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October 14

CS ask DCs to expedite land acquisition for power lines

ITANAGAR, Oct 13: Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi while reviewing the progress of land identification and acquisition for 132 KV transmission lines urged the Deputy Commissioners to complete all formalities to enable early commencement of the project. Negi said this during a video conference with the DCs at the conference hall of the Department of Planning today.

Further, the Chief Secretary also held detailed discussion on status and progress of National Population Registration (NPR) enrolment. He reiterated that all out efforts must be made to ensure completion of enrolment and updation of the NPR by December. The meeting was attended among others by Secretary Economics & Statistics Sonam Chombay, Commissioner Power Kaling Tayeng, Chief Engineers (power) Anong Perme, Ogum Moyong and others besides Director Statistics Koj Tajang. DIPR

 

Union reiterates demands

ITANAGAR, Oct 13: The Galo Students' Union (GSU) today reiterated its demands for stopping the bills of the school uniforms supplier till new uniforms are issued as well as immediate recall of the same currently stocked at the store room of GHSS, Aalo.

It has further suggested the administration to deposit the money meant for school uniforms in each individual students’ bank account so that the students can procure school uniforms according to their actual body size.

 

PRIs to step up against drugs

ITANAGAR, Oct 13: PRI members of 7- Changlang North Anchal Samity have called for continuation of the de-addiction and rehabilitation camp at Changlang District Hospital. This call came at a meeting held recently on how to tackle the problems of drugs and opium in the area where 12 Anchal Samity members and seven GP chairpersons attended. The meeting held under the chairmanship of Nongkhi Kamba Longchang of Chairperson, 7-Changlang North Anchal Samity further decided that Gram Panchayat Chairpersons of every constituency will conduct Gram Sabha to create awareness against drugs and opium menace.

 

Mission Indradhanush-II launched at Namsai

ITANAGAR, Oct 13: The first round of Mission Indradhanush–II was launched on Oct 12 for Namsai district by DC R.K Sharma.

While appreciating the Namsai District Health Society, Sharma emphasised upon village-wise headcount of beneficiaries from 0- 2 years of children including pregnant women to be covered under the Mission Indradhanush-II.

The DC urged the DMO, DRCHO to ask the ASHAs and Anganwadi workers and to involve PRI members to ensure full coverage of targeted beneficiaries.

Speaking on the occasion, ZP Chairperson Namsai, Kyasing Monglang informed about head count of children below   2 years and pregnant women by ASHAs and Anganwadi workers.

DMO Namsai Dr. Nani Rika briefed on Mission Indradhanush –II and highlighted the achievements of Mission Indradanush–I. He asked all MO in-charges and health workers to be dedicated so that all the targeted beneficiaries in their respective block PHC/CHC are covered totally.

DRCHO Dr. Pill Dipen  highlighted the importance on observation of Mission Indradanush –II with the ultimate aim of zero child unimmunized. He emphasised on role of ANM and ASHA in making the Mission Indradhanush–II a grand success.

Medical Superintendent, CHC Namsai Dr. C.L Manchey, highlighted on proper and realistic micro planning.

 

Training on Bee-keeping and processing held

YINGKIONG, Oct 13: Day-long awareness training on Bee-Keeping processing unit was held at Congress Bhawan, Yingkiong today. Inaugurating the training programme, Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Remo Kamki advised the interested farmer trainees to keenly learn from the resource persons and avail benefit from the skill development training. The DC also appealed the trainees to make their surroundings clean by conducting social services and to follow Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Mission. He also asked all the participants to join in the movement against drug abuse and alcoholism etc.

The DC and Yingkiong ZPM Bading Teng distributed the CMs loin loom acrylic yarn to the beneficiaries.

Development Officer, Kogen Dekha and Helper Bee-Keeping, Tadeng Talong imparted the training. A total of 65 trainees are participating in the training. DIPRO

 

ATCWA says no to APDBE Act

ITANAGAR, Oct 13: Arunachal Tribal Contractors Welfare Association (ATCWA) has expressed disappointment that some organizations have called for implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh District Based Entrepreneurs Act-2015 (APDBE Act 2015), saying that it will divide the state and will give communal colour. ATCWA had served a memorandum to the Chief Minister on August 28 last opposing the implementation of the Act.

The district wise division of contract work may create communal disharmony. And if any eventuality happens, the present Congress government will be held responsible, it said.

 

AKKDSU demands re-survey of road

ITANAGAR, Oct 13: The All Kurung Kumey District Students’ Union (AKKDSU) has demanded that the earlier survey carried out for road construction from Joram in Lower Subansiri district to Koloriang in Kurung Kumey district is cancelled and fresh survey be conducted.

In an ultimatum served to the DC, it claimed that the survey which was carried out in 2009-10 was not proper as it allegedly violated all the norms and guidelines and also that the progress of the work was very slow.

Its charter of demand also include action against corrupt officers, constitution of a committee to survey boundaries of all the schools in the district, instalation of CCTV and Bio-metric system in all the government establishments to check attendance, immediate completion and early functioning of district hospitals at Nikja and Koloriang and mini-secretariat at Malapu among others.

 

ASM writes to CS

ITANAGAR, Oct 13: Kangku Anchal Samity ASM, Bomde Taso has written to Chief Secretary informing about problems being faced by people of Kangku circle. In her letter she informed that for the last few months there is no circle officer in the headquarters.

“Due to the absence of CO and office staff, public especially students are facing lot of trouble. It is becoming very tough to obtain PRC, ST and birth certificate,” she informed.

ASM appealed to the Chief Secretary to immediately look into matter and ensure posting of CO as well as office staffs at the earliest.

