March 29
2016
Govt sanctions Rs 45 lakhs for Payum fire victims
ITANAGAR, Mar 28: Expressing deep shock and grief over the Payum fire mishap in Siang district on the intervening night of March 26 and 27, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul on Monday sanctioned an amount of Rs 45,85, 500 as an immediate relief to the fire victims @ Rs 1,01,900 per house. The fire completely destroyed 45 dwelling houses in the Payum village rendering the villagers homeless.
While sharing his sorrow and sympathy with the fire victims, Chief Minister directed the Siang and West Siang district Deputy Commissioners to provide housing materials to the affected people. He also gave direction to the Project Director, DRDA of the district to provide CGI Sheets to the affected families.
Taking note of the frequent fire mishaps in the state, Chief Minister suggested the people especially living in rural areas to maintain minimum distance between the houses and also to take extra precautions while handling with fire in order to avoid such misfortune. He also expressed his desires to visit the village after the weather condition improves.
Earlier, the Siang District Students’ Union (SDSU) has appealed to the state Govt for immediate relief assistance for the Payum villagers who lost their dwelling houses and belongings in the fire mishap. The union also appealed to various NGOs, organizations and likeminded individuals to extend their helping hand for the fire victims.
Ensure quality implementation of RD progs: Dy CM
ITANAGAR, Mar 28: Deputy Chief Minister Kameng Dolo while attending a state level vigilance and monitoring committee meeting on various Rural Development programmes at Banquet Hall here on Monday advised implementing agencies to ensure quality programme implementation and timely submission of Utilization Certificates (UCs) in order to avoid delay in releasing central fund.
Dolo, who also is the Minister of Rural Development, directed all the field officers for regular monitoring of schemes and work as per plan to achieve target.
Parliamentary Secretary (RD) Punji Mara stated that people at grassroots level are required to be properly sensitized about various RD programmes. Expressing satisfaction over overall performance, Mara stated that there was still ample scope for improvement.
Commissioner RD Indra Malo highlighted the status of all RD programmes being implemented.
Departmental officers and officers from other departments implementing the RD programmes gave PowerPoint presentation on the current status of programmes like MGNREGA, IWMP, IAY, PMGSY, SAGY, SRLM, NSAP etc.
Director Rural Development Tayi Taggu assured to take care of the suggestions put forward by the members in the meeting.
Mobile camp for biometric enrolment witness huge turnout
ITANAGAR, Mar 28: The mobile camp for Bio- Metric Enrolment (BME) under National Population Register for Capital Complex began on Monday at Itanagar and Naharlagun.
A long queue was witnessed at the Kendriya Vidyalaya-II, Gohpur where the BME camp was held for the public of Ward No.1 and 2. Simultaneously, the camp was held at Little Star school, Papunallah for the public of Ward No. 19. The BME would be carried out simultaneously at Itanagar and Naharlagun for a period of one week at various locations for different wards.
The wards which are not covered this time would be covered in the next phase. Regular announcement is also being done in all the areas of the respective wards ahead of the scheduled day.
Deputy Commissioner Itanagar Capital Complex, Sandeep Kumar Singh inspected the enrolment process at KV-II. As AADHAAR card is being considered an important document to get direct benefits, the DC has appealed the citizens of the Capital Complex to come forward and get themselves enrolled under BME for AADHAAR card generation. A total number of 175 persons got enrolled at KV-II and 97 persons at Little Star School, Papunallah on Monday. DIPRO
Ward No. 3 would be covered at KV-II Gohpur Tinali, and Ward No. 20 would be covered at Govt. Secondary School, Pachin on March 29. DIPRO
Development and environmental conservation should go together: Pul
ITANAGAR, Mar 28: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul underlined the need to strike a balance between environment conservation and development.
“Conservation of environment is always our top priority but development interest should also be taken care of,” Pul said while addressing a group of top forest officials from the state at his office on Monday.
The forest officials called on the chief minister to discuss on the growing conflict between the rights of the people and the conservation created through protected areas.
The chief minister pointed out that “many protected areas in Arunachal were created through arbitrary demarcation of the forest reserve violating the Wildlife Protection Act. The inhabitants in the area were not consulted and their consent not obtained.”
“As a result many big towns, villages, agriculture and jhum areas have come under the protected areas limiting the scope for taking up development projects,” he said noting that the scope to find possible ways for co-existence between wildlife habitats and human settlement were limited.
“Moreover, many of the protected areas have become barren lands without forest cover and wildlife. It is neither serving the purpose of conservation nor development. So these are the areas, where we hope to find a middle ground,” said Pul.
