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2017

May 29

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CBSE class XII result: Girls outperform boys yet again, pass percentage drops

NEW DELHI, May 28: Girls outshone boys yet again in CBSE class XII examination results by a margin of over 9 per cent even, while the overall pass percentage dropped by over one per cent.

The pass percentage for girls in the results which were announced today was 87.50, while for boys it was 78 per cent.

However, the overall pass percentage dropped to 82 per cent from 83.05 per cent last year, according to Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) officials.

Noida Girl Raksha Gopal emerged nation-wide topper in the exams with a whopping 99.6 per cent, while the second position was bagged by Chandigarhs Bhumi Sawant who scored 99.4 per cent mark.

Mannat Luthra and Aditya Jain, also from Chandigarh, jointly bagged the third rank with 99.2 per cent in commerce section.

Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar spoke to the toppers and congratulated them on their performance.

Trivandrum region recorded the highest pass percentage at 95.62 per cent followed by Chennai (92.60 per cent) and Delhi (88.37 per cent).

This year Delhi's performance improved by nearly one per cent as the national capital recorded a pass percentage of 87.01 per cent.

Government-run Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas performed the best with a pass percentage of 95.73 per cent, while the Kendriya Vidyalayas recorded 94.60 per cent success.

Private schools pass percentage was the lowest at 79.27 per cent.

CBSE schools in foreign countries also recorded a pass percentage of 92.02 per cent.

This year, over 10,000 students scored 95 per cent or above, while 63,247 students scored more than 90 per cent.

The CBSE has also opened a helpline number for counselling of its students post results.

"65 counsellors will talk to students and parents on the helpline number between 8 am to 10 pm," a CBSE official said.

The board has also clarified that there will be no re-evaluation option and students can only apply for verification of marks.

Among the 10.2 lakh students who appeared for the exams, 8.37 lakh cleared them, while over one lakh have been placed for the 2017 compartment exams.

The exams were conducted between March 9 and April 29.

Anxiety and panic gripped students after the Delhi High Court had earlier this week ordered the board to continue with its moderation policy which was scrapped last month.

After contemplating moving the Supreme Court, the board decided against it as the process would have delayed the results further.

As on March 31 this year, CBSE has 18,694 schools in India and 211 schools in 25 foreign countries.

There are 1,117 Kendriya Vidyalayas, 2,720 government/aided Schools, 14,253 independent schools, 590 Jawahar Novodaya Vidyalayas and 14 Central Tibetan Schools. (PTI)

PPA reiterates demand for amendment of Statehood Act, 1987

ITANAGAR, May 28: The People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) has reiterated its demand for amendment of the "defective" Statehood Act of 1987 and place the state under Article 371 (A) that gives a status at par with states of Nagaland and Mizoram.

Of the opinion that economical self-reliance is the only way out, the PPA urged upon Union MoS for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju to initiate necessary steps for the amendment of Article 371 (H) in the Parliament.

Addressing a consultative meeting of the party executives here on Sunday, PPA Central Working Committee Chairman, Kamen Ringu said, "We also need to introspect on the continued overriding special powers vested on the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh when we already have 60 democratically elected legislators."

Emphasizing on the need to bring an end to the dependency syndrome, Ringu further said "the time has come for the state government to liaise with the central government to amend, annul or correct the Statehood Act of 1987."

The party also called upon the people of the state, its legislators, members of various civil societies, intellectuals, student organizations and elected Panchayat leaders to stand united in its demand for the constitutional amendment of Article 371 (H) in the Parliament "born out of the myopic Arunachal Pradesh Statehood Act of 1987 that robs us of our traditional and customary rights over our indigenous resources like land, water and forest".

"The genesis of all the problems in the state today is nothing other than the utter lack of self confidence in our leaders because our state is still far from being self-reliant. We all need to introspect; to question ourselves over the recurring political mess; the youth unrest because of general feeling of insecurity among the young generation in the state, and of course, the constant floor crossings by the elected legislatures," the party said.

PPA President Kahfa Bengia stated, "the decade-old dependency syndrome on the Central Grants is the main reason for the burning Chakma and Hajong refugee issue not being able to be settled till date because of complete lack of political will. Today, we are not in a position to blame anybody but ourselves because our political system in the state has been made to evolve in such a way that for any of the problems in the state we look for the answers in New Delhi. We have not been able to find the final solution to this problem because no state leaders of ruling political parties at the Centre have had the guts to put forth the genuineness of this issue with the Central leaders. This is an issue which is no less dangerous than the time bomb that needs to be defused at the earliest".

Ignoring the essentials

Monday Musing

[ Nellie N Manpoong ]

When Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highway, Nitin Gadkari arrived in January this year, he announced that funds would be sanctioned for the remaining stretch of Itanagar-Banderdewa 4-lane project and, also declared four new state highways, along with assurances that the Centre would spend Rs 50, 000 crores on road construction projects in the next five years for Arunachal Pradesh.

