October -  23

• Arunachal’s development needs ‘Special’- Gamlin tells NDC
• Team Arunachal meets Central leaders
• Give incentives to players: Yana
• Annual Sports Competition Meeting
• Some hope for remote Tsechu
• 2nd Dera Natung Badminton Championship gets underway
• NNA hails Yana achievement
• Training on the Socio-Economic & Caste Census
• ANYA demands resignation of CM
• Tea Board

Arunachal’s development needs ‘Special’- Gamlin tells NDC

ITANAGAR, Oct, 22: Arunachal Pradesh is geo-politically a very sensitive State, and it is ‘special’ even within the Special Category States, said Arunachal Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin at the 56th meeting of the National Development Council (NDC) at New Delhi, which was chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and attended by Central Ministers and Chief Ministers of all states. With a 1700 km long international border and irrational claims on its territory by a neighbour, it is vital to ensure that development is brought to the doorsteps of its people, he said. “Our strengths are a fiercely patriotic population and their dream of realizing a self-reliant Arunachal Pradesh, at par with areas they see across the Border in terms of progress”.

Accompanied by a high-level team comprising of Finance and Planning Minister Kalikho Pul, Environment and Forests Minister Setong Sena, Chief Secretary Tabom Bam, Principal Secretary HK Paliwal, Planning Secretary Ankur Garg and Special Secretary and PPP Director Sonam Chombay, Gamlin said in his address that poor physical connectivity, low internal resource base, lack of skilled man-power and the long and relatively under-developed international border are some of the major constraints that the State faces at the beginning of the 12th Five Year Plan, which can prove to be impediments to  growth targets. This is what we need to focus on if we are to maintain the growth momentum, he emphasised.

Pointing out that the State had a very low internal resource base, he said that the government’s resolve to maintain its 82% forest cover left little scope for industrial or other expansion. Under these circumstances, the only viable alternative is infusion of large doses of investment by the Central Government into the State. “Till such time as we start getting dividends from our hydro-electric projects and tourism investments, we require hand-holding from the Government of India and request that the unflinching support that we have received till now should continue over the 12th FYP period also”, he expressed.

Explaining the difficulties of the hard terrain and its contrast with a sparsely distributed population, he informed the Council that in the State there are places which require 6 to 8 days of foot-march and where a kg of salt costs Rs. 120, and a cement bag up to Rs. 4,000. “Development activities in such areas are therefore undoubtedly going to be costly. It is our earnest appeal that while considering projects for such regions, typical pre-conditions of cost-benefit analysis should not be applied. Rather, the rich intangible dividends that such an investment would bring in the long run should be the guiding factor.”

In his extended deliberations, he highlighted the peculiar problems that are confronting the development process in the State - the fact that guidelines of many of the Centrally Sponsored Schemes are designed keeping in view the average national conditions, which are not applicable to the state’s unique positioning. “The minimum population criterion results in a lot of our habitations not getting benefited under many of these schemes. We would request that taking into account the region specific conditions, the guidelines for the CSS should also be region specific. For instance, the biggest problem in our Education sector is teacher absenteeism, which can be tackled to a great extent by providing them Government accommodation in far-flung and remote areas. But the SSA guidelines do not allow this. Similarly, for specialist doctors to serve in remote outlying areas, a very flexible salary structure is required which is not permitted under NRHM”.

He said that the need today is for the Planning Commission to review the programme guidelines and allow relaxation and modification in them so that the benefits of these people-centric programmes actually percolates down even to people in remote areas of Arunachal. “Another area that commands our attention is that of the contribution of State Share in these programmes. As it is known, for several of the key Centrally Sponsored Schemes like SSA, NRHM, JNNURM, the requirement of providing State Share is a dire necessity. But when we see this from the prism of the acute resource constraints that a state like Arunachal Pradesh has, we have no option but to plead for the State Share to be waived off for these programmes. I firmly believe that when we speak of development reaching the last mile, modifications in guidelines are small accommodations we make, to ensure that true development takes place. “

When I think of the other arenas where my state faces major challenges, poor physical connectivity immediately comes to mind, he told the gathering. In order to harness the vast potential in hydropower and tourism, we direly need infrastructure, particularly proper roads and bridges. Since there is very little scope of PPP or BOT models in the road and transport sector in Arunachal Pradesh, the only way forward is for massive investments that have to come in through the public sector. Also, considering the topography of the region, air-services can be one of the most effective means of connectivity. “My government agrees with the approach of the Civil Aviation Ministry of developing a few big airports in the region which can then be connected to smaller airports through a hub-and-spoke model. We must also explore a thrust on developing Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) types of airfields at District Headquarters”, he said.

