wpecfd3a33.png

May 09

Three kidnappers arrested

ITANAGAR, May 8: Tago Rebe (24), Kishore Tamang (23) and Duyu Buker (23) were arrested for kidnapping one Ahung Wangsa today.

Wangsa, who was confined in the house of Tago Rebe located at C-sector here since yesterday evening, was rescued after OC PS Bordumsa informed of his kidnapping to the Itanagar police station. Amok Wangsa, father of Ahung, had received a ransom call from the kidnappers which prompted him to inform the case to Bordumsa police which in turn informed Itanagar PS. A case of 121/2015 U/S 364(A)/34 IPC has been registered against the accused. All the arrested accused are being forwarded to the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Yupia tomorrow.

 

Threat perception on Pul to be re-assessed

ITANAGAR, May 8: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has taken cognizance of the claims made by former minister Kalikho Pul of threat perception on his life and family members from ‘unknown miscreants’ as was published in various sections of the media on Thursday.

Tuki has written to the State Home Minister to re-assess and re-evaluate the threat perception on Pul and his family members and take necessary steps for his security if necessary as per norms.

Also taking note of the claim made by Pul that he has received threatening calls and SMS on his phone, the Chief Minister advised the Home Minister to initiate a thorough investigation into the claims after filing an FIR of the same.

 

Tamang, Meto and Siddique felicitated

ITANAGAR, May 8: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Nirbhay Sharma has felicitated Asian Games Silver medalist Subedar Pemba Tamang, National Bravery Awardee Master Rumoh Meto and National Himalayan Photographic Awardee Arif Siddique at Raj Bhawan here today.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that they are the pride of the Nation and State and people of Arunachal Pradesh are proud of their achievements and bravery. He advised them to be a role model for the youth and motivate younger generation towards healthy lifestyle and hobbies. He was very pleased to learn that Master Meto aims to be an Army officer.

The Governor also called upon the youth of the state to follow the path of Tamang and Siddique in achieving excellence in the respected chosen fields. He said that sports and photography will inspire the youth towards discipline, contentment and healthier lifestyles. Youth of the state have the potential, they just require motivation and refining, the Governor said and expressed hope that achievers like Subedar Tamang and Siddique will help in bring up more individuals of national and international repute in various fields.   

Later the Governor handed over a cheque of Rs. 10 lakh to Subedar Tamang on behalf of the state. Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, State Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi were present on the occasion. PRO to Governor.

 

APBDOWA opposed to direct recruitment

ITANAGAR, May 8: The Arunachal Pradesh Block Development Officers' Welfare Association (APBDOWA) is opposed to the departmental direct recruitment to the post of Joint Block Development Officer which was advertised vide No. CD - 301/2012 (E) Dated Itanagar, the 5th May 2015.

As per existing Recruitment Rule of Joint BDO, the ratio of 70 percent of post on promotion from the cadre of EO (Cr)/PA is to be maintained, 10 percent post on promotion from the cadre of Assistant and 20 percent of post are direct recruitment through Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC). There is no any provision to recruit the post through departmental examination and it is clear cut violation of the system which may invite legal complicacy in future and such violation indicates malafide intention which may defame the department in later days, it stated in its representation to the Rural Development Department Commissioner and requested to fill up all the vacancies of post by promoting from feeder post on seniority basis.

We have no any objection to place the vacancies to APPSC for direct recruitment if the post is against direct recruitment quota of 20 percent according to Recruitment Rule of Jt BDO, it added.

 

ANYA condemns engineer attack

ITANAGAR, May 8: The All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) has condemned the May 5 attack on SE RWD, T Loriak.

Such acts and attitude displayed by certain people belonging to certain community not only hamper the brotherhood of the diverse communities in the state, but also hamper the sanctity and integrity of the overall processes of government procedures and related aspects in today’s period, it said in a release.

Appealing everyone to maintain peaceful environment in the state, it appealed the police department to book all the culprits involved in the attack.

Meanwhile, the association further called on all the concerned departments handling road projects in the rural areas of the state and Nyishi inhabited districts in particular to repair the dilapidated roads.

 

APSSTIC allege discrepancy in survey training

ITANAGAR, May 8: The Arunachal Pradesh Survey & Settlement Trainees Interim Committee (APSSTIC) has alleged discrepancy in the six month survey and settlement training course at Assam survey and settlement training centre held from April 14, 2014 sponsored by directorate land management.

In its representation to the chief secretary, it claimed that the advertisement for the training was illegal as the election code of conduct was already notified during the period.

While claiming that the training was meant for APST youths, it said that the department also selected non-APST candidates violating its own terms and that with the capacity of only 60 seats the authorities allowed 13 more candidates making the total 73.

 

APSCW seeks info

ITANAGAR, May 8: The Meghalaya State Commission for Women has written to Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) informing them about a girl identified as Mary Payeng, aged 18 years, daughter of Tashi Payeng of Parsi Parlo under Kurung Kumey district, who was found loitering around Lumshyiap area, Shillong.

Since the address of the girl was not proper, the APSCW has written to the SPs of Kurung Kumey and Lower Subansiri districts but till date no information has been received from them. So, the parents and relatives of the girl are requested to approach the commission so that she could be recovered from Meghalaya and handed over to them.

 

DC, IMWA set deadline to shopkeepers

ITANAGAR, May 8: Along with the Deputy Commissioner Capital Complex, Itanagar Market Welfare Association president and general secretary had inspected the land allegedly encroached by shopkeepers in daily market area at Ganga market here. IMWA in a release informed that, the district administration and IMWA jointly set a deadline of one week for the shopkeepers who have allegedly encroached the lanes and footpaths causing disturbance for the pedestrians and market goers to evacuate from their illegal occupied position.

