Partial clearance for Itanagar-Banderdewa four-lane project
[ Taba Ajum ]
ITANAGAR, Oct 13: The Standing Cost Committee (SCC) under the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highway has cleared package A from Chandranagar to Papu Hapa(Nallah) under the Itanagar-Banderdewa four lane project. The SCC met on Thursday at Transport Bhawan, New Delhi and cleared the project. However, the package-A will have to face next hurdle of getting clearance from Standing Finance Committee (SFC).
The SFC meeting has been fixed on Oct 28.
Informing this, a government source said, "In all probability, the proposal be cleared by the SFC. Once the SFC clears it, the sanction memo will be issued and after that tender process will start."
The package A has been cleared by SCC as it has already been included in the annual plan for year 2016-17. The ministry is expected to take up two packages in the annual plan for the year 2017-18. The length of package A is 10.9 KM and once completed it will make drive towards Naharlagun a better experience. The four lane project is expected to ease the traffic congestion especially in the stretches like Ganga, Bank Tinali and Papu Hapa which at present witnesses' massive traffic jam.
The Itanagar-Banderdewa four lane project has been in pipeline for the last many years. It is part of PM package announced by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his visit to Itanagar in 2008.However due to compensation and other logistic issues, the project has not been started till now. Chief Minister Pema Khandu recently met Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highway Nitin Gadkari at New Delhi and pushed for immediate sanctioning of said project.
Gadkari had given verbal assurance to CM and after which the official procedure is being expedited.
Another broad day light robbery in Itanagar
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Oct 13: In yet another broad daylight robbery, miscreants struck Delivery Pvt Ltd, a courier centre located in T T Marg, Bank Tinali, Itanagar on Thursday morning and got away with Rs 7,87,500 cash at gunpoint. The incident took place at around 7.40 AM according to CCTV footage.
This is second such incident in the capital city within short span of time. Barely two weeks ago, on September 29 last, armed miscreants forcibly entered the Arunachal Pradesh State Co-Operative Apex Bank Ltd, Chimpu Branch and looted a sum of rupees one lakh at gunpoint.
According to employees of the Courier Company two masked persons entered the Courier Office at around 7.40 am and terrorized the employees with gun. Three employees including two Assistant Team Leaders (ATLs) and a security guard were present during the incident. Usually the centre doesn't open early, but at the time of incident the employees were there to receive the shipments coming from Guwahati.
The miscreants forced the employees into a corner at gunpoint and took the cash which was kept locked in a safe. The money was collection of seven days and could not be deposited on account of bank holidays. One laptop was also reportedly destroyed in the incident.
There are few other business establishments as well as Rajya Sabha MP Mukut Mithi's private residence, newspaper offices and SBI Regional Branch near the Courier Centre. However, at the time of the robbery the area was not crowded and miscreants easily fled away in a red coloured Bajaj Pulsar motorcycle.
In the incident none of the employee were injured, but failed to provide details about the accused as they were masked.
Meanwhile, expressing shock over the incident, Security Manager Deepak Chetry termed the incidents very unfortunate and demoralizing for the employees of the company.
"The concern authority should act swiftly and arrest the culprits at the earliest," said Chetry, who reached Itanagar from Guwahati on receiving the information.
Meanwhile, the city Police confirmed the incident and informed that they have started detaining few suspects based on CCTV footage available with them. A massive manhunt is on to nab the miscreants, the police added.
BJP to join PPA ministry
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Oct 13: BJP has finally decided to join the PPA govt led by Pema Khandu in the state with possible induction of senior BJP MLA Tamiyo Taga as a minister. Till now it was extending outside support to the PPA govt which is part of the BJP fronted North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA).
Both the parties did not respond to queries from this daily but highly placed sources has said that BJP's Tamiyo Taga will be inducted as a minister. A source said that Tapang Taloh, who is the Minister Industries, will be out of the state cabinet. The swearing in is expected to take place at 11.30 AM in Rajbhavan on Friday. Officials at Raj Bhavan refused to comment on the latest development. However, the Governor of Meghalaya V. Shanmuganathan who is looking after the charge of Arunachal arrived on Thursday morning to the state capital.
