September 20
2016
Palin-Kurung Kumey road cut off
DyCM takes stock of flood damage
NAHARLAGUN, Sep 19: Road communication between Palin and Kurung Kumey district remained cut off following landslides triggered by heavy rainfalls on September 18.
Landslides have occurred at multiple points blocking the BRTF road at several places.
The steel bridge over Rakte nallah has been washed away while five dwelling houses of Pagu village under Palin circle and pig shed and PHE Sanitary toilet of Choba village have either been damaged or washed away.
Landslides also blocked eight link roads to various circles and caused extensive damages to Agri-Horti sector. However, there were no reports of loss of life.
ADC (i/c) Biaro Sorum and Circle Officer Rido Tarak of Palin were monitoring the situation. The BRTF personnel are working on a war footing to restore road communication.
Reports of damages from various remote circles are yet to be received.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein expressed concern over the recent flash floods in some parts of the state especially in Upper Subansiri and Kurung Kumey districts where massive damage on public and private properties where reported. It was reported that several houses, roads, retaining walls were damaged at Dumporijo in a flash flood on last Saturday evening and roads, bridges and culverts were also washed away along Palin to Koloriang road causing road blockade.
DCM took status reports of the infrastructures damaged from the concerned authorities of the districts and asked them to submit the details report immediately to the govt.
Every Arunachali will be enrolled in Aadhaar by March 2017: UIDAI
Aadhaar enrolment will reduce corruption: Pema
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has decided to intensify Aadhaar enrolment drive by October next in the state to ensure that every Arunachali get the direct cash benefits and other facilities being provided by the government.
This was informed by UIDAI Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ajay Bhushan Pandey in a press conference here this evening at Civil Secretariat along with Chief Secretary Shakuntala D Gamlin and Principal Secretary Home and Finance Satya Gopal. The press briefing was convened in the sideline of meeting with Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The UIDAI CEO informed that by March 2017, the authority is planning to cover every Arunachali who are left out to enroll in Aadhaar.
"All the deputy commissioners and circle officers in the districts will be empowered to conduct Aadhaar enrolment in every village, block and circle and for that Rs 10 crore has been sanctioned for logistic expense" he added.
He further underscored the benefits of Aadhaar in business transaction and other direct benefits transfers such as stipends, pension, MGNREGA, PDS etc. He further added that Aadhaar will ensure safety and security of beneficiaries and Asha and Anganwadi workers in terms of direct cash transaction.
In her address Chief Secretary Shakuntala D Gamlin informed that so far 62 per cent of Arunachal population has been covered by Aadhaar. "We in Arunachal Pradesh have already achieved 62 percent in enrolment"
The CS further stated that efforts are on to put the mechanisms into fast track to cover every citizen of Arunachal under Aadhaar enrolment by 2017 so that they get benefits.
CS added the government is looking forward Aadhaar links to every centre and state government schemes and it will help in cutting down leakages, diversion of funds and delay in getting benefits such as pension, wages, stipends, MGNREGA and mothers & child benefits.
Chief Secretary also maintained that hundred per cent coverage of Aadhaar enrolment in state would also help to check immigration, saying Aadhaar would historically enable to freeze foreigners.
The CS and UIDAI CEO appealed people to come forward to get enrolled themselves in Aadhaar so that they may not deprived in government schemes.
Reiterating his commitment for corruption free governance, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that Aadhaar, Jan Dhan Yojana and the direct benefit transfer will be the driving force in realising this commitment". He said this during a meeting with Dr. Ajay Bhushan Pandey when he called on CM at his office at Civil Secretariat, according to an official release.
Dr. Pandey while briefing the CM on the benefits of Aadhaar informed that the main objective of Aadhaar is to empower people, provide a lifetime identity and is universally acceptable for availing all government benefit. He disclosed that out of 121 Cr population of the country, 105 cr has already been enrolled under Aadhaar. While in Arunachal Pradesh, 8 lakhs population have been enrolled till date.
CM assured that he would take up with Finance Minister to issue directives to all banking institutions to support in banking all the unbanked villages. Possibilities would also be worked out to take the help of Para-military forces for enrolment purposes in the remote villages along the front areas where road network is not available.
Byaling makes unannounced visit at Central Medicine Store
NAHARLAGUN, Sep 19: Concerned on the reported scarcity of medicines in District Hospital Daporijo, Minister, RD & PR, Tanga Byaling made unannounced visit to the Central Medicine Store of the Directorate of Health, Naharlagun.
Byaling expressed surprise to find huge stacks of medicines and hospital furniture in the Central Medicine Store and was told that an equal quantity of medicines was stored away in some rented locations due to lack of adequate storage in the premises of the Directorate.
On enquiry why there was scarcity of medicines in Upper Subansiri district in spite of surplus medicines available in the Central Store, Deputy Director of Health (S&T), Dr. Higio Tama explained that several consignments of medicines had been dispatched to each district, including Daporijo according to the demand placed by the respective DMOs over the last many months.
Availability of medicines in the district was solely limited by the quantum of medicine each district was able to lift from the central store. Lack of dedicated transport trucks in the Health Department had affected timely delivery of medicines and equipment to the districts. This could have caused a short period of shortage of medicines in some places inspite of surplus medicines, available in the state capital.
Dr. Emi Rumi, Jt. Director (P&D) informed about the need for at least three dedicated trucks, one each for eastern, central and western zones for delivery of medicines and equipments to the districts.
Further, Dr. Higio Tama showed the detail records of the medicines dispatched to DMO Daporijo, who on contact through the phone informed the Director of Health Services, Dr. Moji Jini, that the medicine store in the district had been depleted of its stock for a short time during the last week of August following the distribution of medicine to the CHCs and PHCs.
