Pul’s team ready to take charge
ITANAGAR, Mar 04: Kalikho Pul's council of ministers is being sworn in on Saturday, 7 PM at Raj Bhavan.
The probable names in the list include Pema Khandu, Kumar Waii, Markio Tado, Chowna Mein, Wanglin Lowandong, Kamlong Mossang, who were part of the deposed Tuki ministry.
TN Thongdok who was the deputy speaker is also in the probable list along with Jarkar Gamlin and Kameng Dolo.
BJP's Tamio Taga’s name is also making the rounds in the tentative list.
Notable name missing from the probable list is Pasang Dorjee Sona who had come up with an impressive performance as Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism before the 2014 elections and one of the main leaders that revolted against the Tuki govt.
However, there has been no official communication on who will be inducted.
Though the BJP has not officially commented but it is reported that they want a bulk in the new ministry. It remains to be seen who is finally inducted in the ministry but with the probable names, it does not look like there is going to be much change from the earlier Congress Ministry.
The Chief Minister Pul took charge of Arunachal on Feb 19, after a yearlong political battle that saw imposition of President's Rule and vertical split of Congress Party.
On Thursday, the Chief Minister along with 29 Congress MLAs had defected to People's Party of Arunachal.
Brave heart recuperating, Orgs seeks stern punishment
ITANAGAR, Mar 04: The brave School girl who survived an attempted rape on Feb 26 is recuperating at the RK Mission Hospital.
Dr Lenin Ligu, Orthopedic Surgeon, who is taking care of her, said that she is responding well to the treatment. The Secretary of RKM, Swami Vishweshananda visited the girl today and enquired about her wellbeing. The mother of the survivor said that her daughter is a fighter as she hoped that she will better soon.
Meanwhile, the alleged accused has been identified as San Sonam Waii and is currently in Police custody.
Arunachal Pradesh Women's Welfare Society (APWWS) has called for early charge sheet and stringent action against the man accused of attempted rape of a school girl on Feb 26 in Itanagar resulting in severe injury to the girl. The Society has said that there should not be any scope for leniency in such cases. The Society made these demands after visiting the brave survivor at the RK Mission, where she is currently recuperating.
The Society has also coordinated in extending legal help through the Arunachal Pradesh Legal Services Authorities, who sent a lawyer to meet the family today at the hospital. The society further said that compensation should be given at the earliest to the girl by the state government as applicable.
Society's President Gumri Ringu has further appealed to the people of the state to protect the identity, by not sharing the photographs of the under aged girl on social media networking sites and media as it violates the provisions under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
Meanwhile, a team of Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) and Arunachal Pradesh Social Welfare Board (APSWB) led by chairpersons Mitali Tingkhatra and Marina Nido respectively visited R.K.M Hospital to express their solidarity and support to the 14 year old girl.
The APSCW and APSWB teams assured the victim and her family of full assistance and also urged them not to withdraw the case under any pressure. They also requested the Secretary R.K.M Hospital, Swami Vishweshananda to allocate a better cabin to the victim with best service and concessional treatment. Accordingly Secretary RKM obliged to the appeal.
Meanwhile, the APSCW and APSWB have vehemently condemned the crime meted on the girl and appealed for strong legal action against the culprits involved.
APCC chief blamed for political crisis while Congress blames Governor
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Mar 04: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Padi Richo has been blamed for the political crisis in the state.
"The damage has been done by the Congress party itself. It is all because of the biasness of APCC President. If he was unbiased and had not sided with Nabam Tuki despite of the fact that Kalikho Pul had the majority, the situation would not have arrived. We would still be with Congress, if not for him," accused Basar MLA Gojen Gadi.
"Till March 2, we have been with Congress. But then all our moves were being termed wrong. What else could we do if our own party disowns us?" he laments.
"The Congress always blamed Pul that he would form BJP government but he proved them wrong by joining PPA instead," Gadi said.
Also speaking, Yachuli MLA Likha Saaya questioned the unyielding ways of former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki during the political stalemate.
