PM thanks people for ‘continued faith’
BJP wins Hayuliang by-election
ITANAGAR, / NEW DELHI, Nov 22: North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) candidate Dasanglu Pul of BJP won the Hayuliang Assembly by-poll after defeating her lone rival Yompi Kri, an Independent candidate, by 942 votes.
Pul, who was contesting on a BJP ticket, polled 5,326 votes while Kri could secure 4,384 votes in the by-poll held on November 19.
The winner is the youngest of three wives of former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Kalikho Pul. The by-poll was necessitated due to his alleged suicide.
A total of 108 voters opted for NOTA, Chief Electoral Officer Kaling Tayeng said, adding an estimated 72 per cent electorates exercised their franchise in the election.
The strength of BJP, alliance partner of PPA-led NEDA government, has now risen to 12.
People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) has 43 MLAs, Congress three and Independents two in the 60-member House.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today thanked people for expressing "continued faith" in BJP and its "unwavering focus on development and good governance" after the party scored victories in by-polls in Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh besides doing well in West Bengal and Tripura.
"I thank people for the continued faith in BJP & in the BJP's unwavering focus on development and good governance," Modi tweeted after the results of by-polls to Lok Sabha and Assembly seats came in.
"I congratulate all BJP Karyakartas & leaders for the impressive victories in Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh," he said.
It is a victory of NEDA : BJP
Arunachal Pradesh BJP unit president Tapir Gao, who led the election campaign from the front, has termed the victory of Dasanglu Pul as stamp of approval for the newly formed NEDA government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu. Gao also appreciated the team effort of CM Khandu, Deputy CM Chowna Mein, Home Minister Kumar Waii and the entire cabinet members and parliamentary secretaries.
'This wouldn't have been possible without wholehearted support and cooperation of the alliance partner, People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) Chairman, Kameng Ringu and President Kahfa Bengia,' Gao underlined.
However, this victory is a tribute to former chief minister late Kalikho Pul as much as to the thousands of BJP Karyakartas who have made it possible,' said state BJP President Tapir Gao. He also congratulated Dasanglu Pul on her victory and also extended thanks to the people of 45-Hayuliang Assembly Segment for electing Pul and for the peaceful conduct of the entire election process.'
Further, he rated this victory as sign of good days to come. 'Lotus would bloom more and more. Prime Minister Modi's leadership is not only accepted by the tribals but is being hailed as the golden period of the tribals of the frontier state,' added Gao.
While congratulating Dasanglu Pul, former State BJP president Tai Tagak said that the victory of BJP nominee and NEDA candidate is expected to strengthen the NEDA government in the state. It is certainly a stamp of approval by the people to development initiatives of PM Narendra Modi, he said.
'Let this new era of state politics benefit the border tribal state in all spheres' Tagak added. (With inputs from PTI)
Union RD ministry clears 119 road projects & 36 long span bridges under PMGSY
ITANAGAR, Nov 22: In a historic step to provide last mile connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh, the Union Ministry of Rural Development has given clearance to 119 roads and 36 long span bridges under PMGSY with an estimated cost of Rs. 1488.56 crores.
The balance proposal for 43 roads and 17 long-span bridges will also be sanctioned after inspection by the NQMs in the next two to four weeks, informed Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju.
This was possible after a meeting between Rijiju and Union Minister for Rural Development to work out special provision for Arunachal Pradesh.
Rijiju informed that Government of India is committed to provide connectivity to all the eligible habitations in phase manner within 2019 and all the habitations of International Border will also be provided road connectivity within that period.
After persuasion by Rijiju, the central government has also accepted for considering long span bridges over the rivers and water bodies and extended from 75 mtrs to 100 mtrs under PMGSY projects.
