jun16 26

June 26

2011

2016

BJP accuses fraudulent withdrawal of Labour Cess

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jun 25: Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday claimed that more than Rs 2.29 crore was fraudulently withdrawn from the account of Arunachal Pradesh Building and Others Construction Workers Welfare Board (APBOCWWB) which was meant for welfare of the board during 2015.

Addressing the media persons in a press conference on Saturday, Spokesperson Cum Vice President Techi Necha claimed that the amount was drawn from labour cess fund that needs certain procedures and approval from Secretary Labour to withdraw the amount.

The amount was transferred to five different accounts at Aalo SBI branch, which allegedly was used in Bye-Election of Liromoba, BJP Spokesperson claimed.

The amounte were credited in the name of M/S BB Steel and Corporation, A/C no. 33895514376, Proprietor Beli Bagra, Hiker Gumin, M/S K T Brothers A/C 32266540718 PA holder Pradeep Mishra.

He further demanded the authority to immediately recover the amount.

“How did such a huge amount was withdrawn without knowledge of Labour Commissioner cum Secretary APBOCWWB, questioned Necha. The BJP Spokesperson also demanded responsible persons be booked under appropriate sections of law.

Indirectly holding the then board Chairman Nyamar Karbak responsible, Necha said, Karbak must take moral responsibility for this development, as it happened under his leadership.

It is said that Labour Commissioner Ojing Darung had filed a complaint against the fraudulent withdrawal of said amount after a year and case has been registered with Itanagar Police station with case no. 164/16 u/s 468/47/420 IPC. A separate case was also registered with Aalo PS case no 43/16/ U/S 468/471/420/ 34 IPC and one alleged accused Nripen Bhuyan, Casual Labour was arrested in this connection. The case is still under investigation.

Meanwhile, the MLA Liromoba Nyamar Karbak who was the Board Chairman denied the allegation saying he has nothing to do with it. He further termed the allegation as politically motivated to tarnish his image. He clarified that discrepancies of funds were detected during his tenure.

Karbak said, “It was me who initiated to take actions against the Banks, as because the home branch of the Board is the SBI, Ganga Branch. Huge amounts were transferred to SBI, Aalo Branch without the authorization and signature of the officers of the Board”.

He further said, “I had resigned from the post of Chairman of board to contest the bye election for MLA of 27th Liromoba (ST) Assembly Constituency. After my resignation from the post of Chairman, I had no more power so as to misuse it”. The Chairman do not sign or issue any cheques, drafts etc nor can he transfer the Boards funds from one account to another as he is not a signatory in the bank transactions of the Board, Karbak added. He also said that he is ready to face any inquiry to prove his innocence.

Pul sets deadline for completion of MLA apartments

ITANAGAR, Jun 25: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul on Saturday visited the under-construction MLA apartments at Chimpu and asked the Urban Development department to complete it by the first month of the next financial year.

The Chief Minister instructed the department to expedite the work for all four different building blocks that houses forty-eight apartments in order to complete project within the given deadline.

He also instructed to carry out work simultaneously for the two separate bungalows for the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker and for completing the work for a guest house and recreation hall.

There would be no interference from the government including uninterrupted flow of funds, the CM assured as he asked the UD Chief Engineer to supervise the work personally.

It is worth mentioning here that the project funded under SPA in 2009-10 has been delayed for almost six years and is currently pending due to litigation with the construction firm - Arunachal Pradesh Infrastructural Development Corporation Ltd (APIDCOL). According to the officials, APDICOL has sought relief from the court on account of work contract being terminated by the state government. The state government on several occasions being dissatisfied from the work progress of the executing firm had terminated the contract.

Keeping in larger interest, the Chief Minister decided to take up the project departmentally to keep the work going that had been stalled for three years due to the court matters.

According to the departmental Chief Engineer Taba Tedir, the project has achieved 65% of physical work progress. The project was allotted Rs 74 crore under SPA with current expenditure of Rs 65 crore and all state matching share paid on time.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Home Paknga Bage and the Chief Estate Officer Talo Potom accompanied the Chief Minister during his visit.

'Govt. working on war footing to complete the TRSH building'

Meanwhile, CM's office informed that state Govt. is working on war footing to expedite the infrastructure development of Tomo Riba State Hospital (TRSH), Naharlagun to facilitate functioning of the ambitious Medical College by early next year. It has become inevitable for the Government offices and occupants of the govt. quarters in the proposed premise to vacate their offices and quarters in order to meet the infrastructure requirement and to facilitate accommodation for faculties, nursing staffs and students of the Medical College Institute as the hospital has to run along with the institute.