The DMO Daporijo further informed that at present there was a good buffer stock after receiving medicines from the Central Store on the Sep 12.
Byaling rang up the Deputy Commissioner, Daporijo to depute a truck at the disposal of the DMO to lift the next consignment of medicines from Naharlagun as and when required.
DHS, Dr. Moji Jini informed that the department had received an unprecedented quantum of medicines this time though it only amounted to less than 70% of the total supply ordered and hoped that the suppliers would deliver the remaining supply at the earliest.
The Director of Health Services also informed the Minister on the activity of the Drug Manufacturing unit of the Directorate, which had already manufactured and sold Rs.1 lakh worth of plant based medicines in the last few months. Expressing interest in the scope of Plant based Drug production as a viable industry in the state, the Minister promised to re-visit and inspect the Drug Manufacturing unit in detail.
ARTIAF seeks enquiry into construction of SPT mortuary
ITANAGAR, Sept 19: The Arunachal RTI Activist Forum (ARTIAF) East Kameng district unit has sought departmental enquiry into the construction of SPT mortuary building at District Hospital Seppa alleging misappropriation of over Rs 10 lakhs.
In its complaint to the East Kameng DC, the Forum claimed that while utilization certificate was submitted for the over Rs 10 lakh project built under SPA with RWD Seppa division as its executing agency however in reality no such building can be seen in the proposed site.
The forum further alleged that the old morgue building was dismantled and now the plot is illegally occupied by some individuals.
'With no morgue in the hospital, patients are being admitted with no choice but to spend the night with an unknown death body. It is horror for every patient admitted in the hospital. It is going on and will continue if the morgue building is not constructed immediately,' the complaint letter reads.
Expedite TRSH construction work: AAPSU
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: While expressing satisfaction over the construction work of Tomo Riba State Hospital the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) has appealed the state government to expedite the work process.
The Union appealed Chief Minister Pema Khandu and chief secretary S Gamlin to provide full support to the constructing agency and contractor so that the hospital starts to function at the earliest.
An AAPSU team led by its president Kamta Lapung and former NESO general secretary Gumjum Haider had on Monday morning visited the under construction hospital at Naharlagun.
Lauding the state government and CM Khandu for giving special attention to the hospital Lapung said, "We are pretty impressed with the pace of work that is going on and the initiatives take by the state government to construct such state of art hospital is admirable. The hospital once build would serve to thousands of underprivileged people of state."
Also lauding the contractor, a local entrepreneur, who is taking care of the work, Lapung added, "The amount of hard work the contractor is putting in building the hospital and trying to finish the construction work at the earliest is also commendable."
Reference Library website launched
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: The website of Reference Library of Directorate of Research www. referencelibrarvresearch.com was launched by Director of Research Batem Pertin on Monday.
The website will help the library users and researchers to trace out online the holdings of the Reference Library of the Directorate of Research.
The Reference Library possess more than 10,000 volumes of books on Social Sciences, especially on culture, custom, language, history, archaeology, museums and archives etc.
Emphasis is given on books and articles related to Arunachal Pradesh. Most of the old volumes of Hornbill, NEFA Information, Arunachal News, Arunachal Review, Resarun (Journal of Research department) etc, rare and valuable books, reports, articles on Arunachal Pradesh, are digitized and uploaded on the website.
Recently, the entire Reference Library has been automated as per international norms with an specific fund provided by the Government during 2015-16, at the initiative of Dr. KK Pandey, Librarian and the work was carried out by M/s Total IT Software Solution Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi.
Ering meets PM on Smart city proposal
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: Member of Parliament Ninong Ering urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider inclusion of Pasighat in the next round of the Smart City proposal.
Pasighat known as the gateway to Arunachal Pradesh has tremendous potential to expand and provide sustainable and inclusive growth in the region. Located strategically on the banks of river Siang near the China border, the city, if developed in a right way, can become focal point for the Government's Act East Policy via North- East, Ering said in his letter to the Prime Minister.
Smart city won't only bring good life to the people but also give them access to health, education, water, sanitation, electricity, etc., Ering said.
Ering also urged the PM to change the funding pattern of Pasighat Smart City to help Pasighat attain inclusive, sustained, holistic and balanced development.
"Arunachal Pradesh being a special category state won't be able to match the central funding for Smart City for Pasighat mentioned in the Smart City guidelines. The Union Government should provide a provision for Pasighat Smart City, in which the 90:10 funding mechanism is established for Special Category States, the MP added.
A similar letter was also submitted to Minister for Urban Development Venkaiah Naidu.
Concerned over drowning cases, CM and DCM caution
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: Expressing grave concern over repeated cases of drowning in the state, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has issued an advisory asking to exercise extreme caution.
In a statement here on Monday, Pema said that several young lives are being lost every year from drowning in rivers across the state, which is a matter of serious concern.
He urged parents, teachers and elders to watch over children while bathing in rivers as these are very treacherous due to unpredictable weather and mountainous terrains. He advised youngsters to avoid bathing and fishing in rivers, especially without elders with them and during monsoons.
The Chief Minister also directed local administrations to maintain strict vigil at all such spots frequented by people for bathing and fishing. He also suggested for preventive measures, particularly during monsoons and along the downstream of hydro projects.
"Precious young lives should not be lost due to our callousness and carelessness. We as parents and elders need to make our youngsters aware of the danger," he added.
There were reports of deaths from drowning from Kurung Kumey district recently and Papum Pare district a day ago.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also expressed concern over the reported missing of school boys at River Dikrong at Midpu on Sunday. He too cautioned the people to be cautious during rainy seasons and to refrain the children from going to turbulent river banks unattended.