Tago gets back passport, seeks apology from Chinese embassy
ITANAGAR, Nov 22: Arunachal Pradesh State Badminton Association secretary Bamang Tago, who was denied Chinese visa as nominated manager of the Indian badminton team for the Thaihot China Open championship 2016 in Fuzhou, got his passport back through an official of the Badminton Association of India. "The officials of Chinese Embassy has called one Anand Khare, an official of Badminton Association of India (BAI) at the Embassy office, New Delhi and handed over my passport to him on Tuesday after constant intervention from the office of Ministry of Home and Ministry of External Affairs," said Tago in a press statement.
“Though I too had accompanied Khare to the embassy, I was however not allowed to enter the premises,” Tago added.
"They neither issued me a visa nor returned my passport. It was only after I sent an e-mail to the embassy saying I will be forced to file an FIR if my passport was not returned by Tuesday that the embassy responded by calling up the BAI," Tago said in his statement from New Delhi.
Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang had reportedly said that China didn't deny visa to Bamang Tago and that he had withdrawn the visa application himself. However, Tago dismissed the Chinese claim saying his passport was in the custody of the Chinese Embassy and that Chinese claim of withdrawal of application was completely false, fabricated and misleading.
How a high profile person like a Spokesperson of China makes false statement? Why Chinese is returning my passport after the tournament is over ? Is it not a denial or discriminatory? Tago questioned and said that Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang should now apologize to people of India for misleading and fabricated statement.
While thanking Kiren Rijuju, MOS for Home and MEA officials for their timely intervention for recovery of his passport, Tago also appealed to GoI to take up visa issue of Arunachal seriously so that Arunachalees do not suffer further.
Khandu proposes structural changes in fiscal plan
ITANAGAR, Nov 22: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday proposed to make certain important structural changes which would align the government's development agenda with that of the Centre.
Addressing the State Development Council (SDC) meeting here, the Chief Minister said that changes in a nutshell would be participatory budget preparation by engaging all stakeholders to give suggestions in budget formulation for 2017-18.
He said a detailed pre-budget exercise would be held from first week of December by the Finance Department for holding wide consultations with all stakeholders including all concerned departments and by end of January, the Finance department would submit the draft budget to be placed before the Assembly.
After passage of the state budget in the Assembly, the departments will initiate procedures for implementation of the budget allocated to them, he said.
The SDC meeting is a prerequisite for development projects, its implementation and financial matters.
Khandu categorically said the Prime Minister has given him specific instructions on transparency and he is duty-bound to adhere to the orders.
It is our collective duty to restore the image of governance in our state....The government is duty-bound to ensure this and needless to say, we shall deal with any violation with exemplary action, he said.
Regretting that due to several unavoidable circumstances the SDC could not be held in time, the Chief Minister, however, emphasized that the single mandate for the government was to meet the aspirations of the common citizens by bringing in transparency in governance, and providing basic infrastructure, especially in remote rural areas.
It was a collective decision of the government to hold the SDC meeting by all means, he said.
The Chief Minister informed that the Centre has made certain structural changes in the budgeting exercise to be followed from the 2017-18 financial year.
The key changes are: Railway Budget has been subsumed within the General Budget and therefore, no separate Railway Budget will be presented in the ensuing Budget session. The Plan-Non Plan distinction has been dispensed with and now budget will be classified only in revenue and capital heads and the Union Budget session has been pre-poned and likely to be presented in the first week of February, instead of the traditional last week of February.
Pointing out that the impacts on the states are to be anticipated and necessary preparatory works initiated, he said the state government is planning to hold the budget Session for 2017-18 in the last week of February, just after celebration of the Statehood Day.
Khandu said the developmental activities which have so far been taken up in SDC meeting would form part of the budget document to allow departments sufficient lead time to plan and execute works and leave no room for uncertainty and delay.
Further, he said, the SDC would be responsible for holding quarterly meetings to review, monitor the implementation, and financial performance of each department would be closely monitored to maintain tight fiscal discipline.
In the present financial year, as the departments have only 3-4 months for implementation of the schemes and projects, the Chief Minister advised all to project their respective requirements which could only be completed in this fiscal after following all codal formalities.