The joining of BJP is the latest in the series of political development in the state including a brief stint of presidential rule between Jan 26-Feb 20.
Amidst the power struggle, the former Chief Minister Kalikho Pul who was unceremoniously deserted by his own MLAs committed suicide on August nine. He had lost his chair following Supreme Court verdict reinstating Congress govt led by Nabam Tuki. Soon, Tuki resigned on July 19 paving the way for Pema to take charge of the state.
Pema Khandu deserted the Congress on Sept 16 to join PPA with 43 MLA stating that only way to take the state out of Rs 3700 Cr debt was to be part of a party at the centre.
Currently, Pema has the support of 43 Peoples' Party of Arunachal (PPA) MLAs, 11 BJP MLAs and two Independents.
Though there is no comment yet on possible merger of PPA govt with BJP in the state, there is continued speculation that it will happen soon.
Hundreds join Blind Walk to raise awareness on World Sight Day
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Oct 13: There was a massive turn out for 'Blind Walk' on Thursday to raise awareness on issues faced by visually impaired. The Itanagar Blind Walk was organized by National Programe for Control of Blindness in collaboration with Indian Medical Association and Arunachal Pradesh Doctors' Association with theme, 'Stronger Together' which was supported by various NGOs including the schools and the colleges to mark the World Sight Day.
The blindfolded participants started walking from Legi Complex that culminated at Siddhartha Hall. Participating at the event, Health and Family Welfare Minister Jomde Kena said that state government would try to create awareness among people to respect and treat visually impaired people as equals.
Lauding the event organisers, the Minister exhorted that more NGOs should come forward to work for the welfare of visually impaired persons.
Director Health Service Dr. Moji Jini stated that participating in the walk made him understand what difficulties the visually impaired are facing every day as he called for equal treatment of those who have lost their sights.
RK Mission Hospital Secretary Swami Vishwananada also stressed on importance of creating awareness to treat visually impaired people as equals.
RK Mission Hospital Ophthalmologist Dr. Lobsang Tsetim disclosed that India has 1.5 million blindness cases, out of which 33 thousands cases are in Arunachal Pradesh alone according to survey report. He said that visually impaired people are often ignored.
He further urged the participants to take pledge for eye donation.
To encourage the visually impaired children, Assistant Professor DNGC Department of Hindi Tumbom Riba Jomoh who is also pro-active social worker recited a poetry titled, "Badaon Per Vijay"(Ability Beyond Disability). Various cultural programe including skit play were displayed to mark the occasion. National Health Mission, Mission Director PN Thungon, former Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women Chairperson Jarjum Ete and former NESO, General Secretary, Gumjum Haider were among others who were present during the programe.
Governor for timely implementation of schemes
ITANAGAR, Oct 13: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, V. Shanmugan-athan has advised the State Cabinet to ensure that all the developmental programmes and projects are implemented in time.
The Governor was interacting with the State Cabinet at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on Thursday. Stating that he wanted to cement better relationship between the Governor and State Government, he insisted on regular meetings and exchange of ideas. Further, the Governor exhorted them to give special focus on people-oriented programmes of Government of India, such as Skill India and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Earlier, Chief Minister Pema Khandu called on the Governor at Raj Bhawan and discussed on developmental issues. The Chief Minister briefed the Governor on his recent tour to the national capital and his meetings with the Union Ministers.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Minister for Rural Development, Tanga Byaling, Minister for Urban Development, Nabam Rebia, Minister for Industries, Tapang Taloh, Minister for Home, Kumar Waii and Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jomde Kena briefed about their concerned department and their plan of action to the Governor.
