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October 07

AAPSU ‘s Core Committee on refugee

ITANAGAR, Oct 6: All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has constituted a 4-member Core Committee with former AAPSU and North East Students’ Organization (NESO) secretary Gumjum Haider as Chairman with Prof Nani Bath of Rajiv Gandhi University, Secretary NESO Pritam Sonam, former AAPSU finance secretary Debia Muj and Chairman, Refugee Affairs AAPSU (2009-10) Tobom Dai as members.

The core committee members will guide and advise AAPSU as and when required and will also coordinate the proposed state-wide protest rallies as well as in Delhi.

 

RBI to issue banknotes with additional security features

ITANAGAR, Oct 6: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will be issuing Rs. 50, Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi Series - 2005 with new and additional security features, like ascending size of numerals in the number panels, bleed lines, enlarged identification mark.

Further, Rs. 5 coins to commemorate golden jubilee of 1965 Indo-Pak War and Rs. 10 coins to commemorate International Day of Yoga will also be put into circulation.

 

13th RGU Convocation

ITANAGAR, Oct 6: The 13th Convocation of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) will be held in the last part of November this year (tentatively during November 23-30), according to a university release.

 

Itanagar Councillor kidnap suspect

New Delhi, Oct 6: A councillor from Itanagar Municipality Arunachal Pradesh is one of the main suspects in abduction of an Assam-based doctor who was allegedly kidnapped from Delhi.

The doctor has since returned home after 12 days but Police  says that - based on leads obtained through technical surveillance - the incident has also brought under scanner the guest records of Assam Bhavan and Arunachal Bhavan in Delhi, where the prime suspect in the case is believed to have stayed. PTI

 

HC Puja vacation

ITANAGAR, Oct 6: The Itanagar Permanent Bench of the Gauhati High Court will remain closed from October 19 to November 3 on account of Puja vacation, including Durga Puja and Muharram.  

The officers and staff of the Registry will attend the office as per roster arrangement during the vacation period except second and fourth Saturdays, Sundays and gazette holidays.

Limitation will not run during the vacation period, according to a HC notification.

 

APIC bid farewell to Thongchi

ITANAGAR, Oct 6: The Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission has bid farewell to Chief Information Commissioner, Y.D.Thongchi in a programme at the APIC office.

Speaking on the occasion, Y.D.Thongchi said that the objective of the State Information Commission is to ensure transparent working of other departments in the state.  Commissioners, officers and officials of APIC were present during the programme.

 

Lawmakers incapable, says NCP

as it hails Speaker

ITANAGAR, Oct 6: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has said that “by tendering resignations from the Legislative Assembly Gabriel Denwang  Wangsu and Wanglam Sawin have proved that they are incapable of holding the important responsibility of a lawmaker by succumbing to the pressure, undermining the interest of the common voters, who had voted them to power”.

State NCP president Gicho Kabak hailed the decision of the Legislative Assembly Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh to accept the resignations.

Kabak said that both the former legislators had miserably failed to live upto the people’s aspirations and have betrayed their trust and faith.

 

2nd Quarter DLVMC meeting held

DAPORIJO, Oct 6: The District Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee, Upper Subansiri held its second quarter meeting today at the Rijo Conference hall. Conducted by the DRDA Daporijo, the meeting was chaired by DC cum CEO, Komkar Dulom and attended by PD Sode Potom, PRI members, heads of departments, BDOs and DRDA officers and officials.

Performance reports for the year 2015-2016 upto September 2015 by the DRDA, PHED, Power department and ICDS were presented in the meeting.

Komkar Dulom reviewed the performance of the CD blocks and requested the poor performers to gear up their work as funds are released taking into account their performance. He called upon all to put in quality work so that better output could be achieved.

The PD, DRDA explained the aims and objectives of the meeting to all present and told the PRI members not to be disheartened and disinterested, but to keep up the tempo of the ongoing works as performance mattered.

DLVMC member Tapa Dadi spoke on the occasion and appreciated the quality of work and progress achieved by the PHED and power department in the district. He also advised all the contractors awarded with projects to complete them on time and not to engage in delaying tactics as it hampered the quality of work. He also urged the PRI members to actively engage in monitoring work as they too were the stakeholders and had a huge hand in ensuring the maintenance of quality work. DIPRO

 

Rabi vegetable trainings at Basar

BASAR, Oct 6: The progressive farmers and farm women from Gori-I, Gori-II, Gori-III, Soi villages, Regi, Pagi and Disi villages were trained to grow winter vegetables in Jhum, WRC fields and kitchen garden in two different programmes organised by ICAR Basar.

The training was imparted to increase the productivity of vegetable in Basar area so that women farmers can earn extra income by selling the surplus vegetables in local markets.

New crops and new techniques of growing True Potato Seed (TPS), Spinach, Tomato, Coriander, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Turnip, Chinese cabbage, Lai Patta, Radish, Pea, Mustard, Broccoli, Knol-khol for crop diversification were demonstrated during the training to the farmers and seeds were distributed to all participating farmers.

Inaugurating the trainings, Dr. R. Bhagawati, Joint Director of ICAR-AP Centre, Basar appealed the growers to take care of growing vegetables for both nutritional security and income generation for their livelihood improvement as well as to increase the cropping intensity. A total of 147 farmers benefitted from the trainings launched through Technology Demonstration Component Under NICRA (KVK) and Tribal Sub Plan of the ICAR Basar Centre, stated an official release.

 

Meet resolves for urbanization

of Balijan town

ITANAGAR, Oct 6: A resolution to propose the state government for urbanization of Balijan Township has been adopted in a public meeting held at the conference of hall of Balijan ADC today.

The meeting was chaired by ADC Balijan Chukhu Takar and attended by PRI leaders, GBs, HGBs, intellectuals, senior citizens, govt employees and like-minded public of the area.

