The Arunachal Times - Archives

Arunachal set to get more Bank branches including Foreign Exchange facility: Setong Sena

ITANAGAR, June 14: More branches of banks would be opened in the state including a Foreign Exchange facility. RBI had earlier shortlisted 34 locations in the state where bank branches need to be opened in a phased manner.

While there would be a Foreign Exchange facility at Itanagar and Currency chest at Anini and Koloriang. Under Unbanked blocks come Mariyang, Gonai, Riga, Pongchou, Wakka, Pakke Kessang, Taliha, Chyangtajo, Rumgong and Khimiyang while Yupia and Menchuka come in at Under banked categories. This was informed by Finance Minister Setong Sena.

Other locations will be taken up in successive phase.

The state government has to shoulder the responsibility of providing suitable premises, road, water, and power, along with proper security. Based on the commitment of state government to provide the facilities, the locations to be taken up in the first phase were notified.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Setong Sena attended an interactive meeting chaired by union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today at Patna with Chief Ministers of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and NE states.

Sena highlighted to Union Finance Minister about the need to improve BSNL mobile and internet connectivity and quality to catalize the financial inclusion, Sena has directed concerned DCs of the districts to immediately identify suitable locations and other requisite facilities on top priority basis. We also requested the banks to pre actively increase credit to people of the state to improve credit deposit ratio of the state, he said.

Eight food sorties reach Dibang valley, DC Ringu questions the timing of the bandh call

BRO assures early restoration of road

ROING, June 14: Beating inclement weather conditions, two IAF Helicopter put in service by the govt today managed to air drop food items to crisis hit Dibang Valley. Of the nine additional sorties, eight sorties with Essential Ration Commodities (ERCs) managed to lift food to Anini, Anilih, Etalin Circle Headquarters and to Malinih from the Lower Dibang Valley district headquarter Roing.

However, food could not be dropped at Mipi Circle headquarter due to inclement weather condition.

Altogether 17 sorties with ERCs managed to reach crisis hit Dibang Valley district including 6 sorties by MI-17 IAF and 3 sorties by Jagson Helicopter since the break down of surface communication on March 31 last due to massive landslide and flood.

The district administration of Lower Dibang Valley District is overseeing the arrangements and has deployed Circle Officers Jally Umpo and Rakesh Tacho to monitor the lifting of the ERCs in the helipad. Besides this, temporary bamboo barricade with additional police personnel were also deployed in the helipad to minimize the rush of the people.

The BRTF sources further informed that every efforts are on to make the Roing-Anini road through as early as possible and 7 Bulldozers besides men had been put in to the service to make the road through by June 25 next up to Dree river, 9 km from Anini where the bailey bridge collapsed, if weather permits. In the meantime, YW Ringu, the Deputy Commissioner of Lower Dibang Valley District has expressed grief and disappointment on the “bandh” called by the AIMSU on June 15 in the district.

In an emergency meeting called on Sunday she said, “It is high time for crisis management and bandh call at this juncture of crisis will only lead to wastage of time and energy”.

If a bandh is called in such situation, magistrates and police personnel will be deployed in maintaining the law and order instead of monitoring and managing the lifting of ERCs meant for the people of crisis hit Dibang Valley District.

On other hand, students have decided to go ahead with their bandh call in the two districts of Lower Dibang Valley and Dibang Valley

The Union in a 12 hours bandh has been called to draw attention worldwide to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Dibang Valley, it said in a letter to the DC. The union taking in lights the inclement weather that is hampering the relief services calls for central assistance in the form of military intervention.

The students informed that govt offices, private business houses, educational institutions, shops and private vehicles shall remain closed during the bandh while other essential services would not be affected.

However the Union had word of appreciation for the DC and other officials who are engaged in assisting Dibang Valley in hour of crisis.

Parliamentary Secretary (Agriculture) Rajesh Tacho met Lt Gen Badhani, Director General Border Roads and submitted a memorandum for early restoration of communication to Anini.

The Director General Boarder Road Organisation has assured that all tasks are being taken up for early restoration of roads and bridges. In the meeting, they also discussed about the construction and alignment of the new road from the other bank of the River Dree which is as per the PM’s package.

