The Arunachal Times - Archives

Tirap model e-PDS set to roll out in state

KHONSA, Aug 1: The much hyped Tirap model e-PDS is all set to roll-out in 18 administrative centers in 8 districts across the state as an extension of 1st Phase within this year. The features of e-PDS include automatic Printing of cards reducing manual intervention, non replicable coupon system, which will be issued to card holders. Based on this commodities will be sold to beneficiaries by FPS.

It is hoped that with the introduction of e-PDS, there will be reduction in under and over allocation of ration to FPS and diversion of essential commodities and dissemination of information as per public requirement.

The Tirap model, received appreciation from the participants during a conference on Reforms and best practices innovative ideas adopted in Target Public Distribution System held in New Delhi recently which was chaired by Minister for Agriculture, Food & Public Distribution Sharad Pawar.

The Arunachal team was led by Commissioner, Food & Civil Supplies Y.D Thongchi.

The Tirap model ePDS has multifarious benefits which was evolved by Amit Bengia in co-ordination with experts from Directorate of Food & Civil Supplies, Naharlagun, Prof. Abrahem Koshy of IIM, Ahmedabad and software developed by a team of IIT alumni headed by Mayank Premi of Beacon Analytics Pvt. Ltd New Delhi.

In fact this concept of e-PDS was first mooted by former DC Tirap Ankur Garg in 2008.

During the conference, DF&CSO Tirap Amit Bengia made a presentation on scopes and challenges pertaining to the working of PDS in Arunachal Pradesh.

Abductors release Vilas Bardekar

ITANAGAR, Aug 1: Indian Forest Service Officer Vilas Bardekar has been released by his abductors this evening, more than two months after he had gone missing in West Kameng. He would be reunited with his wife Madhavi and their two children on Monday.

The officer was kidnapped from Kamengbari forest in Doimara area, West Kameng on May 12 by NDFB. He had come to Kellong Reserve Forest on May 7 to conduct a survey on butterflies.

A 1984 batch of IFS, Bardekar is a joint Director of Social Forestry, Govt of Maharasthra.

Initial reports say that two men in Dekhiajuli in Assam put Bardekar on a bus heading towards Arunachal while another reports says that he was released in Arunachal territory.

IGP Assam S N Singh when contacted said that at around 7 PM he got a call from Arunachal Police informing him about the release of the officer. However, he refused to divulge anything.

Security agencies of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh along with Army had put in efforts to track down Bardekar. A source said that his release could be secured after the intervention of the IB cell of the Home ministry.

Bardekar's wife Madhavi had earlier called on the President Pratibha Patel to secure her husband’s release.

Take care of your workers: Khandu tells BRO

TAWANG, Aug 1: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has called on the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to launch special plans for its labourers. He was addressing to a mammoth gathering of BRO officers and Labourers after inaugurating a RCC bridge over River Shakhangchu here near Mukto today.

While lamenting over lack of proper long term plan of BRO for regularization of their labourers, Khandu said a proper plan should be worked out immediately to boost the morale of the labourers. Besides stressing for pay hike, Khandu reiterated his request made on various earlier occasion for providing compulsory education to the children. He advocated for urgent need of schools in BRO designated labour camps and assured to provide all necessary assistance from the government’s end.

“The BRO should ensure subsidized ration quota for its labourer so that the poor workers with their meager salary could at least give good education and livelihood to their family and children” Khandu assertively said.

He further revealed that he had discussed these core issues with Director General Border Roads at Delhi and he had in turn assured to take up these issues on priority.

The chief minister also appealed the BRO authorities to extend all possible assistance during disasters and maintain a cordial relation with the locals. He requested the villagers not to build their houses nearby the roads which eventually disturbs the movement of vehicles and also makes it difficult for the agencies to maintain it.

Giving a brief about the bridge and BRO, Col R K Mengi, Commander Project Vartak said the bridge which is 50 Mtrs in length took three years to complete. This bridge shall bring succour to the people of Gyamdong, Gongkhar, Kharsang, Bomja, Khet and Bongleng, the commander informed.

