September  22

• Flood situation in four districts turns worse
• CPJ condemns repeated attack, questions police action
• Tang Memorial Football begins today
• 'No intrusion bid by China in Arunachal during past 2 years'
• Instill right attitude, says Governor
• CS reviews developmental schemes of Tawang
• NHPC holds talks with Assam orgs on dam issue
• BCIF reiterates its demand, threatens stir

Flood situation in four districts turns worse

ITANAGAR, Sept 21: Flood situation in Arunchal Pradesh, especially in two Dibang Valley districts, Lohit and East Siang turned worse with flood water submerging new areas forcing people to vacate their houses.

In Roing, heavy showers that continued for almost a week has severely damaged the parts of Meka-Anini highway that runs inside the busy market area of the town. The part of the highway from Midland to Roing bazaar gate (300 meters) is being washed away and deep craters formed by water logging and running streams.

Heavy waterlogging has also occurred in Cheta, Yibuk, Ezengo and Market area of the town.  Due to poor drainage system in the town, the carpeted roads are being corroded and washed away by running streams of water.

The heavy showers have also washed away the temporary bridge over Eze river that connects the plains of the district with rest parts of hills area of Hunli-Desali circle and Dibang Valley district.

In the low lying plains of the district, Old Abali and Iduli under Roing circle were severely affected by the flooding. Much of the settled areas have started to get flooded with water level reaching the doorsteps. A culvert near Iduli village has been damaged due to flood caused by rain cutting off its road link with the Roing town.

Several farmers and agricultural labourer are reported to have shifted to nearby villages for the fear of rising water level as it gets unpredictable with continuous downpour.

The rising water level has also flooded several paddy fields in Abali and Iduli villages, though there has been no substantial report of damage to the crop. But farmers are worrying that if rainfall continues, the crop may get washed away by rising water current.

According to the meteorological reports, the southwest monsoon has been vigorous in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh during the past two days that caused heavy rainfall in the region.

The local weather report for the region indicates that the plain areas of East Siang and Lower Dibang Valley district had received 184 mm of rainfall the previous day.  

DIPRO adds: More than 50 houses at Moying, Baksek, Sekbuk, Kaling and Tapar areas of Bolung village have been submerged by flood water forcing people to vacate their houses. A temporary relief camp has been set up at Panchayat Hall by the District Administration where the evacuated people have been given shelter. The situation at Anpum under Paglam Circle is getting worse with half of the village are on the verge of inundation as the water of Dotung River was flowing towards the village. Some of the villagers have been evacuated to school building. The Paglam Secondary School and Anpum have been closed until the water recedes.

Many paddy fields and ginger gardens in foothills areas like Koronu, Simari and low lying areas of Jia, Ithili, Idili, Bolung, Parbuk, Kangkong, Katan were flooded with rain waters. Micro-Irrigation Projects at Moying, Jengpater and Gene areas were also damaged. Rivers like Deopani at Roing and Sisiri river at 14 km along Bomjir to Bizari road and Sine river at Dambuk are flowing above the danger level. The Dibang River overflowing Kodong Ghat near Bomjir is posing a threat to Bomjir Village. Village link road connecting Iduli, Rukmo and Kabang Villages with the district headquarter has been disrupted due to washing away of a culvert at Aba Nallah day before yesterday. Approach road to an Iron Bridge linking New Abali with Jia over Getek river was also washed away on the same night.  

Village link road between new Abali to Old Abali and Horupahar area has been disrupted due to washing away of the approach road to steel bridge yesterday. Approach road at steel bridge over Jia river at Parbuk connecting Kabang village via Parbuk has been damaged. The remote Administrative Headquarters like Dambuk, Hunli, Desali, Paglam and Koronu are cut off from the district headquarters for last several days. The district headquarter is also cut off as the ferry service from Sadiya to Dhola Ghat has been temporarily suspended due to spate in Brahmaputra river and the alternate route via Tezu - Parsuramkhund is also disrupted due to collapse of a culvert near Islampur at Assam.

