mar16 06

March 06

2011

2016

Two deputy CMs in Pul’s cabinet

Make Arunachal a corruption free state: Governor

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Ending all speculations about council of ministers, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has inducted two deputy chief ministers -- Chowna Mein and Kameng Dolo in his ministry along with five other ministers, namely, Kumar Waii, Lombo Tayeng, T N Thongdok, Kamlung Mossang and Wangling Lowangdong on Saturday. Governor J P Rajkhowa has administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly-inducted ministers at the Raj Bhawan in presence of high-level police and civil officials, BJP MLAs including two Independent members supporting the Pul government.

Rajya Sabha MP from the state Mukut Mithi, former Chief Minister Gegong Apang and PPA CWC Chairman Kamen Ringu were among others who attended the function.

Chief Minister Pul has created a history in power sharing with his senior leaders, apparently an act of balancing power to cement his position. However Pul maintained that he is just honouring senior leaders. “It is not act of balancing power, I just honour the senior leaders” Pul said.

“Kameng Dolo had earlier served as the deputy Chief Minister and Chowna Mein is very senior leader, so I should respect them” he added hinting that both the leaders have been given responsibilities based on their seniority and experiences.

Surprising move of Pul has fueled gossip among the political observers, as former Tourism and Urban Development Minister Pema Khandu did not get a berth in the first round. However, it is said that Khandu will be inducted in second round. While, 5th Kalaktang (ST) constituency and former Deputy Speaker T N Thongdok has managed to get berth along with Mebo MLA Lombo Tayeng and Wangling Lowangdong.

Kameng Dolo who is representing 12th Pakke-Kessang constituency had already served as Deputy CM under Gegong Apang government during 2004. On being given new responsibility Dolo exhorted that he would work whole heartedly for the well-being of state and its people focusing more on education and health.

Chowna Mein who was speculated to retain his old departments like Finance and Planning said that he will carry out whatever responsibilities being given to him with best possible way. “Now the government can work without hassle. Now we do not have a high- command and controlling authority, we are all alone”.

Unconfirmed source said that some of leaders are not happy with first set of Pul’s council of ministers, as one of legislators’ supporters had allegedly protested by firing at near Chief Minister Office on Friday evening. However, Superintendent of Police Capital Complex and Officer In charge Police Station Itanagar have denied such incident has reported.

Meanwhile, Governor JP Rajkhowa today called upon the newly inducted ministers to eradicate corruption and to make Arunachal Pradesh a corruption free state. Governor was interacting with the ministers led by Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, when they called on the former at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar, immediately after the swearing-in ceremony, reports PRO to Governor

Exhorting the ministers to provide a transparent and people oriented government, the Governor said that public have very high expectation from the new State Cabinet. He advised them to continue to serve the cause of the people. Be ministers of the people and role model and set good examples towards public responsibilities, he said.

The Governor further emphasised on team work, people participation in governance and strong public auditing system. He advised them to do away with 'announcements and laying of foundation stones' and instead fine tune their Statecraft.

Wishing them his good wishes, the Governor advised them to focus on roads and said that 'only through roads, Arunachal Pradesh can develop.' He also stressed on education, health, horticulture, industries, cinemas, tourism, skill development and employment generating projects.

The Chief Minister briefed the Governor on the priorities of the Government, particularly critical service sectors like roads, law and order, health and education. He assured the Governor that the State Cabinet is committed to continue the initiatives of the Governor during the President Rule and maintain the Law and Order as it was during that period. The Chief Minister also informed that the State Government has already take initiatives and will go for result oriented project involving the local populace.

Rijiju’s statement exposes nexus between Pul team and BJP, says APCC

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) today said that the Press statement of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju that he had been offered the Arunachal chief minister's post has exposed the explicit nexus between the Team Kalikho Pul and the Bharaitya Janata Party (BJP).

“If Kalikho Pul is offering the Chief Minister’s chair to Kiren Rijiju then it directly means that BJP is the planner of the political turmoil in the State,” APCC said in a press statement.

“The mandate given by the people of Arunachal Pradesh to the Congress party has been squashed by the MoS for Home Affairs himself. His statement clearly shows that the present Govt. under the Chief Ministership of Kalikho Pul is working at the behest and dictatorship of the BJP,” said APCC.

“His statement was nothing but mere an eye wash for the people of Arunachal,” the APCC said, and accused Rijiju of being the mastermind behind the political turmoil in the State.

“Rijiju planned the whole political turmoil in connivance with the BJP and the Governor in order to topple the democratically elected Govt. in the State,” claimed the APCC.