 

‘Post adequate lecturers’

ITANAGAR, Oct 13:  The All Tagin Students’ Union (ATSU) has claimed that the Government Degree College, Daporijo has been functioning without adequate lecturers and non-teaching staff.

The Union, in a release today, said that an ATSU team led by its General Secretary Lukjen Lida met the College’s Principal and submitted a memorandum seeking early posting of faculties for Hindi, History and English subjects and a librarian besides, introduction of subjects like Geography, Sociology and Education and resumption of college bus service for the institution’s proper functioning.

 

Ambulances flagged off

YINGKIONG, Oct 13: Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner, Remo Kamki flagged off three Mahindra Bolero Ambulances purchased under Border Area Development Programme (BADP) 2014-15 for the CHC Tuting and PHC Jengging and Singa-Gelling Border Block. The ambulances procured by the District Planning Officer were handed over to Dr. Kaling Dai, District Medical Officer by the Deputy Commissioner with all relevant documents and equipments in a function at DPO’s office, Yingkiong. The ambulances will be placed at respective CHC and PHC soon by the district health authorities.

Dr. Radesh Tatan, the new District Medical Officer, Yingkiong and Nyokgon Nitik, ZPM Tuting were also present in the flag-off function. DIPRO

 

AVP sports meet at Changlang held

ITANAGAR, Oct 13: The Changlang unit of Arunachal Vikas Parishad (AVP) conducted the district level Sports Meet at General Ground, Changlang on Sunday. Sixty-five players, both boys and girls, have qualified for the forthcoming state level sports meet to be held from November 7 to 9 at Itanagar.

Around 200 youths from various circles of Changlang participated in the sports meet which included volleyball, long-jump, shot-put, running race etc.

The participants were divided into three categories, sub-junior, junior and senior.

Nongkhi Kamba, Chairperson, Changlang Anchal Samity attended the meet to encourage the players.

 

State level chess tournament

ITANAGAR, Oct 13: The All Arunachal Pradesh Chess Association in a meeting held under the chairmanship of its president N Konia today decided to hold the 7th State Level Chess Tournament at DN College here from November 13 to 17.  The meeting also constituted an organizing committee for smooth conduct of the tournament.

 

Six archers from state for Sr.

National Archery Championship

ITANAGAR, Oct 13: A team of six archers comprising four women and two men from Arunachal Pradesh reached at Meerat, Uttar Pradesh today morning to take part in the 36th Senior National Men and Women Archery (Compound and Recurve) Championships from October 14-18.

The team members are Maselu Mihu, Sorang Yumi, Genung Tekseng, ND Khrimey (women), Ram Napi and Kash Tara (Men), informed Director Sports and Arunachal Archery Association Secretary Tadar Appa.

The team is accompanied by Sangay Lhaden Sports Academy Coach RK Jaisawal.

Meanwhile, Appa informed that the football and volleyball tournaments for Chief Minister's Trophy this year will be kicked off in the first week of November.

 

Rebi Ado Memorial Football Tournament

AALO, Oct 13: West Siang District Sports Association will conduct the District Level Rebi Ado Memorial Football Tournament at Aalo General Ground from October 16 to November 7.

Altogether 23 teams from the district are in the fray for the tournament which will be played on knock-out basis. The winner of the tournament will bag cash prize of Rs. 120,000, the Runners up Rs. 60,000. Highest scorer and the best player of the tournament will be given cash prize of Rs. 10,000 each along with trophies.

The tournament is being sponsored by former minister Doi Ado in memory of his late wife. DIPRO

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News Impact

Political stalemate continues as Raj Bhavan keep mum

ITANAGAR, Oct 13: Political stalemate continues in the state as Raj Bhavan is yet to act on the recommendation of the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki to drop four ministers from his council of ministers. The Chief Minister had given the recommendations for the dismissal of the ministers on Oct 6 evening to the Governor.

A source said that a decision is likely to be taken on Wednesday.

The four ministers whose names have been recommended for dropping include Agriculture Minister Chowna Mein, PRIs and Cooperative Minister Kumar Waii, Women and Child Development Minister Wanglin Lowangdong and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Kamlung Mossang.

A source informed this daily that four fresh names have already been sent to AICC for clearance for induction into the ministry.

On the other hand, on Oct 7, the Gauhati High Court had stayed Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker's decision to accept the resignations of two Congress MLAs — Gabriel Denwang Wangsu and Wanglam Sawin.

The Division Bench of the HC, while disposing the case of Gabriel Denwang Wangsu and Wanglam Sawin - vs- Speaker, Nabam Rebia, also stayed the notification declaring Kanubari and Khonsa East Assembly seats as vacant in its verdict on Wednesday. It directed the Election Commission of India not to go ahead with the plan of holding bye-polls in the two constituencies.

On Oct 1, the Legislative Assembly Secretariat had issued a notification that two Congress MLAs have resigned from the membership of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly. However, Wangsu and Sawin withdrew the resignation letters stating that they were forced into it by the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki.

The split in Congress is wide open now with two prominent factions, one led by Chowna Mein and the other led by the Chief Minister himself. The Congress has 47 in the 60-member legislative assembly.

 

 

Re-carpeting of the capital roads soon

ITANAGAR, Oct 13: National Highway - 415 stretching from Banderdewa to Itanagar is going to get a facelift as works on complete re-carpeting of the capital roads will be starting by October 17 next. Funds have been made available and the tender for maintenance of NH-415 has been awarded to a private firm which has assured to start up the work immediately.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki in a high level meeting of PWD Minister Gojen Gadi, Parliamentary Secretary Alo Libang, Chief Secretary, PWD Commissioner, Planning Secretary, Finance Secretary, Chief Engineers, SEs and EEs of PWD today to take stock of the situation issued strict directives to the department to complete the work within a span of two months by ensuring top quality as well as strict monitoring mechanism in place to make sure that no substandard work is carried out.  