Among others DC incharge, SP, Public leaders, Chief Engineer Hydro Power Monitoring, Army Officers were also present on the occasion.

Earlier on the day, Khandu inaugurated a newly constructed Secondary School Building at Mukto. While addressing the villagers, Khandu advised for ensuring compulsory education for all children. He emphasized on avoiding alcohol consumption and giving due care on health, hygiene and sanitation. (PRO to CM)

DC ask citizens to take a decision

Public hearing for Dibbin Hydro Electric Project

BOMDILA, Aug 1: A Public Hearing for grant of Environmental Clearance ( EC) for 120 MW Dibbin Hydro Electric Project under Nafra circle in the district was held on July 30 last at Nafra Community Hall.

Chairing the Public Hearing, Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Tashi keeping in view the interest of the project affected people directed the power developers to maintain total transparency and to implement the Corporate Social responsibilities in toto as drafted in the memorandum of agreement so as to avoid any sort of future complicacies. Going in depth on the pros and cons of the power project and its impact on the people and the area in the days to come, DC Tashi left it on the people to decide for themselves to go on with the project or not but to strive for the maintenance and preservation of flora, fauna and the aquatic life of the area in order to maintain the ecological balance.

Earlier, the authorized representative of the Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board ( APSPCB ) AEE Ranjit Kimsing officiating as the Member Secretary for the hearing made aware the project affected people of the various acts and other regulations related to the mandatory public hearing and invited the project affected people to actively participate in the hearing on the environmental clearance.

The president of the KSK Dibbin hydro power project Satish Sharma made an elaborate power point presentation on the project, which is a run of the river scheme with diurnal storage on river Bichom.

It would consist of a 33.6 hectare reservoir retaining seven million cubic meters behind a 92 metre high mass gravity concrete dam. The project with a rated head of 158 metre is envisaged with total installed capacity of two units of 60 MW each. Participating in the deliberations, former M.P. Khiren Rijiju assured every possible help for the smooth take-off and completion of the project as it would immensely benefit the people of the area, the district and the state as power is primarily the basic requirement for all purposes in this era of information technology but maintained that the power developers skip the cultivable lands as farming is the primary essence of livelihood of the villagers. He also opined that the land holding act of the state government should be made more specific as there is scope for further improvisations. In orders to avoid any sort of future complicacies or litigations, Khiren Rijiju urged the district administration to ensure that the land allotments being made to the Army should not overlap with that of the power developers with whom the state government has already signed the memorandum of agreement.

Besides the project affected people, Ex- Minister Japu Deru, Ex-MLA Rinchin Kharu, intellectuals, senior citizens and the PRI members of the area attended the hearing conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, Itanagar. (DIPRO)

3G mobile services launched at Pasighat

PASIGHAT, Aug 1: The Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) commercially launched third generation (3G) mobile services in Pasighat today.

The NE-II Telecom Circle, Chief General Manager Ranjan Sanyal launching the services said that the latest revolutionary move will provide a new dimension to the already existing services in the district like internet and other data sharing on broadband speed. He further informed that BSNL is also planning to introduce WiMAX soon at Pasighat.

The Deputy Commissioner Onit Panyang while congratulating the BSNL authorities said it was a new attempt and development in the field of telecommunication in the district.

Meanwhile, BSNL authority screened the use, benefit and tariff plans etc through power point presentation and distributed free 3G USIM to all during the inaugural function. BSNL officers, HODs and public leaders of East Siang district also attended the function.DIPRO

Tilak’s death anniversary observed

ITANAGAR, Aug 1: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has observed the 90th death anniversary of Bal Gangadhar Tilak at Rajiv Gandhi Congress Bhawan here today. The function was organized by the APCC ex-servicement cell as a part of the year-long celebration of the 125 years of INC.

All the APCC office bearers, senior Congress leaders and frontal heads of the party paid floral tribute to the portrait of Late Tilak on the occasion.

APCC ex-servicemen cell chairman Bagi Taja, Public Grievances Cell chairman Haryom Bam highlighted the contribution of the great leader in freedom movement of India.

