March 12
2016
AP Civil Service Exam declared, Bittu Kri tops the list
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: The Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission has declared the results of the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service exams with 51 making it to the merit list.
39 candidates qualified in Civil Service while 12 were selected to the Arunachal Pradesh Police Service.
Bittu Kri has topped the list among the successful candidates, which includes 23 female candidates, including three mothers, who hail from East Kameng.
While speaking to this daily, Rome Mele, the second in the merit list said "it was my first attempt but it was desperate one. I am three years older now since I appeared the prelims in 2013".
Mele said that it takes desperation, perseverance and a good strategy to see it through and the support and faith of family.
The exam, marred in controversy, including leakage of paper and hunger strike by candidates against the administrative loopholes has taken more than three years to complete. More than hundred candidates dropped out midway, caught in the uncertainty of the examination process.
Secretary Ashok Kumar, who has been credited for completion of final leg of exam on time, said that due to non availability of Person with disabilities for two posts of APCS, the vacancy has been filled up from the reserved APST category candidates and the reserved seat shall be treated as the back log to be carried forward for the next recruiting year.
Key Budget official resigns
[ Amar Sangno ]
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: In a dramatic development, Deputy Secretary (Budget) P.Aich has tendered his resignation on Friday forcing the budget section of finance department into huge conundrum at the end of financial year. He is considered a key man in financial planning and was given an extension of 2 years after his supperannuation last year.
Reason for his unexpected exit is yet not known, however, sources close to the department informed The Arunachal Times that he was being allegedly bullied by the Secretary Finance Dr. BM Mishra, IAS over a period of time.
However, when contacted Secretary Finance Dr. BM Mishra denied the allegation and termed it as a purely false rumour.
Terming Aich as a good officer with long experience in finance department, the Secretary however added that resignation may have been due to personal reasons.
Aich's resignation could be a huge blow to the preparation of budget document ahead of the budget session of the legislative assembly, scheduled from March 21.
Aich has given more than 30 years in the service of the state and has served in various capacities including PPS to Chief Minister.
Following Aich's resignation, the budget section is reportedly going though uncertain atmosphere.
It is said Aich was to retire within this month and such drastic move raises more questions than answer.
Unconfirmed report informed this daily that many officers and staff are agitated with overtime and late night work imposed by the Secretary and have applied for transfer.
Secretary Finance has clarified that in order to avoid pendency in finance during March end, heavy work load, including night shifts has been assigned.
Meanwhile, the new format for submission of proposal for FD concurrence is reportedly another stumbling block, as many departments have expressed its displeasure over new format imposed by the Secretary Finance at the end of financial year.
The Secretary gave justification over new format claiming it was duly approved by the government as per financial rules and regulation to ensure transparency and efficiency.
Dolo, Mein gets plum portfolios
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul on Friday distributed port folios to the two deputy chief ministers and five ministers, who took oath on March five.
According to an official release, Deputy Chief Minister Kameng Dolo was allocated Home, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj and Textile & Handicrafts Departments while another Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein was given PWD, Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Social Justice Empowerment & Tribal Affairs and Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Departments.
The Departments of RWD, Agriculture and Labour & Employment were given to Kumar Waii.
Wanglin Lowangdong was allocated the Departments of Education, Parliamentary Affairs, and DoTCL while Kamlung Mossang was given the WRD, Mines and Trade & Commerce departments.
Public Health Engineering & Water Supply and Libraries departments were given to Lombo Tayeng while Tenzing Norbu Thongdok was allocated Power & Non-Conventional Energy Resources and Research departments.
All the Departments which are not allocated to any Deputy Chief Minister and Cabinet Minister will remain with the Chief Minister.
Nyishis, the Big brother should guide the state: Pul
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul on Friday gave a spirited call to Nyishi community to guide the rest of the community in Arunachal, terming them as the 'big brother'.
During a visit to the Nyishi Art and Culture Archive and Nyishi Indigenous Cultural Centre here, the chief minister said Nyishi being the largest community in the state, their role in the cultural and spiritual uplift of the state has become highly crucial.
"Nyishi brethren have since time immemorial played a pivotal role in guiding the state into right direction and they have high responsibility to set good examples for rest of the state to emulate" Pul said.
Calling for preservation of art and culture, he said due to advent of modernity, the community's ancient culture and traditions today faces the risk of annihilation.
The chief minister underlining the importance for preservation of cultural relics said the establishment of a cultural centre is the best way to preserve the tangible cultural assets of the community.
The foundation for the Nyishi Indigenous Cultural center was laid way back in January 1, 2013 by former CM and the Nyishi Art and Culture Archive in October 12, 2014 by the former Union Minister of State (Independent charge) for Culture and Tourism, Shripad Yesso Naik.
Since then with the support of few local organisations, the local community people were able to raise few tangible structures for the cultural centre.
