Gauhati HC rejects disqualification of 14 MLAs
GUWAHATI, Mar 30: The Gauhati High Court on Wednesday set aside disqualification of 14 rebel Congress MLAs of Arunachal Pradesh by erstwhile Speaker Nabam Rebia.
The order was passed by the division bench of Justice comprising Tinlianthang Vaiphei and Ujjal Bhuyan, said Senior advocate SS Dey.
These 14 MLAs, including current chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh Kalikho Pul, were disqualified by Rebia ahead of a controversial Assembly session convened by governor JP Rajkhowa in December last year.
Rebia’s order was challenged by the MLAs in the Gauhati High Court and a single-judge bench of Justice B. K. Sharma had stayed the order in January this year.
Rebia had challenged the interim stay order passed by the High Court in the Supreme Court. The apex court, however, remanded the matter back to the high court with a direction that it should be heard by a division bench.
After prolonged hearing, the division bench ruled that the order passed by the Speaker was illegal and set it aside.
The judgement directed the Speaker to take appropriate action within the next 15 days to convene the House for the election of a member to decide on the question of his disqualification and that of the remaining 14 members on the basis of the petition. This was keeping in view the fact that the present Speaker of the Assembly is also a petitioner.
Teens arrested in school vandalism case
ITANAGAR, Mar 30: Namsai Police have caught two teen boys involved in Govt. Higher Secondary School, Chongkham vandalism case of March 26.
After registering the complaint lodged by the school principal, Police launched investigation and apprehended the two boys - one is fifteen years and another fourteen years old, both from Chongkham II village allegedly involved in the incident, informed OC Thomas Pertin.
Two pairs of stolen football boots and a ball (volleyball) were recovered and seized from them.
The apprehended juvenile offenders were handed over to their parents after producing them before JMFC Court, Chongkham.
Two more juveniles involved in the case are absconding, Pertin informed, adding that efforts are on to apprehend them soon.
Pertin urged the teaching community of the schools concerned and parents of the students involved in case to advise and properly guide their children to refrain from such illegal activities.
By indulging in such activities, they are not only damaging the properties of the school but also the image and reputation of the schools concerned, Pertin said.
The school authorities are also requested to keep chowkidar during night hours as many valuable articles, like laboratory equipments, computers and other valuable govt. properties are kept in the Govt. Higher Secondary School, Chongkham.
Poppy plant destroyed at Dalbing area
YINGKIONG, Mar 30: A team of police from Upper Siang district along with USWWS and ABK(WW), Upper Siang unit and Bentuk Ane SHG Yingkiong destroyed several poppy plantations in Dalbing on March 28.
The poppy plants were cultivated in WRC fields after the harvest of paddy.
There was no report of any untoward incident during the operation. DIPRO
‘Ex-servicemen can still contribute a lot to nation’
BOMDILA, Mar 30: Maj. Gen Sukhdeep Sangwan, GOC of 5-Mtn Divn., called upon Ex-Servicemen not to fall prey to the laid back attitude in the post retirement period but to play an active role in nation building.
Addressing the Ex-Servicemen (ESM) rally at Buddha Stadium here on Wednesday, Maj. Gen Sukhdeep said, “You have the requisite training, discipline, motto and the much needed perseverance. Reach out and make a difference and make the army and the country proud.”
Describing the Ex-Servicemen association as an Industry with a mission, the Maj. Gen. said that the interface and camaraderie between the Army and the civil populace would go a long way in facilitating the peace, tranquility and progress of the nation.
“Let us join hands and make a difference,” he called upon the people of the three districts of Tawang, West Kameng and East Kameng at Buddha Stadium.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner AK Singh informing of the steps taken by the district administration and the Zilla Sainik Board said that, an office has been provided to the ESM the year before and the issue of the much needed Identity cards has been forwarded to the state government. Being the chairman of the Zilla Sainik Board, he detailed the benefits listed under the Zilla Sainik Board for the ESM and urged them to register themselves for availing the benefits.