Mary: an epitome of determination and hard work

Ojing Tayeng

ITANAGAR, Aug 1: Toku Mary, a first batch student of the School for visually impaired children, Chimpu, Itanagar has turned out to be an expert in Braille Alphabet grade-I.

She took admission in the school in December 2008.

Besides her basic education, she is also undergoing computer training in the institution.

With the constant efforts of principal and the teacher Michi Payeng, Mary operates a computer with the help of software installed in the computer. She took a month to learn basic typing.

Life has been easier for the Mary, who hails from a remote area at Palin, Kurung Kumey District after an awareness camp conducted by the institution.

Little apprehensive in the beginning, Mary anyways decided to take admission in the institution.

She now wants to become a teacher after she graduates.

For Mary’s mom, it is a pleasant surprise to see her daughter do so well in her studies as she did not expect education of her daughter, who stayed with her at Palin till she was picked up by the school.

Mary’s achievement is good news for the visually impaired children of the state.

Meanwhile, the Principal of the Donyi-Polo Mission School for Hearing Impaired, Chimpu Itanagar, HK Sharma informing about low enrolment said that the present strength of the visually impaired student is six and nine students from different district of the state are in waiting list.

Due to financial constrain the institution is unable to provide them education.

To enroll these nine children at least an amount of Rs 4 or 5 lacks would be required annually. Besides the daily expenditure and uniforms, one more teacher and a care taker will have to be employed in the institution.

If, government establishment or any individual voluntarily comes forward to assist the institution in this regard, we would be happy to give education to these children as early as possible, he added.

Meanhwile, Horyir Lollen, Soma Roy, Yagar Techi, Techi Khoda and Techi Bagap who appeared the Class X examination under National Institute of Open Schooling 2010 from Donyi-Polo Mission School for Hearing Impaired, Chimpu have passed their examination.

Youth Excellence Award for Honipa Yangfo

ITANAGAR, Aug 1: Honipa Yangfo, a young leader has been awarded with the “Youth Excellence Award-2010 by the Healthy Universe Foundation in collaboration with the Govt of Delhi on July 29 last.

Yangfo, General Secretary, Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress has been conferred the Award for rendering service to the people in various capacities more so as the chairman, Arunachal Foundation.

The award was conferred by Rasthriya Manav Adhikar Sangathan Chairman Mani Shankar Chauhan, Sanjay Dina Patel, Member of Parliament, Mumbai (North) and Vikram Bhai Madan, Member of Parliament (Gujarat) in a glittering function at Hindi Bhawan, New Delhi. The award consisted of a citation certificate, a trophy and a cheque of Rs 15,000.

The former NSUI state unit president, prior to this award, Yangfo was also conferred with best “NSUI District President” by the Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi in the year 2002 at Haridwar. The young leader was also decorated with commendation certificate from Mata Prasad, the then governor of Arunachal Pradesh, for his contribution as National Cadet Corps in retrieving the dead bodies of passengers stuck inside an APST bus in Kameng River, Seppa, East Kameng district way back in the year 1987.

Cong appeals for fair ratio in scheme

ITANAGAR, Aug 1: The Congress leaders of Mebo segment in East Siang district has appealed the deputy commissioner to maintain the ratio of 50:50 while selecting the scheme and allotment of fund under district decentralized fund in Mebo sub division.

The Mebo block Congress leaders in its meeting on July 25 further approved the proposal for sanctioning of FC works at Sibia Bridge on Mebo-Dholla road under district decentralized fund. The meeting was also attended by INC panchayat leaders and district level Congress leaders.

Stressing on proper implementation of SSA infrastructural development schemes in Mebo area in coordinated manner, the meeting appealed the East Siang DDSE to constitute a sub-committee to enquire into the alleged mismanagement of fund under latrine-toilet schemes for Govt ME school, Mebo village.

The meeting, however, lauded the Education Minister Bosiram Siram for taking up initiative for infrastructure development of the schools.

The members present in the meeting also adopted resolutions demanding intervention of the deputy commissioner in alleged misuse of recruitment rules in appointment of Anganwadi workers at New Borguli village and demanded the authorities for construction of fencing in and around VIP gallery at Parade ground, Mebo town, boundary wall of Mebo Anchal Bhawan, Pasighat and clearance of bills for construction of toilets under Mebo PHED.