On the need to find a middle path, the chief minister said the state has to first address the key issues of development with respect to conservation.
“Arunachal cannot be looked only through the lens of environment conservation. With growing population and modernisation, there is growing pressure for socio-economic growth. So conservation efforts also has to address the developmental needs, else it will lead to conflict,” said Pul.
He hoped that if a successful compromise could be made and a middle path chosen where development and conservation could go hand-in-hand, it can be used as a model to open up larger areas for conservation-conscious developments in the state.
National seminar on oral and textual traditions of NE India underway
ITANAGAR, Mar 28: The Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies (AITS), Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh in collaboration with the Kala Kosha Division, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi, is conducting three-day national seminar on ‘Oral and Textual Traditions of North East India’ which began at the University’s mini auditorium on Monday.
In his inaugural address, Program coordinator-cum-Director AITS, Dr Simon John explained about the theme of the program and highlighted the importance of understanding the intrinsic elements of various oral and textual tradition of the North-East India.
RGU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tamo Mibang also stressed on the need to maintain and develop Tribal languages for furthering folk tradition.
Director, EFLU Shillong, Prof. KC Baral also spoke about the importance of a comprehensive theory to comprehend the rich oral literature existing in the North East region and provided insightful information on the importance of developing theoretical approaches.
Former Vice Chancellor of the then Arunachal University, Prof. AC Bhagabati and prominent scholars were also present in the program which included Former Professor, Mizoram University, Prof. J.L. Dawar, Head, Department of Anthropology, Guwahati University, Prof. Mini Bhatacharraya, IIT, Guwahati, Prof. Archana Barua, JNU, New Delhi, Prof. Bhagat Oinam besides, academicians and research scholars from various universities of the country.
Pimpi Tachang wins Miss Arunachal Winter Pageant 2016
ITANAGAR, Mar 28: Pimpi Tachang was declared winner of the Miss Arunachal Winter Pageant 2016 organized by the Arunachal Students Federation (ASF) in collaboration with Mega Miss North East, Guwahati at Siddhartha hall here on Sunday.
A total of 15 (after auditions) models of the state were in the fray for the title in order to get a direct entry into Mega Miss North East, Guwahati which would be held shortly.
RWD Minister Kumar Waii, who attended the grand finale, advised the participant to take up studies hand in hand along with their passion and opined that one needs to have strong character in order to be successful in the modeling field.
Appreciating ASF for providing the budding models a platform to showcase their talent, the minister stated that the youths of the state indeed have a huge amount of talent in them and all that is required is a proper platform where they can show it.
Parliamentary Secretary (Home), Paknga Bage in his brief speech, pointing out the potential of Arunachalee youths in the fashion and glamour world stated that they (youth) have enough talent which makes them eligible enough to try their hands in Bollyhood and the fashion industry.
“Earlier most of the parents used to advise their children only to focus on studies but the scenario is different now. Today, even the parent’s want their kids to be exposed so they can explore their talents and allows them to follow their passion which is commendable,” said Bage.
Earlier, ASF President, Kipa Kanam highlighting the purpose of organizing the pageant contest appealed to the state government to support such initiatives so that the youths could a chance to show their hidden talents.
Organizing Secretary Singchang Miji and Chairperson Kipa Yanu also spoke on the occasion as the duo thanking all present for their support assured to come up with the second edition of the contest next year.
Mega Miss North East 2015, winner Jessica Marbaniang, Mr North East Babul Boro and Mega Miss North East first runners up Subi Taba were the judges for the evening.
Where Pimpi Tachang apart from getting a direct entry in Mega Miss North East was also awarded a cool cash prize of Rs 1.50 lakh, the first runners up Sonam Drema Khrimey and second runners up Rosmi Riba were presented a scooty each along with certificates.
3rd Inter-Collegiate Sports & Games meet begins
Govt committed to promote sportspersons : Mein
PASIGHAT, Mar 28: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said that the present government is committed to extend all supports to the sportspersons and institutions to show their talents at state and national level events. He further informed that Sports department has chalked out plan for Himalayan Region Sports Festival (HRSF) for promotion of various indigenous sports and games in the Himalayan Region involving neighboring countries Nepal, Bhutan along with J&K, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and the North Eastern states of India. Mein was addressing a huge gathering at the inaugural function of the 3rd Inter-Collegiate Sports and Games Meet-2016, at the College of Horticulture stadium, Pasighat on Monday. Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister formally declared the meet open.
