September 02
2016
Solung celebrated across Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Sep 01: Solung, the popular and main agricultural festival of Adi community was also celebrated with traditional gaiety and religious farvour in various parts of the state.
Addressing the festive revellers in Solung Festival celebration at Solung-Mopin Ground here on Thursday, Chief Minister Pema Khandu gave a clarion call to promote 'one Arunachal, one Identity' for peace and harmony. He said that the need of the hour is to send the message of 'one Arunachal, one Identity' to rest of the world.
"Unity in diversity is our strength. Let us make this diversity strength by bonding together in peace and cooperation with mutual respect and love for each other, said Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
Arunachal is a place of multi-tribes and a potpourri of varied cultures, Pema said and appealed to all make this diversity a strength by learning to live together in peace and perfect harmony as members of one big family.
While calling to preserve culture and tradition, he said, "In the pursuit of materialistic world and individual life, we must not let our cultures and traditions erode away."
"It is our responsibility to preserve our rich cultural heritage and to pass it on to the next generation," he added.
He also emphasized on imparting moral education to the children and mooted for evolving a mechanism to impart education on indigenous cultures and traditions. He called upon all community based organizations to come forward and suggest the govt in evolving such a mechanism.
The Chief Minister exhorted the youths to concentrate on studies and not to sway away from the mainstream. He called upon the elders to guide them in right direction especially during their growing stage.
Education Minister Honchun Ngandam said that festivals bind us together and bring unity, peace and cooperation. Without culture, we cannot form a society. Therefore we have to protect and preserve our rich cultural heritage, he said, adding that education can be used as a tool to preserve culture, festivals and traditions.
Likar Angu, Chief Engineer WRD (WZ) emphasized on preservation and promotion of rich cultural heritage.
"We must adapt to the changes but it should not be at the cost of original cultural fabrics," he opined, and called for transmission of the local dialect, genetic traits and indigenous beliefs to the younger generation in its original form.
Tapi Gao, president, Solung Festival Celebration Committee, Itanagar narrated the Solung mythology.
On the occasion, Solung Souvenir, "DiigokRoli" (The call of the dawn) was released by the Chief Minister while an Adi Audio Album, "Gi:Di Tapung Roli" was released by the Education Minister.
Varieties of cultural programme including folk dances Pemi-Nobo, Nuni Pipi Yoyo Gaga and Delong Kiine apart from Solung mega dance and Adi modern dances added favour to the celebration.
Earlier, Solung Festival was inaugurated by Pema by performing Taku-Tabat, an offering ceremony at festival altar.
Among others, Dambuk MLA Gum Tayeng and ABK president Kangir Jamoh were also present.
BOMDILA: Solung festival was also celebrated at district headquarters Bomdila on Thursday with pomp and show.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Japu Deru exhorted the people to stay rooted in their own culture, traditions and preserve them for the future generations.
Deputy Commissioner Sonal Swaroop reiterated the importance of maintaining unity and living in perfect harmony among the community members for peace, progress and prosperity.
ROING: MLA Mutchu Mithi, who joined the Adi brethren in celebrating Solung at Gidii Notko Midland here, expressed the hope that the festivity will usher in good harvest, peace, prosperity and happiness for all.
Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Ravi Dhawan exhorted the young generation to preserve their rich cultural heritage.
Solung Celebrations Committee, Roing president Tobang Pertin said that Solung, like other many festivals of the state, is also an agricultural festival and it is celebrated for bumper harvest and well being of humanity.
Secretary Nibang Pertin called upon the community members to showcase their age old traditional attire.
Other attractions of the festival were folk dance and colorful cultural items.
Superintendent of Police S. Sain, ADC Ruchika Katyal, ZPC Sipi Elapara, IMCLS president Enju Linggi, officials from NHPC, ACLS and ABK's district unit president, HoDs and general public of Lower Dibang Valley attended the celebration.
JAIRAMPUR: Solung was celebrated here on Thursday with traditional fervour by the Adi-Galo community of Jairampur.
MLA Laisam Simai, who attended the festival, applauded both the communities living in Jairampur for keeping their culture alive despite being handful in numbers and far and way from home. He also lauded them for pioneering the cultural preservation method as well as serving the state and the locals as government officials in Jairampur.
He appreciated the humble efforts put up by handful of people to preserve their culture in far off land and advised the locals to learn from them regarding cultural conservation.
Simai also suggested bequeathing strong cultural legacy to the posterity that has the history of succumbing to the pressure generated by modernity.
In order to attract the youths, he ideated the concept of cultural modification to match the taste of time.