Assuring further co-operation to the ESM, he urged them to be productive and a partner in the development of the society.
To facilitate second career options and to address the pension issues of the ESMs, awareness lectures by officers of the SBI, ICICI, Apex Bank, ICDS, Disaster Management, Horticulture, Veterinary, Fisheries etc were conducted and stalls put up.
Hundreds of ESM along with their families from Tawang, West Kameng and East Kameng attended the one-day rally which was organized by 28 MADRAS, RR Hills, Bomdila, wherein the ESM heads, Veer Naris and the war widows were felicitated. Various cultural programmes were organized by the district administration and the army on the occasion.
Present in the day-long rally, among others, were all the senior rank and file of the army under 5-Mtn Div, Maj. Gen Jha (Retd), Ex-MLA RT Khunjuju, HoDs and public leaders. DIPRO
Diyun incident exposes real character of refugees: AAPSU
ITANAGAR, Mar 30: All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) on Wednesday demanded the State Government to initiate an enquiry into the incident of violence at Diyun in Changlang district on Tuesday where the Hajong refugees reportedly vandalized the office of the extra assistant commissioner (EAC).
At least two people have reportedly injured following police firing at Diyun in Changlang district after Hajong refugees attacked the office of the EAC following a hearing pertaining to demarcation of a new Hajong village.
Condemning the incident in its strongest term, AAPSU president Kamta Lapung in a statement said that the State Government should immediately deploy additional forces to bring the situation under control.
“The incident is evidence which exposed the real character of the Chakma-Hajong refugees residing in the state,” Lapung said adding that the State Government should not take the incident lightly but should vigorously pursue the refugee issue with the Centre.
The apex students’ body also urged the State Government to immediately file a curative petition against the Supreme Court order to confer citizenship to Chakma and Hajong refugees in the State.
The Apex Court in its order on September 17 last year has asked the Centre and Arunachal Pradesh to immediately confer citizenship rights on the Chakma and Hajong refugees who have been living in the Frontier State for nearly half a century.
“The incident should open eyes of the Supreme Court which issued a one-sided directive in favour of the refugees,” Lapung said.
A team of the AAPSU led by Lapung is visiting Diyun on Thursday to assess the ground situation.
Meanwhile, the Lower subansiri unit of APCSOA has also vehemently condemned the brutal mob attack on Datum Gadi, EAC, Diyun in his office premises on March 29 and also destruction to government properties and personal vehicle of the officer, DIPRO reported.
Association appeals for reconsideration of cabinet decision
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Mar 30: All Arunachal Pradesh Unemployed Engineer Association on Wednesday demanded Chief Minister Kalikho Pul led government to reconsider its cabinet decision on March 9, 2016 to wind up all isolated Engineering wings from non-working departments.
In a press conference held here on Wednesday, AAPUEA President Tadar Hamak said that winding up engineering wings of various government departments will further increase the number in the list of unemployed engineers. He informed the media persons that the association had called on Chief Minister Kalikho Pul on Tuesday in which he assured to have a second thought over it. Tadar further revealed that there are 6042 unemployed engineers in the state and discontinuation of engineering wings in non-working departments would aggravate the unemployment problem. The Association appealed to the CM for scrapping of cabinet decision.
The state cabinet decided to wind up the engineering wing of various government departments other than Rural Development and Environment & Forest on March 9, 2016 which has put the unemployed engineers anxious. Instead, the association suggested the government to create one Chief Engineer’s post for all the non-working engineers’ wing and various Assistant Engineers to revamp employment opportunity.
The unemployed engineers association also opined that recruitment should be conducted through APCS for filling up the technical post in Rural development and Environment and Forest departments. It informed that under RD department, non technical officers like BDO has been delegated with power of drawing and disbursing officer (DDO) for limitless amount which require streamlining as per the provision of CPWD manual. Under Environment & Forest department, draughtsman under DFO and RO are drawing crores of rupees under civil work without having technical powers which is violation of CPWD manual, AAPUEA said.
