People’s Party of Arunachal has the last laugh
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Mar 3: Less than 15 days after he became the 9th Chief Minister of Arunachal as a Congress man, Kalikho Pul merged with the People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) on Thursday evening.
Informing this to media persons at Nokmey Namati Hall, State Legislative Assembly, Pul said all 30 MLAs, during a Congress Legislative Party meeting last night, decided to merge with the PPA for overall development of the state.
Pul said that his government will have the support of 11 BJP MLAs.
While justifying his move, he held AICC responsible for the move.
“We met many senior Congress leaders during our struggle but they sidelined us. They offered no solution,” he alleged.
“Even after being declared the Congress Legislature Party Leader during the last legislative assembly session of February 25, the move was nullified by senior congress party leader, he said.
“It is only MLAs who can elect CLP. They cannot decide on the CLP from Delhi,” the CM lamented.
With this move, the Congress was reduced to 15 MLAs in the state, which has an effective strength of 58 in the Assembly, after the “resignation” of two Congress MLAs.
Two Congress MLAs, Alo Libang (Tuting-Yingkiong constituency) and Tatung Jamoh (Pasighat West constituency) joined Pul last night from Nabam Tuki camp.
Meanwhile, Congress has expelled MLA of 29-Basar (ST) Assembly Constituency Gojen Gadi and MLA 16-Yachuli (ST) Assembly Constituency Likha Saaya from the Primary Membership of Indian National Congress party on March 2 for a period of six years for anti-party activities. Both the leaders are already with Chief Minister Pul.
Formed in 1977, PPA was shortly in power in 1979 under the leadership of former Chief Minister Tomo Riba. Since 1978, it has had a steady presence in the Legislative assembly winning five seats during the last elections in 2014. However, all the five MLAs left the party to join INC.
PPA CWC chairman Kameng Ringu who was present during the press meet, welcomed the MLAs to the party fold and termed their decision as a "turning point" for the history of the state.
"This is a right decision by the Chief Minister and his team. Our party never works under high command directives, but works for the overall interest of the state and its people," Ringu said.
Governor dismayed at the condition of CHC
ITANAGAR, Mar 3: Governor JP Rajkhowa has expressed dismay at the condition of the Community Health Centre, Ruksin and its overall maintenance.
He was visiting the Community Health Centre, Ruksin, under East Siang District on Thursday.
The Governor was surprised to find that there is no female ward, blood bank, radiologist or laparoscopy facility despite the CHC being a referral unit. Due to absence of Annual Maintenance Check up, some equipment were found non-functional. The mattresses were found worn out, electric fittings in the wards were either absent or shabbily done, washroom and toilets were not maintained properly and basic cleanliness and hygiene were not upto mark, noted the Governor.
He had visited the wards, OPDs, Operation Theatres and interacted with doctors and other staff. The CHC caters to around 5000 to 10000 patients of the district and also from neighbouring districts of Assam.
The Governor said that whatever may be the reason, it is the fundamental duty of the medical officers to ensure cleanliness and hygiene of any Hospital or similar establishment. He suggested for active involvement of NGOs and departments of Horticulture and Environment & Forests in maintaining cleanliness and aesthetic values in the hospital compound. The spirit of Swachh Bharat must start from Health Centres, he added.
Later, the Governor distributed insecticide impregnated bed nets to beneficiaries during the visit. District Medical Officer, East Siang District, Dr. Mandip Perme apprised the Governor on the constraints of the CHC.
Visiting the Tea Gardens at Oyan in the morning, the Governor asked the Tea Garden management to encourage tea cultivation. He opined that such endeavour will contain the traditional practice of Jhum Cultivation, thereby providing a regular income to the farmers and source of livelihood and sustain the ecosystem.
The Governor also visited the Industrial Growth Centre (IGC), Niglok, which was started in the year 1998.
Going around the 582.15 acres centre and seeing the available facilities, the Governor said that more than 1000 units can come up in the centre giving boost to the State economy and addressing the unemployment problem. The centre must be utilised to its optimum and youth must be motivated to avail the facilities. The Industries department and the State Government needs to encourage the entrepreneurs by providing trainings and necessary support including the admissible investment subsidy and other reliefs in future to encourage new enterprises and industrial units. IGC Project Manager Tarik Nyitan briefed the Governor on the ongoing activities of IGC and its constraints.
On the last leg of his visit, the Governor visited Nari in East Siang District through the PMGSY road. On his maiden visit to the ADC Headquarters, the public of Nari, led by the local MLA, Kento Rina accorded a traditional reception to the Governor.