 

Apex Bank signs MoU with LIC

ITANAGAR, May 8: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and Arunachal Pradesh State Co operative Apex Bank Ltd. at Jorhat divisional office of the LIC today. The MoU will facilitate the bank to give insurance coverage to its savings bank account holders under Prime Minister Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) to be launched by Prime Minister at Kolkata tomorrow.

Managing Director of Apex Bank Tsering Thongdok signed the MoU on behalf of the Bank while Senior Divisional Manager, LIC, Jorhat Divisional Office, Biplob Toi signed the MoU on LIC’s behalf in presence of officials from both the parties.

Apex Bank has 35 branches all over the state and the account holders of even the most remote village will now get life insurance coverage under the GoI Scheme through Apex Bank at a very low cost.

The senior divisional officer of LIC Toi offered all possible help to the Apex Bank in implementing the scheme successfully.

The Managing Director of the Apex Bank expressed his sincere thanks to LIC for giving them an opportunity to offer insurance coverage to their account holders.

Under the PMJJBY scheme, a person will be eligible for Life Insurance coverage of Rs. 2 lakhs by paying a premium of Rs. 330 annually. The scheme can be renewed every year and anybody enrolled with the scheme before May 31, 2015 will be eligible for insurance cover from June 1,,2015 to May 31, 2016.

 

AASSATTA defers protest following assurance from Education Minister

ITANAGAR, May 8: Education Minister Tapang Taloh yesterday held meeting with the central executive committee members of All Arunachal Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers Association (AASSATA) to discuss about the ultimatum served by AASSATA last month. The main demands of association includes immediate appointment of 24 post of assistant teachers which has been already cleared by DPC, conduct of DPC for remaining 1st batch of ATs and JTs, enhancement of SSA teacher’s salary, urgent release of APTET SSA teacher’s 10 month pending salary and  implementation of RTE as per revised norms for teachers.

After hearing to AASSATA, the minister assured to look into the matter. “The 24 number of Assistant Teachers will be appointed as soon as possible after intimating in the next cabinet meeting. The conduction of DPC to 1st batch will be formally acknowledged in the cabinet meeting and then it will continue as usual as per the availability of vacant posts”, the minister assured. He also added that pending salaries of SSA teacher will be released soon.

Regarding the enhancement of SSA teachers salary and implementation of RTE as per the revised norms, the minister constituted a committee under the chairmanship of state Project Director (SPD) SSA, Rajya Mission to make detail study on the issue and submit report within two months to the state government. In the view of the assurance given by Minister, the CEC AASSATA has decided to defer the proposed protest.

 

MLA visits interior villages

BOMDILA, May 8: Dirang MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary for Hydro Power Development Phurpa Tsering visited Mandelaphudung and Khellong yesterday as part of the last leg of his constituency tour.

At Mandelaphudung, the MLA along with DC in-charge ADC Bomdila, ADC Dirang, GBs, HoDs, public and PRI leaders surveyed suitable land for establishment of a circle headquarter as people of Mandelaphudung, Khellong, Bambrok and other villages have to travel a distance of around sixty two kilometers to reach Dirang administrative circle for their official works.

The MLA also interacted with the villagers and the youth leaders of the area.

While responding to the grievances of local people, MLA Phurpa reasoned that as white collared jobs and contract works are hard to come by in these days, the educated unemployed youths should opt for self employment avenues and employment generating works.

He also emphasized on quality education and health and called upon the people of the area to work together in the greater interest of the society. Among others, he assured for complete electrification of Mandelaphudung within 60 days and providing of potable drinking water for Bambrok village. DIPRO

 

Tayeng calls for greater community participation in school management

ROING, May 8: Parliamentary Secretary for WRD, Gum Tayeng has called for greater participation of the community in school management.

While interacting with the School Management & Development Committee members and public leaders during her visit to Govt Higher Secondary School at Bolung to take stock of the school infrastructure on May 2 last, Tayeng emphasized on the need for developing a feeling of belongingness and safeguarding the school infrastructure. She also assured the SM&DC members of the school to look into the grievances they had placed before her regarding the renovation of school building, teacher quarters, school boundary wall, library and auditorium, etc of the school.

During her visit, the Parliamentary Secretary inspected the teacher quarters, girls and boys hostels and class rooms. She was accompanied by Titel Pertin, ZPM Bolung-Ithili Anchal Block, Panchayat and public leaders of the area.

It is worth mentioning here that Tayeng has been visiting schools under her constituency regularly to take stock of the educational scenario and infrastructure development. DIPRO

 

Mebo ADC (Ind) starts functioning

Correspondent

RUKSIN, May 8: Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mebo under East Siang district started functioning of the office with independent charges, including financial power much to the relief of the public.

The office has started issuing Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Inner Line Permit, LPC and renewal of gun license from today.

Local MLA Lombo Tayeng handed over the first ST certificate issued to one Rutum Perme of Kiyit village in presence of the local PRI members, Gaon Burahs and heads of departments in a function at Mebo ADC office today.

The state government through a notification on March 2, 2009 upgraded Mebo SDO headquarters to Independent ADC headquarters with immediate effect. But, the ADC office was not effectively functioning due to lack office infrastructure and surface communication problem.

 

One house burnt in fire accident

ITANAGAR, May 8: The house of one Lishi Ekha of Takho village under Pistana circle of Lower Subansiri district was burnt down on in a fire mishap on May 1.

Properties worth lakhs of rupees was lost in the accident, informed Circle Officer Pistana, Lower Subansiri, Gyamar Ampte.

 

Bus service extended

ITANAGAR, May 8: The APST bus service between Itanagar to Raga has been extended to Daporijo as day super twice a week with immediate effect, informed state transport services.