Eving Yirang, CO incharge SDO Dambuk further informed that many patients and candidates to be appeared for IRBn/APPBn Interview/Viva Voce at Roing on September 24 are stranded at Dambuk due to blockage of surface road communication since September 14 last and sought the helps of the Govt. for special sorty service.

To review the flood situation in the district, Deputy Commissioner has called an emergency meeting of all the HoDs at her office chamber today and opened a Control Room in the District Headquarter with the Telephone No. 222228 in order to monitor the flood situation in the district. The Deputy Commissioner also directed all the HoDs to remained in the station during such situation and not to leave the district headquarter without prior approval.

In Lohit, an emergency meeting with the local MLA, Karikho Kri, administrative officers and other concerned officers was called upon by the Deputy Commissioner, R. K. Sharma at his Office Chamber today. The meeting discussed the various rescue and relief operations of flood victims as well as monitoring of flood situation in the area.

The alarming flood havoc has created a panic state in the minds of everyone in the district. The Deputy Commissioner strictly directed all the Heads of Departments and other officers and officials to remain alert and sensitize with the seriousness of the situation and to remain vigilant for any kind of relief operation and measures as the need may be. Officers are directed to remain in station till further order.

The people of Tezu-Sunpura, Namsai and other places of the district were on the verge of recovery from the losses caused by floods during June and July this year, that rain and flood much stronger than the June-July struck on it.

Sector officers and in charge are appointed to monitor flood situation and to carry out search and rescue works required in each and every villages of Tezu and Sunpura area. Due to continuous rain all the rivers and tributaries are flowing above danger level.

Flood water entered in almost all the lowlying villages of Tezu and Namsai Sub-division. Rainfall data of last 24 hrs was recorded 411.10 mm. Altogether 16 relief camps are operating in the district with 2332 inmates.

15 persons of Danglat village including GB are reportedly stranded at backside of SSB Camp Tezu in between the branches of Lohit river since last three days. MLA, DC, SP and Search and Rescue (SAR) Team rushed the spot. Due to heavy floodwater both rescue team and elephants were unable to cross the rivers.

Chairman DDMA Lohit requisitioned the service of Helicopter to rescue the marooned persons but torrential rain and bad weather Search and Rescue operation could not materialised. Heavy floodwater of Tezunla entered towards  Tezu township threatening Shivajinagar, ALC Line, DC and SP Bungalows, Circuit House, Tezu town and others public and private properties. 64 persons from Shivaji nagar area has been evacuated to Relief camp in Amik Ringya Hall Tezu.

Flood water also entered at Tafragam, Duraliang, Danglat, Changliang and Khoraliang under Tezu circle. Flood situation at Sunpura worsened due to continuous rain resulting heavy erosion damaging standing crop and cultivation land. 130 stranded persons were rescued and shifted to relief camp by SAR Team of CRPF led by R.K.Rai, Deputy Commandant alongwith HMLA Tezu from Sukhanala area and Danglat village. Most of the villages under Sunpura circle have been inundated. Hatiduba, Yealiang, Balizan were affected worst. Report of Loss of livestock life cannot be neglected in such extreme flood situation for last four days.

Many villages at Namsai subdivision are cut off due to flood. Mabira, Morapat, Mazgaon, Alubari, Napatia of Chongkham circle and Jona 4, Tekelibam, Tengapani of Namsai circle cut off with the rest of the country. Heavy erosion in Silatoo area has been reported. All the affected persons and families are rescued and shifted to relief camps. Disaster control rooms were made operational at Distt Hq and all outpost administrative offices in the district round the clock. All the educational institutions are advised to close till 23/09/2012 seeing the grim flood situation in the district. Flood safety and flood alert public announcements were made in the Tezu Township and its adjoining villages. Fishing and other activities nearby rivers are prohibited for human safety.

