November 05
2016
Arunachal keen on cultural ties with Asian countries: CM
NEW DELHI, Nov 04: "Arunachal Pradesh believes in cementing the centuries old cultural ties with South Asian Countries and therefore a number of initiatives have been taken by our state in this direction" Chief Minister Pema Khandu said while speaking at the annual event of the Hindu College organized by the NE Cell here today.
This year's theme for the event was "Act East Policy: North East region as the corridor of cultural, political and economic exchange with South East Asia under a national paradigm".
Pema is an alumni of Hindu College.
He referred to successful conduct of an Indo-Bhutan friendship car rally, which was recently organized besides regular celebration of Pangsau Pass festival, a calendar event held at Nampong - Indo-Myanmar border to facilitate border trade, while justifying his stand.
He appreciated the effort put in by Prime Minister Narendra Modi by transforming the slogan of Look East Policy to Act East Policy to forge strategic partnership and security cooperation of India and the neighboring countries of the South East. The focus of this Policy is to boost India's stand as a regional power by forming diplomatic and cooperative relations with ASEAN. The underlying principle was also to make the northeast region the hub of activities- economic, social and cultural and act as the gateway to Southeast Asia and beyond.
"With the states initiating their bit to cement cultural ties, the Govt of India can translate into economic and strategic partnership. I am sanguine that our Prime Minister is definitely working on it" Pema added.
CM also recalled his days at Hindu College and extended his gratitude to the institution for making him what he is today.
He further appreciated the North East Cell of Hindu College that took shape in 2011 with the shared idea and motive to provide a platform to showcase the unique cultural diversity of the region and promote cultural exchange and integration with rest of the country while specifically mentioning the team of NE Cell of Hindu College led by President Riddi Mahanta and mentored by Ananya Barua Chaudhary, Anju Srivastav (Principal) and Santacrus Singh (Faculty Advisor).
Buddha Mahotsava starts with vibrant cultural display
Staff Reporter
BOMDILA, Nov 04: With showcasing of vibrant culture of different tribes - Monpa, Sajolang(Miji) Aka, Sartang, Bugun and Sherdukpen, the Buddha Mahotsava started at Buddha Park, Bomdila in West Kameng district on Friday. The unique cultural display by each tribe mesmerized the crowd and filled the air with festivity.
BJP Lok Sabha MP from North-East Delhi Manoj Tiwari declared the 3-day cultural festival open in the presence of Education Minister Honchum Ngandam, State Legislative Speaker T N Thongdok and MLAs Japu Deru, Phurpa Tsering and Kumsi Sidisow and thousands of people including tourists. Calling upon the participants, Tiwari extolled the beauty of Arunachal Pradesh. "Arunachal Pradesh particularly Bomdila is very beautiful," said Tiwari while addressing the huge gathering at festival ground.
"I'm completely mesmerized by the scenic beauty of picturesque Bomdila. And I'm very lucky to be with you in this historical and serene land,"Tiwari, also an actor and singer exclaimed while stating that he would love to shoot his next venture film in the district.
"I will shoot a movie in Bomdila and show it to the people of entire country," he promised.
Responding to the Education Minister Honchum Ngandam's appeal to the Centre to discontinue the existing detention education policy under CCE, the Bojpuri actor assured that the central government will extend all kind of help to the state government without a second thought.
Saluting the soldiers who had sacrificed their lives for the country in 1962 Indo-China war, Tiwari sang a few lines of the popular song of film Haqeeqat(1964) sang by Lata Mangeshkar 'Ae Mere Watan Ke logo' which left the people especially security personnel bit emotional. He also sang few Bollywood numbers.
Greeting the people on festive occasion Education Minister Honchum Ngandam has appreciated the bonding of six indigenous tribes of West Kameng district who co-exists in a blissful ambience of unity and amity.
"Inspite of being different in many ways such as belief, culture & tradition, we are one by heart and soul," Ngandam asserted, while calling for one Arunachal and one India.
He further called for preservation of culture and tradition underscoring the value of culture. He added that the festivals, religions, societies were manmade, but culture evolved throughout the human civilization.
"We can become bureaucrat, technocrat, politicians, but without culture we are nothing," he stressed and exhorted the people to protect and preserve the aged old culture and tradition.
On education scenario, the Education Minister sought support from the people to revamp and improve the quality of education in the state. He urged upon the non-teaching professionals like Doctors, Engineers, Police and others to come forward and impart knowledge to the students during their free time. The minister was critical about the existing education policy adopted by the union government and termed it as factor leading to deteriorating quality education in the state. He sought for reconsideration of existing policy.
Terming the inaugural day of the festival as historic, local MLA Japu Deru said that the objectives of the festival is to preserve, promote and protect the unique cultural diversity and rich traditions and to promote unity among the six tribes of West Kameng district.
Meanwhile, thousands of spectators amidst religious festivity thronged the Buddha Stadium to witness the spectacular dances performed by the various cultural troupes of West Kameng and other parts of the state.
The main attraction of the festival was the colourful mask dance by monks of the monastery wearing their best robes signifying good over evils that enthralled the spectators.
Besides the cultural performances, other attractions of the first day of the festival were various adventure and traditional sports activities, food festival and many more.