The Deputy CM also expressed grief over the loss of a young engineer, Nabam Heina, JE(APEDA) in a bizarre incident along Harmutty - Gumto road on September 16 night. He termed the incident very unfortunate and conveyed his heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family members.
‘Abo Tani and Dungnaan’ draw audience
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: "Abo Tani and Dugnaan" directed by NSD graduate Riken Ngomle which was staged at Govt Higher Secondary School, Itanagar on Saturday drew hundreds of audience. The play which was about Abo Tani, a mythical figure in Arunachal was an adaptation of Dr. Joram Nabam's book Tani Momen.
The play was performed by seventeen artists including seven girls after twenty days of rigorous training. The play was co-directed by Tai Tugung while Choreography and music were managed by Dorjee Wangdi and Rilli Ngomle, assisted by Oasis Sougaijim.
The play focused on acting and singing, which was blended with dance to depict the story of mythical figure Abo Tani and Dugnaan(the Goddess of crops.)
The play started with a scene where Tani is wandering around in search of food. The relationship between Tani (mankind) and loyal Dog (Kipung) were also depicted in the play. There were famine all over, the humans and animals were starving. Tani decided to separate with Kipung, the dog. The play also described how the dog (Kipung) and Deer befriended. The play depicted how Tani got married with Goddess of crop (Dungnaan) and discovered the crops.
Briefing about the play, Director Riken Ngomle informed that play was staged in Greek theatre style. "Unlike film which binds and grip the imagination of the audience, theatre gives audience free to imagine whatever was being displayed on the stage" said Ngomle. He also sought encouragement from the audience and people to keep the folklores alive.
Attending the programe, State unit BJP General Secretary Jarpum Gamlin exhorted that theatre and its artists need to be given space in Arunachal. Look East Spark Editor Karpu Chisi hailed the artists for their improvement and stellar performance on the stage.
Second Husband
[ Dani Sulu ]
"Ajin, please meet my wife." a friend introduced his young and picture postcard beautiful wife. At the time, I was posted in Shillong and they had all the way come from Arunachal to meet me.
" So nice to meet you, Madam." I say.
She acknowledges with a blush and a coy smiles.
" You are so young and beautiful, ...how many children you have." I ask the young wife.
" We have four children. She is my second wife and stays in our native place." my friend tells me with a tinge of pride.
" Oh ... Madam is so young, you must have really caught her young, Isn't it, Ajin?" I ask my friend. To this he, blushes.
" Coming to the point of second wife, ......should not wives also have second husbands if they feel like Ajin?" I prod him jokingly.
"There will be unprecedented social upheaval in a tribal society if wives start keeping second husband. Our society permits men to have second or third wife, but ladies are not allowed to keep more than one husband."
" hmm.. what do you say, Madam. If your husband can keep two wives, I think you should also keep two husbands if you may like to have ..." I ask his wife.
" ummm … you are absolutely right." She says with a blush so red and so convincing.
"Ajin Dani, you are instigating my wife and other ladies against the existing social norms. There will be lots of murders and disorder if ladies start listening to your instigation and literally follow it up.." he tells me with a forced smile.
" But my Ajin ....... I am just stressing what is good for you is good for your wife as well and what men can women can also." I say.
Lovely and young, wife who sat besides us, looks up with a spark in her eyes and says..
" Sir ..what you say is right. I will think about it ....hmmmm." She tells me with a smile and a teasing glance at her husband.
"Hmmm it will not be out of place. Our friends from some tribes have it in their social system where sisters in laws enjoy conjugal right with brothers in laws. And there are many societies where polyandry is a natural way of life. " I tell them.
“Yes ..yes ..To have or not to have second husband, I shall think over.” She said with pressed giggles teasingly looking at her husband running her tender fingers over the rims of Coffee Cup. And thus we passed the afternoon with friendly bantering.
(The contributor is Secretary to govt of Arunachal. He can be reached at danisulu@gmail.com)
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyaan (PMSMA)
[ Dr Tana Natung ]
ITANAGAR, Sept 19: I had the privilege of attending the National Workshop on “Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyaan (PMSMA)” on the 16th of September 2016 at Delhi. The Workshop highlighted about the various aspect of PMSMA, which is briefly as given below:
PMSMA envisages to improve the quality and coverage of Ante-Natal Care (ANC), Diagnostics and Counselling services as part of the Reproductive Maternal Neonatal Child & Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) Strategy.
The objectives of this program are:
1. Ensure free care provision by a physician/ specialist in all the ante-natal clinics of government health facilities, which envisages barring even collection of user-fees from any pregnant women.
2. Emphasis shall be given to ensure implementation of all the free service package to all pregnant women given under Janani Shishu Suraksha Karkyakaram (JSSK) at all the government Health Facilities as enumerated below:
a. Free medicines to all the pregnant women
b. Free diagnostic services to all the pregnant women
c. Free Hospital stay (3 days for Normal Delivery & 7 days for pregnant women undergoing Caesarean Section) with one attendant
d. Free diet to Pregnant Women and the attendant during hospital stay
e. Free Referral Transport/ Ambulance Service, which shall include picking up from home to hospital, hospital to hospital and dropping back to home from hospital.
3. Improve the quality of care provision of ante-natal care visit which shall include the following:
a. All applicable diagnostic services as per the level of health facility
b. Screening of all the applicable clinical conditions
c. Appropriate management of any existing clinical conditions like Anaemia, Pregnancy Induced Hypertension, Gestational Diabetes, etc
d. Proper counselling services
e. Proper documentation of services rendered
4. Offer additional opportunity to pregnant women who have missed their ante-natal visits due to any reason
5. Identification and line-listing of high risk pregnancies based on obstetrics/ medical history/ clinical conditions. Advance appropriate birth planning and birth-complication readiness for each pregnant women especially those identified with any risk factor or comorbid conditions
6. Special emphasis on early diagnosis, adequate and appropriate management of women with malnutrition conditions like anaemia, will be provided in these clinics. Special focus will also be given to adolescent and early pregnancies, as these pregnancies need extra and specialized care.