The Namsai-Parsuram-Tezu road has remained cut off since last two days. However restoration work is under going but hampered due to rain. BRO authority informed the restoration will take three to four more days.

To save human life and property District police authority has been requested to intensify police patrolling round the clock. All mobile network service providers like BSNL, Airtel, Aircel, & Reliance directed to keep their services thorough to maintain quick communication services.  Services of paramilitary, Army and mobile medical unit have been requisitioned and they are extending all help and assistance.

Flood continues to devastate  East Siang district. On receipt of news of heavy damages in various sectors, RK Mishra Deputy Commissioner, Nidhi Srivastav, ADC (HQ) and other officers visited Bosing Banggo. The approach road of bridge over Poglek Korong has been temporarily restored by PWD. The flood waters  have not only damaged the standing crops but due to erosion and heavy siltation, huge area of paddy fields have been damaged causing huge losses in Pokdum, Tekang, Gobo, Poglek,  Labo,Bodi WRC field areas.

The DC instructed the DAO and the EE(WRD) to carry out immediate assessment.

They also visited the flood ravaged areas of Mebo  Sub- Division with Oti Dai ADC and PRI leaders. They interacted with Oni Jamoh EE(PWD) who is supervising the restoration works of the Mebo-Dhola road which has been badly affected by the flood.  While visiting the badly affected bridges of the area, the Deputy Commissioner also interacted with the villagers of  Borguli village. The Ngopok Korong has  badly damaged the  approach road of the village where the locals have constructed log bridge  for temporary restoration of the road communication. The over flowing waters of the river is breaching the anti erosion embankment constructed by WRD at many places and threatening the Borguli village. At one point, around 100 Mtrs.embankment wall has been washed away. The villagers have constructed Bundhs at vulnerable points.  Genom Perme EE(WRD) has  assured to provide man and materials to work on war footing for immediate protection of the village.

RK Mishra while appreciating the villagers for their community spirit asked them to unite in this time of emergency. He assured to render all possible help to tide over the situation. He instructed the concerned officers to carry out their duties to mitigate the sufferings of the people.

Due to heavy flood in Terong Korong, the entire Headwork of water supply and huge stretch of pipelines have been washed away rendering the  entire Mebo HQ and its nearby  areas without water supply. An LT tower near Siku river has been washed away due to which no power supply  is possible  in the entire Mebo area.

Flood  in streams and landslides at various places, roads and bridges has been damaged on GREF road from Pasighat to Lower Dibang Valley.

Aying Perme CO, Oyan informed that the flood has caused great damages to the Agri and horticultural cultivations. Due to heavy flood, the Oyan VKV has to be closed down.Some  portion of the RCC wall of the VKV has also collapsed.

Balom Apum DHO has informed that huge area of horticultural plantations have been damaged specially in the upper areas.

The Pasighat- Pangin (PP) road and the power line remains cut off due to landslide, damage of bridges and electric poles.

Our Roing correspondent adds: Flood situation in East Siang remained grim with flood inundating new areas.

According to report, about 10 villages at Paglam, Borguli and Mer-Gadum areas under Mebo sub-division have been submerged while standing crops and horticulture garden damaged in large extent.

Rainwater also submerged many portions of Oyan village under Ruksin sub-division. The hotel building and kitchen of Oyan VKV school is reeling under rainwater

 

 

High level team to conduct arial servey

ITANAGAR, Sept 21: A high level state government team would conduct an aerial survey and spot visit of all the flood affected areas of the state to assess the ground situation and the quantum of damages from September 22 to 24. The survey is being arranged in an emergency meeting held today in the residence of WRD, SW, W&CD Minister Newlai Tingkhatra following a directive of the state chief minister in view of the grim flood situation in the state.