“We expected a good relationship with our neighboring State when JP Rajkhowa, who hails from Assam, became the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh. But Rajkhowa has shown no interest in this direction.

APCC also flayed Pul for inducting two Deputy Chief Ministers into his Govt. and said he was compelled to do so for his political survival. “By inducting two Dy CMs into his ministry, Pul, who had been vocal against financial mismanagement during the period of his rebellion, is misusing public money unnecessarily.”

“When the Governor has already violated the Indian Constitution then why can’t Pul create more posts of Deputy Chief Ministers to satisfy his master (BJP),” APCC said in a sarcastic manner.

Pul seeks support of Assam in Hydro project development

GUWAHATI, Mar 5: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has sought the support of the Assam Government and the people of Assam in developing Hydro Projects in Arunachal Pradesh. Pul said this while interacting with Assam Governor Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya at Raj Bhawan, Guwahati, Assam on Saturday.

Informing the Governor that there had been differences of opinions or misconception in the minds of few sections of the society in Assam regarding hydro projects in Arunachal Pradesh, Pul clarified that benefits of Hydro Power development will equally be reaped by Assam being the immediate neighbour apart from the development prospects of the affected areas. He also made it clear that hydropower projects would minimize the flood impact in Assam to a great extent.

On the inter-state boundary row, Pul said that he believed in solving the differences mutually rather than going to court for settlement. As the two states have been a family sharing good and bad times together for ages together, people of both the sides must maintain the centuries old mutual trust, love and age-old relationship of bonhomie, CM maintained. He requested the Assam Governor to help both the states retain the brotherhood relationship they had been maintaining for long. Pul also appealed to the people of both the states, especially those living along the inter-state boundary, to maintain calm and not get provoked by unscrupulous elements that may attempt to take advantage of the situation for vested interests. Both the neighbouring states should work hand in hand to sort out the differences if any to maintain peace, he asserted. He further revealed that he would soon make personal visits to these border areas and interact with the people on both the sides.

Assam has always been a parent and a big brother of Arunachal Pradesh, CM Pul said. It is for this reason that most of the Arunachalees can speak and understand Assamese while legend like Bhupen Hazarika and his melodious songs still reverberate and echo in the hills and valleys of the state, he added.

As a mark of respect to the great soul who is also a symbol of bond between the two states, the CM informed that Arunachal Government would immediately release Rs.1 crore to erect Bhupen Hazarika’s statue in the state capital region and in all the vital entry points of Assam-Arunachal border.

The discussion also rounded up on the prevailing insurgency in the Northeast. Pul opined that the insurgency issue should be dealt with utmost care while respecting the sentiments of the locals or the organizations.

“Respective governments should provide platforms for the misguided youths to come back to the mainstream and live a normal and dignified life. All issues and differences should be amicably discussed and solved without resorting to violence,” Pul said.

Governor Acharya advised Pul to introduce foreign languages in the universities and higher studies institutions of the state in view of Arunachal sharing strategic international borders with China, Bhutan and Myanmar. By doing so, you will help the country improve the bi-lateral relations, besides opening gates for border trade for economic growth of the region and improving the social as well as economic ties, said an official release adding that Pul assured to look into the possibilities. On invitation, Assam governor assured Pul to visit Arunachal Pradesh soon, the release added.

Mobile BME vehicle to be in operation in Capital Complex soon: Singh

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Capital Complex DC, Sandeep Kumar Singh has informed that mobile BME vehicle will be in operation at Itanagar Capital Complex soon to ensure more National Population Register (NPR) enrolment for the convenience of the general public.

He was addressing NPR enumerators of a day-long training on the scheme of updation of NPR database of Itanagar Capital Complex conducted at his conference hall on Mar 5. It aimed at imparting training on adopting methodology of data entry to incorporate any corrections in name, date of birth, address etc from the entries made in NPR data booklets and update the database.

The DC also stressed on the need for submission of corrected database report by the mid of this month enabling to forward the same to the DCO office Shillong and informed that updation will be monitored on daily basis, if required. While assuring the enumerators all logistic support, he stressed on collection of mobile number and other contact details of the enumerators so that communication could be made in fastest means. He also spoke in detail the difference between NPR and Bio-metric Enrolment.

Itanagar EAC, J. Bomjen also appealed to all the NPR enumerators to co-operate with the district administration in order to achieve its updation on time as per the latest government notification. He further disclosed that government notification of this updation exercise should have been completed between November to December 2015 but could not be accomplished owing to assignment of duties to teachers who were busy in their academic schedule.

Resource person DCO office Shillong Assistant Director, Census Operation (Tech), NC Mazumdar imparted training on the procedure to be adopted for the updation by highlighting the background of NPR.