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul on Friday inspected offices and govt. quarters that are yet to be vacated and interacted with heads of the departments and occupants of govt. quarters in the area.

After being learnt that the Directorate of Information and Public Relation, Naharlagun could not be shifted due to non-completion of the Soochna Bhawan at Pappu Nallah due to non-release of fund, CM assured to release state share of the Soochna Bhawan. He instructed the executing agency of Soochna Bhawan to finish the first floor work of the Bhawan within one month so that the IPR Department can be shifted to new building by July last.

He also appealed to the various departments, govt employees and public residing in the premises of Tomo Riba State Hospital to cooperate with the govt. so as to ensure that the Medical Institute can be made functional on time.

The Chief Minister also visited the under-construction Basic Service for Urban Poor at Lekhi Village in which 47 Blocks consisting of 752 dwelling units are being constructed. On being informed that the construction work has been halted due to non-release of fund, the Chief Minister assured to mobilise the remaining fund.

He asked the National Project Construction Corporation (NPCC) and RIKON Construction to expedite the construction work and complete 4 blocks of Urban Poor House within 2 months period. He also cautioned to withdraw the contract works in case of failure to meet the deadline.

Pul also inspected the Arunachal Armed Police Battalion 1st Colony at Chimpu with a view to verify availability of accommodation facility for the police personnel of Motor Traffic Garage Police, Naharlagun which needs to be shifted as it falls under the premises of Medical Institute.

He asked the IGP to shift the police personnel of MT Garage Colony, Naharlagun to the newly constructed 300 Men Barrack at AAPBn Colony at Chimpu.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Nuzhat Hassan, IGP (ADM), Takap Ringu, AIG and Talo Potom, ADM (Capital Complex) among others. (PRO to CM)

DC asks NHPC to respect local sentiment

ITANAGAR, Jun 25: Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner, Kemo Lollen convened a meeting with the NHPC officials to discuss various issues and projects pertaining to NHPC, Dollungmukh on Saturday as he advised them to respect the local sentiment and maintain close ties with the locals. Kemo Lollen while interacting with the officials said that any project being implemented in the district should be after obtaining necessary approval from the District Administration. Development is important but not at the cost of the people.

Local people have a high sense of self-respect and their sentiments should not be hurt at all costs, he added and advised the NHPC Authorities to laise well with the district administration to avoid any communication gaps that could be detrimental to the project and also to maintain an excellent public relations.

Our sole objective should be the successful launch of the mega hydropower project. No action or behaviour detrimental to the project will be tolerated, he warned.

He further lauded the efforts of the officials of NHPC in realizing the mega hydropower project. While extending full cooperation from the District administration, he asked the officials to immediately intimate the District Administration either through the CO or by even directly contacting him in any case of law and order problem. While lauding the various welfare initiatives by the NHPC for the local people, he stressed on the need to streamline the CSR scheme selection by a committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner as the needs of the people of District will be known better by his office.

He also appealed to all the denizens and officials from NHPC and the District Administration to cooperate and coordinate for the mega hydropower project to be realized early.

ED Rajesh, ED (CSR)Ronel Kumar, GMAmresh Kumar and CE A.K Singh, AEs(Electrical and civil) and DLRSO were present in the meeting. (DIPRO)

Governor seeks food processing centres and cold storage units

ITANAGAR, Jun 25: Governor JP Rajkhowa has reiterated that there must be food processing and Cold Storage Units in each districts and subdivisions so that horticultural products produced by the farmers and progressive farmers do not go waste.

The Governor was speaking after inaugurating a fruit processing centre in the Raj Bhavan Complex, Itanagar on Saturday.

The Governor emphasised that it is high time that the state government come forward and take up Fruit and Food Processing Units under Public Private Participation (PPP) Mode.

The Governor pointed that Horticulture is given priority on paper but it is not seen in action. Expressing concern on the disturbing trend of frequent change in Secretary and Commissioner level officers which is hampering projects, the Governor suggested that there must be minimum time period for them to ensure project implementation. He also suggested for stamping out of officers who are inactive and post them at other places to make sure that the important projects do not suffer.

The fruit processing centre has been setup by the Muskan Welfare Society, a voluntary ladies organisation, based in Raj Bhavan, Itanagar, which is led by the wife of the Governor, Rita Rajkhowa. The centre will facilitate the people, particularly housewives, self-help groups and youth in fruit processing and preservation, informed a release.

Congratulating the Muskan Welfare Society for the initiative, the Governor expressed hope that the Centre will be an eye opener for the youth, entrepreneurs, and self help groups and at the same time for the government departments for taking up projects in horticulture sector. Noting that it has been set up in a record time of less than a month, the Governor said that government departments must take a lesson out of such project implementation process.