That being announced and followed up at a somewhat considerable steady pace, the roads that connect people's homes to the highways are frequently left neglected. Although the local legislators and administration have went on to visit and inspect such roads, which are reportedly under construction, some of the largest eye sores right next to the highway have been left untouched.

The approach road near Legi Complex, Itanagar, which leads up to the office of the Directorate of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship at C-Sector is one such road. The connecting road is right next to the highway and cannot be missed by anyone passing by. Not only does it look like a crater from the moon, but takes up more than half of the road -making passage difficult for two vehicles at a time. Moving a little further ahead will give you another view of a worn-out road, piled with sand and debris just outside the office of the Directorate of Industries.

Same is the condition outside most government offices in the Capital, and of several roads leading to the houses of almost everyone in the Capital Complex. The road to the Capital Deputy Commissioner's office is not a smooth ride either.

A drive through C-II/lower C sector is a dangerous track as well. The "earth cutting" to build a drain has left debris and reduced the breadth of the road, creating a similar situation of only one vehicle passing at a time. The deteriorating road also often affects the water supply pipes laying exposed in the area as vehicles damage the water pipes with continued pressure.

These are only a few instances of damaged approach roads in Itanagar alone. For every smooth patch of a CC or asphalt road, we get a glimpse of nearly five broken down approach roads. One can only imagine the condition of approach roads and highways in the districts.

Some roads around the Capital Complex are only cut-out paths with pebbles over the earth to give some friction in safe passage. These roads have been in the same state for several months and even years now. The repair work should begin when the first patch of crater appears, but there are probably fund constraints, or official procedures to follow, which the common man does not understand.

Some recent reports also state that Cement Concrete (CC) roads are under construction in places, like Chimpu, Sangri Happa, Dokioso, Sanglo Putung, Lower Putung, Police Colony and Economic Statistic Colony areas within Itanagar Township.

While CC roads may be durable, the uneven and rough surface takes a toll on the tyres and the vehicle itself. Not only do these roads damage vehicles, but increase the likelihood of accidents as has been reported very recently, where a woman was hit by a motorbike on Wednesday last and throw off balance into the slopes.

The road from the office of Higher Education to the State Circuit House in Itanagar is also unsafe for passage as a portion of the CC road near ESS sector is barely hanging on and is currently half its original size. The mud road looks like it may collapse any time soon. But since it continues to survive even through heavy rainfall, with the mud sliding down a little at a time, it seems that everyone is waiting for it to entirely collapse before taking an initiative.

Residents too have greatly affected the roads with their random earth cutting and ignored the difficulties faced by their neighbours and made the task challenging for government authorities.

As the CC roads are made at a greater height than asphalt roads, concerned authorities also fail to check that moving vehicles out on to the road is another task for home owners. Several residents have had to construct cement ramps to get their vehicles out on the roads.

Whichever type of roads the authorities decide to construct in the near future, maintaining top-notch quality should be priority, while also periodically maintaining the deteriorating roads at the earliest to save vehicles from repeated afflictions, and to save people from undesirable consequences.

As citizens take a bumpy ride towards home, we hope all concerned parties are experiencing the same bumpy roads and mitigating a proposal to create a smoother ride for everyone in the state; one sector at a time.

IAF’s Sukhoi-30 jet crash: Black box recovered

TEZPUR/NEW DELHI, May 28: The black box of the Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet that went missing with two pilots on board has been recovered from a dense forest in Arunachal Pradesh, two days after wreckage of the plane was sighted.

However, the fate of the crew was not yet known.

"A ground search and rescue party has reached the crash site. The black box of the aircraft has been recovered. Further search is in progress," IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Anupam Banerjee said in Delhi.

The identity of the missing pilots has not been disclosed and the worst is feared.

The jet had gone missing shortly after taking off from Tezpur Air Force station on Tuesday on a routine training sortie and its wreckage was found on Friday in a dense forest, 60 km from Tezpur airbase.

The Indian Air Force has already ordered a court of inquiry into the crash.

The wreckage was spotted from air, and search teams reached the crash site today only. The rescue teams could not reach the spot earlier due to inclement weather and because the area had dense foliage.

The first batch of the Russia-made fighter jet was inducted by the IAF in the late 1990s. Since their induction, seven crashes have taken place.

A frontline fighter jet, SU-30 MKI aircraft were deployed in the Tezpur airbase on June 15, 2009 for guarding the Sino- India frontier in Arunachal Pradesh.

