October 10
2016
Gadkari reluctant to release fund for Potin-Ziro road
[ Taba Ajum ]
ITANAGAR, Oct 09: The Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highway (MoRTH) Nitin Gadkari is believed to have opposed the move to grant Rs 10 crore for repairing of Potin-Ziro road. According to the sources, when Chief Minister Pema Khandu recently met Gadkari, the union minister expressed reservation about it. Gadkari's deputy, the Minister of State for Road, Transport and Highway Mansukh Mandaviya during his recent visit to Ziro had announced Rs 10 crore for the immediate maintenance of Potin-Ziro road which is in pathetic condition.
The unwillingness on the part of Gadkari to release fund has put serious question mark over the fate of Potin-Ziro road. This strategically important road which is lifeline for the people of Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri, Kurung Kumey and Kra Daadi districts is in horrific condition. This road is also major supply line for armed forces based in border areas. The Trans Arunachal Highway in the said stretch has not been taken up till now due to the compensation issue. Ministry has twice rejected the compensation package sent by state government and it is yet to be resolved.
MoRTH had also refused to release fund for restoration works taken up in various parts of state during the monsoon in 2015.
However there is some relief for capital dwellers as Itanagar-Banderdewa four-lane project is finally on the verge of being sanctioned. "The DPR and land compensation estimate are yet to be sanctioned. But the recent meeting between CM Pema Khandu and Minister MoRTH has given fillip to the project. Gadkari had verbally given his words regarding early sanction of the project. It is just matter of time before the project is officially sanctioned," the source added.
Pema urges Centre to raise three more IRBn Battalions
NEW DELHI, Oct 09: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu today underscored the need to raise three more battalions of IRBn to strengthen the law and order machinery within the state.
Calling on Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh here this evening, Khandu submitted that the existing police force of the state is insufficient in the backdrop of the state's international borders with China, Bhutan and Myanmar as well as big projects of national importance coming up and the concerns raised by investors on security aspects of the state.
"Considering the state's strategic geographic location and under-developed status, it is important to ensure that we are fully geared on the law and order front," he said.
The Chief Minister further informed that as per the existing guidelines, MHA shares 75% cost for IRBn personnel and the standard amount fixed for one Battalion is Rs. 17.00 crores.
However, in case of infrastructure funding pattern is to be shared in the ratio 50:50 by the Central and State, he pointed and requested that norms of 75:25 funding may be adopted even for the cost of infrastructure.
Khandu also requested for establishment of a World Class Police Training Institute for the State Police in Itanagar in close collaboration with NEPA Shillong.
Highlighting the importance of modernizing surveillances, Khandu proposed for city surveillance system to be put in place for the twin capital city of Itanagar and Naharlagun. "City Surveillance using latest technology is must in todays' era to check crime rate and provide citizens a sense of security", CM advocated. He informed Singh that a proposal is already lying pending with MHA in this regard. Chief Minister also proposed a State of Art forensic centre in collaboration with Gujarat Government in Arunachal by deploying (UAV) for vital intelligence inputs along the borders.
After giving a patient hearing, the Home Minister assured to support Arunachal Pradesh in every possible way.
CM was accompanied by Deputy CM Chowna Mein and State Home Minister Kumar Waii during the call on.
Board defies CM’s directives, terminates two officers
ITANAGAR, Oct 09: The Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Worker's Welfare Board (APB&OCWWB) recently terminated the services of two employees, bypassing the chief minister's personal directives.
Two registering officers of the board, Neri Dodum and Koj Kano, were first issued transfer orders on July 4 to Anini and Longding with directions to join their new place of posting within ten days or face termination.
In July the two officials wrote to labour secretary Ojing Darung, seeking retention of the transfer orders.
In their letter, the duo claimed that they were being targeted "for voicing against corrupt practices" in the board. They also argued that the board has no proper office infrastructure in the places they were transferred and that there are no any subordinate staffs.
Both officers also cited that they have school-going children and an immediate transfer would result in the loss of their academic year.