The Governor pointed out that although the people of the state observe festivals with lots of fanfare, but unfortunately no one, including civil societies, NGOs are taking up the horticultural potential. This casual approach has deprived the hardworking farmers of their share of benefits. Their produces are damaged in want of food and fruit processing units and storage, he stated.

The Governor said that although Arunachal Pradesh produces largest amount of Kiwi fruits, they are transported to other states for production of Kiwi wine. The farmers and state do not gain much, even though the quality of wine produced from Kiwis from the state is of a premier quality. He suggested that a winery may be set up in the state where there is maximum production of Kiwi or Apples, such as Ziro, Dirang, which will not only boost the economy of the state but the farmers, youth and entrepreneurs will benefit in terms of sale of their products, income generation, employment and opening up of other avenues for entrepreneurship.

Briefing on the Centre, wife of the Governor, Rita Rajkhowa said that the centre was started to show the path to all concerned and not to waste horticultural produces.

Secretary to Governor, Dr. Joram Beda and Secretary Horticulture, Gamli Padu also spoke on the occasion. Also present in the function, Advisor Agriculture, Govt. of Assam, Thimothy Das Hanse informed that forty percent of fruit produce is damaged during harvest. He suggested for tie-up with Govt of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to mitigate the challenges, while assuring all possible help from Govt of Assam. He informed that there are 17 Govt. Food Processing Centres in 17 districts of Assam and 40 FPC are run by women Self Help Groups.

Additional Secretary to Governor, BS Hada, Managing Director, Arunachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Board, Tage Tatung, members of Muskan Welfare Society, invitees and trainees were present in the function.

Three-days training course on fruit processing is being imparted as aprt of the inaugural function. A total of 29 housewives, self-help groups and youths are availing the course.

Parking lot project languishing due to fund misuse

ITANAGAR, Jun 25: The Multi-layer Urban Parking lots at Bank Tinali, which was sanctioned and started in 2008-09, is languishing for the last 8 years due to misuse and non-release of fund, according to a government release.

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, who inspected the Parking lots on Friday in view of the growing traffic congestion at Bank Tinali, asked the contractor to finish the work within three week.

The Chief Minister assured to mobilise the remaining fund and extend full support to the department for early completion of the parking lot.

The five-storey building will have three floors for parking 50 vehicles at a time. The building will also house an emporium cum heritage centre in the third and fourth floors to facilitate exhibitions and selling of local handlooms and handicrafts products.

Pul also inspected construction of Inter State Bus Terminal and Truck Terminal at Lekhi Village and assured to give full support to the department for early completion of the project to make it functional at the earliest possible time.

He also mooted to shift the State Transport Terminal at Super Market, Naharlagun to ISBT at Lekhi Village. The land so vacated would be developed into a multi-layer parking lot, Pul said. He also said to take up flood protection measures to protect the area from flooding .

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Chief Engineer, Highways (Western Zone) Bora Ete,, Chief Engineer (UD) Taba Tedir and Additional District Magistrate, Capital Complex Taloh Potom.

Educating a girl child is educating a family: Deru

BOMDILA, Jun 25: ‘When you educate a girl, you educate the whole family’, said MLA Japu Deru after inaugurating a newly constructed government primary school at Duithing; a remote village in West Kameng here on Friday.

Urging parents to enroll their children in school, Japu said that discrimination between boys and girls are a thing of the past. Daughters need to be treated at par with sons and educated accordingly. The school constructed by the education department at an estimated cost of Rs. 22, 30,000 has an enrolment of nineteen students and a teacher as of date.

Speaking about shortage of teachers in various schools of the district, DDSE D.W Kharma informed of the rationalization of teachers being done under the directives of the Deputy Commissioner, Sonal Swaroop and assured that teachers would soon be transferred and posted as per requirement.

Later, MLA Japu Deru inaugurated a Community hall at Jerigaon constructed by Water Resource Department at an estimated cost of Rs. 15, 00,000 under BADP.

Further, responding to a memorandum, he assured to take care of all the genuine demands which are people and development oriented. (DIPRO)

Implement job reservation for meritorious sportspersons: AOA

ITANAGAR, Jun 25: Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA) urged the State Government to instruct all the government departments to properly implement the order of job reservation for meritorious sportspersons.

Addressing the mediapersons after being re-elected as the President of AOA, President Padi Richo said that the first and foremost agenda of the newly constituted body of the AOA will be to approach the Government for development of necessary sports infrastructure, including early matelialization of the demand for a Multi-purpose Indoor Stadium in Capital Complex.

He urged the State Government for early implementation of the Sports Policy and provide financial assistance as Grant-in-Aid for smooth functioning of the AOA.