At present, two squadrons comprising around 36 aircraft are deployed at Tezpur. PTI

CM commends state police

NEW DELHI, May 28: Chief Minister Pema Khandu commended the state police (APP) for arresting the miscreants involved in an extortion attempt at gun point on the Director of Audit and Pension.

"Tracking down all the miscreants and arresting them within three days exemplified the efficiency and commitment of the state police," the Chief Minister said.

"I congratulate all the police officials and personnel involved, particularly DIG (West) Tusar Taba and City SP Dr A Koan, for their promptness in arresting the culprits in record time," he said,

The Chief Minister observed that such quick action and successful solution of criminal cases will further strengthen the confidence of public on the police.

He also appreciated Director of Audit and Pension A Basit for his courage and presence of mind.

"Despite being threatened with an assault rifle, Basit displayed exemplary courage and presence of mind and single-handedly tackled the culprit. His action not only saved his life but also helped the police get a lead from the arms left behind by the fleeing assailant," Pema added.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister, who is in the national capital to attend the 66th Plenary Session of the North East Council (NEC), expressed serious concern over the fact that all the four arrested are indigenous youths aged between 24 to 35 years. He called for introspection by parents and elders and to aptly guide them so that they do not stray away from the mainstream.

He appealed to the youths to utilize their time and energy in constructive ways and assured the government's support.

The state government has launched several new schemes and programmes for the benefit of unemployed youths, he said and advised them to take advantage of these and make a decent livelihood instead of opting for unlawful means that would only land them in trouble.

AdiSU provides basic needs to Kerang fire victims

Reporter

PASIGHAT, May 28: A team of the Adi Students' Union (apex) on Thursday reached fire-ravaged Kerang-I village in Siang district and provided some basic immediate needs to all the affected families.

The items included blankets, packs of rice, mattresses, necessary utensils, informed AdiSU Speaker Janu Tatin.

The AdiSU had organized a two-day voluntary donation camp at Itanagar and Naharlagun on May 21 and 22 in aid of the fire victims.

Kra Daadi boxing team for 'Khelo India'

ITANAGAR, May 28: The Kra Daadi District Amateur Boxing Association (KDDABA) has selected nine young boxers (U-17) for the ensuing state level "Khelo India" to be held at Sangay Lhaden Sports Academy Complex from June 6 to 8 next.

The team included five boys and four girls. The selection was made in Ganga Boxing Club by Arunachal Amateur Boxing Association Joint Secretary, Dari Laknia and KKABA Secretary General Tatung Takar Ame, who also is the coach of the boys' team. Muni Leya is the coach of the girls' team.

The team:

Boys: Dollang Sonam (46-49kg), Tatung Ponung (-52kg), Kaken Hania (-56kg), John Tagru (-60kg), Oma Gangte (-64kg)

Girls: Gora Yallung (46-49kg), Yukar Amak (-52kf), Tai Tutu (-56kg), Bamang Yape (-60kg).

‘Awareness can bring delinquents to right path’

ITANAGAR, May 28: A one-day awareness programme for delinquent members was conducted by the All Arunachal Pradesh Delinquent Welfare Association (AAPDWA) at Naharlagun on Saturday.

Attending the programme, PWD Superintending Engineer (SE), Coordination and Vigilance, Techi Ratu advised the members to motivate themselves, saying that maximum delinquents of the state are not professionals.

Appreciating the AAPDWA for organizing the awareness programme for delinquents, Ratu further said that awareness and education can bring them to the right path. He also advised the Association members to extend all possible help to the persons who are going off-track in the society due to lack of proper guidance. He also assured all possible help to the Association for such awareness programmes in the future. Further, he advised the delinquents to change themselves and live a normal life in the society.

Social Justice & Empowerment and Tribal Affairs Department resource officer, T Hanker said that the state government and the department are ready to help the delinquents to lead a normal life.

Advocate R Millo stated that education and awareness can change the minds of delinquents. He explained in detail about how juveniles become delinquents, how to protect juvenile delinquents and their rights.

Among others, AAPDWA President, Tacho Dana Tanang and delinquents Rajiv Gurung and Gichik Kyokam also spoke on the occasion.

Skill development training on computer ends

ANINI, May 28: A 25-day computer training programme for unemployed youths of Dibang Valley district concluded at Anini on May 25 last, where 35 trainees benefitted from the training, organized by the Manghi Welfare Society, with support from the Social Justice and Empowerment and Tribal Affairs Department, GoAP under its skill development programme.

Addressing the valedictory function, social worker Bagang Rukpu said that the skill development programme, sponsored by both the central and state governments is one of the right platforms to hone the skills of unemployed youths to become self-employed. Rukpu also distributed certificate to the trainees.

Earlier, elaborating on the objectives of the training programme, trainer Ngurang Tana of MWS expressed gratitude to the government department for its support. He also advised the trainees to take full advantage of such trainings to become self-reliant.