Khandu made it clear that projects taken up with the normal state funds shall stand lapsed, if not completed by March 31 next.
Payments will be made on physical progress and adherance to codal formalities, he said.
These schemes shall not be carried forward in Part V and shall be reflected in the next budget as ongoing scheme.
However, centrally sponsored scheme (CSS) projects shall continue in the old system, Khandu added.
CM also announced that CM trophy for football and volleyball be named after martyr Hangpan Dada.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who also holds the Finance & Planning Department, informed that the plan size for the current financial year is Rs. 6569 Crores. However, allocation under normal development activities for various departments under Plan allocation has been finalized at Rs. 1459.88.
He appealed to exercise financial prudence while placing the proposals by various departments and called for judicious use of the State's financial resources.
He informed that though the 14th Finance Commission recommendations were very encouraging for the state but the actual remuneration of Share of Central tax by Finance Ministry has not been as per the recommendation and there is a huge gap of Rs. 2240 Crores between the recommendations and actual realization for the last financial year and current financial year. He said such a huge gap has certainly had an adverse impact on the Planning process of a resource crunched State like ours.
He also said that the State's Share of Central taxes will be largely utilized for meeting up the additional fund requirement for implementation of 7th Pay Commission recommendation which will cause 23.55% increase in overall emoluments for employees which is going to make a huge financial impact on the State's resources thereby leaving very limited resources for Capital investments.
He said that the State Govt. is committed to provide matching State share against the centrally sponsored schemes, informing that the government has already released Rs. 62 Crores as state share and another Rs 40 Crores will be released soon.
He asked all the departments to prepare and maintain an Inventory of Assets and submitted to the Planning department which will be uploaded on the website of Planning department and help in effective monitoring.
Stressing on timely submission of Quarterly Progress Reports, Utilization Certificates and Completion Certificates, DCM informed that Government of India has taken a serious note on the delay in submission of QPR, UCs and CCs by Government of Arunachal with regards to Centrally Sponsored Scheme which has led to undue delay in the release of subsequent installments adversely affecting the progress of several projects.
He also informed that Planning Department will release Rs. 6 Cr to concern DCs for establishment of drug de-addiction centres in various districts.
The SDC meeting was attended by the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Cabinet Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, Commissioners, Secretaries and other senior functionaries of the state government.
Escaped UTPs re-arrested
Correspondent
DAPORIJO, Nov 22: Barely 48 hours after their escape from police station lock up here, Daporijo Police managed to re-arrest all of the seven under trial prisoners (UTPs) on Tuesday.
The UTPs were kept in a lock up at Daporijo Police Station and escaped from custody on November 19 early morning after breaking the main entry door.
The re-arrested UTPs were Mainul Haque, Ram Pegu, Chaka Urang, Santosh Chaudary, Ratum Gyadu, Dare Dobin and Dabin Marde and they were re-arrested from different locations in the district under the close supervision of Superintendent of Police Taru Gusar.
While five culprits were arrested from Muri Mugli and two were from Gami village under Puchigeko Circle.
Five police, including one guard commander, were suspended after the UTPs had escaped from the lock up.
Meanwhile, SP Gusar said that the (re)arrest of the UTPs was possible due to sincere team efforts by police and CRPF.
He appreciated the efforts of Inspector T Rebi, OC PS Daporijo, SI R Yekar and Special Branch of Daporijo Police Station for providing special intelligence inputs which led to re-arrest of the culprits.
RTI plays a vital role in building trust between the citizen and the govt : Dr.Begi
SEPPA, Nov 21: Chief Information Commissioner Dr Joram Begi said RTI plays a vital role in building trust between the citizen and the government. It helps citizen to be well-informed about the working of the public authorities for improvement of public delivery services and simultaneously, contributes extensively in strengthening the democratic setup of the country.
