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March 27

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Rijiju announces slew of developmental packages

ZIRO, Mar 26: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju announced a slew of developmental packages for the people of Ziro plateau in a public meeting at Abotani Hall, Hapoli on Sunday.

Giving a tremendous boost to the tourism sector, he announced a state of art convention hall at Rs 5.23 crore, a craft bazaar with amphitheatre at Rs 4.80 crore and another Rs 2.28 crore for cultural activities.

"It is a matter of pride that Ziro has put Arunachal Pradesh in the global picture through its rich cultural and traditional practices, and equipping this blessed place with better tourism infrastructures will definitely boost the tourism economy of this area," Rijiju said.

Appealing to the public to maintain law and order in the area as responsible citizens for development, the union minister said that goan burahs and goan buris should be entrusted as custodians of law in the village level by re-energizing their powers and functions. He also gave commitment for a multipurpose Goan Burah Hall at the cost of Rs 50 lakh.

"The rain-fed streams of this plateau will be unable to cater to the agricultural and domestic demands in the future. Therefore, a major water supply scheme to tap the water from river Pange at the cost of Rs 86 crore will be prioritized immediately," he further committed.

He also assured to provide funds for all weather and well maintained link roads to all the villages of Ziro Plateau, boundary wall for Government Higher Secondary School, Hapoli and an activity youth centre with dormitory facilities.

Terming good road connectivity as an economy booster, he said, "A progressive district like Lower Subansiri needs to retrospect as to why the sanctioned TAH (Potin to Bopi) could not be started. The entire district is suffering due to bad roads. Therefore, I have, in public interest and out of the way, facilitated Rs 11 crore for the maintenance of the Potin to Bopi stretch of road until the TAH gets the final clearance," he said and called for quality execution of the work.

He further assured to liaise with the concerned authorities for re-construction of the general hospital, which acts as a referral hospital for nearby districts as well.

On Saturday, Rijiju laid the foundation for a multipurpose shopping complex at Rs 7.33crore and the link road form Pine groove to Dilopolyang at Rs 20 crore.

He also distributed umbrellas and donated Rs 1 lakh to the welfare fund of goan burahs and goan buris.

Local MLA Tage Taki, Parliamentary Secretary Likha Saaya, former MLAs Tapi Bath, Nani Ribiya, ZPC Hage Kobin, DC Kemo Lollen, SP Tage Habung, BJP district President Tilling Dolley, HoDs, PRI members, goan burahs, goan buris and public attended the meeting. (DIPRO)

 

 

 

AAPSU opposes greater Nagalim

ITANAGAR, Mar 26: The All Arunachal Pradesh students' Union (AAPSU) took serious note of the announcement made by T Muivah, General Secretary of NSCN (IM) faction on March 21 last and termed the announcement as disturbing and hurting the sentiments of indigenous people of the state.

NSCN (IM) General Secretary Muivah had on March 21 said that the Framework Agreement has paved the way for a Greater Nagalim picturing it by integration of Naga-inhabited areas of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

In its statement, the AAPSU opined that the people of Arunachal Pradesh do not have any remonstrance to Naga people's sentiment and would applause for peaceful agreement and early solution with the Indian Government. However, it is unconceivable to accept any solution at the cost of people and the land of Arunachal Pradesh, the AAPSU added.

Further, the Union asserted that "eastern districts, especially Tirap, Changlang and Longding have suffered miseries enough in the past. The peace and tranquility of the districts are at stake. These districts are part and parcel of the state, and we cannot accept any solution which hampers the integrity of the land".

The Union strongly appealed to the central government to understand the sentiments and safeguard the ethnic cultures and interest of Arunachal Pradesh.

However, the AAPSU has positively observed the clarification by a Home Ministry spokesperson who has termed such report as "erroneous" and that no such decision or agreement has been undertaken by the Government of India.

 

 

 

Tezu public demand justice for Pul

TEZU, Mar 26: Demanding justice for former Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, thousands marched across the streets of Tezu on Sunday and burnt down pictures of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Parliamentary Secretary P D Sona

The protest rally, organised by the Justice Seeking Forum of All Mishmis (JUSFOAM), was supported by the Green Arunachal Foundation, the All Mishmi Students Union, Lohit District Labour Union, Eastern Bar Association and several other organisations of the district.

