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2017

June 21

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Carry out rationalization process expeditiously: CM

Inter-district transfer of 802 teachers

ITANAGAR, Jun 20: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has urged the Education Department officials to carry out rationalization process expeditiously and to monitor its implementation to transfer excess teachers to the schools where there are shortages.

The CM gave this instruction during a discussion held with the Education Department to implement the process of rationalizing the transfer and posting of teachers in the state here on Tuesday.

The CM said that revamping of education scenario was a top priority for the state government, and the State Assembly on 9 March, 2017 adopted a resolution wherein all the lawmakers decided to support the state government in taking measures to rationalize and streamline the Education Department.

In accordance to state government's direction, the Education Department had conducted extensive exercise to verify number of schools and teachers. In total, 1718 teachers are proposed to be transferred and posted within the districts and 802 teachers from one district to another.

The Chief Minister assured to bear the financial implication of carrying out massive exercise of teacher transfer, which comes to around Rs 10.82 crores, and is discussing further on issues in implementation of rationalization.

The meeting pointed out that accommodation facilities in far flung areas could arise, to which the Chief Minister opined that respective legislators of the area could devote funds from SIDF to meet such infrastructure challenges.

Taking serious note of acute shortage of books for schools, the Chief Minister assured to release full funds to meet the gap. He further assured to create additional posts of teachers for secondary and higher secondary levels, as per requirements submitted by the Education Department. He also directed the department to prepare number of vacancies for college teachers in view of shortage of teaching faculties in various colleges.

In view of the deteriorating performances of students at secondary level, the Chief Minister decided to do away with no detention policy. He, accordingly, directed the department to prepare cabinet note for discussion in the next cabinet sitting of July.

The Chief Minister was also briefed about the Tawang Government College, which will begin its academic session for 2017-18 soon. The college will offer degree courses in English, Hindi, Political Science, Economics and Geography.

The meeting, which was attended by Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein, Education Minister, Honchun Ngandam, Education Parliamentary Secretary, Pani Taram, Education Commissioner, Hage Kojeen, Education Secretary, Bidol Tayeng and others, also discussed on introducing a mechanism to regularise 6585 SSA teachers serving across the state. (CMO)

Shortage of teachers, text books cause of poor school performance

State board exam to make a come back

ITANAGAR, Jun 20: Shortage of teachers and non-supply of text books have been identified as the two main reasons for poor performance of students in class X and XII CBSE examinations 2017.

This was observed during a review meeting of all DDSEs on CBSE examination results in government schools, held at the conference hall of the Directorate of Higher & Technical Education here on Tuesday.

DDSEs of all the districts attended the meeting with their school-wise analysis of CBSE results of class X and XII examinations.

During the review meeting, the common causes attributed by the DDSEs for the poor results were shortage of teachers, non supply of text books, effect of non-detention policy, poor attendance of students in schools, lack of motivation to students, non-posting of principals, vice principals and headmasters, overcrowding in many schools, etc.

During the interaction, the DDSEs also narrated the problems of education in the districts and suggested for remedial actions.

Education Minister Honchun Ngandam, who presided over the meeting, informed the DDSEs that the government is aware of most of the problems in the districts and it was trying its best to bring improvement and changes in the system. He assured the officers that steps are being taken for creation of posts against the newly upgraded schools and that fund provision was being made for procurement of text books during 2017-18.

He further assured for regular conduct of DPC so that the schools are provided with principals, vice principals or headmasters.

The Central Government may also soon take a decision on the non-detention policy and the students may have to appear for examinations in all classes, the minister further informed.

Later, Ngandam, along with Parliamentary Secretary Education, Pani Taram, Education Commissioner, Hage Kojeen, Education Secretary, Bidol Tayeng, Special Secretary, Education, Mitali Namchoom, Director Secondary Education, G Leij, Director Elementary Education, T Gao, and SPD SSA, Opak Gao met Chief Minister Pema Khandu in his office and appraised him about the discussion of the meeting.

The CM has assured to look into the issues relating to creation of teachers posts and also provide adequate fund for procurement of text books during 2017-18.

Ngandam also appraised about steps being taken by the Department of Education for carrying out rationalization of teachers. It was also decided during the discussion with the CM that the previous system of conducting state board examination in class V and class VIII will be re- introduced in the schools from the current academic session.

MoU demand committee to intensify agitation against NEEPCO

ITANAGAR, Jun 20: The RHEP MoU Demand Committee in a release claimed that their 24 hour bandh call organized on Monday was a total success and that the third phase of agitation would be of 36 hours, starting July 5 next.