He was addressing an awareness programme on RTI Act, 2005 and National Food Security Act, 2013 conducted by the State Information Commission as part of its decennial celebration of the RTI Act here on Monday last.
The programme was aimed at sensitizing the stakeholders and masses of East Kameng district about RTI and national food security scheme.
Dr. Begi exhorted the PIOs not to shy away from the responsibility and requested them to extend all possible cooperation to the information seekers. Suggesting measures to reduce stress associated with implementation of RTI Act, he asked all departments to digitize, update and keep all possible information in public domain such as website, notice boards and others.
Citing Section 4 of the Act, he further suggested the government officials to follow all laid down procedures and rules in order to minimize pendency and work load.
He urged the people to utilize the RTI Act judiciously and at the same time, cautioned against its misuse. As a way to make RTI application more productive and less ambiguous, he suggested the RTI applicants to ask specific and effective questions relevant to the scope of query.
While informing that the state government has allocated the additional charge of NFSA to the Information Commission, he further appealed for efficient implementation of NFSA in the district.
He requested the DC and DF&CSO to exercise impartiality and transparency and adopt best methodology while selecting beneficiary and allocating FPS licences. He further directed the Deputy Director (ICDS) to activate all defunct ICDS projects.
Information Commissioner, Abraham K Techi also apprised about the aims and objectives of the Act, power and functions of PIOs as enshrined in the Act and institutions which come under the purview of the Act. He explained about the role, power and composition of Information Commission as prescribed under Section 18 of the Act. Terming the Act as a powerful gift, he urged everyone to use the opportunity in productive way. Informing further that East Kameng district leads proportionally in terms of number of RTI applications filed every year, he asserted that this indicates pro-alertness and awareness among the people of the district. This indeed is a good sign as long as the applications are filed with progressive and constructive intention, he added.
During the daylong technical session, Information Commissioner, Nanom Jamoh highlighted on the aims and objectives of the NFS Act, 2013. She briefed about the power and function of State Food Commission and its composition and role of DA and DF&CSO. She explained about the power and function and composition of District Grievance Redressal Officer as enshrined under the Act. Explaining about the role of other stakeholder, she urged all stakeholders, particularly the Panchayat and NGOs to play a pro-active role in streamlining and proper implementation of the Act.
DC in-charge, Tamune Messar in his address appealed all not to misuse the powerful tool such as RTI for vindictive purposes and urged to refrain from filing frivolous and fallacious complaints which could defeat the very purpose of the Act.
DDSE, Kata Rangmo, Deputy Director (ICDS), Inu Bhaishya and DF&CSO, Chuku Jirjo presented the progress and achievement of activities under MDM, ICDS projects, and NFSA of the district respectively.
DDSE Kata Rangmo, ZPC, Mering Natung, EKSWCO President, Safar Pao, WWO President, Veena Waii Sonam and members of NGOs along with HoDs, PIOs and RTI activists were also present in the programme.
PR leaders & Govt. officers urged to work in tandem
SEPPA, Nov 21: In a move to build better coordination and cooperation in implementation of government schemes for the welfare of the people, a coordination meeting between the PR members, particularly the ZPMs and HoDs was convened by the PR Department today here at Seppa.
Acknowledging that the term Panchayati Raj in India signifies the system of rural local self-government, ADC in-charge cum DPDO Dr. Olik Taring highlighted about the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, Article 243-G, and the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1997. He briefed about the power, role, function and composition of the Panchayati Raj system and of its members. He further briefed about the devolution of powers and subjects delegated to the three tiers of PRIs under PR Act and rule.
For holistic development of any nation, it is very important that all parts of the government machinery should work in tandem, he said, and urged the govt. authority and PR members to work as a team for the betterment and robust development of villages. He suggested to intimate relevant information to at least office of the PR department and, if necessary to all PR members. He exhorted everyone present to adopt a right approach for resolution of any problem.
