March 25
News Impact
- Rs 218.05 crore deficit budget presented
- People’s cooperation sough in eliminating TB
- Pasighat bids goodbye to Kabang Borang
- NCW felicitates Bengia Dipti Toko
- Toffees, a blow to hard earned money
- Legislative Assembly passes three bills
- Drinking water problem cripples life in Pasighat
- ANSU seeks logistic solution to IG Park row
- Entrepreneurship awareness prog
Rs 218.05 crore deficit budget presented
Employment, hydro-
Itanagar, Mar 24: Arunachal Pradesh Finance Minister Chowna Mein today presented
a Rs 218.05 crore deficit budget for the financial year 2012-
The major thrust areas of the ‘growth-
Though the annual plan outlay of the state has not been finalized by the Planning
Commission (PC), the estimate of resources for financing the annual plan 2012-
The budget has been prepared in consonance with the Medium Term Fiscal Plan (MTFP) of the state in accordance with the recommendation of the 13th Finance Commission and stipulated under the Arunachal Pradesh Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act 2006, Mein said.
“The Budget Estimates for 2012-
He said the total expenditure from the consolidated fund during 2012-
“Under Plan it is estimated at Rs 4192.86 crore including 850.36 crore under central
schemes of which an amount of 1556.62 crore is on revenue account and 2636.24 crore
on capital account,” he informed. Referring to the thrust areas in the budget, the
minister informed that the state government was planning to create sufficient job
opportunities for the unemployed youths through development of hydro-
“We are formulating policies by constituting an appropriate body such as Arunachal Employment Generation Council (EGC) and Skills Development Council (SDC) and also the state will take full guidance and support from National Skill Development Fund,” the finance minister disclosed.
The government was contemplating to promote rubber plantation in the 12th plan period
(2012-
“The total cost of the project is about 50 crore and as a beginning in 2012-
The other important aspects of the budget include enhancement of student stipends, achieving cent per cent literacy rate in the 12th plan period, establishment of cooperative societies for promoting agriculture and horticulture, health care facilities with introduction of chief minister’s personal insurance scheme and enhancement of medical allowances to the tune of Rs 100 to Rs 200 per month for the state government pensioners.
The budget also stressed on promotion of cultural heritage, sports, implementation of public private partnership (PPP) policy in various sectors, revamping of public distribution system (PDS) to provide food security to the people, introduction of Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme and Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme for below poverty line beneficiaries. PTI
People’s cooperation sough in eliminating TB
NAHARLAGUN, Mar 24: Along with the rest of the world, the World TB Day was observed today in the state.
Nani Mali, managing director, National Rural Health Mission urged the general public
to co-
Addressing the rally held on the occasion of World TB Day here today, Mali lauded
the TB workers of the state for achieving the national target on TB control and urged
the people to co-
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Stop TB in my life time, we want zero TB deaths”.
Dr. M. Jini, CMS in his speech lauded the untiring efforts TB workers led by Dr. B. Tada, Jt. DHS (TB) cum State TB Officer, Arunachal Pradesh in successfully running the TB Programme. He stated that Dr. Tada has been associated with this programme for the last 28 years and whatever achievement is made by Arunachal Pradesh in regards to TB Control Programme is because of his contribution and effort.
Essay, slogan writing and painting competitions were also organized among the students to mark the occasion.
The programme was organized by District TB Control Society in collaboration with State TB Cell and general administration of Papum Pare district.
Pasighat bids goodbye to Kabang Borang
Apang mourns death
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: Pasighat bade goodbye to former minister Kabang Borang as his mortal remain was laid to rest near his residence at the Pasighat town today. Hundreds of people from all walks of life, including MP Ninong Ering and MLA Tako Dabii paid their last respect to the departed leader.
Borang died on Wednesday at Chennai after prolonged illness.
Former Chief Minister Gegong Apang has expressed deep shock at the demise of Kabang Borang.