The department would identify critical points where urgent maintenance is required in the first phase and then would complete the rest stretch within the stipulated time frame.

The ongoing construction of CC pavement road for the sectors would continue while the Four Lane road from Itanagar to Banderdewa would be proposed for Cement Concrete road to the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways owing to the loose soil condition of the capital city.  The PWD was also directed to prepare DPR for CC road for all future roads in the state for durability. Maintenance works on alternate access point to the capital i.e. Doimukh – Gumto road would also be taken up on an urgent basis.

While the onus of maintenance of all the National Highways in the state has been entrusted to the executing agencies, the State Government has released Rs. 3.75 Cr for immediate maintenance of Potin-Pangin Road (NH 13). The Chief Minister directed the department of PWD to immediately initiate correspondences for seeking funds from Government of India for maintenance of all National Highways in the state.

Tuki asked the chief secretary to ensure speedy clearances of land and forest issues pertaining to road and other infrastructure. He also issued directives to ensure security in the work place by deploying police with a magistrate who would look into the security as well as the monitor quality of the works being undertaken.

The Chief Minister asked the PWD Minister and Parliamentary Secretary to carry out regular inspections of the projects for quality and timely completion.

He agreed for procurement of items for two Bailey bridges for emergency purpose for the capital roads as requested by the department. He however opined for procurement of Patcher machine to mend the potholes for the capital.

 

 

Indigenous and refugees: uncertain times ahead

[ Tongam Rina ]

In its September 17 judgment on Chakma Hajong refugees, the Supreme Court, out of nowhere, quotes from the Pauranic Hindu legends to establish the “integral link” of the state of Arunachal Pradesh with the rest of the country “since ancient times”. Yours truly was left wondering why mythical legends had to be drawn in while giving a verdict which is no way related to the current reality. Perhaps, it was prompted by the atrociously painful and incorrigible Hindutva wave or need to reassure us and themselves that indeed Arunachal belonged to this country even before notion of nationhood or the physical boundaries were drawn.

The reality today is the fate of thousands of Chakma-Hajong refugees who call Arunachal their home as well as indigenous communities of Arunachal who don’t want them in their land.  Though the current SC verdict is on grant of citizenship to the Chakmas and Hajongs who migrated to India during 1964-69 but the state is host to thousands of them.

These refugees remain in their designated and nearby areas, mostly encroaching into  community land because of burgeoning population, at the same time  many Chakma-Hajong refugees own land and business establishments.

In Diyun-Bordumsa, Miao, Chongkham area, the refugees are a force to be reckoned with, not just because of their number but because they are hard working and run the local economy.  They work everywhere where the indigenous population would not think of even venturing into; be it running the vegetable markets, tending to the paddy fields as hired labourers or as household workers.

Under such a backdrop, it is perhaps time to come up with a set of realistic policy that would serve as a road map for tackling the

peculiar refugee issue.

Though the issue is highly emotive and contentious, the state and the Centre have to find a middle path and evaluate refugee status and rights vis-à-vis indigenous populations against the milieu of international conventions.

The Court has already stated that when the Chakmas and Hajongs were settled in NEFA from 1964 - 69, there were no elected bodies and that the laws applicable in the State of Arunachal Pradesh including Government of India Act-1870, the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation-1873, the Scheduled District Act-1874, the Assam Frontier Tract Regulation-1880, the Assam Frontier Forest Regulation-1891, the Chin Hills Regulations-1896 and the Assam Frontier (Administration of Justice) Regulation-1945 were not taken into account. This gives enough scope to the state government as well as All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union for further discussion as well as appeals in the Court.

 So far, people of the state are unanimous that they have no problem with the grant of Indian citizenship to these refugees, provided they do not continue to stay in Arunachal Pradesh. That’s a tough call as no other state would be willing to take them given the number.

Now, what is the way forward?

In 1994, the peak year of anti refugee movement in the state, when the refugees were asked to leave the state, Assam had ordered shoot at sight. The provocative act in Assam and Arunachal did nothing good instead the refugees got the attention and sympathy of the world including the Amnesty International. Perhaps, it is time the government and students make its stand clear, non-violently, for the Court and the world to notice.

The SC has been consistent that rights and privileges are granted to the refugees and recent verdict states that as recognized by judicial decisions, the refugees are not required to obtain any Inner Line permit as they are settled in the state.

Though the next two months are crucial for the fate of the indigenous communities of the state as well as the refugees but it is unlikely that a final verdict will come out soon. The Court will drag on, giving the state as well as the refugees’ uncertain times. Uncertain, it has been since the late 60s for all stakeholders and it will be in future too, no matter what indigenous communities or refugees wish for.

 

 

DC question low institutional deliveries

ROING, Oct 13: Expressing concern over the zero percentage of institutional delivery at Primary Health Centres at Koronu, Iduli and Hunli for the last couple of years, Lower Dibang Valley DC- cum-Chairman of the Governing Body and the Executive Committee of District Health Society, Ravi Dhawan exhorted the Medical Officers to improve their performance in the current year.

He was addressing the Governing Body and the Review Meeting of the Executive Committee of DHS in his office chamber here today.  

He further directed them to make all the Labour Rooms in the PHCs and CHCs operational by the next review meeting. While underscoring the need to judiciously utilise the funds under Rogi Kalyan Samiti scheme for betterment of the health delivery facilities in the PHCs and CHCs, the DC directed the concern officials to provide photographs of the work once completed.

He asked all the administrative officers of the outpost circles, who are the chairman of the Governing Body besides, MOs to conduct quarterly meeting of Governing Body Meeting of Rogi Kalyan Samiti in their respective PHCs & CHCs and submit the minutes of the meeting to DC office. DC also expressed dissatisfaction over the poor coverage of the full Immunization and Routine Immunization(ORS) at PHCs of  Iduli and Hunli.

