mar16 13

March 13

2011

2016

IAF gets major boost with re-launching of two upgraded ALGs in state

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: The operational capability of the Indian Air Force (IAF) got a major fillip with the re-launching of two upgraded Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) at Aalo and Ziro on Saturday by Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal C. Hari Kumar in separate events.

After inaugurating the ALG at Aalo, Air Marshal C Hari Kumar said that it will further enhance the existing operational capabilities of the Eastern Command. The capacity built up will enable operations by some of the new inductions including the C-130 J Super Hercules.

Consequent to the CCS approval in June 2009, the IAF embarked on an ambitious reconstruction plan to upgrade the existing eight ALGs, including infrastructure development at certain airbases in Eastern Air Command area of responsibility. The ALGs for upgradation include Tuting, Aalo, Tawang, Ziro, Pasighat, Walong, and Vijaynagar in Arunachal Pradesh. The outlay plan for the upgradation of ALGs alone is nearly Rs.1,000 Crore.

At Ziro, the Air Marshal informed that the ALG will be used both for civilian and military purpose. He said it will not only enhance activities of military but also will help growth of tourism and during medical emergency of common people. He also appealed the local people to allow expansion of land for extension of the runway so that 50 seater aircrafts for civilian passengers could operate.

Responding to two points memorandum submitted by Apatani Youth Association for construction of basic minimum infrastructure for catering to passengers with office till regular civilian terminal comes up and drainage outside the boundary wall to mitigate the drainage problem of local inhabitants, Air Marshal C Hari Kumar assured to look into the problems at the earliest.

The Air Marshal also committed to implement the MoU signed between Ministry of Defence and Govt of AP on June 9, 2009.

The three ALGs at Mechuka, Pasighat and Tuting is also scheduled to be functional by next three months. The ALG at Tawang is expected to be ready by September 2016. DIPRO/Correspondent

Governor horrified by pathetic condition of DNGC infrastructure

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa said he was horrified to see the pathetic condition of the entire buildings of Dera Natung Government College (DNGC) during his visit to the college on Saturday.

Rajkhowa, after visiting the classrooms, staffroom, science departments and other infrastructure within the college compound, stated to have found the entire buildings in the college in very bad and precarious shape with broken window panes, collapsing roofs and ceilings, seepages and electrical fittings and ceiling boards dangling loosely along with clogged drains.

The Governor was also appalled by the college approach road, which needs immediate maintenance.

He desired for a monitoring body for supervision and control of all the works executed inside the campus so that timely and quality works are ensured. He called for public auditing to check any type of construction. The Governor pointed out the requirement of planned intra-departmental approach path inside.

Calling for immediate action to ensure basic facilities, like washrooms for both ladies and gents, the Governor advised the Secretary Education to take action earnestly for renovation of the entire building and the campus. He exhorted that maintenance is long overdue and should not wait till some students or members of faculty get hurt.

He said that such an institution having more than 4000 students with 48% girl students, the State Government and Civil Society must join hands together and help in its development for which the college authority must take proactive steps.

While visiting the computer lab, the Governor suggested for introduction of new courses such as BBA and courses approved by DOEACC.

Pointing at the lawn, which is not being maintained properly, the Governor suggested for utilizing the youthful energies of the student community through social work, NSS and NCC activities and to cultivate a culture for ensuring overall cleanliness. He also suggested for benches in the lawn and dustbins at appropriated places.

The Governor also suggested for an indoor stadium to promote indoor games and sports amongst the students and faculty and a new auditorium for literary and cultural activities. He asked the college fraternity to properly develop the outdoor college sports facility also. He wished that the existing field be developed through filling, levelling and greening of the ground.

Interacting with members of the faculty, the Governor said that being the first college in the State Capital it must be one of the premier colleges in the entire northeast region.

Later, the Governor also visited the lone Govt. Women College of the State at Lekhi Village near Naharlagun, which is temporarily functioning from an Urban Development Building. He also suggested for repair of the approach road.

Interacting with College fraternity, the Governor expressed his concern on the status that there is only one faculty for each department. He advised the Commissioner Education and Director Higher Education to immediately take action to address the issue.