Considering the importance of electricity, the power generation was exempted, but official complex was closed down at Hoj Power House. Also, the official complex of NEEPCO Yazali was closed down by the bandh callers.

However, the Committee said that they would completely shutdown NEEPCO operations in the state in the next phase.

Thrashing the claim of NEEPCO CMD of providing employment to 179 locals, the committee further informed that it will carry forward the movement until their demands are fulfilled by NEEPCO authorities.

"As per document obtained, out of 179 so-called local employees, 86 are contractual, while 32 people have either expired or resigned. Amazingly, names of 18 persons have been enrolled twice to make up the total of 179, while names of three persons are bogus, who are non-existence in the area. Also, 32 employees are 89 days employees who were granted W/C status after the start of agitation by RMDC," claimed the Committee.

The MoU Demand Committee has also urged the SP Ziro to register the FIR lodged against the NEEPCO CMD at PS, Yazali for allegedly furnishing false and fabricated information, not only to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, but even to the police as evidence.

Man buried alive in landslide

[ Karda Natam ]

DAPORIJO, Jun 20: A day after landslide claimed life of a class X student in Itanagar, a labourer was buried alive in another tragic incident at Gusar circle on Tuesday morning.

Efforts were on to retrieve the body, said SP Taru Gusar.

Two persons, on the other hand, had miraculous escape.

ZPM Puto Bui while expressing grief and sorrow over the incident appealed to district authority to immediately provide ex-gratia relief to the kin of the victim.

He appealed to all to take all precautionary measures to avoid such incidents during this rainy season.

Govt notifies 18 sections, 2 rules for GST

NEW DELHI, Jun 20: Days ahead of the rollout of Goods and Service Tax), the government today notified sections in the GST Act dealing with mandatory registration of current indirect tax payers in the new regime.

As many as 18 sections relating to registration of current central excise, service tax and VAT payers with the GST-Network (GSTN) as well as transitional provisions were notified today.

As a precursor to GST, the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has also notified two rules -- registration and composition levy.

All the notifications would be effective from June 22.

GST, which is to be rolled out from July 1, will unify over a dozen central and state levies into one and all those currently paying such taxes need to migrate to the new system.

Every business carrying out a taxable supply of goods or services with turnover exceeding the threshold limit of Rs 20 lakh will be required to register.

GST registration would allow for seamless input tax credit.

The CBEC has also notified 'www.gst.gov.in' as the common 'Goods and Services Tax Electronic Portal'.

As many as 65 lakh out of the 80 lakh taxpayers have already migrated from various platforms to GST.

All of these businesses will be assigned a unique Goods and Services Tax Identification Number.

The Sections in the Central GST (CGST) Act notified provide for all suppliers, anyone making any inter-sate taxable supply and every existing licence holder and business entity, to register for GST.

Input service distributor, e-commerce operator and person supplying online information and data base access or retrieval service are also required to register.

The provision exempts agriculturist from registration to "the extent of supply of produce out of cultivation of land".

It also exempts "any person engaged exclusively in the business of supplying goods or services or both that are not liable to tax or wholly exempt from tax".

The notified sections provide that a person who occasionally supplies goods and/or services in a territory where GST is applicable but he does not have a fixed place of business, would be treated as a casual taxable person.

A person with multiple business verticals in a state may obtain a separate registration for each business vertical.

PAN is mandatory for GST registration except for a non- resident person who can get GST registration on the basis of certain other documents. (PTI)

Workers’ union suspends state wide agitation

ITANAGAR, Jun 20: The Joint Working Committee of Arunachal Pradesh Trade Unions (JWCAPTU) has temporarily suspended its proposed state-wide blackout agitation, which was scheduled for June 21.

The Committee in a communiqué informed that the decision was taken after Chief Minister Pema Khandu called upon the JWCAPTU leaders on Tuesday and assured that all the genuine grievances of the labour community would be addressed soon.

The JWCAPTU said that Khandu has assured that his government will do whatever is possible to uplift the labour class of the state.

It also informed that the CM has directed the JWCAPTU team to conduct mass general meeting of the labour community before July 20 next, where he is likely to address the grievances put forward by the JWCAPTU.

Accordingly, the JWCAPTU in its meeting temporarily suspended its proposed black out agitation till July 20, 2017.

The JWCAPTU attended the meeting, led by its Chairman Changma Tajo and Secretary General Kenkar Yomcha, where the Secretary to Chief Minister and Public Liaison Officer were also present.