Earlier on the day, the Governor, who arrived in the morning by Inter City Express Train from Guwahati met some eminent intellectuals of the state at Raj Bhavan. State Chief Information Commissioner, Dr. Joram Begi, renowned writer of the state, Dr.Y.D. Thongchi, Padma Shree Awardee and renowned writer Mamang Dai and Vice Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University, Dr. Tamo Mibang were present in the meeting amongst others.
2nd installment of FFC soon for PRIs, says Pema
ITANAGAR, Oct 13: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday announced that the 2nd installment of the 14th Finance Commission (FFC) grant for the year 2015-16 will be released immediately to the panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) but called for judicious and planned expenditure and timely submission of utilization certificates. The state has received Rs 88 crore in the first year of FFC (2015-16) of which the state government had released Rs 44 Crore as first installment to the PRIs.
Addressing members of the Zilla Parishads, Anchal Samitis and Gram Panchayats from across the state at I G Park here today during the inaugural function of the State Level Sensitization Workshop on FFC grants for PRIs, "My Village, My Development Plan, Khandu assured that the state government will not keep pending the release of all centrally sponsored schemes and the FFC grant is one of them.
He, however, reminded that subsequent release of funds from the central government depends upon timely submission of utilization certificates to the state government by the PRIs for further submission to the central government. Hailing the FFC for recommending direct transfer of funds to the Gram Panchayats, Khandu said it has started a new era of development at the panchayat level demanding more participation, more transparency and more accountability.
For the year 2016-17, the state is entitled to access the basic grants of Rs 122.58 crore followed by Rs 141.62 crores, Rs 163.83 crores and Rs 221.38 crores in the next three years from 2017 to 2020. Total of Rs 737.93 crores is earmarked for the entire five year period of FFC for devolution to PRIs for development of various assets in gram panchayat levels.
The Chief Minister informed that besides the basic grants the state is entitled to receive Rs 81.99 crores as performance grants for 4 years starting from 2016 to 2020 subject to fulfilment of two major conditions.
The said two conditions are that the gram panchayats should submit audited accounts relating to years not earlier than two years preceding the year in which the performance grant is claimed and also show an increase in their own revenues over the preceding years.
Emphasizing on participatory planning process as envisaged in the "My Village My Development Plan", Khandu said that though the FFC fund will be directly transferred to gram panchayats, the gram panchayat development plan has to be approved through the other two tiers of anchal samiti and zilla parishad.
"It is necessary to ensure coordination and consensus in prioritizing projects for the annual plan as well as the five years perspective plan to ensure all three tiers of panchayat bodies are covered under the FFC grants," he suggested.
Khandu, who has been reiterating on 'Team Arunachal' from day one, pointed that without active membership of the panchayati raj leaders the Team Arunachal will remain incomplete.
The hundreds of PRI Members across the state participated during the inuagural function of sensatization workshop on FFC grants.
"Today, as the government and the PRI leaders join hands, Team Arunachal is complete," he said underscoring that development should begin from the villages.
Highlighting his recent visit to the national capital along with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, cabinet colleagues and top bureaucrats of the state, Khandu informed that the central
government, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is very much concerned with development of Arunachal Pradesh on all fronts.
On his meet with Modi, Khandu said the PMO had immediately instructed all the union ministries to seriously take up the issues submitted by the state in the shape of a memorandum and give full assistance to the state government to meet its aspirations.
The Prime Minister, Khandu informed, has entrusted DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh to follow up the requests made by the state government with the various ministries. He further informed that the Niti Aayog CEO has also been asked to see what can be done for the state.
"Development doesn't happen overnight. Give the state government time and with your support and cooperation, we can change the face of Arunachal Pradesh in the coming years," Khandu said.
To a big round of applause, the Chief Minister informed that as a result of his recent meeting with Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, the Standing Committee on Finance has approved the proposal for four-lanning of the highway from Banderdewa to Itanagar.
Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein, who also holds the Finance portfolio, reiterated the CM's announcement to release the remaining fund to PRIs under the FFC grant. He too stressed on timely submission of UCs citing that due to non-submission of UCs, Centrally Sponsored Schemes face hurdles due to non-release of subsequent instalments by the Center.