DSO Itanagar, Ephilo Mihu Riram and Seppa DSO, Chukhu Ame Loffa and Naharlagun EAC, Hento Karga also spoke on the occasion. (DIPRO)

NE Games: Lifters shine as Arunachal’s medal count rises to 29

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: As expected, national weightlifting champion in 77 kg category Kojum Taba bagged the second gold medal for Arunachal Pradesh as the State’s total medal count in the ongoing national level North East Games rose to 29 on Saturday.

A total of 14 medals were won by the State on day four to which the lifters contributed three, boxers nine and judokas two. With addition of 14 medals, the state’s total medal haul rose from 15 overnight to 29 on Saturday, which include 2 gold,10 silver and 17 bronze.

Kojum won the gold medal with a total lift of 275 kg (125 in snatch, 150 kg in clean and jerk). He lifted 29 kg more than his nearest rival from Manipur in total lift.

Kojum did not need to go for the second and third attempts in clean and Jerk after his first lift of 150 kg remained unbeaten.

Another promising lifter from Arunachal Pradesh Langpu Roman had to be content with Silver. He lifted a total of 244 kg (snatch- 108 Kg, clean and jerk- 136 Kg) which was two kg less than the total weight lifted by the gold medal winner from Manipur.

In women's 63 kg category, Minu Moriju won Bronze medal by lifting a total of 128 kg. She lifted 55kg in Snatch and 73 Kg in clean & jerk.

Lifters from the state has so far clinched nine medals which included 2 gold, 5 Silver and 2 Bronze medals.

In Judo, Kato Ngadong and Nikel Natung won a silver and bronze medal each in men’s 73 Kg and women’s 57 Kg category respectively.

In boxing, Gumin Gara, (men, 63 Kg), Biri Taro, (men, 70 Kg), Daniel Koyu (men, 75 Kg), Damlik Dara, (men 80 Kg), LD Nethinoi Chiru (women 48 Kg), Nanu Sonam, (women 63 Kg), Bomter Gara (women 66 Kg), Techi Yana (women, 60 Kg) and Doi Taipodia (women 70 Kg) have lost their semifinal bouts.

In boxing, both the losers in semifinals are awarded bronze medals.

In Table Tennis, Arunachal’s Men’s Team beat Tripura by 3-0 sets in a league level team event.

Badminton Team events will start on Sunday. Boxing finals in the weight categories of Men’s 46, Kg, 48 Kg, 50 Kg, 54 Kg, 57 Kg, 66 Kg and women’s 52 Kg, weightlifting men’s 86 kg and women’s 69 kg categories will also be held on Sunday.

Arunachal’s men’s table tennis team will play against Sikkim and Manipur while the women team will take on Mizoram and Sikkim on Sunday.

Voluntary blood donation camp at NERIST

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: A total of 66 units of blood were collected during a blood donation camp organized at NERIST Health Unit by the NSS Cell of NERIST in collaboration with the TR State Hospital and Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, Naharlagun.

Around 70 donors both boys and girls turned up for the camp. Many of them were regular donors. Certificates were also distributed to the donors.

Speaking on the occasion, Coordinator NSS, Dr. A. Dinamani Singh stated that NERIST being home to around 2000 students can play a major role in fulfilling the blood requirement of capital city. He further stated that other than regular donation camps NERIST students are also donating blood on call.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Director SBTC, Dr. Nabam Budh spoke about blood science.

Blood forms a major component of Hospital treatment system and there are time when people cannot be cured only with medicines, he said.

Blood Bank Officer, TRSH, Dr. Sona Pasang highlighted the use of blood and its components in treatment of various diseases. She informed the students that there will be no shortage in the supply of blood in ASH and the state in general if every youth of the state donate blood twice a year.

Assistant Director, VBD, APSACS, Dony Tayeng spoke on the various precautions a donor has to take before and after donation. He also stated that the best quality of blood is obtained from voluntary donors.

Second batch SAMARTHYA training prog begins

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: The 3 day-long SAMARTHYA technical training programme on MGNREGA for the second batch of the District Technical Resource Team (DTRT) and Block Technical Resource Team (BTRT) members comprising of technical persons from 6 districts including Kurung Kumey, Upper Subansiri, West and Upper Siang and Siang began here on Mar 5.

SIRD Director, B J Duia who inaugurated the programme in his address said that the planning process has been shifted from top down approach unlike the earlier times so for preparation of viable gram Panchayat Planning the role of Extension Officers (Rural Engineering) and Panchayat Technical Assistant (PTAs) will be vital and urged the participants to work with dedication for various poverty alleviation programmes being launched by the government. He further informed that the role of SIRD in planning process is capacity building of various levels of stakeholders involved in grassroots level planning.