DRCHO, Dr R Mena, informed that institutional delivery in the district has improved during this year with 50% by the end of 2nd quarter against 41% achieved during the year 2014-15. Improvement has also been made in immunization with 53% upto 2nd Quarter against 41% in the last year, he added.

Apart from HoDs of various departments, Roing Anchal Chairperson, DMO, SMOs and MOs also attended the meeting. (DIPRO)

 

 

Sitang Mei-Pee

[ Chow Bilaseng Namchoom ]

ITANAGAR, Oct 13: The Theravada Buddhist community from across the state today observed Sitang Mei-Pee with great devotion. Sitang Mei-Pee a religious festival, is celebrated in the mid-year as per the Buddhist lunar calendar. It is considered to be an auspicious occasion for the entire Theravada Buddhist believers.

On this day, devotees visit their respective Buddha Viharas to offer Holy Scriptures - Suktha Nipan or Suji-dhamma-wat Lik popularly known as Lu Lik by the Tai Khamptis. This is done for the departed soul of the loved ones and also to pay homage to triple gems- Buddha, Dhamma & Sangha.

Just a day before Sitang Mei-Pee, believers plant small branches of ma-kho(plant) in their respective homes to avert any misfortune in their homes and also seek blessings from elders by tying holy threads in their hands. The Theravada Buddhists residing in capital complex also observed the day with full devotion and enthusiasm.

During the day, the believers pledged to observe the five precepts and many also vowed to observe the eight precepts.

Scholar Kesang Aryadhamma delivering his discourse in Itanagar, explained about the significance of the celebration of Sitang Mei-Pee to the devotees. He also read out verses from Sutta Pitaka.

 

 

DPM complete 25 years of service to differently abled children

ITANAGAR, Oct 13: The Donyi Polo Mission School for Hearing & Visually Impaired Chimpu, Itanagar is celebrating its Silver Jubilee on October 15 in the school premises.

Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa will attend the celebration along with the First Lady of the state.

The DPM School for Hearing Impaired was established on October 15, 1990. It is a co-educational residential English medium rehabilitation centre which provides education, training and rehabilitates children with hearing impaired to bring them back to the mainstream of the society. The founder chairman of the school is former chief minister Gegong Apang.

Started with three hearing impaired children, the school has currently 88 students-- 54 boys and 34 girls.

Initially the school was started in a rented building at G-Extension, Ganga, Itanagar and later it was shifted to its new permanent building at Chimpu in 1994.

The school has 5.91 acres of land in its possession for rehabilitation of the less privileged children.

Besides formal education, the school extends various rehabilitation services to the differently abled children, such as periodical audiological diagnosis (hearing testing) for the children and outsiders as well. The school provides hearing aids, speech therapy for correction of speech problem, Counseling, guidance and referral services for cases having disability and their parents and guardians, pre-school training programme to parents, services to develop teaching-learning materials (TLMs) to make learning more vibrant and realistic, to explore and develop inner skills children in painting, craft, tailoring, embroidery, dance and music and computer training.

So far, 71 hearing impaired students from the school have passed the Class X Board Examination and many of them are engaged in different jobs under the quota of 3% reservation policy in Government and Semi-Government establishments.

The school has received National Award in 1998 from Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, which was conferred by Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma, the then President of India.

Students from the school received 3rd prize in National level Skit Competition on the occasion of Children Festival organized in New Delhi during 1997.

Two students from the school received Silver medal in national level drawing competition.

Master Tajum Soki, student of Class-IV received 3rd Prize in the state level painting competition in 2009 and consolation prize in national level on conservation of energy.

Two students, namely Mst. Marker Kato and Mst Lok Efa of class VI and V stood first and third respectively in the state level painting competition on conservation of water and they represented the state in National Level Painting Competition at New Delhi during January 2012.

Master Vikash Miroh, student of class VII received third prize in state level painting competition conducted by NHPC Limited in November, 2013.

 

 

N'khumsang under grip of opium

and drugs, APWWS steps in

[ Pisi Zauing ]

LEWANG, Oct 12: N'khumsang area inhabited by the Singphos and Mossangs, comprising of six villages with 800 populations is the oldest constituent of Miao administrative circle under Changlang district but the most neglected and backward with acute problem of peddling and abuse of drugs, opium and other psychotropic substance. The villagers, especially youths have fallen prey to menace of drugs and opium. Taking note, a meeting was convened by N'khumsang Unit of Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) on Sunday at Lewang in the right bank of Noa Dehing River pertaining to the problems of drugs and opium.

For first time, the local administration and police demonstrated their seriousness over the ascending graph of drug peddling and abuses by taking part at the meeting.

Circle Officer, Miao appealed the villagers to stay away from addiction and cooperate with the APWWS in putting a permanent halt to drug peddling to the area.

He assured every possible help from the administration.

SDPO Mihin Gambo said that Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act (NEWS Act) is one of the most stringent Acts in the country. Anyone found guilty of drug  peddling  will be dealt with strictly under the Act, Gambo added.

While assuring establishment of a police outpost at Lewang, Gambo said GBs or PRI members shielding drug peddlers and not cooperating with police in dealing with the crime will also be liable for punishment.

APYC General Secretary cum Advisor APWWS Pinna Kitnal Singpho informed that a de-addiction center will be introduced at CHC, Miao to help drug and opium addicts to start life afresh.

ASM Thuing Pisi, Gaon Burahs as well APWWS members from Miao Unit and villagers in large number attended the meeting.