7. Convergence with private-practitioners will be made to rope in more specialist doctors to give more accessibility to quality Ante-Natal Care services to the needy expectant mothers.
Therefore, a tentative state-specific agenda has been drawn, in order to ensure proper roll-out of this (PMSMA) national flagship health programme to be implemented across the state as given below:
1. October 2016:
a. Formation of State PMSMA Coordination Committee
b. Conduct of first State PMSMA Coordination Committee Meeting
c. State Level Orientation Workshop on PMSMA with DMOs, DRCHOs
d. State level launching of PMSMA
2. November 2016:
a. Formation of District PMSMA Coordination Committee
b. Conduct of District PMSMA Coordination Committee Meeting
c. District level orientation workshop on PMSMA with Medical Superintendent, Medical Officer Incharges
3. December 2016:
a. Formation of Block PMSMA Coordination Committee
b. Conduct of Block PMSMA Coordination Committee Meeting
c. Block level orientation workshop on PMSMA with Medical Officers, Nurses, Lab Technicians and ASHAs
4. January 2017:
a. Service provision of pregnant women under PMSMA to begin in all the government health facilities from Primary Health Centres (PHC) and above
b. Performance Report on standard format to be submitted by health facilities to Block Medical Officer (BMO), BMO to DMO and DMO to MD State NHM Office
This is brought out with an appeal to encourage active participation of targeted beneficiary with the hope of inculcating health-seeking behaviour among this populace. And also the appeal is extended to all stake-holder government as well as non-governmental entities to put in their hands to make this national flagship programme one of the most visible and effectively implemented public health programme across the state for the greater interest of people of Arunachal Pradesh.
(The contributor is MD Community Medicine, MIPHA, Nodal Officer, Maternal & Child Health, State NHM Office, Naharlagun)
Race for ‘mother of substance’ begins
Mrs Arunachal 2016
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: "The society does not exist without women, the most powerful creature on the earth," said Hage Tado Naniya, 59, to the thunderous applause of huge gathering, watching the mega round of Mrs Arunachal-2016 at Hotel Tosum here on Saturday. She also teaches yoga on behalf of Brahma Kumari Iswariya Viswavidyalaya.
However, "boy or girl has no difference as both have equal roles to play which the society should realise to respect the girls," was the unequivocal reply of almost all 33 mothers, including handicapped Tadar Yake Tame and banker Geyir Ete Loyi, sending a louder message on the need to empower women.
Clad in their best traditional attires, these aspirants sashayed down the ramps before responding to questions from judges Maya Pulu, Bullo Doliang, Maryir Bagra and Yadav Upadhyay of the event, themed 'Mother of Substance', hosted by Ngurang Learning Institute (NLI), supported by Kimin Mahila Mandal Society and Arunachal Front as media partner.
"Women usually remain in kitchen most of the time. But it is the husband who should cooperate (like my husband) and cook sometime to share the burden to make her feel that both are equal partners in domestic affairs", said Gumpi Karbak, 30, mother of three sons, to seal the hearts with the male and female audience clapping rapturously.
Blaming the girls more for the traditional polygamy, Apung Bagang Tagang, 32, a GoAP employee, said the system would become a passé once the girls become conscious, which was equally approved by the gathering.
"I am a daughter, sister, wife and mother and have equal right to lead a dignified life like men", said organising committee chairperson Ngurang Meena. The event aims at expressing agonies, atrocities and pain of the women and demand our rights with pen, not guns", her voice was reverberated by the participants. The mothers were selected from various parts of the state during six trips by NLI team, she added, advocating 'Help empower, stay empower'.
Meena was right as few participants, particularly Laa Jani, a victim of traditional practice, broke into tears while telling her tall tale agonies, but all lauded NLI for its endevaoured to create a maiden public platform for the women to highlight their sufferings for all to realise that 'all is not well as expected'.
"The event is not a beauty pageant but intends to reflect the substance of women who deserve equal respect and love as their role in the society is undeniably vital," said anchor Ngurang Reena, pursuing PhD on 'International politics' in JNU.
Reena underscored the importance of women education and their rights while referring to Pakistani female education activist Malala Yousafzai, known globally for human rights advocacy for education and women. She had dared Taliban ban on girls attending schools and shot at by Talibans to become the youngest Nobel Lauret and her advocacy grew into an international movement making her the first ever youth at 16 to takeover an UN summit, she added.
"The root cause of prevailing social evils is dismal status of education which of course is making a rapid strife," chief information commissioner Dr Joram Begi, said, adding this would help this tribal society to undergo a sea change. "Educating a woman is educating the entire family," said information commissioner and woman activist Nanom Jamoh and exhorted both sisters, brain behind the event, to continue not until the goal is reached. All women who have come out of home to take part in the event deserve appreciation, she added.
Asserting the rights of women, RD & PR commissioner Indira Mallo, state's first woman IAS, who herself was as inspiration to many, as guest of honour, stressed the importance of economic empowerment of women and urged men and women to come together to make the society stable.
"Poor education is the cause behind many prevailing vices in our state", ward-11 councilor Higio Aruni said to stress the importance of girls education and highlighted the negative outcome of polygamy, which should be abolished."Education is the panacea for all prevailing evils to bring social change" said former lawmaker Ngurang Pinch, father of both girls who organised the event.