APPSC clarifies, says transparency practiced

ITANAGAR, June 14: Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission has said that it is committed to function as per the Rules and guidelines laid for it. It will make improvements where ever necessary for the smooth conduct and completion of all recruitment examinations. It further said that transparency is practiced by the Commission as it is allowing any information seeker under RTI Act to inspect and obtain records of file notings, mark award sheets, select list and even evaluated answer scripts of any candidate in order to maintain absolute transparency.

Reacting to an article under Ring Side View column written by Tongam Rina, published in this daily on Wednesday last in which the writer had questioned the working of the Commission and subsequent court verdicts, the secretary said that the Commission cannot be dictated by anybody and since the introduction of APPSCCE in 2003, it has been able to select talented youths who are serving at various responsible positions.

However, the reaction came after the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists and Itanagar Press Club took a very strong exception to APPSC’s act of issuing a letter to an accredited journalist, instead of issuing a clarification for publication. And subsequent attempt to get it published as an advertisement with an intention to malign the profession in general.

Disclosing its future plans, Commission informed that APPSCCE will be held annually with the cooperation of departments, aspirants and government. It further said that APPSC has decided to make all possible efforts to complete the examination process within twelve months.

It further informed that APPSC is submitting a proposal to state government for construction of a 1000 candidates capacity examination hall. For want of accommodation fixing of the schedule of examination is hampered a lot and that Commission has to wait for vacations of educational institutions.

It further said that APPSC has decided to declare and publish the result of recruitment done through Viva-voce on the same day of the completion of the Viva-voce.

On procedure of scrutiny of application, it said that screening committee headed by a member of APPSC oversees the process and that Commission has no procedure which provides a second opportunity.

On rejection of 27 applicants for the admission to the APPSCCE Main 2010, it cited various reasons including non mention of optional subject and unauthenticated APST certificates. On rejection of 1733 candidates in prelims, it said that it was a different case from the cases of the 27 candidates rejected in Mains because in the case of former it was matter of filling up of forms whereas it was a matter of submission of supporting documents in case of the latter.

The Commission further said that there was no extension of dates for the APPSCCE Mains but with a good intention, in the result notification it was indicated that Mains was likely to be held from May 31. It said that examination was not fixed on May 31!

The Commission further said that recent Court ruling had not reprimanded it, rather is the Court has said that fair opportunities will be given to both parties.

It further said that it would be completely wrong to say that since its inception, there has been “blunder as the Commission cannot afford to do anything deliberately to ruin the career of any aspirant”.

Rebia calls for quality work

ITANAGAR, June 14: Reminding of their great responsibilities in implementing any developmental schemes properly, Parliamentary Secretary and Doimukh MLA Nabam Rebia asked Panchayat leaders to maintain quality while implementing such schemes in their respective segments.

Rebia, who attended a mass tree plantation and social service programme at Kimin GHSS premises recently, highly praised Kimin EAC S Lowang and her teams for creating awareness on the need to plant more trees in the light of global warming for cleaner and greener tomorrow. He suggested the EAC to give emphasis on health and education sector also.

Speaking on the occasion, former MLA Ngurang Pinch reiterated the popular saying "Each One Plant One" to add greenery to surroundings. Dr. Takio Taram advised every one to take care of the planted saplings like their own child.

The tree-plantation programme was organized under Hariyali Scheme by Kimin EAC.

Earlier, Kimin ZPM Bamang Yayu submitted a two-point memorandum to Rebia which demanded construction of Circuit House and rehabilitation ‘evicted people’.

Senior medical officer Dr. Tana Takum’s three point-memorandum to Rebia demanded for better facilities at Kimin CHC.

Kakoi CO Tassa Gambo, while highlighting various problems faced by public, submitted a memorandum to Rebia for establishment of Police outpost, infrastructure for CO office and staff quarters, development of road communications and providing bus service etc.

Former Kimin ZPM Bamang Mangha also spoke on the occasion and urged Rebia to consider the two-point memorandum for greater interest of entire Kimin area.

BJP is blooming in East Siang

ITANAGAR, June 14: Bharatiya Janata Party Arunachal Pradesh unit is slowly but steadily blooming in East Siang district. The party is now jubilant with its performance in the recently held Panchayat bye-election under the leadership of BJP president and MLA Tangor Tapok in state and new national president Nitin Gadkar.