 

Committee alleges flouting of guidelines

ITANAGAR, May 8: The Krema Pao Village Development Committee has written to Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Arunachal Rural Road Development Agency, complaining that road construction work under PMGSY from 64 Km Point of Seppa-C/Tajo Road to Krema Pao is being constructed without following the guidelines of National Rural Road Development Agency.

Claiming that road has not been constructed properly, the committee alleged that no action has been taken against the contractor M/S Capital Enterprises even after repeated complaints. They went on to add that along with the contractors, the district level officials of department are involved in the wrongdoing. Committee further alleged that instead of punishing the defaulters, the CEO is giving payments to the contractors.

 

AEKSU requests for helicopter service

ITANAGAR, May 8: The East Kameng Students Union (AEKSU) has sought resuming of helicopter service from Naharlagun to Seppa via Lada.

In its letter submitted to the Director Civil Aviation, it said people of East Kameng district have suffered a lot since the service was stopped after the death of former Dorjee Khandu in 2011..

 

Org calls for invoking article 360

ITANAGAR, May 8: Reacting to the allegations of financial mismanagement by the state government, the All Arunachal Pradesh Youth Council (AAPYC) has written to the Governor of the state to recommend for invoking Article 360 (financial emergency) in the state.

It also called for recommending CBI probe against the state government for the financial mismanagement.

 

DC urges Govt officers for early preparation of plan report

YINGKIONG, May 8: Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Remo Kamki has called upon all the heads of the departments in the district to prepare plan report in view of change scenario of Planning Commission which was replaced by NITI AYOG. The report should be prepared as per format prescribed by the Planning and Development department and submit it at the earliest for onward submission to the state Govt, the  DC further said.

He was addressing the Govt officers and officials of the various departments in a coordination meeting held here today for preparation of Draft Five Year Plan under 14th Finance Commission for the period 2015-2020.

The DC and the District Planning Officer Sangha Babung also explained about the change scenario of earlier Planning Commission which was replaced by NITI AYOG and its new system of funding pattern and implementation of schemes. Representatives of all the departments attended the coordination meeting.  DIPRO

 

Demonstration on oyster mushroom production technology

ITANAGAR, May 8: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Lohit, Namsai district has conducted a demonstration on Oyster mushroom production technology at Chowkham village today.  The programme was funded by ATMA, FTC Kherem, Namsai district.

During the demonstration programme, Madhumita Sonowal Bora, SMS (Plant Protection) thoroughly discussed about the concept and cultivation of Oyster Mushroom Production Technology.

While attending the programme the SHG female farmers expressed satisfaction and adopted the technology.

 

Capacity training on basic computer for KK and Kra Daadi concludes

ITANAGAR, May 8: The capacity building training programme on basic computer education for the youths of Kurung Kumey and Kra Daadi districts came to an end at Don Bosco Youth Centre (DBYC) here today. The training, sponsored by Department of Skill Development and Employment Generation, GoAP, under BADP was organized by DBYC.

Addressing the valedictory function, Dr. V. N. Sharma, State Liaison Officer for NSS spoke of the importance that computers play in daily life in the present times. Kautuk Sharma, Deputy Director Department of Skill Development and Employment Generation spoke about the aims and objectives that the Government has introduced skill development and congratulated the trainees for being sincere and hardworking during the days of the training. “The dropouts should try to make full use of skill development programmes as they are the focus of the programme”, said Sharma.  

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Paknga Bage urged the trainees to equip themselves with computer skills. The MLA also informed the gathering that the Government is keen to make development reach the border areas and that’s the reason for BADP.  

Pani Taram, MLA, Koloriang appreciated DBYC for the training and the exposure which itself contributes greatly to character formation.

wpd339a9a5.png

News Impact

Capital admin. halts construction of Planetarium

[ Amar Sangno ]

ITANAGAR, May 8: The ongoing construction of Innovation Hub and Digital Space Exposition Theatre (Planetarium) at IG Park near Science Center under the department of Science and Technology is being reportedly put on hold by the district administration on the ground that it allegedly violated the norms.  The Rs 2 crore project is being funded by National Council for Science Museum under the Ministry of Culture Government of India which is being executed by the state PWD.

The disagreement between the district administration and the department of Science and Technology came to fore as the former issued an executive order on 6th May 2015 claiming that the construction for planetarium at IG Park is unauthorised as the nodal department did not obtain permission from the Deputy Commissioner Capital Complex.  

On being asked by The Arunachal Times, Director of Science and Technology, T Ronya stated that the construction was started in anticipation that the Department of Forest and Environment gave No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the DC Capital Complex on 6th April 2015 for the particular plot of land measuring 2500 square meters approximately. Moreover, the Chief Secretary has extended his support for establishment of the innovative project as it would also be included in the state tourism list besides attracting lots of students, the director claimed.

The director also said that DC Capital Complex and Principal Chief Conservator of Forest had visited the site on 1st May 2015 and took measurement of proposed site.

However, Deputy Commissioner Capital Complex Mige Kamki said that the department of Science and Technology has violated the process of office procedures by hastily commencing the construction works, saying that the matter is still under process for formal approval from Chief Minister and Chief Secretary.

“How come the nodal department (Science and Technology) hastily started construction work in an anticipation basing on NOC given by the Forest and Environment Department”, Kamki questioned.  

“NOC is not ultimate allotment rather it is a part of process”, DC further ridiculed alleging that the nodal department has breached the office secrecy by accessing a copy of NOC which was only for district administration.