Dodum and Kano also wrote to chief minister Pema Khandu who personally noted that their transfer should be held back. However, the chief minister's note seems to have had little effect on the board which terminated their employment on September 12.
Incidentally, the termination order was signed by the OSD of the board, Saikia Yangda, and not by the secretary.
The order had stated that the two were terminated after a resolution was passed in its 16th meeting due to "non-performance" and "non-compliance of transfer -posting order".
Although the transfer order was issued on July 4, surprisingly the termination order states that the employment of the two officers is terminated "with effect from 1st July, 2016", meaning that they were relieved of their duties even before they were transferred.
Voicing their opposition to the termination, the officers stated that according to an unanimous decision by all district registering officers and other such subordinate staffs of the board, a series of memorandums were submitted to the labour minister, chief secretary and labour secretary under the banner of Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Constructions Employees Association seeking regularization of employees of the board, pay enhancement, discontinuation of ex-officios as per decision taken in the 6th and 7th meetings of the board in 2012 and appointment of full-pledged member secretary.
While the board has defied the chief minister's directives, the two aggrieved officers had gone to court to seek redress.
The Itanagar permanent bench of the Gauhati High Court on September 29 has stayed the termination order stating that the "termination is not termination simpliciter; there appears to be element of stigma".
Labour secretary Ojing Darung could not be reached for a comment.
Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal
NEW DELHI, Oct 09: His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama has confirmed his visit to Arunachal Pradesh in the second week of March, 2017.
The pious soul conveyed this to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, when he along with Arunachal Legislative Assembly Speaker TN Thongdok, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Minister Rajesh Tacho, Parliamentary Secretaries Jambey Tashi, Phurpa Tsering, Pasang Dorjee Sona, MLA Japu Deru with Chairpersons Jambey Wangdi and Tungri Effa had an audience in a city hotel here on Sunday and requested for His Holiness's benevolent visit to Arunachal Pradesh.
During the audience, Pema said: "I take this occasion to greet your Holiness to shower your radiance on the fellow beings in this vitiated milieu of unmitigated conflicts amongst the mankind. With all humility, I take the privilege of this audience with your Holiness to once again represent the aspirations of my people to be blessed with your benevolent visit to Arunachal Pradesh. We are eagerly waiting for the cherished moments of your holy presence in Arunachal Pradesh".
Pema conveyed the prayers of the people of Arunachal for His Holiness's long years of cheerful health and extraordinary wisdom.
The Dalai Lama in his advice to the delegation called for adopting compassionate approach while dealing with the public.
"You are public servants, so you should all come out from the party lines to live upto the people's aspirations" the Dalai Lama said.
Dalai Lama shared the pain of growing hatred in the world and said that no religion in the world advocates ill treatment to others. Peace and compassion should be adopted in letter and spirit to achieve the peace of mind, he advised.
His Holiness humbly accepted the invitation and tentatively fixed the dates of his visit to Arunachal in second week of March 2017.
Civic sense needed
Monday Musing
[ M Doley ]
Unmindful throwing of garbage in public places, chewing of betel nuts and leaves, Pan masala and the nauseating habits of spitting in public places, corners of wall and building are very common in our society. Moreover, messy and stinking public toilets, peeing in the backyard, busy roadside and isolated public places are grim reminder of how we are lacking basic civic sense.
By doing so, we are not only setting a very bad example of cleanliness but also contributing to environmental pollution.
It is needless to say that cleanliness is one of the most important practices for a clean and healthy environment and very essential to lead a healthy life.
It seems the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) launched two years ago has hardly been able to make impact in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The state is still trailing others in the race on garbage/solid waste management and construction of individual household latrines (IHHL) under SBM--one of the main agendas of the mission to make the country open defecation free by 2019.
As per Swachhata Status Survey report conducted by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the total solid waste generated in 42 wards in the state was 181 MT/per day, of which only 14% are processed while the percentage of door-to-door garbage collection was 18% as on January 1, 2016, the report said.
The record of construction of IHHL, community toilets in the state was also not very impressive as compared to other states.