State Technical Resource Team member and Programme Director, Nani Chatung in his address further explained the objective of SAMARTHYA, launched by Ministry of Rural Development during March, 2015 which is to develop a cadre of trainers who will help in convergence planning, execution of MGNREGA across the country and acquaint the functionaries about technical estimate of various structure permissible under MGNREGA for proper implementation of MGNREGA programme in the state.

SIRD Deputy Director, Dr. Rakesh Srivastava, senior faculty SIRD Dr. VK Sharma and Assistant Director-cum-Course Coordinator, SW Bagang were also present on the occasion.

MRP loot in Changlang district

[ Tom Simai ]

In the process of glorifying greed, the shopkeeper’s have embraced dishonesty as a way of life and the outcome of that dishonesty is the story of every household in Changlang district. The financial mayhem generated by their overwhelming rapacity has affected the hand to mouth existence of the lower stratus of the society or the working class.

Blinded by greed, the insatiable shopkeepers has trampled the conventional commerce code –‘Customer is God’ and replaced it with the ugly trend - unregulated price hike and MRP loot (charging above maximum retail price).

In this unethical pursuit, the local authority tasked to regulate the commodity prices and prevent the MRP loot is alleged of being hand in glove with the voracious vendors. The grapevine is that for a small share of the illicit profits they have traded their silence.

As per the Consumer Protection Act, shopkeeper can neither charge more than the MRP printed on the items nor they can demand ‘as-I-like’ prices. It is a criminal offence and perpetrators are liable to hefty fines and even imprisonment. How can a law perform and protect if its enforcer enjoy thwarting their obligations.

The languid disposition in prohibiting the unlawful price hike and MRP loot describes the amicable relation the local authority shares with the dishonest shopkeepers. In fact, the consequence of this wicked alliance is the endless quandary that the weaker section encounters every day.

Being poor, for the working class it really matters what they save or spend on daily basis. For them every paisa spent is a future investment and every paisa saved is a security for the rainy days. Sadly, the cruel shopkeepers have been robbing that very investment/security without any remorse.

Literally, the working class mostly procures edible goods and other household items on credit basis which makes them perfect candidate for the shopkeepers swindle. If they dispute against the pilfering it is very likely the flow of credit will cease instantly and if they don’t they accumulate nothing to sail through the turbulent time. In the tug of war of survival, the salvaged penny usually lands at the shopkeepers coffer compelling the working class to live a borrowed life forever.

According to the observers, the taciturnity of the public has encouraged the ruthless shopkeepers and the local authorities to refine their manipulative skills and continue tormenting the low earning groups. Moreover, the reluctance of the evil duo to uproot or control their illegal ways has prevented the chance of dignified living to the working class. Not only that, it has also elongated the curse upon the vulnerable section obligating them to suffer for every morsel of food, every single day of their life. (The writer can be reached at simaitom @gmail.com)

CM directs for establishment of Tourist Information Centre at Guwahati airport

GUWAHATI, Mar 5: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has asked the DRC officials to prepare a Tourist Information Centre at Guwahati airport. He was visiting the Arunachal Guest House at Guwahati on Saturday.

Pul also instructed the Tourist Information Centre at Guwahati to be equipped with information to be served round the clock with timely issuance of Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and Inner-Line Permit (ILP) to the visitors for ease of travel.

Pitching for religiously adopting the concept of “Athiti Devo Bhawa” to tap into full potential of tourism in the state, CM Pul said, “Your behaviour, approach and hospitality will play a key role in attracting tourists in the state”.

Terming Guwahati city as ‘Gateway to Arunachal’, the Chief Minister instructed the officials and the staffs of the state’s Deputy Resident Commissioner (DRC) office in the city, to adopt tourist-friendly behaviour and to present a good picture of the state to the outside world.

The CM advised the officers to inculcate a sense of responsibility towards tourists and to re-enforce the confidence of tourists towards Arunachal as a preferred tourism destination.

The Chief Minister took a detailed inspection of the Guest House building. He inspected the condition of the visitor’s rooms, toilet facilities and the kitchen. He then assured funds for complete renovation of the Guest House building and asked the officials to work expeditiously on it.

“Since the guest house is a transit point for visitors, it serves as the first impression,” said the Chief Minster and strictly instructed it to be kept clean and maintained.

The Chief Minister also instructed the officials to not only attend to VIPs but also be hospitable and provide adequate services to state officials, coming for meetings.