“The death of Borang is a great personal loss to me who always treated me as his younger brother. I will always miss his affection and guidance in my life. It is also a great loss to the state and the vacuum created after his death will be difficult to fill. He was not only a great political leader but also a prominent social worker and successful industrialist,” said Apang in a condolence message. Reminiscing his earlier days with Late Borang, the former Chief Minister said, “on many occasions I worked with Late Borang in various capacities including Zilla Parishad Member of Pradesh Council, member of Legislative Assembly and a cabinet minister. In his company one was never left alone and sad or depressed. By his sharp wit and humour, he always made a gathering happy and cheerful.”
Along with the rest of state, Pertin Bodum Bane Kebang also deeply mourned the demise of Borang. In its condolence message to grieving family members, Pertin Bodum Bane Kebang termed Late Borang’s death as an irreparable loss to the society.
NCW felicitates Bengia Dipti Toko
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has felicitated women’s rights activist Bengia Dipti Tako in recognition of her commendable service for the rights and privileges of women and children at grass root level in Arunachal Pradesh. National Commission for Women chairperson Mamta Sharma gave away the award to Bengia at New Delhi on March 13 as part of the International Women’s Week celebration. There were 24 other recipients of the award from all over the country including Sister Nirmala of Mother Teresa Home. A three times Secretary General of the premier Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS), Bengia has been an active rights worker since 1975 when she was still a school girl.
While she was a student of Class VI at Yazali Middle School, she decided to do something for the welfare of the girls, moved by the plight of the young girls who were victims of child marriages. Pained by their situation, she along with few others started their campaign against child and forced marriages in Yazali area. Later on she went on to become the secretary of the All Subansiri Girl’s Students Welfare Association.
Currently a teacher at Polo Colony higher secondary school, Naharlagun, Bengia is also a recipient of the state teacher’s award, instituted by the Govt of Arunachal. She is also committed to education of adult population in the state who have never been to schools.
Bengia was also invited to take part at the United Nation’s Conference for women held at Beijing in 1996 as part of APWWS delegation.
Toffees, a blow to hard earned money
Ojing Tayeng
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated each year in our state but do these celebrations really helpful in mitigating consumer’s grievances?
No, there are still lots to do regarding basic rights of all consumers. Neither the government nor the business establishments pay heed to the rights of consumers. Unaware, the customers also keep mum on the issue.
The most striking issue is selling of commodities above maximum retail price (MRP) in almost all the shops in the state.
The trend of selling products above MRP and replacement of coins by toffees, bubblegum etc by shopkeepers is a major threat to the customers.
With the summer season in, the prices of the cold drink will become dearer. Only the shopkeepers know how the customers will be cheated in the name of cooling charge.
But no customer dares to break into arguments with shopkeepers over coins and toffees because the shopkeepers claim it as their right and on the other hand the tribal people of our state fail to understand the looting tactics adopted by the businessman.
The other reasons for adopting this exchange system may be due to petite circulation of coins in the market as it is difficult to obtain coins from banks and other smaller currencies. Apart from this, the usages of coins as necklace in tribal societies may be a cause of coin shortage!
But, whatever it may be, giving toffees and chocolates in lieu of small change is an attack on the customer’s economy and a heavy blow to hard earned money of the consumers.
The government needs to promulgate strict action against defaulters and there is an urgent need for extensive awareness campaign on consumer’s right to check such ill practices and give a definite meaning to government’s campaign on “Jago Grahak Jago”.
The customer should also realize that their pockets are being attacked through petty transaction in form of toffees in lieu of small change and by charging currencies above MRP.
Legislative Assembly passes three bills
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: The Eight Session of the Fifth Legislative Assembly has passed three bills including the Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Science University Bill 2012 today.
The bill proposes setting up of the University at Ziro with full funding from the World Institution Building programme; a New Delhi based international charity.
Padi Richo, seeking support of the legislators for the passage of the bill, said that once implemented, the proposed university will cater to the human resources need of the state.
Nabam Rebia while emphasising on quality education, said that state must have the control over the university.
Jarbom Gamlin suggesting changes in two clauses said that if undue power is given to the university, the government would not be able to have a say in the functioning of the university.
Responding to the legislators, Education Minister Bosiram Siram who moved the Bill said the state need the support of the private partners in educational sector as the number of students seeking higher education is increasing. He said that the present enrolment of students in various UG and PG courses in Arunachal stands at more than 19500 and another 4000 are studying outside the state. The Arunachal Pradesh University Bill 2012 was also passed without much difficulty. The Bill seeks to establish and incorporate a teaching and affiliating university for the state, to be set up at JNC campus in Pasighat.