The chief minister appreciating the efforts of the local community organizations, announced for immediate release of Rs 4 crore for infrastructure buildings for the cultural centre as a thrust towards preservation of cultural relics of the Nyishi community.
He advised the local organizations to prepare proposals for the cultural centre as per the need based, and hoped that the work for the erection of the cultural buildings will be expedited soon and completed in year time.
Give us facitlities, we will produce boxers of international repute: AABA
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: Give us necessary infrastructure and facility then we will give you back boxers of international repute, asserted Arunachal Amateur Boxing Association (AABA).
Expressing satisfaction over the performance of boxers of the State in the just concluded national level North East Games in Imphal, Manipur despite limited training facilities, AABA Secretary General Tadang Minu said the boxers could have won couple of more medals if there were good training facilities in the State to groom the talents.
Out of the total 39, boxers contributed 16 medals, including two gold, five silver and 9 bronze, to State's total medal count in the Games.
The AABA Secretary General appealed to the State Government to construct an indoor boxing hall so that the budding pugilists could be provided training without any difficulty.
Earlier, the boxing medal winners of North East Games were felicitated in a simple function organized at Gahpur Tinali which was also attended by Secretary Sports Dani Salu.
According AABA, the Secretary has assured to initiate for the indoor hall at his level.
Cyclist covers 14,000 kilometers, reaches Arunachal to raise cancer awareness
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: A youth from West Bengal who has embarked on a multi-nation cycle journey with a mission to raise cancer awareness today reached here to spread the message on how to prevent the deadly disease which affects nearly 1.6 lakh people annually in India.
Covering a distance of 14,000 kilometres till date, 24-year-old Anirban Acharya from Kolkata, is planning to cover 100 countries in the world by 2020.
Acharya, who reached Itanagar this morning, was felicitated by the members of Arunachal Press Club, Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists and Arunachal Electronic Media Association for his cause.
He was handed over a letter of appreciation and some cash.
Starting his journey from New Delhi on June 6 last year, Acharya has covered Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Goa, Chennai, Kerala, Kanyakumari, Odisha and Kolkata before reaching Arunachal Pradesh.
From here, he would start for Jorhat in Assam via the world's largest river island Majuli and would proceed to Tripura from where he would set out for Bangladesh, Laos, Indonesia, China and other South East Asian countries.
Acharya told reporters that he would also visit Europe and America to cover 100 countries in all the continents.
"Since my school days, I was involved with adventure sports and I want to do something challenging. I got my inspiration from various books which I read during my school days," he said.
Previously, Acharya had travelled to Kashmir on his bicycle from Kolkata in 2012. PTI
East Siang gears up to prevent Dengue and JE
[ Prafulla Kaman ]
PASIGHAT, Mar 11: Viewing the possibility of recurrence of Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in East Siang district, the district health department has taken special measures to prevent the fatal epidemic through reduction of vector sources.
In a meeting of the District Health Society at East Siang DC's conference hall, Pasighat on Friday, government officials and elected leaders discussed strategies for prevention of the vector borne diseases.
Speaking on the occasion, DC Isha Khosla instructed the medical officers to identify the vulnerable pockets and take early steps for mass mobilization for destroying all mosquito breeding sites. She requested the municipal councilors, panchayat leaders and village heads to come forward in preventing the diseases.
Appreciating the health department for conducting such meeting for awareness, East Siang Zilla Parishad Chairman, Kaling Dai has urged the PMC councilors and PRI leaders to organize mass awareness programme on Dengue and other mosquito born diseases. He also requested the district administration for issuing necessary circular in this regard.
Addressing the participants, District Medical Officer (DMO), Dr Mandip Perme alerted that Dengue and Encephalitis might resurface in the district this summer. He called upon the health workers, municipal councilors and panchayat leaders to take pro-active measures in preventing the diseases by organising mass awareness campaign. He sought a convergent effort with urban and rural bodies and NGOs and other sections involved in the awareness campaign.
Nodal Officer of Sentinel Surveillance on Vector Born Disease, Pasighat, Dr. B Apum briefed on the Dengue and Encephalitic cases traced during last few years. She informed that the first Dengue case in the district was detected in 2012,
which subsequently recurred in 2014. It broke out as an epidemic during last summer and created a panic for all concerned. Dr. Apum also informed that out of 6614 reported cases last year, 1907 cases tested Dengue positive. The number of Dengue positive cases in 2012 was 223, which was decreased to 27 in 2014. As such, the district health department recorded 874 cases of JE and other diseases having Encephalitic syndrome last year. Dr. Apum laid stress on concerted efforts for reduction of mosquito breeding sources in order to prevent the fatal epidemic.
Vector Born Disease Control Programme, Programme Officer, Dr. T Risho briefed on transmission of JE and other mosquito born diseases, while Senior Medical Officer Dr. T Tali emphasised on formulation of an integrated plan for reduction of vectors as primary preventive measure against the diseases.