PMSMA--Scheme for pregnant women launched
ITANAGAR, Nov 04: Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA), a new intervention to ensure quality antenatal care to pregnant women was launched by Special Secretary Prince Dhawan at the National Health Mission Office, Naharlagun on Friday.
PMSMA is a new and one of the many initiatives of the Government of India to boost healthcare facilities for pregnant women, Dhawan said while highlighting the aims and objective of the scheme.
PMSMA has the potential to deliver comprehensive and quality antenatal care services to each and every pregnant woman thereby, reducing maternal and infant morbidities and mortalities, he said and emphasized on the role of ASHA workers and ANMs in effective implementation of scheme.
Stressing on creating awareness through IEC and inter-personal communication of the schemes, Mission Director (NHM) PN Thungon called for ensuring qualitative and comprehensive antenatal service to every pregnant woman at designated health facilities.
PMSMA will be initially introduced in District Hospitals and extended to CHCs and PHCs in phase wise manner.
PMSMA was launched on June 9 this year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an objective to boost health care facilities
for pregnant women specially poor women by fixing 9th of every month as antenatal care service day by providing them with comprehensive and quality care, informed Nodal Officer (MCH) Dr. T Natung.
Senior doctors, nodal officers and staff of family welfare and National Health Mission attended the launching ceremony.
Necessity of codified customary laws - an emergent need
[ Dr. Topi Basar ]
Customary laws of the tribal people have drawn a critical focus in the current discourse on Uniform Civil Code. In this ongoing debate women's rights and gender justice holds a significant position being one of the foremost stakeholders. In a population of about 13.84 lakhs in Arunachal as per 2011 census, male comprise of over 7 lakhs and female over 6 lakhs. The sex ratio i.e. number of females per 1000 of males stand at 938 compare to Sex ratio of Meghalaya-989,Manipur-985, Mizoram-976, Tripura-960, Assam-958, Nagaland-931,Sikkim-890 (lowest sex ratio of these). Arunachal is having the third lowest sex ratio among these despite marginal increase from 2001 census it is still below the national average of 943. But one positive point is Arunachal's child sex ratio is 972 i.e. number of females per thousand males in the age of 0-6 yrs.
On the front of literacy, Arunachal has 65.38% of which 72.55% is the male literacy rate and female literacy is 57.70%. In the 60 member house of legislative assembly only two women elected representative for a population in which female population is more than 6 lakhs. The entire north east has the lowest percentage of women in political representation nationwide. Social, political and educational empowerment of women is well reflected in the given statistics. This calls for a critical analysis of the real social conditions of women within the paradigm of customary laws. There is a need to understand the existing customary laws of various tribes within the state, comprising 25 major classifications and more than 100 sub-tribes and how each of them address the rights of women folk in matters of marriage, inheritance, divorce, maintenance etc. Can there be common general principles which can evolve to identify the common vices in all the customs.
For the women's rights and gender justice and equality a uniform codification of customary laws in civil matters by the members of all the communities in a consensual and coordinated way is the need of the hour. Compiling and collecting the best practices relating to marriage, divorce, inheritance, maintenance etc and abolishing the anti woman and children practices with the ultimate aim of codification of selected and amended customary norms is the need of the hour. For us having a uniform customary laws in consonance with constitutional objectives of gender justice and social equality of woman is more important than supporting or rejecting uniform civil code. There is a necessity to amend wherever change is felt to some customary practices and it is illogical to expect the social change to be ushered by the UCC alone without changing our own customary outlook and mindset. Another strong reason for advocating codification of customary laws are instances of practical legal difficulties. For instance, when a woman files case against the husband under section 494 of IPC, which penalizes bigamy, if any man or a woman contracts a second marriage in the lifetime of either the husband or wife, it is punishable with fine and upto seven years of imprisonment. But for a tribal woman to invoke this against the husband committing polygamy is a difficult proposition even if woman wants to. The court generally does not interfere in customary domains of tribal community. Hence, woman will be unable to use this penal provision effectively. The courts in India recognize custom as a source of law for the society where it is applicable unless it contravenes the Constitution. But distance itself from interpreting the oral customary laws. Moreover, the unique tribal customs and traditions have somehow not been subjected to judicial scrutiny for reasons of cultural plurality and diversity to endure. But if change is made in the customary laws by suitable amendments and codification consequently the court shall enforce it by all means. Hence, codification of customary laws by statutory measures will bring much needed customary law reforms for improving the social status of women in general.
The most salient feature of customary laws is its unwritten forms, accepted as oral usages, practices and traditions for generations. Due to its unwritten character it is also prone to misuse and misinterpretation by the socially powerful and influential elites and used in perpetuating gender inequity in the society. In one instance an Arunachali girl and her mentally and physically disabled sister disowned by her father who married another woman, their own mother having married already. She wants to approach the court for seeking maintenance for both the siblings from the father under section 125 of CrPC. What should be the customary norm in this case? One may argue that as per our custom father's duty is to provide them maintenance but can the community compel the father in doing so against his wish in the absence of written code of customary laws and what will be the consequence of his denial? What is the customary mechanism in place which the helpless and abandoned daughters can invoke at the community level? Hence, she will be bound to knock the court's door. This trend will also affect the local dispute redressal system due to lack of specific customary laws governing such cases. Therefore, codification of customary laws is also inevitable for improving the village traditional councils and its functioning. Else, people will lose faith in the traditional courts and lean more towards the formal courts. The tribal village councils are integral part of our social system, its existence with necessary modification is basic need of the hour. Most importantly many laudable aspects of our customary laws equally need codification for its preservation. Codification will also bring finality to a decision rendered by the village councils as the court will not easily overrule the decision given under the codified customary laws.