Emphasising for special care to students and patients, he directed DRC officials to give them proper guidance on education institutions and health care centres in the city.

The Chief Minister assured the DRC officials and staffs that the government will take care of their welfare, and also assured to provide them facilities for conveyance with replacement of old vehicles with new ones.

Further, Pul advised the DRC officials to work diligently and dedicatedly for the cause of the state as they have full potential to make a difference.

Clearance for HC building construction expedited: Pul

GUWAHATI, Mar 5: The site for construction of High Court in Arunachal Pradesh has been finalised and all necessary clearances are being expedited, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul said during his brief discussion with the newly sworn in Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court Justice Ajit Singh at Guwahati. Pul also assured all logistic and administrative support for early construction of the court building. Earlier, Pul attended swearing in ceremony of new Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court Justice Ajit Singh.

On his invitation to pay a visit to the state, Justice Singh assured to make a trip soon.

Meanwhile, in a meeting with the Advocate General of Arunachal Pradesh Sishir Dutta and his team of state government lawyers later on the day, CM encouraged them to work as a team.

Referring to past experiences of maximum government cases lost in the hierarchical courts due to known and unknown reasons, Pul categorically called them to change the trend of losing and instead make winning streaks from now on.

“When the entire government machineries, its officers, employees and staffs works on prescribed norms, laid down rules and approved procedures which is initially prepared by the officers and later passed by the state legislative assembly to make it a law, I don’t find any reason to lose any case against the state government when admitted in the court of law”, he quipped.

He advised the learned Advocate general and his team to have better synergy and coordination with the department officers so that they are fully armed to fight the case and win for the state government.

While assuring to look after the welfare of State Advocates by providing all possible support, Pul hinted on rating them through their performances. He called for a dedicated approach equipped with all required materials to argue for the state in the court of law.

Consumer awareness campaign at Yingkiong

YINGKIONG, Mar 5: The Department of Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs, East/ Upper Siang district organised an awareness campaign at Tourism Hall here on Friday to educate the consumer about their rights as enshrined in the Consumer Protections Act and to exercise them.

Upper Siang District Deputy Commissioner Remo Kamki while attending the programme appreciated the Legal Metrology team for giving various tips on consumer protection through practical demonstration which would help participants in buying the right products. He stressed the need for organizing similar awareness campaign from time to time to raise the level of awareness among consumers in Upper Siang.

He urged people to exercise their consumer rights against unfair trade practices.

Adong Pertin, EAC, said that the consumers can go to Consumer Court, District Forum, which have been set up decade ago in the district, to get their grievances redressed.

Earlier, KP Tago, Asstt. Controller expressed his resentment over low level awareness among consumer in Upper Siang district. He urged the consumer to send their complaints concerning consumer interest to District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum.

The public were made aware of their rights and harmful effects of food adulteration, imported goods, imitation and counterfeit products, weights and measures, etc.

Earlier, similar awareness campaign was organised at Jengging Community Hall.

Attending the programme, Nikita Panggam, CO Jengging suggested participants to enrich their knowledge on consumer protection from the campaign so that they are not cheated by the unscrupulous traders in future.

Hundreds of people including govt. officer and officials, PRI members, traders and public attend the programme. DIPRO

Social Service at CHC Jairampur

JAIRAMPUR, Mar 05: As a part of lent season, nearly 50 parishioners of Jairampur Catholic Church carried out cleanliness drive in and around of Jairampur Community Healthcare Centre on Saturday.

The 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday until Easter observed by Christians as a season of fasting, penitence and charity in preparation for Easter is known as Lent season.

All the female parishioners scrubbed the CHC’s floor and the male group cleaned the surroundings of the CHC. The parishioners also donated bed sheet, mattress, pillow, mosquito net to the Medical Office in-Charge.

The parishioners were supported by DUDA Jairampur led by Deputy Director George Joshep who also materialized the departmental men and machine to wrap up the drive. DUDA also donated two dustbins. The massive one has been placed in front of the CHC entrance and the spot will be later developed as thematic sanitation area with flower garden and concrete pavement.

The altruistic effort began early in the morning but it was dragged little bit longer due to water scarcity at the hospital premises. The members had to fetch the water from outside the hospital campus.

On inquiry it was found that despite persistent effort of the medical officer, PHED Jairampur has failed to connect regular water supply at the hospital premises. It is not only the medical staff but also the patients that confront difficulties due to water scarcity.

Sangma tallest political leader from NE: Rijiju

NEW DELHI, Mar 5: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju paid last respect to former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma in his hometown Tura in Meghalaya on Saturday. Sangma died on Friday in New Delhi after he suffered a heart attack.