The meeting unanimously supported the move for urbanization of Balijan town and resolved to put forward a proposal to the State Govt. for notification of the same.

ZPM Balijan Tana Puna Tara, who was also present in the meeting, assured his support in bringing in all proceedings and procedurals at Govt., level constantly, informed Balijan ADC in a release.

 

[T Wangchadong Memorial Football Tournament]

Lapnam FC complete semifinal lineup

ITANAGAR, Oct 6: Lapnam FC completed the semifinal line up at the first Thansen Wangchadong Memorial Football Tournament after the team defeated Khonsa FC 3-1 in the fourth quarterfinal at Nehru Stadium, Khonsa today.

Tezo Aran, Thinwang Lowang and Rajesh Tana scored one goal each for the winning team. Winja Bangsia scored the consolation goal for Khonsa FC.

Khonsa Bazaar FC will play against Deomali FC in the first semifinal tomorrow at 12 pm and Lapnam FC will be up against Khunnu Youth FC in the second semifinal on October 8, informed the organizing committee.

 

DC for early settlement of all

major claimants’ issues

SEPPA, Oct 6: East Kameng Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar Singh asked the highway construction companies and Land Revenue and Settlement Officer (LRSO) of the district to solve all the major claimants’ issues of Pakke-Kessang by October 28.

Singh said that the construction works of the Trans Arunachal Highway should be carried out smoothly in the working season setting a specific target. In case of any problems related to land compensations or other issues it should be directly brought to the notice of administration and police, he said.

The Deputy Commissioner was holding meeting with all the stakeholders of TAH, including representative of Sushee Infra Pvt. Ltd. and Vijay Nirman, administrative officers of line department, at his office chamber today.

He enquired about the plan of formation cutting of TAH in East Kameng and also set a target of repair and maintenance of Seppa to Bana road by October 25. Singh also assured to deploy police at specific stretches wherever low and order problem is likely to arise. He asked the E&M engineers to procure 30 KR Transformer for Micro- Hydel project at Pakke-Kessang to make it functional.

The road from Seppa to Sede would be completed along with drains and culverts within the next three months and Seppa to Bana and Sede to Rillo road would be taken up next year, said Sushee Infra Pvt Ltd. vice president Venkat Rao.

It was also decided in the meeting, among others, to start WT station at Bana, deploy police at Bana Bridge to prevent movement of heavy vehicles and to issue notification of Rotte Tara quarry and to maintain of tourist lodge at Bana. DIPRO

 

Field Day on Rice CAU-R 1 organised

PASIGHAT, Oct 6: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, East Siang, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University, Pasighat organised a field day on Paddy variety CAU-R1 at Gobo village under Ruksin block of East Siang district.

SMS Plant Protection of the KVK, Toge Riba gave first hands on demonstration for calculation and comparison of rice varieties grown in the district. Amongst the comparison of cultivated varieties, CAU-R1 scored better.  Progressive farmer Kosang Taloh of Gobo village shared his experience on cultivation of the rice variety CAU-R1.

The CAU-R1 was released from Directorate of Research, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur in 2008. The variety is glutinous rice which is preferred by the people of the district.

The variety was introduced in Arunachal Pradesh by KVK East Siang in 2009 under the On Farm Trial (OFT) programme for accessing the suitability of the variety in the district. The variety gave yield at par with local variety Deku and also had better taste preference. Encouraged with the results of OFT, the programme was extended to different locations within the district and subsequently to Lower Dibang Valley and Upper Siang. In 2014 the variety CAU-R1 was cultivated in an area of 120 hectares in East Siang district under National Food Security Mission programme on Rice and FLD programme of KVK East Siang. For larger adoption of the variety in the state, seeds of CAU R-1 were also provided to other districts of the state through KVKs for accessing the suitability of variety in respective districts.

 

Farmers trained on farm mechanization

ITANAGAR, Oct 6: In all 40 farmers took part in a day-long training held on farm mechanisation in hilly regions through application of engineering and technology in different agricultural operations, at Paya village in Anjaw district on Monday.

During the training, SMS, Soil & Water Conservation Engineering, spoke on the importance of farm mechanization in hilly regions through use of implements suitable for hilly regions, right from the seed bed preparation to harvesting and threshing of crops, using power point presentation. He explained that small holding farmers can opt for these low cost implements as they result in drudgery reduction, higher productivity, value addition and reduction in labour requirement in fields. He also explained about the feasibility of drip irrigation system in undulating terrain and sloppy lands, whose earlier results showed higher yields especially, in undulating topography with scarce water resources.

KVK Anjaw farm manager, Prasanta Mahanta was also spoke on the occasion.

 

Shaaksar Bharat Mission employees cry for regularization

ITANAGAR, Oct 6:  Inordinate delay in releasing of honorarium and salary of contractual teachers is nothing new in Arunachal Pradesh. The latest to bear the brunt is Saakshar Bharat Mission employees, who are reportedly waiting for their honorarium since July 2015.

In a representation to Minister Education, a copy of which was made available to Secretary Education and Deputy Director School Education, the employees under the aegis of All Arunachal Pradesh Saakshar Bharat Mission Employee’s Association (AAPSBMEA) demanded for immediate regularization of SBM employees and enhancement of honorarium.

The association also sought for establishment of Adult Education Center (AEC) at 1653 gram panchayats and immediate supply of teaching learning materials including computer sets to all the district and block coordinators.

The Govt of India launched SBM in September 2009 with objective to impart functional literacy to non-literate persons from age group of 15 to 35 years. Subsequently, Arunachal Pradesh had launched SBM on March 2011.

 

GSU to press for introducing traditional dress in schools

ITANAGAR, Oct 6: The Galo Students’ Union (GSU) will press for introducing traditional dress for students at least once in a week in schools of West Siang, Ramle Bango and Upper Subansiri area. It was decided in a meeting of the union yesterday.