PRIs urged to actively take part in planning process

BASAR, Jun 20: Basar Additional Deputy Commissioner, Tayom Bage asked the Panchayat leaders to participate in the planning process actively to create durable assets in their respective villages.

He was addressing a daylong block level brainstorming session on participatory planning under 'My Village My Development Plan' (MVMDP), conducted at the Anchal Bhawan on Tuesday.

Training is also being conducted to re-emphasize the planning process to be followed while preparing Gram Panchayat Development Plan as per 'My Village My Development Plan', a planning guideline for GPDP notified by Department by Panchayati Raj in November 2015.

The ADC further instructed all the line departments at Basar to participate in the five-day 'Training of Trainers' to be conducted from June 21.

EAC-cum-Member Secretary (Panchayats), Horki Diyun, appreciated the decision of selecting Gori-III Gram Panchayat under CD Block Basar for preparation of model Convergent Gram Panchayat Development as per notified MVMDP guidelines with active participation of self help groups groomed under Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM).

Briefing on the objective of the programme, Course Director, L K Kabak appealed to the PRIs to revisit the approved annual and five year perspective plan by following participatory planning process and update in plan plus for smooth flow of fund under the 14th Finance Commission and from other line departments.

Basar ZPM, Master Trainer of SIRD, Tamar Baki and ArSRLM BMM, Mongam Basar were also present on the occasion.

HPDCAPL checks progress of NRHM projects

ITANAGAR, Jun 20: Two days inspection programme was held by Hydro Power Development Corporation of Arunachal Pradesh Ltd (HPDCAPL) Chairman, Tungri Effa to check on the construction of NRHM projects at Ruksin, Bilat, Koyu and Boleng as the HPDCAPL has been recently earmarked as executing agency of the NRHM construction works.

The DRCHOs of East Siang and Siang districts, Dr T Gao and Dr T Mize discussed the progress of NRHM work at Ruksin, Bilat, Koyu and Boleng, while MOs of CHC Ruksin, PHC Bilat and PHC Koyu informed of the various accommodation issues faced by the staff.

The Chairman also instructed the DRCHOs and MOs of both districts to personally supervise the NRHM projects and execute the construction work with high quality resources as per norms. He further directed them to complete the work within the targeted period to fulfill the public aspiration.

Later, Effa also advised the DRCHOs and MOs to submit the proposal of solar light project at various CHCs and PHCs of the districts which face electricity problems.

Chairman Effa was accompanied by HPDCAPL General Manager, Atek Miyu.

Union appeals for justice against alleged murder

ITANAGAR, Jun 20: In a representation to the state Chief Secretary, the All East Siang District Students' Union (AESDSU) called on her office to take necessary action at the earliest against the alleged murderers of Ojing Taying, finance secretary of the AESDSU, failing which, it warned of resorting to democratic means of action.

On the night of June 10 last, two unidentified persons reportedly attacked Ojing without any provocation with a wooden stick, following which, Taying succumbed to his injuries, said the AESDSU.

Subsequently, an FIR has been lodged at Itanagar Police Station vide Case No. 146 U/S 341/326/34 IPC.

However, the AESDSU said that even after several days since the incident, there is no clue of the culprits involved in the incident. It also claimed that the police have been unable to trace out the culprits even after details of the vehicle used by the alleged attackers, including model, colour and even registration number of the vehicle have been provided.

Saying that the culprits must be awarded stringent punishment as per appropriate section of law,

the AESDSU said that the students' community in particular and people of East Siang as a whole appealed to the Chief Secretary's office to do the needful at the earliest on highest priority.

Further, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) has condemned the brutal incident and has appealed to the concerned authority to enquire into the matter immediately so that the culprits are taken to task and booked as per relevant provisions of law.

The AAPSU also extended its condolences on the untimely death of Ojing Taying.

In his condolence message, AAPSU President, Hawa Bagang observed that late Taying was a dedicated student leader and his early demise has caused a vacuum in the students' arena.

Conclave to find solution to myriad problems of NE

ITANAGAR, Jun 20: The first Conclave of "Arunodoy: Connecting NE" scheduled to be held in Delhi on August 26 and 27 will discuss and seek to find solutions to myriad of problems that are plaguing the North East.

The conclave will bring together academicians, journalists, and students into one platform, where stakeholders would participate and seek to find out solutions to the issues concerning the region.

The two-day event would encompass plenary meets, debates on issues concerning the North East, academicians meet, cultural programme and meeting of journalists, among others.