Forest officers' federation demands release of field staff
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: All India Forest Officers Federation North East Region, in a representation to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, has appealed for immediate release of field staffs from Divisional office to their respective field duties.
Claiming that the field staffs were not being engaged according to their charter of duties and equal status were not provided to them, the Federation claimed that spouses of Department Officers were engaged as Ministerial staff in the Division Office despite shortage of Fields Staffs for field work and duty.
As per the charter of duties were concerned, the Field staffs should be engaged only in the Field works and clerical works should be carried out by the Clerks such as UDC, LDC and Peon etc, the Federation asserted. It added that as a result of withdrawal and non-engagement of Fields Staffs from their line and place of duty, it becomes very difficult for the 'only' segregated Field staffs, to protect the Forests, Reserved Forests and preserve the flora and Fauna of the state at large. Referring to various other points in support of their request, the Federation called upon the PCCF to pass an order/direction to the concerned Divisional Forest Officer(s) and other Officer of to immediately release all the Field staffs from the Divisional office to their respective line and place of duties for the interests of the Department as well as for an equitable work distribution of Field Staffs and for smooth functioning the Departmental activities as a whole. Failing which, it threatened to knock the door of the Court for enforcement of their rights and equality.
Attack victim demands fair justice
Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Mar 11: A Junior Engineer (JE) serving in Zilla Mission Coordinator office of Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (DDSE) in Lower Subansiri district, who was attacked while on duty on March 1 last, has demanded the authority for ensuring a fair justice.
JE Oni Ering was allegedly physically assaulted by one Joram Papon following an altercation regarding quality of building work at construction site at Deli Joram Govt. Primary School under Ziro Police Station.
The alleged accused (contractor) had allegedly forced the JE to clear the construction bill without proper work to which Ering flatly denied. The alleged accused has also caused damage to the mobile phone of the JE. Ziro Police following FIR lodged by the victim has registered a case (No- 19/2016, U/S-332/392/427 IPC) against the alleged accused, who is currently on anticipatory bail.
However, the investigating officer is ready to file the charge-sheet against the alleged accused under relevant sections.
JE Ering, who is a native of Boying village in East Siang, is currently undergoing medical treatment at Pasighat.
The Bogong Banggo Yameng Kebang has strongly condemned the incident of physical assault on government official on duty and urged the authority to ensure that the offender is punished as per law.
CM thanks tempo, auto drivers for keeping city on the move
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul visited the tempo and auto stand near Mithun gate in the capital city.
Interacting with the drivers, he acknowledged their contribution in keeping the city on move by providing the much convenient mode of conveyance to the city dwellers, in absence of public transport services within the city.
During the interaction, the chief minister was elated to meet two auto drivers, who informed that they were college graduate.
Appreciating their strong sense of work culture, Pul said, "Dignity of labour dignifies every kind of work. There is no work as superior or inferior. It is improper to think that a certain kind of work is undignfied or below one's status."
Speaking on their grievances, the workers informed that there is huge liability to be paid to the transport department, and appealed the chief minister for a one time-waiver.
"Many of the vehicles were purchased as second-hand that came with huge tax liability of from the previous owners of which many were not aware of," said the workers.
The chief minister responded with the assurance that the matter will be taken up in consultation with the concerned department.
Further, Pul assured to provide all basic facilities and amenities for designated auto and tempo stand such as parking lot, toilet and sanitary facilities, CCTV, high mast light and also provision for hotel/motel and rest room. Similar steps would also be initiated for Bus stands and Sumo counters, he added.
He also brought the idea of having a detailed map with a complete road network of the capital city in the auto stand where information on time required to reach the desired destination, will be on display.
The chief minister advised the auto and tempo drivers to carry with them the concept of "Athiti Devo Bhawa" to present a good picture of the state and the capital city to the visitors.
He advised them to carry with them all the concerned documents of the vehicles, and to report any threat to police for their safety during the working hours. He also advised them not to charge exorbitant rates to the customer.
Requesting them to cooperate with the state administration to prevent any possible law and order problems, the chief minister asked the workers to be on vigil for any suspicious activity in the city and to report immediately to the police.
Further the chief minister assured all necessary support for construction of auto stands in all essential places in the city such as schools, hospitals and important government offices.
Special Outreach Program on 7 Flagship schemes concludes
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: Director, field publicity (DFP), Dr Keshavamurthy has emphasized on the need to pool the resources, efforts, publicity material together for a better reach and focused publicity. He said this during the Annual Concluding Function of the Special Outreach Programme on Swacch Bharat Abhiyan, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Atal Pension Yojana, PM'S Dhan Jan Yojana, PM's Suraksha Bima Yojana, PM's Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Skill India Mission here on Friday.
He assured line departments about sharing the contact details of DFP units at district level and requested the implementing agencies to instruct their field officials to tie up with the DFP while organizing campaigns or banking, skill or health melas. Officials of DDK and AIR were also advised to participate in these campaigns proactively.