Presiding over the meeting, ZPC Mering Natung stated that it is useless to exhume and perform the post-mortem now, albeit appealed all concerned to come forward and extend their necessary cooperation to PRIs for progressive development of the district. She urged all concerned departments to guide and coordinate with the PR members in implementation of activities relevant to subjects as delegated under PR Act for realistic outcome. She assured to cooperate and take up any matter concerning PRIs to competent authority.
Appreciating the noble move, DDSE Kata Rangmo requested for conduct of such type of meeting in larger scale periodically. He exhorted the PR members to initiate necessary measure against non-performing officials.
Requesting not to generalize misdeed of one individual as a deed of whole department, PD (DRDA) K Nyodu too urged the PR members to endorse or report if found any irregularity in the implementation of schemes or dereliction of duty by any official.
EE (WRD) Pai Dawe has suggested for creation of a social forum in whatsapp between the ZPMs and HoDs for better coordination. Informing that ZPM is literally a member of a parishad, CO Takam Nicholas exhorted the ZPMs to be vibrant and pro-active, and try to take active participation in policy making. DHO, DVO, BDO, DD (ICDS) and others also took active participation in the discussion and assured to extend all possible help.
Taking part in the discussion, ZPMs Dadi Rimo, Khya choya, B G Sonam and Changku Sangdo collectively called for all round cooperation and appealed all HoDs to guide and monitor in the implementation of developmental schemes. They have also assured to provide all necessary cooperation to officials and departments.
Few resolutions were adopted in the meeting, which included official directive concerning the scope of cooperation from the DC, creation of social platform for discussion and dissemination of information in whatsapp, and others. DIPRO
[ Seasonal Invitation Football Tournament ]
Majuli FC beat Ramle-Banggo FC 2-1 in opening match
ITANAGAR, Nov 22: Majuli FC (MFC) came from behind to beat Ramle-Banggo FC (RBFC) 2-1 in the opening match of the Seasonal Invitation Football Tournament at Daying Ering Memorial Stadium at Nari on Monday.
Ito Bomjen gave RBFC an early lead but the team failed to capitalise on it.
MFC players came out strongly in the second half and eventually found the equalizer through Jotish Deka in 54th minutes. Rajiv Patir scored the second goal in 67th minutes to seal victory.
Local MLA Kento Rina and Executive Councillor of Mishing Autonomous Council Mula Kanto Pegu attended the opening ceremony.
In their speech, both Rina and Pegu appealed for making best use of the tournament as a platform to strengthen the ties between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. They urged the players to play the game with true sportsman spirit maintaining strict discipline.
Cultural display by local residents, Bodo and Mising people from Assam enthralled the audience during the inaugural function.
Organised by Nari Football Club, the tournament aims at developing better relationship between the residents of neighbouring Assam and Arunachal Pradesh residing along the foothills through sports.
Out of the total eight teams, six are from neighbouring Assam and two are from within the district of East Siang, informed organising committee president Yomli Bomjen.
Pugilist Chamaitu Tikhak accorded warm welcome at Changlang
[ Tom Simai ]
JAIRAMPUR, Nov 22: Pugilist Chamaitu Tikhak, 19, who won a gold medal in the recently concluded 3rd State-Level Boxing Championship held at Nirjuli along with his fellow medalists was accorded a warm welcome by the people of Nampong, Jairampur, Rima-Putok and Manmao here on Tuesday.
Tikhak stepped in the history book by becoming the first to win gold in amateur boxing from Changlang district. He is also the first from the Tangsa community to achieve the feat. The win has ascertained Tikhak's berth in the forthcoming national level amateur boxing championship to be held at Guwahati from Dec. 7 next. This is not an isolated gold win of Tikhak, earlier competing under the banner of Changlang district Amateur Boxing Association Nampong, he has won gold in Tinsukia (Assam) District-Level Boxing Championship 2014 (60 Kg category), and bronze in the inaugural State Olympic Championship 2015 at Chimpu (66 kg category). Last year, he bowed out in the quarter final in the 2nd state -level boxing championship in Itanagar.