He informed that under 14th Finance Commission Grant for the planned period from 2015 to 2020, the state will receive, besides the Rs 737.93 crores basic grant for Rural Local Body (RLB), Rs 195.22 crore as basic grant for Urban Local Body (ULB) with Performance Grants of Rs 48.81 crore.
Mein urged the Panchayat Members to develop work culture and to use the fund meticulously adhering to FFC guidelines and parameters and avail the additional performance grants. He also asked them to work in coordination with the state govt and public and to maintain transparency in execution of works to avoid misunderstanding.
While citing that Rural Development Schemes are basically meant for poverty alleviation, the DCM called upon the panchayat leaders to come up with innovative planning from all the three tiers.
Responding to the demand for creation of separate engineer wing for Panchayat and Rural Development Department, Mein asserted that no separate wings of engineer shall be created rather the state govt has planned to discontinue the engineer wings of other departments too. He cited 'lack of coordination' and 'confusion' in execution of works leading to delay and sometimes complete failure of the project.
Panchayati Raj and RD Minister Tanga Byaling and his Parliamentary Secretary Mama Natung also spoke on the occasion besides the Chief Secretary and Commissioners.
Earlier, the gram panchayat representative and Anchal Samiti members appraised the state government for direct transfer of funds and its effective streamlining of funding pattern including MGNREGA.
Also present during the inaugural ceremony were Speaker T N Thongdok, Deputy Speaker Alo Libang, UD Minister Nabam Rebia, PHE Minister Takam Pario, Parliamentary Secretaries Tapuk Taku and Zignu Namchoom and Kanubari Legislator Gabriel D Wangsu.
During the ceremony best performing anchal and gram panchayats of each district were felicitated and a CD on 'My Village My Development' implemented by SIRD in East Siang was released.
Fair pair shop owners seeks central intervention
ITANAGA, Oct 13: The members of All Arunachal Pradesh Fair Price Shop Welfare Association on Thursday met Union Minister for Food & Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Ram Vilas Paswan and MoS Home Kiren Rijiju in New Delhi and submitted memorandum to them and placed their grievances.
In pursuance of the Govt. of India notification issued under National Food Security Act (NFSA), the state government issued a circular in April this year whereby BPL and APL schemes have been discontinued and new schemes of AAY [Anna Antodoya Yojana] and PHH [Priority House Hold] have been brought in under National Food Security Act.
"Accordingly, the rice under AAY and PHH are being distributed through Fair Price Shops in the state at the same procurement rate of Rs. 3 per kg from FCI to consumers under the NFSA. Due to this Fair Price Shops are not getting any handling and profit margin," the association claimed. The association also informed that central assistance under NFSA has not been released for the last six month.
"NFSA provides Central Financial Assistance to Fair Price Shops which are presently proposed at the ratio of 75:25 i.e., 75% to be provided by the central government and 25 % to be paid by state government. Though six months have already been passed since the implementation of NFSA but till date the same has not been released causing huge losses to the Fair Price Shop dealers and transporters in the state. Therefore, the central financial assistance may be considered for 90: 10 to make it at par with all other central sponsored schemes of North eastern states and same may be released at the earliest," the association appealed. Further they urged union government to increase quantities of food items allocated to state under NFSA, stating that current quota is insufficient to meet the daily requirement of food grains.
The association also opposed the implementation of Direct benefit transfer (DBT) of subsidy in the state.
"Direct benefit transfer of subsidy of PDS scheme is being imposed upon the consumers of border state. There's no such proposal for other north eastern states. The direct transfer of cash component won't serve the purpose of the consumers unless there are open market facilities for procurement of Essential Ration Commodities (ERC). Therefore, we strongly oppose the proposal for DBT and discontinuation of food grains allocation through PDS network," they added.