Besides, the meeting chalked out the union’s future plans and programmes for the welfare of the students. The union gave priority on development of school infrastructure, proper implementation of Right To Education Act in schools, finding out various problems faced by the students and schools and collection of information on various sanctioned developmental schemes and take up the issues with authorities concerned for early redressal.

The meeting further decided to start school visit programme in January next year.

 

Inspection reveals plight of schools

ITANAGAR, Oct 6: Dereliction of duty by teachers, poor and insufficient infrastructure, including desks and benches and lack of repair and maintenance are some common problems in the schools of Arunachal Pradesh.  This is what the team of PRI leaders of Balijan and Balijan Circle Youth Association (BCYA) found during their unannounced visit to five schools of Balijan area on Monday.

The team, including Anchal Samity Chairperson of 5th Lower Balijan Teli Kai and BCYA president Kuru Joram visited Vivekananda Kendriya Vidhyalaya, Balijan, Govt. Higher Secondary School, Balijan, Govt. Primary School, Lower Tubung, Govt. Primary School Garung, and Govt. Primary School, Ghai.

At Govt. Higher Secondary School, Balijan, the team claimed to have found the old girl hostel in a dilapidated condition without boundary wall/security fencing, water supply facility and cook. The boarders prepare the meals themselves and collect water from nearby ring-well for bathing and other purposes.

It was informed to the visiting team by the hostel superintendent that some miscreants frequently sneak into the hostel without any permission.

While visiting Govt. Primary School, Garung, the team claimed to have found the school closed at 11 am. Neither teacher nor students were seen in and around the school at that time. The classroom doors were kept locked as if there was a holiday in the school, the team further claimed.

When enquired, the school management committee chairperson told the team that it was a routine affair of the school and the teachers.

“They hardly take classes for an hour and go before noon,” the SMC chairperson said.

At Govt. Primary School, Ghai, the team found not a single desk or bench inside the classrooms.

While taking serious note of the findings, the BCYA appealed to the education minister, the local MLA, the DDSE and the ZPM of Lower Balijan to take necessary action against those responsible for the betterment of the students. The association also demanded for replacing the male superintendent of the GHSS, Balijan with a female teacher and issue show cause notice to the Headmaster In-charge of Govt. Primary School, Garung (Karbi), Balijan.

 

‘No politics, just development issue’

ITANAGAR, Oct 6: The on-going public movement vis-à-vis construction of Trans-Arunachal Highway in Longding-Kanubari sector is purely a development issue. The statement quoting one self-styled head of Wancho People’s Committee in a recent report published in sections of media is an ill-conceived intention to fan political sentiments for vested interest, said Congress leader Gabriel D. Wangsu.

“For years the people have been witnessing the bitter experiences of having to bear the brunt of far-below standard of works of many important projects. Many important roads and other projects including those on sensitive Indo-Myanmar sector of Longding district were either left incomplete or official specifications not followed. Hence, public have genuine reasons to be apprehensive about the past and current projects, especially with all concomitant issues remaining unresolved, he said.

Further, the dragging of name of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki in the issue or for that matter associating him to one Nabam Tulon is just irresponsible and a cheap attempt to draw undue mileage, Wangsu said.

No development issue be painted with political color anywhere in Arunachal Pradesh including in Kanubari, and anybody found doing so would be a risky preposition in the given circumstances, he added.

 

Impartial enquiry sought

ITANAGAR, Oct 6:  The Arunachal Anti-Corruption Union (AACU) has in a letter to the state Chief Secretary today appealed to him to order an impartial enquiry into the alleged pick and choose manner of appointment under Banderdewa Western Forest Circle.

The Union has alleged favouritism over appointment of various candidates for the post of LDC, UDC, Draughtsman, PI and Forest Guard.  

 

Fishing, hunting banned

ITANAGAR, Oct 6:  In a meeting convened by the All Bassar Nallo Youth Association (ABYA) at Bassar Nallo Middle School which was attended by GBs, PRI members and general public, it was decided to ban hunting, fishing and selling of natural resources in the area. The members also informed that violators will also be imposed a fine of Rs. 25,000.

 

RD conducts MGNREGA convergence meeting

ITANAGAR, Oct 6: A meeting was held today in the conference hall of SIRD to converge MGNREGA with other line department's programme.

Explaining the objectives of the meeting, Director Rural Development, B. Basar highlighted that GoI MoRD implemented various CSS schemes like MGNREGA, IAY, NRLM, IWMP apart from programmes of some other line departments which implemented various CSS programme having essential labour component.

Basar informed that the outcomes of all these schemes implemented by the different departments were unable to reach the optimum target due to constraint of fund and manpower etc. To overcome the back drop, to achieve the target and to bridge the gap between another department and to create visible permanent and durable asset in the rural areas, a comprehensive convergence framework roadmap needs to be drawn in consultation with the line department.

Dy. Director SIRD Dr. Rakesh Srivastava explained in detail the concept of convergence. Representatives from other departments explained their views on the roadmap to make convergence to be possible.

 

GBs not getting honorarium

ITANAGAR, Oct 6:  Informing that the GBs of Sagalee administrative circle have not received their honorarium since 2013, the Arunachal Pradesh Gaon Burah & Gaon Burish Welfare Association has in a representation to the state Chief Secretary today appealed to him to look into the issue.

The Association also questioned the new appointments, which it claimed were made during the last three years. How can the government appoint new GBs when it has not yet paid honorariums to already serving ones since the past 3 years, it questioned.

 

SHG members trained on book-keeping

ROING, Oct 6:  Members of eight Self Help Groups from Meka block attended a day-long training on book keeping conducted by AAMYA, a local NGO here on Monday.