In addition to the briefing on the existing local constraints in telecommunication and road communication, the Governor was briefed on the popular religious place, Vasudev Mandir. The Governor emphasised for adequate amenities for the pilgrims coming to the temple. He also directed the East Siang DC Isha Khosla to ensure that the road is motorable throughout the year.
Our Correspondent adds from Ruksin:
During Governor’s visit to the Niglok Industrial Growth Centre, the local people sought his intervention for early functioning of the much hyped industrial growth centre.
Ruksin block ZPM, Tonggeng Panyang and Railway Shramik Union submitted separate memorandums to the Governor during his visit and sought his initiative in early implementation of Broad Gauge railway passing through the area and early release of compensation to railway land affected families.
The Governor assured the local people to take up the matter with the concern authority.
Lifters bag 3 Silver medals at NE Games
IMPHAL, Mar 3: The Arunachal Weightlifting team has won 3 Silver medals on the opening day of the 2nd edition of the National level North East Games-2016 on Thursday at Imphal.
Lifters Tadar Agung in 50 kg category lifted 185 Kg (Snatch 80 Kg, Clean & Jerk 105 Kg) while Dambi Umpe in 56 Kg category lifted Snatch-87 Kg, Clean & Jerk-105 totaling 192 Kgs to bag Silver in Men’s section .
Tang Devi lifted Snatch- 48Kg, Clean & Jerk- 55 Kg totaling 103 Kgs to bag the Silver medal in 44Kg category.
Under the guidance of Olympian Coach DD Sharma and Piyainu Chanu, the Arunachalee lifters will also take part in the 62kg, 69 kg (men) 53kg and 58kg (women) category on Friday.
Co-exist with wildlife to sustain human life: Prof Mibang
UN World Wildlife Day at RGU
ITANAGAR, Mar 3: The third UN World Wildlife Day with the theme -‘The future of Wildlife is in our hands’ was observed at Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimkuh on Thursday.
Addressing the event, RGU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tamo Mibang, said, humans depend on nature for survival, tries to become the master of nature and create problem to the ecosystem. Calling for co-existence with wildlife to sustain human life on Earth, Mibang cautioned that if the current trend goes unabated, there will be disaster.
PCCF (Wildlife & Biodiversity), GN Sinha said “Wildlife is our treasure we should guard it sincerely and the day was important to impart a sense of responsibility to protect wildlife for survival of mankind”.
The celebration is necessary to ignite and motivate young minds to conserve and research wildlife, he added.
Dean Faculty of Environmental Science, Prof. Nisamoni Kar, said, we need a revolutionary momentum to conserve our wildlife resources as exploiting wildlife has become people’s way of life.
Coordinator, CPEB, Prof. H. N. Sarma, informed that Centre of Biodiversity RGU is ardently pursuing to reach out to people for an integrated approach to conserve the wildlife of Arunachal Pradesh. He mentioned that indigenous knowledge needs to be recorded as villagers have traditional knowledge on ecology and wildlife which would be quite vital for conservation of wildlife in the state.
World Wildlife Day, Organising Secretary, Dr. Daniel Mize informed that the day is observed to raise awareness of the wild fauna and flora of the world with the theme, ‘The future of wildlife is in our hand and the future of Elephant is in our hand’.
He said the day is relevant to Arunachal Pradesh as the state is the one of the richest with terrestrial biodiversity which is dwindling alarmingly in the state. Such programmes would help people to realize the destruction of wildlife in the state, added Dr. Mize.
Narrating a local mythology attached with Mishmi Takin, Dr. Hui Tag said that there was a tussle for ownership over Mishmi Takin between the Mountain God and Mishmi people. Mountain God won the tussle. Accordingly, Mishmi people need to perform rituals to hunt Mishmi Takin which shows the traditional myth was quite helpful in conservation of the Mishmi Takin.
A poster competition on the theme, ‘Biodiversity and wildlife conservation’ for students and research scholars was held marking the day. Chuni Kimhun, Karsing Megu and Choku Yoyu were declared as winners for the first, second and third prize respectively.
An impressive wildlife photo exhibition was also organised on the occasion to ignite young minds towards wildlife photography. Photographs of Bengia Mrinal and others young wildlife photographers of the state were showcased in the exhibition.
Forum seeks recall of wait listed appointees
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Mar 3: Arunachal Pradesh Teacher Aspirants Forum (APTAF) on Thursday alleged that Director Elementary Education appointed 48 Trained Graduate Teachers including 16 TGT (Science) out of 168 wait listed, without advertisement thus violating the Chief Secretary’s order and the Gauhati High Court ruling.