"By disappointing and neglecting the youth population we are only paving the path for cultural disappearance, we must be careful while scripting the changes and concentrate on the concepts that will attract and keep them hooked," Simai said.
HoDs and panchayat leaders also enjoyed the celebration.
TEZU: Solung was celebrated at Amik Ringiya Hall, Tezu with great enthusiasm and traditional fervor.
Local MLA, Dr. Mohesh Chai, who attended the festival, called for preservation of age-old culture and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Festival brings unity in diversity and bonds of friendship among the local inhabitants, he said, and appealed to all to participate in such celebrations irrespective of their caste creed and religion.
Dr. Chai also urged people to maintain communal harmony for peace and prosperity.
Festival Organizing Committee Secretary Otem Apum read the mythology of Solung.
Biometric system to check teacher absenteeism
ITANAGAR, Sep 01: The State Government has decided to introduce biometric system to monitor teacher absenteeism.
The biometric system will initially be introduced in schools of Capital Complex on pilot basis.
In this regard, the state government has signed a tripartite agreement for Web Based Biometric Teachers Attendance System for 18 schools in the Capital Complex, Papum Pare district.
The agreement was signed between the Department of IT & Communication represented by Director Neelam Yapin Tana, Department of Secondary Education represented by Director, Gania Leij and Prime Infoserv LLP in presence of Education Minister Honchun Ngandam, Secretary IT&C Sonam Chombay and Secretary Education Bidol Tayeng on Thursday
The web based biometric attendance system, which uses mobile network, will have monthly information and report generation system of the teachers. The project envisages improving the education delivery system by improving the teacher attendance.
Secretary IT Sonam Chombay briefed the Minister about the project and its expected benefits in curbing teacher absenteeism thereby improving the education scenario in the state.
The Minister while witnessing the signing of the agreement emphasized on introducing the web based biometric system in schools throughout the schools.
Daughter of freedom fighter Lt. Moji Riba calls on Governor
ITANAGAR, Sept 1: Jiyo Riba Jini, daughter of Late Moji Riba, renowned Freedom fighter, called on the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh J P Rajkhowa at Raj Bhavan here on Thursday.
Accompanied by Gumke Riba, senior Public Leader cum Member, Food Cooperation of India, Jini briefed the Governor on the contribution of her Late father towards Indian Freedom Movement. She also showed him the written and other personal records of Late Moji Riba.
The Governor, who was delighted to meet both, felicitated the family members of the Freedom fighter from Arunachal Pradesh. He assured to take initiative to include the names of freedom fighters from the State in the list of Indian Freedom Fighters, so that befitting tributes are paid to them.
Govt to sanction Rs 600 crore for 60 Assembly constituencies
ITANAGAR, Sept 1: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has announced that his Government has decided to sanction Rs 600 crore which would be equally distributed to all the 60 Assembly Constituencies of the state cutting across party lines to carry out development works.
While addressing the gathering at the Solung Festival celebration at Solung-Mopin Ground here on Thursday, Pema further said that efforts are on to bring development in all fronts and appealed people to have patience and give some time to the new Government to settle down and plan for the future road map.
He further informed that the Union Ministry of Culture is going to establish a Regional Cultural Centre in the state capital and the Department of Art & Culture has already been instructed to identify land for it. Huts of all tribes of the state would be provided in the Cultural Centre to showcase their rich art and culture to visitors, he added.
The Chief Minister also said that the Government is evolving an Investment Policy with experts to advise it in formulating an investor friendly policy so as to generate employment opportunities for youths.
Depi Residential Girls school running without infrastructure, teachers
[ Prafulla Kaman ]
PASIGHAT, Sept 01: The 100-bed Girls Residential Upper Primary School at Depi in East Siang district is running without basic infrastructure and other required facilities, portraying a very poor education scenario.
The school with 42 students (enrollment) is running with a single lady teacher for the last three months causing concern among the local villagers, parents and guardians as well.
According to the School Management Committee, there were acute shortage of school furniture, including table-chair, bench-desk, almirah and other necessary equipments in the school which causing immense problem in the teaching-learning process. The teaching and non-teaching staff are forced to face unhealthy situation due to lack of housing facilities in the school premise, while the kitchen and dining hall are running in unhygienic condition.
The residential school located in an isolated area has no proper boundary wall to ensure safety and security of the girl students besides protection of the school properties.
There is no water supply, electricity and power generator in the school.