Record maintenance being the most important component of SHG functioning, the participants were imparting training on how to maintain records as per the format of NABARD, said AMYAA secretary R K Paul Chawang. He further informed that qualifying of grading is essential to availing bank-credit linkage.

He further informed the members about the available subsidized central government schemes of NABARD for the financial year 2015-16 in dairy, poultry, rabbits rearing etc. The participants were also urged to give due importance to correct maintenance of records as it is mandatory for SHGs grading.

 

ACS serves ultimatum to PWD minister

ITANAGAR, Oct 6: The Arunachal Anti-Corruption Sena (AACS) has given 10 days ultimatum for repairing the NH-415  from Banderdewa to Itanagar.

In its ultimatum served to the PWD minister, while saying that the portion of the road is turning from bad to worse, the organisation threatened to launch democratic movement if the repair work doesn’t start within the stipulated time.

 

NBCC conference held

ITANAGAR, Oct 6: The 14th Mission Conference cum Mission 2015 of Nyishi Baptist Church Council was successfully held at Baptist Church Model village. Attending the programe, Parliamentary Secretary Urban Development Techi Kaso released the NBCC Mission 2015 Souvenir.

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News Impact

Forced resignations of MLAs, murder

of democracy: PPA

ITANAGAR, Oct 6: People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) while decrying the stage managed resignation of two Congress MLAs has termed it nothing less than murder of democracy and complete breach of the letter and spirit of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly. The Party  has demanded immediate intervention of the Governor of the State.

“The party appeals the Governor to see to it that the two Legislators who were made to resign under duress should be able to get back their constitutional rights so that the rest of the Legislators feel safe to take any democratic decisions that are best for the people of their constituencies” said PPA Secretary General Kaling Jerang.

Forced resignation has brought to the surface, the blatant abuse of the holy status of ‘neutrality’ which is expected from the Speaker as enshrined in the Indian Constitution, the party said.

The popularly elected legislators being subjected to such psychological and mental trauma amounts to criminalization of political system in the state, the party said while adding that  entire episode has brought shame and dishonour to the people of the state.

While condemning the incident as an attack on the very spirit of true democracy, the party said that this ugly episode should be considered as a dark chapter in the political history of Arunachal.

It called on the people of the state to engage themselve to stop such practices instantly without letting it grow further.

Unless a prompt step is initiated to discourage such criminal moves in future, the episode could lead to constitutional breakdown in the state, the People’s Party of Arunachal said.

 

 

Four ministers set to lose jobs

ITANAGAR, Oct 6: Four dissident ministers in Chief Minister Nabam Tuki’s cabinet are reported to have lost their jobs, according to a source. The Chief Minister’s Office, however refused to give any names or confirm the report.

But a highly placed source said that names are being forwarded to Raj Bhavan recommending their dismissal from the council of ministers.

The four are reported to be current Agriculture Minister Chowna Mein, PRIs and Cooperative Minister Kumar Waii, Women and Child Development Minister, Wanglin Lowangdong and Civil Aviation Minister Thangham Wangham.

The Tuki government have been plagued by dissidence since April this year.

Two Congress MLAs Wanglam Sawin and Gabriel D Wangsu have already lost their Legislative Assembly membership after Speaker Nabam Rebia accepted their resignation.

Sawin and Wangsu, however, maintains that they were forced into it and have written to the Speaker for withdrawal of the resignation letters.

 

 

Minor raped, accused absconding

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Oct 6: In a yet another dastardly act, a five-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a middle aged man at Seppa on October 3.

The accused Logo Singhi, about 45+, reportedly picked up the girl while she was playing outside and took her to his room where he raped her. Victim and accused are neighbours.

As per the FIR which was lodged with Seppa police station on October 4 last, the minor victim was raped on October 2 as well by the accused.

The accused is a Field Assistant with Agriculture Department, Seppa. The case is registered with Seppa Police station under case no. 111/15 US 376 (2) (i)/354B/363 IPC read with 4/6 POCSO Act.

The medical test of the victim has been done which confirms that the child was sexually assaulted.

The accused is absconding.

“We have deputed our local source and covert action is being done. We will arrest the accused shortly,” the IO added.

Talking to The Arunachal Times, the father of the victim demanded immediate arrest of the accused.

“He should be punished and suspended from his service as well,” the angry father said.

 

 

Sonowal calls for protection

of biodiversity in Siang region

[ Prafulla Kaman ]

PASIGHAT, Oct 6: Union Minister of State for Sports & Youth Affairs, Sarbananda Sonowal has urged the people of Pasighat to put in concerted efforts for protection of natural heritage and biodiversity of Siang region for future generations.

Addressing a public gathering at Siang Guest House here today, Sonowal stressed on conservation of the water resources of Siang River with the rich biodiversity of the region. He observed that the people of other states, who earlier had an aversion to arrive at Arunachal Pradesh and other hilly states, now have tendency to come to this region to enjoy the natural beauty.

Expressing hope that the century-old Pasighat town would be an “Environmental Smart City”, Sonowal also appealed the local people to work for promotion of Tourism industry in the state by harnessing the rich eco-tourism potentials.

The Union Minister said the central government is giving special attention towards northeastern region and has taken up special efforts for economic development of the NE states. It has taken steps for promotion of art and culture, sports sectors besides physical and mental development of the growing youths.

He said that, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a dream to develop the NE region as an organic hub of the country.

Accordingly, the PM has instructed all Union Ministers to pay frequent visit to NE states and frame stronger policy for economic growth of the region. He has transformed the ‘Look East’ policy formulated by UPA government to ‘Act East’ policy in order to bring an economic revolution”, said Sonowal while adding that the people of the region should avail the golden opportunity.

Addressing the occasion, Pasighat East MLA, Kaling Moyong requested the Union Minister to take up development of sports sector in the state.