Training on organic agri-horti crops under MLALAD
ROING, Sep 19: The six days skill based training sponsored by Roing MLA under MLALAD started at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lower Dibang Valley.
Senior Scientist, Dr. T.J Ramesha briefed about opportunities and prospects in the Lower Dibang Valley district for initiating organic farming practices in crops.
Organic Farmer from Yibuk village, Jatan Pulu shared his practical experiences on organic farming of vegetable and other crops. He also suggested the participants for not using chemicals in the agricultural fields. He also urged the farmers to adopt scientific management practices in agriculture for better production and income.
ZPM Iduli, Sipa Mena appealed the farmers present to sell their own farm raised produces for earning better prices in the local markets rather than selling to middlemen at lower prices. He also suggested for opening organic food sale counter in the local market so that farmers can sell their crops.
District Planning Officer, Marto Dirchi appreciated the KVK for designing need based topics for the programme and shared his experiences on adulteration in selling of chemically raised vegetables in the name of local vegetables. He also suggested incorporating scientific management practices in existing conventional and traditional farming system for sustainable income.
Farm Innovator, Jia village, Tongmin Perme shared his experiences on innovations made in respect of farm drudgery reduction. He also emphasised upon rearing of improved breeds of livestock for better production.
A total of 90 farmers are participating in the training programme.
Adopt latest road construction technologies: CE
NAHARLAGUN, Sep 19: Chief Engineer (SID&P) Atop Lego emphasized on the need to adopt latest technologies in construction of roads for better quality and longevity.
Addressing the engineers of PWD Tawang and Rupa circles in a training programme at Tezpur, Assam on Monday, Lego advised them to be innovative in planning of projects and design and adopt new construction materials to give more values to the structures constructed without any additional cost.
He also asked them to ensure use of all required machineries and equipments in construction of road for better quality by incorporating such requirements in tender documents.
The engineers will be trained on construction of bituminous and concrete pavement and machineries and equipments required for it for quality construction.
They will also be taught on latest provisions of CPWD Works Manual, like award of works and important clauses of contract required to be implemented to ensure timely completion of projects.
The training is being attended by 32 officers of the two circles.
United Charity provides free education to underprivileged
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: Setting an example for many to emulate, United Charity, a renowned NGO of the state taking forward its mission "Shiksha hi Shakti" has started providing free tuitions to the underprivileged children of I G Park Government Upper Primary School, here.
Sticking to its promise made during its foundation day on September 11 last, members of the NGO, which mostly includes youths and college goers this Saturday and Sunday last could be seen teaching English, General Knowledge etc to the students at one of the school's classroom here.
Appreciating the endeavor, school AT/A Takhe Tade said, "The initiative taken by these youngsters is commendable and this will be of great help for the teachers. Even the students seem to enjoying it."
"We normally get a mixed batch of students and this being a government school, we cannot say no to admissions. So it is at times pretty difficult for the teachers pay attention to every single child as they come from different backgrounds. But with these youngsters offering help things could possibly change," he added.
Highlighting the problems being faced by the school Tade informed that the school lacks a proper boundary wall, drinking water facilities and importantly proper infrastructure.
Inaugurated in the year 2011 by local MLA Techi Kaso the Upper Primary School caters to children from Class I to VI. The school has around 50 students mostly belonging to BPL families.
Most of the students when questioned told us that they always wanted to go for tuitions like other children but as most of them come from tough backgrounds their parents are not able to afford it. This was one of the reason we decided to help the students every weekend, NGO chairperson Sangge Droma said.
Droma also informed that many people have shown interest to help them so they would gradually extend the tuitions to other schools as well.
"We are focusing in this particular school for now and we've got lots of positive responses from the students, their parents and the school authority. Hopefully we will soon be extending our mission to other schools as well," an elated Droma added.
Dorjee Khandu All India Senior Ranking Badminton Championship begins today
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: The Dorjee Khandu All India Senior Ranking Badminton Championship, 2016 organised by Arunachal State Badminton Association (ASBA) under the aegis of Badminton Association of India (BAI), will begin here on Tuesday.
A total of 278 players will play in the qualifying rounds, out of which 16 players in men's single, 8 in women's single, 8 pairs in men's double, 8 pairs in mixed doubles and 4 pairs in women's double will advance to the main draw, informed Match Commissioner MSN Prasad during a Press Meet here on Monday.
The final rounds will start on September 22.
Besides Laa Talar, who is the lone qualified player for the championship from Arunachal Pradesh and entire NE States, six players from the host state have been offered wild cards into the main draw.
While addressing the media persons at Arunachal Press Club here this afternoon, Badminton Association of India (BAI) Executive Member and a renowned international Referee H. Gyaneswor Singh from Manipur said that there was no dearth of badminton talents in Arunachal Pradesh. But what they need is a lot of exposure and proper training.
"Badminton is totally dominated by Mongoloid race across the world and Arunachal Pradesh got the same advantage to become a badminton power in the country and world," Singh, who also is the Match Referee of this championship, opined.
He hailed ASBA for the recent "Run for Badminton' event, saying that the event will definitely go a long way in promoting and popularizing the sport in Arunachal Pradesh.
ASBA Secretary Bamang Tago informed that the organizing committee is fully prepared for the championship with all supports from the State Government.
While highlighting the efforts made by ASBA to promote and develop badminton in Arunachal, Tago informed that over 45,000 people took part in the recent 'Run for Badminton' marathon race across the state, which was sponsored by T.K Engineering Consortium Pvt. Ltd.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu will inaugurate the final rounds of the championsip on September 22. Later in the day, the CM will also laid the foundation of a Badminton Academy with eight courts near Six mile in between Itanagar and Naharlagun, he further informed.