Set up in 2013 under SSA (Rajya Mission), the school started lately in November, 2014 with four Upper Primary Classes i.e. Class IV to VII. Now, it is almost impossible for the single teacher to conduct as many as 42 students of four classes.
The SMC alleged that the Education Department has paid no heed to the appeals of the public for development of school infrastructure.
The SMC led by its chairman Ogom Saroh moved the State Project Director (SPD), SSA Rajya Mission for posting of teachers to the school and to sanction fund for school infrastructure, but to no avail.
Recently, the SMC has moved the local MLA and East Siang Deputy Commissioner, requested them to pass necessary order to concern authority for posting of two teachers at Depi residential school. It is said that two qualified teachers are agreed to serve in the school, but waiting for the formal nod of East Siang Deputy Director of School Education.
IFCSAP seeks fund for preservation of indigenous culture
ITANAGAR, Sept 1: A four-member team of Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) has called on Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and requested him to sanction fund for construction of Indigenous Cultural & Research Centre in every block and district headquarters for preservation, promotion and practice of aged old indigenous faith & culture of the State.
The delegates comprising of Dr. Ligu Tacho, President, Gichik Taaza, Vice-President, Bai Taba, Secretary General and Nyasam Jongsam, Secretary Information & Publicity also elaborately discussed about the problems and grievances of indigenous people of the state. They also apprised the DCM about the ensuing 5th State Level Indigenous Youth Festival to be held at Tezu from 3rd to 7th November. The festival is being organized by IFCSAP in every three year.
DCM assured to look into the grievances of IFCSAP.
District level training on Quinquennial Agricultural Census held
AALO Sep 01: The 10th District Level Training on Quinquennial Agricultural Census 2015-16 of West Siang District was held at the conference hall of Hotel Aagaam here on August 30.
Altogether, 65 Supervisors and Enumerators, including M. Ete and Toli Bam, ADA, Mechukha and Basar attended the training for successful conduct of Census operation in 20% selected villages of the district.
Deputy Director Agriculture Tomi Basar disclosed that the Agricultural Census is a time bound National Programme being conducted all over India since 1970-71.
ADOs Nyage Loya, ADO Jundo Jini appealed to the enumerators to provide real and correct benchmark data related to agricultural holdings with operated area for formulating Agricultural Developmental Programme.
Yompe Ado, ADO (HQ) spoke about the importance of Agricultural Census in Arunachal Pradesh in this occasion.
During technical session, SK Biswas, SO explained in details about the filling up of different types of forms and schedules for collecting various information from the grassroots level. The field level enumerators were asked to visit each and every household of the selected villages to collect correct information. DIPRO
Poongling Dental Clinic at Seppa inaugurated
SEPPA, Sept 1: Dr Kaya Lapung, DRCHO of East Kameng district along with senior doctor Zongluzu, Dr S K Suman, Dr K Sopin, Dr T Tagyang and Dr Mebing Taku today inaugurated Poongling Dental Clinic, at main market of Seppa Township, in a simple function.
On the occasion, young proprietor of the Poongling Dental Clinic Nixon Bagang exuded hope that establishment of such clinic will actually facilitate the district hospital, which sometimes has to struggle with the burgeoning patients.
While informing that the clinic is well equipped with X-Ray facility, the proprietor also said that those interested dental surgeons can also join the clinic, after completion of their college internship.
Opening up of such private clinics will provide much needed platform for gaining practical experience, particularly for the dental surgeons from East Kameng district, who after graduation, have to wait for quite some time, to avail govt jobs, said Nixon.
After graduation, students are compelled to do their practice at Capital Complex, which is quite expensive, considering the logistics. Therefore, such private clinic within the reach of hometown will be cost effective for those dental surgeons as well as BDS students, who want to pursue their dental practice, a BDS student on the occasion expressed.
Staffs from District Health Society, B Boruah, DAM, Ajay Dada, DC-CEA and former DSO Taku Bagang were also present on the occasion.
GST ready for President's nod as 16 states ratify bill, says Jaitley
New Delhi, Sept 01: With the Odisha assembly approving the Constitutional Amendment Bill for GST on Thursday, the requirement of 50 per cent of states and UTs ratifying it has been completed.
The bill will now be placed before President Pranab Mukherjee for approval.
"The requisite number of states have ratified the GST Constitution Amendment Bill and now it can go for Presidential assent," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted.
Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia said that the government is ahead of schedule for implementation of GST. "Instead of 30 days kept for this (states' ratification), it is achieved in 23 days," he said in a tweet.
Odisha became the 16th state to pass the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill on Thursday.