Special outreach prog on mother & child health
ITANAGAR, Oct 13: A special outreach programme on mother & child health-Mission Indradhanush was conducted by the Directorate of Field Publicity, GoI, Ministry of l&B, Seppa and partner units in close coordination with the Health and ICDS department Seppa at Pompoli village, East Kameng on Sunday last.
Speaking on the occasion, Seppa District Hospital SMO, Dr. SK Suman emphasized on the importance of health and spoke about schemes like; Janani Shuraksha Yojana, Janani Shishu Shuraksha Karyakaram, immunization, family planning. He advised the pregnant women to visit the Hospital at least three to four times for health checkups and urged them to maintain good diets during pregnancy.
East Kameng district unit, WWO, President, B Sonam Waii who was also present on the occasion as resource person advised new mothers to breast feed their babies and get them immunized on time. 10-Seppa Anchal Chairperson, D Rimo and Seppa FPO, R Kamsha also spoke on the occasion.
As part of the programme healthy baby show competition, health camp, awareness rally, film show, public meeting and photo exhibition was also organized.
Over 200 people attended the programme which included PRI members, GBs, ASHAS and angawadi workers.
Dr. T Ao Memorial Football Championship
Manipur to meet Meghalaya in opener
ITANAGAR, Oct 13: Two North East football power houses Manipur and Meghalaya will lock horns in the opening match of the 7th NEC Dr. T Ao Memorial Football Championship at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun on October 15.
Seven out of the eight northeastern states barring Mizoram will be vying for the top honour during the 11-day tournament, which will be played on league basis, informed Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) president Takam Sanjoy in a Press Conference at APC here on Thursday.
Sponsored by North East Council (NEC) the tournament has been organized in Arunachal Pradesh for the first time in collaboration with the State Government, Sanjoy informed.
Sanjoy appealed to all to cooperate with the organizing committee for smooth conduct of the tournament as any indiscipline by any player or audience will send a wrong message outside the state.
Dr. T. Ao (1918-1998) captained the Independent India's first national football team which participated in the London Olympics of 1948.
In national competition, Ao played for Mohun Bagan between 1943 and 1952.
Honoring the contribution of Ao towards sports and national football in particular, then Union Minister for Mines and DoNER BK Handique inaugurated the first Dr. T Ao Football Trophy at DDSC stadium in Dimapur, Nagaland in 2009. Since then, the NEC funded North East Level football championship is organized every year.
There will be no entry fee for audience on the inaugural day. However, the organizing committee has decided to charge a minimum entry fee for rest of the matches.
Arunachal Pradesh will play their first match against Sikkim on October 16, meet Nagaland on October 18 before taking on Tripura in the third match on October 19, informed Working Chairman (Org Committee) Likha Tapu.
Gangte Chapi and Techi Takar are the captain and vice captain of the state team.
Tapu, who also is vice president of APFA, informed that elaborate security arrangement have been made with help of police and capital administration throughout the championship.
Meanwhile, the event calendar of APFA was also released during the press conference by general secretary Kipa Ajay.
As per the calendar, the second edition of Sunfeast Cup (U-13, U-16) will be held in the first week of November while the 4th Veteran Cup will be conducted from the last of November.
State's top football event the 15th Tadar Tang Memorial Football Tournament will be held from the first week of December and the Dera Natung Memorial U-16 Football Championship will be conducted in January 2017.
The state will also participate in the national football championship for Santosh Trophy scheduled to be held during February-March.
Education Minister inspects schools, appeals teachers for sincerity
ITANAGAR, Oct 13: Minister for Education, Honchun Ngandam inspected various government schools and institutions during his two-day visit to Miao Sub-division of Changlang district from Oct 11 to 12 last.
Accompanied by Secretary Education, Director of Elementary Education, SPD SSA and DDSE Changlang, the Minister interacted with the teachers at Miao Circuit House on Oct 11 and dwelt on various issues of education in the state. Speaking about various initiatives and reforms in the education sector, he appealed to the teachers to work with more dedication and sincerity for improving the education scenario of the state. He also announced many steps that the state government has proposed to take for the welfare of the teachers like granting gazetted status to PGTs, increase in number of annual teachers' awards.