"He could have just humbly handed over his position like his predecessor Late Jarbom Gamlin did. Why could not he sacrifice when he was a party loyalist?" he lamented.
Both the MLAs disowned their expulsion from the Congress party saying that the letter only had the signature of the state general secretary Tamchi Tagar.
"The expulsion letter has not been signed by any of the high command or the APCC president," Gojen Gadi said.
Adding to the point, Saaya said, "There is mockery of politics in the state. No rules or regulations are being followed here".
They also cried foul on the conduct of the Congress Party saying why they were being singled out of the total members who joined from Tuki camp.
"After all these years what I have done for Congress Party, this is what I get as a reward!" Yachuli MLA said.
Meanwhile, APCC in the wake of merger of the Congress MLAs into People's Party of Arunachal Pradesh (PPA), blamed the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh for the political turmoil in the state.
Giving the political developments in the state after formation of BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre in a chronological manner, APCC vice president TC Tok stated that "All the hopes of the people of Arunachal has been killed by the Governor at the behest of the BJP and RSS."
"These leaders who have deserted the Congress party have cheated and betrayed the mandate of the people of the State," the APCC vice president said.
"PPA is just a stopover for them. After taking oxygen from it, they will go to BJP," Tok opined.
He asked every member to concentrate in the party works and appeal to the people who had given their mandate to the Congress, not to fear or lose hope.
Former minister and veteran party leader Tako Dabi while sharing his views said, "Congress must play a constructive and strong role as an opposition".
"In the ocean of democracy, many governments come and go. But we should not be discouraged and demoralized for such ups and downs, said former minister Bosiram Siram. He encouraged the party cadres to stand united and fight back.
Tara Bagang, Chairman APCC Kissan Cell opined for educating the leaders and the candidates about the party principles and ideologies before giving them tickets for election. Kissan Cell chairman said the party is still expecting justice from the Supreme Court in this matter.
Conveying the message of CLP Leaders Nabam Tuki and APCC president Padi Richo, who directed the party workers and cadres to remain strong, united and vigilant, party Disciplinary Action Committee chairman cum general secretary Tamchi Tahar said the merging of the 30 Congress MLAs with PPA is purely illegal and against the 10th schedule of the Indian Constitution.
"Whatever verdict the court pronounces, the party will abide by it," he said.
CM seeks corrective measures on CMUHIS
ITANAGAR, Mar 04: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul on Thursday suggested corrective measures for the Chief Minister's Universal Health Insurance Scheme (CMUHIS), to make it more relevant in order fulfill the main objective of providing free medical treatment to its beneficiaries.
The Chief Minister was informed about the shortcomings in the insurance scheme when he was interacting with indoor patients at Samaritan Hormin Hospital.
Much of the medical expenses were pocketed from the insurance beneficiaries, while only a minor portion was covered by the scheme, the Chief Minister observed.
Being inquired, Pul was also informed by the hospital authority that medical expenses were covered in a package, as per the agreement between insurance company and the hospital.
The package may include consultation fee, medicine, cabin charges, food and all other charges during the treatment.
But despite all these benefits, patients may be charged separately because certain services may not be covered under the insurance scheme, informed the authority.
Pointing out the lacunae, the Chief Minister questioned the effectiveness of the scheme if it does not cover the entire medical expenses.
"The benefit of the scheme should be complete, and not in piecemeal manner. If there are any shortcomings with the schemes, the hospital authority should suggest corrective measures, " the Chief Minister said.
"Once they accept it, they should implement it in its totality. The scheme is for poor people and not for the benefit of the hospital," he said.
The Chief Minister, however, termed the scheme as a novel initiative and assured to carry it forward.
Declined Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister's post: Kiren Rijiju
ITANAGAR, Mar 04: Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju today said he was offered the post of Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh but he declined as he did not want to get involved in state politics.
"Chief Minister Kalikho Pul offered me the post first but I declined...He wanted me to lead the new government but I did not want to switch at this point of time because I have been given a mandate to represent people of the state in Parliament and I am doing my duty," he told reporters at the sidelines of an event at Rajiv Gandhi University at Doimukh, near here.