Govt extends help to brave school girl
ITANAGAR, Mar 30: A cheque of Rs 2 Lacs was handed over to the parents of the school girl who survived an attempted rape.
The amount which was released from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund was handed over to the father by Secretary to Govt of Arunachal, Dani Salu on Wednesday afternoon at R K Mission hospital, where the school girl is currently recuperating.
Dani Sulu spent some time with the brave school girl and her parents who told him that their daughter is on the path to recovery from the traumatic incident.
The school girl was assaulted on Feb 25 by a man who offered to drop her home in Itanagar.
She fought back against her assaulter and leaped from a hill, resulting in horrific spinal injuries.
The accused remains in jail.
Peace rally at Changlang
ITANAGAR, Mar 30: The Rangfrah Faith Promotion Society, Changlang on Wednesday organized a peace rally at Changlang to commemorate the third coming of Rangfrah as well as to promote universal peace and brotherhood.
The rally was attended by more than 6000 devotees from the district as well as the neighbouring districts of Tirap, Longding and Lohit. The rally started from 1 mile Changlang and culminated at the festival ground.
The Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Wangki Lowang who attended the programme advocated for preserving the age old culture, tradition and faith. He exhorted them to have secular thoughts and respect all the religions.
Parliamentary Secretary Hydro-power Phosum Khimhun informed that Rangfrah has helped the people of Changlang to shun many evil practices they have been following in the name of culture.
MLA, Changlang North Tesam Pongte while terming the performance of duty with honesty as true religion urged the people of Changlang to stay away from all the evil practices like drug use and its trafficking. He advised the younger generation to study hard and be ready to face the competitive events and activities to bring laurels to the district. In the evening a cultural show was also organized where religious songs followed by Bollywood numbers were presented by the followers of Rangfraism. (DIPRO)
Budget 2016-17: Comprehensive plan to develop health delivery system
[ Raju Mimi ]
Chief Minister Kalikho Pul in his budget speech of March 23 spoke on complete overhauling of health sector. What he proposes to have is a comprehensive proposal plan to improve health delivery system in the state to provide high-quality and cost-effective care.
As first step, the proposal will outline the basic infrastructure requirements and facilities required in all health care units starting from state level hospitals to sub centres – covering all zonal hospitals, district hospitals, primary health centres and community health centres in the state.
Having clear picture of the requirements, each health care unit will be then asked to submit an inventory status report. Based on the report, wherever required the inventory supplement will be made including filling up of all the shortages.
The chief minister insists that to ascertain the critical gaps such as of ambulances, investigation equipment, medicines and other facilities; he would opt for ground visit to have clear picture of the requirements. On any critical situation, decisions would be taken on the spot with the health department to ensure full-fledged facilities in the health centre.
To provide a complete infrastructure face-lift of all the health institutions across the state – the chief minister plans to phase out all hospital infrastructures built during the union territory days, which will be done in phase manner and in planned way. For other existing buildings, necessary repair works would be taken up for any minor damages, and for the old dilapidated ones; it will be replaced with new constructions wherever required.
On manpower shortages, the state government has created 2541 posts from sweeper to specialists in the health department. For local people to have preference over the jobs, the recruitment process for the group C&D category will be conducted at district level. Also to prevent random appointments, the process of recruitment will take place on one common date.
The rationale behind the complete overhaul of health institutions as proposed through the comprehensive plan proposal by the chief minister is to “deal with health problems at early stage, before it can grow into something serious”.
According to him, timely detection and prevention of diseases can save money, time and lives. This he intend to achieve by providing all the required facilities – manpower, medicines, infrastructures right from the sub-centre level to zonal hospitals. Also, starting from when a mother conceives the baby, till the child attains the age of six – if proper nutrition, vaccination and routine health checkups are maintained – then almost 80% of health problems can be eradicated.