The area is surrounded by Chakma refugees and most vulnerable to drug peddling and abuses. Due to Noa Dehing River separating the area from Miao Township, it remains completely cut off every summer for 5 consecutive months annually resulting in villagers succumbing to various predicaments.

N'khumsang area has an aerial distance of only 1 km from Miao Township but owing to absence of surface road communication, the administration and police stationed at Miao faces difficulty to check anti-social activities in the area.

For a long time, people of the area have been demanding construction of a motorable suspension bridge over Noa Dehing to connect the area with the rest of the world but despite assurance coming from the state’s chief minister Nabam Tuki and local MLA Kamlung Mossang, no positive steps in this direction has so far been initiated.

The area also falls within the oil operational jurisdiction of Oil India Limited but so far the demands for construction of motorable suspension bridge under corporate social responsibility have not been fulfilled to by the OIL.

 

 

JNV students suffering due

to accommodation problem

[ Karda Natam ]

DAPORIJO, Oct 13: Delay in completing infrastructure of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) Megdong is causing accommodation problem to the students of the school.

The students boarding in the boys’ hostel are living in very unhygienic condition in a building inhabitable for human beings. Many small rooms have been created within a room with torn-out blanket and dirty bed-sheets. Unbelievably, students were seen staying at the roof as there is no space left for them. Moreover, there was every possibility of suffocation due to overcrowding as there is no ventilator in the building.

Almost the same story goes for the girls’ hostel.  

There is no security fencing or boundary wall for both the hostels. Any unpleasant incident cannot be ruled out, particularly during the night time as there is no proper attached bathroom and toilets in the girls’ hostel. They have to go outside the hostel to take bath in the nearby open water tape.

When enquired, the principal in-charge expressed the school authority’s helplessness and said that inordinate delay in completion of school infrastructure led to the present situation of the school.

Besides, the school authority, the parents and guardians too have been appealing to the concern higher authorities for early completion of the infrastructure but in vain.

Many officials, MLAs and Ministers have visited the school and assured their all possible help to upgrade the school infrastructure but to no avail, they rued.

Meanwhile, Parents-Teacher Council of the JNV recently met the Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner and highlighted problem faced by them and their wards studying in the school. They said some amounts were donated to the school authority for early erection of security fencing and construction of toilets and bathroom in the school compound.

Every year 80 new students should be admitted in the school as per JNV norms and guidelines but the school is enrolling only 40 students a year mainly due to accommodation problem.

The construction works were undertaken 15 years ago by M/s Rites Ltd, a Gurgaon based Construction Company along with its subcontractor M/s Tama Fabrication. Many complaints regarding delay in construction were made against them but the infrastructure remained incomplete since then.

The parents have strongly demanded the construction company for early completion of the school buildings and sought JNV and State Government’s intervention.

JNV Megdong is located at Megdong village, around 10 km from Daporijo town.

 

 

State level training of resource teams on IPPE

ITANAGAR, Oct 13: Four-day state level training programme of resource teams on Integrated Participatory Planning Exercise (IPPE – II) commenced today at SIRD Conference Hall. The programme is being conducted for district level officials from Tawang, West Kameng, East Kameng, Lower Subansiri, Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi, Lohit, Anjaw, Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley districts.

The delegates placed their concerns and issues to the panel involving Commissioner RD & PR, Director RD, Director PR, and Director SIRD.

Inaugurating the programme, Indra Mallo, Commissioner (Rural Development and Panchayati Raj) informed that State Government shall be issuing detailed guidelines on the process of planning at the Gram Panchayat level, which were initially drafted by SIRD. Based on detailed deliberations on the initial draft, Department of PR has prepared the draft Government Order which is expected to be issued soon. This participatory planning process is going to be done under My Village My Development Plan (MVMDP) initiative.  

She gave emphasis on taking specific efforts for streamlining MIS under MG NREGA and asked for settlement of pending issues during the training programme.

She informed that first instalment of 14th Finance Commission grants has been received and these grants shall be transferred directly to the bank accounts of respective Gram Panchayat shortly.

She also informed that audit of GP accounts is also going to be done and that all financial records of the Gram Panchayats have to be maintained properly as their audits have to be done.

Earlier, B. Basar, Director RD appreciated the hard work done by all concerned under IPPE – I. He also called upon all concerned officials engaged at district and block levels to be proactively involved in the process of IPPE – II for meeting the specified targets.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjeev Das, Programme Officer HQ under MGNREGA clarified that although MoRD had agreed for providing Rs one lakh per IPPE Block, only 50% of the funds have been received. He also clarified that MGNREGA  being a demand driven programme, it was important that demand for work is updated in MGNREGA MIS. He called upon all concerned officials at block and district level to update information on MGNREGA MIS and based upon that State Govt. shall pursue for funds with Govt of India.

Sumedha, Director PR informed that under MVMDP each Gram Panchayat shall be developing a composite development plan concentrating on vulnerable and poorest of poor. The development needs at the GP level shall be based on information collected from household level baseline survey and output from participatory rural appraisal.

Earlier, SW Bagang, Assistant Director SIRD cum State Nodal Officer IPPE – II gave an overview of the programme including details of sub topics being covered in different sessions. The programme involves a field visit for ground level learning experience at Poma Gram Panchayat. This programme is being co-coordinated by Dr. Rakesh Srivastava, Dy. Director cum Sr. Core Faculty (RM), while other faculties from SIRD include Dr. V.K.Sharma, Dy. Director cum Sr. Core Faculty (NRM), Mihin Lali, Assistant Director Faculty (Rural Governance) and Rodo Bui, Assistant Director (e-Governance).

 

 

Arunachalee student shines at

National Science Seminar

ITANGAR, Oct 13: Likha Jiit, a student of Class IX representing the state from Ramakrishna Sarada Mission Girls’ School, Khonsa took the second position in the National Science Seminar held at National Science Centre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi on Oct 8.