He also touched upon the subsidies for different schemes under the MNRE. The rates of subsidies vary from 50% to 90% of the ex-works costs of the basic systems or devices of Non-Renewal Energy, but do not include the costs of civil works, transportation, taxes and duties and even installation and commissioning charges. This gives rise to a situation where the subsidies actually provided are much lower than what is declared. To ameliorate this, he suggested that the subsidies should be provided as a grant of 90% of the estimated cost of a scheme or project by MNRE, as done in other Central Ministries.  

Gamlin vigorously emphasized that though Arunachal Pradesh has almost one third of its total land area under forests, the maintenance of this rich forest cover is costing the State dearly when it comes to development projects. With a forest cover as high as 82%, it is natural that any new development project will involve forest land, partially or substantially. “Getting Forest Clearance has become a very rigorous and difficult process. Further, the State has to end up paying huge amounts as Net Present Value (NPV) of affected forest area, which drives up project costs. At the same time, the land for compensatory afforestation of twice the affected area is hardly available as 82% is already under forests. This has led to a peculiar situation where we are forced to rethink if forests are actually a resource for us!”

He called upon the Government of India to either look into liberalizing the Forest Clearance norms for a State like Arunachal Pradesh, or alternatively compensate it monetarily, as a policy, for the extra costs incurred by the State on development projects and also for the development initiatives that it has to forego in the interests of maintaining forest cover.

 

Team Arunachal meets Central leaders

ITANAGAR: Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin, accompanied by Finance and Planning Minister Kalikho Pul and Environment and Forests Minister Setong Sena met various Central Ministers and leaders on the sidelines of the meeting of the National Development Council at New Delhi. They also met with Chief Ministers from other States, including Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit.

 “It was a good opportunity for us to meet with them and discuss various issues relating to the process of development of our State”, Gamlin said. He shared that he had extended interactions with DoNER Minister Pawan Singh Ghatowar and requested him to take a personal interest in the projects that are submitted from Arunachal and the Minister assured him that the DoNER Ministry will always keep the interests on the State on its priority.

He also met with Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and extended the people’s gratitude for the recent signing of the MoA on the 300-bedded hospital at Naharlagun, for which the NIT has already been floated. He sought the Minister’s assistance in making real the dream of a Medical College at Itanagar.

I also had discussions with HRD Minister Kapil Sibal and Law Minister Salman Khursid both of whom were very forthcoming on their support to the state. “It was good that in addition to putting across our requests in the plenary sessions, we were personally able to meet them and reinforce the issues that the State presented.”  

Planning Minister Kalikho Pul said he has impressed upon the Planning Commission that physical connectivity, hydropower and employment generation will continue to the thrust areas during the next five year plan. “With the growth momentum that has been attained and with the active support of the Central Government and the Planning Commission, we should be able to clock annual growth rates in excess of 9% during the 12th FYP also”. Environment & Forests Minister Sena hoped that the request for the green bonus and the modifications in the Environment Clearance would be taken up. “I have shared with the concerned officials that these accommodations are very necessary if Arunachal has to maintain the growth path that we have set out on”, he said.

Planning Secretary Ankur Garg later informed that the State’s request of introducing state-specific flexibility in guidelines of Centrally Sponsored Schemes was commonly supported by most of the States and members of the Planning Commission. “This has also been recommended by a committee formed under the chairmanship of Sh. B. K. Chaturvedi, Member Planning Commission and it is expected that during the 12th FYP, incorporating this flexibility will really help the State to harness the full benefits of these Central Schemes. I feel that the population criterion and other such conditions, which are to the detriment of the interests of the people of our State, will either be done away with or significantly relaxed”.