In a unique step, this conclave would seek to bring together achievers from different walks of life from the Northeast who have made the region and the country proud.

As a run up to the event, essay competitions are being announced in various categories where students across the country will be encouraged to participate.

The first topic is "Act East Policy and job creation in the Northeast" for students from graduate and postgraduate levels. The second topic is "Five ideas which would lead to a prosperous developed Northeast by 2030", which will be open in three categories, Category A - Class IX-X, Category B- Class XI-XII and Category C - Graduation and above. The third topic is "Man and forest peaceful coexistence, engine of growth or adversaries in the context of the Northeast" which will be open to all.

Along with the essay contests, a photography contest is being held to mark the event. The theme of the photography contest is "Life in the Northeast", which is open to all. The photographs can be emailed to ne.conclave17@ gmail.com by August 10 next. The winning photographs will be displayed during the plenary session.

A debate competition will also be held on August 27. The topic of the debate will be "In the opinion of the House, a separate time zone is not only necessary but an important condition for economic development of the Northeast".

The debate competition will be open for students pursuing graduation and post graduation.

The conclave will also strive to felicitate those from the North East who have brought laurels to the region and the nation.

Govt hands out ex gratia to Ngemu's family

CHANGLANG, Jun 20: Changlang Deputy Commissioner (in-charge) Nampang Wangjen on Tuesday handed over the Chief Minister's ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to Yamlop Ngemu, wife of late Thingtu Ngemu, who was "mistakenly" shot dead by the army during a counter-insurgency operation at Kongsa village of Namtok circle in Changlang on June 14.

The Chief Minister had announced the ex-gratia from his Relief Fund immediately after the news of Ngemu's death reached his office. (DIPRO)

PPA extends support to NDA's Presidential candidate

ITANAGAR, Jun 20: People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) Legislature Party leader Takam Pario assured support of its nine MLAs to the candidature of Ram Nath Kovind as NDA presidential candidate during a meeting with BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav at New Delhi on Tuesday.

Apprising him about the political situation in Arunachal, Pario informed that state's lone regional party's relation with the ruling BJP has been conducive, which would be beneficial for the parties, the state and its people.

CCPDA writes to IOC

ITANAGAR, Jun 19: In an emergency meeting of the Capital Complex Petroleum Depot Association (CCPDA), the non-supply of regular petrol to Retail Outlets (RO) of Itanagar and only selling of Xtra Premium petrol by the Indian Oil Corporation was discussed.

The members present condemned the decision of the IOC and decided to place their grievances to the company. The house unanimously opined that regular petrol, which is Rs 3 cheaper than Xtra Premium should be allowed to be sold in all the ROs of Itanagar for the greater interest of consumers.

"The decision of the IOC to allow only sale of Xtra Premium petrol would deprive the basic rights of Itanagar consumers to choose. In addition, they would be deprived of a cheaper option in regular petrol. Both Xtra Premium and regular petrol should be allowed to be sold at all the 13 ROs of Itanagar-Capital Complex," stated CCPDA in its representation to the IOC.

Further, they added, "If any RO has a single underground for MS (Motor Spirit / Petrol) then they should be allowed to sell regular petrol only instead of Xtra Premium petrol. However, in case an RO has more than single underground tank for MS (Motor Spirit / Petrol) then both regular and Xtra Premium petrol should be allowed for sale without restrictions."

NCC combined annual training camp concludes

ITANAGAR, Jun 20: The 10 days combined NCC annual training camp, which was underway here at Rajiv Gandhi Government Polytechnic College campus, concluded with several cultural shows and prize distribution.

Prizes were given away to over 40 cadets. Winners in various competitions included Commerce College Nagoan for Firing, quiz competition winner was JNC Pasighat, GHSS Itanagar won for Pilot Drill, GHSS Doimukh for Guard of Honour and Drill.

Some individual winners included 'best turnout boy' Nebia Kapa of GHSS Doimukh, while Reshma Longjam of GHSS Itanagar was declared 'best turnout girl'. Award for 'Guitar and Flute Playing' went to Teli Tayo Camdir and Prabal; Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Boys) was won by GHSS Naharlagun and GHSS Itanagar won in the girls' category-GHSS Itanagar.

A total of 500 NCC cadets from AP Battalion, NCC, Naharlagun, 5 Assam Battalion, Tezpur, 8 Assam Battalion, Nagoan, 72 Assam Girls Company, North Lakhimpur, 73 Assam girls company, Tezpur and officials of different schools and colleges, besides trainees from NCC and army participated in the camp.