The IHHL units constructed in Arunachal Pradesh during 2015-16 (upto 29.2.2016) were 10,002, School Toilet- 102 and Anganwadi Toilets -12. The figures in the previous year were 12,902 (IHHL), 255 (school toilet) and 223 (Anganwadi toilet).
Rajastthan was atop the table with construction of 1,963164 (IHHLs), 2079 (School toilets) and 439 (Anganwadi toilets) during that period.
IHHLs constructed with funds from SSA, RMSA and SBA in the state till March 1, 2016 was 2,892 while the number of IHHL constructed during that period by PSUs were 600.
According to the national survey report, the application received by the Union Ministry of UD for construction of IHHL in Arunachal Pradesh was 31007 and work commenced for 2585 units. However, not a single unit was completed till January 1, 2016, the survey report stated.
In case of Community and Public Toilets, work commenced for 3185 units and the number of completed was zero units till 31.01.2016, which reflects slow implementation of the programme.
Instilling a sense of responsibility in the minds of every citizen to maintain cleanliness is the need of the hour to address the problem as the habits learnt at the young age get embedded into one's personality.
Cleanliness drives under SBM should not be an annual affair. Rather, it (cleanliness) should be a fundamental responsibility of every citizen.
If we do not learn about cleanliness and its importance and the diseases caused due to poor maintenance of hygienic conditions, then the goal of achieving 'Swachh Bharat' and Arunachal by 2019 will remain a distant dream.
On the other hand, if we follow some good practices, like keeping our surroundings neat and clean, disposing wastes at designated places instead of throwing it in public places, then the goal is not far away.
Hence, public participation is a must in realizing the dream of "clean and green Arunachal". Otherwise, no amount of government efforts will be able to bring cleanliness.
Tado inspects road project, seeks public support for development
ITANAGAR, Oct 09: Tali MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary, Food and Civil Supplies Er. Markio Tado had inspected the execution of road project namely, construction of Tamen-Tali road from 49.00 km to 60.00 Km under NLCPR (Phase-II) on Oct 6 last. The said road happens to be one of the oldest roads in the state dating back to 1960's. The Parliamentary secretary was accompanied by Tatung Talin, ZPM Tali, Ha Tagong, ZPM Pip-Sorang, other PRI leaders of Tali and Pip-Sorang circle, Road Development Committee, implementing agency PWD Tali division and public during his visit.
During the inspection Er Markio Tado had a thorough discussion with the implementing agency and Road Development Committee on the work executed as per DPR and found the project implementation satisfactory which is now motorable up to Herin River.
However, Tado exhorted the department to make a special correction to the work done wherever necessary for easy traffic movement.
During the site visit the team expressed shock when they found that the viable and completed Steel Bridge over River Pai near Yarkum Village has been totally damaged due to falling of a huge big tree over it. Now, the said bridge is not fit for heavy traffic movement. The local MLA Tado has assured the public and department for immediate restoration of the bridge by seeking fund from the State Govt.
Addressing a public meeting, Tado has appealed to the panchayat leaders, intellectuals, youths, students and general pubic of the area to extend their support for the speedy and smooth implementation of road projects. He said without support from public and panchayat leaders no any development activities can take place in a proper way in such a remote and unconnected areas like Tali, where people are suffering due to lack of immediate road connectivity.
While assuring the public to improve the road wherever necessary for all weather road connectivity Tado sought cooperation of one and all irrespective of region and party affiliation for all round development of Tali area, especially in road sector as the road communication is the lifeline of the society for uplift of socio-economic development including education and health sectors.
Upper Siang DC submits report on Eda Moyong
Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Oct 09: Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner has submitted the findings about Eda Moyong, who died at Tuting hill site near Indo China border during Chinese aggression in 1962 while discharging duty.
Moyong served as Public Interpreter (PI) during NEFA rule. He was deputed to lead a military troop deployed along Indo-China border at the time of Chinese aggression.
The government is conducting an official proceeding to declare Eda Moyong as "martyr."
Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner responding to East Siang DC's letter instructed Tuting ADC to conduct inquiry on the death of late PI. Accordingly, it submitted the report enclosing notes of the Circle Officer concerned and statement of few eminent citizens of Upper Siang, who served contemporary to late Moyong.