 

Give incentives to players: Yana

ITANAGAR, Oct 22: Weightlifter Takio Yana while appreciating the encouragement extended by organizations and individuals including Governor J J Singh after her achievement at Asian and Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship has said that state Government should provide grant and incentives to athletes in quicker way. The state government should also adopt a policy for a shorter version of file movement to help sports person to participate in the Regional, National and International Championship, she said.

She further said that it was because of her patience, perseverance and determination that has helped her bring laurels for India and Arunachal Pradesh.

She further thanked her coach Kumar Doka and Arunachal Weightlifting Association (AWA) President Abraham K. Techi and General Secretary Daniel Teli who played a major role behind her success.

“My coach has given me proper coaching, training and counseling which has helped me improve my  performance and he too deserve incentives along with the athletes”, she said.

 

Annual Sports Competition Meeting

Seppa, Oct 22:  A meeting for block level (under- 18) annual sports competition 2010-2011 in all the block under Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abiyan (PYKKA) scheme was conducted on Oct 21.

The meeting which was chaired by W Ramdasow, EAC at Kameng Hall, was attended by Tayek Pado, ADC Seijossa, outpost administrative officers, Anchal chairpersons and others.

Karbia Dodum DSO while explaining about the aims and objectives of the meeting sought whole-hearted co-operation for successful conduct of block level sports competition.  He informed that the state level competition shall be conducted by 1st week of December and for that district level competition was resolved to be completed by November itself.

The training for sports volunteers is underway at Kameng Hall, seppa. DIPRO

 

Some hope for remote Tsechu

Nima Khenrab

Tawang, Oct 22: The tiny Tsechu which is located at a distance of about 137 kms from Tawang town has been facing problem because of delay in distribution of food items under PDS. However their problem could ease as the District Food and Civil Supplies Officer (DFCSO)  Tawang , Tam Takia visited Tsechu hamlet to study the situation.

The tour of the DFCSO along with Sange Tsering Kee, SIFCS was intended to study the problems faced by the distant Tsechu inhabitants in respect to supply of essential commodities issued by the govt at a subsidized rate.

Prior to the DFCSO’s visit the Deputy Commissioner of Tawang, Kemo Lollen visited the village to appraise himself about the grievance faced by the villagers and subsequently notified the DFCSO to organise an official visit to the village.

The Head Load continuation order against the area has still not been confirmed by the Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh after its expiry since past few months, due to which the allotment of PDS items had to be diverted to the nearest FPS at Lhou. This has resulted difficulties in availing PDS items for the people of Tsechu, a source said.

Opening of FPS was also proposed in the year 2009 at Tsechu village by Jang LAMPS Ltd., however due to its tiny population with eight households made setting up of an FPS at the area inappropriate considering the cost of FPS establishment, said Sange Tsering Kee.

At the meeting with the villagers and the respective GB,  the DFCSO resolved to discuss their problems with the Deputy Commissioner and assured all possible help to make the lives of the far flung villagers easier. He further promised to speak to the Circle Officer, Lhou to initiate action in this regard at earliest.

 

2nd Dera Natung Badminton Championship gets underway

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Oct 22: The 2nd Dera Natung Memorial Badminton Championship-2011 began at Jubilee Hall of Dera Natung Govt College today organized by Students’ Union.

Attending the inaugural function as chief guest, Palin MLA Takam Tagar (Pario) hoped that the Championship would provide a good platform to the students of the college to show their talents.

Lauding the outstanding performance of shuttler Laa Talar and lifter trio of Yukar Sibi, Takio Yana and Soram Hitler Tagru in national and international sports in the recent time, the MLA advised the students to take inspiration from their success and win glory for the state and the country. He also asked them to create awareness among the youths in their respective villages the importance of games and sports.

The MLA offered floral tribute to the portrait of Late Dera Natung before the Championship was declared open.

ANSU president Sikka Gapak taking the opportunity of the occasion, exhorted one all to shoulder the responsibility in making Arunachal Pradesh an island of peace, harmony and integrity. He cited the example of the lifter trios’ recent triumph at Youth Commonwealth Weightlifting in South Africa and urged them to imbibe their courage and determination to become a good sportsperson.