Emphasizing on extra curricular activities for the students, Mein said the games and sports not only provides a platform for physical fitness, it also help the students develop personality and creativity. The University should offer the perfect mix of academic excellence and well equipped sports complex with all necessary infrastructural facilities for indoor and outdoor sports for the students, the Deputy Chief Minister said. Along with the academic career, they (students) must be trained for the development of skills in their field of activities like sports, opined Mein. He advised the participants to maintain discipline and sportsman spirit to foster deeper understanding and friendship throughout the event.
While appreciating the dedicated efforts of the Central Agricultural University in promoting quality education across NE region, Mein said enriching the human resource is key to economic growth of any region, especially in agriculture sector which is the backbone of the Indian economy. He informed that the required land for establishment of Agriculture College was granted earlier by him during his tenure as Agriculture Minister and now students are pursuing graduation from the college.
Arunachal has tremendous potential for growth of horticulture sector which could be judged from the fact that 21.49% (18 lakhs Ha) has been identified suitable for horticulture crop cultivation. During the year 2014-15 the state has produced 3.31 lakhs tones (approx) fruits within an estimated area of 90,000 hectare. Mein, however, called upon the agri and horti experts to guide the farmers of the state with scientific methods and technologies for higher production. Mein appreciated the authority for providing equal opportunity to girls students.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Isha Khosla said mental pressure and tension arising out of the modern lifestyle can only be lessened through activities like sports and games and healthy diet. She also advised to carry out research for promotion of Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry and to undertake different extension programs that help in the transfer of technologies generated to the end-users.
In his presidential address, Vice Chancellor M Premjit Singh highlighted the development and achievement of the university. He said the university is playing leading role in the nation. In 2012 and 2014 it had secured second position at national level. Many passed out students are successfully contributing their excellent services in various places in the country.
Among others, Director, Instruction, Prof. SS Nagar and Dean Prof. AK Pandey also spoke on the occasion.
Supdt. of Police RS Chauhan, faculties, staffs and students of northeastern states were present on the occasion. DIPRO
Theft cases on the rise in Ruksin town, Police remains clueless
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Mar 28: Shop owners of Ruksin town fed up with constant thefts, say that they feel there is little more they can do to protect their businesses establishments from the thieves.
Just on Sunday night, the thieves stole four quintals oil-seed and a large number of rice bags from M/s- Bhawani Sharma Rice Mill. Thieves vandalized 13 shops at Ruksin town and looted commodities worth several lakhs of rupees and cash money during the last one and half month.
Pan-Ghumtis, grocery shops and even medical clinic have fallen into target of the thieves in Ruksin town. The thieves have also looted the Divjani Nursing Home last month and a heavy generator from Ruksin ADC’s office premise.
The thieves take advantage of darkness due to frequent load shedding and rainy weather and enter the shops by breaking locks, walls and roof-ceilings during wee hours. Many steps have been taken by the business community to resist the thieves, but have been helpless. The series of burglaries is happening right below the nose of the Ruksin inner line check gate, police station and forest check-gate, but the police are still clueless.
The Secretary of Ruksin Chamber of Commerce Tajong Panyang, who owns many shops at Ruksin town which have been the target of the thieves in the recent past, informed that local police was informed of every incident, but they are still clueless.
“Even a CCTV footage of the thieves entering into a cosmetic shop has not helped the police to apprehend any suspects so far. The police citing manpower shortage advised us to deploy night chowkidar in order to save our shops from the thieves”, he added.
Ruksin town under East Siang district is located at vulnerable Assam-Arunachal boundary. The local people here have been demanding the administration of both sides to strengthen security surveillance along the boundary areas, which has fallen on deaf ears.
DC announces special BME Mop-up camps
SEPPA, Mar 28: East Kameng DC, Deepak Shinde instructed the authorities concerned to conduct Special BME Mop-up camps at Seppa and Circle hqtrs. from Mar 29 to 31 next so that maximum left out population could be enrolled for AADHAAR card.
He was addressing a review meeting on the status of biometric enrolment and Permanent Enrolment Centres (PECs) held here on Monday.
While reviewing all the reports on updating of NPR and status of PECs opened at district and various Circle hqtrs, informed that the government is likely to make AADHAAR card mandatory for all government purposes particularly, the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme (DBT). He further directed all Permanent Enrolment Centres to remain open and asked all Charge Officers to submit reports on regular interval. He directed the authority concerned to analyze village-wise BME status and accordingly, suitable number of cluster-wise BME camps shall be arranged. To ensure maximum participation, he suggested for involvement of GBs, PRIs and announcement in the entire township through PA system.