According to informed sources, Kanong Moyong of BJP was elected as ASM by defeating INC candidate by margin of 15 votes from Lingka Anchal Segment under Ruksin Anchal Samiti Block in the recently held Panchayat bye-election.

Otel Gete of BJP was elected unopposed as GPM from Sille – A Gram segment, while Opang Jerang of BJP was elected unopposed as GPM from Sille – C Gram segment under Sille Anchal Block in panchayat bye-election.

It may be mentioned here that just before the Panchayat bye-election, BJP got its Anchal Samiti Member (ASM) from Ngorlung Ozing Aje as the chairperson of the Ruksin Anchal Block, which was a morale booster for the party. The Ruksin Anchal Samiti has 10 ASMs out of which BJP has 06, IND has 02 and INC 02 respectively. Though ZPM here is from INC, most of the GPMs and GP Chairperson belong to BJP, sources added.

AAPSU lambast NESO, NHRC on Manipur issue, terms blockade human right violation

ITANAGAR, June 14: The National Human Rights Commission and North East Students Organisation has come under severe criticism from All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) for not taking a stand to end the crisis in Manipur following economic blockade by Naga Students Federation along NH-39.

Expressing sympathy with people of Manipur, AAPSU called on Naga Students Federation to immediately withdraw their economic blockade. In a joint press conference held today at Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok, AAPSU and All Manipur Students Union (AMSU) has termed the economic blockade as grave act of human right violation.

While welcoming centre’s decision to use Para-military force to clear NH-39, both the student bodies stated that Centre should have intervened long time ago to end this blockade.

AAPSU president Takam Tatung said that Centre should get involve in this matter as NSCN (IM) leader T.Muivah’s decision to visit his native village in Ukhrul district of Manipur has lead to present crisis. He said ordinary people are suffering because of this economic blockade and for this government of Manipur and Nagaland should come forward to find a solution.

Lambasting the silence of North East Students Organization on the inter- state issue of the two North Eastern states Manipur and Nagaland, Tatung said, ‘If the NESO executive members didn’t raise the issue before June 20, the AAPSU would rally and organize the other student bodies of North Eastern states for a solution to the blockade’. Earlier, the Naga Students Federation had given commitment of lifting the blockade but it is yet to happen, added Tatung. NSF should understand that many students from entire North East are studying in the various central and regional educational institutions in Manipur and likewise Naga students are also studying elsewhere, so NSF should take the first step towards a solution, reminded Tatung.

Further, AAPSU calling the blockade as violation of human rights, criticized the National Human Rights Commission for their double standards. Citing the Chakma refugee issue of Arunachal, Tatung categorically said, when the rights of indigenous people are being violated, the human rights commission remains silent and instead highlight the voice of the Chakmas’. Likewise, when the Manipuri brethrens are being denied their essential rights, the human rights commission has remained silent, added Tatung.

The All Manipur Students Union president, Iringbam James Bond Mangang after thanking the AAPSU for its solidarity for the people of Manipur appealed to the Centre and NSF to take steps keeping in mind the ground realities. Condemning the recent killing of students at Mao gate and calling for immediate enquiry to it, Mangang said, the Centre should repeal AFSPA from Manipur and other states of North East. The price hike of essential commodities in Manipur is alarming and the common people are at the receiving end of the blockade, informed the AMSU president.

AAPSU general secretary, Tujum Poyom appealed NESO to convene immediate meeting on the vexed issue as NESO is a platform for inter-state problems. If need arises we would withdraw our membership from NESO if they do not act seriously on such vexed issue, added Poyom. The AAPSU has been against the idea of Greater Nagalim since its inception and we will never concede even an inch of land from our state, informed Poyom.

AMSU advisor, Rakesh calling for the lifting the blockade said, people of Manipur has been silent for past two months though even an oxygen cylinder is not available in the ICUs of the hospitals but we cannot be mute spectators for so long. Even terrorist groups do not resort to such tactics and NSF being educated body should know that poor people are the worst sufferer of this blockade, added Rakesh.

It is quite visible that this prolong economic blockade has tested the patience of people of Manipur and there is growing feeling that ‘enough is enough’. In this moment of crisis, they are pinning hope on other North-Eastern states to support them and in AAPSU they have found their first pillar of support.