Puroik Youth Association laud Governor's initiative

ITANAGAR, Jun 20: Members of the All Puroik Youth Association (APYA) and APSU, who recently undertook an educational and national integration tour to Mumbai from June 4 to 19 last, have appreciated the initiative of Arunachal Pradesh Governor, P B Acharya and the state government for conducting the tour for members of the Puroik community.

Earlier, a total of 18 members of the Puroik community including youths and students had toured Mumbai city as part of the Governor's initiative to instil a sense of National integration amongst the youths. During the tour the members also interacted with Chairman of INFC, Dr. H S Palep, General Secretary of INFC Dilip Paranjpe and Minister of Water Resource & Medical Education, Girish Mahajan.

Galo Ane Safai Abhiyan takes up cleanliness drive

AALO, Jun 20: Volunteers of the Galo Ane Safai Abhiyan cleaned up the office premises of State Bank of India and the post office on Saturday last as part of its cleanliness drive, themed 'Diko Bogdo Derek Dobe', which was launched by the district administration in January.

As part of the drive, volunteers of the Galo Ane Safai Abhiyan, led by President, Jumken Doje Ete, Secretary, Higam Loyi Ango and Assistant General Secretary, Hogngam Ango Ete, have been taking up similar drives on regular basis in market areas, various sectors, colonies, government institutions and public sector undertakings, to generate awareness regarding cleanliness.

The women group is also imposing penalty on all defiant sectors, colonies and institutions and market areas where cleanliness norms are being violated despite mobilization from time to time. (DIPRO)

SLSC, HSC enter semifinals

ZIRO, Jun 20: Defending champions, Sojang Lapang Sports Club (SLSC) and runners-up Hari Sports Club (HSC) entered into the semifinals of the Golden Jubilee Central Dree Football Tournament on Tuesday.

SLSC defeated Hello Football Club Itanagar 2-1 in the first quarterfinal and HSC beat Miichi United Football Club (MUFC) 3-0 in the second quarterfinal to book their berth in the semifinals.

Rubu Tachang opened SLSC's account in 11th minute before Tage Tali made it 2-0 within two minutes.

HFCI reduced the score to 1-2 through Tapi Hakhe in 79th minute.

Rubu Tachang of SLSC was adjudged the Best Player of the match.

Hari Sports Club (HSC) took an early lead through an MUFC own goal in the second minute.

The match was evenly poised until in 78th minute, when Hage Tamo of HSC netted the second goal (2-0).

Landi Millo scored the third goal two minutes before the final whistle.

Millo was declared Best Player of the match.

Dance workshop on drug awareness

ROING, Jun 20: The Arunachal Women & Child Welfare Society, under the banner of its Rhythm Dance Academy, Roing organized a grand dance workshop and concert at Roing on June 18 to generate awareness on drug abuse and alcohol addiction.

First runner up of Dance India Dance Little Master Season-2, Om Chetry also enthralled the crowd.

Extending support to the programme, guests on the occasion, Roing SP S K Sain, ZPC Sipi Elapra Linggi, ZPM Starson Saring and ABK women wing President Tinam Tayang appreciated the idea and told the youth to make best of their talents at national and global levels.

Dellywood Mr India

ITANAGAR, Jun 20: Raja Bos Bosumotary will represent Arunachal Pradesh in the Dellywood Mr India, 2017 contest scheduled to be held from June 26 to 30 in Mumbai.

He is the lone contestant from the state in the event, the audition for which was held during April this year in Guwahati.

Dellywood is one of the best modeling agencies in the country that promotes and showcases aspiring models and fashion in the country.

Earlier, Bosumotary represented Arunachal in the Fair & Lovely Mega Mr North East contest at Guwahati in 2016 and reached the semifinal.

'Allegations baseless'

ITANAGAR, Jun 20: Terming the allegations of illegally availing benefits under MGNREGA made against him by the All Mengio Youth Association (AMYA) as baseless, Anchal Chairperson of VIII Mengio CD Block, Nabam Sera has in a release on Tuesday, clarified that as per the GoI guidelines PRI leaders can also avail benefits under the said scheme.

The Anchal Chairperson further rejected AMYA's statement that a PRI leader cannot avail benefits of the GoI's schemes like MGNREGA saying that there are no guidelines which prohibit PRI leaders from availing GoI sponsored schemes.