MLA Laeta Umbrey suggested that before the passage, the Bill be referred to a committee of academics for thorough suggestions. He further said that instead of having a state university, post graduate courses be introduced in all the colleges of Arunachal Pradesh.
MLA Wangki Lowang questioned whether the state exchequer will be able to bear the burden of a new university.
BJP MLA Dr Tangor Tapak, while supporting the Bill sought sincerity in approach for the establishment of the University. He said that infrastructure should be provided on time.
HOUSE COMMITEE: Speaker Wanglin Lowangdong today announced the formation of members of the house committee study the modality to provide contract works upto Rs 90 Lacs to local people of the concerned areas.
The six member committee would be headed by Tako Dabii as the Chairman with Tamiyo Taga, Thangham Wangham, Kalikho Pul, Tapen Siga and Nabam Rebia as members.
BJP MLA Tamiyo Taga had moved a private member’s resolution on the subject on the first day of the session which witnessed overwhelming support from the members. The Chief Minister Nabam Tuki had announced the formation of a committee to be decided by the Speaker.
ASSEMBLY BUILDING: The PWD Minister Chowna Mein informed the house that 30 per cent of the Legislative Assembly Building has been completed. He said that an amount of Rs 850 lacs including the three percent consultancy fee has been already released to the executing agency. The balance amount stands at Rs 3252.56 lacs. With the completion target in June 2013, the govt stated that due to price escalation and time over run, it would not be possible to complete the building with the sanctioned amount.
CM’s Official Tour: After he took over as the Chief Minister in November last year, Nabam Tuki has visited eleven districts of the state costing the state chequer more than Rs 58 lacs. The charges for Helicopter hire alone stand at more than Rs 52 lacs from Nov to Feb this year!
Heard in the Assembly
* We don’t appoint anybody out of pressure: Tuki responding to Laeta Umbrey’s questions on modalities followed in appointments in CM cell.
* The amount of money is mindboggling. It will derail the planning process: Umbrey at the ‘packages’ announced by the Chief Minister on visits to various constituencies in Arunachal
* Murga-
* Teaching Dept can’t be like a transit camp: Bosiram Siram
* You turned down my invitation (to visit Roing): Umbrey to CM
* My question is simple but your answer is very confusing: Umbrey to CM once again!
* Late Khandu was not educated but he was qualified: Padi Richo
* Whether the parts of the Bridge will be returned to Sangram PWD Division: Takam Pario on usage of parts in Poma Bridge in Papum pare allotted for bridge over Kurung River
Drinking water problem cripples life in Pasighat
Prafulla Kaman
PASIGHAT, Mar 24: Severe scarcity of drinking water is reported from every corner of Pasighat township for the last three weeks with the high region, SE colony, Mirku village, Power house colony and Pasighat market areas being the worst affected.
The Public Health Engineering (PHE) officials here have come under massive public ire as the department has miserably failed to supply drinking water.
“The entire township is hit by drinking water problem for the last several weeks. We have been paying the water bill regularly but we are not getting the minimum required water. The PHE officials are not attending our problems. The local MLA is also repeatedly moved for improvement of water supply, but nothing fruitful emerged,” rued the suffering consumers, including a section of government officials.
“Water supply to our colony is inadequate. I have to collect packaged water for consumption and other household purposes,” said a senior administrative officer of Pasighat, who resides in officer’s colony.
The same was echoed by another officer of the district, who has been managing drinking water with the help of Thellawalas every morning.
It may be recalled that the villagers of Mirku, in a recent meeting constituted a “Fact Finding Committee” to inquire about the ongoing water supply projects in the area. According to them, the PHE officials had allegedly drawn a fake bill amounting to Rs. 36 lakh out of a total Rs.86 lakh sanctioned for a ‘Water Supply Project’ without any performance.
The 12-
On the other hand, the assistant engineer of Pasighat PHE sub division Nyong Paloh has blamed the scanty rainfall and drying up of Sipi River as a major cause of the water crisis. Sipi River is 7 km far from Pasighat town.