Rijiju also appreciated Pul saying that he is not a selfish person.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given him responsibility as a minister which he had to discharge for the country and he would get the maximum benefit for Arunachal Pradesh.
Rijiju said he is not interested or involved in state affairs but only interested in the welfare of its people and asserted that all possible help would be provided by the Centre to the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
"Who became the chief minister and who runs the state is not important for me. I have been given mandate by the people and I care for them. Which party rules the state does not make any difference to me. My perception is my conduct," he said.
On rumours that he had appointed his brother-in-law as secretary to the Governor to gain political mileage, Rijiju said an IAS officer cannot be stopped from being appointed.
"I have not made any IAS officer. They must be appointed somewhere or the other. I have so far not appointed any OSD, PS or PA from my family. This is my principle," he said.
On whether there is possibility that the new Arunachal government would merge with BJP, he said he is not interested.
"When I became MP, people across party line voted for me. I am not concerned for MLAs or parties. My concern is for the people of the state.
The Centre, he said, is providing additional money specially for Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts. Money was also being provided to the state for modernisation of police forces, police stations and for procurement of arms and ammunitions.
"We will give extra money for other necessary requirements. For non-plan and capital expenditure which is required for the basic welfare of the Arunachal civil police, I want to extend best possible help to modernise state police," he added. "There is nothing like special package...Whatever is required will come from the Centre. The government should submit proposals and we are ready to help," Rijiju said.
The union minister said besides normal budget he would try to get some extra for Arunachal. PTI
Govt. enhances wages of contingency staffs
ITANAGAR, Mar 04: To improve the living standard of working class and to create a strong work force, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has decided to enhance the minimum salary of contingency staffs in all departments. The enhancement will be from the existing Rs 4500 to Rs 6000 for unskilled and Rs 7000 for skilled workers.
The enhanced salary will also affect the five-yearly enhancement scheme of workers which has now been increased to Rs 2000 from the existing Rs 500.
These revised labour wages is much higher than the present wage of the National Floor Level Minimum Wage (NFLMW), which is Rs. 160 per day.
The idea behind the hike in wages, according to the Chief Minister, is that while the regular government employee gets travel and dearness allowances and medical reimbursements, the contingency and the casual staffs are deprived of such benefits.
Pul made the decision after consultation with work departments and shared his views to the Labour Commissioner on Thursday, who was asked to immediately work out modalities for its implementation.
In a separate meeting with the Department of Water Supply and Sanitation, the CM stressed on urgent improvement of water supply in the capital city. He opined for identifying alternative source of water like boring well to extract ground water in every sector to meet the water requirement.
Water tanks could be constructed to store the ground water, he suggested. The CM, however, directed the department to work out the expected recurring expenditure of such projects.
While asking to plan out their strategies on short term, mid-term and long term basis, Pul pitched for preparation of comprehensive and result oriented projects. On the side line, he stressed for maintaining the existing infrastructure.
Giving special emphasis on water supply in far flung interior villages, the CM instructed the department concerned to ensure that every household in every village gets sufficient drinking water facility.
During discussions with the department of UD, CM reiterated for taking the clean Arunachal Campaign on a holistic manner.
While directing for identifying waste dumping grounds in all the urban towns, Pul asked UD Department to do a detailed feasibility study for setting up solid waste management and treatment plants in all urban towns. He also directed to identify suitable lands for construction of burial grounds in all the urban towns across the state.
PA Sangma passes away, Arunachal mourns
ITANAGAR, Mar 04: Former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno Agitok Sangma died of a heart attack in New Delhi on Friday. He was 68. Parliament sources said the end came this morning after he suffered a heart attack.
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan announced the news of his death in the House, which was adjourned for the day.
Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has deeply mourned the sudden and sad demise of PA Sangma, former Speaker of Lok Sabha, former CM Meghalaya and MP who breathed his last following a heart attack at his Delhi residence on Friday.