The statements recorded by magistrate reveal that PI Eda Moyong died while discharging his duties. The Upper Siang district administration, however, is waiting for ground reports from the West Siang administration regarding whereabouts of late Eda Moyong.
Stolen vehicle recovered
BOMDILA, Oct 09: West Kameng police have recovered a stolen Tata Sumo and Pulsar bike and arrested both the lifters in two separate cases.
Acting on a tip off, a team of police under the supervision of Deputy SP G Dajangju (SP in-charge) of West Kameng recovered the Tata Sumo bearing registration number AS-01GC-4290 from Mani Basti under Doimukh Police station. The accused car lifter identified as Maidul Islam (23) of Kehutoli village under Laluk Police Station has also been arrested.
In another case of Bomdila Police Station (No 17/16 /S: 379 IPC), a Pulsar bike bearing registration number AR-04 6194 has been recovered from Jamiri area and arrested the accused identified as Aman Parang (19) of Longda village under Seppa Police station by a team Bomdila police Station.
Meanwhile, Deputy SP G Dajangju has commended the police teams, who dwelt with cases, for their excellent performance and solving the both cases successfully.
While expressing concern over increasing incidents of motor vehicle theft cases he directed the OCs for strengthening the check gates and intensify police patrolling. He also appealed to the general public to extend for cooperation to police to check anti social activities.
Chakbi Lombi wins Cosplay contest
ITANAGAR, Oct 09: Chakbi Lombi and Nathen Dawe emerged as winner and first runners up respectively in the Costume Play (or Cosplay) organised by Arunachal Cosplay Club (ACC) at Solung-Mopin ground, Itanagar on October 8.
The Lombi won for her personification of Sesshomaru Female from Inuyasha while the first runners up Dawe won for personifying Ken Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul, which are characters from the Japanese Manga (Comic books).
On the occasion, Bengia Ono, who personified Ahri from League of Legends, was also selected to represent the state at World Cosplay Summit, India preliminary which will be conducted in Aizawl, Mizoram on December 30 next.
Bengia will choose her Cosplay partner to take part in the WCS India preliminary along with Junnu Pinggam and Gichik Chiichi, both administrators of ACC.
Bhalukpong will witness rapid growth: Kumsi
BHALUKPONG, Oct 09: Parliamentary Secretary (PHE & WS) Kumsi Sidisow on Sunday stated that the border town Bhalukpong, being a gateway of three districts namely, Tawang, West Kameng and East Kameng which are potentially considered as major tourists' destination of the state, could be a focal point of development in all sectors within few years.
Sidisow, who is also a local MLA, said this while inaugurating the two up-graded middle schools at Koilabhati & Lepang Huda under Bhalukpong sub- division of West Kameng district.
Speaking on the occasion the local MLA said that though there were political upheaval in the state, under the new dynamic Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the development of state will take a new height. Sidisow also exhorted that young CM has great concern for development, especially for improvement in education sector on priority basis. He asked the public to take care of the infrastructures which have been created earlier.
While responding to the representation submitted by the school committee at Koilabhati, he assured to take up the matter with concern authority. For the extension of land for the purpose of approach road and playground of school student, he announced Rs four lakhs. He also announce Rs 15 lakhs under SIDF for construction of additional class room and teachers common room and Rs 5 lakhs from MLALAD Fund for construction of boundary wall.
EAC Bhalukpong T Riba, CO Bhalukpong Khoda Rakhi, DFO Khelong division VK Jamal, Asstiant commandant 138 Bn A Rahman, EE (Power) Bomdila Phurpa Namgyel, other heads of deptt of the sub-division, PRI members of Thrizino and Bhalukpong areas, public and students were present on the occasion.
2nd Bamin Tani Memorial Badminton Tournament
Koj Tajang and Nido Aya win men's and women's single titles
ZIRO, Oct 09: Koj Tajang and Nido Aya won the men's and women's single titles respectively in the 2nd Bamin Tani Memorial Badminton tournament, which concluded at Multi-purpose Indoor Stadium, Hapoli on Saturday.