So to strengthen all the mechanisms to ensure effective health service, the chief minister has given special attention to the welfare of the grassroots health workers such as ASHA activists and other community health workers. They are not only the frontline workers but have grassroots knowledge and understanding of the health situations on the ground.
Also, in the last few years, health indicators in the state have shown poor results against the set target as mandated by the government of India. The health indicator, such as, Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in Arunachal has increased. The National Health Mission (NHM) target for IMR is 25 by 2017 – but in Arunachal in the previous three years, it has consecutively increased to 31, 32 and 33. The TFR target should be less than 2.5 but the state data hovers on 2.7.
Irony it may seem, the state has no data to MMR, where the NHM target is 100. Lack of such health statistics will greatly hinder the health planning process, which will have profound effect on service delivery. (The contributor of the article is APRO to Chief Minister)
Medical officers urged to shoulder responsibility
ROING, Mar 30: Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Ravi Dhawan called upon Medical Officers (MOs) to shoulder responsibilities for successful implementation of all the health progammes in the district.
While advocating for full immunization of children below 2 years in a review meeting of the district level vigilance and monitoring committee (DLVMC) here on Wednesday, he insisted on improving tracking mechanism and suggested to seek documents like, PRC, TRC and Aadhar card to work out the floating population. He also sought performance report of ASHA from concern MOs and directed them to submit it before April 15, 2016.
DMO Dr. D. Wange briefed on Health Mission implemented in the district and suggested coordination among various agencies involved in it for success of the Mission.
District RCH officer, Roing briefed on performance in maternal health and also placed the physical achievement report upto February, 2016.
Dr. SJ Mitapo, DTO presented status report on RNTCP. As per the report there are 23 DOT centers in the district and 13 MOs and 14 ASHAs were trained in RNTCP.
Dr. N.Yirang, DPO (NVBDCP) briefed on Malaria, Dengu, Japanese Encephalitis cases and its elimination programme initiated by the Health Department.
All the Vertical programme officer of NLEP, NBCP, RNTCP, NVBDCP and IDSP, Lower Dibang Valley participated in the meeting.
The meeting was also attended by the E.E PHED, DDSE, PD, DRDA, Dy Director (ICDS), Medical Officers of various circles in the district, ZPC, Roing, public leaders and other officials. DIPRO
ABK unit demands inquiry into Payum fire
ITANAGAR, Mar 30: The West Siang unit of Adi Baane Kebang (ABK) demanded a thorough inquiry into the fire accident that burnt down 38 dwelling houses and one Dere in less than an hour in Payum village of Siang district recently.
The ABK unit hailed the chief minister and the governor for responding promptly to the pleas of the fire victims by granting them financial assistance for their rehabilitation. It also lauded local MLA Tamiyo Taga for promptly taking up the matter with the government.
Mopin cultural extravaganza unfolds
AALO, Mar 30: A grand cultural extravaganza organized as part of Golden Jubilee Mopin Celebration unfolded at Gumin Kiin here on Tuesday signaling the beginning of Mopin festivity.
Elder member of the community Nyabin Ete, former minister Kito Sora, and ADC Tumge Loya lauded the festival celebration committee for its all out efforts to take the golden year to a new height.
GJCMCC president Doi Ado, Secretary Henrik Basar outlined the main objectives behind organization of such cultural activities. DIPRO
Association resents non-regularization of posts
ITANAGAR, Mar 30: The Arunachal Pradesh NHM Employees Association (APNHMEA) has expressed its resentment over the non-regularization of a total of 772 programme management staff working under NHM on contractual basis since 2005-06 in the state and urged the authorities concerned to regularise their jobs at the earliest.
The Association in its release on Wednesday claimed that contractual staff working in the technical section viz, doctors, staff nurses, GNMs, ANMs and Laboratory Technicians have been regularized systematically over the years but none of the programme management staffs have been regularized yet.