The Directorate of Elementary Education had drawn barrage of criticism from all quarters after it “unreasonably” put 168 applicants in wait list against 56 TGT (social studies/ science) and primary teacher posts.
Substantiating his claims with compendium of documents, APTAF Chairman John Libang claimed that wait listing was an eye-wash by the Director so that he could made en-mass appointment in hush-hush manner.
Libang had challenged the appointment orders to wait listed candidates in Guahati High Court. The department is yet to respond the HC notice.
Libang along with Rajiv Gandhi University Research Scholars Forum President Lige Sora who expressed solidarity with APTAF on the issue was addressing the media persons in a press conference at Press Club on Thursday. He further demanded for immediate cancellation of all the wait listed appointees.
“We should not compromise with quality education, depriving deserving candidates is the root cause of education, devoid of quality” said John Libang.
The forum argued that TGT exam should be conducted by Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission instead of the department stating that it encourages corruption and nepotism. It said that on January 20, 2016 the Forum had written to the Director, Elementary Education seeking recall of wait listed appointees, however the department allegedly paid no heed.
“Instead of acting upon our representation, the Director threatened to black list me” alleged Libang.
It also claimed that even an applicant who didn’t obtain 45 percentages in his graduation was allegedly appointed as TGT, whereas minimum requisite qualification is 45 percent for APST candidates. The forum went on to claim that many of the appointees educational qualifications are doubtful as it demanded the authority to institute an independent inquiry committee to unearth the authenticity of their B.Ed Certificates.
The forum stated that education department has made itself a joke with 168 wait list candidates against 56 posts, which not only violated the Gauhati High Court ruling but also grossly violated the Chief Secretary’s office memorandum where in it clearly said that the vacancies which arose after declaration of result will be kept for fresh advertisement and shall not be clubbed with earlier vacancies by appointing authority or the recruiting agencies.
ASHAs to get regular pay, stipends enhanced
Pul to make health delivery system effective and result oriented
ITANAGAR, Mar 3: Recognising the valuable services rendered by the ASHA workers, chief minister Kalikho Pul announced regular pay of Rs 3000 per month, instead of the earlier system of piecemeal payment.
In addition to the enhanced student’s stipend being released on monthly basis including that of MBBS students, BSC nursing, GNM and ANM, CM enhanced the stipends for BDS students making it equivalent to MBBS. He also announced to enhance the BHMS, BAMS (AYUSH) stipends to 1400 per month with book grant of Rs 5000 per annum. On similar lines, the B.Pharma students will get monthly stipend of Rs. 1400 with book grant of Rs. 3000 per annum.
Gearing up to make health delivery system effective and result oriented, Chief Minister unveiled a series of comprehensive measures, during a meeting with the officials of the state health & family welfare department in Itanagar.
Chief Minister said services in hospitals should strictly adhere to the prescribed norms and guidelines set by the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS), with compulsory blood bank for all district hospitals, diagnostic machines, testing equipment with technicians and laboratory assistants. Sufficient medicines would be made available for all the hospitals, he said.
Apart from specialists, GDMO and para medical staffs, new posts will be created for cook, sanitary assistants and ministerial staffs to fill up the shortages, he disclosed. He said uniform will be provided for stretcher puller, cook and sanitary assistants. For convenience of the patient, the chief minister said separate washroom for male and female patient should be installed in every hospital besides ambulance facilities.
The chief minister also stressed on hospitals to be equipped with ultra sound machine for all PHCs with facility of minor operation theatre and dark room and X-ray machines in all CHCs.
He directed the officials for having a proper land allotment for health centres including 24-hours water supply facilitated by storage tanks. He advocated for a 3- system of water tapping in hospitals that included normal water supply, rain-water harvesting and bore well. On similar lines, uninterrupted power supply to hospital is highly essential, said the chief minister while opining for going for DG set backup, solar power besides the regular power supply. Also for hygienic environment, the chief minister directed the officials to maintain boundary wall with facilities for cattle trapping.
Further he announced that 6-zonal hospitals in the state will be made functional by this year.
To maximise the health benefits accrued from central government schemes, the chief minister called for synchronisation of NHM and Directorate of Health. This, according to the chief minister, will reduce duplicity of schemes in different programmes and resources used judiciously.
Also he suggested that more development activities can be planned, if different source of funding i.e central, state, corporate and private funds could be used to augment health care services and create assets for the state.
Truck ladden with illegal coal seized
CHANGLANG, Mar 3: A night patrolling team seized a mini truck carrying illegal coal on Feb 29 last.