Due to non-codified laws of custom many societal norms and conventions have developed which perpetuate the practice of child marriage. Since tribes have not fixed any minimum age for marriage like under the Hindu family law age of marriage for boy is 21 and girl is 18 yrs. As per general law, age of maturity is 18 years, whereas our tribes do not prescribe to any age criteria because of which we are unwittingly perpetuating child marriage by not changing this legal anomaly. Another important point is many of our youths can become victim of law if their relationship with any girl go sour the boy may be penalized for doing something consensually as there is no rigid rule under the custom on age of maturity for such act. It is imperative to evolve custom as per changed law. Most important fact is under the amended juvenile justice Act a boy of 16 to 18 years can be treated as an adult for committing heinous crimes like rape. These changes are significant which necessitates codification of customary laws to complement these general legal provisions. If not done, it will have detrimental consequences on the young boys and girls who may be below 18 and tried for unintended offences committed by consensus mainly the boys or man. As in the POCSO Act, a person below 18 is a child and the age of consent is also 18 years and this Act which recognize no exception criminalizes even consensual sexual act with a person below 18yrs.
In view of these legal developments a common unified approach and synergy involving all the communities will be a good way forward. The APWWS a well recognized registered body having its units all over the districts and villages will be an ideal platform to initiate the change desired in this direction. I came to know of Adi codification of customary laws called 'adi kebang ayon' one of the first instances of codification in our state that can be replicated for the whole of Arunachal. The other tribes may also follow eventually. Uniformity may be difficult to begin with but in matters of child marriage, polygamy, inheritance, maintenance of children, rights of women and children from polygamous matrimony, adoption etc. a uniform codified customary law is necessary. We cannot achieve all this merely by approving the uniform civil code without having uniform customary laws in written form at the first place. (The writer is Associate Professor, National Law University, Assam)
The scourge of Bandh
[ Denhang Bosai ]
The repeated threat of bandh call by one organization or the other in our state is creating a morass of confusion in the mind of the ordinary people, who are already burdened with multifarious problems both big and small.
I always maintain that if a bandh can indeed solve the nagging problems of the state, let there be a bandh call every single day. But does a bandh call actually yield even a semblance of a tangible solution or result? No, it only creates more problems than solving them.
In the past the bandhs called or imposed by some well-known and obscure organizations had become so painfully frequent in our underdeveloped infant state Arunachal Pradesh that I had every reason to believe that my article on bandh culture would be coinciding with some bandhs or the other in the state. Sadly, these bandh calls conveniently termed as 'democratic' by a minuscule few may be a medium of protest but for the vast majority of the people the bandh is the most dreaded and frightening 5-letter word that sends chills through their spine.
Ours is a young state and every minute is valuable for us to make efforts to catch up with the other more developed states of the Northeast and the country. The planning for overall development of our infant state is at a nascent stage and unwanted interruptions, like bandh calls only retard the state's development. The sooner we all realize this glaring fact the better for our tomorrow.
There are no two opinions about the fact that the bandh culture is a scourge for any society as it creates more problems than solving them. Bandhs not only affect the daily life's vicissitudes of the ordinary people but they seldom yield any tangible result.
Incidentally, there are many other ways of registering a protest.
Unfortunately in Arunachal Pradesh, it has become a sort of fashion to call a bandh at the slightest pretext, conveniently ignoring all the other available means of protest. A well-known company in Japan, the Toyota Company's workers work for extra hours or overtime to protest against any in-justice meted out to its workers. Bandhs cause inconvenience not only to the common people but also to the organizers of such bandh calls.
Interestingly, after each bandh call, the organizers claim their 'mission' being peaceful and successful. How can they get away so lightly by terming their bandh call as peaceful when they had caused so much agony, anxiety and destroyed the peace of mind of the people, who loathe such bandh calls for obvious reason?
Of course, their claim of the bandh being successful may have some substance as there is no dearth of people in our state, who look for excuses to shun work. But absence of these insincere people from work must never be construed as a support to the bandh. They do it out of fear.
Today, if one flips through the pages of the morning newspapers, he finds news of a bandh being called somewhere or the other in the state. However, every one will admit that it is the capital Itanagar bandh that has the greatest impact on the life of the people because being the capital; it is the seat of planning and decision-making. People from the districts go there to seek redressal to their problems and most of them stay in the hotels, spending their hard-earned money. Bandhs only compound their problems and predicaments. If the organizers of bandhs realize this truth, the collective blessings of those who suffer during bandhs will catapult them to unimaginable height of success and glory.
The habitual bandh organizers must realize that those states in India that do not believe in the bandh culture have forged ahead while the states plagued by this abominable malaise have been left behind, high and dry in the rat race.