He emphasised that they must take proactive step for timely recruitment of new lecturers and other office staff. The Governor also expressed concern over unhygienic condition of the college due to sewage of nearby NIT accommodation.

He advised the College Principal to put up its pedagogical requirements including library, projectors for classroom and other office expenses to the Education Directorate. He said that the Department of Urban Development must immediately complete the pending minor repair works.

While exhorting the faculty to put in extra dedicated hours in office, the Governor called upon the wealthy people of the Capital Complex to come forward and provide assistance in kind for the first women Government College of the State. As a token of encouragement and initiator, the Governor announced a set of desktop computer and a laptop for the college.

Later the Governor went around the sectors in Itanagar to see the condition of sector roads in the Capital city.

The Governor was accompanied by Commissioner Education Marnya Ete and Director Higher and Technical Education Dr. Tejum Padu during his visits. (PRO to Governor)

Plan to use satellite images to monitor projects in NE

New Delhi, Mar 12: Government is planning to monitor various projects in Northeast through satellite images.

Satellite images using space technology can be effectively used for planning and evaluating the progress of various developmental projects in North Eastern states, Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jitendra Singh said at a meeting here today.

Considering the fact that the Department of Space already has its establishment in Shillong by the name North-Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC), this should not be a difficult proposition, he said.

Singh issued directions for conducting a meeting of the officials of Space Department and the DoNER Ministry at an early date and work out a plan as to how to go about this plan.

The Minister said the North East, with its difficult topography and constraints of accessibility, offers an ideal case for using satellite images of roads and other construction works for their precise assessment.

The Lat-Long (Latitude and Longitude) images obtained from satellites can also help in verification of the reports regarding the completion of work obtained through other means by actually picking up the precise location at which the work has been done, he said.

Secretary DoNER Naveen Verma made a detailed presentation focusing on Northeast where he said about Rs 500 crore havs been earmarked in the current union budget for installing solar pumps in Eastern and North-Eastern India.

Referring to the DoNER Minister's suggestion to offer incentives to youth who opt for startup initiatives in North East, Verma said the Department is working on different options including venture fund, offering 30 per cent of loss to be borne by the Ministry. PTI

Aich likely to resume work soon, Orgs unhappy over functioning of PSF, SF

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Jolted by unexpected resignation of Deputy Secretary (Budget) P Aich on Friday, bewildered Principal Secretary Finance (PSF) Satya Gopal today reached out to him. Sources informed this daily that PSF has reportedly turned down Aich's resignation and pleaded him to resume work by Monday.

It is said that though Aich cited health condition as a reason for his early resignation ahead of Budget Session, the actual reason was due to bad remarks by Secretary Finance Dr. B M Mishra. However, the SF has denied the allegation.

Source also informed that the Aich's colleagues from Budget and finance department have made bee line since morning at his residence and pleaded him to withdraw his resignation. The Deputy Secretary is likely to resume his work by Monday next.

Aich’s resignation created hullabaloo in Budget section of the Finance Department as he is considered a key man in financial planning. He was on two-year service extension period which is ending this month.

Meanwhile, various organizations of the state expressed unhappiness over the functioning of the Principal Secretary, Finance (PSF) and Secretary Finance (SF) in the state.

The Confederation of Service Association of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) on Saturday urged the government not to accept the resignation of Aich saying that his resignation at this critical juncture would badly affect the smooth functioning of ensuing Budget Session.

Expressing unhappiness over the resignation of Deputy Secretary (Budget) P. Aich on Friday from his service, CoSAAP in a release strongly urged the government to unearth the reason which compelled Aich to resign in crucial period.

CoSAAP also claimed that due to overtime and late night work imposed by the Secretary Finance, the officers and staff are agitated and applied for mass transfer. “The officers and staff of the budget and finance departments are no more in the position to tolerate inhuman treatment of the higher authorities” CoSAAP added.

The members of Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) has drawn the attention of Chief Minister Kalikho Pul towards the issue of resignation of P. Aich, Deputy Secretary (Budget) on Friday, and urged him to see into it, considering the upcoming budget session starting March 21.