The driver Rajesh Batti and handyman Indrojit Gohain were arrested by a team led by Kharsang AMDO, Taya Taksing and Kharsang PS OC, Umeshan C.
An FIR has been lodged at Kharsang PS against the two and the owner of the truck, one Asoyjo Chetia hailing from Kothalguri (Assam) who procured the coal illegally from one Khimey Ngemu alias Maggie Baido of Kharsang.
The local administration has been initiating steps to curb illegal coal mining and transportation, in compliance to the executive order issued by District Magistrate Wayong Khimhun on Feb 4 last.
A team of police personnel and department of Geology and Mining officials led by Kharsang CO, NL Naam has been carrying out a joint patrolling 24X7 at all respective locations.
Steps have also been taken to check influx of illegal migrants through rigorous ILP drive in Kharsang town regularly. (DIPRO)
Do not clear PDS HTS bills: ACS
ITANAGAR, Mar 3: Claiming that the PDS Hill Transport Subsidy (HTS) bills amounting to Rs 270 crores is going to be cleared, the Arunachal Civil Society has appealed the Chief Minister not to make the payments.
In a release, ACS stated that reliable sources have informed about the PDS HTS bills being cleared and payments to be made soon. As per the ‘Zero Tolerance for Corruption’ mantra of Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, the PDS HTS bills should be stopped considering the deficit financial status of the state government and exchequer, added the release.
Mobile Court disposes 10 cases
KOLORIANG, Mar 3: A total of 10 cases were disposed out of 49 cases listed in a mobile Circuit Court by Chief Judicial Magistrate Ziro at Koloriang on Thursday. Another 51 cases were closed for which FIRs were filed. The advocates present were Toko Nikam, Kago Tagyang, Jumkar Niri, Marpe Ninu and Yumlam Kaku. DIPRO
Hip replacement surgery at Heema
ITANAGAR, Mar 3: The doctors of Heema Hospital recently conducted a total hip replacement surgery on a 70 year old lady T Kamki of Aalo. This was informed by Dr Kesang W Thongdok, medical superintendent of hospital. “She was bed ridden for four months following an accident which resulted in fracture of her right hip. Her surgery cost was covered under Arunachal Pradesh Chief Ministers Universal Health Insurance Scheme. She was discharged within a week of operation,” said Dr Kesang.
Teachers demand state matching share
ITANAGAR, Mar 3: Claiming that the GoAP did not release remaining state matching share and 3 months pending salary since Jan 2016, the Central Executive Committee, All Arunachal Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers’ Association (CEC, AASSATA) has in a letter to the Chief Secretary-cum-Chairman SSA Rajya Mission today, appealed to him to release the same soon.
‘Despite assurance, the state government did not release state matching share which resulted in non-disbursement of teachers’ three months salary from concern department since Jan 2016’, the Association said.
Give equal rights to the girl child: Prakash
TEZU, Mar 3: We should give equal rights to the girl child and educate them for developed and educated society, said ITBP 25th Battalion Inspector, Jai Prakash while addressing a Directorate of Field Publicity (DFP), GoI, Ministry of I & B, Tezu unit organized Special Outreach Programme (SOP) on various welfare schemes at Danglat village of Lohit district on Feb 29 last.
He further urged all to stop discrimination in the society on the basis of sex and nurture their girl child for a better future.
Speaking as resource person Tezu CDPO Supervisor, Oyam Jamoh also expressed concern over the increasing violence and crime against girl child and women. She further highlighted many beneficial schemes launched by the government for the girl child like Sukanya Samridhi Yojana, Sabla Yojana etc, and briefed the gathering about Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao scheme. She also appealed all to stop child marriage and ensure compulsory education for every girl of the society.
Elaborating on Skill India Mission, she further advised womenfolk to learn skills like tailoring, basic computer course, flower making, knitting etc. to become self employed.
Further, Nampong FPO, S K Deori and Tezu FPO, M K Jha spoke on other schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana, Atal Pension Yojan, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Suraksha Bima Yojan.
Over 300 people including PRI members, youth leaders, ITBP personnel, teachers, students and villagers attended the programme.
Consumer awareness week winds up
DIRANG, Mar 3: The consumer awareness campaign cum exhibition week organised by the department of Legal Metrology & Consumer Affairs (LM&CA) concluded at Dirang on Thursday.
Addressing the traders and public, Assistant Controller Tasso Gurro, LM&CA said that to have a good hold over the market, traders must exhibit loyalty towards their consumers, while on the other hand several acts have been framed to protect the Consumer’s Rights. He explained Dos and Donts on the part of traders, functioning of consumer forums, penalty and imprisonment for malpractices committed by the traders and shopkeepers.