He sought support and cooperation from the Government, all the sports associations and sports managers towards AOA’s endeavours to develop sports in the State.

Secretary General (AOA) Abraham K Techi also said that AOA will pursue vigorously with the government for the multi-purpose stadium—a long-felt demand of sports fraternity of the state.

Saying that AOA was there to discipline all the undisciplined sports association, if any, Abraham called upon all to maintain strict discipline and unity within the association.

He also discouraged the mentality of playing sports only to land a government job somehow under sports quota. This kind of mentality on part of the sportspersons will in no way help achieve greater height in sports sector, he said.

Anandeswar Pandey from Indian Olympic Association (IOA), who was the observer for the first ever election of the AOA, assured IOA’s all help and support to Arunachal Olympic Association in bringing more and more projects under sports ministry to Arunachal.

“There are so many developmental projects under sports ministry and IOA will definitely help bring few of such important projects to Arunachal Pradesh,” he assured. He, however, said that IOA will be able to take up the matter successfully with the concern ministry only when the AOA and the State Government work in unison.

Earlier, outgoing Secretary General of AOA Geshi Doke highlighted few achievements of the AOA during his tenure, including reservation of job for meritorious sportspersons in government departments.

USF, RGU and RIWATCH jointly bag 21st Century Knowledge Initiative Award

ITANAGAR, Jun 25: The University of South Florida (USF), Tampa, USA with its partner institutes Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Doimukh and Research Institute of World’s Ancient Traditions Cultures and Heritage (RIWATCH), Roing jointly bagged the highly competitive 21st Century Knowledge Initiative Awards.

The United Sates Department of Education and University Grant Commission (UGC), India announced eight institutional partnership projects for the fifth and final round of the awards, out of which four are led by US universities partnering with India and other four by Indian Universities partnering with US Universities.

“It was our continuous eight years of engagement with USF, and our talks and deliberations in USA on educational needs of Arunachal Pradesh has resulted in signing up MoU on academic collaboration with USF in 2008,” said Dr. Joram Begi, Chairman RIWATCH and former Director, Higher and Technical Education, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, while speaking on the successes.

“We had series of lectures in number of universities in USA in 2008 and 2010, and many of them shown keen interest in traditional knowledge, sustainable development, public health etc. The engagement with USF strengthened with two study programs at RIWATCH, and joint research projects on Public Health by Dr. Carrion Iraida and Dr. Manisha Joshi-- faculties of USF,” Dr. Begi said.

We felt the need of involving RGU and accordingly, last year meetings were held with Dept. of Tribal Studies and the Vice Chancellor. This award reassures us that the institutes of higher education in the state are successfully networking with global universities.” Dr. Begi added.

The award originally conceived by Obama-Singh foundation is being executed by bi-national joint working group under India-US educational partnership.

The USF, RIWATCH and RGU will now jointly work on “An Indigenous studies field school for global exchange in North East India, fostering educational and public health initiatives.

It is a three years project and would receive a grant upto 1,90,000 USD.

The project also aims at encouraging mutual understanding, educational reforms, economic growth, development of faculties and exchange programs among partnering institutes.

To implement this initiative, the Governments of India and the US established a bi-national joint working group (JWG), which provides the final approval for all grants awarded through the US-India 21st Century Knowledge Initiative. The US is represented by the Department of State and the Government of India is represented by the UGC.

Strategic Thought...!

Flights Of Fantasy...

[ Group Captain Mohonto Panging VM (Retd) ]

Arunachal Pradesh is the only state in India to share borders with three countries. Arunachal shares 160 km border with Bhutan, 440 km with Myanmar and 1030 km with China. Being a border state, strategic planning for all major infrastructure projects in the state is a necessity.

In North West India, the 660 km long Indira Gandhi canal running through the states of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan is a major obstacle for enemy tanks and armoured vehicles. In case of an enemy attack by armoured vehicles, the enemy would be forced to stop at the canal.

The capital of Russia, Moscow has 12 Levels of underground metro. The metro not only expedited travelling within the city; it was also a huge nuclear shelter. In case of any nuclear attack, the best shelter is underground. Similarly, metros built underground in Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru etc can also double up as nuclear shelters.

During the cold war in the USA, no building plans were cleared without an underground shelter/cellar. These shelters/cellars were stocked with food and essential items to cater for nuclear fall outs.

Roads and railways built in Border States are also strategically planned catering for deployment of defence personnel and equipment. In earlier days railway lines existed at major army/ air force bases to allow rapid movement of ammunition and weaponry. Even construction of critical bridges across major rivers like Brahmaputra, Subansiri, Kameng, Siang, Lohit has to cater for rapid deployment of defence personnel and equipment.