The resignation of such an important officer in the department is a matter of concern for the State as it might lead to anomalies in the passing and handling of files, especially the bills that had already been under scrutiny and was in the process of being cleared thereafter. This will lead to further financial mismanagement and delays, ACS stated in a release.

ACS felt that the resignation of Deputy Secretary (Budget) is a worrying sign and raises numerous questions regarding how the department is functioning without proper understanding and devoid of unity in work.

“The CM being a man of action and efficiency should direct the Principal Secretary, Finance and Secretary Finance to work for the indigenous people of the State and avoid trying to impose their dominance and wish in the functioning of the work”, stated ACS Chairman Patey Tayum.

Meanwhile, All Arunachal Contractors’ Welfare Association (AACWA) has suggested those officers holding important positions and chairs in the State Secretariat office to have positive and pro-developmental mindset.

AACWA claimed that many contractors of the State have been facing numerous problems and hurdles in getting their due payments released due to indifferent attitude of the Principal Secretary Finance and Secretary Finance, who often raise irrelevant queries on files

The resignation of the officer itself clearly indicates how the officers are facing problem to work under the PSF and SF, AACWA said, and further suggested for creating an atmosphere in office that is conducive to work for all levels of employees, including peons and clerks.

AACWA appealed to the Chief Minister to instruct its officers to speed up the flow of important government files without creating hurdles before the end of financial year 2016.

Thungon calls for timely uploading of data

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Mission Director (NHM), P N Thungon called for timely uploading of data to Health Management Information System (HMIS) under National Rural Health Mission portal which would help determine the performance of the state.

He was addressing a day-long sensitization workshop-cum-meeting on training information management software (TIMS) conducted for district reproductive and child health officers (DRCHOs) of all the districts at state training center NHM, Naharlagun on Saturday.

Thungon gave strict directives to the districts to comply and regularly upload the data as the performance of the state can be only determined by the health indicator rate. Sharing the Chief Minister health vision for the state he informed that every district hospital including PHC and CHC should maintain the basic required infrastructure like proper boundary, regular power and water supply and backup. To strengthen the health sector, more man power and specialist for every district will be filled up within next two years, he further informed.

Terming transfer and posting of manpower as herculean task, he expressed hope that training on TIMS will enable rational posting at state and districts.

Resources person from CINI Kolkata, consultant Nikhil Naskar informed that TIMS is a GoI developed web-based package with an objective to ensure quality of training and act as a tool to analyze the gap of trained and untrained manpower in the state. Some of the salient features of TIMS are name-based tracking which helps in identifying the persons who are trained along with their complete profile and facility based profile which helps in identifying the facilitators, trainers etc.

Nodal officer T Taku also spoke on the occasion.

Smart City Mission to improve proposals to win the race

PASIGHAT, Mar 12: Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) has tightened belt to compete in the second round of Smart City challenge competition in April.

Though Pasighat could not make to the winners list in the first round, the Smart City Mission team is determined to improve proposals by improving the deficiencies to win the challenge this time.

In a consultative meeting with Smart City Mission team, Pasighat MLA Kaling Moyong urged the Municipal Executive Officer (MEO) Rahul Singh to study the reports based on interaction with students, academicians, technocrats, professionals, public and officials of government departments thoroughly and to analyze the shortcomings while preparing Smart City Proposal (SCP) for the second round.

“PMC should adopt better strategies for present and future development projects and fill the gap between available resources and demands,” Moyong suggested. He exuded confidence that Pasighat would secure its position in the second list of top 20 cities. He assured to take up the issue with the Chief Minister and Union Urban Development Minister on priority and mobility.

Municipal Executive Officer Rahul Singh informed that Pasighat has been selected under ‘23 fast track cities’ and the revised plan is to be submitted by April 15 next.

PMC has started to prepare the SCP and city vision for the second round based on creativity of municipal officials and other stakeholders with greater public participation. SCP and city vision would include development priorities and aspirations of citizens, available resources, sustainable and innovative solutions for problems with increased use of technology, e-governance to improve services and area-based development proposals, he assured.

Singh informed that suggestions on visionary ideas and smart solutions received from public so far were commendable and PMC is tightening belt and efforts are underway to incorporate innovative ideas and solutions into the drafts for SCP and city vision in the second round.