Meeting held to adopt sanitation byelaw-2016

ROING, Jun 20: In a meeting of the DUDA governing body held under the chairmanship of DC-cum-Chairman, Deepak Shinde on June 8 last, it was unanimously resolved to adopt DUDA, Roing Sanitation Byelaw-2016 in toto, which shall be operational from July 1 next.

As per the byelaw, which shall be applicable to every public place within the jurisdiction of District Urban Development Agency Lower Dibang Valley, sanitation user charges shall be collected from every household, stakeholder, shop owners and land owners that are generating municipal solid waste within the urban area of the township.

Regional Ayurvedic Research

Institute to organize free health camps

ITANAGAR, Jun 20: As part of its 'Swasthya Rakshan' programme, Regional Ayurvedic Research Institute Itanagar, under the Ministry of AYUSH, GoI has recently adopted 10 villages and colonies in Papum Pare district.

These include Pachin, Chiputa, Ganga, Poma, Jollang, Chimpu, Doimukh, Lanka, Hollongi and Nirjuli this year for distributing medicines and conducting health camps and counseling for free.

The free medical camps will be held on June 21 and 24 next at Government Higher Secondary School, Ganga Village and Government ME School, Pachin Village respectively.

Let us participate in the Yoga Day celebration: Governor

ITANAGAR, Jun 20: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, P B Acharya has appealed to the people of the state to participate in the International Yoga Day celebrations.

He expressed his hope that the great movement initiated by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi will continue to promote healthy mind and body.

In his message, the Governor said that yoga is one of the most invaluable gifts of the ancient Indian traditions. It originated in India nearly 15000 years ago, which was universally accepted as one of the most ideal practices of mankind. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body and promotes harmony amongst the people and nature. It encourages more holistic approach towards good health and happiness, the Governor said.

Yoga provides physical and mental well being of the people. For sound health and mind, we need to incorporate Yoga as part of our daily life, he further added.

DC urges farmers to take up fish farming

TEZU, Jun 20: Lohit Deputy Commissioner, Danish Ashraf has urged farmers to take up fish farming using the latest technology as it could help them maximize their income.

Speaking during the inaugural function of a two-day stakeholder meet-cum-Fishery Development Program organized by the Department of Fisheries, Lohit, which began on June 19 at Amik Ringya hall, the DC further suggested the famers to form a farmers' association for better growth of the fisheries sector, as well as development of the fish farmers by availing different schemes provided by the GoI and state government.

Earlier, Tezu Fishery Officer, Tapan Datta advised the trainees to implement the knowledge they have gained from the training and utilize it in the field, while Chowkham KVK, (SMS), Programme Coordinator, Dr Debases Sasmal informed the participants about various fish diseases and their remedies.

DDA, DHO, DVO and SMS (KVK) also shared their experiences and knowledge with the farmers for increasing income from fish farming with other allied culture system.

About 20 fish farmers from different circles of the district took part in the programme.

Shifting of Heritage Village site to Hoj opposed

ITANAGAR, Jun 20: The All Yachuli Students' Union (AYSU) appealed to the state government to reconsider its recent notification of transferring the proposed Nyishi Heritage Village (NHV) site from Yazali to Hoj.

As per the Committee on Nyishi Heritage Site Selection/Verification report, all the three places in Yazali, where site inspections were conducted, scored more feasibility points (23, 35, 35) than that of Hoj (17).

The parameters considered were area, nearest census town, distance from nearest electricity, water supply facility/source, national or state highway, hospital, police station and bus station.

"In spite of the committee recommendation in favour of Yazali, the site for the proposed NHV has been shifted to Hoj without any valid reason, which has hurt the sentiments of the public of Yachuli Constituency in particular and whole Nyishi family of Lower Subansiri in general," stated the AYSU in its representation to the Deputy Chief Minister.

The AYSU stated that Yazali is the most suitable place for the NHV as the place is situated in the heart of the Nyishi society.

Further, the land for the NHV is being donated free of cost at Yazali whereas the land at Hoj for the site is being availed at the cost of huge compensation, said the representation.

The students' union stated that the heritage village was initially proposed to be established at Yazali, and accordingly, fund was sanctioned as well.

Alleging that site has been shifted from Yazali to Hoj at the behest of the NES President arbitrarily and without any valid reason, the AYSU threatened to launch democratic movement, if the government does not revoke the order in favour of Yazali.

Meeting regarding special drive held

AALO, Jun 20: A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner in-charge, Liyi Bagra with regard to conduct of special drives to increase enrolment percentage of eligible young electors (18-21) age group under the theme 'No Voters to be Left Behind' as per direction of the ECI at the DC's conference hall on Monday last.