All weather roads will allow rapid deployment of heavy equipment like artillery guns and armoured vehicles at forward locations. Since major railway networks are not possible in mountainous areas, all weather roads up to border posts are a must for robust defence of the state and nation.

Critical bridges over major rivers like Brahmaputra, Siang, Subansiri, Lohit, Kameng etc are also key targets for the enemy. These bridges must be painted in camouflage colours to prevent easy detection from the air. This will increase the difficulty level to target these bridges with missiles. Camouflage and concealment is a professional subject and wide choice of visual camouflage, Infra Red camouflage, paints etc are available. These critical bridges also need to be defended by surface to air missiles and ground forces.

Since the few bridges across the Brahmaputra can be easily targeted, strategic planning dictates that a few Oil Depots, Ammunition Dumps etc should be constructed on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra to support military operations in Arunachal Pradesh.

Civil airports can be easily used by defence aircraft. Construction of civil airports at strategic location will allow rapid deployment of personnel and equipment. One of the prime targets of the enemy would be command and control centres. Therefore national and state leadership may also be prime targets. Therefore, the Central Secretariats and Head offices should also be painted in camouflage colours to merge with the background. Presently these buildings are painted and decorated with bright colours!

For robust defence of the state and nation, strategic planning in all infrastructure projects is a necessity.

Isn’t it better to Sweat in Peace than to Bleed in War?

APTOA adopts primary school

PASIGHAT, Jun 25: As a part of community development through tourism, Arunachal Pradesh Tour Operator Association (APTOA) has adopted Govt Primary School at 7th Mile, Pasighat.

Inaugurating the formal school adoption programme on Saturday, Raj Basu from Kolkata based Help Tourism has termed it historic as this was the first time in the country where tour operators have adopted a school.

Basu requested the organization to monitor the school from time to time to oversee its positive development.

APTOA president John Panye assured that every tour operator will mandatorily visit the school while adding that organization shall take up the problems of the school for its improvement with the concern authority.

“The president exhorted the students to maintain cleanliness of the surrounding and protect the environment.

APTOA general secretary Duyu Tamo asked the students to maintain discipline to become a successful person while requesting the teaching fraternity to maintain duty regularly.

Headmaster In-charge S Boruah informed that the school with 92 students is running without proper infrastructure such as fence, class rooms, electricity and water. He added that with one exception, the members of the teaching staffs are SSA teachers.

The members distributed pen, notebooks and sweets to the students.

Assistant Director Tourism Bengia Manna Sonam, DTO East Siang Nuyee Talong, State BJP secretary Vijay Sonam and tour operators of the state attended the programme.

Meet on Solid Waste Management and Sanitation Action Plan

ITANAGAR, June 25: Chief Secretary Shakuntala Doley Gamlin has stressed on the need to have proper treatment and disposal system for garbage management, with designated garbage points near hospitals for biomedical waste, radioactive waste etc.

The Chief Secretary was chairing the meeting on Solid Waste Management and Sanitation Action Plan prepared by the Itanagar Municipal Council. She also stressed on the need to have sit ups, which is a kind of Small Park at various locations which would provide a place where one can rejuvenate themselves as well as contribute in the beautification of the twin capital.

Terming plastic as one of the major contributor in creating nuisance, she stressed that plastic needs to be banned for general use except for the purpose of lifting garbage. She asked the Itanagar Capital Complex DC and the CMEO to regularly monitor the work of the sanitary workers as public should not suffer due to the negligence of the sanitary worker and further asked for introduction of biometric system as well as formation of a disciplinary committee for the purpose. The CS also stressed for mass awareness among the people regarding sanitation, menace of tobacco products and drugs etc by involving various stakeholders like Market Welfare Association, Resident Welfare Associations etc.

Itanagar Capital Complex, DC, Sandeep Kumar Singh made a presentation on Solid Waste Management System and Sanitation Action Plan for a clean and green Capital Complex. He explained the proposed action plan, action taken till date, the status of the IMC with regard to manpower, vehicles, requirement, limitations etc.

The DC also informed them that the compost plant at Chimpu has been made functional and they are constantly reviewing its functioning. He also informed that door to door collection at E sector Naharlagun and Ward No. 16 and 18 at Itanagar which was started on experimental basis is also continuing on a positive note.

Lily R Jomoh and Kobyum Zirdo, both representatives from the Green Pioneers also presented an action plan where they suggested awards to be initiated for best colony/sector which would help boost the morale of the Councillor as well as draw the interest of the public towards keeping their colony clean.

IMC Chief Councillor Kipa Kaku along with other Councillors explained the shortcomings that they face while carrying out their duties and sought the cooperation of the state government to which the CS assured cooperation and asked all the departments to work together in coordination as it requires a collaborative effort.