Nari-Koyu MLA, Kento Rina requested the Union Minister to take step for construction of proper stadiums for bringing out the hidden talents of the young sportspersons, while Mariyang-Geku MLA Olom Panyang sought his intervention for implementation of Border Area Development Projects (BADP) in his constituency.

Former Pasighat West MLA Tangor Tapak also spoke on the occasion and appealed the union minister for sanctioning a Youth Centre at Pasighat.

Among others, BJP state Vice President Kenyir Ringu, BJP East Siang district president Daniel Mibang and block level party activists attended the meeting.

 

 

Sushma briefs NE Guvs on projects

under Act East policy

New Delhi, Oct 6: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today briefed Governors of North Eastern states about various cross-border connectivity projects aimed at linking it to the wider region including Myanmar and Thailand as part India's 'Act East Policy' (AEP).

The briefing, attended by Governors of Arunachal Pradesh - J P Rajkhowa, Assam and Nagaland -  Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya, Manipur and Meghalaya - V Shanmuga-nam, Mizoram - Nirbhay Sharma and Sikkim  - Shrinivas Patil, covered comprehensively all aspects of India's AEP, with particular focus on how these impacted on the North Eastern region.

"North East is a 'natural partner in India's Act East Policy' being our land bridge to ASEAN, and the Act East Policy is a means to strengthen the stability, economy and prospects of our North Eastern region," Swaraj said in her keynote address.

An MEA release said the briefing covered various cross- border connectivity projects that are under implementation or discussion, which would link the North East to the wider region including Myanmar, Bangladesh, Thailand and even Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam.

"Issues of border trade and integrating the North East into regional production and value chains were also discussed, as were steps towards enhancing capacity building and facilitating greater cultural and people-to-people exchanges," it added.

The briefing was undertaken as follow up to a specific recommendation emanating from the Conference of Governors chaired by the President Pranab Mukherjee in February. PTI

 

 

Developmental activities hit due to

Congress internal fight: BJP

ITANAGAR, Oct 6: The BJP in Arunachal Pradesh today alleged that developmental activities in the state have come to a grinding halt due to the alleged "in-fighting" between Congress legislators.

"Development activities in the state have come to a grinding halt because of internal bickering in the Congress with the innocent people being the worst sufferers. It is a sheer betrayal of the mandate and faith reposed by the people on the government," BJP Arunachal Pradesh unit president Tai Tagak told reporters here.

"We have predicted earlier that because of holding elections prior to the due date last year, people will suffer a lot, which has been proved today," he said.

Responding to media queries on rumours that BJP was trying to de-stabilise the Congress government to install its own, Taga emphatically said that the party had nothing to do with the internal matters of the Congress and was ready to face mid-term poll at any point of time if situation demanded.

When asked whether the party would accept the Congress dissident members if fresh election is announced, he said "door is open for all." He, however, said that so far nobody had approached the party. PTI

 

 

Curtain Raiser to Sustainable Mountain Development Summit – IV, Itanagar

[ Nalong Mize ]

The Sustainable Mountain Development Summit – IV (SMDS) is all set to unfold in Itanagar from 7-9 October 2015.  This is probably the first time, delegates of all the Himalayan States are gathering on the soil of Arunachal Pradesh to deliberate on issues and challenges of common concern of the mountain people.

Over the years, with each succeeding Sustainable Mountain Development Summit, the participation is increasing and slowly the SMDS has emerged has an important common forum in the Indian Himalayan Region for the mountain states. Along with the increased participation of the member states, participation of many national and international organisations and agencies working in the area of mountain development have also increased. Also support to SMDS from different state governments and central government agencies is increasing with successive Summit reflecting the importance the government is attaching to SMDS as forum for the mountain people.

In the SMDS- IV of Itanagar, 235 delegates have registered to participate from all the 12 members States including Bhutan and Nepal. More than 15 Legislators, more than 30 senior government officials from different states and 45 thematic experts in the fields of Disaster Risk Reduction, Mountain Agriculture, Forest, Public Policy and Climate Change are taking part. The Itanagar Summit is supported by Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Government of Uttarakhand, Government of Sikkim, Government of Nagaland, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), GIZ (German International Cooperation Agency), SDC (Swiss Agency for Development and  Cooperation ), Tata Trusts, Arghyam, GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development (GBPIHED), LEAD India and Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment  (GLOBE) India among others.

In the three-day Summit, there will be three thematic deliberations on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Mountain Agriculture and Forest. Besides there will be two side events  - Legislators Meet and Policy Makers Dialogue.  The central theme of Disaster Risk Reduction will explore the need of integrating DRR into relevant sectors, such as land-use planning, infrastructure development and health and mountain agriculture. Other important sub-themes include effects of climate change, hazard mapping and risk assessment viz-a-viz climate change, need for cross border cooperation in all phases of disaster, practical problems in State Rehabilitation policies, and the need for a DRR network among mountain states. An important part of the DRR session is the case studies on recent disasters that has occurred which include the Uttarakhand floods (2013), Kashmir floods (2014) and the Sikkim earthquakes. Representatives from JICA project, Appropriate Technologies India, TATA Relief Group and Wadia Institute will make presentations on forestry projects, livelihood projects and private sector relief projects in connection with disaster risk reduction.

Participants in the presentations and panel discussions will include representatives from the Disaster Management Authorities of Himalayan States. This includes Y.W. Ringu, Director Disaster Management, Arunachal Pradesh and Dr. Piyoosh Rautela, Disaster Mitigation and Management Centre, Uttarakhand. Other participating organizations include SAARC, ICIMOD and IIT Roorkee.