Directorate was allotted 18 programmes under SOP in addition to their regular campaigns. Their units located in Aalo, Bomdila, Daporijo, Nampong, Pasighat, Seppa, Tawang, Tezu and Ziro carried out the campaign over the last six months with the resource persons from SBI, ICDS, Industries department and Health department.
Managing director, National Health Mission P N Thungon apprised the meeting about various initiatives under Kaya Kalp scheme to improve hygiene, infection control and creation of awareness in district and Community health centers.
He also explained the initiatives under Beti Bachao, Beti Padao scheme especially with focus on adolescent health and requested DFP to create awareness about HIV. He also informed that all District Medical Officers have been instructed to liaison with DFP in creating health awareness.
Director Skill Development Subu Tabin requested for support of DFP, DDK and AIR in creating awareness in remote/border areas about various skill training programmes and said that 9500 youth have been trained and 2500 have got proper placements under sectors like hospitality, motor mechanics, beautician sector, IT etc. He also elaborated on the upcoming four new ITIs and the agreement of state govt with VTPs of various institutes.
Managing director of Apex Bank, Lead Bank Chief Manager and representative of the APRB also shared their experience on implementing the social security and financial inclusion schemes over the last one year and assured DFP about better coordination in future. It was disclosed that in Arunachal, 1, 23,098 accounts have been opened under PMDJY and 34,127 have come under PMJJBY and 53263 under PMSBY and 876 under APY cover as per the records of lead bank SBI. Apex Bank has covered 16,000 under PMDJY and is in the process of launching other schemes in larger scale. APRB has opened 15,815 accounts under PMDJY and 3,288 and 4,310 have been brought under PMJJBY and PMSY. The Department of Labour informed that the Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers Board is implementing PMJJBY and PMSBY.
Representatives of DDK and AIR informed that panel discussions, talk shows, success stories have been organized in addition to coverage of field functions related to flagship programmes and urged the organizers to give advance information for better publicity.
Lower Dibang Valley focus on basic facilities
ROING, Mar 11: Schemes for improvement of Health, Education, Water Supply, Road, Drainage System and Power among other sectors figure in the District Annual Development Agenda (DADA) for Lower Dibang Valley district for the year 2016-17.
DC Ravi Dhawan while reviewing the proposals submitted by various departments for District Annual Development Agenda in his office chamber on Thursday asked the Heads of the Departments to avoid any duplicity and to submit innovative schemes/projects to be included in the State Annual Development Agenda (SADA). He further asked them to submit those proposals that have not figured in any of the project previously.
Dambuk MLA, Gum Tayeng mooted for repairing and carpeting of Dambuk Helipad citing it an urgent requirement as the Pilots refuses to land due to poor pavements. She also proposed for construction of approach road to Model Degree College at Jemi-Notko and boundary wall around the Muga farm at 10 km point in order to prevent encroachment of the govt land.
Major proposed works include construction of concrete cement road and drainage system of Roing township road, repairing and carpeting of Roing & Dambuk Helipad, 50 Bedded Hospital and Boundary Wall for District Hospital, PHC Building at Iduli and Bolung, approach road to Model Degree College at Jemi Notko, supply of drinking water to those schools where there is no water supply facility, repairing of Dambuk & Hunli Township roads, installation of High Mast Light in important locations of the Roing township and the check gates, among others.
ZPC Sipi Elapra Linggi also participated in the meeting. (DIPRO)
Top North East Boarding school faces closure
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: ARPS [Assam Rifles Public School] Laitkor,Shillong a prestigious boarding school of North East India faces closure with effect from April 2016. This move has created confusion, uncertainty and panic amongst the 500 plus current students and their parents. In addition, nearly a thousand ex-students of the school under the banner of OLA [Old Laitkorians Association] from India and abroad have petitioned the Union Ministry of Home affairs to save the school.
ARPS was started in 1980 to provide quality public school education in the North East region by Lt Gen Sushil Kumar [then DG Assam Rifles]. The school is located outside Shillong at Laitkor and is managed as a 'ARPS society' by the Assam Rifles.
The initial staff were recruited largely from St Paul's Darjeeling. Under the stewardship of MN Tankha, the first Principal of the school, the school soon established itself as a premier education institution .The North eastern Council was very active in supporting this school initially. The school has produced National award winning film directors, Armed Forces Officers, distinguished doctors and lawyers to name a few. This school has been described as a heritage institution of the North East and the sterling contributions of its alumni in society in diverse fields is well acknowledged.
Over the last decade or so, the schools performance though had been deteriorating. This unsurprisingly coincided with an ugly pay dispute between the school staff and the management. The staff wanted pay commission recommendations for CBSE school teachers and staff to be applied to them. Over the last decade the dispute escalated to the courts with the staff winning the court battle in the Supreme Court in late 2015. The school management was faced with an uphill task of catering to the financial implication of servicing the Supreme Court judgment [upwards of Rs 8 crores].