The topic of the seminar was - Harnessing Light- Possibilities and Challenges. Around 28 states and 8 Union Territories participated at the national level seminar. Likha received a certificate, citation, books and a scholarship of Rs.1000 per month for 12 months.

As part of the cultural function on the occasion, she also presented a slide show on the culture and traditions of Arunachal Pradesh in traditional attire and spoke about the rich and varied cultural heritage of the state.

Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha, who is also the chairman of the School Managing Committee has congratulated Likha Jiit for her brilliant performance and also lauded the Matajis and the teachers for guiding her efficiently.  

Earlier, Likha Jiit had qualified for the national level Science Seminar 2015 after topping at the state level held at Itanagar on Aug 28. DIPRO

 

 

Dance and quiz event at Namsai on theme of drugs

[ Indrajit Tingwa ]

NAMSAI, Sept 13: In order to give a platform to the students of the district to showcase their inherent talents, the All Tai Khampti and Singpho Students Union (ATKSSU) in collaboration with All Namsai District Students Union (ANDSU) organised a two-day dance and quiz competition at Namsai with a theme “say no to drugs”.

On the first day, a packed Town Hall witnessed the dance competition themed ' Take care of your body; it’s the only place to live in. Say no to drugs, yes to life '.

The dance troupe from Venerable Uktara Bethany College, Manmow clinched the first prize followed by GHSS Namsai and GHSS Innao in the second and third places respectively.

In the quiz competition, seven teams from different higher secondary schools participated with S K Nair, ST Science of Government Higher Secondary School, Namsai as the quiz master. Chow Ajingta Chowhai and Debrojit Nath from GHSS Namsai, won the top prize along with a one year scholarship from Department of Tax and Excise, Namsai.

Chow Mahajini Chowpoo, ZPM Namsai appreciated the two student bodies for creating a platform to channelize and encourage the young people to display and expose their talent.

Deputy Commissioner Namsai R.K.Sharma lauded the organisers for conducting the competitions and said that another competition in collaboration with the District Administration was desirable while at the same time assuring to sponsor the prizes.

 

 

Training on NDPS Act at Tezu

TEZU, Oct 13: Training on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act) and other related issues was conducted by two representatives from Narcotics Control Bureau, Guwahati at the DC’s conference hall here today.

Deputy Commissioner Tamiyo Tatak, ASP Guni Pertin, SDO G. Hazarika, ZPMs of Tezu and Wakro, District Heads of Departments, Gaon Burahs, PRI members, NGOs, civil societies, students and the public attended the training programme.

Speaking on the significance of NDPS Act and its legal implications, the DC said that the main concern for the Mishmi society of Lohit district is the menace of opium. He said that it is not possible to completely eradicate opium at one go and said that it will have to be a gradual process. He called upon all to come forward and take a pledge for its complete eradication and work toward achieving the target.

Further, the DC also suggested that there should be an alternate livelihood for de-addicted people and a de-addiction centre should be set up in the district to provide rehabilitation for the addicts. He suggested for convergence of schemes of various departments like Agriculture, Horticulture, and Veterinary & Animal Husbandry etc to provide an alternate livelihood.

Assuring all help and assistance from the district administration and Police, he said matters will be taken up with higher authorities if need arises. The DC also directed the Gaon Burahs to report any unlawful activities and cultivation of opium under their area to the authority.

Intelligence Officers Pavan Baisane and Ruskin Talukdar educated the gathering on various sections of the NDPS Act and informed that its violations can bring up to 10 to 20 years of jail term or can be fined up to Rs. 2 lakhs. They also spoke on the various sections of the Act where a land owner is responsible for opium cultivation under land owned by him and is punishable; and a government servant is also punishable under the law if he/she does not inform the unlawful cultivation of opium known to them to the authority.

EAC Wakro D. Riba speaking on the occasion asked the members present in the training programme to spread the knowledge and awareness to their fellow villagers so that maximum number of people know about the NDPS Act.

Representatives from various NGOs, including CALSOM and Gaon Burahs, ZPMs, PRI members, students, and women also spoke and put their views on the occasion.

They all demanded for a de-addiction centre for rehabilitation of the addicts and also for an alternate crop against opium cultivation which is gaining paramount importance mainly because of its quick return.

They also supported the idea of awareness programmes where villagers will have to be made known of all the tenants of NDPS Act and the punishments and legalities involved. Proper awareness on NDPS Act, its health hazards, and real enforcement of the laws by the concern authorities will only bring down the cultivation and addicts, they observed.

Heads of Fishery Department, Horticulture, Agriculture, Textiles & Handicrafts, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry etc also highlighted various schemes under their departments where a person can avail benefits which can be opted as an alternate occupation. DIPRO

 

 

Governor, CM, sports fraternity congratulate lifter Deru

ITANAGAR, Oct 13: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa and Chief Minister Nabam Tuki congratulated weightlifter Jimjang Deru for his extraordinary performance in the on-going Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship at Pune.

Felicitating Deru on behalf of people of Arunachal Pradesh and his own behalf, the Governor said that his outstanding achievement in creating four Commonwealth records has not only made every Arunachalee proud but also the entire people of India.

He wished him similar spectacular success in future international competitions also.

The Governor expressed the hope that the youth of the State would draw inspiration from Deru’s exemplary performance and excel in different sports events, as they have the potential and just need dedication, grit, hard work and perseverance apart from proper guidance and exposure.

Deru won four Gold medals on the first day of the championship in both Sub-Junior and Junior categories besides winning a silver in the senior category.

In his congratulatory message, Tuki said, “By doing so Deru has created a Commonwealth record and held high the pride and esteem of Arunachal Pradesh by becoming the first Indian to achieve the feat. We are all very proud of you,” the Chief Minister said in a congratulatory message here this evening.