Addressing the rally participants, JUSFOAM Chairman, Khunang Kri highlighted on the events leading up to late Pul's demise, and alleged that the activities of Pul's political associates drove him towards suicide.

"The contents of his 60-page note are a wakeup call for the people of the state, especially on the corrupt practices in the state as well as the country", Kri said.

Condemning the lack of response from MoS Kiren Rijiju, Kri said that late Pul's wife, Dangwimsai Pul and their son Ojingso Pul have been wandering in New Delhi seeking justice for the past four months, but are yet to receive a response from the MoS on the issue.   

The organisations made it clear that investigations be held based on the FIR lodged by the three wives of former Chief Minister Pul, along with the demand that Khandu, Mein and Sona immediately step down from their seats on moral grounds to ensure free and fair investigations.

They also demanded that Sona immediately return the Rs 4 crore, which he allegedly took from Pul.

Executive members of other organisations also strongly placed their demand to provide justice to late Pul at the earliest.

 

 

 

 

Overlooked wildfires

Monday Musing

[ Nellie N Manpoong ]

A lazy, quiet afternoon at home, and there is a sudden spurt of noise - cracks, snaps and pops -sounds like fireworks close by. A stroll outside to find the source of the noise draws my eyes towards this roaring fire on the hill -a wildfire -my third sighting this month.

This is only one of several instances of wildfires witnessed in the past few weeks, and an issue that is blindsided many times. Though most of us draw our own assumptions that it is a controlled fire with someone probably clearing land for cultivation or construction purposes, it is essential to understand that it is a dangerous practise.

The dangers of such wildfires are not limited to threat on human life or structures located close to the area, but also to the ecosystem. A forest is an entire ecosystem that houses animals, insects, birds, bacteria, plants and trees, along with water, rocks and climate in that area. If a wildfire strikes such an ecosystem, all life forms will be lost.

Apart from the loss of ecosystem in a particular area, such fires lead to heavy pollution of the air and water. The soil is badly degraded and other abiotic elements are affected, including water catchment areas.

The authorities periodically impose Section 144 Cr PC to refrain people from burning forest areas, but at the rate in which the hills of the Capital Complex are being disrobed of their greenery, it would seem that the authorities are yet to take notice. Even if forest fires are not always detected during the day, the flames rising high at night are hard to miss.

According to the data available in the official website of the state Department of Environment and Forest, Arunachal Pradesh currently has a forest cover of 81.22 percent. It also has the second largest forest cover in India at 67,321 sq km of forest cover, of its total geographical area of 83,743 sq km as per the Forest Survey of India Report 2013. However, the rampant burning could cost Arunachal its status of ranking second in the country soon.

Though forest authorities and district administrations hold awareness campaigns and issue safety tips throughout the state at regular intervals, we could draw a consensus that the information is not reaching out to the population of the Capital Complex in the right manner as people continue to clear land by opting for this easy and fast method.

While it is seemingly easy to sit and talk about how authorities are not taking visible action against the burning issue, ordinary citizens can contribute by making sure that such sightings are reported to concerned authorities, like the Fire Department, Deputy Commissioner's Office or to Forest Department officials.  

Till the next sighting, let us hope that the fires do not consume more than what they have already taken from nature. Let us hope that someone takes notice and that there are no more sightings of our forests burning.

 

 

 

NE India-CLMV business summit held at Guwahati

Ngandam calls for collaborative approach to tap NE resources

ITANAGAR, Mar 26: Education Minister Honchun Ngandam has called for joint efforts by the government and private sectors to tap the abundant natural resources of North East India for socio-industrial development of the region at par with other states of the country.   

Ngandam was addressing the dignitaries at the "North East (India) - CLMV Business Summit" conference organized by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC), in association with International Chamber for Service Industry, New Delhi at Guwahati on  March 24 and 25.

"Abundant natural resources of North East region have not been utilized to its fullest potential", the Minister said, adding that "we need to tap all these advantages to keep the region at par with other developed states of the country."  