Rijiju was accompanied by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel and Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space and Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge).

Paying homage to the departed leader, Rijiju said Sangma was the tallest political leader ever from the whole of North East India and one of the best Speakers of Lok Sabha.

He was popular among leaders of all political hues and as Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Sangma enjoyed equal confidence and trust of both the treasury and opposition benches, conducting the proceedings with his sharp wit and humour.

He will continue to be a role model for the emerging political leaders not only from the North-Eastern Region but for entire country for a long time to come, Rijiju added.

Speaker mourns Sangma’s death

Mewnwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Wangki Lowang has expressed shock over the sudden demise of former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno Agitok Sangma who passed away in his New Delhi residence on Friday.

In its condolence message, Lowang wrote, his death has caused a vacuum in the political history of India in general and North East region in particular. His services as Speaker, Union Cabinet Minister, Meghalaya Chief Minister will always be remembered in days to come. He was the brain behind establishment of North East Regional Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (NERCPA) and North East Regional Institute of Parliamentary Studies & Training Research (NERIPSTR) which is benefiting the people of North Eastern region of India in strengthening the roots of parliamentary democracy. I would remember him as a man of vision and determination.

He offered his heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family members of Lt. Sangma and prayed to almighty God for eternal peace of the departed soul.

EPS extends helping hands to poor and needy

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Environmental Protection Society (EPS), like previous years, under its ‘Annual Old Age Care’ programme provided solar lamps, blankets, clothing, shoes and smokeless chulas to old, poor and needy people of 10 interior villages of Tawang district.

Heiner Cuhls from Germany donated the smokeless chulas.

“Though negligible, we hope, this small contribution can surely benefit those poor and needy people,” hoped the EPS in a release.

Budget session from March 21

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa has summoned the eighth (budget) session of the sixth Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh from March 21. The four-day budget session will be held on March 21, 22, 23 and 26, according an Assembly secretariat release.

In a separate notification, the Assembly secretariat informed that Tenzing Norbu Thongdok has resigned from the post of Deputy Speaker of the Sixth Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh with effect from March 4.

Deputation main cause of corruption: ACS

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Claiming that departmental deputation done through political links and nepotism is the main cause of corruption, the Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) has in a release today appealed to Chief Minister Kalikho Pul to direct all the heads of the departments to submit the list of deputed officers for sending them back to their respective parent department at the earliest.

Earlier, deputation was done in departments considering the particular officer’s caliber for well being of the people of the state but now, the act of deputing is a mere excuse for the officers to extract money from the government departments, it further claimed.

AdiSU unit demands eviction of school land encroachers

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU), Siang district unit lodged a complaint with Siang Deputy Commissioner against encroachment of various government school premises in the district and urged the DC to carry out drives to evict the school land encroachers.

According to the AdiSU district unit, the land encroachment affected schools are Govt. Higher Secondary Schools, Pessing, Rumgcng, Boleng, Pangin and Kaying.

The students’ union also alleged illegal occupation of school land by some teachers and construction of permanent structure by them in the occupied land thereby leaving no free space for future development of schools.

The AdiSU district unit further appealed to serve show cause notice to illegal occupants and issue letter of intimation to Principal/ Headmasters of those schools directing them to submit the names of illegal occupants as well as status report of the respective school in details at an early date.

Society condoles Kabak’s demise

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: The Sorang Welfare Society (SWS) has deeply condoled the untimely demise of Kabak Mem, former National Bharatiya Janata Party Executive Member who died recently after prolonged illness.

Late Kabak Mem was around 70 years old. Hailing from Yarkum Village in Lower Subansiri district, Late Kabak joined Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). After voluntarily quitting the SSB as group leader, he was elected as District Vice President of Indian National Congress (INC) in 1975. He had also contested Assembly election from INC ticket in 1979. In 1983, Late Mem joined BJP and was appointed as state President subsequently as Convenor of North East region. Later he again contested MLA election from BJP ticket in 1984 and remained BJP loyalist till his last breath.

Late Kabak was also considered to be pioneer in campaign against child marriage in undivided Subansiri district, said a release.

APSLA awareness programme for students at DBYC

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: The Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (APSLSA) has organised a day-long awareness programme for students at the Don Bosco Youth Centre,Vivek Vihar, here on March 5.

District and Sessions Judge cum Member Secretary SLSA, Budi Habung spoke on the role of the legal services authority in the dispensation of justice, benefits provided under the Act.

Associate Professor Nani Mamung spoke on drugs,

its effect and penal action, while OSD cum Deputy Secretary, Law, Dani Belo spoke on AP Victim Compensation Scheme.