“We are yet to submit the copy (NOC) to Chief Minister and Chief Secretary but how could they manage to get a copy of NOC”, the DC added. The DC further exhorted that IG Park should be preserved, saying that it is the only ‘breathing space’ in the entire Capital region, however he made it clear that if the higher authority gives green signal for allotment of Planetarium, he has no choice. He also informed that few organisations have also lodged a complaint opposing against the construction of Digital Space Theatre at IG Park.

The nodal department justified that the innovative project is initiated with objectives to promote creativity, inspire and innovations. It would not only promote more effective utilization of Science Centre, but would redefine their usage and role in fostering problem solving and project based learning and provide hands and practical learning and engagement in the process of science, technology and innovation.

In 2010, the state government had decided to transfer an area of 17,092 square metres of IG Park from Forest Department to Urban Development and Housing Department out of 2,56,180 square metres for construction of Convention Centre at western corner of IG Park.  Since then IG Park has become a battle field between the district administration and other departments, as the former is claiming to save the lone public park from shrinking and later want the infrastructures to be expanded to meet up the people’s need.

 

 

Centre heeds to protests, partially lifts AFSPA

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, May 8: Following the sustained pressure from the civil society groups and in the wake of strong opposition from Govt. of Arunachal, the Ministry of Home Affairs have bowed down to their demand and have scrapped the decision to impose Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) 1958 in the districts bordering Assam. In the latest notification issued on 5th May, the Home Ministry has declared nine police stations bordering Assam as disturbed area leading to the imposition of AFSPA for next six months.

The police stations include Banderdewa, Doimukh, Balijan, Kimin (Papum Pare district), Likabali (West Siang), Ruksin, Nari and Oyan (East Siang), Roing (Lower Dibang Valley), Seijosa (East Kameng), Bhalukpong and Balemu (West Kameng), Namsai and Mahadevpur (Namsai district), Sunpura (Lohit) and Dulung Mukh Police out post (Lower Subansiri). Earlier in a vide notification S.O 869 dated 27.3.2015, the Government of India had imposed AFSPA in all the districts bordering the state of Assam. The decision was strongly opposed by the people of Arunachal Pradesh. The bitter opposition had caught Govt. of India off guard. Despite damage control movement launched by MoS Home Kiren Rijiju, the people of state relentless kept on opposing the imposition of AFSPA.

 

 

Govt rebuts allegation of financial mismanagement

ITANAGAR, May 8: The State Government today categorically rebutted the allegation of ‘financial mismanagement’ as all market borrowings are within the prescribed ceiling limit of Central Govt. At no point of time the State Govt has defaulted in repayment of principal and interest of loan neither availed nor crossed the ceiling limit, said Govt Spokesperson Bamang Felix in a press statement.

The Govt further clarified that the said ‘overdraft’ has been cleared by the State Govt as on May 1 last and the RBI has resumed state Govt payments with effect from May 5. Salaries, wages and pensions of the State Govt employees are being disbursed starting May 6. Similarly, stipends of students are also being released, the Govt spokesperson said.

Certain individuals and a section of the society are circulating misinformation of ‘financial mismanagement’ through media, the Govt spokesperson said and clarified in clear terms that all such allegations are false and the people are being misinformed to create confusion.

“The term ‘overdraft’ has been misunderstood and manipulated to level allegations on the state Government. It should be noted that the state Govt Account is maintained with Reserve Bank of India and the RBI has a provision of special drawing facility by way of ways and means advance and overdraft to meet short term funding gaps. Therefore, it is to be understood that ‘overdraft’ is a common phenomenon in running government business, especially at the fag end of every financial year to fund developmental projects and make government payments,”  he said. The State Govt has utilized the RBI provision of ‘overdraft’ to clear pending liabilities so that contractors and common people do not suffer for no fault of theirs, the statement added. The state Govt further clarified that Utilization Certificates (UCs) for all projects have been submitted to the Government of India based on respective physical progresses made or completed.

Those who are throwing wild allegations should remember that for the first time in the history of Arunachal Pradesh so many innovative and novel flagship programmes and pro-people schemes have been launched and are being implemented in true spirit. When so many beneficial schemes are being implemented incurring huge government funds, where from the question of financial mismanagement arises?, the Govt spokesperson questioned.

Claiming that majority of the population are happy with the functioning of the present government, the Govt  spokesperson said only few persons, who have failed to garner public support, are frustrated and therefore resorting to tactics of creating confusion by spreading misinformation through the media.

The Govt appealed all citizens not to believe in the misinformation being circulated adding that the good work being done by the Govt is there for all to see, feel and experience.

 

 

Comply with ‘Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act: Governor

NAHARLAGUN, May 08: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma said that the state government must put in place a mechanism to ensure that The Arunachal Pradesh Fiscal Responsibility and the Budget Management Act is strictly complied with.

To ensure financial prudence, the Governor advised the state government to maintain effectively the consolidated Sinking Fund account and create a Contingency Fund account for catering to the financial liabilities accrued over a period of time and unforeseen expenditure.

The Governor said this while reviewing the current financial position of the state with the Chief Minister and senior officers in a meeting today.

Reiterating the importance of the process of making the budget document, he asked the State government to make it realistic one. There must not be wide variation between the budget estimates and the actual, he said.  

The coming budget document must ensure that the committed liabilities are met on priority involving salaries, wages and pensions and outstanding payments, said the Governor, and asked the state government to ensure that Utilization Certificates of various centrally sponsored schemes must be furnished timely.

The Governor advised the State Government to ensure that there should not be and must not be recurrence of the overdraft leading to stoppage of payments.  

The Chief Minister apprised the Governor of the financial constraints being faced by the State due to past accumulative liabilities on account of various factors. According to him, the current financial constraints is due to inadequate allocations in the Thirteenth Finance Commission and non-plan liabilities accrued on account of Sixth Pay Commission recommendation and annual Dearness Allowance and salary increment factors.