'Last year's defeat motivated me to train harder and refocus at my priorities,' Tikhak shared. It was the result of that determination that he was able to clinch the gold this year.
Tikhak, who hails from Kovin village under Jairampur Circle belongs to a very poor family. He credits all his achievements to his coach, AB Lama, who is a teacher by profession and responsible for attracting and honing the local boxing talents. He not only trains the local talents but also search platform for them to compete and funds their endeavor as all the trainees comes from poor families. In order to create opportunities for the local talents, he constituted CDBAN in 2012 which has been realizing impressive corollary when it comes to pugilist performances and overall medal tally. The recent exploits of 4 golds, 2 silvers and 1 bronze at 3rd state-level amateur boxing championship delineates the potential and capability it can accomplish at higher level.
Meanwhile, MLA Laisam Simai who is also one of the patron lauded the incredible results and congratulated all the participants individually and assured to extend all support to them.
Workshop on Galo script held
AALO, Nov 22: A one-day Workshop on Galo Script (Modified Roman Script) organized by Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee Pakam in collaboration with Galo Language Development Committee was held at Pakam Secondary School on Monday.
In his key note address, Dr. Takop Zirdo dwelt at length on the genesis of Galo Script that dates back to the year 2000. He said that many of our intellectuals worked hard on development of Galo scrip in the past and all these deciphered scripts were brought under the scanner of linguistic Specialist Professor Tabu Tait at NERIST.
It was in the year 2004 that a Language Selection Committee headed by Tabom Bam and other intellectuals of Galo Society selected the present script basing on wider acceptability, easy writing and digital friendliness and approved in the Legislative Assembly in 2008 for implementation. The script gives scope to write as you speak and speak as you write to be on our language, he informed.
Also highlighting on the initial problems and shortcomings, he exhorted the teaching community of Galo belt to learn the language and spread it far and wide to have a language of our own.
Dr Zirdo also pointed out level of endangerment and vulnerability trends through power point presentation and called upon all parents also to learn the language and impart it to the present generation.
Resource Persons Kirba Sora, Ego Riba, Ili Riba, Noto Ado and Yadam Loyi gave tips on the script in the day long technical session that followed. (DIPRO)
SBI branch opens in Dumporijo
Correspondent
DAPORIJO, Nov 22: State Bank of India (SBI) has opened its branch at Dumporijo fulfilling a long-felt demand of the people of the circle.
The bank branch was inaugurated by Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner by AK Singh on Monday.
Singh advised all to extend cooperation to the bank authority to avail the services of the bank.
Branch Manager of the bank Nich Tajam informed the gathering about services provided by the bank. Informing the people about the process of exchanging demonetized old notes with new ones, the BM sought cooperation from the customers and public so that the bank could provide services up to their satisfaction.
Chief Manager, SBI Daporijo branch PK Doley, ADC Dumporijo Otem Jamoh also attended the inaugural function.
Liquor seized
ROING, Nov 22: A large quantities of liquor were seized during checking in various places from Meka to Parbuk area here on Tuesday.
The checking was conducted by district administration with police to check illegal selling of IMFL/Beer.
Earlier, similar checking was conducted in Roing township areas.
The entire seized items were deposited at Police Station, Roing.
The team included EAC NK Namchoom, CO Sanjay Taram, Superintendent (in-charge) Tax and Excise Monnong Tayeng and police. DIPRO
Pensioners' association urges Govt to direct banks
ITANAGAR, Nov 22: While paying its gratitude to the state government for launching Jeevan Pramaan for digitizing life certificates of pensioners using Aadhaar platform, the Arunachal Pradesh State Government Pensioners' Association has urged upon the Govt authorities to direct State Bank of India, being the pension disbursing bank in the state, to adhere to the instructions issued by the Ministry of Finance, department of expenditure, Central Pension Accounting officer, GoI, which has exempted the pensioners from physical appearance in the bank for submission of life certificate in the prescribed format signed by an authorized officer.