Badminton Association of India Jt. Secretary Dr P. Ankamma Choudhary is the observer of the Championship.
A total of 330 players from all the states and union territories are taking part in the championship.
Arunachal to represent India at South Asian Karate C'ship
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: Four players from Arunachal Karate-Do Association (AKA) will represent India in the 3rd South Asian Karate Championship, 2016 to be held at Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi from September 22 to 25.
AKA general secretary Bulang Marik, who also is the India Coach of the championship, will accompany the team.
The team will be leaving here for New Delhi on September 20.
The team includes Yame Gyadi, Bumi Nuk, Jackap Flago Taniang and Sinne Mikhu, all gold medalists in the previous KAl National Karate Championship in their respective weight categories.
Meanwhile, AKA President Shihan Likha Tara and Technical Director Shihan S Deben Sharma briefed the players about the championship and wished them all the best.
GBFC defeats Forest Co-operation FC 1-0
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: Group Boys FC defeated Forest Co-operation FC 1-0 in a 8th day match in the Vishwakarma Football Trophy being held at KV No 2 playground here on Monday,
The lone and winning goal of the match was scored by Rocky Dry of Group Boys FC.
The 2nd match was played between H.S.U FC and Hard Core Jumpers FC, where H.S.U FC defeated Hard Core Jumpers FC 2-0 goal.
Scorers were Lokam Jambo and Techi Talar.
The 3rd match of the day was played between Max iX FC and Borum Unitef FC ended in a 1-1 draw.
Scorers were Taga Tamang (Max iX FC) and Techi Sagar (Borum United FC).
Tuesday matches:
1st: Polo United FC v/s Gohpur Commando FC (2.30 pm)
2nd: Vivek Vihar FC v/s Bhaijaan FC (3.30 pm)
ICBCS-2016 to be held at RGU
RONO HILLS, Sep 19: The International Conference on Global Biodiversity, Climate Change and Sustainable Development (ICBCS-2016) would be organised by Rajiv Gandhi University from October 15 to 18.
Informing this, ICBCS-2016 organizing secretary, Dr. Hui Tag added that special academic session - "Himalayan Biodiversity Special" and side event "East Himalayan Biodiversity Pavilion" would also be held as a part of ICBCS 2016.
APIC impose penalty
ITANAGAR, Sept 19: The Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission has imposed penalty of Rs 23,500/- on PIO cum Block Development Officer, Tali under Kra-Daadi district for deliberately defying orders of the commission in connection with the appeal case no. APIC-116/2016 made by one Romik Tassar.
Further, the PIO has been directed to appear before the Commission on Oct 3 next along with deposited copy of the challan.
Students locks up college in protest
ITANAGAR, Sept 19: The students of Arunachal Community College here locked up the entire college premises on Monday protesting against the college authority for charging Rs 400 for stipend processing fees.
"We are being charged a whopping sum of Rs 400 as stipend processing fee whereas other colleges charge only Rs 20," final year student of the college Tayom Lomdak said.
The students are also protesting against non-response of the authorities to its memorandum submitted on September 14 last seeking satisfactory facilities such as provision for drinking water, sufficient furniture and toilets.
Villagers object to inclusion in urban jurisdiction
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: The GBs of Amba, Kolma and Yirkum in a joint press statement claimed that the people are strongly opposing the move to include their villages under proposed Doimukh urban jurisdiction for creation of Nagar Palika and Nagar Panchayat.
In this regard, a representation raising objection to the proposal has also been submitted to the Doimukh SDO, the GBs said.
Social service
AALO, Sep 19: A massive 'Shramdaan' (social service) was conducted on Monday to clean the stretch of road from Army TCP Gate of 5 Mountain brigade to the residence of late Naik Kriti Chakra Tape Yajo.
This stretch of the road which passes through army gate to BRTF headquarters (Aalo) was in deplorable condition for want of maintenance.
The social service was necessitated as Indian Army is going to name the Army TCP gate and the stretch of road from the gate to the residence of late Tape Yajo as Amarveer Naik Tape Yajo Gate and Amarveer Naik Tape Yajo Road respectively. DIPRO
ADYF to conduct cleanliness drive periodically
ZIRO, Sept 19: Taking hygiene and cleanliness of the villages on top priority, the All Diibo Youth Forum (ADYF) has resolved that the respective village youths would conduct cleanliness drive periodically.
The ADYF in its first coordination meeting held at Govt Middle School, Dutta on Sunday also taking note that the area does not have a mini indoor stadium, resolved to pursue for it at an appropriate level.
The ADYF is a federal organisation of Bamin-Michi Youth Forum, Mudang-Tage Youth and Dutta Youth Association.
Around, thirty youths representing the three villages participated in the meeting.
Students skill development prog at NERIST
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: The role of an engineer is to transform the knowledge into product for the benefit of all, said Prof. HS Yadav.
The problems and challenges of the present world are numerous and varied, Prof. HS Yadav said, and urged the young engineering students to unceasingly apprise their knowledge so that they can find more appropriate solutions to the problems.
Prof Yadav was speaking at the inaugural function of the six days students skill development programme on 'System Modelling and FPGA Prototyping' at NERIST on Monday.
HoD of ECE Dr. Aheibam Dinamani Singh stated that such workshops are very important for an institute, like NERIST, which is located in a remote region, where there are no electronic industries in the surrounding areas. He informed that another workshop on "Sensor Design and Wireless Communication" will be conducted for the benefit of the students.
Coordinator of the workshop Dr. S Majumder highlighted the significance of proper system modelling for effective utilization of resources.