Ngandam later visited construction sites of Govt. Polytechnic at Old Plone Kharsang, Govt. Middle School Upper, Miao, Town Middle School and Govt. Higher Secondary School of Kharsang besides, Govt. Middle School Neotan and Secondary School Namphai-I.
Minister for WRD/Civil Supply etc, Komlung Mossang also accompanied the Minister during his tour of different villages in Miao Sub-division.
"Joy of Reading Mela" organised at Demwe
TEZU, Oct 13: The "Joy of Reading Mela" was organised by the 48BRTF in collaboration with Lohit Youth Library Network at Demwe, Lohit.
Addressing the valedictory function of the two days "Joy of Reading Mela", Commander 48BRTF, Col C.Rajashekhar lauded the activists and volunteers of the Lohit Youth Library Network for constantly conducting activities to promote reading habits among the youth and students of Lohit and neighbouring districts. Appreciating the VKV Tafragam Alumni Education Society (ViTAES) for taking over the responsibilities of Bamboosa Library, Tezu, the Commander 48BRTF assured of extending all help in promoting the joy of reading. He also presented a contribution of Rs.10,000 for the Bamboosa Library activities.
Earlier, a daylong training for local students of Demwe marking the International Literacy Week was conducted by Bamboosa Library reader-activist Kesilu Tayang. A training workshop by the Bamboosa Library activists was also conducted in poetry recitation, storytelling, book reading and skit for the students residing in and around the Demwe campus and nearby villages.
The second day marked the International Literacy Day celebrations with demonstrations by both activists and the participants numbering around 30.
Outlining the activities of the Bamboosa Library, ViTAES member, Sailu Bellai narrated its growth and the contributions made by the BRTF, district administration, education department, several patrons and volunteers. She explained how interesting books in the libraries were made popular using the reading campaign activities.
The programme was attended by members of ViTAES administering Bamboosa Library, EAC, Lui Chiba, teachers, parents and officers of 48 BRTF.
2nd EK Open Badminton Championship begins
ITANAGAR, Oct 13: The second edition of East Kameng Open Badminton Championship got underway at Seppa with 145 players from different clubs across the state and Assam taking part. The inaugural function was kick-started on Wednesday in a simple but glittering function.
While attending the opening ceremony Arunachal State Badminton Association General Secretary Bamang Tago called upon the players to excel while maintaining sportsman spirit. Appreciating the Badminton court, ASBA GS said that East Kameng Badminton Association is capable of hosting state level badminton tournament like Dorjee Khandu Memorial Tournament in the district. Tago was accompanied by ASBA Joint Secretary Penya Bagra and technical team. The tourney would culminate on October 15, 2016.
Intellectual's Summit' 2016 organized Social Interaction For Communal Harmony
TEZU, Oct 13: Intellectual's Summit' 2016, a meeting of the Changlang, Longding, Lohit, Anjaw, Namsai, Dibang Valley and Tirap districts students (CLLANDT) themed 'Social Interaction For Communal Harmony' and cultural exchange was held at Amik Ringiya Hall here on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion, local MLA, Dr. Mohesh Chai advised the students to focus on strengthening the educational sector and to remain aware of the burning issues like drugs menace in their respective districts. He further appreciated the organization for conducting the programme which will encourage promotion of culture through cultural exchange programmes among the students of the eight districts.
Cultural and Literary Society of Mishmi (CALSOM) General Secretary, Suraj Tayang, Bazar Committee Chairman, Moso Chiba, AAPSU Vice-Chairman (Vigilance), Jango Halai and a huge number of students attended the programme.
DGC register win in quarter final match
PASIGHAT, Oct 13: Doying Gumin College defeated Niglok FC by 1-0 goal in the third quarter final match of the 15th Late Odam Ering Memorial Football Tournament played at JN College football ground on Thursday.