The meeting attended by Development Commissioner, Planning & Finance, Home and Vigilance cum in-charge Disaster Management, Director, Disaster Management, Secretary, WRD and Chief Engineer of WRD also decided to provide cash amounts to Changlang DC, Bordumsa ADC, Namsai ADC, Jairampur ADC and  Roing DC for immediate relief purpose.

The Director of Disaster Management informed that relief operations are going on in full swing in Lohit and Changlang districts. Several relief camps have been set up and marooned people are being evacuated.

 

 

 

CPJ condemns repeated attack, questions police action

The Arunachal Times attacks

 

New York, Sept 21: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the attack on two media workers of The Arunachal Times on September 12 and called on police in Arunachal Pradesh to increase security for the paper, which has been attacked three other times since March.

"This latest attack on The Arunachal Times shows that police have provided inadequate protection for a vulnerable paper and its staff," said Madeline Earp, CPJ's senior Asia program researcher.

A group of unidentified men beat Ranjit Sarkar and Sunando Bora outside the newspaper's Itanagar offices in the wee hours Tuesday (Sept. 11) as they were about to begin their shift as machine operators. They were treated at a local hospital.

The attackers fled the scene on motorcycles.

The attack occurred in the same spot that Times Associate Editor Tongam Rina was shot in July.

In April, unidentified men broke in to the office and destroyed equipment, and in March, a computer technician was beaten outside the offices.

News accounts reported that police had launched an investigation into Tuesday's attack, but CPJ research shows the police have yet to solve the crime against Rina or any of the other attacks, Earp said in a statement.

"Authorities in Arunachal Pradesh must step up their investigation into these attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice" she added

CPJ is an independent nonprofit organization based in New York that promotes press freedom and defends the rights of journalists.

 

 

Tang Memorial Football begins today

Papum Pare play APP in opener

ITANAGAR, Sept 21: Defending champion Papum Pare would play against Arunachal Pradesh Police (APP) in the inaugural match of the XI Tadar Tang Memorial State Level Football Tournament at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun tomorrow.

Fourteen teams, instead of the expected 16, are taking part in the tournament which include, Papum Pare, East Kameng, APP, Longding, West Siang, Lower Subansiri, West Kameng, East Kameng, Tawang, Upper Subansiri, Capital Complex, Dibang Valley, Kurung Kumey and Upper Siang. All the teams have been divided into four groups. While Papum Pare, East Kameng, APP, Longding have been clubbed together in group ‘A’ West Siang, Lower Subansiri, West Kameng are placed in Group ‘B”. The ‘C’ comprises East Kameng, Tawang, Upper Subansiri and group ‘D’ Capital Complex, Dibang Valley, Kurung Kumey and Upper Siang.

The tournament would be inaugurated by Education Minister Bosiram Siram who would be accompanied by Parl. Secy. Likha Saaya.

 

 

'No intrusion bid by China in Arunachal during past 2 years'

Kimin, Sept 21: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police today said there was no report of any intrusion by China into the territory of Arunachal Pradesh in the last two years.

"There is no report of any such intrusion into the Indian territory in the past two years. The Indo-China border is peaceful and there is no hostile activities from either side,"

ITBP DG Ranjit Sinha said in reply to a query on a media report on Chinese activities along the LAC.

He said the Indian perception of the LAC was different from Beijing's and there was no breach of trust between the two parties.

"Troops from both sides occasionally visit the LAC as a regular exercise to get themselves acquainted with the environment. We conduct border personnel meetings at regular intervals to develop trust and friendship between both the neighbouring countries," he said.

The ITBP, raised as a guerrilla-cum-intelligence-cum-fighting force in the wake of Chinese aggression in 1962, at present has 50 battalions of which 20 are deployed on the Indo-China border. "The force, which was converted to an armed force in 1976, mans the 3,488 km Indo-Tibet border from Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep-La in Arunachal Pradesh at altitudes ranging between 9000 and 18,700 feet," Sinha added. PTI

 

 

Instill right attitude, says Governor

ITANAGAR, Sept 21: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh General (Retd) J.J. Singh addressed the Officer-Trainees of 87th Foundation Course at the Lal Bahadur Shatri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie on  September 19.