In his condolence message to former Union Minister of State Agatha Sangma, daughter of the veteran leader, Pul said "with profound grief, I on behalf of the people of Arunachal write to share the grief of losing a true son of the soil, a patriot, a veteran politician of all time, and a man who led from the front and left behind a legacy to cherish".
"In his demise, we have lost a great leader, a tall political figure who served the country in different capacities. Besides, proving his calibre in governance by holding the helms of Meghalaya as Chief Minister, the Congress and later Nationalist Congress Party and National People's Party stalwart went on becoming the first North-eastern to hold the coveted chair of Speaker of Lok Sabha" Pul wrote.
The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has also condoled the demise of former Lok Sabha Speaker P.A. Sangma.
The Governor said that Late Sangma was an outstanding parliamentarian and a profound statesman who made immense contribution towards the nation in various capacities during his long and distinguished career.
Former MLA Ngurang Pinch has condoled his death. Pinch termed late Sangma as a fatherly figure and said his death has created huge vacuum in the minds of every Indian. The Arunachal unit of Nationalist Congress Party observed two minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul. "He was co-founder of NCP. He was one of the best parliamentarians. His contribution for national development in all aspect will be always remembered by the people of India," the NCP stated.
The Bharatiya Janata party, Arunachal Pradesh remembered late Sangma as down-to-earth and said his affable nature endeared him to many. Former CM Gegong Apang in his condolence message said late Sangma was one of the most celebrated and tallest leaders of the country especially for North Eastern region. His untimely demise cause greatest lose to the nation especially for North eastern region. The vacuum created due to his sudden death will never be filled in, in the years to come, said Apang.
Inter-college youth festival begins at RGU
Create brand Arunachal: Rijiju
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Mar 04: A three-day Inter- College Youth Festival has kick-started at Rajiv Gandhi University Rono Hills Doimukh on Friday amidst competitive temperament.
Hundreds of students from various colleges across the state are taking part in festival of competitions. Three-day festival will unfold lots of activities such as literary and sports competition besides showcasing colorful cultural and musical events.
Attending the inaugural function of the festival on Friday, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju called upon the participants to create 'brand Arunachal' to end racial discrimination in mainland India. "We have to create our image and brand Arunachal, to let world know where we are from" said MoS Home while encouraging the participants for perfection.
MoS exhorted that Arunachalis are yet to create their own image in outside world; resulting in people in mainland India having lesser knowledge about the people and state.
Rijiju encouraged the students to excel in their respective fields and profession to build state image so that Arunachalees have their own identity.
Outlining the significance of work culture, he said, "We look down on people who work odd job, this is in our mindset, if we start respecting and honouring all these people who work real job, that's a dignity of labour".
He further added that Universities and Colleges are the engines of the society. It is the platform where thought provoking ideas, innovation and creativity are born. He later officially declared the commencement of Inter College Youth Festival and wished everyone involved to have fun.
Professor Tamo Mibang Vice Chancellor, RGU in his address encouraged the participants to showcase and highlight their talents as well as the culture and tradition of their native land. He hoped that the festival will bring unity and fraternity among the participants of various colleges of Arunachal Pradesh and will be an ideal expression of a pan-Arunachal identity (with input from Massom RGU).
North East Games-2016: Lifter bag first gold for State
ITANAGAR, Mar 04: Yukar Thichak bagged the first gold medal for Arunachal Pradesh in weightlifting in the National Level North -East Games being held in Imphal, Manipur on Friday.
He clinched the gold medal in men's 62 Kg category.
Lifters from the State also bagged one silver and one bronze medal and Judokas bagged five medals, including two silver and three bronze medals, on the day-three of the Games taking the state's total medal tally from yesterday's 7 (Sil-5, Br- 2) to 15 (G-1 Sil- 8 Br-6).
Thinchai Wangsu won the weightlifting Silver in men's 62kg category and Posen Kongkang won the bronze medal in women's 53 Kg category.
In Judo, Wangdong Lowang and Silom Tesia won a Silver medal each in men's 55 Kg and women's 52 Kg category respectively. The bronze medalists were Mirem Tayeng in men's 66 Kg, Kabin Doyum in women's 48 Kg and Madin Hina in men's 60 Kg category.