Wake up to the needs of Dibang Valley

Dear Editor,

Honestly observing, nobody is really bothered about the agony and pains suffered by the people of Dibang Valley district.

It is obvious that there is no surplus production of paddy in high altitude areas. We cannot entirely blame the poor farmers. At least they have been practicing same traditional cultivation since immemorial times but how far can one manage to feed those bureaucrats and technocrats as well as Urban and Town dwellers, who do not cultivate.

We need immediate relief and rehabilitation and dropping of ration sortie is immediately required in such a grim situation.

Secondly, it is obvious that we cannot challenge the natural calamity but it is saddening that no strong steps have been taken till now to restore road communication. A burning example is the lone bridge over Dibang River, which is one of the life lines of the people of the district.

The common people had approached the concerned authorities of BRO and BRTF, but there was no positive response from them.

They told us that they do not have an official order to resume the works of the damaged bridge and that there was no required material available at the exit point. This is the situation of the Dibang Valley district.

Thirdly, as we all know that Anini is one of the oldest districts of the state but there is just a single Govt. Hr. Secondary School with inadequate teachers. The schools in rest of the state opened on June 1 for the academic session but schools of Dibang Valley is yet to be open because there is no DDSE, Principal. Only SSA teachers are available and they are not authorized to do administrative works. So in such a situation who will take the reasonability?

We all are equally responsible and at least the authorities must take a responsibility and be accountable and introspect about the future of the students.

Fourthly, there is no sufficient medical staff; even a single pracetemol tablet is not available in the district hospital at Anini.

Under such circumstance, I would like to see that all government and non government organization come forward to help the people who are really in a miserable position. The Govt. must take immediate relief work on priority basis to provide essential items and other commodities. The inclement weather of course is disturbing the relief sorties but up till now, the Govt. has not taken sufficient steps towards the high expectations of the people of Dibang Valley district.

Yours,

Alinji Rondo

Anini

Clean up Daporijo

Dear Editor,

It would not be exaggerating if I say Daporijo is a garbage town. There is heaps of garbage everywhere with strong nauseating smell. Some citizen even resorts to throwing empty beer bottles on the road which is dangerous for pedestrians and vehicles as well.

Not only that, young people are resorting to taking drugs as well. Children as young as five year can be seen consuming dendrite and nail polish which is easily available in the market.

Therefore, I request the higher authorities to check such activities in the district headquarters and would also call upon the nongovernmental organizations to help the administration to solve these issues confronting Daporijo.

Yours,

Lilo Tamin,

Daporijo

India should learn some lesson from South Africa

Dear Editor,

When, I was 12years old, studying at DPVB Itanagar I was dragged to football as it was part of school activities and peer pressure.

Slowly during my teenage years, inspired by German striker Juergen Klinsman, I wanted to emulate his feat. But I couldn't achieve my aim as I managed to land as bench player for sub-juniors at Subroto cup in 1997 and 1998-99.

I have always loved Argentina and even cried when Diego Maradona made his world cup exits.

In our state, though youngsters may like football but they hardly get any support from families. They always argue that there isn't any scope for football in India. Even my cousins and brothers discouraged me as I am of short stature.

But in football history, its not the six footers who have created history. From Pele, Micheal Platini, Diego Maradona, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi to our own Baichung Bhutia.

World Cup 2010 has already started now. Argentina, Spain, Germany, England are the hottest favorites of the world. But for me Denmark, Ghana, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Mexico can pull up a shock.

I wish India instead of confining herself to cricket should learn some lesson from South Africa. In our country we only see film stars and Cricketers, nothing else!

Yours,

Anong Apang,

Nirjuli

India’s claim to infamy

Dear Editor,

Kudos to 'Arunachal Times' for the editorial "The fake principle"( 14 June).

The routine honour killings that take place in India are enough to make every Indian hang his or head in shame. While rabid supporters of 'India Shining' boast of Pokhran and the advances made in space and information technology, there exists a much larger India that sanctifies the murder of lovers or spouse who dare defy society's cast and religious injunctions.