He also wished Deru and other team members for success in their hunt for medals in the remaining part of the championship.  

 Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Padi Richo, who is also the president of Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA) congratulated Deru for his record-breaking performance.

Deru broke the record this time after Yukar Sibi had won a silver medal in the weightlifting Commonwealth Youth Games in 2008. At that time, the AOA President was the team manager of the Indian team in which 72 countries participated.

Informing about mini Olympics to be organized for the first time in the State, he urged presidents of sports associations of different disciplines to get completed the qualifying rounds within this month.

He thanked the CM for allocating Rs. 1 Crore, to conduct the Mini Olympic Games in Itanagar.

Meanwhile, Sports Director Tadar Appa and sports fraternity of the state lauded the brilliant performance of Deru in the Championship.

“The years of efforts by the state government under leadership of Chief Minister Tuki, who has accorded top priority to the sports sector, are paying off,” said Appa.

Sports Authority of Arunachal vice chairman Gechi Doke, Arunachal Karate Do Association president Likha Tara and secretary L Marik, Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) assistant secretary Kipa Ajay on behalf of APFA congratulated Deru for bringing laurels to the country and the state through his outstanding performance in the Commonwealth championship.

 

 

Sunfeast Cup football tournament from Oct 23

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Oct 13: The SPT Sports Management Pvt. Ltd., a Bangalore based leading integrated sports Management Company, in association with Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) is organizing a football tournament at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun from October 23 to 28.

The event called Sunfeast Cup Football Tournament aims to uplift the young players of the region by providing them a good platform to show their latent talents, informed APFA Assistant Secretary Kipa Ajay.

The tournament will be conducted for players U-13 and U-16 year category. The last date for registration of players/teams is October 17.

State's U-13 and U-16 football teams for National Sub-Junior Football Championship will be selected from among the participating players in the Sunfeast Cup tournament on the basis of their performance, Ajay said, adding that the tournament will be conducted purely by the officials from the Bangalore based firm.

SPT Sports Management Pvt. Ltd. is organizing the event in six northeastern cities, including Guwahati, Jorhat, Aizawl, Shillong and Imphal differently.

Meanwhile, the 14th Tadar Tang Memorial Football Tournament has been rescheduled on November two at Tezu, Lohit due to some unavoidable reasons. The tournament was earlier scheduled to be held from October 31.

He also said that the state's senior football team for Santosh Trophy and Dr. T Ao Football Tournament will be selected on the basis of the performance of the players in the  Tadar Tang Memorial Football Tournament.

 

 

China operationalises biggest dam

on Brahmaputra in Tibet

BEIJING, Oct 13: China on Tuesday operationalised the USD 1.5 billion Zam Hydropower Station, the largest in Tibet, built on the Brahmaputra River, which has raised concerns in India over the likelihood of disrupting water supplies.

All six of the station's units were incorporated into the power grid on Tuesday, the China Gezhouba Group, a major hydropower contractor based in Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province in central China told state-run Xinhua news agency.

Located in the Gyaca County, Shannan Prefecture, the Zam Hydropower Station also known as Zangmu Hydropower Station, harnesses the rich water resources of Brahmaputra known in Tibet as Yarlung Zangbo River, a major river which flows through Tibet into India and later into Bangladesh.

The dam, considered to be the world's highest-altitude hydropower station and the largest of its kind, will produce 2.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity a year.

"It will alleviate the electricity shortage in central Tibet and empower the development of the electricity-strapped region. It is also an important energy base in central Tibet," the company said.

Officials said when the electricity is ample in the summer season, part of the electricity will be transmitted to the neighbouring Qinghai province, Xinhua report said.

Investment of the hydropower station, about 140 kilometers from Tibetan capital Lhasa, totalled 9.6 billion yuan (about USD 1.5 billion).

The first unit began operations last November.

Reports in the past said besides Zangmu, China is reportedly building few more dams. China seeks to ally Indian fears saying that they are the run-of-the-river projects which were not designed to hold water.

The dams also raised concerns in India over China's ability to release water in times of conflict which could pose serious risk of flooding. An Indian inter-ministerial expert group (IMEG) on the Brahmaputra in 2013 said the dams were being built on the upper reaches and called for further monitoring considering their impact on the flow of waters to the lower reaches.

The IMEG noted that the three dams, Jiexu, Zangmu and Jiacha are within 25km of each other and are 550km from the Indian border.

India has been taking up the issue with China for the past few years the two countries reached.

Under the understanding reached in 2013, Chinese side agreed to provide more flood data of Brahmaputra from May to October instead of June to October in the previous river water agreements in 2008 and 2010. India is concerned that if the waters are diverted, then projects on the Brahmaputra, particularly the Upper Siang and Lower Subansiri projects in Arunachal Pradesh, may get affected. PTI

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---- Editorial ----

 

Difficult time for the farmers

While the whole country is debating about beef, the farming community of India is silently facing turbulent time. Media as well as politicians seems to have forgotten the plight of the farmers. Almost on daily basis the news of farmer suicide are pouring in from various parts of the country. In Odisha, farmer suicides continue unabated with two more deaths reported today, one each from Nuapada and Bargarh districts taking the toll to six in the last five days. The deceased committed suicide due to the crop damage.

In Punjab too farming community is feeling restless and is agitating on the streets. Farmer unions are indulging in rail rokho abhiyan for the last six days.