The resource-rich North East India with its fertile farmland and a huge talent pool could turn into one of most prosperous regions of India, the Minister added.  Ngandam, however, opined that conventional market-based approach to exploit the resources may not work in the region given the issues related to poor infrastructure and connectivity, unemployment and low economic development, law and order problems. He stressed on the need for more reforms in the sectors like agriculture, horticulture, hydro power, infrastructure and overseas education programme as well as creating new avenues for economic growth through market-linked skill development and cross-border trade. "With multiple avenues for growth and development, it is of paramount importance that the region, as a collective identity, embarks on a vibrant journey to realize the dreams for the better future," the minister added.  

Highlighting the strategically distinct advantage of the region with access to the traditional domestic market of eastern India and ASEAN, particularly CLMV countries (Cambodia, Laos DPR, Myanmar and Vietnam), the minister said the world has become a truly global village  today. "It is the desire of a billion plus Indians that people to people and region to region contact between the five great nations -India, Cambodia, Lao DPR, Myanmar and Vietnam - should be encouraged so that bilateral ties become more sustained, strategic, meaningful and deep-rooted," the minister said.

Citing the Act East Policy, Ngandam said that North East India is better connected with South East Asia and is actively trading with ASEAN countries, especially with Bangladesh and Myanmar (Burma).

The theme of the conference was 'Deliberation on Trade Potential of Services between NER (I) & Cambodia, Lao DPR, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) countries'.

Among others, dignitaries who addressed the gathering included Southam Sakonhninhom, Ambassador, Embassy of Lao DPR, Ton Sinh Thanh, Ambassador, Vietnam Embassy, Naung Wai, Economic Advisor, Myanmar Embassy, Sangeeta Saxena, Additional Economic Advisor, TPD & EP (Services), Union Ministry of Commerce & Industries and Ravi Capoor, Additional Chief Secretary, Commerce & Industries, Govt of Assam.

In the technical session, Dr A Ibotombi Singh (OSD) RUSA, Directorate of Higher and Technical Education, GoAP, presented a talk on the theme "The Higher & Technical Education in North East India: An Introspection of Arunachal Pradesh in the era of Globalisation and CLMV countries". He advocated for student exchange programme and vocational training of teaching faculties between Arunachal Pradesh and CLMV countries.

Nitin Kumar Tripathi (OSD), Technical, Directorate of Higher and Technical Education, GoAP also presented a paper on the theme "The Higher Education, Herbal Health and Wellness in Arunachal Pradesh" in another technical session. Banu Dai, Head, Department of Herbal Technology, RGGP, Itanagar also took part in a panel discussion at the technical session.

The Education Minister along with other dignitaries also released a "Vision Document on Education and Skill Development & Capacity Building" on Saturday.

Southam Sakonhninhom assured to invite Ngandam and a team of officers from H&TE, Government of Arunachal, for a "Strategic Education Tour in Lao DPR" soon, according to an official release.

 

 

 

Commissioner inspects departmental fish firms in East Siang

[ Maksam Tayeng ]

PASIGHAT Mar 26: Fisheries Commissioner, Dr M Surya Prakash, who was on a two-day visit to East Siang district has inspected the departmental fishery firms, fish seed hatchery, uninstalled cold storage machinery kept in godown (warehouse) and office of District Fishery Development Office, Pasighat, along with Pasighat West MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary, Agriculture and Fisheries,  Tatung Jamoh,  DC  Tamiyo Tatak and DFDO Obuk Mize on Saturday.

While inspecting all the fish ponds, especially the Pane Korong side beside the Borang paddy field (mostly defunct due to encroachment and human settlement), Commissioner Prakash directed the DFDO, Pasighat to prepare a plan to check the fish firm encroachment by erecting walls and a water supply line to the defunct ponds to re-operationalise it.

DC Tatak suggested formation of a board involving fishery experts/ scientists from the College of Horticulture & Forestry, Pasighat so that all the defunct fish ponds could be used again. MLA Jamoh also directed the Fishery Department to prepare a detailed project report to revive all the defunct ponds and hatcheries.

Meanwhile, Prakash and Jamoh have expressed dismay over the cold storage machineries which are kept in the store without installation. According to sources from DFDO, Pasighat, this cold storage plant was to be installed at Doimukh, Papum Pare, but it was shifted to Pasighat after installation money was drawn by concerned contractor from Papum Pare, due to which installation could not take place here. According to official sources, the installation charges for the cold storage are also high.

To bring the machine to use, Prakash has suggested that the machine be used by other departments like the Municipal or College of Horticulture & Forestry, Pasighat. Prakash has also said that the available fish pond should be revived in better ways which would also bolster tourism as angling can be done in large fish ponds.

Departmental problems were also highlighted by DFDO, Obuk Mize, to which the Commissioner has assured to look into on priority basis.

Meanwhile, Women Against Social Evils, (WASE), Pasighat approached the Commissioner to lease out the defunct fish pond of Pane Korong so that WASE could revive it and engage unemployed youths, mostly drug addicts.

 

 

 

 

Road mishap at Dirang kills two

ITANAGAR, Mar 26: In a tragic car accident near ITI Dirang, two persons, identified as Lama Jagmu (61) and Phurpa Gombu of Bomdir, Tawang, reportedly died on the spot, while four persons, namely Inspector (retired) Lungtan Norbu, M Techin Norbu, Wangchen and an infant of about six months sustained grievous injuries. This was informed by ADC Dirang Dagbom Riba.  Reportedly, the accident occurred around 3 PM when the ill-fated Hyundai i20 car skid off the road.

 

 

 

 

Girls' hostel funded by ONGC inaugurated at Pachin

PACHIN, Mar 26: The girls' hostel for Abotani Vidya Niketan, Pachin, funded by Oil & Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme was inaugurated by Minister Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Minister Alo Libang on Sunday.

The total cost of the building is Rs.1.2 crore and the first phase of the building with a cost of Rs 25 lakh has been completed. Presently, it will accommodate 25 students.

Speaking after the inauguration, Libang appreciated the ONGC for extending its CSR arm to construct a hostel, especially for girl students.

Stating that education is key to success and all round development of a society and nation, the minister also commended the role of Arunachal Shiksha Vikas Samiti in spreading the light of knowledge through education in nook and corner of the state.

Arunachal Shiksha Vikas Samiti Secretary Nabam Ruja informed that ONGC had approved and sanctioned three girls' hostels, including the hostel at Pachin. The other two at Ziro and Pasighat are almost complete, he said, adding that remaining construction works of the hostel at Pachin would be completed soon as well.

Abo Tani Vidya Niketan Chairman and former BJP President Tai Tagak informed that there are 28 such schools in the state and all are doing well.

Chief Engineer cum Director Urban Development Taba Tedir, former MLA Larbin Nasi, ASVS State Coordinator M N Chaturvedi, ATVN Principal Sukumaran K, Itanagar PHED Executive Engineer Tadar Mangku, VHP Leader Pramod Joshi, Pachin Welfare Committee President Tadar Tania, BJP Vice President Kenyir Ringu, among others, were present on the occasion.

Later, the dignitaries participated in a tree plantation in the school campus.

 

 

 

 

CME prog on pediatric cardiology held

ITANAGAR, Mar 26: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Arunachal state branch organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme in collaboration with Down Town Hospital Guwahati on pediatric cardiology on Saturday in Itanagar.

Dr Nitin Agarwala, Consultant, Child Cardiology Down Town Hospital, spoke on approach to congenital heart diseases, Dr Dhiritobrata Das Consultant Child Cardiology BM Birla Hospital Kolkata presented a paper on common cardiac interventions in congenital heart  diseases, while Dr Jego Ori, ENT Surgeon TRHIMS Naharlagun spoke on 'medical negligence: a case discussion'.

Doctors from all over the state attended the CME programme, where the CME credit points were awarded for first time in the state by Arunachal Pradesh Medical Council  for the speaker and the participants.

 

 

 

One-year road project languishing for decade

ITANAGAR, Mar 26: Expressing its strong resentment over inordinate delay in completion of the PMGSY road from Yomcha to Laggi Gamlin, the Laggi-Paggi Village Development Committee has threatened to move the National Rural Road Development Agency (NRRDA), if the road was not completed immediately.

In a release, the committee informed that the road was sanctioned under Rural Works Department, GoAP in 2006-07, and it should have been completed within one year.

However, the project is still languishing for a decade due to reasons best known to the authorities, the committee rued.

The project was commissioned to M/s Tectonics, Nagaland vide order no. ARWD/PMGSY/Agent .12/07/08 dated 7/12/2007, Package. No. -Ar-12-7-16, the committee informed.

However, the construction work is now in progress after constant persuasion and several complaints were lodged with the concerned department and local administration, the committee informed, adding that the current work does not include black- topping, whereas the original order approved for the road earlier had the provision, the committee said.

The concerned department has assured the Village Development Committee that the road would be completed with the allocated fund within stipulated time period, the committee informed, and strongly urged the state government, particularly the concerned department to ensure early completion of the road.

 

 

 

 

DA West Siang clears compensation in record time

BASAR, Mar 26: Compensation against lands acquired for BRTF double-lane road from Akajan to Bam has been finally cleared.

Payment of compensation for the stretch of 36km road from Sikki Bridge near Rilu village to ITBP Basar was left un-cleared.

However, disbursement of compensation was completed on March 17.

Unlike other areas, the public here freely accepted the compensation amount though the rate was as low as Rs 11 per sq mt.

Applauding the District Administration for clearing the compensation in record time, the public urged the Deputy Commissioner to immediately start the road  construction work.

 

 

 

 

Training of Para Legal Volunteers conducted

ITANAGAR, Mar 26: The Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority completed the two days training programme of the para legal volunteers for the members of the Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society at the Tadar Taniang Hall at Don Bosco Youth Centre here.

During the second day of the programme, Chairperson Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women Mithali Tingkhatra spoke on human trafficking, wherein she dwelt on the methods to identify and the preventive measures to stop trafficking and the provisions of law. Budi Habung, Member Secretary, State Authority spoke on various provisions of criminal justice system, such as FIR/ arrest/ bail/ maintenance and prisoners' rights, while human rights activist Sunil Mow spoke on human rights and disability laws.

 

 

 

World TB Day observed at Koronu CHC

Correspondent

ROING, Mar 26: The World TB Day was observed with the theme "Unite to end TB" at CHC Koronu here on Friday last.  The programme was organised by the District Health Society (RNTCP).

District TB Officer Dr S J Mitapo spoke about the objectives of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP). He informed that the district has the latest hi-tech equipments for diagnosis of TB like Gene Xpert (CBNAAT Machine) and LED Florescence Microscope, besides the Binocular Microscope. He further informed the gathering that the TB diagnosing test and treatment are absolutely free of cost.

DMO Dr D Wange appealed to the PRI leaders, ASHAs and AWW for early diagnosis of TB if any signs or symptoms are observed by any person in the village, adding that creating awareness on TB can help diminish the stigma amongst villagers. He also urged the people to spread the knowledge about TB and its preventive measures.

DRCHO Dr R Mena, DPO (NVBDCP) Dr N Yirang and DPO (IDSP) Dr L C Deori also spoke about various diseases and their preventive measures.

ASM Koronu Ateko Mena appreciated the DHS (RNTCP) for organising the programme in the village. Former MLA Laeta Umbrey, GBs, ASHAs, AWW and paramedical health workers were also present during the programme.

 

 

 

 

Army installs security lights at Longding Market

LONGDING, Mar 26: The Indian Army under its civic action programme installed 10 security lights at Longding Market. The lighting arrangement was inaugurated by Longding ADC M Loyi.

 

 

 

Minister visits RSS camp

NAHARLAGUN, Mar 26: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Alo Libang visited the ongoing seven days Initial Training Camp (ITC) at Naharlagun, organized by the Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

In total, 40 selected participants from various schools and colleges of the Capital Complex are attending the camp, which will conclude on March 31.

Addressing the participants and RSS functionaries, Libang emphasized on character building, acquiring good manners and maintaining discipline every day.

He urged them to become good human beings first by acquiring those qualities and serve the motherland.

 

 

 

Mopin badminton tourney begins in Daporijo

[ Karda Natam ]

DAPORIJO, Mar 26: The Mopin Badminton Tournament for both men and women (doubles) began at Singik Hall here on Saturday.

Attending the inauguration function, Deputy Commissioner A K Singh spoke about benefits of playing sports to stay physically fit, healthy and mentally sound.

The opening match was played between the pairs of Taru Gusar-M Ete and PD Tamin-Ebom Ngomle, in which the later defeated the former.

Altogether, 48 players are taking part in the tournament.

 

 

 

 

BJP Minority Morcha awareness programme concludes

BOMDILA, Mar 26: The BJP Minority Morcha Bomdila unit on Sunday concluded its awareness tour programme at Bomdila circuit house, where Adviser to Chief Minister cum local MLA Japu Deru asked for strong support from fellow party workers to execute various minority schemes. He also commended the Minority Morcha team for successful completion of the programme.

Dignitaries present at the awareness program included state President Minority Morcha BJP, Loku Sono, Advocate Goken Bam, Vice president BJP Monjen Kasidu, district presidents BJP Sumbu Siojuju and district party members.

 

 

 

Personality development camp

ITANAGAR, Mar 26:  The Arunachal Vikas Parisad (AVP) Mahila Samiti conducted a daylong 'Kishori Chetna Sibir' (awareness cum personality development camp for girl child) at Arunachal Vikas Parisad office conference hall here on March 25.  

Senior teacher of VKV Itanagar Uthaman V N dwelt on the topic “moral teachings cum personality development of the students” as resource person.

Dr Pomin Hiri from Government Dispensary, Itafort educated the participants on the importance of maintaining high degree of health and hygiene practices, especially during the crucial period of adolescent.

The camp was conducted by Prant Mahila Pramukh Yamek Mize Taggu.

 

 

 

Hindi poem book released

ITANAGAR, Mar 26: A book titled `Aksharo Ki Vinti' -a collection of Hindi poems written by Taro Sindik-was released by Professor Tamo Mibang and Sahitya Akademi awardee Yeshi Dorjee Thongchi in a function organized by the Hindi Department of Rajiv Gandhi University on March 25.

Congratulating poet Taro Sindik, Professor Mibang said that the book would serve as a milestone in the history of Hindi literature in Arunachal Pradesh and would inspire other contemporary writers and future generations.

Expressing his views on the book, Thongchi said, "There are so many poems in it that pierced into my heart, especially the first one titled `Meri Maa Jaanti Hai'".

Dr Oken Lego, Head of Department of Hindi, Professor Harish Kumar Sharma, Dean Faculty of Language and Dr Jamuna Bini Tadar, Assistant Professor, Department of Hindi RGU also expressed their views on the book.

The book comprises of 58 poems and is stated to be the first Hindi poem book from Arunachal.

 

 

 

Workers awareness camp

Palin, Mar 26:   In an Awareness camp held on March 25, the Arunachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (APB&OCWWB) Kra Daadi district unit distributed awareness kits to workers. Registering Officer Bijay Rimo briefed about the importance of the registration and the benefits they could avail from the board. The programme was also attended by Circle Officer Kesang Goiba and executive members of district unit workers’ union.

Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector - E, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh - 791111, India

All rights reserved.

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---- Editorial ----

 

 

Suspense over Naga accord continues

It is time centre make public the Framework Agreement signed between government of India and NSCN (IM) on August 3, 2015. Due to suspense over nature of agreement, lot of rumours keeps on circulating which has potential to destabilize the North East region. Few days ago Thuingleng Muivah, General Secretary, NSCN-IM was quoted saying that ‘Framework Agreement’ also known as Naga Accord signed with the Centre two years back has recognised the outfit’s demand for territorial integration of all Naga inhabited areas in the region. This claim immediately drew reaction from states like Assam, Manipur and Arunachal.

 NSCN (IM) claims several areas in these states stating that it is part of their greater Nagalim. Sensing trouble, the centre immediately stepped in and strongly refuted as “erroneous” the reports that it has agreed to carve out a larger Nagaland state. Following this clarification, the issue is expected to remain silent for now. But there is urgent need to address the concern of the people of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal at the earliest. The growing suspense over Naga accord is only contributing towards making NE region more vulnerable. Everyone wishes that Naga conflict comes to a peaceful conclusion at the earliest. The peace talks between centre and NSCN (IM) has been going on for the last many years. The sooner conflict is resolved the better it is for the NE region. However, centre should not take any such step which can create more trouble in the region.  The North East region had enough of conflict and is not ready for another new round of violence.

 

 

 

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---- Readers Forum ----

 

 

 

Magic of balance

Dear Editor,

President Pranab Mukherjee's address broadcasts the feelings of every Indian irrespective of her/ his political ideology, caste or creed. The President has displayed the magic of balance with élan in such a bipolar political environment, just by adhering to the spirit of our Constitution of which he himself is a connoisseur. India may or may not get his services as President after July this year but will certainly have him as the model President for years to come.

Yours,

Sujit De, Kolkata

 

 

 

Stipend and scholarship

Dear Editor,

It is very disheartening to know that I couldn't avail the stipend as well as no hope to get scholarship. I had sent my scholarship confirmation page and Aadhaar card to Union leaders for cancelation of Scholarship so that I can avail stipend. But they couldn't submit it before last date of submission due to long distance and transportation problem. In that case my stipend ceased itself. Moreover, my scholarship is under process in merit list. I request the concern authority to cancel those with very less academic percentage in office itself and allow them to avail stipend before March ending.

Yours,

Chiging Koyang

Student

 

 

 

Towards quality teaching

Dear Editor,

Through your daily newspaper, I would like to appreciate that recruitment of all Assistant school Teachers would be done on the basis of marks in TET. No interview system.

No doubt, it is a laudable and historic decision to make transparency in recruitment process but need addition of academic performance of a candidate in the system. Securing high marks in TET may not yield quality teacher. Some individual can secure high marks in TET despite his/her poor performance in academic records. Some individual may secure high marks in TET since the test is multiple choices.

Being a concerned citizen, I would like to suggest the concern authority to add some other criteria in selecting teachers within 'No Interview System'. For example, Total marks secured in class-X + Total marks secured in Class-XII + Total marks secured in Diploma in Elementary Education + Total marks secured in TET = Merit List (on the basis of overall performance).

Lastly I would like to request the concern authority to look into the matter and appeal all the aspirants to support the transparency in recruitment and yield quality teacher.

Yours,

Aspirant Candidate

 

 

 

In defence of APPSC

Dear Editor,

The questions raised by few unsuccessful Candidates in recently concluded AP Engineering Service Exam 2017 conducted by APPSC are without any substance and logic, and can best be termed as ‘Angoor Khatta Hai.’ Instead of appreciating and thanking the Commission for exercising its discretion laid down under rules and procedures for conduction of Written and Viva-voce Tests and calling few extra Candidates for experience, the unsuccessful Candidates unfortunately raised doubts on the fairness and integrity of the Commission itself.

Since performance at Written Exam is 88 %  and Interview is just 12 % of the total marks, therefore, the selected Candidates of 29 (Twenty Nine nos.) must have scored highly in Written Exam and even did not need the marks of the Viva-voce Test. The Viva-voce Test makes a difference only in the ranking amongst the successful Candidates. As per my information, all successful Candidates, except the one under PwD category were well within the 2:3 ratio of 87.

Further, to say that some of the successful Candidates were not bright in their College days and therefore should not have been selected, is a funny argument and goes against the basic ethics of hard work, lack of update knowledge on  peer Candidates and the spirit of competitive Examination. Also to complain that Commission, like in 2014, should have absorbed the quota of the PwD category in this year’s exam too is hilarious and bereft of logic. After all APPSC is bound by rules and guidelines issued by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and also by the directives issued by the Honourable Apex Court and the High Court’s from time to time. If absorption method of PwD quota was followed in 2014, it is all the more obvious that the vacancies this time are carried forward to next recruitment process.

Being an average yet laborious educated Youth, appeal the fellow Engineer friends not to cast shadow of doubts on everything and anything. In this era of transparency, even the UPSC takes about a month to upload the details of performances in their website; our Commission must be given sometime to develop and follow the UPSC model of transparency and professionalism.

Yours,

Mizum Lollen

Naharlagun

 

 

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All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.

---Editor