NABARD to launch Pilot Project for Farmers’ Clubs in Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Aug 1: NABARD has decided to identify two districts in Arunachal Pradesh during 2010-12 to target all active and promising Farmers’ Clubs to develop one full fledged Master Farmer per club as mini extension worker for technology, credit and marketing.

A meeting in this regard was convened in West Kameng under the chairmanship of DC at Bomdila which was attended by DGM, NABARD; KVK, Dirang and line departments.

Farmers Clubs, can play a prominent role for improving the income level of farm families by strengthening symbiotic interaction and convergence of initiatives for access to improved technologies, timely credit and strong market linkages. In this direction, it has been decided to launch a Pilot Project aimed at Technology Transfer, Credit Counseling and Market Advocacy through Farmers’ Clubs. The objective is to facilitate the awareness building among farmers on lead crops/ activities with emphasis on technology, credit and marketing so as to create an enabling environment to capitalise on the emerging Agri-Business opportunities in Indian Agriculture. To reach out to large number of farmers,the strategy would be to develop Master Farmers in partnership with resource institutions to disseminate the know how to other members of the club and fellow farmers in the village on an ongoing basis.

The long term objective is to ensure that each Farmers’ Club shall have trained Master Farmers conversant in all the three aspects of technology, credit and marketing to make the services accessible to farming community on 24X7 basis at the grass root level, informed A.K.Pasrija, Deputy General Manager, NABARD, Arunachal.

Time for footbridges!

Dear Editor,

From some thousands of population few decades ago, the state Capital today accommodates more than a lakh population. Once a serene Capital has now metamorphosed to a highly fatal and hazardous place. Commensurate with the rise in purchasing capability of people, more and more vehicles have been rolled out into the already traffic-jammed and pitiably narrow and poor roads leading to frequent road accident. Even on a traffic-free day, reckless driving by daredevils of the road sends many an innocent pedestrian to death-bed.

On the other hands, it is the mindless pedestrians, who defy traffic guidelines and take the risk of getting hit by a car. Instead of using the foot-path, the pedestrians are often seen walking on the carpeted road exclusively meant for vehicle movement thereby inviting the risk of being hit. These ignorant people could be guided to follow traffic rules by the traffic police as well as conscious civilian to create an environment of hazard-free traffic for both pedestrians and the people in vehicles on the road.

Human death cases relating to road accident are numerous; many have lost their near and dear ones, many other have lost their bread earners. Several brilliant children have failed to make their academic career for livelihood due to withdrawal of financial and moral support with the death of their earning parents or relatives. God knows how many more such dreadful accidents and death are in store for us to witness in the coming days!

In busy market of Naharlagun and Itanagar, daily commuters either have to wait for several restless minutes before crossing over to other side of the market. With each passing day, the traffic jam plants more lasting blockade. The time is not far when the state capital of Arunachal Pradesh will take the shape of a mini Kolkata where the people prefer to go on foot than by vehicles most of the time.

Therefore, the Capital road requires immediate action to widen and time has come for construction of over-bridges at appropriate sites to reduce the road accident.

I feel urgent need of one over-bridge each at Super Market, Civil Hospital and Barapani (near Maxmart) at Naharlagun. Similarly, Itanagar too has such busy points that need over-bridge. The Zebra- crossing laid at the busy locations is not found to be adequately accident proof.

Yours,

Mito Nyodu

Naharlagun

Live in harmony with god’s creations

Dear Editor,

We have desecrated the land and have endangered the life of many species with our greed and consumerist lifestyle. We have failed to show our love, care and concern to these majestic creations. We have failed to appreciate the greenery, the mountains, the valleys and contribution of the animals and other species towards the balance in our biosphere.

The climate is changing, the earth is warming up and now overwhelming scientific consensus that it is happening and human induced.