The unions have been demanding Rs 40,000 per acre compensation for farmers whose crop got damaged by whitefly attack, Rs 20,000 per family compensation for farm labourers, Rs 4,500 per quintal rate for Basmati PUSA 1509 variety, Rs 5,000 per quintal for Basmati PUSA 1121. Besides it they are also seeking waiving of farm loan. It is believed that negotiation between government and farmer unions are going on over the compensation demands. The agrarian crisis has badly hit farmers across the country. But the government of India does not seem to be worried. Their ministers are busy talking about beef ban and so on but not the issue of farmer suicide. The present precarious situation is badly traumatizing the farming community who are considered to be backbone of the nation. It is the duty of central government to help them in this moment of crisis.

 

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---- Readers Forum ----

 

A Pope with a difference

Dear Editor,

Pope Francis is indeed an unique personality, nothing but a rare exception in today’s society.

It remains the “moral duty” of each and every country, Government, political party and organisation to zealously sweep all its ills under the carpet and project it as epitome of all things “good”!  Thus the hard reality of inadequate supply of potable water in maximum of the Indian households or more than 50% of the Indian population being forced to exercise open defecation need to be hidden by zealous flaunting of India’s “elite” status by highlighting Chandrayaan-I or attainment of Mars orbit! But the Pope refuses to play to the gallery and so he has displayed  immense honesty enough to  acknowledge the sexual exploitation of vulnerable children within the confines of Vatican or other Churches.

In this deeply polarised world where it seems that all norms of neutrality have ceased to exist, again Pope Francis arrives to us as a pleasant exception. During the Jadavpur University(Kolkata) “agitation” in September 2014, it had emerged as  a “fashion” of sorts to blindly condemn the police “atrocities” on the “innocent” “vulnerable” students of the university! But not a single soul, apart from Trinamool leaders or State machinery, pointed out the sheer audacity of the students to gherao the University VC and other staff spanning hours, that too even after midnight; thereby depriving them of as basic amenities as food, water, toilet facilities or sleep.  It seemed that all norms of human rights are sheer “monopoly” of the students only and the teachers, many of them being on the verge of senior citizenship, be allowed to go to the dogs! Similarly, the world, apart from the staunch anti-Muslims could only view the launching of deadly missiles by Israel directed at the “innocent” Palestines in mid 2014! But no one cared to protest against the Palestine guerrilla who were similarly attacking the Israel territory! One and only Israel was been painted as “villain” during the entire episode! In such a highly biased, prejudiced and  partial environment, Pope Francis was the sole voice of neutrality in the world urging both Israel and Palestine to just stop the mayhem.

There exist innumerable persons  who rightly condemn the throwing out of Pandits from the Kashmir Valley, but remain “dumb” and “deaf” when pogrom against a particular community get organised in 2002 and vice versa. But Pope Francis does not believe in such “selective protest” and “biased secularism”! Rather wherever atrocities are/were committed around the globe, Pope Francis has always come forward in condemning it irrespective of the race/religion/ country of the aggressor or the victim.  Thus the Pope which condemns the Holocaust also severely protests against the Islamic State cadres butchering the Shias, Christians or Yazidis in Iraq. Yes, our respected Pope, despite being a guardian of Christianity, is a firm believer of that supreme faith named Humanity and thus always cry for the human rights and welfare of all persons of the globe.

In this age of supreme haughtiness where muscle flexing , utterance of shrill rhetoric and expression of holier-than-thou attitude have emerged as the “in-thing” and leaders exhibiting such “masculinity” get instantly projected as “extremely strong personality” resembling “Louha purush”(Iron Man) who has the “remedy for all ills”; Pope Francis again stands high aloft as a stray island of civility and sanity around this turbulent ocean of intolerance and hot talk. His unique humility, gentle behaviour and gracious smile can never be described through mere words.  No wonder why young people dare to touch him and take selfies with him as if he is their most dear friend! What a magnetic majestic personality with foot firmly rooted to the ground! When barbaric exhibition of monetary might and luxurious lifestyle have become the order of the day and the Who’s Who of political, cultural and religious world are shamelessly leading Royal lifestyle at the expense of the State or tax payers’ money and making a mockery of drastic poverty and helplessness around the society;  Pope Francis leads an extremely frugal lifestyle.

By constantly displaying his concern for the poor, displaced, refugees, homeless and the global environment threatened by “modernity” and “development”; Pope Francis is indeed acting as the Conscience of the World. If we try to emulate him even a bit, follow his advice and work for the welfare of the downtrodden ;  the world and the society would indeed become a much better place to live in.

Yours,

Kajal Chatterjee,

Kolkata

 

 

 

A great effort by Biological Park

Dear Editor,

The news report on birth of another Hollock Gibbon at Itanagar Biological Park is indeed a great news.This clearly reflects the  dedication and hard work of all the officers, officials, Veterinarian, animal keepers of the park for successful captive breeding of Hoolock.

Being the first Veterinarian of the Zoo during 1980s under T.Milang, I feel proud and convey my best wishes to all of them. I wish the similar effort will also be given for captive breeding of Clouded Leopard which is another endangered species found in Arunachal Pradesh.

Yours,

Dr K K Bhattacharjee

Consultant

NIRD, Khanapara

 

 

 

Praiseworthy initiative

Dear Editor,

The Chief Minister has implemented various programme and policies including Paryatan Vikas Yojana, skill development for unemployed youths,

agri- mechanization programme in aid to farming community, award of excellence in quality education, Vidya scheme for girl students, universal health insurance and disability pension schemes, livelihood mission programme and introduction of mission mode project to encourage plantation of Tea and Rubber among others.

We are fortunate and proud that under him, there are opportunities for young generations and the unemployed.

Necessary steps have been taken in rural areas and there are opportunities for empowerment of women in the state.  

What more can we ask from Nabam Tuki, chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh who has come up with flagship programmes for welfare of our state.

Even God cannot fulfill the desires of all his disciples and believers.

Yours,

Ngurang Rajesh

Kimin

 

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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