The fourth quarter final match would be played between Bogong Soccer Club and Ledum FC.
Livestock vaccination
ITANAGAR, Oct 13: A team of veterinary officers and field staffs of state veterinary hospital, Naharlagun constituted to carry out routine vaccination programme against FMD, swine fever and Entrotoxiaemia scheduled to be conducted in a phase-wise manner from Oct 19 to 24 next at Yupia, I,II,III general ground, Nyorch/ Tarajuli, Borum, Sod Village general ground, Papu-I,II & APchin Village, Damsite, all sector in Naharlagun and Model village respectively.
The department of animal husbandry and veterinary has further appealed to the livestock owners to get their animals vaccinated on the aforementioned dates.
CM greets people on Chindang festival
ITANAGAR, Oct 13: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has conveyed his greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Chindang festival.
Joining people of the Sajolang community of West Kameng district, on the joyous festival of harvest, the Chief Minister expressed optimism that the celebration would appease the evil spirits to refrain from causing harm to the crops and the people, which in fact is the basic objective of the festival.
'As we make offerings to the mountains, rivers, Sun and Moon and seek their blessings, let us all pray for the well-being of humankind and a good harvest,' the Chief Minister said in his message.
He further said that each and every festival of the state, which is as distinctive as the communities, has the same objective of peace, prosperity and wellbeing of all sentient beings.
'Let's celebrate our festivals with traditional gaiety and work for a peaceful and prosperous Arunachal,' he added.
AKKDSU seeks aid for families
ITANAGAR, Oct 13: The All Kurung Kumey District Students' Union (AKKDSU) has sought grant in aid and compensation for the family members of the students drowned in Kurung River on September 6 last.
The union also demanded compensation for the family member of late Kamrik Yana who died on the way to Koloriang after remaining stranded for hours at block point between Parsi-Parlo and Koloriang on October 5 last. They have written to the DC in this regard.
ADACPF demands disclosure of Pul's ‘Mere Vichar’
ITANAGAR, Oct 13: The Arunachal Pradesh Democracy & Anti-Corruption People's Forum (ADACPF) has demanded that the late Kalikho Pul's ‘Mere Vichar’ allegedly found from his room be disclosed to public within 10 days time and has warned of democratic movement if its demand is not fulfilled.
In its memorandum to the chief minister, it also requested for creating business avenues for APSTs, deportation of Bangladeshi from the state and handing over of 415 highways from Banderdewa to Hollongi to BRO.
Association seek free and fair recruitment
ITANAGAR, Oct 13: The All Lower Subansiri Youth Association has called for free and fair recruitment of group D posts in the office of District Medical Officer, Lower Subansiri district and the result be declared within 15 months time.
In its representation to the DC warning to launch democratic movement, it said that inordinate delay in declaring the result of the written examination held in September last has cast doubt of outside interference.
Certificate course on computer concludes
ZIRO, Oct 13: A free of cost four months Certificate Course on Computer Application was conducted for unemployed youths by Hembyu Miibyung Welfare Society, Ziro.
A total of 100 youths benefitted from the programme which is part of our Society's Capacity Building & Training of Unemployed Youth programme.
MLA, Tage Taki, Lower Subansiri, DC Kemo Lollen and SP, Tage Habung distributed the certificates to the trainees in the valedictory ceremony.
MLA Tage Taki assured to give financial help from his MLALADs fund to conduct such trainings which helps in promoting self-employment.
Stop leakage: Committee
ITANAGAR, Oct 13: Claiming that there is more than Rs 100 crore leakage in the revenue amount in liquor business in the state annually, the Anti Corruption and Crime Control Committee has called for a solution to stop the revenue leakage.
In its memorandum to the chief minister, it advocated for a proposal by various departments to plug in revenue leakage and to streamline the system, waiting for cabinet approval.
Central BJP leaders to attend State Council Meeting
ITANAGAR, Oct 13: BJP National General Secretaries, Ram Madhav and Arun Singh from BJP Central Office, New Delhi will be attending the two-day state council meeting of BJP Arunachal Pradesh on Oct 14 and 15.