On Thursday, Judokas bagged four medals-2 silver and 2 bronze.
Ayo Mipi and Tachai Manham bagged a silver medal each in women's 40 Kg and men's 50 kg category respectively while Nikja Tadu and Teli Jermin won a bronze medal each in men and women's 50 Kg and 44 Kg category respectively.
In Boxing, three pugilists from the state have entered into the finals and three into the semifinals on Friday. Those who have entered into the finals are Ringu Tara (46 Kg), Kipa Parang (50 Kg) and Ghanashyam Chetry (48 Kg).
Gumin Gara (63 Kg), Biri Taro (70 Kg) and Daniel Koyu (75 Kg) have entered in the semi-finals.
In Table Tennis, Arunachal beat Nagaland 3-1 in a league match in Men's team event while the State lost 2-3 to Mizoram in another Team league match.
In women's Table Tennis, Arunachal lost 0-3 to host Manipur in a league level Team match on Friday.
The women's football team from the state trounced Sikkim 6-0. The team lost 1-2 to Tripura and 0-6 to Manipur their earlier two league level matches played on Thursday.
In men's football, Arunachal drew1-1 with Manipur but lost 0-4 to Mizoram in their second league level matches on Thursday.
Residents decry lack of drinking water, electricity
[ Prafulla Kaman ]
PASIGHAT, Mar 04: Various Government offices and school located at Gumin Nagar area under Ward-12 here are without basic facilities, like water and power supply and other requirements.
Reportedly, Government offices, including Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE), Shikshak Sadan, Bakin Pertin Memorial Govt UP school are facing the problems which are causing concern among the officials as well as the local residents.
Councilor (Ward-12) of Pasighat Municipality Kangge Moyong rued the lack of response from the previous government despite submission of several representations in 2013 and 2014 to address these problems. He also approached the then Adviser to Chief Minister, Bosiram Siram to take up the matter with state government.
Expressing his disappointment over the poor infrastructure and lack of facilities in the government offices at Gumin Nagar, the councilor has drawn the attention of Chief Minister Kalikho Pul and prayed him to solve the problems immediately in the greater interest of the local people.
Many pockets of Ward No 12 are yet to be covered with drinking water supply and electricity affecting more than 300 families.
Moreover, ring-well and construction of overhead water tanks and extension of power line are long pending demand of the local residents.
Massive organic campaign in Siang belt
Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Mar 04: With an objective to increase organic farming activities in Siang belt, Siang Tea Industries Limited has been organizing massive awareness campaign in different places of East Siang, Siang and Upper Siang districts.
Siang Tea's Resource Person for Organic Farming, Kaling Moyong, who conducted a series of farmers training at Rottung and Sissen villages in Siang district and Mirem village in East Siang recently, taught the rural farmers to undergo organic in their vegetable and fruit cultivations.
Moyong explained the farmers on various health hazards caused by chemical fertilizers and pesticides and urged them to adopt bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides. Moyong discouraged the use of herbicides in 'round up management' of tea gardens and said that the chemical severely affects on secretion of thyroid hormones, which may cause impotency, infertility, renal and cardiac problems and cancers besides damaging the soil fertility.
Various procedures of preparation of green manures, pit-compost, vermin-compost, vermin-wash and bio-dynamic compose for using as organic fertilizer and pesticides were also demonstrated.
Moyong, who is looking after 'Shanti Van Tea Estate' at the outskirts of Ruksin town is maintaining the garden in a organic way. He has already availed number of national and international level trainings on organic farming and is dedicatedly working to increase organic farming activities in the region by imparting awareness among the rural farmers.
Union demands early land compensation
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Mar 4: The East Siang Unit of Railway Shramik Union has demanded early payment of compensation against acquisitioned land for Broad Gauge railway construction.
The union in a memorandum submitted to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa on Thursday said that East Siang district administration had already issued draft notification on the acquisition land, but it is delaying in issue of final notification and this was causing great deal of dissatisfaction among the affected families. The union has sought the Governor's intervention for early notification and final survey for compensation of land and other valuable properties thereon.