The school's earning come from school fees and donations from the Assam Rifles regimental funds. Faced with this financial hit, the management declared that the school was not in a financial position to service the Supreme Court ordered financial payout to the staff. The closure of the school was announced in December 2015.
This news of closure was met by widespread dismay and disbelief by the alumni in India and abroad as well by the current students and their parents. The OLA initiated mediation between the management and the teachers in Dec 2015. By end Feb 2016, an amicable settlement between the staff and the ARPS management was brokered by the OLA acting as neutral mediators. The staff agreed to receive part payment of their arrears whereas the management agreed to implement the 7 Pay commission pay scales for the staff. There was agreement that this financial deficit would need to be covered by the increase in school fees of current and future students. The staff agreed to forego some allowances like free electricity, LTC and Children's tuition fees.
However, the staff reneged on this deal in early March. The agreement was to be submitted to the Supreme Court. The staff now demand full payment of arrears as a precondition. Meanwhile the date of 20 March 2016 looms large over the management as it has to file a reply to the Supreme Court .
The alumni [OLA] have criticised this move by staff as self seeking and detrimental to the welfare of students and the school. The staff should not be seeking to put its financial motives above its sacred duty of imparting education to students. OLA is still hopeful that the staff will reconsider its position and come back to the negotiating table.
Dolo seeks water conservation
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: Deputy Chief Minister Kameng Dolo on Friday called upon water resource department to initiate research activities on how to preserve water and to create awareness about water conservation.
He said this while attending the one day workshop on Jal Kranti Abhiyan which was organized by Central Water Commission in collaboration Water Resource Department government of Arunachal Pradesh at Chimpu. Emphasizing the importance of water in the day to day life, Dolo said proper utilization of water is need of the hour. He warned that day is not far when scarcity of water may force people to fight against each other. Besides dwelling at length about importance of water he also lamented the poor drainage system in capital complex.
Secretary WRD Er. Geyum Padu in his speech stated that even though state has surplus water source, there is need to conserve it for future generation. Later, during the technical session experts and scientists spoke at length about various method of conserving water.
Workshop on RTI Act, 2005 conducted
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: The Department of Political Science Don Bosco College, Itanagar organized a day-long workshop on RTI Act, 2005 which was attended by State Information Commissioner, Abraham K. Techi, State Information Commissioner, Mathiem Linggi and Payi Gyadi, RTI activist as resource persons.
The workshop was conducted in two sessions. The first technical session was held on the topic; Introduction to RTI Act, 2005 (Preamble of the Act), power and functions of the Public Information Officer (PIO) & Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO), First Appellate Authority (FAA) (Section-1 to 7 of the Act) which was conducted by Mathiem Linggi.
Abraham K. Techi informed about exemption under section 8,9,10 & 11 of the RTI Act, 2005 while, in the second session on power and function of State Information Commission, Appeal, Complaint & Penalties the resource persons spoke about Section- 16 to 20 of the Act.
DC reviews biometric enrollment in Tawang
TAWANG, Mar 11: Tawang Deputy Commissioner Duly Kamduk while reviewing the progress of biometric enrollment of citizens under National Population Register (NPR) in a meeting on Friday asked all the officers concerned to identify villages with low enrollment so that mobile camps could be arranged.
Further, the DC asked the officers to submit consolidated report with coverage certificate by March end.
Taking into account the problem with net connectivity, it was decided in the meeting that uploading of datas would be done sub-division wise.
The DC also directed DSO (Statistics)/Additional District Registrar (NPR) to ensure proper delivery of Aadhar cards.
Awareness prog on women empowerment
TAWANG, Mar 11: A one day awareness camp was organised under "Economic Empowerment of Women Scheme 2015"-16 of Tawang ICDS project wherein preparation of nutritious homemade foods using locally available products like maize, methods of preparation of vermi compost etc were discussed.
A total of 55 participants, including anganwadi workers and women from nearby villages attended the programme.
"Neighbourhood Youth Parliament," a flagship program of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan was also conducted at Gomkeling Youth Club, Tawang where participants were sensitized on various flagship programmes and development schemes of the government.
Possibility to create a Youth Club for tourism development was also discussed. DIPRO
SAMARTHYA technical training concludes
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: The State Institute of Rural Development, Itanagar in collaboration with state Technical Resource Team has conducted three batches of three days each SMARATHYA technical training programme on MGNREGA for District Technical Resource Team (DTRT) and Block Technical Resource Team (BTRT) members comprising of technical persons from various districts/blocks of the state.
Attending the training on Wednesday, Director, SIRD B.J. Duia called on the participants to focus on the assigned task and be part of nation building.
PO MRNREGA Sanjiv Das requested all the technical persons to achieve the targeted works under MGNREGA as well as to maintain all corresponding records and timely uploading of information in MIS for timely flow of funds.