Later, various doubts of the students were clarified by the

resource persons during the interaction programme. Brochures on Victim Compensation Scheme, Lok Adalat, Plea Bargaining, Child Rights, Fundamental Duties and Rights etc were distributed to the students.

Around 71 persons including around 61 students from across the state participated in the programme.

Workshop for ITI faculty concludes

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: In all, 30 faculty members from Government ITI Roing, Yupia, Dirang, Tabarijo and Balinong took part in a Directorate of Skill Development & Employment Generation (DSD&EG), GoAP and Bridging the Gap Together (BTGT), Chandigarh conducted four day-long workshop on Faculty As Change Agent which concluded at ITI Roing on Mar 5.

Addressing the participants, SD&EG Director, Subu Tabin said that the purpose of the workshop is to develop the faculty as lifelong learner and reflective practitioner so that ITIs can produce skilled and competent trainees for the national and international market in a sustainable way.

The resource persons from BTGT sensitized the participants about the fast changing world and how they can provide the market oriented and competency based learning to trainees to make them competent.

ITI Roing Principal, Subash Pertin was also present on the occasion.

Yoga and taekwondo demonstration held during Initial Training Camp

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Students from different schools and Lamas took part in a rally and performed Yoga, taekwondo and drills as part of a seven day-long Initial Training Camp (ITC) of RSS which concluded at General Parade Ground, Tawang on Mar 5.

Speaking on the concluding day, Dr Lhaboe Rikya Rimpoche highlighted the self-less service of RSS for the country. Dr Lhaboe also emphasized that the stability of India lies with the freedom of Tibet, not only from geo-political point of view, but also as far as the cultural tradition of this buffer state is concerned.

While highlighting the importance of the training camp, RSS Prant Pracharak, Dr Sunil Mohanty urged the participants to inculcate a sense of brotherhood among each other which ultimately gets transformed into a sense of service and sacrifice for the nation.

Fisheries works under RKVY and TFC satisfactory in Papum Pare, Commissioner

YUPIA, Mar 5: Commissioner Fisheries, Huzar Lollen has expressed satisfaction over the progress of works on the ground under integrated fish farming, RKVY and TFC for Papum Pare district. The Commissioner made the observation after visiting the fish ponds in the district to know the ground reality and to make sure that schemes were being implemented in time.

Lollen interacted with the fish farmers at Karsingsa, Pichola, Gorubanda and Sessa.

DDF Monitoring Cell, Nillang Pussang, DFDO, Yupia Nabam Tania, Fishery Officer, Itanagar, S.K. Rath accompanied the Commissioner Fisheries during the visit. DIPRO

SLP organises medical camp at VKV Dollungmukh

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: NHPC’s Subansiri Lower Project under its Corporate Social Responsibility-Sustainable Development (CSR-SD) scheme, organised a two-day medical camp at Vivekananda Kendriya Vidhyalay (VKV) Dollungmukh in Lower Subansiri district on March 4 and 5.

During the camp, health screening and medical check up of around 100 students and staff of the school were done and free medicines were also provided.

NHPC’s medical team comprised of Dr Abu Taba, Assistant Chief Medical Officer and Dr BJ Nath, Medical Officer alongwith paramedical staff of the SLP.

R.Murugan, Principal, VKV Dollungmukh alongwith his staff extended full cooperation in conducting the camp successfully.

AKDDSU voices against illegal encroachment

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: The All Kra-Daadi District Students’ Union (AKDDSU) has appealed the Deputy Commissioner to immediately issue eviction order against the illegal encroachment of Govt Hr Sec School Palin.

Earlier, students’ union along with DDSE, DLRSO and the town magistrate visited the school boundary on February 29 last which was illegally encroached by the public. The union has also appealed the local MLA Takam Pario to construct boundary wall of the school.

Meanwhile, the union distributed pen and paper to the students during the CBSE examination.

ANYA condemns attempted rape

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: The All Nyishi Youth Association has strongly condemned the culprits responsible for the attempted rape victim who is undergoing treatment at RKM Hospital. ANYA also urged the concern authority to take immediate action as per law so that justice could be delivered to the victim and her family as early as possible.

In a release ANYA also lauded the people friendly initiatives taken by Chief Minister Kaliko Pul like enhancing the minimum salary of contingency staffs of all the departments from existing Rs. 4500 to Rs. 6000 for unskilled and Rs. 7000 for skilled workers, implementing regular pay system to ASHA workers with Rs 3000 per month and for releasing and enhancing students stipend on monthly basis.