Speaking on the topic, ‘National Security and Leadership for a Modern India’, the Governor advised the Officer-Trainees to uphold their commitment to the constitution. The former Chief of Indian Army gave insight of every aspect related to national security. He also dwelled in length on the internal security.

Exhorting the 2012 batch of officer trainees to instill right attitude and values as leaders such as self discipline, propriety and integrity, he emphasized on the dignity of labour and sensitivity to the rights of citizens, particularly the disadvantaged and differently-abled. Later the Governor had an interaction with members of academic council of the Academy.

The 87th Foundation Course is being conducted with 264 officer trainees belonging to Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Foreign Service and Royal Bhutan Civil Services of the 2012 batch. The course is a transition from the academic world of colleges and universities to the structured system of government. It is the first introduction for the officer trainees to government and governance and the role of government in the society. The course aims to promote all round development of the personality of Officer Trainees and develop their leadership ability, impart an understanding of the machinery of the government and of the political, social, economic and administrative environment and build up a spirit of public service and set norm of behavior and standards of performance. PRO to Rajbhavan

 

 

CS reviews developmental schemes of Tawang

TAWANG, Sept 21: A review meeting to assess the developmental schemes and achievements of all the departments of Tawang district was held in the conference hall of the deputy commissioner here today.

Addressing the HODs, i/c Chief Secretary cum principal adviser to chief minister Yeshi Tsering informed of his planned official tours to all the districts of the state to have firsthand knowledge of the matters and issues of the various departments and to convey the priorities of the government to the people.

Appreciating the efforts of the present government for the substantial increase in the state allocation to the tune of 3535 crore, Tsering urged the HoDs for proper and timely implementation of various schemes/projects. He called for dedication, sincerity and punctuality from the officers in discharging their duties to cater the needs of the common man.  

“The district of Tawang has shown tremendous achievements in terms of implementation of various schemes and other developmental activities. I anticipate the same zeal and dedication from the officers in the future too”, said Tsering while highlighting the government’s special thrust on income generating projects. Earlier, Tawang Deputy Commissioner Kemo Lollen apprised the i/c Chief Secretary of the various developmental schemes/activities being carried out in the district. He further informed that despite the minimal number of working seasons as compared to other districts, Tawang has been a well performing district in implementation of various government schemes.

Expressing for enhancement of winter allowance for the government employees in the district, Lollen mentioned that the living cost is very high in places such as Tawang because of the climate and the poor road condition.

All the departmental heads including the working departments PWD, RWD, WRD, PHED, DHPD, Electrical, etc presented their reports highlighting the achievements and also the obstacles coming in the way to which the Chief Secretary gave a patient hearing and suggested means and ways to cope with the problems at hand and to take up matters of urgency with the concerned officers at the state capital for early redressal in order to facilitate faster growth and development in the districts. The i/c Chief Secretary is scheduled to visit the massive landslides site near Tawang Monastery tomorrow. DIPRO

 

 

NHPC holds talks with Assam orgs on dam issue

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Sept 21: National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) authorities hold a discussion with the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and the 26 ethnic organisations on the issue of ongoing Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project (LSHEP) in Guwahati last night.

The leaders of the 26 ethnic organisations including AASU, TMPK (Mishing Students) and other took part in the discussion and stuck to their demands on the construction of LSHEP, where Joint Secretary of the Union Power Ministry and Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the NHPC, AS Prasad, Independent Director of the NHPC, Santikam Hazarika besides some officers of the Central sector power company were present.

Talking to this correspondent, AASU finance secretary Tularam Gogoi today informed that the AASU and its allies, who have been keeping a strict vigil on the movement of the construction materials to project site (Gerukhamukh) expressed their rigid stand over the expert committee report and downstream impact assessment report against 168 proposed hydro-power projects in Arunachal. They also urged the NHPC authorities to stop construction of the main dam at Lower Subansiri and to halt transportation of construction materials until and unless an amicable solution to this problem is arrived.