"With Odisha ratifying the Constitutional Amendment bill for GST, minimum requirement of 50 per cent states ratifying the bill is complete," said Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia in a tweet.
Dubbed as the biggest tax reform in India, GST will subsume most indirect taxes, like excise duty, service tax and VAT.
Adhia further said the ratification of the bill has been completed ahead of the schedule.
"Glad to inform that we are ahead of our schedule forimplementation of GST so far. Instead of 30 days kept for this it is achieved in 23 days," he said in another tweet.
The Constitutional Amendment Bill for GST was passed by Parliament on August 8.
The government is planning to roll out the indirect tax regime from April 1. While the Centre has to draft the CGST and IGST laws, the states will have to come up with an SGST law.
But before supporting legislations go to Parliament in November, the state finance ministers have to agree on a GST rate, tax slabs and exempted goods and services.
GST rate will have to be approved by the GST Council, comprising the Union Finance Minister and representatives of all the 31 states and UTs.
Assam was the first state to ratify the GST Bill. Other states that have approved the bill are Maharashtra, Haryana, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Nagaland. PTI
Sona and Felix appointed Govt. Spokespersons
ITANAGAR, Sep 01: MLAs PD Sona and Bamang Felix have been appointed as the Spokespersons of the State Government effective immediately, according to a state government order.
Arrest warrant reimposed against PIO
ITANAGAR, Sep 01: The State Information Commission (SIC) on Thursday re-imposed warrant of arrest against PIO-cum Superintdent Engineer PWD Sagalee Circle of Papum Pare district for deliberately defying the orders of the Commission in regards with appeal case no. APIC -121/2016 under section 19(3) of the Right to Information Act 2005 by the appellant Dony Tachang. The Commission further directed the PIO to appear before Court of the Commission on September 13, 2016, an official release said.
Heavy shower creates havoc in East Siang
Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Sep 01: Incessant rain since midnight of August 31 has paralyzed normal life in East Siang and neighbouring Dhemaji, Silapathar and Jonai areas of North Assam. The third wave of monsoon rain has triggered landslide and floods that washed away many minor irrigation channels.
Heavy downpour in the region is causing water stagnation at residential areas of Pasighat and Ruksin towns, creating great inconvenience to the residents.
The monsoon shower, which brought respite to people from scorching heat, has turned heavy and torrential as rain waters submerged low lying areas. It also disrupted road communication at several stretches along Pasighat-Mariyang highway and Pasighat-Ledum-Tene PWD road.
The rivers and hilly streams, which were drying up due to long dry spell are resurging with rain water and created flood fury at Takng, Rani and Koyu-Korang areas.
Overflowing water of Simen River washed away several acres of standing paddy crop at Koyu circle. Surging water of Sijo River at Koyu also washed away a large area of the WRC field in the circle.
Heavy rain has triggered landslides at Silli between Bodak and Maryang,
snapped road communication along Pasighat-Mariyang highway. Surface communication is also cut off between Tane village and Koyu headquarters along Pasighat-Ledum-Koyu PWD road due to massive landslide.
Poglek river, locally known as Pagla River has washed away large area of crop land at plains of Rani on its left side. Overflowing Siku-Siang and other streams in Mebo subdivision are creating an alarming situation in the downstream rural areas.
Incessant rain in the area also dampened the spirit of Solung festivities in the region.
Rains have not ceased until filing of this report and the weather is still unpredictable.
Dharna against 'anti-labour policies'
ITANAGAR, Sep 01: All Trade Unions of Arunachal Pradesh under the banner of INTUC will stage dharna at Tennis Court, Itanagar on September 2 to protest against the Modi Government's various "anti labours policies'.
Some of major demands of the union are to bring the skyrocketing prices of commodities, especially essential, under control, to enhance the wages of workers to a minimum of Rs.18,000, equal pay for equal work, social security of the workers of the unorganized sector, including agriculture labourers, pension for all, registration of Trade Union in 45 days etc.
SMC constructs MDM shed
BOMDILA, Sept 1: The School Management Committee (SMC) of Government Upper Primary School, Electrical Colony, Bhalukpong constructed pucca Mid Day Meal (MDM) shed for the students from its own source. Led by Headmaster Owing Panyang, the SMC constructed shed after waiting for months for the government fund.
Industrial Growth Centre, Tippi, Frontier Distillery, MTM Bottlers, Nafra Saw Mill, Arunachal Aqua, Kameng Beverage, Jivan Yamey and PRI members of Upper Bhalukpong, Social activist Johny Jebisow, GPM Taram Tungi and others voluntarily extended the support.
