arunachal Youth Organization (AYO) has demanded immediate reverting of Thupten Kalden who is serving as the SE(C) in New Delhi Civil Circle DHPD, back to his former post.
The organization alleged that the appointment of Kalden as EE(C) New Delhi Division for a period of 2 years on deputation and later his absorption, was done undermining the laid-down CPWD norms and by superseding all senior officers.
‘The EE was also functionally promoted to the post of SE(C) at the same division in the department of hydropower development till the return of SE Anuj Vij who was in deputation at KVS for three years on functional basis’, it claimed.
When contacted, the engineer said that “most of the officers in DHPD have come from PWD initially on deputation and subsequently absorbed in the department. Everyone got service length protection from PWD and accordingly placed in the seniority of DHPD as it is a curved out department from PWD. So therefore reverting me back to PWD is out of question”.
Kalden further said that he has been assigned the SE functional post at the pay scale of EE on the ground that a senior officer is required to be in Delhi in order to attend meetings of various ministries besides filing and attending arbitrations in NGT and Supreme Court.
While adding that in DHPD almost all promotions are either functional or officiating or adhoc, he further said that if he is placed in the seniority list of DHPD like they did to other officers who have come from PWD then a few officers who initially joined DHPD via back door without writing any exams are displaced from their seniority position.
Farmers trained on mushroom cultivation
ITANAGAR, Jun 8: Farmers from the five circles of Namsai district underwent three-day long training on cultivation and production of oyster mushroom which began at the MDC from Jun 4 last.
Addressing the trainees on the occasion, Namsai DHO, S Bhide stressed on the need for scientific cultivation and production of mushroom, which will enhance production and generate income.
Also present on the occasion was Namsai DC, who encouraged the farmers to take up the cultivation as a way of living and generate income as it has great demand in Namsai district. He further directed all field functionaries to remain besides the farmers and help them in getting the spawn.
KVK, Project Coordinator, Momong also spoke.
Resource person from Tinsukia DRDA, B Chutia imparted the training to the farmers about cultivation and production, identification of edible and poisonous mushroom through a power point presentation. He also demonstrated scientific drying of mushroom.
Dustbin distributed to keep Namsai clean
Namsai, Jun 8: Chau Zingnu Namchoom parliamentary secretary for tax & excise, textile & handicraft distributed 243 number of dustbin to the shop keepers of Namsai township area in a simple ceremony held on Tuesday. This has been done with the mission to ensure total sanitation and to maintain cleanliness.
RK Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Namsai, UPO Kaling Dai, Bazar Secretary Namsai were also present on the occasion. Parliamentary Secretary emphasized on the beautification of market complex and requested district administration and Bazar Committee to create a hygienic atmosphere in and around the township. DC Sharma directed all the shopkeepers to properly use the dustbin and not litter the public places. He also directed Officials of Urban Development Department to ensure proper waste management in township area.
Meeting held to spread message of peace
ITANAGAR, Jun 8: A meeting was held between the All Tai Ahom Students’ Union (ATASU) Kamrup district Committee, General Secretary Chao Basant Gogoi and East Pasighat MLA, Kaling Moyong at the latter’s residence on Jun 5 last.
In the meeting which was aimed at spreading the message of brotherhood among the people of Assam and Arunachal and to maintain age-old relationship, the MLA said that the people of Arunachal Assam always maintained the age-old relationship with the people of Assam.
He further said that the dispute regarding boundary demarcation cannot become a hurdle to maintain the age-old relationship between the two states.
Post CO soon
ITANAGAR, Jun 8: Claiming that the people of Pipu Circle are facing much hardships as various official works have been left pending due to the absence of an independent Circle Officer, Gram Chairperson of Hari Nablom under East Kameng district has in a release today, appealed to the Chayang Tajo MLA to post a CO at the Circle at the earliest in the larger interest of the people.
Editorial
Let truth prevail
The controversy over Udta Punjab movie has re-ignited the debate over censorship
in India. The Shahid Kapoor starrer is in the middle of a raging debate on censorship.
The censor board is under fire from film industry and opposition parties for ordering
many cuts. The movie is based on the drug problems in Punjab. Censor board has directed
producer of Udta Punjab to remove references to Punjab and even suggested for changing
the name of the film.
Opposition parties have alleged that censor board is toeing the line of central government.