The AASU stressed on holding tripartite talk with the NHPC and Central Government on the mega dam issues.

 

 

BCIF reiterates its demand, threatens stir

ITANAGAR, Sept 21: Banderdewa Circle Intellectual Forum (BCIF) in its charter of demands submitted to the Chief Minister today demanded immediate restoration of Greenfield airport at Karsingsa  site and to stop  any official procedure for construction of airport at Hollongi  site.

Informing the CM about the decision taken in a mass public meeting held on Sept 15, the Forum said that Govt should consider the genuine grievances placed by the people of Banderdewa circle  and   revoke  the earlier decision of shifting of Greenfield airport  to Hollongi from Banderdewa. It threatened to continue its democratic movement till its demand is fulfilled.

The Forum further questioned as to why the Airport Authority of India is rejecting the Karsingsa site  after completion of various formalities including submission of feasibility and  NOC reports  and  forest clearance  besides lying of foundation stone for Greenfield airport by  then Union Home Minister Shirvaj on Feb 20, 2007.

Justifying its demand, the Forum reiterated that Karsingsa is the best and advantageous site for the construction of the Greenfield Airport with its numerous merits over Hollongi site. The land for the Karsingsa site was donated free of cost by the local public, whereas maximum land of Hollongi site is private land. Further, more than Rs 1 crore has already been spent so far at Karsingsa site in completing the all necessary formalities whereas nothing in this regard has been done so far for the Hollongi site which will be time consuming and wastage of money, the Forum said.

Meanwhile, All Arunachal Pradesh Rights Claim Organisation (AAPRCO)  in its memorandum submitted to CM and Chief Secretary  strongly  denounced the shifting of green field airport site from Karsingsa to Hollongi and  said  that authorities should reconsider its decision for construction of airport at  Karsingsa  without delay. It also highlighted several genuine points in favour of demands made for construction of  airport at Karsingsa.

News Impact

Cash reward stands

ITANAGAR, Sept 21: The cash reward of Rs 2 lakh announced by the Arunachal Pradesh Police for giving information or clue leading to arrest of the assailant/s of Tongam Rina, Associate Editor of The Arunachal Times still stands. The identity of the informer/s will be kept secret.  The informer/s may contact Capital SP Hibu Tamang at tele. numbers :09436040006/09856060490.

 

State Taekwondo C’ship in Tezu from Oct 14-16

ITANAGAR, Sept 21: The 20th State Level Taekwondo Championship would be held  in Tezu, Lohit from October 14 to 16, according to Lohit Teakwondo Association, the organizer of the event.

 

Prohibitory order

Seppa, Sept 21: The East Kameng district administration has prohibited sale of Gutka, and Dendrite within East Kameng and instructed district police, town magistrate and executive magistrates of outpost administrative centres to enforce the order in letter and spirit. Violators of the same would be prosecuted U/S 188 IPC and other relevant section of law, the DC cum district magistrate said in an executive order.

The prohibition order has been issued in view of random use of such flavoured tobacco products by young groups, which are harmful to health.

 

HA’s death condoled

ITANAGAR, Sept 21: The staff of DDSE office, Koloriang condoled the death of BB Rana, H/A on September 19 after prolonged illness and prayed to almighty to rest his departed soul peace in heavenly abode.

The principal and staff of Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Koloriang also expressed grief and sorrow over untimely demise of Rana and conveyed heartfelt condolence to the bereft family.

 

TMC ministers resign from Manmohan Govt

New Delhi, Sept 21: Six Trinamool Congress Ministers today submitted their resignations to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who expressed sadness over the ally's decision in protest against allowing FDI in retail.