The species and their habitats on decrease, chances for ecosystem to adopt naturally are diminishing, we human beings are more interested in our selfish desires and have become blind to see the beautiful creation of God. We uses our power and technological knowledge to overpower the nature thus leading to diminishing our planet and without caring for the need of generation yet to come. So move on and care for the world we live in. Create in yourself a new heart and open your eyes to see the perfect beauty and harmony of God's creation which we have failed to see before.

Yours

Annu Yudik (on email)

JNU, New Delhi

Keep up the good work

Dear Editor,

During the last couple of months I have been meticulously observing that the officers of Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs (earlier Weight and Measures) Department of Itanagar and Naharlagun are doing very good job by checking violation of Weight and Measures Laws by traders. The officers hard work should not go unappreciated. I could not refrain from expressing my appreciation for the officers’ surprise mass checking of traders. I wish they should keep up this spirit. I would like to suggest the concern officers to go for surprise checking of milk suppliers, bakeries, tea stall for any adulteration possibilities and using of sub-standard ingredients.

It is, also, suggested that Department should also publicize the official address of the State Level Consumer’s Forum, District Level Consumer’s Forum, address of the Department of Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs (State Level and District Level) where consumers can lodge the complain in case of any cheating of customers or violation of Weight and Measures by traders.

Yours

D Ete (on email)

Petrol that’s not petrol

Dear Editor,

I appeal to the concern authorities to check petrol and diesel adulteration in Pasighat and Ruksin. These depots use cheap oils such as kerosene and solvent in the fuel which seriously affects the engine performance.

Whenever I go to advanced and computerised servicing centre they simply say that the serious engine problem result due to the use of non standard fuel and we have to spend lots of hard earned money for the repair of our vehicles due to the use of adulterated fuels.

Further in these days of high living cost the mileage and engine life of the vehicle is greatly reduced. Seeing the serious ill effect of using adulterated fuel in our vehicle, it cannot be denied that the people of Pasighat and Ruksin are getting their fuel @ 200 per liters.

Yours

A citizen (On email)

Take a leaf out Assam’s bullet ridden history

Dear Editor,

I do not get it; all this talk about the polytechnic institute being shifted from Yachuli to Ziro. Are we sure that all this educational, industrial and other progressive institutes have to be based only in the western part of Arunachal Pradesh.

Don’t we smell something fishy over the implementation of such facilities? How many such positive development is recorded as implemented in the eastern part of our corruption infested state? The western part of the state is well aided by their muscle and money lobbies. The war cry for autonomous status for the orphaned districts will soon be heard echoing in the horizon, shattering the serene and ignorant ambiance.

Our state is 'the' most corrupt state; we need not be an expert to put forth such statements. Common sense says it all. A number of branded vehicles like Mercedes, Hummer, Ford and others prowl on the roads of Itanagar on one hand and on the other hand, the rest of the citizens are reeling under abject poverty.

Restructuring our strategy to fight corruption and petty mentality is easy said than done. But we can at least give it a try. Hence, why don't we start by the socialist principle of "equal distribution of wealth". It may not remove absolute poverty but can at least transfer majority of the population to relative property. And there is no such thing as blame game. It is equal and collective responsibility that will bring us together into a united fold. If not, then our state is good breeding ground for separatist groups. Please take a leaf out Assam's bullet ridden history and don't follow its mistake. God help Arunachal.

Yours

Malo Linggi (On email)

Cheta

Kudos to AAPSU

Dear editor,

I appreciate the AAPSU for its commitment and taking up various issues including the Chakma-Hajong, the deteriorating law and order of the state, the Assam-Arunachal boundary issue, the Anini incident.

It is a well known fact that there is no opposition party to check and balance the dictatorial dictates of the ruling govt. So the AAPSU should play the role of opposition party to check misadventure of the govt.

I believe that it will keep up this spirit and won’t let down the people of the state.

Yours,

Zara (on email)

Bank Tinali, Itanagar

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All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.

----Editor

I-day football tourney begins

ITANAGAR, Aug 01: Tarh Football Club defeated Chimpu ‘B’ 4-1 in the inaugural match of the 6th Independence Day Football Tournament held at KV No. 2 football ground here today.