The consistent increase in non-plan revenue expenditure has been one of the major causes of concern for the Government, the Chief Minister said while informing that overdraft has been cleared w.e.f. 01-05-2015.

 

 

APCSD says Pul’s statements misleading

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, May 8: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Seva Dal (APCSD) has quashed the allegations leveled against Chief Minister Nabam Tuki by the expelled Congress MLA Kalikho Pul. Addressing presspersons today at the Press Club, APCSD chief organizer Kipa Kaha alleged that Pul is misleading the public by labeling false allegations against the state government on the pretext of financial mismanagement.

“Pul has been the longest serving finance minister of the state. Why was he silent all these years if he thought there were discrepancies in the government? Only after being expelled, he is going vocal against the same government of which he was very much a part. The issue of overdraft and deficit started cropping up during his tenure and he has been aware of the shortages all the while. Now he cannot blame the CM who is holding the finance ministry. The situation today is the making of Pul himself”, mocked the Svea Dal chief organizer. “When a government works, overdraft and budget deficit is a normal thing. It has to happen”, Kaha maintained.

“Many of the flagship programmes that the present Chief Minister has launched have been running successfully. No one till now has come up with a vision such as Arunachal Vision 2030”, he said defending Tuki’s work.

“We have proof that several organizations, some of which were formed overnight, are working on the behest of the expelled minister trying to tarnish the image of the congress government”, he said. Kaiha claimed that Save Arunachal Youth Association (SAYA) has been formed by BJP MLA Tage Taki.

 

 

APBRDA to set up mini paper mills in the state

ITANAGAR, May 08: Arunachal Pradesh Bamboo Resource and Development Agency (APBRDA) Chairman Zingnu Namchoom today informed that mini Paper Mills will be set up in the border areas of Arunachal and Assam soon with the approval of Chief Minister for the benefit of people and proper use of bamboo.

Talking to the media persons at his office on its first coordination meeting here today, Namchoom informed that after the establishment of APBRDA, state government with the help of National Mission of Bamboo, a Nodal Agency under Ministry of Agriculture and Horticulture is working in the right direction to make the bamboo industry a revenue generating sector for the state.

Arunachal Pradesh is blessed with more than 75 species of bamboo, Namchoom said adding that APBRDA has to play a major role in bringing awareness on use of bamboo so that people gain maximum benefit out of bamboo industry. Citing the neighbouring China as producer of world’s largest bamboo products, Namchoom said that Arunachal will be able to generate huge revenue from bamboo industry in near future.

APBRDA vice chairman Yora Tagung informed about the various plans and programmes being taken by the Agency under National Bamboo Mission in the state. “We want to show how bamboo can be money spinner in the state”, said Tagung.

 

 

Reconsider qualification, upper age limit, AAPSU urges Govt

ITANAGAR, May 8: All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) today urged the state Govt to re-consider the educational qualification of 17 Govt services including Finance and Account Officer/Treasury Officer under Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Combined Competitive Examination (APPSCCE) schedule - II, under rule 2001.

While submitting a two-point memorandum to the Chief Secretary, Ramesh Negi, the AAPSU delegation led by its general secretary Biru Nasi pointed out that in the recent advertisement by the APPSC, the education qualification of above mentioned two services (Finance and Account Officer/ Treasury Officer) has been changed causing undue injustice to fresh aspirants. However, AAPSU said, the Chief Secretary assured to respond after due consultation with the law department and the commissioner finance.

AAPSU also requested the CS to re-consider the upper age limit for new recruitments under APPSCCE for APST candidates. Justifying its demands, AAPSU said APPSCC exams are not held every year and even if they are held it takes around two to three years or more for the recruitment process to complete and hence many candidates do not get ample opportunities to get in the civil services. Moreover in Arunachal Pradesh the students especially in Govt schools get enrolled in school lately.

AAPSU claimed that CM sought ten days time to respond to its memorandum.

 

 

Water supply augmented for Roing

ROING, May 8: To meet the growing demand of potable water supply in Roing town particularly during the monsoon, Horticulture Parliamentary Secretary and Roing MLA Mutchu Mithi today launched the raw water main for augmentation of water supply for Roing town.

The raw water main whose source is located 8 km away from the town in Mehao Lake replaces the existing raw water conveyance of the Deopani River intake point.

Speaking during the inaugural event, Mutchu appreciated the department of PHED & WS for completion of the laying of raw water main much ahead of the schedule, which was to be completed by October 2016.

The raw water main built at an estimated Rs 13 crore is financed by the NABARD bank under the RIDF scheme. The project was made possible through efforts from Rajya Sabha MP Mukut Mithi in 2012, who on request from the department had pursued with the Chief Minister for funds, informed Mure Linggi, Executive Engineer, PHED, Roing.

The raw water main has the capacity to supply 42 million litres per day (MLD) for an estimated 18,000 population in the township. The department, however, estimates higher population on account of floating population.

The parliamentary secretary also inspected the water treatment plant (WTP) situated near the Deopani River, which is fed by the raw water main. Built at an estimated amount of Rs 4.4 crore, the WTP plant was built in 2001 to provide safe drinking water. The flood of 2004, however, damaged the water source in Eme River (tributary of Deopani River). Since then the plant had remain non operational.

As per official source, the plant is designed to tap 5 million litre per day (MLD) of raw water and to supply 2 MLD of treated water. If made operational, the treated water will be made available for four hours a day, informed the department.

For efficient distribution of treated water, the department is currently working on networking of pipelines, which is expected to be completed by this coming winter. The networking will be equipped with four distribution tanks spread over the township, said Linggi.