Take the case of West Bengal where scores of trade unions tend to oppose any or every decision of the government and call bandhs during the long CPIM regime. Where was West Bengal before and where it stands today? The bandh culture has pushed the state backward. However, thankfully Mamta 'Didi' has realized the futility of bandh calls and her state West Bengal is free from this bandh culture, at least for now.
In the Northeast, the bandh culture is synonymous with the eldest sister Assam. There the bandh culture has become a deep-rooted problem and even God may fail to undo it or do away with it. The bandh has become a culture, a system there.
In fact, today, Assam is known more for her bandhs than the Bihu, tea, oil or coal. Things have come to such a pass that if some one says that there is an Assam Bandh, it is no longer news. On the other hand if it is otherwise, it is a big news. Such bandhs not only cripple Assam's economy, but cause untold sufferings and miseries to the people of the other Northeastern states as most of them are dependent on Assam for almost every thing and also Assam is the gateway to all the states in the Northeast.
Disgustingly, Arunachal Pradesh has very successfully imported this unwanted bandh culture from Assam and it is undoubtedly going to cripple the overall development of the state and push the people to an unfathomable pit of self destruction.
It is high time the people of the state realized the negative impacts of bandh culture before Arunachal Pradesh become another Assam wherein even if she wants to get rid of this bandh culture, she cannot.
Those people in our state, who derive sadistic pleasure by seeing the ordinary people suffer in silence during bandhs, should know that the bandh culture is akin to insurgency problem. A place hit by uncalled for frequent bandhs can never develop and prosper so also a place faced with insurgency problem can never make any headway in any sphere.
In Arunachal Pradesh, leaders of all hues claim that tourism is the future of the state and that tourism will turn to be the numero-uno money-spinner. But amidst these frequent and unwarranted bandh calls if we believe that tourism will flourish in the state then we are living in a fool's paradise. Tourism can develop only in places where there is peace and order. Tourism industry in places, like Kashmir, Darjeeling etc has suffered setbacks due to bandhs.
Before calling a bandh, the organizers should spare a thought about the daily wage-earner, the vegetable and fruit vendor, the pregnant woman who needs immediate medical care, the sick person, the student who is to go for admission or write examination, the foreign tourist whose RAP has expired and the ordinary man who is not even remotely connected with the reason(s) for the bandh called by some unscrupulous organizations.
Even though, every body is aware that the bandh culture is the source of human sufferings, it is rather intriguing as to why some people are bent on using it as a weapon to protest.
Let us together nip this dreaded bandh culture in the bud before it grows to uncontrollable proportion. The government needs to take urgent steps in evolving a mechanism to arrest this burgeoning menace including considering an option to ban bandhs by seeking legal opinions from legal experts.
Let us make Arunachal Pradesh a bandh-free state. Bandh culture is our state's nemesis. Nobody gains from a bandh call. It only brings sufferings. Today, we have a young and visionary Chief Minister in Pema Khandu who is efficiently backed by a Cabinet consisting of senior leaders and young faces; a perfect of experience and exhuberence of the youth. The Chief Minister has already prepared a roadmap for development of Arunachal Pradesh. Let us not distract him by calling bandhs. All contentious issues if any should invariably be hammered out through a meaningful dialogue. Together we can do it. (The writer is Deputy Director of IPR)
Governor calls upon youth to become responsible citizens
ITANAGAR, Nov 4: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh V. Shanmuganathan called upon the youth of the State to make Arunachal Pradesh a paradise on earth by becoming a responsible citizen.
"Youth must prepare themselves to shoulder their present as well as future responsibilities effectively and fruitfully in various sectors and professions. They have an important role in addressing social issues, including protecting the environment, preserving the good age-old traditions, eliminating evil social customs and contributing to socio-economic development," the Shanmuganathan said while addressing the inaugural function of the 5th Indigenous Youth Festival at Tezu, Lohit on Friday.
The Governor advised them to inculcate self-discipline.
He said that their action, thoughts and words must reflect the highest sense of integrity, honesty, commitment and a very high sense of patriotism.
Saying that youth must have the quest for knowledge, the Governor advised them to strive for excellence in their chosen field.
The Governor also said that the youth must change their mindset and open to new ideas and new friends. They have the strength, innovation and creativity to excel, he said and advised them to be an entrepreneur and provide jobs to others as there are many scope for entrepreneurship in horticulture, tourism, hydropower, handloom and handicrafts.
The Governor called upon the youth to rise to the expectation of the elders, relatives and the fellow countrymen. He urged them to build a new, strong, prosperous, disciplined and efficient India.
Felicitating the IFCSAP for working very tirelessly in preserving and promoting the cultural identity and the traditional art of every indigenous faith since its inception in 1999, the Governor wished that the NGO carry on its bounden work and further strengthen the indigenous faiths and beliefs of the State.
"Raj Bhavan will be always there to support you morally and in any other way possible in your great endeavour," he added.
The Governor, who lighted the inaugural lamp and unfurled the indigenous festival flag, expressed the hope that the Youth Festival which is being organized by IFCSAP will open new horizon of amity and oneness amongst the people of the Frontier State.
The festival will secure, strengthen and rejuvenate indigenous culture and traditions. Youth should take pride in their cultural ethos and reflect it in their day to day life, he added.