The session on Mountain Agriculture will explore the following themes - mountain livelihoods, value addition and marketing linkages for mountain agriculture, and sustainable agricultural production. The sessions will highlight challenges faced by small and marginal farmers in the region, assess the gaps in value chain and post-harvest addition in the Himalayas, discuss policy options to incentivize youths to pursue agriculture as a livelihood option and suggest options for product diversification based on comparative advantages in the Himalayas (such as development of niche products and organic farming). Climate change related vulnerabilities of agricultural systems in the Himalayas will be discussed and an actionable approach to improve resilience of mountain farmers to climate change and disaster risk will be explored. Policy measures, technologies and approaches for sustainable natural resource management, capacity building of farmers and improving resilience of traditional agriculture systems in the Himalayas will be the focus of the Summit. Panel discussions and presentations will be conducted by experts from agencies and organizations like UNDP, ICAR, Uttarakhand Gram Vikas Samiti, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment etc.

The Forest Session will explore the important issue of Community Forestry, specifically how common ground can be found among different regimes of rights and usage to be able to facilitate community involvement in forest management. Also a part of the session will be the exploration of how the policies and principles are to be developed to support forests administration in implementing the new models of sustainable forests management. Representatives from the agencies and organizations namely, WWF, ICIMOD, Indian Institute of Forest Management, Forest Corporation Uttarakhand, GB Pant and India Water Portalwill conduct panel discussions and presentations.

The Policymakers Dialogue will include discussions on the topics - Maximising Fund Flows and Outcomes in the North-Eastern States, The 14th Finance Commission Award, The NITI Aayog and the Hill states: Some Implications, and Compensatory Mechanism for Indian Mountain States: BK Chaturvedi Committee Report (2013.

The Indian Himalayan Legislators Meet is scheduled to have discussion and presentations on the seminal issue of Global Climate Change and its impact on the Himalayan landscape. Presentations will be made by representatives from GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Indian Environment Law Office and Climate Action Network South Asia.

Along with the thematic deliberations and side events, there will be horticulture/agriculture and bamboo exhibition to portray the bio-resource of Arunachal Pradesh. The working lunches have been position as a food fete of local cuisines to give a glimpse of the rich culinary tradition of Arunachal Pradesh.

The fourth Himalayan photography Exhibition cum competition has also been organised. More than 100 photographs will be on display.

The evening programme will showcase the young talents of Arunachal Pradesh besides showing many folk dance and music of the host States along with display of handicraft items for the delegates of the Summit, many of whom are coming to Arunachal Pradesh for the first time. (Mize is a Former Adviser, Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh, Organising Secretary, Sustainable Mountain Development Summit – IV, Itanagar & Secretary, Sustainable Development Forum Arunachal Pradesh)

 

 

DTF meeting and workshop on

Mission Indradanush-II

ITANAGAR, Oct 6:  A meeting of the West Siang District Task Force regarding launching of Mission Indradanush-II was held in the office chamber of  Deputy Commissioner under the chairmanship of ADC T Talom at Aalo today.

While exhorting the medical department and key partners to launch the programme in an effective manner, Talom emphasized on team work at various levels. All administrative officers, PRIs and GBs in the district were also instructed to give all logistic support to implement the programme in letter and spirit.

DMO Marbom Basar disclosed that the programme is aimed at full immunization of left out and dropped out children in district.

DFWO, Dr. K Ori informed that though the programme has been going on for the last 30 years, only 65% of children could be immunized so far, which is below the target set by the GoI. He, however, added that efforts will be made to cover high risk and slum areas to contain vulnerability.

DPM Yomto Lollen also disclosed that all pregnant mothers will also be administered TT injections along with vaccination to the children. (DIPRO)

Yupia: The District Health Society conducted a daylong district level workshop on Mission Indradhanush phase-II on Oct 5 at Yupia.

DMO cum vice chairman DHS Yupia, Dr. S. Ronya highlighted that the phase-I Mission Indradhanush was launched last year in some high risk districts of Arunachal Pradesh and this time the GOI has planned to launch phase-II Mission Indradhanush in ten moderate districts in the state including Papum Pare. He stressed for engagement of ASHA for mobilization and other line departments for successful implementation of the programme.

Dr. Tage Taka stressed for general awareness to the people in immunization and IEC/BC.

Earlier, Dr. J.Ado, DRCHO Yupia briefed the house about the poor immunization status of the district and the benefits of the Mission Indradhanush Programme as this is about augmentation of the routine immunization activity in the district.

Expressing optimism of improved immunization coverage after the launching of Mission Indradhanush in the district, Dr. Ado requested all the MOs to prepare perfect micro plan in their block/facility centre with a special target to cover the children of age group between 0 to 2 years under the programme. DIPRO

 

 

Week-long training prog on research methodology begins

PASIGHAT, Oct 6: A week-long training programme on research methodology and data analysis using software package called,SPSS started at the JNC college premises here yesterday. The UGC-CPE sponsored programme is being organized by the College authority in collaboration with XIMIT (Xavier Institute of Management and Information Technology), IBM-SPSS, South Asia, Bengaluru and APCTA, J N College Unit. It aims at enhancing the potential of the researchers and faculties in bringing out quality publications and critical data analysis having social implications.

Speaking on the inaugural session, MLA Kaling Moyong emphasized on the need of such programmes taking into account the significance of technology and technological gadgets for the proper growth of the personality and the society as well. He urged the house to make full use of SPSS knowledge to get equipped with the new technologies.

JNC Principle Tayek Talom highlighted the significance of the programme that sharpen the research acumen and analytic poignancies of the faculties which ultimately add qualitative quotient to the individual and the institution.

Highlighting the issues, aims and objectives of the workshop, Pranab Jyoti Neog, President, Xavier Foundation, Guwahati, opined that the institutions of higher learning and the industries need to go hand in hand for the overall development of the society.

The first day of the programme witnessed two technical sessions  wherein Dr. Amitava Sarkar, Director, IISWBM, Kolkata and former Vice Chancellor of West Bengal University of Technology, Kolkata; Prof. G. C. Talukdar, former faculty from IIM Kolkata and ISI (Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata) and Bijit Debbarma, Director Academics, XIMIT, Guwahati were the resource persons.  