In order to launch the programme Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao in the district, he has directed to start the survey activities and compile the reports on birth registration of girl child Gram-wise/Panchayat-wise.
Meanwhile, a District Planning Committee Meeting to review the proposals put forth by various GPs against 14 Finance Commission ‘My Village My Development’ was held the same day under the chairmanship of the DC.
In the meeting the DC called for modification and revision of some of the proposals submitted so far under ‘My Village My Development’ scheme and directed for re-submission on or before Apr 15 next. He suggested for considering budget/fund allocation, urgency and genuineness, non-duplication and subjects under Panchayat competency before formalizing and submitting a proposal. While suggesting submission of proposals which can be completed under the fund allocated and are beneficial to many, he further advised to take up subjects like sanitation, drinking water, school infrastructures, ICDS and others, which are matters of exigency.
The meeting was attended by ZPC, DPDO, PD, ZPMs, COs, HoDs, Anchal Chairpersons besides, ADCs of Bameng, Chayangtajo, Seijosa and host of PR department staffs. (DIPRO)
Govt. for uninterrupted water supply to school, health and Anganwadi centres
ITANAGAR, Mar 28: All the schools, hospitals and Anganwadi centres in the state should get water supply connections within 2016-17, said the Chief Minister, Kalikho Pul in a review meeting with PHE & WS Minister, Parliamentary Secretary, Commissioner (PHED) and CEs of PHED (W/Z) and Sanitation.
While stressing on 24 X 7 water supplies to all the health and educational institutions, including Anganwadi centres across the state, the chief minister insisted to take up the drinking water supply augmentation programme in a planned manner. He said to make judicious use of limited resources and asked the PHE& WS Department to come up with a comprehensive plan.
Pul asked the departmental officers to prepare an inventory of the existing assets such as infrastructure, water tanks, man power, etc of the district, divisional, sub-divisional and section wise indicating year of constructions so that planning can be incorporated in a proper way before going for augmentation programme.
While assuring to provide support on need based, he insisted the department to make realistic plan. He also asked them to make regular maintenance of the existing structure and pipeline to improve the delivery system.
The CM directed the Chief Engineers to give special instructions to the Executive Engineers and the sub-ordinate officers in the district immediately to conduct detailed survey in every village and make feasibility study by personally visiting the field to find out the actual fact. He instructed them to discuss with the local populace, Panchayati members of the locality and the local legislators to work out the actual need, based on the household and population. The survey and DPR should be completed within the shortest possible time, Chief Minister said.
To do away with recurring problem of water scarcity during lean period everywhere, Chief Minister emphasized to tap drinking water from perennial sources. As an alternative source of water, CM instructed the department to tap underground water by boring wells in the hospitals, secondary schools and residential schools in the first phase and also to make provision of rain water harvesting in these institutions.
As many of the newly constructed Govt buildings remained unconnected with water supply and electricity even after the completion of the building causing inconvenience to the parent department, the chief minister opined to handover internal water supply connection works of departmental buildings to the department of PHE & WS.
Taking cognizance of the water crisis in the twin capital, Chief Minister gave instructions to the department to immediately start the proposed water augmentation schemes in the capital region by April as an emergency redressal measure.
These schemes are augmentation of 7 MLD water from Mophu river, augmentation cum extension of 150 mm diameter Lapu source to Senki Park area, construction of head-work at Topper Nallah for Doria Hill water treatment plant, augmentation of water supply at Dam Site source at Naharlagun, providing water supply to Lekhi area, ISBT, Urban Karamchari complex, Law college, Women college and improvement of Distribution networks in the twin capital.
He also gave directions to the department to start the boring works at various constrained areas of Itanagar and Naharlagun including the main market areas, hospitals, schools and guests houses in order to provide uninterrupted water supply.
Chief Engineers Tomo Basar and Toko Jyoti apprised the Chief Minister, Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary about the overall perspective of drinking water & sanitation in the state and the department’s vision and aspirations through power point presentations.
CM visits RKM Hospital
ITANAGAR, Mar 28: In a goodwill mission, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul made an unannounced visit to the Ramakrishna Mission Hospital, Itanagar on Monday to learn about the working conditions of the institution.
In his interaction with Partho Maharaj of RK Mission, the chief minister lauded the hospital authorities for their services rendered to the people of the state at a nominal rate since its inception.
“As the poor people of the state could not afford to go outside for treatment, the RK Mission Hospital has filled the gaps with their service of sophisticated modern diagnostics and equipments, which is absent in the state run hospitals,” said Pul and assured all support from the government for the hospital.