The Union also demanded the NF railway authority to reserve Group-D railway jobs for the affected families besides awarding them minor construction works. It also demanded a rail station with loading and unloading facilities near Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) at Niglok, said that the IGC would be their major source of household income in future.
It may be recalled that NF railway with the help of East Siang district administration conducted Public Hearing on 'Social Impact Assessment" of phase-I work (from 2.60 km to 8.20 km) during June 2015. Earlier, the district administration forwarded the draft notification to the Director Land Management regarding acquisition of land for the railway project.
Farmer's training on livestock held
SEPPA, Mar 4: A farmer's training programme on livestock cum awareness camp was organized by AH & Veterinary department in collaboration with Tabu Welfare Society held at Officer's Club, Seppa on Friday.
Attending the inaugural programme, ADC Bameng, Tamune Messar said that domestic animals are an indispensable part of tribal life from time immemorial and for which training and capacity building on its rearing and prevention from diseases is required to boost rural economy. He advised the farmers to help themselves through hard work and putting all out efforts in rearing domestic animals.
District Veterinary Officer, Dr. Magen Modi urged the farmers to be attentive during the training session with practical application of the knowledge in their day to day life.
The topics of the training programme are important of livestock, vaccination of poultry & piggery, micro chipping etc.
Chairman Tabu Welfare Society, Nano Taniang said that his society is putting all out efforts for giving awareness on two aspects which included rearing of domestic animals and child marriage. DIPRO
Foundation Day of Geological Survey of India
ITANAGAR, Mar 04: The 166th Foundation Day of Geological Survey of India was celebrated by the State Unit of Arunachal Pradesh with a two-day long programme on March 3-4.
Speaking at an event on March 4, Deputy Commissioner, Itanagar Capital Complex S. K. Singh has lauded the role played by GSI in shaping the economy of the country by discovering the mineral deposits. He also praised the department for the work it has carried out in Arunachal Pradesh especially in the fields of geotechnical investigations for hydropower projects, communication routes, earthquake studies and mineral exploration.
A power point presentation on Seismic Microzonation of Itanagar Capital Complex which is being carried out by GSI in the current field season was presented during the meeting which will help in urban planning for the future in the fast growing city of Itanagar which falls in seismic zone V.
A sensitization programme on Earth science for school/ college teachers along with an essay and quiz competition for students was organized.
Farmers training on fishery conclude
YUPIA, Mar 4: The third batch of three series of farmers training for fisheries planned under State Plan concluded here at FFTC Emchi on Friday.
Attending the valedictory function as chief guest, Commissioner of Fisheries, Huzar Lollen emphasized upon diversification of culture practices and to make aquaculture more market driven. He advised the farmers to explore the emerging opportunities in aquaculture sector and adopt them for sustained and remunerative income. He empathetically urged the farmers to opt for seed production which is a lucrative venture and will help in bridging the huge gap between demand and supply. Availability of quality seed on demand and at right time will revolutionize aquaculture in the state.
Lollen also emphasized for conservation of indigenous fish species in our open water system and adoption of suitable rules and regulation at local level, prohibiting illegal and destructive fishing and to make conservation a people's movement in the state.
Director of Fisheries, Joyshil Taba in his address explained how the department is striving hard to make aquaculture a promising enterprise. He exhorted upon the participants to replicate the best practices which they observed and found to be beneficial for enhancing production and productivity of fish and fish seed.
Meanwhile, a one to one interactive session was also organized for better understanding of problems being faced by the farmers. Both Commissioner and Director advised the farmers to remain always in touch with the district officers or fishery staff of their area for advice and technical support. They also assured department's support and co-operation in addressing fish farmer's problem and commitment to work for the welfare of fish farmers.