Further, ANYA has appealed the state government to give priority to unemployment and problems faced by the unemployed youth of the state. It urged the CM to create mechanism for solving issues, to take up appropriate policies and measures to nurture the youth power of the state for good cause and better development.

Hunting banned in East Siang

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Mar 5: Responding to the public reports of hunting of wildlife in East Siang, the East Siang District Magistrate has issued an executive order on March 3 imposing blanket ban on hunting of wildlife under any purpose.

The order has prohibited carrying, keeping, transfer and use of air guns, air rifle and pellets within the jurisdiction of the district. It further warned of legal action for any violation.

Shooting for Bollywood film ‘Rangoon’ begins

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Mar 5: Director cum Producer Vishal Bhardwaj has began shooting for his upcoming film ‘Rangoon’ at Kebang in Siang district on Saturday.

The upcoming high-budget film, starring Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan, Sahid Kapoor and Kangana Ranaut is set against the backdrop of World War II where some Indian soldiers fought for the British army against Subhash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army in Rangoon, Myanmar.

After Koyla, this is for the second time a Bollywood movie has been shot in Arunachal Pradesh.

The district administration and Tourism Department of East Siang are extending cooperation to the film maker and his team members, providing safe and comfortable stay at Pasighat town.

The director and producer of the film along with the entourage arrived in Pasighat on February 29.

4 Arunachalees nominated as non-official members of AIHB

ITANAGAR, Mar 05: Tadar Akap, president ST Morcha, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State unit, Techi Tara, former president, Capital Complex, Itanagar BJP unit, Banim Kri, former district BJP president, Anjaw and Tamat Gamoh, former district president, BJP, East Siang unit were nominated as Non-Official Members of All India Handloom Board under the Union Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

Training prog on scientific pig farming

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: One day training programme on scientific pig farming for optimum pork production was conducted by ICAR, Basar in its Research farm Gori, Basar on Saturday.

Around 45 farmers from Gori, I, II , III and Soi villages attended the programme.

The pig farmers were taught about management of pigs during extreme condition, various preventive and controlling measures against common diseases in pig during the day-long programme by the scientist of the ICAR.

Demos on feeding and treatment of some common diseases and injury were conducted by them at the ICAR research pig shed.

MMS to conduct Mrs Arunachal-2016

NAHARLAGUN, Mar 5: Women who give birth and nourish, are mirror of the society, for which Kimin-based Mahila Mandal Society (MMS) in collaboration with Nurang Learning Institute (NLI) here has decided to conduct Mrs Arunachal-2016 at Nyokum Niya ground at Nirjuli on June 25 next.

MMS secretary Tadar Yasuk and NLI chairperson Ngurang Meena decided to conduct the event with Arunachal Front as media partner and a seven-member committed team with chief coordinator Diwang Hosai to honour the women.

Women empowerment is the hottest global topic posing a serious threat to the progress of the humanity which needs to be arrested with conscientious measures worldwide and in Arunachal Pradesh in particular, for empowering women, said Meena.

Arunachalee women have already proved their calibre by surpassing the 33% reservation in Panchayati Raj chairperosn posts and dozens of woman sports persons have brought global medals for India, she said to drive home her point.

Their socio-economic, political and educational contributions though invaluable but need to be given a new thrust and the event intended to project that image of this tribal dominated society to showcase woman empowerment, the buzz of development, Yasuk added.

Absentee staff warned of action

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: The Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly secretariat has directed Mali P K Dutta to join duty within three days or face disciplinary action as per CSS rule.

According to the APLA secretariat, without any intimation, the Mali remains absent from his duty since February 4 last.

Prayers offered for the terror attack victims

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Hundreds of believers offered prayers at the Sacred Heart Parish, Neotan village in Miao Diocese to express solidarity with the victims of the recent suspected terrorist attack on Mother Teresa Sisters in Yemen and as part of a Eucharistic Adoration on Mar 4.

A 24 Hours for the Lord programme was organized while, sessions on Jubilee of Mercy, Divine Mercy Chaplets and Healing prayer were also held on the occasion.

WSDSU demands action against attackers

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Claiming that a SSA teacher of Aalo, Toni Gamlin and with his wife were assaulted by a group of miscreants without any valid reason at Kulajan, Silapathar in Assam on Friday, the West Siang District Students’ Union (WSDSU) has urged upon the state government to take up the matter with its Assam counterpart and initiate action against the miscreants.

The incident occurred at around 9 am when the couple was on their way from Aalo to Itanagar, the union further informed adding that the victims who were seriously injured are now admitted at Likabali hospital.

Their car was also damaged in the attack by the group, it further added.