The programme is organized by the Department of ECE, under Institute Industry Interaction Program of TEQIP with funding from World Bank. Training will be provided by a team of industrial experts led by Th. Sanju Singh, Director, Edulife India.
100 students of the institute are attending the programme.
Forest federation reiterates its demand
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: The All India Forest Officers Federation North East Region has reiterated the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change to immediately release the field staffs from CCFs/Divisional offices/Establishments to their respective field of duties.
In its reminder letter to the PCCF, the Federation claimed that the field staffs were not being engaged according to their charter of duties and equal status were not provided to them. The spouses of Department Officers were allegedly being engaged as Ministerial staff in the CCFs/Divisional offices/Establishments despite shortage of Fields Staffs for field work and duties, it added.
As per the charter of duties, the Field staffs should be engaged only in the Field works and clerical works should be carried out by the Clerks such as UDC, LDC and Peon etc, the Federation asserted. It added that as a result of withdrawal and non-engagement of Fields Staffs from their line and place of duty, it becomes very difficult for the 'only' segregated Field staffs, to protect the Forests, Reserved Forests and preserve the flora and Fauna of the state at large.
Expressing resentment over the alleged lackadaisical attitude of the department towards their repeated demands, the Federation called upon the PCCF to immediately pass an order/direction to the concerned Divisional Forest Officer(s) and other Officer to release all the Field staffs from the Divisional office to their respective line and place of duties for the interests of the Department as well as for an equitable work distribution of Field Staffs and for smooth functioning the Departmental activities as a whole. Failing to fulfill their demand the Federation threatens to knock the door of the Court for enforcement of their rights and equality.
Training on 74th National Sample Survey commence
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: The three days regional training camp on 74th round National Sample Survey was organized in the Directorate conference hall of Eco & Statistics department, Itanagar.
Addressing the function, Deputy Director Eco & Statistics, Bebing Megu requested all the district officers and officials to dedicate their services on collection of accurate data for right planning and urged their support and cooperation for timely completion of the time bound programme.
Attending the programme as a Central Observer, Dy. Director General FOD, NE, Zone, Asish Roy explained the subject coverage of 74th round on list frame based survey listed under Economic Census report, Business Register and Company Affairs Govt. of India on service sector to be conducted in two phase. The industrial units and enterprises shall be covered under this survey which will be backed by statutory provision of the Collection of Statistics Act 2008.
The DDG,NE, Zone, is the Statistics Officer for Arunachal Pradesh as per the COS Act 2008 who is empowered to issue notices to all enterprise/units for sharing of data on balance sheet of the establishment. A total of 60 participants are attending the training.
APESA condoles JE's demise
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: Expressing shock over the death of Junior Engineer Heina Nabam, the Arunachal Pradesh Engineering Service Association (APESA) has conveyed its condolences to the family members of the deceased.
Stating that the incident of fatal elephant attack is shocking wherein a young engineer had to lose his life, APESA added that such incidents need to be avoided with the help of Forest department.
APESA has also requested the state government and APEDA to consider and assist the family members of the deceased.
Students calls for fact finding
ITANAGAR, Sept 19: The All Tali Area Students' Union (ATASU) has called for a fact finding team to verify the water supply project along 57kms Yangte to Tali road alleging misappropriation in the DPR estimation.
In its representation to the chief minister, it claimed that the Yangte to Tali road is 95 percent motorable with only 6-7 kms trekking from Tali. However the water supply project sanctioned by DONER ministry is being executed on old estimate which says that the transportation of materials for the project would be carried head load for the entire 57kms Yangte to Tali road.
The union called for stringent punishment against the officers involved and said that the case should be handed over to CBI for independent and fair investigation.
APYC conducts state level leadership training
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: A state level leadership training workshop was conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress (APYC) at Rajiv Bhawan on Monday.
The workshop aimed at providing leadership skill, knowledge and discipline to the party workers. Large number of party workers including the office bearers of Youth Congress attended the workshop which was administered by the Indian Youth Congress, General Secretary, Indrani Mishra, who is also the incharge of Arunachal Pradesh.
APCC president Padi Richo, former chief minister Nabam Tuki, former MP (Lok Sabha) Takam Sanjoy, State Seva Dal chief, Kipa Kaha, APYC acting president Hake Jikke Tako, vice president Niglar Veo and general secretaries Geli Ete and Nabam Lilly also spoke on the occasion.
In the meeting, APYC’s Hake Jikke Tako was unanimously elected as the acting president following the merger of incumbent president Nyamar Karbak to the PPA.
Mein convenes meet on GST
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: Prior to the GST Council meet in New Delhi on September 22, Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein, who is likely to attend the meet, convened a meeting on Monday to discuss issues pertaining to GST in Arunachal Pradesh.
In the meeting, Commissioner Finance, Ashish Kundra and Finance Secretary Dr B M Mishra apprised the Deputy Chief Minister about the issues related to GST Rule, Status of IT preparedness of the GST in the state and regarding training of the departmental officers of the state.
Among others, Parliamentary Secretary cum Govt Spokesperson, PD Sona, Chief Secretary, Shakuntala D Gamlin and Secretary (Planning), Joram Beda also attended the meeting.
Union Government has formally notified the GST Council to be chaired by the Union Finance Minister, which will decide on the tax rate, exempted goods and the threshold under the new taxation regime.
Modalities and Road Map for implementation of GST, Drafting of Model GST Law/Rules, IT Preparedness of State and Training of Officers will be discussed in the GST Council.
CM to launch e-governance project
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Minister for UD & Housing, Town Planning etc Nabam Rebia will formally launch the e-Governance Project undertaken by the Department of Urban Development and Housing for Itanagar Municipal Council on September 21 at 10:30 am at the Conference Hall of Directorate of UD &Housing, Mowb-II .