According to the Phase-II of the NRHM programme, GoI, a new sustainable personnel policy has been adopted emphasizing the need to regularize contractual staff working under NRHM as a key strategy to strengthen the institutional arrangement required for efficient implementation of the programme vide DO letter NO. 10 (37)/2011-NRHM dated Dec 21, 2011, it claimed and sought early redress of their grievances.
Workshop on e-TDs, e-registration of VAT and CST held
KHONSA, Mar 30: A 2 day-long workshop-cum-training on e–TDs was conducted by state project coordinator, Mission Mode Project for Computerization & Commercial Taxes (MMPCT), department of Tax and Excise, Itanagar for the DDOs of the district on line registration of VAT and CST along with the dealers of Khonsa and Deomali on Mar 28 and 29 respectively.
In the training, the DDOs were explained about the various facets of e-TDs through a power-point presentation by the SPC, MMPCT. The DDOs were also trained on online application of Tan and entering and maintaining records.
Similarly, dealers of all commodities were taught with the help of a power-point presentation on how to apply online VAT and CST registration. They were also taught on how to maintain records and online issuance of ‘C’ form. (DIPRO)
DC reviews progress of Aadhaar seeding
KHONSA, Mar 30: Tirap DC, Ravi Jha reviewed the progress of Aadhaar Seeding of all MGNREGA active workers in the district and instructed the Block Development Officers to complete the process on mission mode by April 15 next during a meeting held here on Wednesday.
The DC further said that with Aadhaar biometric enrolment (BME) process in the district having almost achieved 90 percent it would not be, therefore, that tough to segregate such Aadhaar data for identification of active MGNREGA workers with Aadhaar cards and their subsequent seeding with MGNREGA database.
DRDA, Project Director, Dahey Sangno also informed that a special format has been locally generated to facilitate information gathering during door to door survey for identification of job card holders with and without Aadhaar cards. Sangno also suggested the BDOs to seek the help of PRI members of concerned village to speed up the said special drive.
Assuring his full cooperation, the district statistical officer, N Wangsu suggested that those MGNREGA workers who have already done BME but are yet to receive Aadhaar cards may be brought to his notice so that he could give TIN numbers to enable downloading of Aadhaar card number from online. (DIPRO)
MWS visits oju mission school, donates fans
ITANAGAR, Mar 30: First Lady of the State and , Chairperson of Muskan Welfare Society Rita Rajkhowa accompanied by the Secretary of the Society on Wednesday visited Oju Mission School at Naharlagun and donated 6 ceiling and pedestal fans.
The first lady paid homage to Padma Shree Awardee BinnyYanga, the founder of Oju Welfare Association and prayed for her eternal peace.
She appreciated the work of the Mission towards empowerment of women and welfare of children to achieve a holistic socio-economic and environmental development of communities in the State.
The First Lady also appreciated the opening up 24x7 women helpline, short stay home for destitute women, schemes for promotion of women entrepreneurship, children’s home etc.
The First Lady assured to help the Association in all possible way in future and wished the children success in their studies and prosperity in their life.
Secretary of MWS Kobby Zirdo Bagra said that the society wants to help the institutions, which are giving selfless services to the society and Our Mission being such one, the Muskan Welfare Society is pleased to associate with them.
Earlier, the new Chairperson of OWA Ratan Anya highlighted the shortcomings of the institution.
She informed that all the maintenance and repair works of the classrooms, building of a boundary wall, fencing works etc are done through the OWA fund which is insufficient. Though she sought fund for infrastructural development from NEC, Shillong there has been no progress so far, she said. Dr. Jennifer Tayeng, Dr. T. Khampu and Noni Boje also accompanied the first lady. PRO to Raj Bhawan
Over hundred saplings planted during plantation drive
ITANAGAR, Mar 30: Over a hundred saplings were planted during an All East Kameng Environment & Forest Protection Development Committee (AEKEFPDC) conducted day-long plantation-cum-social service programme themed ‘Each one plant one’ at the forest reserved area in Seppa on Mar 25 last.