Principal of the college Tomar Ete said that the championship is being organized for the second time in memory of former education minister Late Dera Natung. Describing the day as a special occasion for the College, the principal asked the students to participate in the championship which will provide them a good opportunity to show their skills. He said that presence of ANSU president and Niani Natung, wife of Late Dera Natung, will inspire both boys and girls of the college to compete in the tournament.  Students’ Union general secretary Khoda Mission through a memorandum appealed to the chief guest to construct drainage system for the college playground. The clogging of water in the field even in a slight rain makes it totally unplayable. He hoped that improvement of the playground would benefit not only college students but also sportspersons of Itanagar area who come here to practice. In another memorandum, the general secretary urged ANSU president to contribute a sound system for the college which the latter agreed to provide.

Nyani Natung,also a  former MLA attended the programme as special guest.

 

NNA hails Yana achievement

ITANAGAR, Oct 22: Nyishi Nyem Acham while hailing the success of the weightlifter Takio Yana for bringing laurels for the country at the recent Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships at Cape Town, South Africa has said that girls have much potential in sports. Therefore, more opportunities should be created and given to them by the state government so that their talent can be extracted to shape their future in the field of sports and defence, it said.

The organization further said that there should be cash incentives for the sports achievers from the state government.  

NNA further condemned the Oct 11 violence.

Whatever the situation, the police should not resort to firing, it said while referring to recent Itanagar and Roing incident.  It further appealed to the State Government to book the culprit that led to the death of Late Heri Tai.  The organization further said that government should not maintain silence on crucial issues.

 

Training on the Socio-Economic & Caste Census

PASIGHAT, Oct 22: With a mission to make first-ever ‘socio-economic and caste census’ a success, a training program was conducted here on Saturday at the Block Resource Center, Romdum under Mebo subdivision. The daylong training program was given by the Master Trainers HK Roy (IPR) and C Mukherji (DRDA) in presence of the ADC-cum-APSECO (Additional Principal Socio Economic Census Officer) SC Debnath, enumerators, supervisors and block level Nodal and Charge Officers.

Presiding over the training program, the APSECO Debnath urged the trainees to be attentive so that the enumeration work could be carried out by them without any doubt in the coming days. He urged to ensure door-to-door coverage of all the buildings and houses, households and persons along with all such places where houseless population may live. A correct census is necessary for the government to formulate and implement right plans and schemes for benefit and welfare of the nation, Debnath further added.

The Master Trainers gave a detailed training on the various methodologies to be adopted for conducting the census operation. It is a paper-free survey and a unique feature of this census is that the enumerators would be using specially designed a tablet PC with assistances of Data Entry Operators to feed directly into the computers, duo informed. (DIPRO)

 

ANYA demands resignation of CM

ITANAGAR, Oct 22: Expressing serious concern over the prevailing law and order situation in the capital and state as a whole, All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) under the president ship of  Bamang Taji demanded resignation of Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin on moral ground for his alleged failure in all fronts. Development activities came to a standstill due to present political crisis for the last five months followed by law and order situation including mob violence, exodus of people from Capital,  the Association said.

It also appealed to the AICC to resolve the differences and leadership crisis within the party and install a visionary leader as head of the Government.

While extending support to the movement of NES and ANSU against the state Govt under the leadership of Gamlin, association also demanded the Nyishi elected leaders to withdraw from the Gamlin led Govt. It further condemned “ the state Govt for its attempt to crumble the unity and integrity of the Nyishi community for its political motive.”

It also condemned the Oct 11 police firing incident which resulted in killing of Late Heri Tai and  conveyed deep sense of condolence to bereaved family of late Tai. It further demanded immediate arrest of the culprit involved in firing incident and threatened to launch series of democratic movement in case of failure of the Govt to do so.

 

Tea Board

Rima Taipodia

Tea is one of the industries, which by an Act of Parliament comes under the control of the Union Govt. The genesis of the Tea Board India dates back to 1903 when the Indian Tea Cess Bill was passed. The Bill provided for levying a cess on tea exports - the proceeds of which were to be used for the promotion of Indian tea both within and outside India. The present Tea Board set up under section 4 of the Tea Act 1953 was constituted on 1st April 1954. It has succeeded the Central Tea Board and the Indian Tea Licencing Committee which functioned respectively under the Central Tea Board Act, 1949 and the Indian Tea Control Act, 1938 which were repealed. The activities of the two previous bodies had been confined largely to regulation of tea cultivation and export of tea as required by the International Tea Agreement then in force, and promotion of tea Consumption.