Tayeng highlights achievements of BJP Govt

ROING, May 28: Attending the BJP Mandal executive committee meeting held at Bolung Community hall on Sunday, Parliamentary Secretary, WRD, Art & Culture, Gum Tayeng highlighted the achievements and developmental activities of the BJP Government for last three years.

Tayeng informed that construction of Mandal HQ office at Dambuk and sub- Committee office at other places will start soon. She also donated office equipment, including 50 plastic chairs for the Mandal office at Dambuk.

On the occasion, Dambuk Mandal President, Datik Ratan also felicitated three ZPM's, namely, Kaling Pertin, Starson Saring and Titel Pertin.

Among others, former minister and State BJP Vice President, Nakul Chai, Lower Dibang Valley District BJP President Tapak Pertin, PRI leaders and public leaders attended the meeting.

Camp for opening bank accounts

TEZU, May 28: Taking note of the Deputy Commissioner's emphasis on achievement of cent percent Adhaar seeded bank accounts, a day-long camp for opening bank accounts for job card under MGNREGA scheme was held at Tafragam I, II, III blocks and Tezu gam block of Tezu circle.

Opening of bank accounts will ensure transparency and accountability as money will directly be transferred to the beneficiaries' accounts, remarked a block official. On the spot registration for opening bank account was done in addition to seeding the accounts with Adhaar.

The camp was organized by the Block office and Gram Panchayat of the area. A similar camp was held at Sunpura circle last week (DIPRO)

---- Editorial ----

IAF struggling

It took more than 72 hour to locate wreckage of the Indian Air Force's Sukhoi 30 fighter jet, which went missing on Tuesday. Aircraft has been was found in a heavily forested area of Arunachal Pradesh. The jet had lost radar and radio contact 60km north of Tezpur in Assam. Two pilots were on-board the aircraft and their fate is still unknown. Sukhoi Su-30 is considered to be India's most formidable aircraft and this kind of crash involving it deeply demoralizes the morale of IAF.

It is a Russian-made, twin-engine fighter meant for all-weather, air-to-air and air-to-surface missions. The first of the Su-30 planes were inducted by the IAF in the late 1990s.

Since their induction, six crashes have taken place. An inquiry into the plane accidents has primarily indicated technical failure as their cause. The government had, earlier this month, informed the Rajya Sabha that as many as 22 fighter aircraft of IAF have crashed since 2013-14 and human error and technical defects were the main reasons for the accidents. Because of the growing accidents, the strength of IAF is depleting with each passing year. Despite knowing about situation successive governments have failed to address this problem. For a country like India which is surrounded by hostile neighbours like Pakistan and China, government cannot afford to take the concern of IAF lightly. It is their duty to provide all kind of support to IAF so that it remains combat ready to take on both China and Pakistan.

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---- Readers Forum ----

Strategic connectivity

Dear Editor,

Finally the much awaited bridge connectivity between Dhola and Sadiya has been officially opened. Sadiya’s isolation in terms of poor transport connectivity is now over. It is also expected to change the entire transportation scenario of the region. The bridge has been reinforced for the passage of T-72 battle tanks weighing about sixty tons. It is also known that this 9.15 kilometer new bridge will cut short travel time by four to five hours.

Strategically this bridge is of great importance as it will significantly improve connectivity from Assam to Arunachal Pradesh. Our troops were to move by air to the advanced landing grounds and then walk several miles to the border posts. This bridge would improve Indian Army’s mobilisation capabilities of the troops and along with their heavy equipment to the forward areas bordering China. Currently, armed forces have to enter Arunachal Pradesh via Tezpur. There was no bridge accessible for passage of tanks around Tinsukia from where troops can cross over to Arunachal Pradesh. It takes about two days from Tezpur to reach the Kibithu which is strategically important town in Anjaw district of Arunachal. India lacks behind infrastructure on its side of the LAC as compared to China. China has a sizeable deployment of troops opposite Kibithu. China’s massive improved roads, air strips on its side of the Line of Actual Control are definitely major concern for India.

Yours,

Rabin Prasad Kalita

Azara, Guwahati

India is struggling to create jobs for the youth

Dear Editor,

Your editorial, "Employment generation should be top priority" (May 25) has rightly said, "So far the Modi government has struggled to generate employment opportunities for the youths. This is demoralizing the youth of India." Indeed, a paradigm shift in the strategy on jobs is a crying need of the hour as India is fighting shy of job creation. According to recent Labour Bureau data, India has been losing 550 jobs per day. Instead of protecting labour intensive sectors like farming, unorganized retail, micro and small enterprises that mainly contribute to current livelihoods in our country; we are going gaga over capital intensive technology forgetting our basic needs.

Yours,

Sujit De,

Kolkata

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---Editor