Separate meetings with political parties and administrative officers were held to take stock of drives carried out so far; appointment of booth level agents by political parties for all polling stations to assist the BLOs, and other issues.

Outlining the importance of such drives, Bagra appealed to all political parties to participate in such preparatory stages to avoid any confusion in the future.

Circle Officer (Election), Lijum Ete gave a detailed power-point presentation on ongoing election process and sought cooperation from all. (DIPRO)

Solar lamps distributed by AR light up 1300 households

KHONSA, Jun 20: The Assam Rifles under DAO division lit-up 1300 households, located along the Indo-Myanmar border through distribution of solar lamps.

The Khonsa Battalion of Assam Rifles distributed 1300 solar lights worth Rs 5.2 lakhs free of cost, benefiting around 5000 border villagers of both Tirap and Longding, according to an army release.

Guided by its motto of "Friends of Northeast People," the Assam Rifles, under the aegis DAO Division and DGAR in conjunction with Eco Solution, a Mumbai-based NGO took up the project to light up the homes of all the far flung villages of North East through distribution of solar lamps.

The project covered various villages, including Raho, Lyangchen, Chongkhao, Chop, Horu Chinhan, Chinhan, Khasa, Jagan, Konnu and Wakka villages.

AKDDSU mourns student's death

ITANAGAR, Jun 20: The All Kra Daadi District Students Union (AKDDSU) has expressed profound grief and sorrow over the tragic death of a student in a massive landslide in Chimpu on Monday.

Biki Anju, a class 10 student of Government Secondary School, Chimpu, died on-the-spot, when a massive landslide hit the OBT house she was sleeping in at around 4.30 AM on Monday.

Saddened by the unfortunate incident, a team of AKDDSU visited the family members and relatives of the victim at Chimpu on Tuesday.

"May her departed soul rest in peace," the students union prayed.

GLA cadre apprehended

JAIRAMPUR, Jun 20: A self-style Lieutenant of Gorkha Liberation Army (GLA) was apprehended during a joint operation carried out by the Jairampur Battalion of Assam Rifles and the Assam Police near 6 mile, Tirap Gate on June 19.

The GLA ultra, identified as Babu Konwar alias Babu Gogoi, was allegedly trying to terrorize and carry out extortion in 6 Mile area near Tirap Gate.

This is the second apprehension of a senior GLA cadre from this area within a week.

Security forces on June 15 had apprehended another Self-Style Lieutenant Rajesh Lama alias Ganesh Rai of the outfit from the same area.

---- Editorial ----

Better be prepared for monsoon

As the monsoon fury gets unleashed it is starting to create havoc in the state. One school going student was killed in a landslide at Chimpu on Monday. Heavy landslide also caused massive disruption of road communication in West Kameng district. Every year during monsoon season landslide leads to large scale destruction. Road communication are snapped, power and water supply gets destroyed. Capital complex has been facing water crisis because of damages caused to water pipelines by heavy rainfall. Deaths are also reported during this part of the year. But strangely government does not seem to learn any lesson out of it.

Most of the disasters that strike state during monsoon are manmade. Landslides in human inhabited areas usually take place due to erratic earth cutting done by the people. In capital region rampant earth cutting along the highway and sector road are the main cause of landslide. District administration miserably fails to take any action against those individuals who cause destruction because of illegal earth cutting. They issue notice after notice but hardly initiate any action against the rule breakers. In order to minimize incidents during monsoon, the district administrations will have to be on their toes. Before the onset of monsoon proper survey should be carried out to identify the landslide and flood prone areas. Also wide publicity should be done to educate public regarding safety measures that need to be adopted during monsoon.

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---- Readers Forum ----

Yoga and healthy life

Dear Editor,

With the UN declaring 21st June as International Yoga Day, Yoga seems to have gone beyond the newspaper headlines, penetrating into the lives of millions of people across the globe despite their age, caste, creed and religion. The ancient wellness science propagated by our country seems to have been gaining popularity everywhere as the number of yoga practitioners swells in multitudes. A philosophy propounded by MaharshiPatanjali in the days of yore has become a wellness mantra for young and old alike. Nothing seems to have had gained as much popularity as that of yoga in the whole world in these days. Survival of any philosophy depends on its applicability. Though Yoga is sometimes identified as Asanas or mere physical exercises in our limited understanding, a thorough study of the Yoga philosophy takes us to the realm of a greater knowledge of social reformation through the disciplining of the self. Yoga, which literally means to unite, categorically teaches us to bind or attach the individual soul with the supreme universal soul. When a world which we perceive through our five sense organs remains outside, there is a world which is inside and the one we are unable to perceive by opening our sense organs. The yoga philosophy catches this aspect of perceiving the internal and external worlds that affect our behavioral tendencies all the way and also guides us to connect or unite the individual self with the universal self.