During the visit, the chief minister visited the 14-year-old girl who had escaped rape attempt, and was earlier shifted from Hormin Hospital, Naharlagun. He inquired on her health conditions and wished her for early recovery.
The chief minister inspected the central oxygen generator room, which supplies the oxygen to all patients’ room as supplement. He also visited the Post Operative Room, where patient from neighbouring Assam were being treated.
Pul met the patients in the hospital and interacted with them inquiring on their conditions.
Going round on inspection, Pul inspected the MRI Room, CT Scan, Blood Bank Unit, dialysis unit, Neonatal ICU, ICU, Diagnostic unit and Emergency Therapy.
‘Mishmi Takin International’ kikstarts in USA
[ Vijay Swami ]
Mishmi Takin brand of profoundly different outdoor gear - jackets and boots in expressive colours, specially designed for hikers and people living in snow region and mountains are being launched in a crowd funding campaign called ‘Kickstarter” on March 29 at Lutz in USA.
‘Mishmi Takin,’ a company committed to designing high performance gear for climatic conditions is a brain child of Dr. Kapil Dev Singh, an IIT Delhi topper and former civil servant, who is also supply chain expert with a passion for the outdoors and public health. Dr. Kapil came up with the idea of bringing Arunachal and its rich bio-diversity at international platform in a brainstorming interactions with Ipra Mekola, a state wildlife adviser during his 20 days visit to RIWATCH and Dibang Valley in general in May 2013.
Kapil, an avid hiker, earlier was unable to find gear that performed in the hot and humid tropics of India or the West African forests. While hiking in eastern Himalayas, he realized that his high end waterproof gear was not performing. Soaked but inspired, he discovered, accidentally, his next career – founding a line of highly breathable and water repellent gear that could withstand the rigors of the tropics and still outperform in temperate climates.
Almost all hiking boots and most shells on the market today feature a 'wet system’ membrane. A wet system membrane involves an inherently slow three-step process of absorption, diffusion, and evaporation, triggered by condensation on the PU membrane. When the humidity outside is as high as inside, the 'wet system' does not work and breathability becomes zero. In comparison, the dry systems employed by Mishmi Takin are microporous and air permeable, resulting in immediate expulsion of water vapour, a slight air exchange and a big difference in user comfort.
While East meets West in styling and performance, Kapil, passionately with love for his motherland names varieties of products as “Kameng”- 100 percent waterproof and extremely breathable hiking shoes, that provides super grip on wet surfaces. “Lushai” - features an eVent membrane and rubber toe rand, and available in Grey/Dirty Yellow, Brown/Brick Red and Brown/Chocolate.
The most lightweight, the “Jampui” was specially designed for a high performance hiker.
He named hard shell Jackets as Virunga, Nimba, Sapo - each name is in honour of an African national park, while soft shell jackets have been named as Quaras, Chani, Cayambe – each name in honour of peaks in the Andes, lying in the tropics. These jackets are waterproof, windproof, three-layer, four-way stretch jackets, designed separately for men and women with fashionable colours and exclusive craftsmanship
It features, lightweight textured fleece lining; water resistant tape seams; Napolean pockets; pit zips; an adjustable helmet compatible hood; Aquaguard Vision Zippers; Velcro adjustable cuffs; and a hem cinch cord..
While speaking on his Mishmi Takin new mission, Kapil puts it rightly “Mishmi Takin, an international designer of high performance footwear and shells, strives to create products and services that improve the physical and psychological well being of individuals, communities and the planet. Its goal is to encourage people worldwide to explore the outdoors by designing products for climatic conditions often overlooked by other brands. With its products, the company enables outdoor enthusiasts to venture into less explored parts of the world, and connect with nature, others and themselves. At the same time, it also aims to highlight the challenges faced by communities in remote regions and work to improve their health.”
On 29 March Mishmi Takin International is introducing its products to a large and diverse audience and underscores its commitment to building community through outdoor exploration, in its crowd funding campaign. The company will offer a selection of their gear, at incentive price and earlier delivery dates. For more details interested people can visit http://www.mishmitakin, Twitter and Facebook.
No doubt, Kapil’s efforts of picking up the concept and realising it within a short span of three years are praiseworthy and highly commendable. The example teaches us to imbibe the kind of passion, consistency, absolute dedication in the field that we choose, that ultimately benefits the achiever and the society too. (The writer is an Executive Director, RIWATCH, Khinjili, Roing Arunachal Pradesh)
APMCC resolves to maintain party ideology
ITANAGAR, Mar 28: Arunachal Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee (APMCC) and City Mahila Congress Committee (CMCC) in a meeting at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here on Monday discussed on further strengthening the Mahila Congress at all level, right from Block/village to State.