Earlier, the Governor visited the Parasuram Kund and offered prayers. Impressed by the scenic location of the famed pilgrimage centre, the Governor suggested for more amenities around the spot for tourists and pilgrims.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Tribal affairs Jual Oram said that indigenous people must be proud of the tradition based on community living.
Replying to a three-point memorandum on the occasion, the Minister assured to address the points positively.
In his address, IFCSAP president Dr. Ligu Tacho called for implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religions Act (1978).
He said that faith and culture are two sides of a coin and culture without faith is body without soul.
IFCSAP vice president Gichik Taaza also spoke on the occasion.
Seminars and interactive sessions of indigenous faith and culture, indigenous games and sports competitions, mass procession, indigenous cultural shows and innovation by priests are parts of the three-day cultural extravaganza.
The three-day Youth festival organized by Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh was also attended All India President of Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram Jagdeoram Oram, Yvette Chaire Rosser, Research Scholar from USA and Member of Parliament Ninong Ering amongst others.
More than 4,000 participants from different parts of the State are attending the festival. PRO to Raj Bhawan
AAPSA-SAHODAYA talent search 2016 begins
Tacho exhorts students to keep pace with changing world
ITANAGAR, Nov 04: Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Rajesh Tacho exhorted the students to keep pace with the changing world and encouraged them to participate in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities for overall development.
Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities play a great role in the lives of young people since education today is not confined to the four walls of a school, Tacho said after inaugurating the "Talent Search 2016 organized by All Aruanchal Private Schools Association and Sahodaya, Arunachal Chapter here on Friday.
Expressing his fortune to be in the premises of Donyi Polo Vidya Bhawan, which has given the State its youngest Chief Minister, Tacho exclaimed, "What else could be better than such Talent Search for any school in the world"! He also called upon the students and teachers and AAPSA family to strive to provide quality education to the state.
Talent Search, the 8th of its kind, and the second to be hosted at Donyi Polo Vidya Bhawan, an initiative of AAPSA and Sahodaya, Itanagar Chapter, provides a healthy platform for the students of the private schools of the State to showcase their talents and get enriched through healthy competition.
This is my first appearance at an AAPSA-Sahodaya event and I am happy to be in such a platform which encourages excellence in education," said Director, Skill Development and Employment Generation Subu Tabin.
Subu said that such programmes bring good relationships among students and teachers.
Earlier, Levi Katy, Principal Donyi Polo Vidya Bhawan who is also the Secretary of AAPSA and President of SAHODAYA, Itanagar, explained the motto of AAPSA.
AAPSA president Techi James expressed his desire to see many more schools of the state participating in Talent Search.
In the coming two days, over a thousand students from the various private schools under AAPSA and Sahodaya will compete with each other in a healthy manner to discover their talents and to enrich themselves.
AAPSA and Sahodaya have kept the theme of Talent Search as 'Together to Excel' to stress upon the paramount importance they give for Unity, non-compulsive Collaboration and Togetherness in the work of education which produces excellence.
Present on the occasion, among others, were the executive members of AAPSA, students, teachers, principals, parents and heads of private educational institutions recognized by AAPSA having recognition from CBSE/ICSE or the State Educational Department as a 'school'.
Pasighat-Kareng ghat passenger vehicle service to resume
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Nov 04: Passenger vehicle services from Pasighat to Kareng (Bogibeel) ferry ghat in Assam, which was discontinued a couple of years ago, would be resumed from November 6.
The decision was taken after a joint meeting held under the aegis of Adi-Mising Baane Kebang (AMBK) at Kulajan (Silapthar) in Dhemaji district of Assam.
Operation of Winger and other vehicles carrying Arunachalee passengers to Dibrugarh and other parts of Assam was ceased due to objection from the vehicle owners from Kulajan, who operate their vehicles in between Kulajan and Kareng ghat. It was alleged that indiscriminate operation of passenger vehicles between Pasighat and Kereng ghat hampered their business.
The vehicle owners of Kulajan had restricted ferry ghat bound Arunachali vehicles beyond Kulajan from where the passengers had to board in other vehicles to reach the ferry ghat.
The unhealthy practice caused great incontinences to Arunachalee passengers and they finally approached AMBK for an amicable solution to the problem.
The AMBK, the apex body of Adi and Mising communities convened a joint meeting of various community based organizations and Mini Vehicle Owner Associations at Kulajan on November 3 last.
The meeting chaired by AMBK vice president Majit Pao resolved the issue on condition that only four Arunachalee vehicles will ply 'to and fro' along the route in a day.
As such, 'East Siang Maxi Cab Association' will resume operation of Omni vehicle along Pasighat-Kareng ghat from November 6 next.
Joint team of ITBP and IMF reach Mt Kangto base
SEPPA, Nov 4: The joint team of ITBP and Indian Mountaineering Foundation, New Delhi successfully scaled the base of Mt Kangto along Indo-China Border on October 21 last. The team started their expedition from BOP (54 BN ITBP), Bameng and reached the base of Mt Kangto via Upper Liyak-Lada-Besai villages, covering a distance of more than 50 kms.