Appealing the traders to be loyal, Block Development Officer, N Dorjee urged them to maintain the quality of goods they sell in the market and not to prefer shortcuts for making profit at the cost of their consumers.
Earlier, Inspector LM&CA Taw Tassar briefing the objective of the event said that it is to make all the traders and shopkeepers well acquainted with the functioning of a healthy market for the benefit and welfare of consumers. Earlier, the department had organized the campaign at Tenga, Rupa and Bomdila.
Dadam Weaving Centre renovated
KHONSA, Mar 3: Assistant Director Textile and Handicraft (ADTH), Chanyok Rajkumari has informed that the maintenance work of one of the oldest Weaving Centres at Dadam, Tirap has been completed and loin loom for the year 2015-16 has been provided to the Weaving Centre incharge for the women weavers.
While lauding the local MLA Tirong Aboh for providing funds for the maintenance work from his MLA LAD fund, the ADTH said that the centre will help the unemployment women of Dadam area which consists of 8 villages viz, Dadam, Huakan, Upper Chinkoi, Lower Chinkoi, Laho, Bera, Moktowa and Kothin.
Last homage to student leader
ITANAGAR, Mar 3: Hundreds of students community as well as Tali MLA Markio Tado paid thier last respect to young student leader late Romik Tada who reportedly died on Wednesday under mysterious circumstance at his resident here at Darya Hill, Itanagar.
The executive members from All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union, All Nyishi Students Union, All Kra Daadi District Students Union and All Kurung Kumey District Students Union and senior political and public leaders of Tali area residing in the capital complex joined the last rite of late Tada. Born on 25th March 1990, Late Tada was President of All Tali Area Student Union (ATASU). Saddened by sudden death of late Tada, MLA Markio Tado said that the death was a great loss to the student community as well as people of Tali area.
Training camp for Village Health Workers
ITANAGAR, Mar 3: In all 46 trainees from 6 districts namely, Upper Subansiri, East and West Siang, Siang besides, Dhemaji of Assam took part in a 5 day-long Village Health Worker Training Camp which concluded recently at Engo Takar Dere CDPYK, Pasighat.
During the camp conducted by the East Siang district unit of Arunachal Vikas Parishad, AVP Dr. R B Mishra imparted training on first aid, Yoga, Pranayama, games and sports while, resource person from maternal health and child health spoke on importance of Gangging, anti drugs etc.
On the concluding day, East Siang DMO, Dr. Mindip Perme informed the trainees about ways to prevent and protect the diseases like dengue, malaria, JE etc. and advised them to share their experience in village level.
He later distributed first aid kits to all the trainees.
77 youths selected to undergo skill dev. training
ITANAGAR, Mar 3: In all, 77 candidates from various districts of the state have been selected to undergo training in Arc and Gas welder, Business Process Outsourcing and Injection Moulding Machine Operator course etc to be held at JBM Auto, Delhi and CIPET Guwahati.
Three registered Vocational Training Providers (VTPs) with Department of Skill Development & Employment Generation, JBM Auto, Delhi, Learn to Earn, Delhi and CIPET Guwahati will impart the training which ranges from six to eight months. Apart from the main course the candidates will also be imparted soft skills training like spoken English, communication skill, internet browsing.
The Department of Skill Development & Employment Generation has been imparting job oriented skill development training under Skill Development Initiative Scheme (SDIS) in Modular Employable Scheme since 2013 in a mission mode. The entire cost of the training including food and lodging, traveling cost are being borne by government.
Road Safety Cell Quiz
ITANAGAR, Mar 3: Abhimanyu S of Class VIII Vivekananda Central School here has won the first prize in the quiz competition conducted by Arunachal Pradesh Police, Road Safety Cell, on February 18 last.
Hazrat Ali of Class VII of the same school came second while Charu Tariam of Class VII, Garden Dew School bagged 3rd position. They were all awarded with cash prizes.
DPC approves proposal for 2015-16 under TFC
KOLORIANG, Mar 3: The District Planning Committee of Kurung Kumey district has approved the proposal for the 2015-16 under the 14th Finance Commission grant in a meeting held in the office chamber of DC Kurung Kumey.
Chairing the meeting, Deputy Commissioner, Mamata Riba thanked all the elected representatives, HoDs and people of the district for their support and contribution in the development of the district.
The meeting was attended by ZPC, Sangha Tagik, PR members and Head of Departments. DIPRO