A total of 18 trainees participated in the five days programme which started on Feb 29. Apart from theory classes and exposure visits, practical demonstration on water quality management, identification of fish species, operation of eco-hatchery and net making were also imparted. Discussion were done on identification of problem areas like seed production and rearing techniques, feed management in aquaculture, importance of fish biodiversity, conservation benefits of responsible fishing, different schemes in vogue in the department and pattern of assistance. DIPRO
Taki Lalung to host Mithun mela
ITANAGAR, Mar 4: A Mithunmela at Taki Lalung Village is being organized by National Research Center (NRC) on Mithun, Jharnapani in collaboration with College of Horticulture & Forestry and Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Arunachal Pradesh on March 6.
The NRC on Mithun is the only center under ICAR which is dealing with various researchable issues on Mithun.
This will be a unique opportunity for Mithun owners to participate as well as equipped themselves with the latest technological know-how of Mithun farming, said A K Pandey, Dean, College of Horticulture & Forestry, Pasighat.
A mithun show/competition will also be organized in the mela.
NDRI Kalyani, West Bengal, NRC on Yak, IVRI Kolkata, and different KVK's of the state will be participating in the mela to showcase various technologies.
Over 500 benefitted from med camp
ITANAGAR, Mar 4: In all, 560 patients from Khuchep-I, Kengkho, Simrang, Longran and Namtok villages benefitted from a 4 day-long series of free medical camp being conducted by the Tribal Welfare & Development Society, a local NGO in collaboration with Seva Bharati Purbanchal and National Medicos in Changlang which concluded on Feb 26 last.
The camp has been organized with the help of district administration, district hospital Changlang with the financial support of Geo-Enpro Petroleum Ltd. Kharsang.
Appeal for inclusion of Cl-IV and V contractors in enlistment rules
ITANAGAR, Mar 04: All Arunachal Contractors' Welfare Association (AACWA) has appealed to the Chief Engineer (Power), Transmission, Planning & Monitoring Zone, for inclusion of class-IV and V categories of contractors in the Department's Enlistment Rules for contractors.
In its representation to the Chief Engineer (P), the contractors association, stated that there was no mention of Class IV and V categories of contractors in the department's enlistment rules which negates the Arunachal Pradesh District Based Entrepreneurs and Professional (Incentives, Development and Promotional) Acts, 2015 notified earlier. It appealed for modification of the enlistment rules so that contractors of those categories too can get themselves registered with the department and participate in the tendering process.
AACWA also appealed for abolition of security deposit system and minimization of Management and Engineering Establishment during the period of enlistment of contractors in the Department in the greater interest of upcoming and petty contractors.
Drive against poppy cultivation
ROING, Mar 04: A massive operation against illegal poppy cultivation was carried out by the administration in Anpum, Bijari and Kalapani areas under Dambuk sub-division wherein poppy plantations in more than 130 plots were destroyed.
The Gaon Burahs of various villages and student leaders of Dambuk circle took active part in the operation and helped the team headed by Paglam Circle Officer E.Yirang and Superintendent of Tax and Excise B Yirang in identifying the opium cultivation plots.
More than 60 persons were engaged in the massive operation during over the period of 3 days.
Similar drives were carried out in January and February this year in which a total of 226 plots were cleared from opium cultivation in Bijari area and 108 Anpum village. DIPRO
IWD to be celebrated on Mar 8
ITANAGAR, Mar 04: The International Women's Day will be celebrated on March 8 by Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women, (APSCW), Itanagar in collaboration with Arunachal Pradesh Social Welfare Advisory Board (APSWAB), Women & Child Development Department (WCD) and Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society (APWWS).
Marking the day a mass procession will be carried out from Mopin Solung Ground, Zero Point, to Vivekananda Hall, RKM, Itanagar. It will be followed by a sensitization meeting on "Planet 50-50 By 2030: Step it up for Gender Equality", informed a release.
Fire destroys house
ITANAGAR, Mar 04: A SPT house belonging to one Hillang Dullo was completely gutted in a devastating fire which broke out around 4:30 am at Kongkra Putu Village on Mar 4. A short circuit is suspected to be the reason behind the fire. However, no human casualty has been reported.
Meanwhile, the Kongkra Putu Village Welfare Committee has in a memorandum to the Capital Complex DC blamed the power department for its alleged negligence and failure to install a transformer in the village which reportedly resulted in the incident.