A party release stated that around 500 delegates from across the State are expected to attend the state council meeting. Beside, ratification of the resolution adopted in the National Council meeting of the Party in Kozhikode, State Council meeting will review the various activities of the party in order to strengthen and broad base party activities at the grassroots level, added the release.
Abolish LOC authorization process: AACWA
ITANAGAR, Oct 13: The All Arunachal Contractors Welfare Association (AAPCWA) has appealed the state government to abolish the LOC authorization processes at government level against funds under 111-Other Remittance and 8443 Civil Deposit.
In a memorandum to the Chief Minister, AACWA stated that the abolishing LOC would provide the much needed succor of general public and the business communities. The state has been reeling under severe financial crisis since last couple of years and has gradually pushed the survival of general public and the entire business communities to the brink. The extreme conditions of the state finance since last few years has resulted in no sales in local markets and shops, and even in the state capital. All the small and medium scale indigenous local petty contractors arc the hardest hit due to above situations. These indigenous local contractors manage their families and small business by depending solely on the small but steady contract works of government departments against the funds of 8443 Civil Deposits & Ill-Other Remittance works which do not fall within the ambit of general budgets of the stale government either Plan or Non-Plan.
Further, AACWA added that the unnecessary and illegal authorization processing systems have also given way to evolution and breeding of additional corrupt practices at various levels of the government setups which result into many other impacts on the quality of works.
EK veteran football tourney
SEPPA, Oct 13: The 2nd East Kameng Veteran Football Championship will begin from October 29 to November 5 at general ground here.
Being organised by the East Kameng Football Association (EKFA), the tournament is expected to see the participation of as many as 10 teams including the Itanagar-based Arunachal United Football Club and the last year's winner Engineer XI.
The teams will vie for the trophy which carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and Rs.30,000 respectively for the winner and runners up. The best goalkeeper and best player of the tournament will win Rs 15,000 each.
Sanitation campaign at Bizari
BIZARI, Oct 13: A week long sanitary campaign as part of Swacch Bharat Abhiyan was conducted by Society for Education and Environmental Development (SEED) in Bizari village, Lower Dibang Valley District from Oct 2 to 8.
During the programme, a mass cleanliness drive was conducted in and around the community hall, school campuses, market area and road side with clearing of jungle from main road to community hall. The campaign was supported by the staff and students of G.S.S Bizari, Gaon Buras, P.R.I members, public leaders, Anganwadi Workers, ANMs, ASHAs, shopkeepers and the Dormitory Boys.
Participating in the occasion Director SEED, Mibo Pertin highlighted the schemes under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the objectives behind the launching of such programme in Bizari. Further, he advised the student community and Musup Koo in particular to take care of community assets in the village like schools, community hall etc and to follow Gandhian principles to become good and responsible citizen in future.
Arunachalee boy shines at Chess tournament
ITANAGAR, Oct 13: Tadam Dupit of Arunachal Pradesh got the fourth position in the recently concluded GTC Classic Chess Tournament-2016, held at Guwahati, Assam from Oct 7 to 12.
An All Arunachal Pradesh Chess Association (AAPCA) release stated that the achievement is first ever by a chess player from the state. Altogether 194 players from various parts of the country took part in the tournament and was played on Swiss system of FIDE rules comprising of 10 rounds of play.
Tadam Dupit emerged as the best unrated player and secured 8 points out of 10 rounds. He also defeated 8 internationally rated players and qualified to get ELO rating of 1800 plus in his maiden international FIDE rating tournament.
Dupit is studying in class nine at Govt. Hr. Secondary School, Itanagar and hails from Upper Subansiri.
Congratulating Dupit on his achievement, AAPCA president, Niapung Konia stated that Dupit has got the talent and potential to become first International master from the state for which the association will make all out efforts to groom the talent for greater achievement.