Pasighat finished 39th in the list of 20 last year and missed bus for just 3 points, Singh informed.

“We need to work on the gaps identified by Govt. of India to improve upon the proposals. One of the key weaknesses identified was SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threat) analysis. We have uploaded a discussion page on mygov portal about this aspect of proposal and need support of people of Pasighat to come up in big numbers and contribute towards this discussion”.

He stressed on team spirit and urged all to brace up the upcoming challenges and work with renewed vigour and spirit in the direction of making Pasighat a smart city.

Mission Officer Ainstein Koyu informed that under PAN City initiatives, solutions based on priorities would address issues of solid waste management, sewerage system and augmentation of drinking water supply. DIPRO

Pul visits Naharlagun Govt Middle School, announces Rs. 7 Cr for complete renovation

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Continuing with his unannounced visit spree, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul on Saturday inspected Government Middle School at G Sector, Naharlagun and was surprised to find the school in a dilapidated condition.

The school building was constructed way back in 1970-80s and had outlived its normal life. The class room walls and windows were completely damaged while the ceiling was perforated. Even the building posts were found to be cracked which may collapse anytime thereby risking the lives of students and teachers.

He also inspected the toilet/bathroom facilities in the school compound. Considering the urgency, he announced Rs. 7 Cr for complete renovation and upgradation of the school. He instructed the works department for multi-storied complex for judicious use of the available land so that space could be made out for playground and school auditorium which could accommodate at least 1000 students. The new school complex building should have sufficient class rooms, furniture, teachers’ common room with washroom facilities for both men and women, office room, head masters office, toilet facilities for male and female students separately, drinking water facility by adopting the three tier system of line water, bore well and rain water harvesting. He advised to construct overhead storage tank for 24x7 water supply. On the similar line, he directed the department to ensure round the clock electricity supply with provision for line supply, DG set and solar power for the school. CM further directed the power electrical department to install a high mast light in the school compound.

The school should have proper boundary wall with cattle trapping provision, he directed while setting the completion target of the entire project as one year.

CM was happy to notice that the school had well built up toilet facility which was provided by NHPC under corporate social responsibility. He appreciated the power giant for the positive gesture and hoped that such approach is adopted by other power developers like NEEPCO and private players in other needy schools.

“We can imagine the service we can avail from the power companies if they are welcomed and supported,” said the chief minister impressed by the small gesture of community service given by the power company. He appealed the people to welcome the hydro power development in the state for overall development.

While responding to the request from the locals to upgrade the existing middle school to secondary level, CM assure to take up the matter on positive note.

When being complained about the water crisis hitting hard in the entire Naharlagun area, CM immediately called up the PHE department engineers and instructed them to address the crisis within short span of time.

In the meantime, Pul also made a surprise visit to Techi Takar Community Hall. He announced fund of Rs 4 lakhs for upgradation of the community hall to multi-purpose community hall which would facilitate two double badminton court with audience gallery, platform for cultural events and sitting facilities for meetings and conventions. He also asked the executing agency to build boundary walls to protect the public property. He believed that with this multi-purpose community hall, the people of the area could make good use of the property besides maintaining it.

Taba Yall Nabam gets Achievers Award

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Singer, designer, entrepreneur and State and NEZCC, Govt. of India awardee Taba Yall Nabam has been conferred the "Women Achievers Award" in recognition of her contribution in the field of preserving rich ethnic designs and dresses of various tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.

The award was presented to her during the Believe India 'Be the Change' Stree Udyamita Samman 2016 and Paridhan Utsav at Shilpgram, Guwahati on Saturday.

Cleanliness drive at Tawang

TAWANG, Mar 12: A massive cleanliness drive was conducted across Tawang township on Saturday. The cleanliness drive which was conducted sector wise witnessed active participation from the public.

Later, a tree plantation drive was also carried out at Lhou which was organized by the district administration in collaboration with the Forest Department and Village Forest Management Committee. Various species like Cryptomeria, Cupressus, Rhododendron and Daphne were planted by the participating youths of NGO Himalayan Indigenous Youth Organisation, Government officials of DHPD and panchayat leaders. DIPRO

Students demand arrest

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: All Tagin Students’ Union (ATSU) demanded the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Upper Subansiri district to arrest all those members of the group of women, who were involved in the attack on a girl student at Daporijo on March eight.