It is horrifying that as many as 10% of all murders in the "progressive" regions of Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh are actually "honour killings"! However, many other regions are also not lagging far behind in this respect. The sponsors of “honour killings” need to be awarded severest of punishments so that people think twice before committing such a ghastly crime. If this barbaric practice continues unabated, India cannot claim to remain a civilized nation.

Yours,

Kajal Chatterjee,

Kolkata, (on-email)

The letter was written with a personal agenda

Dear Editor,

This is in regards to news item “Students write to governor for intervention to stop illegal extraction of mineral resources” carried in your esteemed Daily on Dated 3rd June in the name of ALL MISHMI STUDENTS UNION (AMSU).

We were shocked to see the news item carried in the name of AMSU as it was written by one Shavin Mam for his personal interest.

The union has not taken up the issue nor there is any kind of proposal to take up the issue. Moreover none of the competent leaders of the union has issued such kind of press release.

The union never intend to target any particular leader mentioned in the issue namely Chow Tewa mein, Patam Rangmang or Balijan Krisikro.

Therefore the said issue must be kindly treated as unofficial as it does not have the official sanction of the union.

Further, we feel that the union must not be used for targeting someone for personal gain.

The union would like to urge His Excellency, the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh to treat the letter which has no base.

Yours,

Ajan Pul

President, AMSU

Kuling Chaitom

General Secretary

AMSU, (on-email)

Success of PMGSY advocated for improved rural connectivity

ITANAGAR, June 14: Historically most parts of north eastern region, more particularly Arunachal Pradesh remained isolated for centuries from the development of infrastructure. N. E. Region with over 80%, rural in character remained under developed for variety of reasons. Connectivity, which is the backbone of any society and its health, has been one of the major concerns of policy makers at different levels in such a geo-political significant state.

Speaking in the inauguration of the first six days orientation programmes on PMGSY for assistant and junior engineers of RWD T. Bagra, IAS, Commissioner, RWD, RD & PR informed that Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana [PMGSY] is one of the major flagship programmes, which is aimed to improve connectivity in rural areas.

Bagra in his inaugural address as chief guest of the programme stated that engineers are pioneers to the connectivity initiatives. Therefore, there is a need to give due respect to guidelines/manuals and specifications set by national government and certified by the state government. The programme requires engineers with good character, dutiful, sincere and god fearing attitude and love to the people so that quality roads are constructed within the stipulated time frame. It requires skills for multi stakeholders consultations to achieve the objectives of achieving 100% connectivity.

Bagra also appealed to Bitchem Asphalt Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Guwahati a Technical support organisation on PMGSY to come up a mechanism of solving Arunachal specific problems in the field to achieve comprehensive partnership for the benefit of the state.

Earlier, K. C. Dhimole, CEO, Arunachal Rural Roads Development Agency (ARRDA), RWD, Itanagar informed that training is an ongoing process, which is necessitated by technical up gradations and new inputs. Transfer of new skills is therefore significant which can be strengthened by routine supervision mechanism. He appealed for all round efforts by engineers to keep goodwill, this programme has earned at national level amongst rural masses. He requested the Bitchem team to make their technical manpower at all pilot project sites throughout using cold mix technologies for road construction. Bitchem, Guwahati was asked specifically to visit the project areas and make on the spot assessment of roads and submit technical reports and it was urged to take-up Aruanchal specific case studies for purposive solutions to various problems on ways and means of finding solutions.

Rinchin Tasi, Deputy Commissioner in his brief address appealed the young engineers attending the programmes to become professionally competent in supervising implementation of the most credible PMGSY. He also requested the department to always represent and provide inputs in the meetings of District Level Vigilance Committees and share the programme status in the district.

The orientation programme is conducted as part of a series of eight programmes jointly by the State Institute of Rural Development Arunachal Pradesh and Rural Works Department, Government of India. The programmes are sponsored by Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.

Er. Kago Tabiyo, State Quality Controller, RWD, Rupa informed that RWD in past has also carried out around 39 training programmes and trained over 1400 personals on various technical aspects. Besides, the state is also sending its officers and engineers for different training programmes outside the state. This is for the first time that separate funds are provided for training for engineers.

Vijay Kumar Sharma, Deputy Director, SIRD is coordinating the training programmes on PMGSY on behalf of the institute.