The meeting decided that all the Mahila wings in the State will maintain party principle, ideology and remain loyal to the Indian National Congress in the future too.
The meeting appealed to the party workers and cadres not to switch their loyalty to other political party along with their defective MLAs.
Chief Councilor withdraws resignation
Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Mar 28: Chief Councilor of Pasighat Municipal Council, who had resigned from the post earlier, has withdrawn it.
Denong Tamuk cited that he had to withdraw the resignation letter as he has been backed by various sections of the local people and pledged to resume the office. He claims that urban dwellers have asked him for continuing his office and take Pasighat to a new high.
SAC meet of Anjaw KVK emphasizes on horticulture activities
ITANAGAR, Mar 28: Scientific Advisory Committee meeting of KVK Anjaw held on March 26 at the conference hall of Lohit Deputy Commissioner gave emphasis on large scale horticulture activities in the district for income generation.
Attending meeting, Anjaw Deputy Commissioner M. Riba stressed the need for collection of local indigenous crops available and conserve their genes. She encouraged the KVK Anjaw to work at their level best and attain a status for supplying quality planting materials of Large Cardamom in the district.
The Deputy Commissioner also promised to extent all possible help for establishing the KVK in the district.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Hayuliang B. Tawsik stated that indigenous methods of cultivation which our forefathers have been practicing in the district should not be neglected even though the scientific method of cultivation may be superior in the present era. They should go side by side, he opined, and requested all the line departments and other organizations to join hands and work with synergies for the welfare of the farming community of the district.
Dr. R. Bhagawati, Joint Director, ICAR RC for NEH Region, Basar, who chaired the meeting emphasized on establishment of Large Cardamom nursery unit in view of the prevailing viral diseases which continues to spread in maximum parts of the district. He also emphasized on collection of local indigenous pulse and cereals crop species for registration under PPVFR Act, 2001.
Dr. Bhagawati also imparted training on Agromet Advisory Services to create awareness about the importance of weather and how the farmers will benefit through the weakly advisory service to farming community.
Earlier, Manish Kanwat, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Anjaw stressed on promotion and large scale production of horticulture crops, especially apple, kiwi and oranges and exporting them to other parts of the country.
Local traders urged to go global
ITANAGAR, Mar 28: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Federation of India Export Organisation (FIEO) having office at Guwahati are the link between the importers-exporters and the targeted market, DGFT NE in-charge assistant director general B R Khakhalary said.
The Arunachal Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ACCI) would serve as their bridge to reach both organizations of the GoI, he told 25 state entrepreneurs and prospective importers attending a day-long awareness workshop at Naharlagun on Monday, a collaborative event of three organisations.
The fast expanding sectors of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly agriculture and horticulture sector offers huge scope for export; he said and enlisted services offered by DGFT including license and help prospective importers and exporters to avail various GoI facilities.
The FIEO would offer them various guidance, particularly the GoI schemes, its NE in-charge Kausik Dutta disclosed.
Both of them enthused the local entrepreneurs to turn producers with a target for global market as the North East is located very near to South Asian Nations.
Highlighting the immense opportunities to open up the export and import trade, ACCI president Techi Lala said that the agriculture sector alone received Krishi Karman Award for the fourth consecutive years in 2015 while Anjaw has turned a role model for NABARD for large cardamom production, having ayurvedic value. The spice produced in the state is sold at double the rate in southern markets because of its export value, he added.
The trio responded to a volley of questions from the entrepreneurs to clear their doubts.
Local artists take part in national festival
ITANAGAR, Mar 28: Ustaad Bismilla Khan Yuva Puraskar Awardee Delong Padung and Kaling Borang of Arunachal Pradesh took part in a three day-long festival on Intangible Cultural Heritage and Diverse expression of India, organised by Sangeet Natak Academy and co-sponsored by UNESCO New Delhi which concluded on Mar 27 last.
Cultural troops from Bomdila led by Rinchin Droma also presented Buddhist chanting representing the Mahayana Buddhist sect in the colourful festival which witnessed diverse representation of culture from different parts of India.
Road Safety Council meeting held
YINGKIONG, Mar 28: A meeting of Road Safety Council of Upper Siang district was held in the office chamber of the Upper Siang DC here on Monday.