"These distribution tanks will store the water from water main and redistribute the water maintaining the pressure," he said. "Also to prevent water theft from water main, it will be laid underground", added Linggi.

Further the department informed that a similar scheme at Samak River of Rs 4 crore has been proposed in the Ministry to augment the water supply for lower side of the township and Meka village.

 

 

Training on integrated farming system and vermi-composting

ITANAGAR, May 8: Agriculture department, Hayuliang in collaboration with ICAR, KVK Anjaw organized a day-long training on integrated farming system (IFS) and Vermi-composting under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) at Chipru village under Chaglagam block on  May 6.

Practical demonstration of vermicomposting was conducted by S. Bhattacharjee, ADO, Hayuliang and Chogelum Kora, AFA, Hayuliang. This was followed by distribution of high yielding varieties of maize, paddy, pulses and vegetable seeds along with four numbers of poly house to the farmers. Altogether 90 farmers including farm women and rural youths attended the training programme.

Earlier, Dr. Tilling Tayo, Programme Coordinator in charge, ICAR, KVK Anjaw, highlighted the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Agri & Allied field. Dr. Tilling Tayo also delivered a lecture on the role of animal in integrated farming system.

Khelosa Talyo,  ZPM, Chaglagam motivated the farmers to gather more information regarding integrated farming system and vermin-composting from ADO Hayuling and resource persons from ICAR, KVK, Anjaw. He further highlighted the schemes available under agriculture department and urged the participant farmers to avail the benefit under the schemes.

Er. Uday Bhandari, Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) Agri. Engineer, KVK Anjaw spoke on water conservation technology using different means viz. Jalkund, contour bunding and graded bunding. He asked the farmers to opt for Jalkund which is very easy to construct with the use of UV silpaulin to check seepage loss. Water store in the Jalkund can be used for irrigation, fish pond and livestock etc., Bhandari said.

Aniyang Ratan, Circle Officer, Chaglagam called upon the farmers to change their mindset and adopt scientific farming system for sustainable income generation instead of seeking for contract work.

 

 

Local hospitality can be experienced through Home-stays: DC

PASIGHAT, May 8: The flavour of local hospitality could be experienced by introducing ‘Home-stays’ in rural tourism where nature and comforts can be merged to provide an enriching time for tourists, stated East Siang Deputy Commissioner Nidhi Srivastava.

Interacting with the members Association for Conservation and Tourism, a leading NGO in NE region, and officers of tourism department here today, the Srivastava said that Home-stay is a combination of rural tourism, agro-farm tourism, cultural tourism, and recreation activity operated under minimal funding by small entrepreneurs from villages with assistance of the government.

The idea of rural tourism should not be limited to income generation but to bridge the stark urban-rural divide. While doing so we have to ensure that the stay is worthwhile for tourists, the villagers and the entire rural eco-system, she said.

District Tourism Officer (DTO) Nuyee Talong informed that awareness program on Rural Tourism, Leadership and Home-stay hospitality was conducted last week by the department in the DC’s conference hall aimed motivating the locals to open up home-stays and concept of Rural Tourism.

Raj Basu, Sunil Chauhan and Soumyadeep Datta from ACT and Bengia Manna Sonam, Asst. Director (Tourism) attended the programme as resource persons.

“Siang Eco-Tourism and Conservation Committee” (SECC) was formed to promote eco-tourism in Siang belt which will work for poverty elevation, recognition of local skills and conservation of local culture and nature besides ensuring standardization of home-stay, resource mapping and making a basic dictionary of local dialect for the tourists, assured DTO Talong. DIPRO

 

 

AAPSU condemns, Society demands stringent action to attackers

ITANAGAR, May 8: All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) strongly condemned the physical attack on Superintendent Engineer RWD, Rupa, Tanu Loriak by miscreants over tender issue of C/O Bameng to Lada road under PMGSY on Tuesday. AAPSU further appreciated the prompt action of the police department for arresting four accused after committing the incident. It further appealed to everyone to maintain peaceful atmosphere and not to give it a communal colour.

Meanwhile, Tamin Elite Society (TES) in its letter to Home Minister demanded stringent action against the assaulters of Tanu Loriak Superintendent Engineer, RWD, Rupa.

A case has been registered with Rupa Police Station with case no.14/15 U/S 452/384/307/506/34 IPC read with section 25/27 of Arms Act.

The four persons are reportedly arrested, however one accused is still absconding, the society informed. SE RWD was inflicted with grievous injury and currently undergoing treatment.  Alleging that a junior engineer of the same RWD division was illegally involved in supplying tender process documents to the accused, the society demanded for termination of the said junior engineer. Strongly condemning the brazen assault on an officer on duty, the society demanded immediate arrest of all accused involved in the incident and deployment of one senior competent officer to unearth the truth behind the whole incident. It also demanded for charge sheet to be submitted within the prescribed provision of the law so that exemplary punishment should be given to the persons involved in the crime.

 

 

Medal winning Karate players felicitated

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, May 08: Arunachal Karate Do Association (AKA) today felicitated the medal winning players of the recently concluded Under-21 National Karate Championship conducted by Karate Association India (KAI) in New Delhi.

Parliamentary Secretary (Sports and Youth Affairs) Likha Saaya, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs DK Dinglow, Assistant Director Tadar Appa, Arunachal Olympic Association Secretary General G Doke, Information Commissioner and Indian Weightlifting Federation Vice President Abraham K. Techi and AKA team led by its president Likha Tara felicitated the players with bouquets in a function organized at a town hotel in Naharlagun today and congratulated them for bringing laurel to the state.

Arunachal bagged 12 medals, including four gold and eight bronze, in the championship which was held from May 1 to 3.