The Councilors also requested the Chief Secretary to sanction their need based action plan as early as possible like the request for a dedicated engineering wing of the IMC. The CS in turn asked them to include the appointment of a Doctor in their plan that will be capable to see the garbage management from epidemic and disease point of view.

Secretary Planning, Dr. Joram Beda emphasized that the need of the hour is to change the mindset of the people and asked the DC to organise aggressive and ambitious drive to reach out to the people especially women as they are the driving force in every household.

Among others Principal Secretary Home also shared his views and suggestions, while PCCF Omkar Sinha, officials from various departments and IMC councilors attended the meeting. DIPRO

CM inspects capital highway, questions quality

ITANAGAR, June 25: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul on Friday inspected the National Highway 415 from Itanagar to Banderdewa and suggested corrective measures to tide over unfavourable road conditions caused due to water-logging along the road side.

During his visit, the CM found that various man-made factors are responsible for water-logging along the highway which leads to road damage. The CM also found technical fault in existing drainage system along the national highway.

Taking note of various man-made practices that aggravated the damaging effects of water on the pavements, the CM observed that the newly repaired highway has developed many pavement distresses, including cracking and raveling with occurrences of potholes.

There is no proper drainage system at various points of road diversions towards hill side. Instead of cattle trapping facility that would allow percolation of water to the drain, cement culverts were built over the drain that allows the water to flow down the highway. The CM instructed the highway Chief Engineer Bora Ete and the chief estate officer Talo Potom, who accompanied him, to replace all such cement culverts with cattle trapping facility. Wherever road diversion is constructed by the land occupants, the cattle trapping facility is to be constructed by the occupants themselves, the CM said.

The CM also instructed the concerned officials for immediate removal of building materials stacked on the road side as it causes water logging. The officials were also directed to take necessary action against the defaulters who failed to comply with the order to remove all such materials.

Taking serious note of rampant earth cuttings on the hill sides along the road, the CM issued strict instructions to take necessary steps to prevent flow of debris on the roads.

Rain water directly flows over the road instead of flowing down the drain due to disproportion rise in the level of berms built along the road side, the CM observed and suggested for proper maintenance of berms and drainage system along the road side.

Whenever landslides are cleared, the drainage should also be immediately cleared off all mucks and debris, the CM said as he stressed on the need of 24X7 surveillance and clearance of drainage. Further to ease traffic congestion in Naharlagun, the CM informed that Lummer Dai road would be developed to facilitate flow of traffic through that road. A bridge would also be constructed in Borum panchayat area that could facilitate an alternative road.

To prevent accidents along the Itanagar-Naharlagun highway, the Chief Minister instructed the department to install convex safety mirror on hair pin bends for clear sight of incoming vehicles from opposite side. (PRO to CM)

Digital Smart Classes plan for at Khonsa schools

KHONSA, June 25: Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha informed that three Digital Smart Classrooms will be installed at Khonsa.

The DC was speaking after the presentation of Demo on Digital Smart Class at Khonsa with kYAN, ILFS, Guwahati at the DC’s conference hall, Khonsa on Saturday.

DC Jha said that the Digital Smart Classrooms will be installed one each at Govt. Higher Secondary School, Govt. Town Secondary School and Govt. Pinewood Middle School, where students from Class- I standard upto class-XII will be taught through smart class. The DC also suggested the Principal, Headmasters, ZPC to mobilise teachers about the Smart Class in their respective institutions.

MLA Wanglam Sawin and Tirap ZPC Sontung Bangsia lauded the efforts of the district administration led by the Deputy Commissioner for Smart Class in the remote district. They expressed hope that the students of the district will definitely improve their academics with the help of Smart Class.

Earlier, the kYAN instructor Nawab Ahmed presented the demo on Smart Class in all subjects.

DDSE Pubi Lombi, DFCSO, Mishumbi Miri, Principal GHSS, Khonsa, Manfe Hosai, Headmaster Govt. Town Secondary School, Tagin Akhang and Headmistress of Govt. Pinewood Middle School, Phanya Tangjang were present along with government officials in the demo presentation. DIPRO

Financial literacy camp conducted at Borum

NAHARLAGUN, Jun 25: A Financial Literacy Camp (FLC) was conducted by Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank (APRB), Naharlagun branch at Borum village on Saturday.

The aim of the FLC was to create awareness about the various financial products/services available to the common people and also to inculcate saving habits and improve the understanding of financial products leading to effective use of financial services by the common man.

The camp was attended by around 30 villagers, including officials from state govt departments, APRB and GB of Borum village.