Tarh Rocky, L Kumar, Gichik Tamin and Tarh Sonam scored a goal each for Tarh FC while the consolation goal for Chimpu ‘B’ was scored by Dare Takar.

A total of 19 teams from Capital Complex are participating in the tournament.

Earlier, All Itanagar Market Welfare Association president Bamang Taji kicked off the tournament as chief guest.

The tournament mainly aims at promoting and popularizing football among the youths of the state, said Gohpur Youth Club, the organiser of the tournament, in a release.

Disruption in road link

ITANAGAR: The Doimukh - Sagalee road remains cut off due to massive landslides at 18 KM and Yapum Beding since July 26, informed PWD Sagalee division executive engineer Dube Dulom in a release today. However, the road is restored for light vehicle today and it may take week’s time for complete restoration for heavy vehicle, the release added.

Change in ANYA leadership

ITANAGAR: All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) has appointed its secretary Tarin Mama to the post of president. The decision was taken in a meeting of the association held under the chairmanship of vice president Tadar Tang here today. Further, the meeting appointed Tadar Bingey as the new secretary of ANYA.

YBSU observes bandh

ITANAGAR: The Yego Bango Students Union (YBSU) has observed 12-hour bandh yesterday in protest against the failure of the BSNL authority to respond to its ultimatum.

The union resented the it has been forced to call the bandh since both the mobile network and landline BSNL telecom service remained defunct for more than last two months creating great hardship to the consumers. The mobile tower worked only for five days after it was erected, the Union resented and threatened to observe 2nd phase of bandh on Aug 4 in case of failure of the authorities to restore the service.

Meanwhile, the union criticizing the recent statement of Home Minister that ‘internal injury suffered during the road accident caused Nguso’s death”, said that it was a case of custodial death.

However, the Union lauded the student’s bodies and other NGOs for their fight in order to give justice to Late Nguso and his family.

Budding performer passes away

ITANAGAR: A talented budding artiste of Aruna-chal Pradesh Gemen Padung died at Pasighat yesterday after prolonged illness.

Late Padung, 14, was a Class VIII student of Siang Model School, Pasighat and was the daughter of Obang Padung and Sum Padung of Rengging village. She earned a name at the national level as budding artiste, informed Arunachal Artistes Forum (AAF) in a release today.

A classical dancer Late Padung had played the main role in “Monsotora” an Assamese TV serial broadcast in NE TV. Padung was one of the finalists in national level dance competition ‘Chamakte Sitare’.

The Arunachal Artiste Forum and its East Siang district unit today expressed deep shock at the death of talented artiste Late Padung.

Org allege

ITANAGAR, Aug 1: Ganga Youth Club (GYC) has alleged that capital deputy commissioner (DC), Deepak Kumar misused his power while holding interview for PMEGP on July 27th of this month. GYC claim that instead of picking PRI members of capital for the interview committee, capital DC appointed Sagalee ZPM as a committee member.

GYC questioned how the Sagalee ZPM, who does not have any idea about socio-economic condition of capital citizen, can be part of such committee. This act has deprived the rightful candidates of opportunities said GYC.

City Mission office inaugurated

ITANAGAR, Aug 1: Arunachal Pradesh City Mission Office has been inaugurated on July 31 at Apostolos Bible College G-Sector, Itanagar, under the leadership of its Director Dr.Joram Dol who is also the founder president of Apostolos Bible College Itanagar.

The National Director Rev.Dr.Victor Paul spoke on its significance and its main roles particularly towards the down trodden and youths.

Arunachal Christian Forum (A.C.F) General Secretary Toko Teki called for making it an interdenominational organization as a tool to reach today’s youngsters.

Vanamahotsava

ITANAGAR, Aug 1: Government middle school, Emchi, in collaboration with Range Forest Officer, Doimukh celebrated closing day of 61st Vanamahotsava on 31st July. To mark the occasion a mass plantation programme was organized. Forest officials, public leaders, students, teachers and senior citizens of village participated in the programme. During the day around 300 seedlings of varied type were planted.

Chukhu Tayo, RFO, Doimukh interacted with the students and spoke about importance of planting more trees to preserve natural forest.