Mt Kangto with an altitude of 7042 meters is the highest peak in the state. Covered by snow throughout the year, it is the source of Pachuk River, one of the main tributaries of Kameng River. All earlier attempts by any party or group to reach the base of Mt Kangto had proved futile.
On reaching the base, the team unfurled the National Flag. En route the base, the team organized series of medical camps at various villages. They diagnosed and distributed free medicines to the villagers. As reported by the team, the villagers were very cooperative and accommodative. They further acknowledged and expressed gratitude to the district administration led by i/c DC Tamuna Messar for the logistics support provided in terms of ration and porters.
"Now the route from Besai to the base of Mount Kangto is explored and opened, it would provide immense opportunity in the development of eco and adventure-tourism in this area," the team leader said.
The expedition team comprising of more than 50 personnel and porters was led by Deputy Commandant (ITBP) Hari Singh along with Assistant Commandants (ITBP) Shiv Prasad Sati and Dinesh Negi, and commanded by MS Rawat, IG (ITBP), North East Frontier, Itanagar. (DIPRO)
Governor order on special revision of electoral rolls
NAHARLAGUN, Nov 04: In pursuance of Election Commissioner of India, the Arunachal Pradesh Governor has ordered ban on transfer and posting as well as all kinds of leave in respect of the officers/officials including APCS officers (Electoral Registration Officers and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers), who are discharging duties in connection with ongoing special summary revision of photo electoral rolls with reference to January 1, 2017 as qualifying date with immediate effect till its completion.
Further, all Deputy Commissioners have also been requested to make necessary arrangements by allowing the neighboring Circle Officers/Extra Assistant commissioners to hold the additional charges of those assembly constituencies where post of EROs/ AEROs are lying vacant to ensure smooth carrying out of the work of special summary revision of photo electoral rolls as per order by Commissioner, Personnel, Itanagar, according to an official release. (DIPRO)
HRD ministry to release pending salary
NEW DELHI, Nov 04: Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has agreed to release the pending salary of Rs 53 Crore of SSA/KGBV teachers for the year 2015-16.
This was intimated by the Ministry to the state government on Friday.
It may be mentioned that the state government had released two months pending salary of SSA teachers from the state's own exchequer even before the HRD Ministry had assured to release the pending share of Rs 53 crore.
Chief Minister hailed Union Minister for Human Resource Development Prakash Javedekar for his timely intervention in releasing the long pending share. He sought Union Government's continuous support in all key sectors make the state a vibrant and front runner in terms of development.
Felix gave away awards to the AISSCE Class-XII toppers
ITANAGAR, Nov 4: Parliamentary Secretary for Education and IPR, Bamang Felix gave way awards to the toppers in VKVs North-East region in the AISSCE Class-XII 2015-16, during the inaugural programme of a three-day long High Achievers' Camp which began at VKV Chimpu here on Friday.
In all 243 students from various VKVs of the state who have secured CGPA=9 in Class VIII final examination-2016 were selected for the camp. Those awarded include; Siddhi Shrivastava (Science) of VKV Nirjuli, who received Dr. Akan Duwara Award while, Ashish Sonar (Commerce) and Kumari Likmung Ngemu (Arts) stream received Mananeeya Eknathji Memorial Award.
While addressing the students, Felix said that inner strength is more important than outer facilities and advised students to respect their teachers and parents.
Former Deputy Secretary of Defence Secretary to the Prime Minister and ISRO space scientist, Dr. TP Sasikumar is the resource person of the residential camp.
Education Officer of VKVs Arunachal Pradesh Trust, PM Unnikrishnan, Joint Secretary of VKVs of Assam, Reboti Devi, CBSE incharge of all VKVs of Arunachal Pradesh, R Krishnankumar also spoke on the occasion.
Vice Principal of VKV, Itanagar, Guruvayya J, administrative officer of VKVs Assam, Kamalakant and VKV Dhemaji Principal, Lakhi Narayan along with parents and teachers attended the programme.
NHPC briefs about status of Subansiri Lower Project to AJYCP members
GERUKAMUKH, Nov 4: The NHPC officials of Subansiri Lower Project briefed the members of Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP), Central Committee and district units of Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Bishwanath and Majuli, who visited the Subansiri Lower Project site here on Friday about the present status of the project and showed them the protection works being undertaken at sites.
The officials informed that minor protection works are regularly done at project sites after the monsoons to keep the partially constructed structures intact.
Regarding reports in certain section of media claiming that NHPC has restarted the construction activities at Subansiri Lower Project, the NHPC clarified that only periodic and routine repair and maintenance works of machinery, equipments, buildings and roads of the project have been taken up.
The power developers further said that certain protection work in the dam and adjoining areas is being carried since last year to protect the partially constructed structures from wear and tear of the monsoons which has been allowed by the National Green Tribunal.
Fire destroys house
ZIRO, Nov 4: One OBT type house belonging to one Dusu Jalyang was completely gutted in a devastating fire which broke out at around 7am at Salang colony, Hapoli.
Of the five rooms of the house Dusu Jalyang, a widow had rented out three to students. Reportedly, only one tenant was present at the time of the incident. However, no casualty has been reported.