Tea Board- Organisation And Functions

Organisation: The present Tea Board is functioning as a statutory body of the Central Government under the Ministry of Commerce. The Board is constituted of 31 members (including Chairman) drawn from Members of Parliament, tea producers, tea traders, tea brokers, consumers, and representatives of Governments from the principal tea producing states, and trade unions . The Board is reconstituted every three years.

The following are the standing committees of the Board:

(i) Executive Committee

(ii) Export Promotion Committee

(iii) Labour Welfare Committee and

(iv) Development Committee.

The Executive Committee deals with the administrative matters of the Board. The Export Promotion Committee deals with the work in relation to the export promotion of tea. Labour Welfare Committee guides the Board in implementation of various welfare schemes for the benefit of the plantation workers and their wards. The Development Committee is responsible for overseeing the various developmental schemes run by the Board.

Functions: The Tea Board has wide functions and responsibilities under the direction of the Central Government. Briefly the primary functions of the Tea Board are as under:

a) Rendering financial and technical assistance for cultivation, manufacture and marketing of tea.

b) Export Promotion c) Aiding Research and Development activities for augmentation of tea production and improvement of tea quality. d) Extend financial assistance in a limited way to the plantation workers and their wards through labour welfare schemes. e) To encourage and assist both financially and technically the unorganised small growers sector. f) Collection and maintenance of Statistical data and publication. g) Such other activities as are assigned from time to time by the Central Government.

Funds: Funds for the aforesaid functions are made available to the Board by the Government through Plan and Non-Plan Budgetary allocations. The Plan funds are being used exclusively for the activities mentioned at (a) above. Funds for all other activities mentioned above (b to g) are met from Non-Plan Budget allocation for which cess levied on tea is the major source. Tea Cess is levied on all teas produced in India under Section 25(1) of the Tea Act, 1953. The said Act provides for levying cess upto 50 paise per kilogram of tea produced in India. Currently, however, the cess is collected at the rate of 30 paise per kg. excepting Darjeeling teas for which only 12 paise is levied. The Cess at present is collected by the Central Excise Department and credited to the Consolidated Fund of India after deducting the expenses of collection. Funds are released by the Central Government in favour of Tea Board from time to time on the basis of the sanctioned budget after due appropriation by the Parliament. Such funds received by the Board are being utilised for meeting the non-plan expenditure.

Plan Funds: Funds are provided under the plan budget with the prior approval of Planning Commission and EFC for implementing various developments, promotional and R& D schemes.

Offices Of Tea Board:  a) Offices in India: With Head Office located in Kolkata, West Bengal it has fourteen offices which include Zonal, Regional and Sub-Regional Offices located at the following cities/towns : Siliguri, Mumbai, Cochin, Chennai, Silchar, Kottayam, Agartala, Jorhat, Tezpur, Kurseong, Palampur, Jalpaiguri, Dibrugarh

  It also maintains four Tea Bar/Buffets. (b) Foreign Offices: Currently Tea Board has three overseas offices located at London, Dubai, and Moscow. (The fourth and fifth office at Hamburg and New York was recently closed down). All these foreign offices of the Board are designed to undertake the various promotional measures to boost up export of Indian tea. These offices also act as a liaison office for interaction between importers of Indian tea of the respective regions as well as Indian Exporters.

Tea Board Office At Itanagar: In response to a request made by the then Arunachal Industries, Trade and Commerce Minister Tanga Byaling, the Tea Board of India agreed and set up a camp office at Itanagar, offering all possible assistance from the Tea Board’s end, starting from technical know-how to financial aid to the prospective tea growers. The Tea Board official, who had an interactive meeting with representatives of Arunachal Pradesh Small Tea Growers’ Association, self-help groups and local NGOs at Itanagar , asked for launching a cooperative movement through the self-help groups to give a right direction to the tea industry as well as to increase the domestic consumption of tea in the region. The Tea Board official also informed that the Tea Board would provide financial assistance of Rs five lakh to the small tea growers, considering the feasibility of setting up of a tea factory in the State.