Earlier, V. K. Sharma, Deputy Director and programme coordinator informed that under current efforts of training around eight programmes would be conducted to train around 295 Assistant Engineers and Junior Engineers of Rural Works Department. Two of the programmes will be of 6 days duration for fresh AEs and JEs and six programmes of three days each will be for old AEs and JEs.

Sharma hoped that these training programmes will add value to improving connectivity in the state leading ultimately to the development opportunities reaching at the doorsteps of the rural people living in the interiors of the state. He hoped that interactive sessions would be of immense help in solving various problems. The first refresher programme for three days duration will be conducted from 21-23 June, 2010.

Commissioner, RWD accompanied by CEO, ARRDA the Quality Control Lab, RWD, Rupa. He also inspected PMGSY road from BRTF Road to Thungri and BRTF Road to Lumbaktang.

World Blood Donation Day observed

Youths urged to play greater role in blood donation

NAHARLAGUN, June, 14: Along with the rest of the world, the Blood Donation Day was observed in various parts of the state including in Aalo, Daporijo, Tezu besides state Capital Itanagar today.

Arunachal Pradesh State Aids Control Society (APSACS) organised blood donation camp to mark the occasion.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion at directorate of health service (DHS) conference hall here today Daporijo MLA Tapen Siga called upon the youths to volunteer for blood donation to help save more lives.

Describing blood donation as a noble act he said no substitute for blood could be invented though the science has made tremendous progress. Many people in the remote and interior villages die due to shortage and timely non-availability of blood, he said, while adding that everyone who is eligible for donating blood must come forward to save lives.

Siga, also donated blood, appreciated the initiative of the APSACS and stressed on mass awareness on the need of donating blood.

Donation of blood is a great service to mankind, said Health director Dr T Basar. He also urged the people, particularly the young ones to donate blood and also motivate others to so.

Earlier, APSACS project director, Dr Emi Rumi highlighting APSACS initiatives in collaboration with various organizations towards creating awareness about the importance of blood donation, hoped that launching of a month-long multimedia campaign on issues related to blood donation would be successful in motivating the youths to donate blood. Many lives could have been saved had those needy people been provided blood in time, he added.

Though the month of June is observed as anti-malaria month, but malaria patients are not eligible to donate blood, he informed.

Dr Rumi said that only health department should not be expected to take care of the people’s health to justify the contributions of other departments. He called upon other departments to join the humanitarian mission.

He further suggested that media should also organize such blood donation camp to encourage people to donate blood. Besides Siga and a host of volunteers, National Rural Health Mission director K Nishing also donated blood.

The Day was also observed with the message “Let No One Die for want of blood” at District Hospital Tezu today.

Gracing the occasion as chief Guest Lohit Deputy Commissioner R. K. Sharma said that sense of humanity should be inculcated among the donors so that blood can be made available and transfused to all needy persons.

Stressing the need of awareness on blood donation, he said, societies, health and administrative officers should come closer to remove the stigma attached to blood donation. He also expressed his happiness that humble beginning is made today to sensitize the people on this important issue.

The Lohit SP Issac Pertin who was the guest of honour, called upon the youths to play a greater role in motivating the masses towards the noble cause of blood donation.

In his key note address Dr. J. Ado, DPO, DAPCU, Tezu disclosed that blood bank exist at Tezu but could not be made operational due to non-receipt of license till date.

A good number of Govt officials including Tezu DMO Dr. C. Ninu spoke on the need to donate blood. DIPRO

Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI), with the support of APSACS motivated hundreds of people at Aalo, Daporijo and Itanagar through advocacy workshops on eve of the World Blood Donation Day.

In Itanagar the program was jointly organized by Heema Hospital and VHAI Project Khusi. The Chief Guest of the programme Dr. B. Rana, CMD of Heema Hospital appealed the youth to come forward for voluntary blood donation. Dr. N. Peter, VHAI’s Medical Officer and Research Scholar of IIT, Kharagpur highlighted about the medical and physiological aspects of blood donation and transfusion.

At Daporijo, the program was organized at the District Headquarters Hospital and nearly 150 ASHA, student union leaders, health department officials and common people participated in it.

At Aalo, by BRTF, District Hospital’s Blood Bank, IPF and VHAI Project Dosti jointly organised the programme. Several people, senior police officials, ASHA and health department staff enthusiastically participated in the program at the BRTF’s conference hall.