GoI has also specifically instructed the banks not to harass the pensioners, it said in its release.
The association further said that many pensioners have not enrolled themselves for Aadhaar card and by now have become incapacitated and there is no scope for them to go to Aadhaar enrollment booth for availing the facilities of Aadhaar Digital Jeevan Praman.
It will be inhuman to stop their pension, it added.
Veteran Cup Football semifinal line up complete
ITANAGAR, Nov 22: LABA FC and Siang Highlander won their respective quarterfinal matches to complete the semifinal line up of the Veteran Cup Football Tournament.
AUFC and NUFC have already booked their place in the semifinals.
LABA FC defeated Green UFC 1-0 in the third quarterfinal while Siang Highlander trounced E&K's 4-0 to storm into the semifinals at RG Stadium, Naharlagun on Tuesday.
Gyammar Nonnang was adjudged 'Hero' of the match played between LABA FC defeated Green UFC.
The 'Hero' of the match between Siang Highlander and E&K's was Kabak Tamar.
AUFC and NUFC will lock horns with each other in the first semifinal on Wednesday. PTI
Training on GST held
ITANAGAR, Nov 22: A week-long training programme on Goods & Services Tax (GST) for the officers of the department was organized by National Academy of Customs, Excise & Narcotics (NACEN), Shillong in collaboration with Tax & Excise Department in the Conference Hall of State Institute of Rural Development here from November 14 to 18.
The resource persons drawn from Central Excise & Services Tax Department, Commercial Tax Department, Assam and Tax & Excise Department of Arunachal Pradesh dwelt upon various aspects of the new GST Law likely to be implemented from April 1, 2017.
The inaugural session of the meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shakuntala Gamlin and Additional Commissioner (Central Excise & Services Tax), Dibrugarh Bamin Tari along with Secretary-cum-Commissioner (Tax & Excise) Dr. BM Mishra and Joint Commissioner Tani Jongkey.
The week long training programme was co-ordinated by Tapas Dutta, Assistant Commissioner (Tax & Excise).
K Ashi Khieya, Additional Director General, NACEN, Shillong distributed certificates to all the participants at the valedictory function, which was attended by Dr. Mishra, Secretary (Tax & Excise), Tani Jongkey, Joint Commissioner (Tax & Excise) and Subhrangshu Deb, Assistant Director, NACEN .
After the end of the training, a general body meeting of the Arunachal Pradesh Excise & Taxation Employees Association (APETEA) was held, wherein all the officers from the district were present and discussed on the powers and functions of the State Taxation officers in the GST regime.
DC convenes coordination meeting
AALO, Nov 22: A coordination meeting was convened under the chairmanship of West Siang DC, Gamli Padu with all the branch officers of district administration to assess office delivery service to the people by different branches of DC office here on Tuesday.
The issues of discussion centered around acquisition and land allotment, finalization of Aadhar cards, infrastructure, punctuality, RTI, issue of NOC, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, legal issues, water supply, implementation of NFSA, management of hospital, checking of electrical lines/transformer installations, highway problems, administrative issues with department, education etc.
The DC further asked all officers to discharge their duties in a time-bound manner and instructed them to carry out all executive orders and directions issued earlier for common interests. (DIPRO)
District-level science exhibition held
ZIRO, Nov 22: School children from across the Lower Subansiri district participated in a district-level science exhibition on the theme 'Science, Technology and Mathematics for Nation building' held in Government Higher Secondary School, Hapoli on Nov 19 last.
GHSS, Hapoli Principal, Hibu Tama who inaugurated the exhibition exhorted the students to equip themselves with scientific knowledge for success in life.