After completion of work, all the contributors were felicitated in a function by Vijay Liphiyang, GPC Elephant Gram Parishad, while EAC T Riba awarded the commendation certificates.
Among others, SMC Chairman Leki Sakrinsow, ASM Jivan Yamey, BEO and the CRC were present on the occasion. (DIPRO)
APATCYO bats for govt schools
ITANAGAR, Sept 01: The Arunachal Pradesh Abo Tani Clans Youth Organisation (APATCYO) in a memorandum to Education Minister and Libraries requested him to ensure proper implementation of RTE Act 2009, claiming that the Act is not been properly implemented in the govt schools leading to deprivation of many poor students.
In its five points charter of demands, APATCYO also sought the minister to ensure proper and adequate distribution of free books and school uniforms in govt schools. The organisation added that though the Centre has sanctioned for the books and uniforms, 70 percent of the students are yet to get books. The organisation further sought the authority for proper implementation of mid-day meal scheme. Other demands included appointment of adequate numbers of non-teaching school staff for smooth functioning of the schools and refund of school admission fees collected from the students.
RMSA conducts Kala Utsav
AALO, Sep 01: The Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksa Abhiyan (RMSA) organized Kala Utsav at Govt. Higher Secondary School, Aalo on August 31.
Addressing the gathering, DDSE Aalo, Tumto Lollen disclosed that an effort is being made to showcase the artistic talent of school students in the field of Art, theatre, dance, visual arts and crafts.
He assured full scale competitions in future involving all secondary schools of the district to enhance the performance level.
Yidak Angu DPC, RMSA highlighted in details the objective behind conducting Kala Utsav by the govt. of India.
"It is an initiative to bridge the deteriorating traditional and cultural values and create a platform to exhibit artistic talent of students at secondary level and bring arts to the centre stage," he said.
Vice Principals and Headmasters of various Schools were present on the occasion.
The students from Govt. Higher Secondary School and Nehru Memorial Higher Secondary School, Aalo will represent the district in the folk dance and traditional modern dance in the state level competition at Itanagar on the basis of the competition held here. DIPRO
Eye donation forthnight
ITANAGAR, Sept 1: An eye awareness camp was organised to mark the observation of 31st National Fortnight on Eye Donation at Govt. Middle School, New Market, Aalo on Monday last. DMO cum Member Secretary, DHS(DBCS) Aalo, while presiding over the programme, highlighted the importance of eye donation and significance of eye care.
Resource person Dr. Bai Bam, Eye specialist, General Hospital, Aalo, gave a power point presentation on various corneal diseases, its causes. He also informed about the social value of eye donation after death. Teachers and students attended the programme. (DIPRO).
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
-
All rights reserved.
Editorial
Ray of hope
The proposed Itanagar-
Such is the frustration that capital dwellers are highly skeptical about claim made
by officials of MoRTH. This project is in pipeline like airport and medical college
project since last many years. But for whatever reason the work has not started till
now. There has been lack of coordination between state government and ministry in
this regard. The capital complex administration has miserably failed to solve the
compensation issue at the earliest. Everyone is aware that compensation is the major
stumbling block in the way for construction of four lane project. State government
need to resolve this issue sooner and then push centre demanding early start of the
work. At present the condition of Itanagar-
________________________________
Readers’ Forum
Ill-
Dear Editor,
Kudos to Mr. Byabang Noah Dui for the letter titled “False propaganda”(September
1). Instead of trying to offer flimsy excuses that closure of wine stores will increase
the intake of drugs, the concerned authorities should act responsible and get enlightened
about the ill-
There lies no doubt to the fact that alcohol is the greatest vice of the society.
The sponsors and promoters of alcohol like night clubs, pubs and discotheques are
nothing but breeding ground of crimes and indecency of all hues. And why not? After
all each and every ingredients of crimes and hell are omnipresent in nightlife! As
if philistinism of lewd Bollywood lyrics and obscene dance with suggestive gestures,
skimpily-
When even India’s most laggard state in each and every sector ie Bihar has discovered the dangerous effects of alcohol on individuals and the society as a whole; an “enlightened” and “educated” section feel no qualms in penning articles in support of it which is indeed extremely tragic.
It is hoped that the administration of all states will also ban sale and consumption of alcohol within its geographical boundary by resisting the immense pressure from the alcohol lobby and the vested interests. With the ban of alcohol, perhaps that den of barbarities named nightclubs and discotheques will also down its shutters bringing back a semblance of decency in the society.
Yours etc,
Kajal Chatterjee
Kolkata