The meeting was attended by Committee members, DC Chairman, EAC (T) Member Secretary, SP, DMO, EE(PWD), PHED, DD(DUDA), EE(Power), DFO, DIPRO, Superintendent DH, OC PS Yingkiong and representatives of APPT. (DIPRO)
Association demands for recalling of SSA coordinators
ITANAGAR, Mar 28: The All Arunachal Pradesh Contractual Employees’ Association (AAPCEA) has appealed to the Chief Minister to recall all the trained teachers who are being appointed as SSA Coordinators of state, district and block and cluster levels.
In a representation to the CM, the association stated that appointment of trained teachers as SSA coordinators has badly affected the school functioning saying that many elementary schools are running without regular and trained teachers.
The association further reiterated its demands for regularization of contractual employees of various departments, payment of house rent allowance and one time ex-gratia policy to cover contractual employees.
CEYAA calls for re-shifting of commissioner office (east) at Namsai
ITANAGAR, Mar 28: The Central Eastern Youth Association of Arunachal (CEYAA) has demanded re-shifting of commissioner office (East) at Namsai saying that the office which was created and inaugurated at Namsai during the year 1998-99 was shifted to Itanagar.
In this modern era where de-centralization is preferred, such minor issues should not be a hurdle, it said in its memorandum submitted to the chief minister.
The association has also opposed to the grant of citizenship to Chakma-Hajong refugees in the state. Fearing that the refugees would be granted citizenship and also that the chief ministers’ universal health insurance scheme (CMUHIS) would be extended to them, it alleged the state government of showing double standard to the issue.
The association’s other demands include proper implementation of District Based Entrepreneurship and Professional (Incentives, Development and Promotional) Act 2015, appointment of anti-drug squad to check illegal opium cultivation, posting of chief engineers zone wise, night navigation over river Brahmaputra in Bogibeel and distribution of government sponsored institutes in other parts of the state as well.
Awareness prog. on medicinal and aromatic plants cultivation held
ITANAGAR, Mar 28: An awareness programme on cultivation of different medicinal and aromatic plants was conducted by the CSIR-NEIST Branch Itanagar at Banderdewa on Monday.
Speaking on the occasion, NEIST Branch Senior Technical Officer, Dr. Budhen C Baruah elaborated the need of conservation of different indigenous medicinal and aromatic plants available in the state and their commercial cultivation as well as role of NEIST towards sustainable socio-economic development in the state.
Dr. Baruah also emphasized the need for organized cultivation of BLI-ARUN stain of lemongrass, an improved variety developed at NEIST Branch. While highlighting the significant potentiality of cultivation BLI-ARUN strain of lemongrass for rural development, he asked each and every participant to establish at least a small herbal medicinal nursery for conservation of different medicinal and aromatic plants along with their kitchen garden.
Traditional folklores documented by GJCMCC
AALO, Mar 28: Golden Jubilee Central Mopin Celebration Committee (GJCMCC) has been documenting the rich Galo culture at Gumin Kiin, Aalo from March 25 to 27.
The traditional folklores which have been orally passed down by ancestors through the ages like Ami Hanam, Takar e Gene Ge, Ajena ito lake, Boyi Take ome Ngo, Topo Gone, Eme Relo, Kume Dada, Ane ge ojuma Siri Remyo, Lob Raye, Nyida Tanu, Hogam Pognam, Erap, Nyida Parik, yaan kaben and Anna yo Anna have been documented under the supervision of Komba Tacho, Cultural Secretary and Lee Ete Ngomdir, Cultural Secretary Women Wing GJCMCC.
Meanwhile, a social service involving GJCMCC, Mothers’ Vision, PAYWA and general public was organised at Donyi Polo Dere. DIPRO
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All rights reserved.
Editorial
Visit of immense significance
Starting tomorrow Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin tour of three nations namely
Belgium, US and Saudi Arabia. The visit to Brussels comes just days after Belgium
capital was hit by multiple terror attacks. Mr Modi will take part in India-
Prime Minister's visit to Saudi Arabia is also of immense significance. Around 2.96 million Indians are residing in the Islamic republic. Mr.Modi will visit office of two Indian companies besides holding talks with Saudi leadership's on trade and investment among other issues. Prime Minister should use the occasion and take up issue of human right violation faced by the Indians working in the Islamic Republic. Many cases of ill treatment of Indians in the gulf countries have emerged in recent year. Modi should tell Saudi's to respect Indians working in the country. Also it is a well known fact that Saudi Arabia has huge influence over Pakistan. Apart from US, Saudi is one of the biggest donors to Pakistan. PM should call upon Saudi leaders to impress upon Pakistan to stop supporting terrorism.