Opening of camp office of Tea Board of India in the state at Itanagar have ultimately pave the way for establishment of regular branch office of the Tea Board of India (TBI) in multi-storied building in future in the state for giving optimum benefits to the local people of the State. For cultivation of high quality organic tea which is highly demanded globally, the state of Arunachal Pradesh having favourable climatic conditions, virgin and rich soil and vast areas under natural forest and vegetation may be an ideal place. As an alternative to the traditional Jhum cultivation, the tea industry can be taken up by the people in the State as the practice of Jhum cultivation often led to ecological and environmental hazard due to destruction of forests and vegetation and is not economically sustainable too. (The writer is a STO, scholar(Botany), specialized in Tea Husbandry and technology sponsored by TEA BOARD OF INDIA and former tea consultant to the state planning department  govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar)

Ant Ek Raste Anek release deferred

ITANAGAR, Oct 22: Abotani Charitable Society and Pammi’s Film Production House have deferred the launching of Hindi motion picture “Ant Ek Raste Anek”  to  November 27. It was supposed to be released on October 23 at Itanagar and Naharlagun.

 

ANYO demands CM’s resignation

ITANAGAR, Oct 22: All Nyishi Youth Organization (ANYO) has demanded resignation of Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin for his alleged failure to deliver justice to Nyishi community on Pradeep Thakur/ToI and Deccan Chronicle issue. The organization termed the present Govt anti-Nyishi and alleged the CM of inaction and betrayal to the Nyishi community on this vexed issue.

Meanwhile, ANYO appealed to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh to constitute enquiry committee on Oct 11 violence incident and demanded  that the police personnel involved  in the incident be given exemplary punishment and  terminated  from service.

 

Orgs flays ANVYF

ITANAGAR, Oct 22: Nyishi Bachao Association (NBA) and Lower Subansiri District Nyishi Student’s Union have came down heavily on All Nyishi Volunteer Youth Federation for demanding the arrest of NES President regarding October 11 violent incident. In separate press release, both the organisations urged various Nyishi organizations to look after the interest of Nyishi community at this juncture and not levy accusation without any proof.

They further added that state government is solely responsible for October 11 incident and NES President has got nothing to do with the incident.

 

Training on potato

ITANAGAR, Oct 22: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lohit has conducted a training programme on “Scientific cultivation practices of Potato” for the farmers of Kherem village today. A total of 25 farmers were present in the training cum demonstration.

 

Training on SGSY

Tawang, Oct 22:  Three days capacity building and skill up gradation training at Tawang, Jang and Lumla CD Blocks respectively was imparted to the members of PRI and beneficiaries under Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozagar Yojana (SGSY) by the DRDA Tawang from October 19. The training was inaugurated by Kemo Lollen, Deputy Commissioner Tawang who is also the CEO of DRDA Tawang on Oct 19 at Zomkhang Hall near Circuit house Tawang. The capacity building and skill up gradation training to the beneficiaries is part of the main programme as per the guideline before assisting them under it and an effort to educate and familiarize the PRI members with the salient features of the Scheme who are the main stakeholders in selection of beneficiaries and key activities, implementation and monitoring of the scheme at grass root level. In the entire block HQs the training was attended in large numbers by the PRI Members and beneficiaries.

On Oct 21, PRA cum capacity building training of user group, watershed committee, SHG and watershed development team was also conducted under IWMP-1 at Lumla CD Block by the DRDA Tawang.

 

Proposed Chess C’ship opposed

ITANAGAR, Oct 22: All Arunachal Pradesh Chess Association (AAPCA) has described the proposed 3rd State Level Open Chess Championship to be held at Daporijo as unauthorized saying that the organizing committee did not obtain permission from AAPCA to conduct the same.

Further, the organizing committee Upper Subansiri District Chess Association is not properly affiliated to AAPCA and its office bearers too are unknown to the state body, AAPCA said in a release and urged everyone not to contribute  in cash or kind for the proposed tournament. It also directed all international rated players not to take part in the tournament since it is not officially recognized one.

 

Carrying of lethal weapons banned in Capital

ITANAGAR: Capital Complex District Magistrate in an order has banned carrying of lethal weapons which include licensed and unlicensed Fire arms, Daos, Swords, Lathis and explosive materials in public places including hotels and restaurants due to prevailing law and order situation in the state capital.