Caught up in a sea of turbulence, people in all parts of the world seem to be looking for a mechanism that can help them come out of the stressful situations of the day to day life. The Indian Yogic tradition, as they see it, attributes perception to the mind, conceptualization to the intellect and illumination to the self and the body taking the role of a tool to materialize this body mind intellect alignment.

With human being as the basic component of the making of every society, the practice of Yoga makes him realize his importance in the universal cosmic creation. MaharshiPatanjali espouses the need of giving complete attention to the body, mind and the soul for the realization of the supreme reality. As per the yoga tradition, when a person’s mind, intellect and spirit is under control and free from restlessness he is in communion with God. According to MaharshiPatanjali, one who follows the eight limbs of Yoga or AshtangaYoga as it is popularly known will definitely be able to experience the ultimate spiritual stage of supreme-consciousness. In other words, Yoga is the process of training the mind from its unwanted wavering and focusing it towards one particular aspect of experiencing the transcendental tranquility within. Eight limbs or steps of Yoga open eight doors in front of us through which a sincere practitioner can reach the goal of supreme realization. They consist of Yama- the universal moral principles, Niyama-self purification by discipline, Asana-postures of the body, Pranayama-proper breathing, Pratyahara- withdrawal of mind from the domination of sense organs, Dharana- concentration, Dhyana- Meditation and Samadhi- the state of super-consciousness.

The whole theme could further be defined in a manner in which it actually acts. That Yoga is the process of fulfilling the social responsibilities of a person by following certain universal moral principles through self purification and discipline. In this process his body acts as a tool to perform his actions and he keeps it healthy through asanas or good physical postures and controls his mind by withdrawing his senses from unwanted external activities and proper breathing techniques which lead him to have tremendous concentration and the same leads him to supreme realization. Thus proper practice of Yoga helps a practitioner to move beyond the petty concepts of life and help understand it from a greater level of consciousness. Starting from the womb, the life journey of a person is a journey back to his creator. The Yoga philosophy describes it as a coordinated effort of the body, mind, intellect and soul of a person, which enables the journey a comfortable one.

When the world advances with science and modern technology, man seems to be falling back with his baggage of stress and distress and unable to cater his responsibilities well enough to live a peaceful life. Since Yoga being an efficient system of controlling the body and mind of a person, the practitioner himself is undergoing a self purifying process through which he remains calm and composed and healthy throughout the day. Though the yogic way of life has its origin in India, its existence seems to have gone beyond the boundaries of all religious theories, making it more universal, a principle and practice that everybody despite their religious affiliations can follow. Thus Yoga brings us a new hope in a world tattered of troubles and terrible consternations.

Yours,

M.R.Lalu

VKV Sher

Water scarcity in Itanagar

Dear Editor,

Via this reputed daily, We would like to draw the attention of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and Water Supply, Poma/Itanagar with regard to continues failure to supply sufficient water to the public of Capital Complex.

It has been noticed since few weeks, the department concerned has failed even to provide minimal water requirement to the public.

Itanagarhas always been facing scarcity of water whenever it rains. There is no solution in the hands of engineers except blaming that the tank has been hit by water, landslide took place etc. Blaming the season for the failure is not an engineering thing but responding to the challenges is what engineering is about.

Blaming is a child’s play. Since the authority know the topography of sites and are well acquainted with rainy season that comes every year and amounts of affect it would result, did they erect a strong permanent structure and were the BBS, IS Code, design criteria followed during construction taking into consideration the extreme outcome of heavy rain? Or like always, did they rely on Masons for construction? The public would like the department to seek solution at the earliest for the betterment of public and for the reputation of your work.

Yours,

Public

Let eligibility be criteria

Dear Editor,

Irrespective of his/her demographic credential; caste, language or religion; an efficient, eligible person possessing merit should necessarily be provided a smooth passage to attain any responsible post, be it that of President/Prime Minister/Chief Minister and Chief Justice.

But one should not be delivered any post on a platter just because he/she is affiliated to any particular caste/religion/race.

Let eligibility, not playing to the gallery, be the sole consideration while selecting any person for any particular Chair.

Yours,

KajalChatterjee,

Kolkata

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---Editor