It further claimed that due to the poor condition of entry road to the village the fire brigade was unable to reach there on time and appealed for early renovation of the same. It has also appealed for ensuring proper water supply in the area.
Meanwhile, Save Arunachal Youth Association has also appealed to the Chief Minister for providing relief and assistance to the fire victims.
Inculcate sense of responsibility to ensure efficient utilization of funds: Lampung
ITANAGAR, Mar 04: Inculcate a sense of responsibility and adopt positive attitude to ensure efficient utilization of funds and transparent recording and reporting system under NHM, said National Health Mission Additional Mission Director, Habung Lampung while addressing the various district account managers and state disease control programme accountants on the inaugural day of a Public Financial Management system (PFMS) training organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Health Society State Training Center under National Health Mission in Naharlagun on Mar 4.
Lampung further said that finance is very important part for any governance and financial matter should be handled very carefully to avoid mismanagement or pilferage.
State Finance Manager, Arup Paul also asked the trainees to ensure 100% PFMS registration to establish an efficient fund flow system and expenditure network.
State Finance Manager and state Audit Manager Rohit Jamoh are the resources persons of the training.
Special Outreach Programme conducted
ITANAGAR, Mar 4: Mass public rally, rural sport competitions and mass meetings were conducted as part of a Special Outreach Programme organized by the Tawang unit, Directorate of Field Publicity, Ministry of I&B, GoI at Khirmu village on Mar 2.
The main aim of the programme was to sensitize the rural people about the various flagship programmes of the Prime Minister of India like; Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri Surakhsa Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana and Skill India Mission.
Resource persons Tawang DRCHO, Dr. Lobsang Tempa explained about health and hygiene, clean and safe drinking water and spoke about the significance of keeping the surroundings clean. He also spoke about girl education, balance of male-female ratio, modern toilets and better waste disposal management.
The Extension Officer, Industries, N. Lanka gave detail information about the Skill India Mission while, Canara Bank, Tawang branch Assistant Manager, Shubashi Haldar articulated the benefits of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Surakhsa Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Atal Pension Yojana.
Kitpi block, Anchal Chairperson, Leki Phuntso also spoke on the occasion.
5th convocation of NERIST
30 to receive gold medals
ITANAGAR, Mar 04: A total of 30 meritorious students will receive gold medals in different disciplines while, 9 candidates will receive Ph.D. degree, 99 will be awarded M. Tech., MSc. and MBA degrees in the fifth convocation of North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology NERIST, Nirjuli which will be conducted on Mar 8 next.
Besides, 193 students will get B.Tech. and B.Sc and another 193 and 156 will get diplomas and certificates respectively, who have completed different diploma and certificate programmes from different departments of the institute.
The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Jyoti Prashad Rajkhowa, who is also the President of the NERIST Society would preside over the convocation while, Padama Bhushan Prof. Mrinal Miri nominated Rajya Sabha member and former Vice Chancellor of North Hill University, Shillong will be the chief guest on the occasion.
Rampant forest land encroachment causes concern
TEZU, Mar 04: After receiving report from the villagers of Wakro circle under Lohit district regarding encroachment of forest land by Chakma people, a team headed by Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) Gautam Hazarika and ASP Guni Pertin visited the area. During the visit they found that there is rampant encroachment in going on in Tengapani and Khamlang Forest Division.
About 500 numbers of Chakma families have illegally constructed huts in the said areas and have cleared huge junk of forest land for cultivation, informed SDO Hazarika.
An operation was carried out with the help of CRPF and IRBn Jawans. During the operation PRI members and villagers also extended their help. DFO Namsai and DFO Jairampur were also present. The committee headed by SDO has taken up the matter with the concerned authority for immediate eviction of the encroachers. The committee will submit a report to the Deputy Commissioner. Meanwhile the villagers of the surrounding areas are also putting pressure on the administration for early and immediate necessary action so as to save their forest land from unwanted and illegal encroachments. DIPRO