Punjab will go to poll in 2017 and drug problem is one of the major election issues.
Parties like Congress and AAP alleged that in order to save the Akali-BJP government
which is currently in power at Punjab, the censor board is engaging in this kind
of activities. However this is not for the first time that censor boar is facing
criticism from film industry. Ever since CBFC board Chief Pehlaj Nihalani assumed
office he has been functioning erratically and trying to impose decision on the film
makers. His overzealous censorship activities are against the spirit of Indian constitution.
He is trying to curtail the freedom of speech and expression. Central government
should appoint a more qualified person who has better understanding of creativity
to look after the board. Ministry of information and broadcasting should interfere
and let this film be released without any censorship. Infact the maker of this film
should be appreciated for focusing on serious drug problem which is deeply affecting
the state of Punjab. It is estimated that Punjab’s drug syndicate market is to the
tune of Rs 6,000-crore and are alleged to have patronage of local politicians. A
recent AIIMS study has said that nearly Rs 7,500 crore drugs are consumed every year
in Punjab and there are 1.23 lakh heroin addicts in the state. These are very disturbing
figures. Generations of youths are losing their life due to drug addiction. Udta
Punjab film is trying to bring this problem in celluloid form. Every right thinking
person should come out and protest against this censorship ‘raaj’ being unleashed
by the censor board.
________________________________
Readers’ Forum
Bank without staffs
Dear Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I would like to bring to notice the plight of the SBI
branch of Hawai Township, Headquarter of Anjaw District. The SBI branch at present
is running with a total of three staffs only, including the Manager. The other two
staffs comprises of a cashier and a contingency staff. The nearest SBI branch is
located in Hayuliang, which is located at a distance of 58 km which in this mountainous
area requires three hours of travel by vehicle. The aforementioned branch is grossly
understaffed for its optimal functioning. It is running as its is since the past
four to five months. The bank remain closed on every Wednesday citing lack of staffs.
Also due to lack of funds, the bank has put a limit on the withdrawal amount which
is sometimes inadequate for the general public. The ATM is non functional at most
times and remains locked all the time. Since the month of March, the bank manager
has stopped accepting forms for opening of any kind of accounts citing lack of staff.
This is causing harassment to the general public as well as to the Government staff's
residing in the headquarter.
So, I would like to appeal to the concerned authorities to kindly take appropriate
steps to tackle the situation as soon as possible.
Yours,
A distraught public
Health centre without doctor
Dear Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, we would like to expose the problems
of health centre at Bilat. In fact, it is running without doctors for more than 7
months. The doctors are urgently needed and also the Bilat Block is neglected by
the higher authority of health department. We are facing lots of problems regarding
illness and treatment for various diseases.
All doctors have left for further studies and training but still no reliever has
been sent by the higher authority. Now, local pharmacist is not a position to give
us any medicine without doctor’s prescription.
We appeal to the higher authority of the health department to provide regular doctors.
We hope that Govt. of Arunachal will look into the matter seriously.
Yours,
1. Neyi Taloh (Messar)
Zilla Prasad Member
Bilat Block
2. Tapang Talom
Gram Panchayat Member
Mirem Village
An open letter to Home Minister
Dear Editor,
It is through the column of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the kind
attention of the Hon'ble Home Minister of Arunachal Pradesh.
Befooling the security personnel and traffic police with illegitimate practice of
impersonating Government vehicle, many private vehicle owners are making mockery
of law.
A number of private vehicles has been spotted plying on the capital roads using red
colour sticker and white colour text carrying sentences like " State of Arunachal
Pradesh ", "State of India" and "State of A.P." on the vehicles number plate.
Another serious violation of law of impersonating a government vehicles which l have
witnessed in the twin capital city and in many district headquarters is that many
VIPs and VVIPs have started the indiscriminate use of read beacon, sirens and hooters
in their private vehicles surpassing law and protocol norms, which can be skeptically
be interpreted as current trending vogue amongst high-ups of Arunachal Pradesh.
The extent of disregard for other fellow citizens is such that they are seen driving
rashly, and the drivers continuously honk and harass others in traffic. This humiliating
practice has become part and parcel of life in twin capital city. I wonder what emergency
is taking them during heavy traffic hours.