APRB, BM, Budhin Dutta and other officials from APRB explained various products/financial services of the Bank for the common people and requested the people to avail the benefits of various financial products/services, including the Social Security Schemes of initiated by the Prime Minister of India. It was informed that the services were extended by APRB branches to the rural people and the borrowers were also requested to repay their dues/loan installments to the Bank in time so that no loan accounts turn to NPA.

Senior Manager, APRB, B.Deory requested all the KCC account holders to ask for RUPAY KISAN CARD from the Branch Managers so that it can be used as a normal ATM card for withdrawing cash from their respective KCC account at the time of need. He also explained about the "Stand Up India Scheme" launched recently by the Prime Minister of India for setting up of Greenfield enterprises by the ST, SC and women entrepreneurs, and ask the people to avail benefit of this scheme by visiting the Standup India website. He also asked the people to avail the EDP and other vocation training programmes imparted by the APRB-RSETI, Nirjuli , an NGO, sponsored by APRB, for the rural unemployed and BPL youths for self-employment.

Dy Director, Agriculture, Joram Tako and Assistant Director, Handloom & Textile, Papum Pare District, Yupia, Techi Kapa requested the villagers to avail the different financial services available from the bank and asked all borrowers to repay their bank dues, if any, in time so that more such facilities/services can be availed in future for their economic development.

Borum, GB, Mallo Tubin also spoke on the occasion and explained on the importance and usefulness of bank loan and how it is cheaper than loan from money lenders.

Tahum Taipodia passes away

ITANAGAR, Jun 25: Tahum Taipodia, one of the prominent figures of Galo community, died on June 24 at North East Cancer Research Institute, Guwahati.

He is survived by three sons and three daughters.

Born to Lt. Poi Taipodia and Lt. Yamik Taipodia (Gara) in 1953 at Rite village of Likabali sub-division, West Siang, Taipodia played a crucial rule as a President of All NEFA Students Union in replacing Assamese medium with English in Arunachal Pradesh.

Taipodia, who complete his graduation in English with Honours from JNC, Pasighat in 1972, served as vice president of Gensi-Likabali Anchal Samity, District vice president of West Siang, BJP Mandal President of 28- Likabali constituency, District BJP President, West Siang and Executive member of BJP State Council.

He also served as Advisor to Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh during 2009 for brief period.

He was a soft-spoken gentleman and one of the most respected figures in Likabali-Gensi area. The vacuum created by his death will be difficult to fill, said Lower Siang Elite Forum while expressing shock and grief over his untimely death.

“Let his departed soul rest in peace,” the Forum said in its condolence message. It also conveyed deep sense of condolence to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.

All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) termed death of Taipodia, who served as the president of All NEFA Students Union (later AAPSU), as great loss for the society.

He was among the pioneers of students’ union in the State and his selfless services and contribution to the society will remain a source of inspiration for all of us, AAPSU said in a condolence message.

AAPSU prayed to almighty to rest his departed soul in peace and also to give strength to the bereaved family to withstand the tragedy.

Recalling Taipodia’s immense contribution to the party, who served the party in various capacities, the State Bharatiya Janata Party, described his death as great loss for the Galo community and the party in particular and the State as a whole,

He was not only a good human being but also a good social thinker and a person of most intellectual ability of Galo society, the party said, and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace fo the departed soul.

Expressing shock and grief over Taipodia’s passing away, Mita Ao Welfare Society (MAWS) said that the society has lost a luminary and prominet figure in his death.

MAWS prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed condolence to the bereaved family.

Expulsion of PMC chief revoked

ITANAGAR, Jun 25: BJP state president Tapir Gao has revoked the expulsion of Pasighat Municipal Council Chief Kaling Doruk and councilor Maklek Yomso.

The revocation order is issued for the greater interest of the party and for expanding and strengthening the organization, reads the revocation order issued on Friday.

The duo was expelled from the party on June 16 by East Siang District BJP President Tamat Jonnom for a period of six years on account of violating party discipline and rules.

Consumer awareness camp held

AALO, June 25: A day long awareness camp on Consumers’ Rights and Duties was conducted by Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs Department in collaboration with Mother’s Vision at Gumin Kiin on Saturday.

Attending the camp, APWWS Aalo, Secretary, Hoksum Ori narrated her experiences on different instances where many shopkeepers and establishments were booked in the District Consumer Court. Stating that justice can be given only if the consumers know their rights and duties, she urged all to come forward to assist the department.

Circle Officer, Ome Apang disclosed that innocent buyers always fall prey in the hands of traders due to lack of knowledge on their rights and appealed the womenfolk to take the lead.