Alleging police inaction in the case, ATSU demanded the SP to arrest the attackers without any further delay failing which it threatened to launch democratic movement demanding justice for the victim.

The students’ union also condemned the incident in its strongest term.

DSUsCC serves week’s ultimatum to AAPSU

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: The District Students’ Unions Coordination Committee (DSUsCC) has served a week’s ultimatum to the present All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) leadership to announce the date and venue of its General Election cum Conference for the session 2016-2019.

Taking exception to non-responsive attitude of the AAPSU leadership despite submission of representation in January for conduction of General Election cum Conference, the DSUsCC in a letter to the AAPSU president and general secretary stated that it will be left with no other options than forming an Interim Committee and declaring dissolution of the present AAPSU executive body.

Lok Adalat disposes 58 cases

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: A total of 58 cases were disposed of in the monthly Lok Adalats being held in the courts of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Yupia, and Chief Judicial Magistrate cum Civil Judge Senior Division, Aalo, West Siang district on Saturday.

Of the total 403 cases listed (all banking matters), 36 were disposed of while, an amount of Rs. 61,86,872 (sixty one lacs eighty six thousand and eight hundred and seventy two) was settled in the courts of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Yupia, informed an official release.

At Aalo, 22 criminal cases out of 78 listed were disposed of. Thus, the cases disposed of in the Lok Adalats held in the state on Saturday rose to 58.

Entrepreneurship awareness prog. conducted

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: A day-long entrepreneurship awareness program was conducted by Ziro unit of Indo Global Social Service Society (Soul Smile) at Hapoli on Friday for the youths to create awareness regarding entrepreneurship and various skill development trades and opportunities.

Addressing the participants on the occasion as resource person, Economic Investigator, District Industries Office, A S Jha said that the entrepreneur not only creates a livelihood for self but also help others get employed. He urged the participants to get themselves skilled in different trades to start a new venture and explained about the functioning of the skill development centre and its various schemes.

Jha also elaborated on various trades and skills like, electrician, draftsmen, surveyor and mechanic etc. and informed the participants about various government schemes such as PMEGP, PMJDY, Atal Bima Yojana etc.

Altogether, 25 participants took part in the program.

Apnes soon to have state of art academic building

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: The Apnes of Anugrah, Wakro in Lohit district will soon have a state of the art academic building as the project is proposed and approved by Sri Sri Swami Anubhavanandaji.

The saint in his previous visit felt that the Apna Vidya Bhavan should be supported with better infrastructure. Accordingly, Anu Swamiji guided corporate and social leaders to contribute for the project.

What makes the project special is that Swami Anu ensured the participation of innumerable Happy Friends from all over the country in the noble initiative.

Widen CSR, says officer

PASIGHAT, Mar 11: Pasighat Municipal Executive Officer, Rahul Singh on Friday called upon corporate houses to widen its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to make Pasighat clean and beautiful.

While addressing the representatives of corporate houses on Saturday in the DC’s conference hall, Singh stated that though the centurion town is making steady progress in all the sectors, a wide range of social initiatives need to be undertaken by them.

He urged them to come forward and spend a portion of their CSR funds towards promotion of cleanliness and beautification of the Township providing streetlights, solar-lights, dustbins. Corporate participating the meeting have assured to extend their best possible help and cooperation to the PMC in making Pasighat smarter. DIPRO

Clear pending files: AAPNRCA

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: The All Arunachal Pradesh Non-Registration Contractors’ Association (AAPNRCA) has demanded immediate clearance of all the pending files in the various departments by March 20 next.

In its letter written to the chief minister urging him to direct the concern authority, it alleged Principal secretary Finance and secretary finance of delaying the files related to the financial matters.

Due to the negligence of both the officers, the contractor and public are harassing the government staff and other officers for delaying the file movement, it said insisting on the early clearance of the file by budget session of the state legislative assembly which is going to start from March 21 next.

Also demanding transfer of both the officers, the association warned of taking up rigorous democratic movement if the demands are not met.