The order further directed all the persons possessing fire arms whether licensed or unlicensed to deposit or surrenders all such weapons at their respective police stations, Itanagar, Naharlagun, Bandrdewa and Nirjuly police out post.

The Magistrate also directed Officer in charge of respective police stations and outposts of Itanagar Capital Complex to enforce the order with immediate effect.

 

AICC panel arriving today

ITANAGAR: A three-member panel of AICC would arrive in Itanagar on Oct 23 in order to assess the political situation of the state.

The team consists of Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, LS MP and former union minister B K Handique and CWC member and Arunachal incharge Dr (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil would also interact with Congress legislators, senior party leaders and rank and file of the Congress party, according to an APCC release. The APCC appealed one and all to maintain peace and tranquility during the visit of the party observer.

 

Public hearing on land acquisition

ITANAGAR: A public hearing in connection with acquisition of land for construction of four-lane road from PHQ to 12 km point on Itanagar-Holongi road was conducted yesterday at Government M E School, Chimpu, Itanagar, according to official release.

Land owners and public leaders in large number assembled and presented their views in the meeting which was presided over by Capital Complex DC  Onit  Panyang.  Capital ADC Bokar Basar, EE, PWD, NH52 division, DFO Banderdewa, EAC Itanagar, LRSO, AE, NH 52 A, Taro Modi, ZPM, Borum –I, public and panchayat leaders attended in it.

 

 

Condolence

ITANAGAR, Oct 22: Jering Matkir Society capital complex mourned the sudden demise of Borum Middle school junior teacher Tayek Ketan.

Late Ketan, who was an active member of the society, breathed his last in a hospital at Guwahati last Friday and is survived by his wife, three sons and a daughter. The society in a message expressed its heartfelt condolence and prayed to almighty for eternal peace of the departed soul.

Arunachal Teachers’ Association (ATA), Papum Pare district unit deeply mourned the sad demise of late Tayek Ketan, a junior teacher, who died at Guwahati on Oct 20. Late Ketan was a sincere and dedicated teacher who always thinks for the welfare of his students.

Donyi-Polo Yelam Kebang, Itanagar has condoled the death of Junior Teacher Late Tayek Ketan and NEHMC Itanagar student Late Ajami Tarang.

The members of DPYK prayed to almighty God to give courage and strength to the bereaved family members and for eternal peace of the departed souls.

 

Condolences

ITANAGAR, Oct 22: The Totpu Panchayat Youth Welfare Society (TPYWS) deeply mourned the sudden demise of Late Nabam Deram, Pastor, Parang Pastoral Range under Sagalee, who died in a bike accident at Naharlagun on Oct 18. The death of Deram is a great loss for the Christian community in particular and the society as a whole, the association said. The members prayed to the Almighty God for eternal peace of the departed soul and for enough strength to bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.

 

Condolences

ITANAGAR, Oct 22: Talo Literary and Cultural Society (TLCS) has condoled the death of Toko Dokho, who died on 21st October at Guwahati after prolonged illness. Late Dokho was closely associated with social and educational upliftment of Talo village.

Born on 25th October 1958 at Talo Village, late Dokho was president of 2nd Nyishi Nyokum celebration at Talo in 1974. Presently he was serving as senior AFA in the department of agriculture. TLCS while extending heartfelt condolences to the family members, prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.

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Himalayan region: best place to produce solar energy

 

So far, hot and sunny regions, such as North Africa have been hailed as the best for large-scale solar energy production.  But a study has found that key areas for solar energy production through photovoltaic (PV) panels are in the coldest regions in the world, including Antarctica. According to the study the freezing heights of the Himalaya region in South Asia, and the highest mountains in the Andes in South America, are two of the best places to produce solar energy.

These areas have a lot of sunshine — and therefore a high amount of solar irradiation — and low temperatures help improve solar panel performance.

Just four per cent of the area with the highest potential in the Himalayas, or around 120,000 square kilometres, could power the entirety of China, based on 2007 electricity consumption data, the study says.

Experts feel that as the price of photovoltaic has been decreasing and its efficiency increasing very rapidly, it could be a promising technology for the future. It could also provide electricity to India, as well as contribute to the mitigation of climate change by reducing CO2 emissions in the two growing economies. The results could also prove a good incentive for small-scale solar electrification of remote, rural areas, they feel.