Water shortage at Pasighat town is a perennial problem forcing local residents to collect water from other sources at distant places.
ANSU seeks logistic solution to IG Park row
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) appealed to the state government to find a logistic solution to IG Park row.
“We are not against the development activity but it is the responsibility of the government to give a logistic solution to issues raised by civil society and union instead of condemning them,” ANSU said in a release.
“If government is determined to construct the multi-
Arunachal Law Students’ Union is fighting against the construction of multi-
ANSU also appealed the state government to improve law and order situation in the state by providing modern equipments, adequate police personnel, basic facilities and initiating motivational schemes and incentive to the police personnel.
Effective policing, especially in Itanagar and Naharlagun, is badly affected by shortage
in manpower and vehicles, ANSU said. It also informed quoting police sources that
the OCs are granted only 10-
Entrepreneurship awareness prog
Tezu, Mar 24: The Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) of Indira Gandhi Government College organized a one day Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP) sponsored by State Bank of India (SBI) on March 20.
Attending the programme, Abhijit Kumar Deb, chief manager, Lead Bank, SBI advised the students to avail various opportunities being extended by SBI for prospective entrepreneurs.
“Be a job provider and not job seeker,” he exhorted the youths. He also dwelt upon the role of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and women entrepreneurship.
While highlighting the efforts of the EDC of the institution, Principal Dr B.K.Nath advised the students to take up entrepreneurship.
Dr. K Rajendra Babu, Associate Professor in Commerce and Coordinator of the EDC dwelt upon E3 – relating to Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship and Enterprise.
Ashok Kumar, Associate Professor in Geography delivered on Project Identification and Project Management, while Rajen Miwu, Assistant Professor of Commerce attracted the attention of the audience with his inputs on Institutional Support to Entrepreneurs.
Dr. Jajati K. Pattnaik, Associate Professor in Political Science explored various entrepreneurial opportunities available to the youth in the emerging context of border trade with neighboring countries and India’s Look East policy.
NCP demands replacement of broken statues at Pasighat
ITANAGAR, Mar 25: The state unit of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has demanded action against the culprits involved in the desecration of statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Daying Ering at Pasighat recently.
NCP state unit president Ngurang Pinch demanded the MPs and MLAs of the state to raise the issue at Parliament as well as in the ongoing assembly session. Hurt by seeing the Mahatma and Ering’s desecrated statues covered with plastic sheets, Pinch, who had been to Pasighat on March 23 to pay homage to former minister Late Kabang Borang, demanded the authority concerned to replace the broken statues with new ones immediately.
ZPM seeks CM’s intervention
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: Miffed at the way the Tezu Airport boundary wall is being executed, Aruanachal Pradesh Congress Seva Dal Tezu Organizing Secretary Batakso Tayang, who is also Zilla Parishad Member, today sought the Chief Minister’s intervention on the project to ensure quality works.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, Tayang alleged that the executing agency has
violated the specification guidelines by using low quality (used) bricks and cement
which has resulted in sub-
Claiming that despite repeated complaint letter to concern authority for proper direction and guidance on the project, it did not listen to the pleas, he lamented.
Club reiterates demand
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: Ganga Youth Club has reiterated its demand for cancellation of
all alleged illegal appointments made during 2007-
There was no interview/advertisement for recruitment of group C and D staff were
held/floated during 2007-
Equipped with RTI documents, the club had also raised similar demand in October 2011.
Burglary at School
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: Banderdewa Police headed by OC Krishnandu Dev recovered a computer set, including a monitor, CPU, UPS and other items, which were stolen from Government Secondary school, Banderdewa by some miscreants recently.
Police registered a case and arrested three persons in this connection.
Peoples education programme
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: Hill Mount Multipurpose Co-
Speaking on the occasion, Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Itanagar in-
Faculty members of the college Dr. NT Rikam, Dr. Hage Hassang and Dr. Kailash Kumar also spoke on the occasion.
Workshop on ‘business register’
Koloriang, Mar 24: A workshop cum training for the officials and officers of Kurung Kumey on ‘district business register’ was conducted by G.Thaosen, Asst. Manager NEDFi at conference hall of the DC's office here.