Arunachal to raise battalions, Dabi pleads for fund

ITANAGAR, Jun 14: Informing that Arunachal Pradesh is going to raise one batallion each for Home Guard and Civil Defence, Home Minister Tako Dabi today appealed the Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram to release an amount of Rs 6 crore in advance for this purpose.

Dabi who is presently at New Delhi called on Chidambaram today and placed a three-point memorandum including the demand for fund for raising the forces.

Adrocating for deployment of separate ITBP Battalion, he said, one separate ITBP Battalion may be established at Doimara in West Kameng District to control and contain NDFB activities in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh interstate boundary areas right from Balijan (Papum Pare District) to Bhutan borders.

The state Home Minister also demanded one Army Brigade at Tirap District with its based camp at Khonsa or Longding for dealing with underground elements. DIPR

AAF pleads for Music and Drama institute

ITANAGAR, June 14: Arunachal Artiste Forum (AAF), a registered organisation today appealed the Arunachal West MP to take all necessary steps for establishment of a Music and Drama Institute (MDI) at Itanagar as early as possible.

Advocating the need of such institute, AAF in a memorandum to the MP said such institute is needed in Arunachal Pradesh to promote and encourage folk song, folk lore, folk and traditional dances of the indigenous people of the state.

ATA unit for fund under RTE

ITANAGAR, June 14: Arunachal Teachers’ Association (ATA), Papum Pare unit has appealed the education minister to release fund under right to education for infrastructure development of all schools of the district with directives to head of the institutions for proper utilisation of the fund.

ATA unit further said that appointment of headmaster/teachers in charge should be based on seniority and experience the department should not heed to any political pressure on appointments, it added.

Meanwhile, ATA Papum Pare unit condoled the death of Dr B L Srivastav, Junior Teacher of Govt Hr Secondary School, Itanagar who breathed his last at Guwahati on June 5 last.

The ATA unit members conveyed deep sense of condolence to the bereaved family and prayed to Almighty for eternal peace of departed soul.

Union calls for cancellation of transfer order

ITANAGAR, June 14: All Kimin Students’ Union (AKSU) highlighting the shortage of teacher in various schools of Kimin and Kakoi area appealed the concerned authority to immediately cancel the transfer order of teacher and re-posted them at Kimin circle immediately.

NCARE - Taking women’s education to new heights

Mide Riba

ITANAGAR, June 14: The Women’s reservation bill may be trapped between the two Houses of Parliament and popular opinion may be conflicting with regards to the merits and demerits of such a bill, but educational institutions are already embracing the promotion of women’s education. While the government has made remarkable progress in encouraging female literacy with popular programs such as Saakshar Bharat Mission for female education, Higher Education still seems a distant dream for a woman in this nation, more so in the North East. With just one university and seven degree colleges spread in different districts, education is hard to acquire for the average Arunachali, even harder for the women. It is thus a popular norm of sorts for those seeking higher education to migrate to other states to pursue their education. Yet, the problem of lower opportunities for a girl child to pursue higher education persists throughout the country. It is in these circumstances that steps taken by certain educational institutions to promote women’s education become laudable.

Leading this revolution of sorts is NIAM Centre for Analytics & Research Excellence, popularly known as NCARE located at Bengaluru and Delhi, this institution has specialized Business Administration Courses for Undergraduate (BBA) and Post Graduate (MBA). The College aims at bridging the gap between the industry and the academia that plagues the Information Management field which includes Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO), Research & Analytical Industry in addition to the ever growing Marketing Research field that is patronized by IT, Financial, Pharma, Media and Government institutions equally.

NCARE employs some of the top academic and industrial experts which include, experienced Analysts and Knowledge management professionals. These experts provide the students training on various aspects of Consumer Research, Secondary Research, and Security Analysis across disciplines such as Finance, HR and Marketing. NCARE especially understands the need of the hour of providing education to women and the economically disadvantaged with its very affordable fee structure and special scholarship programs for the academically talented students.