Mojum Dodum, Sinne Mikhu, Johny Mangkhiya and Minam Tekseng all bagged one gold medal each while Nabam Radhe, Kamku Tallo, Niaimun Mara, Yorjum Sera, Yoisi Tawsik, Raja Yangfo, Tade Bayor and Biplab Devnath won bronze medals.

Congratulating the players, Saaya expressed his immense happiness over the remarkable performance by the state karate team.

“It is a matter of great pride that our (karate) players are continuing to perform exceptionally well at national level competition in spite of limited facilities”, said Saaya. He credited success of karate in Arunachal to dedicated team of AKA ably led by its president Likha Tara.

Arunachal is currently ranked second in the national karate ranking behind Madhya Pradesh.

Giving advice to the players, Saaya asked them to keep up the tempo and practice hard to further their karate skill.

Responding to a four-point memorandum submitted by the AKA president, Saaya said he would discuss the players’ incentives issue with the Chief Minister immediately.

“The state government has accorded sports as one of the top priority sectors. You will see tremendous change in this sector in the coming few years”, asserted Saaya.

With regards to demand for providing adequate fund to AOA for conduction of various state and district level sports activities of all affiliated sports bodies,  Saaya asked the Director of Sports and Youth Affairs to take up the matter with the government.

Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Dinglow highlighted the problem faced by the department due to allotment of meager fund. He supported the AKA president’s demand for allotment of sufficient fund for smooth conduct of sports activities.

Information Commissioner Abraham was also all praise for AKA and said karate will achieve much more in future.

AOA Secretary General Doke urged the Parliamentary Secretary to give more attention towards sports sector.

Earlier, AKA President Likha Tara submitted a memorandum to the Parliamentary Secretary for extending financial support from the government to conduct state and district level karate championship to tap and groom hidden talents, providing incentives to meritorious sportspersons, who have won medals at national and international level competitions, early release of pending bills of officials and players and grant of financial assistance to conduct national level Karate Championship in the state capital in the coming year under the banner of AKA.

While expressing his satisfaction over the team’s performance, Tara asked the players who could not win medal not to lose heart.

“Winning medal in such highly competitive event is not an easy task. It takes lots of efforts and dedication by player”, he said, and advised them to work hard.

Stressing the need of strict discipline among players, he said that whatever we have achieved so far is duty to discipline and unity among the karate family.

Everester Tapi Mra, Arunachal Weightlifting Association General Secretary Daniel Teli, AKA general secretary L Marik, vice presidents Yarda Niki, Tai Hipik, Dr. Marli Ete, Joint Secretary Charu Tatung, senior karate players and instructors attended the programme among others.

wpb96db862.png
wp171ac0c1.png
wp9b1a9b49.png
wp708c905d.png

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

All rights reserved.

wp90ecad59.png

---- Editorial ----

 

Noble initiative

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the ambitious Social Security Schemes pertaining to the insurance and pension sector tomorrow at Kolkata. The two insurance schemes to be launched, namely Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) would provide insurance cover in the unfortunate event of death by any cause or disability due to an accident, whereas the pension scheme, Atal Pension Yojana (APY), would address old age income security needs. PMSBY will offer a renewable one year accidental death cum disability cover of Rs 2 lakh (Rs 1 lakh for partial permanent disability) to all savings bank account holders in the age group of 18 to 70 years for a premium of twelve rupees per annum per subscriber.

Besides the launch function at Kolkata, simultaneous launch functions of the schemes will also be held at 129 places across the country.

Chief Ministers and Union Ministers will attend the launch function at these locations. In Itanagar union minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju will launch the scheme in presence of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki. If properly implemented, the said schemes will immensely benefit the poor and needy. The government of India should understand that launching of schemes and ensuing success are two different things. In the past also many such schemes were launched but some of them later died natural death. Union govt. should learn from such past mistakes and make sure that Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) along with Atal Pension Yojana becomes success story.

 

 

___________________

 

 

---- Readers Forum ----

 

Dont get fooled by your representatives and bureaucrats

Dear Editor,

I would like to appreciate the local village level leaders who could understand the anti-social and selfish politics of MLAs and bureaucrats and oppose Siang stage –II hydro project as reported and published by this newspaper. In solidarity with our tribal brothers and sisters of AP, I am of the view that developmental projects in AP should be for the welfare of common people of AP and not for few MLAs, bureaucrats and businessmen.

Till date, GoAP has granted Memoranda of Agreement (MoA) to about 150 hydro projects in AP without taking the consent of the community where the sites of these projects are located. According to customary laws as provisioned in the constitution of India, the sites of these projects legally belongs to the people of the community that have been living there for thousands of years. The Arunachal Pradesh (Land Settlement and R ecords) Act-2000, states that community land and rivers belongs to the people of the community and not the GoAP. The GoI or GoAP can acquire community land only according to The Land Acquisition Act 1894. According to The Land Acquisition Act 1894, GoI or GoAP should take the consent of every people of the community. Not mentioning other details of the Act, the GoI or GoAP should adequately compensate every member of the community. Now, the question is why did our MLAs and bureaucrats grant MoAs of 150 hydro projects to private companies without the consent of the people? The answer is simple, for our MLAs and bureaucrats’ only money matters and not the community to which they belong. Our MLAs and bureaucrats might have gotten crores of money for granting secret MoAs.

Yes, there is no physical proof of the bribe, but can they answer the simple question, why didn’t they take people’s consent and didn’t follow the procedures as laid in The Land Acquisition Act 1894?

I would like to suggest that, instead of allowing companies to totally own the community land, rivers, forests etc. the community should lease it to companies and the people of community should share the rent and cause the lease agreement to be renewed after a decade or so.