Koj Tajang beat Nending Ommo in men's single final while Nido Aya beat Chukhu Martha in women's single.
Koj Tajang pairing with Raju Laa also won the men's open double title defeating Michi Buker and Techi Naga in the final.
The Govt. Hr. sec. School, Ziro team comprising Dangu Tagia, Tuku Tapung, Gyati Pussang and Kamrik Kasa won gold medal in inter-school boys' badminton team championship beating Gyati Tacha and Subu Bhai of Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Hija.
Tuk Eya and Chukhu Martha of Govt. Sec. School, Hapoli won the gold medal in inter-school girls' team championship while the team of Govt Hr. Sec. School Ziro comprising Joram Yajur, Goda Sepa, Hapu Sumpi and Khyoda Rita emerged runners up.
In inter school essay writing competition, Yangfo Kiang of Don Bosco School, Ziro and Mudang Anku of VKV Ziro bagged the first and second prizes respectively in senior category while Taru Khongkhung of Bummer Memorial School, Ziro and Poona Sonam of Love Shore Public School, Ziro bagged the first and second prizes respectively in junior category.
Hibu Tao of Hill Queen Education Institute, Ziro and Tasso Nuniya of Don Bosco School, Ziro won the first and second prizes respectively in extempore speech competition in senior category while Dani Doniya of Bummer Memorial School Ziro and Milk Beni of Love Shore Public School, Ziro won the first and second prizes in junior category.
MAE FC win, NEFTU FC, Kombo FC split points
BEMFT- 2016
AALO, Oct 09: MAE FC beat Darka FC 2-1 in a group level match in the ongoing Binga Ete Memorial Football Tournament, 2016 at general ground here on Sunday.
First timer MAE FC started the match on an attacking note taking full control of the match. Jumdo Padu scored the first goal taking full chance of the porous defence of the opponent team.
MAE FC's Gedo Sora again exploited the defensive blunder and netted the second goal to put his team 2-0 lead against their fancied opponent.
Darka FC bounced back in the match in style through a spectacular goal from Yogesh Rai. However, it was too late to make a comeback in the match.
MAE FC will be up against Pakam FC on Thursday while the shocked Darka FC will try to bounce back in the tournament against Pakam FC in their next league match on October 16.
Earlier, NEFTU FC and Kombo FC played out a 1-1 draw.
Liyor Loyi and Jumi Taye were the scorers for NEFTU FC and Kombo FC respectively.
NEFTU FC will play its second league match against Sora Bros FC on October 14 while Kombo FC will meet on SFS FC on October 15.
On Monday, last year's DSA champion Jummi Combats FC Bene will take on Kabu FC in a pool A match. Sipu FC will play Memo United FC in pool B match.
MSFT appeals to cancel Tawang Fest
ITANAGAR, Oct 09: The Monyul Support Federation for Truth (MSFT) has appealed to the organizing committee of the ensuing Tawang Festival to cancel this year's festival as mark of solidarity and respect those people killed in natural calamities and other incidents in both Tawang and West Kameng districts.
A total of 47 people have lost their lives in both the district this year. Seventeen people were killed in a massive landslide in Tawang, two in Thongleng, two in police firing, 14 in road mishap at Kalaktang, 10 in another landslide in Bhalukpong, the federation said.
It also mentioned the unfortunate death of former minister Kalikho Pul and DSP Bomto Kamdak in Seppa.
NAAC peer team visits IGGC
ITANAGAR, Oct 09: A team of National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Bangalore, an autonomous body under the University Grants Commission (UGC) that assesses and accredits all the higher educational institutions had visited Indira Gandi Government College Tezu on Saturday.
The team comprising Prof. P. Nag, Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi as the Chairman, Prof. N. Panchanatham from Annamalai University and Dr. A. K. Gogoi from Duliajan College as Members assessed the activities and achievements of the college as a prerequisite for the award of the grade.