JNC Vice Principle Dr S D Choudhury and other college faculties  and faculties from Apex Professional University, Dying Ering College of Teacher Education, Siang Royal Academy and Doying Gumin College, Pasighat attended the programme.

 

 

86 youths to undergo training under

CM’s flagship prog

ITANAGAR, Oct 6:  In all, 86 youths were selected to undergo skill development training in Integrated Course in Beauty & Hair Dressing at SBJ Centre for Excellence at Greater Noida under Chief Minister’s flagship programme on Skill Development and Employment Generation.

During a department of Skill Development and Employment Generation organized briefing–cum-send off programme for the selected youths held at Udyog Sadan here today,  its Director Subu Tabin, along with Deputy Director (Skill Development) K Sarma, Assistant Director J Riba and representative of SBJ Centre of Excellence briefed the youth about successful completion of the training and to find a suitable job immediately after the 6 months training.

The selection of the trainees were done through recent district-level Job Mela-cum-Skill Development Awareness and selection rally held in every district headquarter throughout the state.

The SBJ Centre at Greater Noida, will impart 6 months training on both theory and practical including soft skill like spoken English, communication skill, internet browsing etc. At the end of the training the candidates will undergo an assessment to be conducted by an empanelled and professional organization. The trade certificate will be provided to successful candidate by National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT), New Delhi.

The cost of the training including travelling to and fro, training fees, boarding and lodging etc. are being borne by state government under Chief Minister’s flagship programme.

 

 

Shift jurisdiction and Sessions Court: USDBA

[ Karda Natam ]

DAPORIJO, Oct 6: The Upper Subansiri District Bar Association (USDBA) has called upon the Home Minister for establishment of District and Sessions Court at Daporijo and placing Upper Subansiri District under the Western Zone sessions Divisions under District and Sessions Court, Yupia.

In a memorandum, the District Bar Association stated that at present, the judicial officer in the district is only vested with the jurisdiction and power of judicial Magistrate First Class-Cum Civil Judge (Jr) Division whereas, in others districts like West Siang, it has both Chief Judicial Magistrate First Class and Civil Judge (Sr) Division power vested with civil jurisdiction without any pecuniary limits.

There are a total of 1163 pending cases. It is cumbersome for the general public as well as for the advocates of the Upper Subansiri district to travel to Basar. As such shifting of the Additional District and Sessions Court at Daporijo would be beneficial for the general public of the district and would ensure proper and speedy justice deliverance

Further, the memorandum stated that the Upper Subansiri was placed under the Eastern Sessions Divisions, Tezu vide notification issued by the govt. in 2012. Later the jurisdiction was placed under the Additional District Judge, Basar, however, it is still under the territorial jurisdiction of the Eastern Sessions Division, Tezu. As such for any offence related to prevention of Corruption Act and Narcotics and Psychotropic Act, the accused and witnesses have to travel to Tezu for justice, which is causing untold miseries to the poor people of Upper Subansiri District especially during the summer session when there is no proper road connectivity to Tezu. The placing of Upper Subansiri District under the Eastern Sessions Divisions is contrary to the need for speedy justice deliverance, it said while adding jurisdiction be shifted to Western Sessions Divisions at Yupia for ensuring speedy and effective justice delivery to the people of Upper Subansiri District.

 

 

Science & technology dept to get new life

ITANAGAR, Oct 6: Though the 21st century is considered the century of technology, the Science & Technology Department in Arunachal Pradesh is yet to make a major mark in the field.

But things may improve tangibly with the approval of a ‘sufficient budget’ for the sector during the recent state development council (SDC) meeting.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki’s has ensured that the new technology does not get into the way of indigenous knowledge – rather, it perfectly synergizes with the state’s age-old indigenous knowledge.

As part of the vision, the SDC has approved a budget allocation of Rs 25 lakhs for the locals of Longding district, for developing the craft of pottery with the aid of technological intervention.

“The locals of Longding have been known long for indigenous pottery-making. With technological intervention, indigenous pottery development and its application will provide safe drinking water to rural households in Longding,” a government official said.

The GoAP has also earmarked Rs 50 lakhs for providing heating facilities through geothermal energy technology in the district hospital in Tawang.

“This new technology will give much respite to the patients in the district hospital as you know Tawang is one of the coldest places in the country,” the official added.

The SDC also approved Rs 30 lakhs ‘for study of biomass as fuel and power generation’ to the NERIST, and Rs 5 lakhs for supporting research and development projects by post-graduates in identified scientific trust areas, besides extending grants-in-aid to the State Council for Science & Technology (Rs 57 lakhs), the state remote sensing application centre (Rs 97 lakhs), and the Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre (Rs 47 lakhs).

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

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---- Editorial ----

 

The big question is who is right ?

The high drama played out in full media glare over resignation of two Congress MLAs has come as a big shock to the state. This is for the first time in the history of Arunachal that such incident has ever been witnessed. Yesterday evening when media houses of state received notification of assembly secretariat informing that two MLAs Wanglam Sawin, MLA 55- Khonsa East and Gabriel Denwang Wangsu, MLA 58-Kanubari have tendered resignation, everyone reacted with surprise and worry. As this happened, just a day after unconfirmed media report claimed that NSCN (IM) has asked MLAs to go against present state leadership, the people of Arunachal thought that MLAs resigned due to pressure from Naga rebel group and were deeply worried over the development.