The rent amount should be certain proportion of the total revenue generated by the hydro project. I would suggest all the affected people to know The Land Acquisition Act 1894 and learn the constitutional provisions provided for them and not be fooled or persuaded by development and legal jargons of our MLAs and bureaucrats for their personal profits.

Yours,

Takam Tadar,

Delhi University

 

 

 

A landmark verdict

Dear Editor,

I’m interested in placing my view regarding the recent Supreme Court’s verdict over Section 66A IT Act 2000(now IT Act 2008). The Supreme Court has scrapped this contentious Section 66A IT Act which was seen as major violation of the freedom of speech online because it allowed or empowered authority to arrest a person for posting abusive or offensive content. The flaws and wrongs with Section 66A IT: it prescribed a maximum jail term of three years for anybody who sends an electronic message that could be seen by another as “grossly offensive” or having “menacing character” or merely “causing annoyance”. The section did not define clearly meaning of “grossly offensive” on which ground it can be considered. There are a number of instances of use of this Section like arrest of Aseem Trivedi for drawing cartoons lampooning parliament and constitution, Jadavpur University professor Ambikesh Mahapatra was arrested for forwarding caricatures of Mamata Banerjee on Facebook etc. On the other hand, the Section 66A is itself invalid  as it severely curtails freedom of speech and expression enshrined in 19(1) (A) of the constitution. Whereas clause 2 of Article 19 of the constitution makes it clear there are “reasonable restrictions on the exercise of the right” relating threat to public order, defamation, committing contempt of court, incitement to offence, etc as grounds to limit freedom. As per the constitution, restriction on speech cannot go beyond this.

Therefore, the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down section 66A of the information and Technology Act, 2000 upholds the legitimate exercise of natural and legal right of the citizens of India. The verdict once again affirms that the true and central role of India’s court as the guardian of our Fundamental Rights.

Yours,

Kengo Dirchi, Nirjuli

 

 

 

For the cause of Arunachalees

Dear Editor,

This is in response to the news article ‘Govt. Employees to contribute for Nepal’.

I feel that the contribution should be voluntary not compulsory. Every individual has the right to use his hard earned money in his own way. I fail to understand why unions are hyper active when it comes to donations. Also I doubt if this money would really reach Nepal or would be siphoned off like other relief funds.

I am not being selfish rather rational and practical. Just think what is the need of contributing for Nepal? It is already getting billions in aid from the whole world. There are so many poor Arunachalees out there at Vellore, Delhi and other hospitals fighting for their lives.

I think they are in more need of our help. Patients suffering from all sorts of illnesses are waiting for help. Some have taken loans; some sold their lands, some mithuns etc. I think Arunachalees deserve more help. Make a call for it and I and many like-minded will come out in full support. We should not waste resources just for popularity. Let Modi and the rest of the world help Nepal. Let us use our contribution for really poor patients of Arunachal who are in need.

Everybody will donate for Nepal to be in the news but who will donate for an Arunachalee out there fighting for his life that too in a city like Vellore or Delhi ? Just think.

Yours,

Tuter Rupuk

Daporijo

 

 

 

Commission should not give into meaningless demands

Dear Editor,

The advertisement for the APPSCCE exam was given on 1st of February 2012 and little less than 4 years since then the much coveted exam is yet to complete even its halfway stage. The Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission which is the recruiting agency has no right to jeopardise the lives and careers of around 650 most talented youths of the state vying for the 51 posts.

Extending the exam date has become a favourite pastime for the commission. There are number of unemployed youths, in-service candidates and students who are still pursuing some course or the other. Every section has their own respective  problems. Some have been employed elsewhere, some have become rich businessman, some have got married and some has even gone on to bore children. How many type of demands are the commission going to fulfil? The required educational qualification for the exam is only of degree or graduation level, yet the commission is very much concerned about the university students, law students and even the undergraduate students. How do you address the problems of in-service candidates who are mostly peons, LDCs, contractual staffs etc? It is learnt that some in-service candidates have gone for study leave for more than thrice in these four years.

Therefore, the commission has to take a bold decision and not give into meaningless demands of different sections to extend the written exam schedule. They should have even honoured their commitment to conduct the exam on second week of May that they made to the state after the protest led by the iron lady Ujum Perying.

Hence, under the prevailing circumstances, it would be best in the interest of all if the exam is conducted on the 15th of July 2015. It is the unofficial confirmed tentative date given by the commission. Two months from now, it would provide a level playing field for all sections, keeping in mind the in-service candidates also who will have ample time to apply for leave.

The other 15,000 approx candidates also who are waiting for the rumoured 100 odd vacant posts under APPSC should also pursue the case since ’more late this exam gets more late will be the new advertisement and new prelims’.

Yours, 

Iken L. Taipodia

Liru Village,

Likabali

 

 

 

World Laughter Day

Dear Editor,

On World Laughter Day, the picture of youthful senior citizens (mentally young) laughing their way out in their laughter club was very inspiring. No doubt laughter is the best medicine especially in today’s hectic life with high level of stress & tension.

Dr. Madan Kataria who pioneered laughter yoga and popularized it found that human body cannot distinguish between genuine and pretended laughter as both produced the same “Happy Chemistry.” In one of his sessions, he made us laugh without a reason first by telling “credit card laughter” & we laughed a little & next he said “credit card bill laughter” & people were rolling on floors and laughing uncontrollably. Keeping in mind the escalating cost of apples, an apple a day to keep the doctor away may seem an expensive affair but “laughter a day” will certainly keep many diseases at bay. This is one venture where your investment is nil but returns are infinite.

Yours,

T S Karthik

 

************************************

 

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