Attending the workshop, Kurung Kumey Deputy Commissioner Rajeev Takuk stressed on accurate statistical data in all the steps of development activities and urged the officers and officials of the Economics and Statistical Department to provide accurate data for proper planning.
N.Borang CO (Eco & Stats) asked the participants to attend the training sincerely. DIPRO
CRPF establishes computer lab in school under civic action prog
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: A modern computer laboratory was established at Gandhi M.E. School,
Hapoli-
Two computer sets along with accessories, few table and chairs were also provided to the school.
This laboratory would help the poor students studying in school situated in remote
and far-
He also informed about various welfare activities conducted earlier by CRPF under Civic Action Progammes in their area of operations.
Lower Subansiri deputy commissioner Nila Mohanan, Diibo ZPM Bamin Siri, Dy, Director School Education Tarh Tuglo, Principal Govt. Gandhi M.E. School, Hapoli Liagi Tapa, were present on the occasion.
Total Sanitation Campaign held
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: The three days total sanitation campaign organized by Papum Pare
District Water Sanitation Committee in collaboration with NN Charitable Society (NNCS)
at Langchung-
The officials from various departments along with members of farmers club and PR leaders of the area attended the campaign.
Speaking on the occasion NNCS project officer Techi Ragi stressed on healthy living habit and suggested the people to build individual household latrine (IHL) to avoid water borne diseases.
UAEA condemns attack on CE
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: Unemployed Arunachalee Engineers’ Association (UAEA) today strongly condemned the reported house ransacking and extortion demand made to Chief Engineer Hydro Power Development on March 19 by some miscreants.
Expressing concern over the security of the engineer’s family, the association claimed that such extortion and intimidation to engineers is going unabated. UAEA appealed to the state government to ensure law enforcing agency to investigate the matter.
ANYA sticks to its demand
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: We will stick to the demand for immediate transfer of Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, said All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) today in a release while responding to the state government’s clarification regarding demands for transfer of CS and DGP.
It rubbished the state government’s claims that there is considerable improvement in law and order situation in the last couple of months. The entire people of the state are aware of the grim situation, it added.
It further objecting to the statement said that ANYA does not agree in toto that the community interest based organization should raise issues that are pertinent to the community only.
It said, “whom shall we address to redress our grievances when the community is facing the maximum burden”.
ANYA will go for rigorous movement against the government if its demands are not taken early, the release added.
IYC in charge in Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: Indrani Mishra, IYC secretary, in-
Forum calls 36 hours bandh
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: Unhappy with the response of NEEPCO authorities towards its demands, the project affected people of Ranganadi Hydro Electric Project (RHEP) has decided to observe 36 hours NEEPCO power house office complex and intake point bandh beginning on March 28. It is the 3rd phase bandh proposed by the project affected people.
Earlier, the project affected people had suspended its agitation against NEEPCO following the intervention of the local MLA Likha Saaya. It was also decided to hold a meeting between representatives of project affected people, NEEPCO authorities and Lower Subansiri district administration to discuss the issues raised by project affected people on March 13. Though the proposed March 13 meeting was deferred to March 18 on request of NEEPCO/RHEP authority, the NEEPCO authority kept mum on charter of demands till date, resented RHEP Affected People’s Forum in a release today. Left with no option, the Forum decided to go with its proposed third phase of 36 hours bandh, the release said.
NBF opposes cadastral survey and public hearing
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: The Lower Siang Hydro Electric Project affected people of Yomgo/Siyom under the banner of Nyiko Bachao Forum (NBF) have demanded immediate cancellation of proposed Cadastral Survey order for both side of Yomgo Valley and public hearing for prior environment clearance (EC) scheduled to be held at Aalo on April 20.
In a letter to the West Siang Deputy Commissioner, the NBF said the project affected people in a public meeting held at Aalo on March 18 unanimously decided to oppose the survey and public hearing convened by the Pollution Control Board and demanded cancellation of the same immediately.
The Forum said that it’s grievances which had been placed earlier to the state Govt through a representation to the district administration and APSPCB are yet to be fulfilled.
The people of both the Nyiko and Sirit-
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