Mothers’ Vision, chairman, Jumde Gamlin said that the NGO is always keen to take up anything for the welfare of the society through sector to sector campaign and to do away vices and assured to carry forward the message of Consumer Rights and duties.

Earlier, Jomba Kamgo Lobom outlined various aspects on adulteration of petrol, cooking gases, MRP, packed commodities, three tiers of consumer’s courts and its role to safeguard the interest of all consumers.

The class XII science students from Navodaya Vidyalaya made practical demonstrations on measures to check adulteration on essential commodities. The camp was attended by govt officers, women and youths of Aalo. DIPRO

Cleanliness drive conducted at Ganga Lake

ITANAGAR, June 25: A cleanliness drive was conducted at Ganga Lake as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by the Eco-Tourism Society on Saturday.

A release stated that around 30 members engaged in the cleanliness drive and donated 20 handmade bamboo dustbins.

Brand Ambassador Swachh Bharat Abhiyan for Arunachal Pradesh, Tapi Mra also participated in the cleanliness drive.

Prominent priest no more

ITANAGAR, Jun 25: The Peri Pumbh Association has deeply condoled the demise of Raga HGB Kina Tayo who passed away on June 22 last, at his residence in Raga.

Born in Kina village under Raga circle of Lower Subansiri district, Tayo was also a prominent priest of Raga. He had also served as the president of Peri-Bangho.

He is survived by 3 wives and 12 children.

Expressing his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, Association president, Ratan Tebin has termed his death as a great loss to the society and the state as a whole. He further prayed to the almighty Donyi Polo for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

SHGs formed

ITANAGAR, Jun 25: Altogether 100 SHGs were formed during a meeting at Hija village on Friday under the banner of North East Multipurpose Development Society (NEMDS).

In the meeting, Veterinary officer Dr Kime Gyati and President NEMDS T Taku highlighted various benefits and functions of SHG.

Saplings planted at Bramadungchung nunnery

ITANAGAR, Jun 25: Saplings were planted at Bramadungchung (Thubchok Gatseling) nunnery in Tawang as part of a plantation drive jointly conducted by the department of Karmik and Adyatmik Affairs (DoKAA), EPS Greenheads, a local NGO and TUT at Tawang on Saturday.

Parliamentary Secretary for Education and MLA, Tsering Tashi, Tawang DC, K. Mittal, DoKAA Chairman, Jambey Wangdi, Padmashree Lama Thutan Phuntsok, DRC (New Delhi), K.N. Damo, Tawang SP, Tumme Amo, DFO, Sangey Tsering, ZPC, Jambey Tsering and various HoDs, besides, public leaders, nuns and general public took part in the drive.

Emphasizing on the need of qualitative environmental care and protection initiatives, the Parliamentary Secretary stated that good quality work ensures desired results irrespective of the efforts being put into the work.

Tawang DC in his address also stressed the need for conducting more such drives by involving students. Padmashree Lama Thupten Phuntsok also spoke on the occasion.

Five-day food festival begins

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Jun 25: A five day-long ‘Ethnic Tribal Food & Cultural Festival-2016’ organized by the Indigenous Tribal Art & Cultural Enlighten Society, a local NGO, began at Ruksin Solung-Mopin ground here on Saturday.

Highlighting the objective behind holding the festival, organizing Chairman Tajing Padung said that their efforts were aimed at showcasing the food habits and cultures of the indigenous tribal people and to educate their youngsters about their tradition and culture.

Attending the inaugural session of the five-day festival, retired Director of Secondary Education, Tapang Taloh emphasized on documentation of ‘Mirii Ponung’. He further said that it is the collective responsibility of the NGOs and other social organizations to preserve the age-old cultures. He also suggested popularizing indigenous sports like; archery, tug of war, kusti, Peri apkii and bamboo-still walk and make efforts to get such sports recognized in the national and international platforms.

Presentation of a Kathak dance by Karpung Karduk Music Academy was the main attraction of the day.

Among others, Ruksin ZPM Tonggeng Panyang, Forest Officer Opang Jamoh, singer Delong Padung, public leaders, GBs and members of woman SHG were also present on the occasion.

EDP for PMEGP beneficiaries concludes

ITANAGAR, Jun 25: In all 45 PMEGP beneficiaries from Papum Pare, Lower Subansiri and Upper Siang districts underwent a six-day entrepreneurship development programme (EDP) which concluded on Saturday.

The training was sponsored by Khadi & Village Industry Commission (KVIC), Itanagar under the ministry of MSME, New Delhi.

During a valedictory function held at the Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank-Rural Self-Employment Training Institute (APRB-RSETI), Senior Manager & Nodal Officer, APRB, B.Deory, and APRB-RSETI, director, PB Chettry gave away certificates to the trainees.