Volunteers of the AEKEFPDC led by its chairman Taram Bagang along with DFO T Pali, Bana Ranger T Dupak and Forester Sayang Veo took part in the programme.
Fund raising prog for Lazu fire victims
ITANAGAR, Mar 30: The Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) family of Rono Hills, Doimkh contributed in aid of victims of Lazu fire accident of December 31, 2015 during a day-long fund raising programme organized on March 30 at RGU campus.
Contributions were received in both cash and kind from around 175 people.
The programme was conducted by the Department of Social Work (DSW), RGU with help of Master of Social Work students in aid of the Lazu Village adopted under Village Adoption Programme of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU).
The DSW had conducted a preliminary survey of the village in January and found nearly 38 house destroyed and 23 damaged by the fire.
Week-long Balwadi Teacher Orientation camp underway
ITANAGAR, Mar 30: A week-long Balwadi Teacher Orientation camp organized by the Arunachal Vikas Parishad was inaugurated by APWWS President, Gumri Ringu at the premises of Boum Kakir Mission School, Midpu on March 28.
In all 65 teachers from various district of the state took part in the camp which covered topics like importance of teacher and child education. Others participants of camp included AVP state organising secretary, Mithilesh Kumar and state education in charge of AVP, Sharad Ansingkar.
RKS meet held
ZIRO, Mar 30: The Governing Body Meeting of Rogi Kalyan Samiti of General Hospital, Ziro was held at the hospital office on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Kemo Lollen.
Emphasising the importance of health activities, DC Lollen assured to provide all necessary support.
Medical Superintendent Dr. Kime Horming highlighted the activities of RKS of the hospital.
The Member Secretary of the executive body Dr. Tazang Michi presented the financial status of the RKS.
The meeting discussed and approved the utilization plan of the current fund.
DMO Dr. Moli Riba, ZPMs Bamin Siiri, Tilling Sambyo, Radhe Angku and Kuru Tago, Chairman, Bright Future Society, Ziro were present in the meeting. DIPRO
Seminar on Tribal rights
ITANAGAR, Mar 30: Various issues and plight of tribal people in the country in general and North East in particular, will be discussed in a seminar being held in New Delhi on Thursday organized by the Centre for the Study of Social Systems (CSSS), School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
The National Seminar on the topic “Tribals and Constitutional Safeguards: The Question of Land-Rights in India”, will mainly focus and deliberate on the plight of the tribal groups who were left out from constitutional safeguards provided under 5th and 6th schedule of the Constitution.
Special attention will be given to study the North East Tribal States on the prevailing situation and proper recommendations will be sent to the Government of India.
Imminent scholars who are currently working on the tribal issue from all over the country will participate on the event which is convened at JNU, New Delhi.
According to a press release, the question of tribal rights has become critical to understand today and need further academic debates.
Though the framers of Indian Constitution did recognize to safeguard the tribals, yet they are at large exposed to social vulnerability, exploitation and several kinds of discriminations, it added.
Hundreds attend field financial literacy awareness camp
ITANAGAR, Mar 30: Over 100 members of various NGO, SHG, farmers’ club and general public attended a Reserve Bank of India, Guwahati conducted day-long field financial literacy awareness camp held at a city hotel here on Wednesday.
During the camp, which was also attended by DGM of Industry, Itanagar, AGM SBI, Itanagar, Chairman APRB, Naharlagun, Lead Bank Manager, Itanagar and Director RSETI Nirjuli, a memorandum was jointly submitted to the RBI, Guwahati DGM by the President of North East Multipurpose Development Society (NEMDS) and various NGOs.
Their demands included; release of funds for organizing more programmes for SHG/JLG through all nationalized bank, conducting more programmes for skill development and training for entrepreneurs, sanction of subsidy scheme/project through implementing agencies like NABARD, fund release for artisans and weavers training programme through financial institution, special role of development programme like Mudra Loan, Kisan Credit Card besides, SHG loan to every government registered NGOs.