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Readers’ Forum
Importance of local dialect
Dear Editor,
“I am Galo & my mother is Nyishi but I don't know how speak both Galo & Nyishi dialects. I don't know because Mama Papa nahin shikaya,” he said with his cute voice.
This is the story of young generation. They knows Assamese, Hindi but don't know mother tongue, knows bible verse but no idea about own festivals, knows every routes & shopping malls of Delhi but no knowledge of own district, talk about racism in Delhi but discriminate other tribes in home. Protest against animal sacrifices at local festivals but don't create awareness to promote local dialect & language.
This is special sign of today's generation; time will come when people of Arunachal Pradesh will have no identity & no culture. Only the eyes shape will be use as identity to say that he/she is Arunachalee. Even the shape of eyes could disappear after few hundred years, because when german shepherd number increases in village, it becomes difficult to identify the puppies whether it's german sheperd or it's a local dog?
Loss of culture is loss of identity, no extra class is needed in schools it will put extra pressure on young kids. Instead teach them local dialect when they are home or growing up.
Yours,
D.Gao
Loopholes which need attention
Dear Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the APPSC members towards the major loopholes in the recently concluded APPSC exam.
The loopholes are as follows:
1)There is still no facility for online filling up of application form for which it took APPSC members almost 1 year to conduct the mains exam as the rejected candidate dragged APPSC to court. So the system for online filling of form is need of hour, if APPSC wants to avoid another debacle. It is a request to the commission members to use One Crore rupees given to them as a corpus fund by Pul government to upgrade the official website and do away with the paper (age old) system of application form fill up.
2) In the mains exam there should be at least one day gap between each optional paper to give the entire aspirant a level playing field to compete as it is hard to carry hangover of one subject into another subject. In this regard, Schedule of UPSC mains can be a torchbearer if APPSC wish to follow.
3) Come whatever the 1:3 ratio must be maintained because the norms of 33% and 45% is a defective one. What if in the mains exam only 30 candidates could qualify for viva voce of 50 posts. In UPSC, minimum cut off mark in any paper is 10%, ie 25 marks out of total 250 which any one can secure. Here, more importance is given on the total marks secured out of all paper rather than the particular subject. Moreover it gives a comeback opportunity to the candidate if by any chance he/she could not perform well in one paper. If 33% was the case in UPSC exam, Gaurab Agrawal would have never topped the 2013's IAS exam as his marks in GS paper 2 was 63 out 250(ie 25.2%).
4) It is high time APPSC should ponder over to moderate the marks of science subjects
as this time it was done for sociology (the only high scoring subject for arts student).
It must be noted here that 120 marks in arts subjects like public administration,
sociology, history, geography etc is deemed as excellent whereas the same scores
are considered as average in science subjects as their marks goes upto 160-
5) There was hue and cry over the recently concluded viva voce. In one of the interview board the questions were more factual than opinion based. Since our knowledge was already tested in written exam, could a ton of factual question in viva voce ascertain the real character of civil servant. Big NO.
Adding more to it, the minimum marks to be awarded in Viva VOICE must be enhanced to 100. As many deserving candidates are thrown out of competition by getting considerably less marks. On one side one aspirant gets 69 marks whereas on other side another aspirant gets 131 marks out of 175, in this case how can an aspirant compete if there is difference of 62 marks? Can we really trust the marks awarded by interviewer in this case? What if another interview board likes the same aspirant to which first interview board despised given that there were same questions asked and same answer is answered? Remember, beauty lies in the eyes of beholder as Cow is worshipped by Hindus whereas the same cow is slaughtered by Muslims.
6) last but not the least, I request the APPSC members to kindly furnish the award sheet with the answer sheet for performance appraisal of candidate.
I request the APPSC members to look into the aforementioned matter and accommodate with the need of hour. The efforts of APPSC members in this regard would be much appreciated.
Yours,
An aspirant
In response
Dear Editor,
This is in response to an open letter to CEO ICC Itanagar by one Nabam Vijay. Am
submitting the following points for public reference-
1. I appreciate the open letter as it contents issue which is of public interest and which requires attention of all the concern authority including the CEO as the illegal structures are found to be nuisance in capital complex.
2. Secondly, when he relates the story of the past, it speaks of different story of person and illegal structure which had been removed that time after winning legal battle.
3. Thirdly, there is only one law applied ie APP Act 2003 for the encroachment in
capital complex which may be perused.
4. Lastly, any such grievance of encroachment may be communicated to any designated estate officer also including CEO. (EAC/CO/ADC of Banderdewa, Naharlagun, Itanagar)
Yours,
Talo Potom,
CEO, ICC
Itanagar