Besides assessing all the activities of the college, the team held extensive interactive sessions with the Principal Dr. Tasi Taloh, faculty members, non-faculty members' alumni and students. The award of the grade will be announced by NAAC within a month, a release added.
Arms Sports C'ship rescheduled
AALO, Oct 09: The District Level Arm Sports Championship scheduled to be held from October 10 to 12 at Aalo Club has been postponed to November 14 to 16 due to Durga Pooja holidays. DIPRO
West Siang women to celebrate Nyirmen Festival
AALO, Oct 09: The Galo women are all set to celebrate the two days Nyirmen Festival in collaboration with Donyi Polo Dere Trust Committee in a big way at Gumin Kiin on October 14 and 15.
This festival of merry-making and laughter is associated with Galo women from time memorial and was a source of joy and amusement after coming out from the drudgery of manual labour and pains of the harvesting year. They even dress in men's attires to wrest all initiatives to keep the menfolk in all domains on the day.
Colorful traditional dress competition, traditional hand weaves and handicraft show, traditional games and sports, dances, comics and laughter induced anecdotes on the day.
Efforts are being made to involve all women representatives from different parts of the district to make it a festival to be reckoned with in the years to come in all Galo areas. DIPRO
Artisan ID cards registration camp held
ITANAGAR, Oct 09: An artisan identity (ID) cards registration camp was held at G-Extension Naharlagun by North East Multi-Purpose Development Society (NEMDS) which was sponsored by Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Govt of India on Friday.
The camp was attended by more than fifty five artisans of the various sectors of Capital Complex.
Odam Ering Memorial Football Tourney
Ledum defeat Prime Time 4-0
ITANAGAR, Oct 09: Ledum FC defeated Prime Time FC 4-0 in a knock-out match in the 15th Odam Ering Memorial Football Tourney, 2016 at J.N College football ground at Pasighat on Sunday.
Gelat Jiji and Mosi Saroh scored two goals each in the match.
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Editorial
Appreciable initiatives
Chief Minister Pema Khandu is currently camping at New Delhi and meeting various central ministers seeking support for the development of state. Yesterday he meet Union Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and sought fund for improving road connectivity in rural areas under PMGSY scheme. The union minister assured to support from his part. Over the years PMGSY has been taken up in big way in the state. So far it has had mixed result. There is no doubt that PMGSY scheme has immensely helped to improve the road connectivity in rural areas but allegation of misuse of fund has marred this scheme.
Large chunk of project under the said scheme has not been completed. This is a matter of deep concern. State government should properly monitor the project sanctioned under PMGSY. Misuse of fund should not be allowed to happen. Also the effort of Chief Minister Pema Khandu to try woo private investment into Arunachal is worth appreciation. Recently CM took a major step in this regard when his government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to project Arunachal as the preferred investment destination, to attract investments and build capacities within the state. Prominent business houses under the banner of CII have shown interest to invest in various sectors. This is a good beginning and hopefully it will lead to massive private investment into state. If Arunachal has to end dependency on central government, then the state government will have to seek more private investment. However the government also needs to improve law and order situation and create healthy atmosphere for investment.
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Readers’ Forum
Don’t deny benefit of 7th pay commission
Dear Editor,
Why the benefits of 7th Central Pay Commission is being denied to the state government employees?
From all money paid out of the state exchequer, the only money that feeds majority people of the people is the salary given to state government employees. The lion's share of financial resources is enjoyed by few VIPs, ministers, high level contractors, businessmen and their family members only.
Even certain recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission falsely assured by some VIPs were not properly implemented. The government employees were cheated in most unscrupulous manner.
Does the state govt. don't understand that God and the great soul of this motherland wants the deserving masses to have their rightful share of livelihood and some decent living?
Have we forgotten that, when the helpless masses were tormented by arbitrary use of political power, the omnipotent God also went judgmental and had thrown down chopper from sky to punish perpetrators and manipulators?
Are the corridors of power yet again teasing and testing the will and omnipotence of creator and tormenting the needy and deserving people? The learned leaders should decide the serious matter wisely and progressively.
Yours,
Tagam Mibang
Itanagar