Students of Arunachal Pradesh, for whom the aim is to acquire quality education at reasonable cost, will surely find the facilities at NCARE remarkable and the course a revelation of sorts. It is true that great people accomplish greatness by seizing the opportunity provided to them. Great success stories of women in our nation such as Kiran Bedi, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw or Vinita Bali are all prime evidence for this statement. The opportunity however must be presented first for the women to seize them. NCARE makes this opportunity even more vivid by providing Scholarship from 33% up to 50% of fees for the women who wish to pursue an illustrious career in management. This is a great boost to women who wish to acquire higher education at reasonable cost and do so without being much of a burden to their family. Truly, NCARE is taking women’s education to new heights. (The contributor is Chief Co-ordinator www.meracareerguide.com). She can be contacted on 0120-4319134

Miles Bronson memorial Baptist church

ITANAGAR, June 14: A Baptist Church in the memory of Late. Rev. Miles Bronson, the first American Baptist Missionary to visit North-East India, was inaugurated yesterday at Deomali.

He first came to Namsang village in present Tirap in 1839.

A pucca building with sitting capacity of 300 persons was donated by Parliamentary Secretary of Sports & Youth Affairs Wangki Lowang. ,

Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, Lowang wished that the building would be utilized as a solemn place of worship, a place of prayer for the sick, for peace and for unity among ourselves.

The new building was inaugurated and dedicated by Rev. K. Aowomi, Director Light in the 10/40 Window North-East India Ministry.

The Miles Bronson Memorial Baptist Church was founded and established by Hanglong Sumnyan, a pioneer Baptist leader among Noktes and Ganhang Aran, the former Evangelist NBCA in 2009.

ATI training Pension Rules and Retirement Benefits

ITANAGAR, Jun 14: A week-long training programme on Pension Rules and Retirement Benefits began at Administrative Training Institute (ATI), Naharlagun today.

As many as 28 officers from various Head of Departments and Arunachal Pradesh civil secretariat administrations are attending the programme which is being conducted under the sponsorship of the Department of Personnel & Training, Govt. of India under its Plan Training Assistance, 2010-11.

Addressing the participants, ATI Director (Trg.) Pema Tshetan said that the main aim of this training-cum-workshop is to re-orient and equip the officers for speedy disposal of pension cases as well as to benefit the sponsoring department in submission of their pending pension cases.

While emphasizing the need for timely disbursement of pensions, the director said that rules are framed in such a way that the pension must be sanctioned well in time enabling the retiring persons to get their pension on the succeeding day of retirement.

As per rule, the processing of pension cases should be started atleast eight months prior to retirement and same should reach the Director of Audit & Pension complete in all respect before six months of retirement of an employee, he said. But, the submission of Pension Papers are being delayed by six months to one year in more than 70 per cent cases and these indicate the unhealthy atmosphere and lack of positive attitude, he regretted.

"Pensions are not bounty to be distributed, but it is hard earned and fundamental right of the employees," the Director said.

He regretted that inspite of the existence of defined rules, the pensioners are made to run from pillar to post to get their monthly pension get sanctioned. Therefore, "the need of hour is to deliver services timely and effectively," the director said.

Earlier, course director Abdul Basit, Jt. Director Audit and Pension highlighted the course contents to the participants.

T. Lodo, deputy director (Trg) also spoke on the occasion.

IPC renamed APC

ITANAGAR: The Itanagar Press Club (IPC) and Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) representing the Press fraternity of Arunachal Pradesh, in a joint meeting of on June 13, have unanimously decided to change the nomenclature of IPC to Arunachal Press Club (APC) with immediate effect. The meeting also urged the unregistered working journalists to get themselves registered within this month.

AdiSU cautions govt on power projects

ITANAGAR, Jun 14: Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) has cautioned government and power developers not to play with the sentiment of project effected people by engaging mediators for fulfillment of their vested interest.

AdiSU, in a release, said that the union would thwart govt’s any nefarious attempt and prevent any decision which may go against the interest of project affected people leading to abandonment of Adi civilization. It also cautioned government not to weigh land with money.

Meanwhile, AdiSU clarified that Napi Darang, who was mentioned as president of LSHEP Affected People Forum in some local dailies, is an employee of JAYPEE company.

Social service

ITANAGAR, June 14: The G-Sector Welfare Committee has conducted a mass social service at their sector on June 12. Capital ADC B Basar took part in the programme and called upon the committee members to continue such activities in future too. Town magistrate Talo Potom also extended all possible support, committee said in a release.