The Ministers -- Mukul Roy, Sudip Bandhyopadhay, Sultan Ahmed, Sougata Roy, Sisir Adhikary and C M Jatua -- went to the Prime Minister's 7, Race Course Road residence to submit their resignations.

While receiving the resignation letters, the Prime Minister said he was "sad" that they were quitting, Bandhyopadhay told reporters later.

Mukul Roy was the only Cabinet Minister among the six holding Railways portfolio since March.

Bandhyopadhyay was Minister of State for Health, Ahmed was MoS for Tourism, Sougata Roy was MoS Urban Development, Adhikary was MoS Rural Development and C M Jatua MoS Information and Broadcasting. Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday had announced her decision to withdraw support to the UPA protesting the Centre's decisions to hike diesel prices, withdraw subsidy on cooking gas and allow FDI in multi-brand retail. PTI

 

Jumke Bagra Memorial Football Tourney gets underway

Aalo, Sept.21: The third Jumke Bagra Memorial Football tournament conducted by the District Sports Association (DSA) got off to a glittering start with West Siang Deputy Commissioner Marnya Ete inaugurating the 19th DSA tournament at General Ground here yesterday.

Addressing a huge gathering of football enthusiasts on the occasion, the DC recalled the immense contributions of late Jumke Bagra, former DIGP for the district and the state. He informed that proposal for developing the football ground located in the heart of the town and converting Aalo Club into a Convention Centre has been sent to Govt. for consideration. He appealed the participating team to maintain the sportsmanship spirit that governs the tournament.

DSA secretary Kenjum Riba said that the annual event is an endeavor towards spotting football talents as well as foster unity and brotherhood and understanding through sports.

In the opening match played between Darka SC and Kabu SC ended in an exciting 3-3 draw. DIPRO

 

 

 

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68 days have passed. The culprits involved in the July 15 attack on The Arunachal Times associate editor Tongam Rina are still at large. 

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

All rights reserved.

Give priority to education sector  for true development

Dear Editor,

The most important thing that we all want is development whether it is individual development or development of a society as a whole. But the word development is confined to just the immediate materialistic things that can enhance the status of an particular area such as shopping malls, better road connectivity and electricity  supply etc. Of course, these are the basic human needs but true development will come only when we develop our education system. Even in present days we are lagging far behind in providing better educational infrastructure and quality education for the generation to come.

Today the world has entered in an era of computerization, but still the students of our state are deprived of it. Most of the schools do not have computer education in their syllabus which is a great set back in our education system. Most of schools do not have enough qualified teachers, adequate books and basic facilities. There are several other issues related to education system which need to be resolved.

Yours’

Ekar Riram

Tamil Nadu

Global partnership needed to achieve MDG

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged a stronger global partnership to advance progress on the development targets world leaders have pledged to achieve by 2015, as a new United Nations report finds that significant gains risk slowing due to declining aid.

The eight Millennium Development Goals agreed on by world leaders at a UN summit in 2000, set specific targets on poverty alleviation, education, gender equality, child and maternal health, environmental stability, HIV/AIDS reduction, and a ‘Global Partnership for Development.’

Ki-moon calls on the international community not to place the burden of fiscal austerity on the backs of the poor.

In March Ban reported major progress in achieving the MDGs, with several important targets – on poverty, water, slums and on parity between girls and boys in primary education – having been met. But, on the global partnership, progress is weaker, he said.

The Task Force Report, issued ahead of the annual high-level General Assembly meetings, notes that after reaching a peak in 2010, the volume of official development assistance fell almost three per cent in 2011.

It warns that with no apparent commitment by donor governments to reverse the trend, it is possible that fewer of the MDGs will be reached in fewer countries by the 2015 deadline.

While challenging, meeting the remaining targets by 2015 is still possible, but only if Governments do not waiver from their commitments made over a decade ago and international support is adequate, says the Task Force Report, which offers recommendations for the global community to sustain momentum on important MDG gains.