During the three days SAMARTHYA Technical Training programmes, various treatment techniques on non-arable and arable land, watershed treatment, construction of various structures under MGNREGA, Rural Infrastructure, Command Area Development, afforestation and plantation techniques, quality management and maintenance of works under MGNREGA and convergence of resources under MGNREGA were dealt at length by resource persons drawn from various line departments.
Resource persons consisted of Addl. PCCF (Forestry), Dr. Pradeep Choudhary, Jt. Director (Agriculture), A. Lego, Consultant (PHED), Dr. B. Pokherel, EE (WRD), Er. Michi Bida, beside Dr. V.K. Sharma, Sr. Faculty, Dr. R. Srivastava, Sr. Faculty, L.K. Kabak and Sr. Faculty, S.W. Bagang. The programme has been sponsored by MoRD, GoI through state Department of Rural Development.
Technical persons from Dibang Valley, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, Anjaw, Longding, Namsai, Changlang and Tirap attended the training which concluded on Friday. Altogether, 203 technical persons from all the districts and blocks were trained in three batches. The trained technical persons henceforth will be known as District Technical Resource Team member (DTRT) and Block Technical Resource Team (BTRT) and their services will be utilised as technical experts at the grassroot level planning and implementation of MGNREGA works and other poverty alleviation programmes being launched at Gram Panchayats and Blocks.
Abbot of Tawang Monastery calls on the Governor
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: Guru Rimpoche, the Abbot of Tawang Monastery accompanied by MLA Pema Khandu, Secretary, Tawang Monastery and others called on Governor JP Rajkhowa at Raj Bhavan on Friday and briefed him on the proposed Torgya Festival and Tawang Festival.
Sharing his experience of his visit to Tawang Monastery, the Governor wished that the largest monastery in India and second largest in the world after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, may be covered under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) by the Ministry of Tourism.
He also emphasised on improvement of road network and power supply in Tawang for the overall benefit of the local populace and tourists.
The Governor advised for developing and strengthening tourism related infrastructure in the District. PRO to Raj Bhawan
AVP conducts free health camp
KHONSA, Mar 11: A total of 72 patients from Lamsa and nearby villages have benefitted from a free health camp conducted by Arunachal Vikas Parishad at Lamsa on March 10.
The treatment was carried out by Dr. Anil Joshi, MD, Dr. Jyoti Joshi from Pune, Maharashtra and Dr. K. Thingnok from District Hospital Khonsa.
The over all health camp at Lamsa was monitored by Khela Lamsa ZPM Smti Sontung Bangsia.
AVP also conducted medical camp in Barap on Friday. DIPRO
181st birthday of Ramakrishna celebrated
AALO, Mar 11: The 181st birthday of Sri Ramakrishna was celebrated in Ramakrishna Mission, Aalo on Thursday in a befitting manner.
The programme started with vedic chanting by monks. The life and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna was also read out on the occasion.
'Puja' and 'Homa' were performed by the Sadhus and Brahmacharis of the Mission. Special Arati, Sankirtan, bhajans and photo exhibition on the life of Ramakrishna were other highlights of the daylong programme.
There were devotional songs by monks, staffs and students.
Students, staff, devotees, well-wishers and admirers of the Mission attended the celebrations, informed Srimat Swami Purnajnanananda, the Secretary. DIPRO
Reach out to the poor: Governor advises CM
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: Governor JP Rajkhowa has advised Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, who called on him on Friday, to take all precautions and measures to ensure fruits of development reach to the poorest of the poor and sense of security and participation prevails amongst the people of the State.
In the first 'one to one' privilege meeting after induction of ministers in the State Cabinet, the Governor felicitated the Chief Minister with 'Team Arunachal' lapel pin and Governor's pen for the new inning with his Cabinet Ministers. Rajkhowa hoped the State will touch new heights of development and prosperity under the leadership of Pul,.
The Governor also shared his experiences in the recent district tour. He called for sincere and dedicated approach to address the challenges in health and education sectors, and at the same time to harness the tourism potential of the State, particularly adventure and wildlife.
Assuring the Governor that State Cabinet will work as a 'Team', the Chief Minister briefed him on the initiatives and steps taken by the State Government. He also briefed him on the future course of actions in the special priority areas of his government.
It may be recalled that immediately after assuming the charge of the Chief Minister, Pul has sanctioned financial remuneration for Police personnel and contingency staff and is giving special focus on health, education, water supply & sanitation and power sector along with many other vital sectors. He also assured to continue the initiative of the Governor towards eradication of corruption. PRO to Rajbhawan
Losar Tongchen celebration at Dirang
BOMDILA, Mar 11: The celebration of Losar (New Year) Festival of Buddhist community culminated with a grand event organized by the Department of Karmik & Adhyatmik (Chos-Rig) Affairs (DoKAA) at picturesque Dirang Valley.