Projects of Apul Maga of VKV, Ziro and Pumin Tao of VKV, Yazali were adjudged first and second best exhibits. Cash prizes along with certificates were also distributed the winners. They would be representing the district in the state level. (DIPRO)
APCA team visits eastern Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Nov 22: The Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association (APCA) team led by its president and secretary general Taw Tebin and Nabum Pekhi respectively visited East Arunachal to spread the message of peace and communal harmony and to encourage the Catholic faithful to be harbingers of societal change. The team visited Khonsa, Lazu, Longding and Kanubari.
While speaking to a large gathering at the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Catholic Church at Longding, APCA President, Taw Tebin called upon Catholic believers to be fearless in the pursuit of truth and be agents of positive change in the society.
Quoting the book of Sirach, Tebin exhorted the people gathered to cultivate good relationships saying a loyal friend is like a medicine which keeps you always in good health.
Secretary general Nabum Pekhi urged everyone present to be merciful to everyone especially the poor, the needy and those without friends.
The APCA team exhorted young people present to keep away from drugs and intoxicants as it steals their youth and destroys health. The Bishop of Miao in his message stressed on the need to plant more trees and make Longding district green and clean again.
State Judo team to take part in National Cadet & Junior Judo Championship 2016 - 17
ITANAGAR, Nov 22: A 10-member state Judo team comprising of 7 Boys and 3 Girls has left here to take part in the ensuing National Cadet & Junior Judo Championship 2016-17, which is going to be held at Saifai, Uttar Pradesh from Nov.24 to 28 next.
The team includes; Yamyum Khocha(44 Kg), Kabin Doyom (48 Kg), Yari Maying (52 Kg), Namdu Lapung (50 Kg), Bate Manyu (55 Kg), Kato Ngadong (60 Kg), Kamdon Boi (66 Kg), Mirem Tayeng (73 Kg), Nikja Tadu (55 Kg) and Rahul Mipi (60 Kg), informed an Arunachal Judo Association release.
ZPM opposes move of Patanjali
ITANAGAR, Nov 22: Seijosa Zilla Parishad Member, Pani Tayam has in a release on Tuesday strongly opposed the reported move of the Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd. Haridwar to create a botanical/medicinal garden in Seijosa area without the consent of the local people.
Citing news reports which were published in Assam-based newspapers, the ZPM claimed that as per the MoU, about 21,000 bighas of land will be leased away to the Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd for the botanical project.
'How can the state government let Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd. acquire such vast stretch of land in an area which has been declared as a reserve forest earlier in 1996 by the department of Forest and Environment', he questioned while adding that people's consent is necessary before taking any initiative as the land belongs to the community.
Release enhanced salary: AAPLU
ITANAGAR, Nov 22: The All Arunachal Pradesh Labour Union (AAPLU) has appealed for early release of enhanced salary of casual labourers in Forest Corporation Limited.
In its memorandum submitted to the chief minister, it also sought release of pending arrears of the casual labourers since 2014.
31st foundation day of IGNOU celebrated
ITANAGAR, Nov 22: The 31st Foundation Day of IGNOU was celebrated at IGNOU Regional Centre, Naharlagun on Nov 19. An essay competition open for all IGNOU learners on the topic "the Role of IGNOU in Promoting Higher Education in the State of Arunachal Pradesh: merits and demerits" in which Pasa Hilli bagged the first prize while Terchi Gapak and Ngupak Lendu secured 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively.
Speaking during the function, Regional Director, Dr J Kuba, while highlighting the major achievements of the university and the Regional Centre, stressed on adoption of distance education system in remote villages of the region.
Later Dr distributed prizes to the winners and participants of essay writing competition.
Encroachment within Parashuram Kund land alleged
ITANAGAR, Nov 22: The Parashuram Dham Seva Ashram has alleged Power Grid of encroaching the Parashuram Kund area by installing tower.
In its letter to the principal secretary, home, vigilance and political, it claimed that the company is still going ahead with its activity within Parashuram Kund land despite of Lohit DC ordering against it in March this year.