However, the whole equation changed when two MLAs sent email to all the local media informing that they were forced to resign and that they are withdrawing their resignation letter. The claim of two MLAs further deepened the mystery behind resignation drama. It is quite difficult to say who is right at this juncture? But this latest development does not augur well for the future of state. If the claim of two MLAs that they were forced to sign on resignation letter is true, then it is serious violation of fundamental right. No one has right to impose their decision on any Indian without consent of his/her will. On the other hand, if the claim of assembly secretariat that they resigned willingly is true, then it puts serious question mark over the credibility's of two MLAs. Are they naïve to take such decision without considering the future consequences? They should have pondered thousand times before putting pen on the resignation letter. The two MLAs were elected by the people of their respective constituencies to serve them and not to become puppet of any leader.

 

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---- Readers Forum ----

 

CCTV and street lights

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily, I want to share that we need more street lights in every colony roads and the CCTV in capital complex to keep an eye on robberies and crimes.

It is good that government has arranged street lights in main places in the capital complexes but some small colonies have been left out.

Meanwhile, if our main markets or crowded roads have CCTV cameras like in metropolitan cities, it would be easier to contain crime.

Today the rich peoples install CCTV in their homes for the security purposes.

Crime rates are increasing naturally everywhere in the world according to the growth of populations but our duty is to stop it from increasing. It is sad to know that miscreants commit crimes taking advantage of the darkness and escape from the spot without punishments due to lack of street lights and CCTV.

Hence, the dark places are not safe during night hours. Perhaps, the same crimes may occur in future and the victims could be anyone.

In addition to this, sometimes victims of accidents are left to fend for themselves because those responsible flee from the spot because there are no street lights and CCTV. So it is essential that, in order to avoid such unwanted instances, there are adequate lighting system and as well as CCTVs.

Yours,

Obang Mize

MA, Mass-

Communication, RGU

 

 

Beware of Impostors

Dear Editor,

Through this esteemed daily, I wish to break out the message to the entire citizens of the state concerning the fake and deceptive calls in the name of Bank managers, SBI, who have reached our state to victimize the innocent people.

At 1700 hours on Sunday, I received a call from the No. +917250503496 who told me that he is a Bank Manager, SBI, Mumbai, fake-named Rajiv Verma. He said that my ATM card’s validity is at the verge of an end and asked me to renew it. I knew he is an impostor but my curiosity demanded another question, “What should I do to renew it?” He then asked after my card whether it is master or maestro. After few seconds of conversation, I got infuriated and at the spur of the moment threw a huge profanity upon him.

It was a well attempt for that sadist but I held him out. I heard many victims crying over spilt milk after losing hard-earned bucks to such fraudsters. This necessitated me to take down here today. These freaks have exquisitely trained themselves to persuade others and ransack them afterwards.  They make random calls in pursuit of securing easy money without any hard work and the unfortunate people becomes their prey. The State Bank of India also clarifies that such phone calls, enquiring ATM cards Number and its PIN code would not be made by them at any cost. I still remember few years back, a message popped up on my mobile which reads “You have won $1000000 pound from yahoo”. When I claimed the prize, it said I have to deposit Rs.30,000 in order to receive the huge amount. My brother told me it is a scam. When I really went over the giant search machine “Google”, lot of victims posted their pain out. Lucky me; got saved. Nevertheless, there are many who went through this ordeal of treachery.  

I request the Bank Authorities to spread the message throughout the state via newspaper, awareness program in order to prevent further mischief. I believe this decoded message being sent to the people of Arunachal via this daily would be taken whole-heartedly.

Yours,

Bamang Taba

NIT, Yupia

 

 

Towards climate change mitigation and quality environment

Dear Editor,

Our neighboring country Bangladesh must be congratulated for being the proud recipient of the prestigious 2015 Annual Champion of the Earth Award (Policy & Leadership Category) for their exemplary work and a silent revolution achieved towards climate change mitigation. Bangladesh has dedicated around 7% of her annual budget towards several mitigation steps in dealing with the challenges of climate change impacting the highly populous nation (~160 million approx); while many major economic powers of Asia, Europe and the Americas have failed to do so. Bangladesh is the first nation from the subcontinent that has set the standard of environmental conservation and protection at an appreciably high level. The rich biodiversity of the nation together with her unique ecosystems will continue to provide inspirations for the adjoining nations of the subcontinent including India to work sincerely towards protecting their local ecosystems and improving the quality of the environment; and take appropriate steps in dealing with the challenges of climate change and global warming. Similarly, a dedicated South African anti-poaching group also won the prestigious UN award. This must be applauded for their monumental contribution towards successful wildlife conservation in South Africa. The nation is plagued with the challenges of highly organized and militarized poaching and illegal wildlife trading group that operates with alarmingly professional precision and have been known to even attack and kill members of anti-poaching teams to safeguard their detrimental interest.

India being a mega biodiversity country is still walking miles behind such illustrious examples. The current forest cover of the nation has been estimated to be around 21% and is struggling to reach the 25% target forest cover for the nation. Recently Nagaland has been identified as one of the 25 most biodiverse region of the world. However, India’s effort towards conservation and protection of biodiversity and wildlife has not been improving significantly compared to several SAARC neighbors as well as biodiverse countries from other continents. Challenges of infringement with forested areas, expansion of farm lands and tea plantations into forest belts, poaching and illegal trade on wildlife, wildlife body parts as well as several major and minor forest products are damaging the species richness of the nation. Above all the lack of education and awareness throughout the nation compounded with exponential human population and poverty has been pushing humans towards forests for sustenance and deteriorating local ecosystems and environments. Conservation of global wildlife needs our active support in terms of positive action, awareness and consciousness to protect all forms of life on earth with empathy and active enthusiasm. It is also important to integrate human development along with wildlife conservation to make the approach sustainable and inclusive of the economically backward rural and tribal communities that live in close association with the forests.

Unless a nationwide comprehensive plan is established, we have little opportunity to occupy the central podium of the UN environmental awards in the future like Bangladesh or South Africa.

Yours,

Saikat Kumar Basu

Lethbridge, Canada

 

 

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All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.        

----Editor