A strict enforcement of traffic laws and a ban on installation of red beacon and
sirens on private vehicles is required immediately. Vehicles with false, dubious,
fake and faltered license plates should be penalised and impounded by the police.
Every government vehicle should also be especially checked by the police and the
transport authority, for using the official license plate issued by the relevant
state department.
State Government should never overlook the fact that along with criminals, some of
the rich and powerful citizens and state institutions also challenge the law for
their own advantage.
I hope the present government is dedicated enough to look into the highlighted subject
matter with outmost sincerity to keep our state peaceful and secure.
Yours,
Kamtey Ringu, Naharlagun
Schools of scandal
Dear Editor,
In this age of sophistication, the academic excellence is achieved in various ways.
Well, the light of knowledge can come in different ways, and from many sources but
it should always be free from the mist of falsity and the glitter of illusion. But
in Bihar the story of academy is pretty gloomy for past some years. It has earned
its distinction of having been steeped in such academic humbug.
It is often noticed that the education has literally been strangulated in this state.
Heaven forbid, the one who has topped the chart of merit does not know how many subjects
she had appeared in the examination. Prodikal Science is the subject that teaches
the skill of cookery for the topper Ruby Rai of Vaishali who earned high praises
for her achievement. While, Saurabh Sresh, who scored the highest marks in the intermediate
science, shocked everyone as he could not answer the basic questions of chemistry.
The pictures of wall-scrambling by cheat-facilitators in Bihar, which went viral
in the social media some months back, had drawn international ridicule.
Why has the education in Bihar reached this sorry state of affairs? Is it not quite
illogical to put the blame on the students alone? Are not those leaders who ruled
this Bihar with the brute force of lawlessness responsible? One needs not dig deeper
to smell the stench of political sewage and the subsequent rise of crimes in Bihar
for over two decades. This has practically corroded the social and academic fabric
that now we are witnessing such shameful instances. Here we have noticed how some
political leaders contest the election from inside the confinement of the prison.
Laloo Prasad Yadav, RJD’s Chief, who has been topping the chart of goondaism for
last two decades, is still holding this state to ransom. He has a whole bunch of
followers who know no other law, but the dhom dhom of guns and pistols. Just a few
weeks ago a journalist Rajdeo Ranjan was murdered allegedly by an RJD’s gangster.
The criminality in politics seems to have again come back with a vengeance in the
present setup where RJD claims its pound of flesh.
No strange, Laloo Prasad pushed for his son Tejashwi Yadav to become the Deputy Chief
Minister of the state who is just a IX passed student, besides another son Tej Pratap
Yadav as the Minister of Health and Environment. Here the big question is that how
come his RJD is not derecognized by the judiciary court that has taken Bihar to the
abyss of regression with the alarm of jungle raj for so many years. Here commoners
do not fear the wild animals such as lions, tigers or bears but they are afraid of
the ferocious members of political parties who shoot the vulnerable opponents like
one shoot the birds for fun. One can check out the crime charts and know for himself
who and how of the crimes perpetrated for last twenty years.
In the first place, it’s natural for any layman to point the accusing finger at the
constitution and the judiciary system of the country that allows the criminals to
form any number of parties and contest the election. Why are the strong clauses not
etched on the body of constitution that prevent the devious characters from contesting
the election and holding the seat of power? Didn’t it occur to our constitution makers
that giving a sharp dagger to the inexperienced will be disastrous. Daggers should
only be wielded by the skillful knights whose job is to protect the weak.
Look at the list of the recently elected Ministers in Bihar, their portfolios, and
their academic qualifications. One can’t help but laugh in disbelief. Again, the
fact that such ineligible rookies and jailbirds in the ministry does not make the
mainstream media sit up is a classic case of mystery.
Of course, one cannot ever doubt that there are countless exceptionally brilliants
students, scientists, technocrats, administrators who are being produced by this
sacred land of Buddha’s enlightenment. Where there is a will there is a way. At one
stroke the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar did a work of Messiah by banning the alcohol
which has dramatically brought down the crime rates in Bihar.
So, it is much expected now that without any further delay the state’s administrative
machinery and politicians should pull together to plug the gap. It is Nalanda University
of this holy Bihar that had for thousands of years attracted the knowledge seekers
from the far off lands. Let the past glory be restored before it is too late.
Yours,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong
