mar17 31

2017

March 31

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---- Editorial ----

Time to ban Triple Talaq system

The Triple Talaq debate is set to get heated as Supreme Court on Thursday fixed May 11 for the commencement of hearing on pleas challenging its validity and polygamy practices among Muslims. A bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud said, the matter will be heard by a Constitution bench during the summer vacation. The issue is quite sensitive as All India Muslim Personal Law Board has already urged apex court not to meddle with its personal law. Triple Talaq issue has deeply divided nation. The political parties too have serious differences of opinion over it. BJP which is in ruling at centre calls for banning of Triple Talaq while opposition parties believes that such ban will infringe upon the religious practice of minority Muslim community.

However, there is no denying that Triple Talaq system is inhuman and deprives Muslim women in many senses. The so-called triple talaq, or instant divorce, has been banned in more than 20 Muslim countries, including neighboring Pakistan and Bangladesh. But in India, the practice is allowed thanks to the country's rules protecting Muslim, Christian and Hindu communities as per their own religious laws. It is time India should follow the example set by other Islamic nations and ban it. But there is sure to be resistance from some corner. Therefore everyone especially civil society groups and political parties should join hand together to end this inhuman practice. The whole nation will be hoping that Supreme Court takes wise decision keeping in mind the future of the Muslim women.

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---- Readers Forum ----

In defense of my brother

Dear Editor,

Apropos press release by Nino Welfare Society (NWS) on 29.03.2017, I want to clarify that the matter between Tapun Jerang and Tajong Jamoh is a personal matter between them and request both NWS and Jering Matkir Society (JMS) not to involve in the matter. I want to further clarify that the village level Kebang held thrice for the disputed plot of land decided in favour of Tapun Jerang in all the three meetings. The incident of altercation happened due to non compliance of the decision of the Kebang by Tajong Jamoh of Tekang village which is unfortunate.

Tapun Jerang is a good orator and popular figure in the village and presently serving as Taabe (priest) of Donyi-Polo religion of Yagrung, Tekang and Sibut villages. I request all concerned to refrain from further press releases so that the hard earned image of my elder brother is not defamed further.

Yours,

Takek Jerang

Tekang

Wrong information on ASUD

Dear Editor,

Arunachal Students Union, Delhi condemns recent letter written by Gaji Dele regarding nomination and registration fee of the Union. AUSD has never said that nomination amount is Rs 50,000. ASUD seek proof or else legal action will be taken against the individual for tarnishing the image of ASUD and its executive. Registration fee which is Rs 300 is also the membership fees which is mentioned in the constitution of ASUD. This was amended by former executive not the current one. So therefore ASUD seeks explanation from Gaji Dele. I appeal that students should not be fooled by such news.

Yours,

Taba Doni

President, ASUD

Recruit trained teachers

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of concern authority to publish and advertise the vacant teacher’s post in elementary education department. As per the information, there are many vacancies for Assistant Teacher after departmental promotion to JT, retirement, new school establishment and other reasons. Department is likely to create more than 800 posts of Assistant Teachers. If it happens, all well trained candidates from different DIET with APTET certificate will be absorbed.

Lastly, I would like to suggest the authority not to depend much on Central sponsored SSA and create posts for regular teachers and use the knowledge and energy of well trained regular DIET teachers.

Yours,

Aspirant

A suggestion and an appeal to the APPSC

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily ‘readers forum’, I would like to bring limelight to the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission with regard to the short-listing of the candidates to the post of Assistant Professors under various departments.

As per the provision of UGC ordinances for scrutinizing of the candidates for the appointment to the post of Assistant Professor in the colleges/universities that in order to restrict the number of candidates to be called for interview so as to enable the selection committee to have a comprehensive assessment of the candidates, applications received for the faculty position shall be screened on the basis of Academic and other Credentials of the candidates through the following criteria:

1. Academic Qualifications – Maximum 47 Points

2. Research Publications – Maximum 33 Points

3. Teaching Experience: (as full time adhoc, temporary or permanent) in the government recognized colleges - Maximum 20 points divided into 1 point for every 4 month. However, Guest faculty is not accounted for the same.

All the applications received shall be scrutinized by a screening committee and a list of all the candidates fulfilling the minimum criteria should be prepared and points be awarded to all such candidates shall be calculated on the basis of the above criteria.

This is what being undertaken in entire nation except for our state, what I personally feel is that APPSC should also follow this pattern of scrutinizing candidates which is very simple and there is no chance of window dressing in the system.

As a matter of fact, this system is appropriate to find out the best candidates for the academic job because every individual who is interested in Assistant Professor Job they do publish articles, journals, presents seminars based on their research work in order to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Regretfully, I happened to know while applying for this job that APPSC is going to conduct an objective based examination for the appointment of Assistant Professor Job which seems violating the UGC ordinance of API for the scrutinizing of the candidates. On the top of that all, I would like to enlighten the reason why APPSC should consider the case. I have applied many times to the post of Assistant Professor at various colleges under DU affiliated, JNU affiliated, GU affiliated, etc. but all the time I was shortlisted out due to non fulfilling the minimum criteria to be called for interview.

Truly speaking, if this method is not adopted then Research work is of no use in Higher & Technical Education. Moreover, there are chances of stoppage in research publication by the scholars which is a big loss to our state.

Hence, it’s my heartfelt appeal to the APPSC to adopt this pattern rather than conducting examination which is time taking, expensive and chances of window dressing in scrutinizing.

Yours,

Aspiring Candidate

___________________

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

Aadhar operators under threat, seek security

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Mar 30: At a time when the centre and state governments are pushing for Aadhar card enrolment in the country, Aadhar operators and supporting staff in the Capital Complex are reportedly facing constant threats and abuses from unruly applicants.

Reportedly, an Aadhar operator was allegedly assaulted by a miscreant at Circle Office Banderdewa on Wednesday during an afternoon session of enrolment.

On conditions of anonymity, an Aadhar Operator, who was at the site of incident, informed The Arunachal Times that the miscreant was arguing with an operator over alleged rejection of his daughter's Aadhar enrollment and ended up assaulting him.

The incident was later brought before the Extra Assistant Commissioner of Banderdewa, where the EAC warned the miscreant not to repeat such an incident in the future.

Consequently, agitating operators and other technicians of Aadhar enrollment suspended their work on Thursday to lodge a complaint in the Banderdewa Police Station against the incident. However, the FIR was not registered as the Officer In-charge was on field duty, informed an operator who had gone to the police station.

"We need security to work in congenial atmosphere. We cannot face abuses and threats every day", said the operator.

According to him, the Aadhar operators have to deal with unfriendly applicants who do not know about the technical issues. He further divulged that last year an Aadhar enrollment laptop of Banderdewa unit was stolen and was later recovered near Banderdewa Police Station as the alleged thief had purportedly written a letter to the police informing them of the location of the laptop. However, the police was unable to trace the culprit(s) behind the theft.

The Aadhar enrollment operators of Papum Pare district are being managed by the Department of Statistics.

22 elephants recorded in Lower Subansiri

ZIRO, Mar 30: At least 22 elephants were sighted in Lower Subansiri district during the elephant population estimation from March 26 to 29, carried out by the Hapoli Forest Division as part of the All India Synchronized Elephant Census 2017.

DFO Koj Rinya informed that the census was carried out in three different locations of the Division -Yazali-Potin, Rotom via Tamen and Sipu via Dollunglukh. She said that 22 elephants were sighted and recorded in the Yazali-Potin, Rotom via Tamen area while there were good dung-pile counts in all the three locations, which indicates presence of elephants in the district.

Earlier, sensitization programme on the methodology of census was conducted for departmental field staffs, bio diversity management committees, Tropical Exploration Society, Rotom Welfare Society, Dollungmukh and Rotom Youth Association, Tamen, among others.

CM assures to look into JWCAPTU’s demands

ITANAGAR, Mar 30: Following the Chief Minister's assurance on Thursday, the Joint Working Committee of Arunachal Pradesh Trade Unions has decided to call off its state wide general strike temporarily.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday assured the JWCAPTU of looking into its 13-point charter of demands and to place the matter for discussion in the next cabinet meeting to be held in April.

The Chief Minister gave the assurance after the JWC delegation led by its Chairman, Changma Tajo and Secretary General Kenkar Yomcha met him in his office and held discussions on their demands.

'The state government is committed to providing best facilities to the working class community', he said and informed that since the demands of the working class involves various departments, the Chief Secretary and Group of Secretaries have been asked to examine all the demands and to work towards their fulfilment.

'All issues relating to your demands have been sent to respective departments,' Khandu told the labour delegates and assured that cabinet decision regarding their demands would be informed soon.

Further, the Chief Minister appealed to the working community to work for the welfare of the state and said that fulfilment of their demands could depend on resource generating capacity of the government.

'We can work for the welfare of all sections of people only when we have enough resources of our own,' said Pema and informed that the government is working to generate income from its untapped resources.

He also appealed to the delegation to give some time to the state government to work on their demands, since in the past eight months the state has gone through several political upheavals.

Labour & Employment Minister Kumar Waii, and Labour & Employment Secretary Kapa Kholie were also present in the meeting.

Earlier in the day, the West Siang unit of All Arunachal Pradesh Workers Union, under the aegis of the JWCAPTU took out a protest march-cum-mass rally from General Ground Aalo to the streets of Aalo town on Wednesday last to press for their charter of demands.

Training under AICTE-NEQIP held at RGGP

ITANAGAR, Mar 30: Two students' centric training programmes on "AUTO CAD" and career guidance programme on "Profession Skills and Personality Development" were held at Rajiv Gandhi Government Polytechnic, Itanagar under AICTE-NEQIP scheme from March 25 to 29.

The final year students of Civil and Automobile Engineering benefited from the finishing school training, while the second year students of all the departments participated in the career guidance programme. Hands-on practice on 2D and 3D drawing was also imparted during the week long training programme on AUTO CAD by resource person Sudipta Ghosh from Guwahati.

The career guidance programme was aimed at improving professional skills and personality of the students to make them confident of facing interviews. The various topics covered during the training programme included resume writing, group discussion, facing interview etc.

The main objective of the career guidance programme was to improve the student's understanding in various aspects of professional skills and personality development. The participants were given tailor-made course books on personality development to enhance their spoken English and personality.

Group activities were also part of the training programme. Interactive sessions were conducted with audio-visual aids. Experienced and professional trainer Kunal Gose of Third Eye Education Ltd, Guwahati conducted the career guidance programme.

Skill development training

SANGRAM, Mar 30: A two-week training programme for unemployed youths of Kurung Kumey on 'House Wiring-cum-Electrician' for boys and beautician course for girls at Sangram, organized by the Manhi Welfare Society, began on March 30.

In all, 35 trainees are participating in each of the training courses, which are being supported by the Social Justice & Empowerment and Tribal Affairs Department.

Inaugurating the event, Sangram ZPM Tamchi Kache advised the participants, particularly unemployed youths of the area to take full advantage of such opportunities and grab the facilities being provided by the government agency.

Sangram PHC, MO Dr Nending Loder advised the participants to choose the path of self employment for a sustainable livelihood. Manghi Welfare Society President, Ngurang Tado highlighted the objectives of the skilled development training and expressed his gratitude to the department of Social Justice & Empowerment and Tribal Affairs for creating better avenues for unemployed youths of the state.

CM assures to look into demands of RHEP MoU Demand Committee

ITANAGAR, Mar 30: After meeting with the members of Ranganadi Hydro Electric Project (RHEP) MoU Demand Committee, Chief Minister Pema Khandu assured to call a meeting with the board of directors of the company to discuss on issue of fresh MoU, discrepancies in land compensation and deprivation of jobs to local youths.

The RHEP committee members had called on the Chief Minister at his office and placed a memorandum on Thursday.

Assuring to look into the long-pending issues concerning the 405-MW RHEP, the Chief Minister said that he would immediately take up the matter with the Union Ministry of Power. Stating that the issue is new to him, Khandu appealed to the committee to give time to study the matter. In this regard, he directed the department of hydropower to collect all documents, letters and information regarding RHEP project and to maintain a set for easy reference.

Based on the assurance given by the Chief Minister, the committee decided to halt their democratic movement against NEEPCO, which was to start from April 1 onwards, for the time being. However, the committee warned that if their demands are not met at the earliest they will start rigorous movement seeking fulfillment of their demands.

The demands of the committee include drafting of fresh Memorandum of Understanding, proper and fresh review of Relief and Rehabilitation work, action against NEEPCO officers for allegedly furnishing false and fabricated information regarding displacement of villages affected, direct and immediate recruitment of existing vacancies in RHEP from the qualified and eligible candidates from project affected area (land donors) in all cadres (Group-A, B, C & D), immediate job regularisation of recently W/C upgraded APST employees of RHEP, establishment of CMD Office at Itanagar, strict and regular implementation of CSR-CD schemes on need basis, immediate cancellation of all ongoing and proposed recruitments against RHEP quota, and provision of free electricity to Project Affected Families.

While appealing to the CM to look into the demands, the members claimed that majority of land donors have been deprived by the NEEPCO for long.

The meeting was attended by former Chief Minister and Sagalee MLA Nabam Tuki, Supply and Transport Parliamentary Secretary Likha Saaya, Commissioner Finance Asish Kundra and RHEP MoU committee Chairman Taba Techi.

A movie to improve communal harmony between Adi and Idu tribes

Karyir Riba

ROING, Mar 30: A local movie based on communal harmony between the two communities of the district (the Idu and the Adi) is in the making to promote brotherhood and to mitigate the occurrence of communal riots in years to come.

Director of the movie, Darbom Tayeng is known for making movies based on social problems. Belonging from a poor background, a resident of Jia village, Tayeng after completing his Masters in Hindi from RGU, had to return to his village as his financial condition did not allow him to continue his studies further. After witnessing a lot of social problems and misunderstandings regarding religion by followers of certain religions, Tayeng linked them mainly to lack of education. That is when he decided that the best way to reach the masses was through movies.

The first movie that he made was based on misunderstandings of religions. Without any prior experience, he started shooting the movie with a simple handycam with local artistes. After facing a lot of hurdles, the movie was finally released after two years from the commencement of its shooting by the name "Yelam-Rine", meaning "humanity is the best religion".

After receiving a lot of appreciation and encouragement from various sections of the society, family and friends, he went on to make another movie based on IMFL, titled "Aying-Apong". Tayeng says that he had observed how addiction to IMFL had caused many to lose their lives in accidents and diseases, families being harassed and properties being lost.

Tayeng says that he has high hopes from his new venture and hopes that the movie succeeds in promoting communal harmony and brotherhood. "I am very grateful to the district administration, Roing DC Deepak Shinde for the cooperation. The help extended by SP Roing Sanjay Kumar Sain and his department has been immense. Participation of the IRBN Cadre and the police personnel in the movie was of great help. I also greatly appreciate the support and guidance of former ZPC Chilliko Meto in the making of the movie," he said.

Workshop on sexual harassment & women mental health

ITANAGAR, Mar 30: A one-day workshop on 'Sexual Harassment and Women & Mental Health' was conducted at Rajiv Gandhi Government Polytechnic, Itanagar on March 29,in association with its women's cell.

Principal Dr A K Tripathy spoke about various aspects of child abuse and asked the students to deal with such issues bravely and seek legal assistance and counseling, if needed.

One of the panel members, Psychiatrist from Tomo Riba General Hospital, Naharlagun Dr Arati Namchoom Ete spoke on the different aspects of "Women and Mental Health".

Sound mental health will help the individual to overcome obstructions faced in day-to-day life, she said, while advocating that the students inculcate the habit of good mental health and contribute to the overall development of the society in particular and country in general. She also said that alcohol addiction is one of the major concerns in the state and advised seeking counseling for it.

Former Vice Chairperson of the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women and Lawyer Radhilu Chai Techi spoke on "Sexual Harassment of Women" in all spheres of society. Explaining various forms of sexual harassment,she mentioned that the cases of sexual harassment are very less in the state of Arunachal Pradesh due to its tribal culture. The participants were also made aware of various provisions of law and Sexual Harassment Act,2013.

Banu Otem Dai, HoD I/c (HT) cum Chairperson Woman Cell, RGGP, advised the students to participate actively in the workshop. She added that the social health of a country or society is gauged by healthy status of the women.

Lecturers Suwana Mein and Corrina Norbu also took part in the event.

Meeting held to resolve deadlock over funding of road projects

ITANAGAR, Mar 30: Seeing the deadlock between All Papum Pare District Students' Union (APPDSU) and PWD, Doimukh Division, local MLA cum Minister UD Nabam Rebia visited SDO, Doimukh office on Tuesday last and directed to conduct co-ordination meeting to resolve the matter which erupted after a tender was floated by EE, PWD, Doimukh Division for repairing of various stretches of road.

The Union had earlier opposed the tender process and submitted a memorandum and reminder letter to the Deputy Chief Minister, Chief Engineer and EE, PWD, Doimukh, Division questioning the double funding in the same stretches of road from Baghe Tinali to RGU and Khola Camp to Gumto Check Post by NHIDCL under MoRTH at an estimated Project Cost of Rs 68.54 crore and PWD, Doimukh Division under SADA 2016-2017 at an estimated project cost of Rs14.72 crore.

Accordingly, a coordination meeting was held on Wednesday at Mini Banquet Hall Nyari Welly Complex, Doimukh to discuss the matter. The DC, Papum Pare, members of All Papum Pare District Students' Union (APPDSU), SDO Doimukh, EE, PWD, Doimukh Division, Panchayat representatives HGBs/GB, ASMs/ASM Chairpersons, senior citizens of Doimukh, local contractors, youths, OSD to UD, Minister, RGU students' representatives and public were present in the meeting.

In a release, the APPDSU claimed that after lengthy debate and discussion, majority of the speakers present in the meeting were in favour of tender floated by PWD, Doimukh Division as NHIDCL would not able to start the said road project in two years' time without clearing the land acquisition and compensation process.

Deputy Commission Tai Kaye on his part agreed to ascertain whether the NHIDCL would start the work within this year or not and if NHIDCL fails to reply within a week, PWD Doimukh Division will proceed with the tender floated on March 25 last.

Further, if NHIDCL gives confirmation that they will start the work within the next few months then the fund sanctioned under SADA 2016 to 2017 will be reconsidered for the construction of colony roads of Doimukh which does not fall under the NHIDCL road project, the Union added.

The APPDSU also stated that the District Administration and EE, PWD, Division should give confirmation letter to the Union that NHIDCL will not start work in the next two years if PWD, Doimukh Division executes the said work. They threatened to initiate legal action if necessary. They also opined that the tender floated by EE, PWD should be temporarily suspended.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd starts free car clinic

NEW DELHI, Mar 30: Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), the country's largest passenger car exporter and second largest automobile manufacturer on Wednesday announced the 23rd edition of the nationwide 'Free Car Care Clinic'.

The customer connect program will be held from March 29 to April 8 at all service outlets across the country.

Announcing the 23rd Free Car Care Clinic, Y K Koo, MD & CEO - Hyundai Motor India Ltd said, "Hyundai is a customer centric brand and strives to deliver new values to its customers with advanced products and convenient services. Hyundai's Free Car Care Clinic program has always received overwhelming response from customers. We ensure enhanced ownership experience along with customer delight and hope to see more participation in the clinics across the country. Under Experience Hyundai initiatives Free Car Care Clinic will strengthen the service brand image of Hyundai as a caring brand with a promise to be lifetime partner in automobile and beyond."

Ering announces relief for fire victims

KHONSA, Mar 30: Member of Parliament,Ninong Ering has announced financial support for the 10 families that were rendered homeless in the fire accident at Khonsa on Wednesday.

He further assured another Rs 5 lakh for procurement of CGI sheets for the fire accident victims.

Ribia seeks revival of Talley Valley Development Board

ITANAGAR, Mar 30: Former MLA Nani Ribia called on Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday at his office chamber and submitted a memorandum seeking revival of the Talley Valley Development Board, which was constituted in the year 1991 and subsequently reconstituted in 2005. He apprised the CM about the Board, which has remained defunct since 2007. The CM, on his part assured to take up the matter on priority.

Lohit Libraries felicitates

reader-activists

TEZU, Mar 30: The Lohit Libraries recently felicitated reader-activists for their contribution to reading promotion in the district over the years.

Keshilu Tayang, a class 12 student of Government Higher Secondary School, Tezu and a library activist since 2009 was conferred the Bhajan Award. The Bhajan Award, instituted in 2014 by a patron from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, carries Rs 9000 in cash, a merit certificate and books.

Bethem Marai and Jeenamsi Ngadong, also class 12 students, won the Sister Nivedita Award for dedicated library services to the youth. This newly introduced award, marking the 150th birth anniversary of renowned nationalist and educationist Sister Nivedita, has been sponsored by a library patron from Pune. The award also carries Rs 9000 as cash prize, a merit certificate and books.

Further, the Ranganatha Award for meritorious library services to students' community was awarded to Kamlesh Raut, a teacher of Apna Vidya Bhavan and volunteer of APNE Library, Wakro. The Award, sponsored by a patron from Pune, includes Rs 5000 cash prize, a certificate and books.

Youth volunteers, reader-activists, budding writers, artists and devoted library readers of different libraries across Lohit, Anjaw, Namsai and Lower Dibang Valley districts were also felicitated.

Investigation sought into alleged murder case

ITANAGAR, Mar 30: Claiming foul play in the alleged murder of one Rotom Jhon, a six-year-old boy at Palin, Kra Daadi district on March 24 last, the Rotom Welfare Society has in a representation to the state Minister for Home on Thursday, appealed to him to direct the investigating officer of Palin and Sangram Police Station to properly investigate the matter to unearth the truth.

Correction

In the news item 'Waii International Hotel inaugurated', which was published on March 30, 2017, it was wrongly mentioned that Home Minister Kumar Waii is the owner of Waii International Hotel. Instead, it is owned by Waii Infra Pvt Ltd. The inadvertent error is regretted.