Meanwhile, ADC, Nending Chatung, EAC, Mobia Tai and CO, Pooza Sonam rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation. The ADC further gave away Rs. 3800 as an immediate relief to the victims. (DIPRO)
Joint team inspects drain construction sites
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Nov 04: A joint team of officials and leaders led by Ruksin ADC on Thursday inspected the sites for RCC drain construction in and around Ruksin headquarter and shortlisted the barriers along the sites.
The officials and leaders requested local administration to clear the barriers from the project sites and contemplate early construction of RCC drainage.
Ruksin ADC, T Pada assured the officials that it would convene meeting soon with the owners of buildings and other structures set up on the alignment of RCC drain and issue circular to remove/dismantle the structure and clear the sites.
The team comprised of RWD Assistant Engineer J Moyong and Junior Engineer T Bhattacharya, EAC Orin Lego, Ruksin Block ZPM Tonggeng Panyang, public leaders and the concern contractor.
It is pertinent to mention that the government has sanctioned an amount of Rs 3.98 crore for infrastructure development of Ruksin township, which has been assigned to RWD Pasighat division for implementation. According to officials, the construction works include drainage at township, double -storied RCC guest House (reconstruction) at Ruksin head quarter and construction of residential building (SPT-IV) for medical staffs of PHC at Bilat. Construction of drain has been one of the long-pending demands of the local people. Ruksin ADC's office, police station and police quarters, Tax office, Forest Range office and forester colony, PWD section office quarters are the worst sufferers.
The 1-km RCC drain, which is estimated to start from Ruksin CHC to Petrol Pump covers main market and residential areas alongside National Highway-52.
AI selects Takar Toko as pilot trainee
ITANAGAR, Nov 04: Energetic Arunachalee youth Takar Toko, among 17, has qualified Air India Limited's (AI) simulator proficiency assessment check (SPAC) to join as senior pilot trainee with A-320 endorsement.
The SPAC test was conducted at its Hyderabad and Takar was among four ST candidates to qualify the test, according to the result.
"Empanelled candidates will be sent for training in batches in order of their overall merit and subject to their medical fitness and completion of other pre-employment formalities including submission of bank guarantee.
Takar, son of Toko Tallo and Toko Yaram of Poru village under Yazali circle of Lower Suabnsiri district, passed from Sainik School in Kurukshetra in Haryana.
Former chief minister Nabam Tuki, camping at New Delhi on Congress party work, congratulated Takar for proving his exceptional brilliancy in qualifying such tough test.
Takar most probably would be fourth pilot of the state as Kuru Hassang was the first IAF helicopter pilot, followed by Group Captain Mohanto Panging, who had flown past over Arunachal Pradesh capital Itanagar during silver jubilee Statehood Day celebration at IG Park here on 20.02.12 leaving the mammoth hilarious audience spellbound. Anupam Tangu (Abo), son of retired IAS officer J M Tangu, was the first commercial pilot.
Interview for MTS/MPW conducted amidst bandh call
YINGKIONG, Nov 4: Viva-voce for the posts of MTS/MPW under Medical Department was conducted successfully on Friday despite of 24 hours bandh imposed by AdiSU and All Upper Siang District Student Union (AUSDSU) for its cancellation which began in the morning.
The interview was conducted as per the directions of the Director (Health Services), Naharlagun.
Earlier, the District Administration had declared the bandh call as illegal. The interview was conducted amidst tight security. Executive Magistrates and adequate Police personnel were deployed to contain any law and order problem during the bandh hour. No untoward incidents were reported till filing of this report.
All state and central government offices and establishments remained opened throughout the day. (DIPRO)
Assam Rifles reaches out to students
JAIRAMPUR, Nov 4: Jairampur Battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of Dao Division placed tube lights in the Girls Hostel of Higher Secondary School, Miao as part of a series of its welfare measures on the occasion of Diwali here recently.
The students also shared their unique handmade Diwali cards with heartfelt messages for the soldiers. A number of Class XI students from The Light of the World Public School also contacted the unit to seek guidance for joining the National Defence Academy.
Eclectic North East celebrates 10 years of its existence
GUWAHATI, Nov 04: The Eclectic Group, a leading media and communications house of Northeast India headquartered in Guwahati, has completed 10 eventful years.
Since the past one decade, it has been bridging the gap between the region and the rest of the world, bringing opportunities to the people of the Northeast and highlighting the strengths of a resilient land.
In a press meet organized at the Press Club to commemorate the event, the Eclectic Group shared their eventful journey and upcoming plans.
Tanushree Hazarika, Managing Director of the Eclectic Group said, 'Our goal has always been to bridge the gap between the region and the rest of the world. Even within the region, we know so less about each other. We have tried to showcase our region in the best possible manner. We have also been practicing journalism in a completely ethical and responsible manner. We are also blessed to have an excellent group of associates.'
Elaborating on the editorial journey, Nasreen Habib, Editor of Eclectic NorthEast said, 'Eclectic NorthEast has always stood for journalism of courage, and believed in the power of the pen to bring social change and give voice to NE India's marginalized communities. We have also constantly highlighted the achievements of our people to contest the popular image of the NE as a violent zone, while there are issues, there are also success stories, often lesser-known.
"We have also extended the magazine to have a new digital wing: the Eclectic Northeast website. It represents the changing face of Northeast India with dynamic content in an easy-to-read and visually appealing format,' he added.