Speaking on the occasion, Rev. Geshe Nawang Tashi Bapu, Director, Central Institute of Himalayan Cultural Studies (CIHCS) praised the noble contribution of DoKAA in preservation and promotion of tradition, art and culture of the region. He further suggested for conducting more such programmes in order to promote and preserve the rich culture and tradition of Buddhist community.
In his speech, Col.Mahesh Sarap, Commanding Officer 4th ITBP, Dirang said that the Buddhist community is bestowed with innumerable cultural heritage and its preservation should be given utmost priority. He informed that with establishment of a new ITBP base/camp at Sangti valley, the force can now be able enhance its services to the people of Dirang.
Jambey Wangdi, Chairman (DoKAA) addressing the mammoth gathering expressed his gratitude to the people of Dirang for their relentless encouragement and support in functioning of the department.
He reminisced the uninhibited the efforts and contributions of his predecessor Lt. HE Tsona Gontse Rimpoche with regards to the Karmik and Adhyatmik affairs of the people in the region and reiterated his commitment to complete all projects and programmes initiated by late Rimpoche.
The day long programme showcased a magnificent amalgamation of varied cultural programme by artists from in and around West Kameng district.
While guest cultural troupe from Bhutan mesmerized the crowd first runners up Arunachal Idol -2015 Anu Mra delivered a captivating performance. DIPRO
Health camp conducted at Lamsa
KHONSA, Mar 11: A total of 72 candidates benefitted from a health camp conducted at Lamsa village under Tirap on Thursday by Arunachal Vikas Parishad.
Dr. Anil Joshi, MD, Dr. Jyoti Joshi from Pune Maharashtra and Dr. K. Thingnok from District Hospital Khonsa carried out the health check-ups.
Another health camp was conducted at Barap village on Friday.
V K Singh is new NEEPCO technical director
ITANAGAR, March 11: V K Singh has taken over the charge of the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) Ltd. Director (technical) on March 1. Prior to joining the NEEPCO Board, he was executive Director (Uttarakhand Power Stations) with NHPC.
Singh who completed his B Tech in Electrical Engineering from NIT Durgapur and M Tech (Control Systems) from IIT, Kharagpur, has a vast experience of over 31 years covering entire gamut of Hydro Power Development in NHPC. He was responsible for preparing the pre-feasibility reports of several Hydro Projects totaling 2100 MW under the 50000 MW Hydro-initiative of the Prime Minster during 2003.
NIT, Arunachal selected for setting up PM’s Start-Up center
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: The NIT, Arunachal Pradesh has been selected by a National Expert Advisory Committee (NEAC) constituted under the joint initiative of Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) for setting up of a Start-up Centre in order to promote start-up enterprise as part of PM's Start-up India campaign.
The NIT-Arunachal Pradesh is the only NIT among new NITs of North-Eastern Region that has won a prestigious start-up project which shall be jointly funded by the DST and MHRD, informed an NIT release.
Lessen overburden of officers: ACS
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: Claiming that allotting more than a single post to officers creates hurdles in curbing corruption prevalent in the administration, the Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) has today appealed to the Chief Minister Kalikho Pul and Governor JP Rajkhowa to allocate posts to all Secretaries, Commissioners and other officers evenly without overburdening them with portfolios.
The ACS, in its release also raised concern at lack of officers in the state due to which the serving officers are overburdened with responsibilities and works.
100-yr-old woman dies
Correspondent
RUKSIN, March 11: Opet Moyong, wife of Public Interpreter (PI) late Eda Moyong died at the age of 100 years due to old age at Debing village in East Siang.
Though she lived for long, Opet had a dream that remained unfulfilled during his lifetime. She wished the State Govt recognized her husband Eda, who sacrificed his life for the nation, as martyr.
Eda died in an accident while he was leading Indian military troop at Tuting near Indo-China border during Chinese Aggression.
Opet was born and brought up at Adi Pasi village in present Upper Siang district. After her husband's death, she along with her three sons migrated from Adi Pasi to Debing village in East Siang district in 1975.
ANYA condemns attack on school girl
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) strongly condemned the attack on a school girl by a group of women on Tuesday at Daporijo while she was on her way to school to write Board examination.
ANYA demanded the law enforcing authority to immediately arrest the rest of the culprits without any further delay and award them exemplary punishment. It appealed to the authority not to grant bail to all the accused.
In the meantime, ANYA appealed to the civil society not to communalise the incident.
"Let the law to take its own course," it added.
Tubectomy camp at Nari CHC
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Mar 11: A Tubectomy camp was conducted at Nari Community Health Centre on Thursday by the District Health Society East Siang under its Reproduction & Child Health (RCH) programme.
As many as 47 mothers from Nari-Seren area benefited from the camp.
Attending the camp, Nari-Koyu MLA Kento Rina urged the health workers to serve the people with true dedication. Responding to a plea made by the Medical Officer in-charge, the MLA assured to take up their issue with the state government for infrastructure development of the CHC.
