March -
Inflated RTI rate in Arunachal stuns RTI activists
Taba Ajum
Shillong, Mar 12: On the second day of 3rd National Convention on RTI, being held at Shillong, participants from Arunachal drew the attention towards the inflated rate of RTI fee in Arunachal. Recently State Information Commission had increased the rate to Rs 10 per copy of information released.
Prominent RTI activists of the country were shocked to hear about the rate and promised to take up issue at national level.
The inflated RTI fee has discouraged citizens from filing RTI.
Meanwhile, the Convention on RTI witnessed various discussions, workshop and cultural activities. Numerous topics were discussed during the workshop in which experts and participants shared their views. RTI activists from all over the country shared their experiences of how RTI has been successfully used to tackle corruption affecting many areas.
During the discussion on RTI, food security and agriculture which was chaired by noted Right to Food activist Kavita Shrivastav, the never ending PDS corruption scandal of Arunachal Pradesh was discussed in length.
Quoting various media reports, Kavita expressed shock over how bikes, cycles and scooters could be used in carrying PDS items in Arunachal.
During the workshop on RTI and environment, participants from Arunachal highlighted danger posed by up coming large hydropower projects in state. They put forward their views on how Arunachalee people are at risk because of these projects.
During the cultural programme, which was organized in the evening, a Mishmi dance troupe from Arunachal presented a beautiful dance.
Capital MLA calls for declaration of green belt in Capital
ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Expressing serious concern over the wanton destruction of natural habitation in and around Capital Complex, the local MLA Techi Kaso has urged the state Govt to formulate a comprehensive people’s participatory policy (CPPP) for protection and preservation of natural resources in state Capital.
PRIs, GB institutions and reputed NGOS of the state should be involved in creating awareness among the citizens about the need to preserve flora and fauna in order to avoid any future disaster, the MLA said.
The present trend of destruction of natural resources poses a serious threat to the life and properties of the dwellers of twin capital city, the MLA asserted. He added that if such rampant deforestation is allowed to continue and Govt does not take immediate step, the twin capital city will turn into a desert in near future.
Suggesting the state Govt to enact law for declaration of all the important locations like water catchment area, Dariya Hills, road side of NH52 as “Green Belt Area’ for preservation of flora and fauna and scenic beauty of the state Capital, the MLA also appealed to all the citizens to refrain from unlawful activities like hunting and fishing in and around capital region.
Kaso further appealed to the forest department to formulate new guidelines to contain the menace of jhum practices in the periphery of state capital without delay. Attributing jhum cultivation as one of the factors responsible for causing human made disaster as well as ecological imbalance, he said that water catchment area which feed the water supply to twin capital city will vanish due to burning down of natural habitation for jhum cultivation.
The MLA further said that the CAMPA fund should be judiciously utilized for tangible development in view of global warming and climate changes.
Union calls maintenance of small hydro power plants
ITANAGAR, Mar 12: The Kargu-
Whole of West Siang is totally dependent on the supply from the Power Grid (NEEPCO) at Ranga Nadi, Lower Subansiri District. In case of any disruption because of natural calamities like land slide, flood etc the whole district remains in dark.
The Union said that there are approximately about ten small hydro power plants with the capacities of (1X 50 KW) to (3X2000 KW) approx. in various parts of the district, which if maintained would meet the requirement of the area.
“Unfortunately almost all the MHS in the district are out of order and in need of maintenance. On the other hand every year funds are allotted in crores from SPA, PM Package and State Plan for the Maintenance and Renovation & Modernization of the MHS in the district” it said.
In 2009-
It appealed the parliamentary Secy. and concern minister of the Hydro Power to give necessary directives to the authority concern for early restoration of MHS at the West Siang without any further delay.
Pasighat reels under major power crisis
PASIGHAT, Mar 12: Electricity Action Committee (EAC), Pasighat has expressd displeasure over the acute power crisis within Pasighat for the last few weeks.
It said that poor maintenance, faulty and inefficient power distribution to Pasighat town remains a major hurdle to the people.
It said that, due to power crises within Pasighat for the last many years, several
small and medium-
Earlier, on March two, the committee gave a 20 days ultimatum to the power department seeking immediate restoration, uninterrupted power supply to the people of Pasighat.
However, the power department failed to convince the residents with their meaningless assurance and practices, it added.
They further demanded complete replacement of the turbines of Yembung and Sille hydels and also demanded electricity connectivity from the Rina Hydel within twenty days.
The committee threatens a Pasighat Bandh, if authority fails to restore the power supply within the stipulated time and also appealed to the Chief Minister and Power Minister to intervene into the matter immediately.
The department had yesterday said that power supply to the township has been restored.