Former Editor of The Sentinel and one of NE India's most well-known journalists, Dhiren Bezbaruah, who attended the event as special guest said, 'I am delighted to be a part of the 10 year celebrations of Eclectic NorthEast. I don't think there is any other magazine in this region which can match Eclectic NorthEast in any aspect, be it printing or content. There are a lot of journalists who are good in every aspect but lack the courage. It is thus heartening to see Eclectic NorthEast not shying away from bold stories.'
Utpal Baruah, the Director of UB Photos, who also attended the event said, 'We have been associated with Eclectic NorthEast since its inception. A good thing about Eclectic is that it has given a platform to young photographers. In the Northeast, photographers do not get much scope to showcase their work. But in Eclectic, I see the work of photographers, many of whom have been my students.'
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Correction
The 5th meeting of the 21st Siang Zilla Parishad and District Planning Committee (DPC) Meeting for FFC-2016-17 was convened on November 2.
The Zilla Parishad meeting was held under the chairmanship of Opung Jerang, ZPC of 21st Siang Zilla Parishad in presence of Rahul Singh, DC cum CEO (Siang Zilla Parishad) and Tamik Talom, Member Secretary cum DPDO.
However, in the news item published in this daily, it was mentioned (as reported by the DIPRO) that the meeting was chaired by the Siang Deputy Commissioner cum CEO (Siang Zilla Parishad). There also was no mentioning of the DPC meeting in the news item.
This daily disowns the mistakes but regrets for it.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
Editorial
Govt ought to be careful
Ever since the Narendra Modi led BJP government came to power in centre crackdown on NGOs is going on. It all started with crackdown on NGO of social activist Teesta Setalvad who has been at forefront fighting for the Gujarat riot victims. The 2003 Gujarat riot had led to killing of thousands of Muslim. PM Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat at that time. Many believed that Modi hit back at Teesta Setalvad for raising Gujarat issue at various forums. The home ministry headed by Rajnath Singh has cracked down on a number of NGOs which have got foreign funding in the past couple of years, but controversy and criticism have marred many of his ministry’s decisions.
In 2015, the government cancelled Greenpeace's registration under Foreign Contribution
Regulations Act (FCRA) for allegedly working against the country's economic progress.
This led to international outcry but government refused to budge. Today the government
took the battle against NGOs to the next level. It canceled licences of over 11,000
NGOs under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, FCRA for allegedly failing to
apply for their renewal within the deadline. This large scale crackdown is expected
to have wide ranging effects. In the last two year Modi government has drawn major
criticism for its handling of NGOs run by international bodies or funded by them
in India. With this latest action, the government has further damaged their own reputation.
NGOs plays critical role in filling the gap where government can’t reach. In various
parts of India many vital institutions like schools and hospitals are virtually run
by the NGOs. Therefore the government should be very careful while initiating the
action against NGOs. In the long run these may be counter-
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Readers’ Forum
A clarification
Dear Editor,
This is with reference to the letter "Issue notification for AP PSC Exam, "published
in the Reader Forum of your daily dated 04-
As regards to conduct of Combined Civil Services Examination is concerned, the Commission has not yet received any fresh proposal from the Personnel Department, Govt, of Arunachal Pradesh. Before going to press, a person should invariably contact the Commission to verify the details of the recruitment examination process.
Yours,
T. Jerang
Under Secretary,
APPSC,
Itanagar
Don’t use ads to gag voice of fourth estate
Dear Editor,
Given fourth estate is one of the pillars of democracy, the Government must be held accountable for the way it selects newspapers for its advertisements. The soul of a newspaper is its editorial page comprising of editorial, article and letter. Indeed, 'Readers Forum' or 'Letters to the Editor' column of a newspaper can be compared with a park where people get the free space for deep breathing and exchanging their ideas. The flowers of different hues of democracy can be found in this park. Scrapping of this column is akin to selling the park to a promoter ignoring the larger interest of the society. The need of the hour is to formulate an objective yardstick by which government advertisements in newspapers are to be channeled through a legislative body comprising members of both ruling and opposition parties. The parameter for giving government advertisements to a newspaper must be based on determinants other than the whim of a ruling party. It would be dangerous for a democracy if government advertisements are used as a carrot and stick to gag the voice of the fourth estate.
Yours,
Sujit De, Kolkata
Increase age limit
Dear Editor,
Through this, I would like to request the APPSC to kindly increase the upper age limit before coming up with new notification for Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Combined Competitive Examination (APPSCCE). Since the notifications are very irregular many aspirants reach the upper age limit by the time a notification comes out. Again, the recruitment process in itself is a very long process. The previous recruitment process that started in 2013 was completed in 2016 only and resulted in loss of so many precious years of the aspirants.
Many have already reached the upper age limit of 35 years and some even crossed that
age limit. It is therefore very important to raise the upper age limit. In most of
the states in India, upper age limit is 40-
Therefore, because of the irregular nature of the exam and the long process involved in the recruitment, the APPPSC needs to seriously look at the matter and do the needful. The failure on the part of the APPSC to address this genuine grievance of aspirants will only lead to some young angry disgruntled minds with a brooding sense of injustice ready to go any level to seek justice.
Yours,
An aspirant