Blood donation camp
ITANAGAR, Sep 19: 20 units of bloods were collected in a voluntary blood donation camp organized to mark birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by NHPC, Itanagar under the guidance of Swami Veda Vidyananda of RK Mission Hospital, Itanagar on September 17.
The donors from Students United Movement of All Arunachal (SUMAA) and All East Kameng Capital Complex Student Welfare Association (AEKCCSWA) participated enthusiastically in the camp.
Changlang FC lifts MSUFT trophy
CHANGLANG, Sep 19: Changlang FC lifted the Muklom Students Union Football Tournament (MSUFT) trophy by defeating Muklom FC by a lone goal at the Govt Higher Secondary School, Changlang on Monday.
In the finals played between Changlang FC and Muklom FC, the single goal was scored in the second half of the match.
Earlier addressing the players, Green Arunachal Foundation, Chairman and former student leader, Takam Tatung called on all to maintain discipline and play with sportsmanship spirit.
Principal Govt Higher Secondary School, Changlang T. Taijong also witnessed the match.
Editorial
India has limited option
The terrorist attack at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir which led to the death of 17 soldiers
has once again exposed the frailties which India is battling to fix. The death of
17 soldiers is massive loss to the nation and is a slap on the face of India. The
terrorist were believed to be sponsor by Pakistanis and managed to enter India despite
massive patrolling along the LOC. This attack has deeply angered the whole nation.
There is outpouring of emotion seeking retaliatory action from the Indian side.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today chaired a high-
India has limited option including military as well as diplomatic. Diplomatic options have been tried before, such as after the Parliament attack in 2001 but has not yielded desire result. Despite international condemnation Pakistan continues to send terrorists to India without impunity. While the clamour for a military strike post Uri is high, India's armed forces have several considerations to make. Many experts also feel that the "window" for a strike visibly shrinks with each passing hour after an attack, as the international community begins to exert pressure to India to show restraint. A military operation of any kind will no doubt lead to counter strikes from Pakistan, whose military is already under pressure, and drumming up the "threat perception" from India. India will need to be clear about having clear targets and coordinates of terror camps and terror leaders, as any civilian casualties will spark further repercussions. Finally a thorough investigation of all the security lapses that led to the Uri attack, infiltration routes, as well as defence preparedness would need to be studied in order to secure against future strikes.
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Readers’ Forum
Nepal’s policy
Dear Editor
The current Nepali PM has certainly turned amazingly pro-
Yours,
Saikat Kumar Basu
Canada
Dealing with the modern minds
Dear Editor,
I was terrified at the news report of a class 11 girl from one of the government schools in Kerala, trying to commit suicide as she was reprimanded by her school principal. The tragic incident happened on an examination day; when the school authority examined the bags of the students to carry away mobile phones. Though there was no mobile phone found in her bag, the authority discovered a letter. The principal summoned the girl to the office and in the presence of other teachers and children queried about the (seemingly) objectionable content of the letter and the girl felt she was badly humiliated. Depressed and dejected, she returned home and in the absence of her parents emptied a can of kerosene oil over her and lit herself to flames. The saddest thing is that she turned totally blind as the injury in her eyes was fatal. With maximum of her body severely burnt she lay unconscious and died a tragic death.
Dealing with young minds at schools seems to be turning more critical than it used to be in the olden days. Unlike the western countries, India was known to be a country with more morality running into its social system where the parents and teachers enjoyed the role of a guide or a reformer for the children. Didn’t matter whichever way they did it, the child’s evolvement was the main theme of exercise. The society ensured that the freedom of the child was not curtailed but at the same time, the child was put on the right track with right thoughts and values. The basic family values that we inherited from generations, supported by the moral education system had it all for the child to help him grow as an individual with social responsibilities. Starting from their home, expanding to the society around and further enhancing their personality to the nation across with a wider perspective, the children of this country were molded by their parents, teachers and the society.
But what has been going wrong in the recent days with schools, teachers and the students is a matter of grave concern. Teachers with limited preparedness to deal with the children of social networking days seem to be alarmingly large in number. Dealing with the modern minds with olden methods seems to be too obsolete in nature and practice.
Why did the girl not wait to share her problems with her parents before taking such a dangerous step? Why are the children impatient at small issues and unable to handle themselves in adverse situations? Was the girl afraid of sharing the incident with her parents expecting a more fearful reaction from them? Why do the children take up drastic steps instead of facing the impending troubles? Aren’t the parents and the teachers responsible for such a situation in which a child decides suicide a better option than sharing her haunting troubles with anyone else? In the name of discipline, can the schools be converted into juvenile justice homes where teachers would decide as to who should be punished for what and who should not be.
Should the teacher be punished for what she did with the girl or should she be accused of the way she tried to do it? She should definitely have raised questions about the letter in an amicable manner, if it contained anything objectionable. That should have been done keeping up the morale of the girl and the secrecy of the issue altogether. It is the moral responsibility of a teacher to question a student in case of his/her derailing from the track. But the method of intervention needs to be redefined in many cases. It is not only the case of the teachers; but even the parents, over enthusiastic and ambitious about their children, do the same mistake. Teachers, being the nation builders, must have the patience to find out the truth of whatever issues crop up in their schools rather than (re)acting on heresies. They should be able to accept and appreciate the qualities in children and also friends the children can rely upon. Without delving into the realities, if children are accused and punished, they will automatically develop a habit of hiding issues and live as isolated personalities around us. Before stamping a child with the status of a culprit, let us wait for a second and choose the path that does not harm his individuality. That is the safest way to grow him as a responsible individual.
Yours,
M.R.Lalu
VKV, Sher
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