Among others, Nari Additional Deputy Commissioner, M Loyi, Circle Officer M Karlo, government officers, gaon burahs and public leaders also attended the inaugural programme.
SHG completes contract work
JAIRMAPUR, Mar 11: Ajong Alu - a SHG formed by women of Chamro village under Jairampur subdivision has successfully completed the contract work for maintenance of Govt school building of Chamro village.
The members of the SHG had contributed their own labour in person and completed the scheduled work to satisfaction before the scheduled date.
Further, the SHG has pioneered in external lending and has given Rs.25000 to a businessman of Jairampur.
Ajong Alu is guided by R.K. Mossang Memorial Society.
Editorial
Positive sign
The Potin-
With ministry of road, transport and highway finally releasing the compensation fund for Bopi to Tai section, there is immense pressure to complete the work at the earliest. Encouragingly on Thursday all section of people came out and assured to support the project. A meeting was held at Daporijo regarding Bopi to Tai section of TAH project. It was attended by officials of PWD (Highway), district administration, land affected people and local leaders. Led by Dumporijo MLA, land affected people agreed to let work start. Though some niggling issues regarding compensation amount are yet to be resolve, the start of work will definitely send positive vibes to the rest of the state. People should understand that good road will lead to faster development. When government is willing to construct road, it is duty of citizen to extend support.
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Readers’ Forum
De-
Dear Editor,
After a long period of hustle and tussle, finally Kalikho Pul after being anointed with the crown of Chief Minister has come up with one surprise after another raising more questions than answer. His recent decision of joining PPA is highly laudable if one can see it through the prism of “Significance of Regional parties” but the question that is going around every loop and corner is that does decentralization of power by ordaining Two Deputy Chief Minister is a worth full move ? No doubt about the integrity of the other two Deputies since both of them are vibrant and seasoned politicians but the creation of two more deputies will lead to two more power house which can cause chaos , confusion and even up to the Ego wars.
One of the challenging factor that Pul is going to face is that both of his deputies are senior then him in the terms of age or political experience so he need to balance while dealing with them. If we can just recall our memories of Indian Politics we can see that rebellion has been by the deputies only whether its Sharad pawar rebelling the leadership of Sonia Gandhi resulting into formation of National congress Party or MG Ramachandra split itself from DMK forming AIADMK which now enjoys a good support among the People of Tamil Nadu. On the other hand the tactics of Centralization of power by a single person has been used by many politicians though it may cause dissatisfaction within the party but it has always been beneficial for the greater interest of state. During Indira’s reign in centre she was charged of centralizing power that there had been grave concern within the party specifically after the declaration of Emergency which is widely known as “one woman show” but one cannot deny that it was only the iron lady who changed India’s vision from a follower to a leader. Even within the BJP there is speculation about Modi’s over centralizing the power which he has repeatedly showed by declaring minimum Government and maximum Governance by introducing a small cabinet and by making 75 years of age as age of retirement from ministerial berth which has already been enacted on veterans like LK Advani, MM Joshi and Yashwant Sinha.
Personally, I feel Arunachal Pradesh with its 13 lakhs population could easily be handled by a single chair, too much of political adjustment will hamper the development process. The saying “with power comes responsibility” should be replaced with “with power, comes arrogance” and pasted at every door of his council of ministers. He came to power with promise of good governance and corruption free government, let’s see what is ahead.
Yours,
Ige Dirchi
Naharlagun
Is 100% reservation allowed in govt jobs?
Dear Editor,
Through the pages of your esteemed daily, I hope my voice shall reach the babus in the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission.
It is an joyous moment for the successful 51 candidates in the exam, the results of which were declared on the 11th March, 2016. I heartily congratulate them and wish them all the happiness in their lives.
However, I noticed something very disturbing with the results. Not a single general
category student made it through? I am sure some of them were and are worthy of being
able administrators. Do we see a discrimination in favour of tribals here? Is 100%
reservation allowed in govt jobs? What about the 80-
I am sure the decision to not include general category students is politically motivated and it isn't good for the state. I hope they come out with final marks for every candidate whether ST or not and let everything be in public domain.
When we talk about discrimination against us, we must also be open to discuss discrimination done by us. Only then can we move forward. Why 100% reservation, is that even legal?
Yours,
A concerned citizen
Pay salary
Dear Editor,
Through the column esteemed of your Daily, I would like to appeal the concern authority of Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACs), Directorate of Health Service, Govt of A.P. to release our salary.
It’s been four months that we are not getting our hard earned salary.
The other programs like NHM, SSA, under centrally sponsored schemes are getting their salary, then why are the APSACS Staffs not getting it?
The concern Authority should know that, staffs, working under APSACS are depending merely on their salary for their livelihood. How can we survive? The nonpayment of salary for months demoralize the working atmosphere among the staffs.
Therefore I would like to appeal the concern authority to look into the matter and release our payment at the earliest.
Yours,
A frustrated
employee
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