ITANAGAR, Mar 12: A free medical camp was organized by 19 Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ 25 Sector Assam Rifles at a remote village of Nginu in Tirap yesterdayunder Assam Rifles Military Civic action programme. The village being out of reach of District Medical Authorities, the locals, for a very long time, had been approaching the unit for medical assistance.
In an endeavour to provide relief and succour to the local populace; 19 AR team of Doctors and Nursing staff provided treatment to more than 650 adults and 200 children and distributed medicines worth Rs 1 Lakh. This was the first medical camp in the area and there was a massive response.
The very next day 19 Assam Rifles organized another free medical camp at Pongchau village sponsored by DAH division under Operation Samaritan project today. Medical facilities were provided to 629 adults and 216 children by the medical team. The camp received an overwhelming response from the villagers as here too medicines worth Rs 1 Lakh were distributed. Headmen of Pongchau and neighbouring villages thanked 19 Assam Rifles for the medical relief and pledged full support towards promoting peace and development in the area.
During the medical camps Assam Rifles Medical team worked tirelessly over 48 hours to make it a success. In the course of medical camp anti malaria, chicken pox, dysentery, viral fever and seasonal infection treatment was provided to locals. The villagers appreciated the efforts put in by the unit and urged the authorities for continued assistance in future.
ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Three Days long District Level Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) exhibition at Doimukh kick started today.
The exhibition is being organized by the A.P. Khadi & Village Industries Board, in collaboration with the Extra Assistant Commissioner’s office and the A.P. Seva Sang.
All together ten KVI units have put up their stalls. The Programme was inaugurated
by Bado Singhi, Vice-
Sukamal Deb, Chief Executive Officer, A.P. Khadi & Village Industries Board briefed the objectives of organizing these types of exhibitions. He termed it as a perfect platform to learn the nuances to become successful entrepreneurs. Bado Singhi said with the support of the Ministry of MSME, GOI, through the KVIC , the KVIB will be able to reach out to the vast rural area of the state. He called upon the KVIC and the State Government for special support to the State KVIB which is equipped with committed officials.
He in strong words said the mission is to make KVIB a vibrant strong organization to translate its goal into a reality.
Dwelling upon the PMEGP guidelines he asked the local unemployed and youths to take the real benefit of the programme and not to fall for subsidy alone.
P.K. Behara, State Director, KVIC said that the KVI sector will improve its performance
many-
On the sidelines of the Programme, the KVIB is organising an awareness camp on PMEGP on March 14 at the exhibition venue.
News Impact
Governor appreciates cleanliness drive
ITANAGAR, Mar 12: H-
Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen (Retd) JJ Singh appreciated the sector welfare committee for their noble work and hoped that others will also follow the same to help the authority in achieving the objective of clean green and plastic free Arunachal.
KKSU demands thorough enquiry
ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Kargu-
Chances cannot not be ruled out of individuals involving in such act only to threaten the Govt. officials and to meet their individual interests, the Union said. It further said that T. Kamcham has been rendering devoted service to the department; since his joining to as a Junior Engineer in WRD on 1991 and till date as an executive engineer he has made considerable contribution to the area wherever he posted. If the allegations are found baseless and unauthentic strict action should also be taken against the individual involved in leveling such allegation, the union said.
Union demand tough action
ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Dibang Valley Students Union (DVSU) demanded tough action against the Bawarias from Hariyana who had involved in hunting of otters in Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary.
A team of wildlife protection team arrested three Bawarias from the Dambeun area of the said sanctuary and seized 15 otter skin from their possession on March 9.
Appointments
ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Dusu Sra and Kago Duri have been selected as chairman and general secretary of the Capital Complex Dree Festival Committee for the year 2011.
North East Development Welfare Society (NEDWS) has appointed Miyir Sora as vice president of the women wing of the Society for smooth functioning.
Women societyformed
ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Domsom Natung and Meong Cheda have been selected as Chairman and General Secretary of the newly formed All Pappu Valley Women Welfare Society (APVWWS, West Kameng District.
The society aims to preserve traditional, culture, folklore, tribal language as well as other social activities including protection of women against violence and promote sense of unity and integrity among women of the areas.
Sector welfare committee formed
ITANAGAR, Mar 12: IG Park and E-
Unidentified body recovered
ITANAGAR: An unidentified body of a man has been recovered at Nyokum Lapang, Itanagar today. The Police informed that decomposed body was found by some women who had gone to the jungle to collect vegetables.
The police suspect that the person has committed suicide and has sought information from the public. The deceased is in his 30s and has a non indigenous look.
Enquiries or information can be passed on to the Officer in Charge, Itanagar Police station M. Bui at 9436068179.
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