April 28

News Impact

• Zonal conference of ICCW gets underway
• Governor awarded Gandhi Seva medal
• Parl. Secy inaugurates new village
• Orgs call for review of hydro power policy
• Pasighat’s contribution immense towards state’s dev: CM
• AAPPTF demands slash  in 12.5% entry tax on commercial vehicle
• AAPSU opposes ABK demands
• Mein calls for preservation and promotion of culture
• Abotani Vidya Niketan Secondary School shines
• Agri-business & food retail boom: Arunachal perspective

Chayang Tajo moves forward for eviction drive

Staff Reporter

SEPPA, Apr 27: Chayang Tajo Town Planning and Developmental Committee (CTPDC), administration and public in a general meeting today decided that action should be initiated against those people who have occupied government land illegally.

The public unanimously agreed to cooperate with district administration in carrying out eviction drive at the town. Illegal occupants of government quarters also agreed to vacate it voluntarily.

In order to speed up Chayang Tajo town planning, the public resolved to cooperate with administration in demarcating government lands and cutting off bamboos in the town.  Emphasizing on maintenance of law and order, Sub-Divisional Officer in-charge Dahey Sangno said that lack of awareness on administrative system  is the root cause of the law and order problem. He appealed to religious leaders of the areas to  bring awareness among the masses to make  them law abiding citizens.

 The house also adopted a resolution,  which was moved by the CTPDC Chairman Sanjay Sonam, to pursue the concern authority to expedite the establishment of proposed VKV School at town. Later it  was also agreed to persuade the education department for conducting CBSE exam at Government Higher Secondary School at ChayangTajo.

 

Apnes receive summer gift from good Samaritans

WAKRO, Apr 27: Col (Retd) Vinod Kumar Painyuli, Head of Security  and Safety of UB City Banglore, visited the Apna Vidya Bhavan again and reassured his friendship by sponsoring the free education of an Apne.

Col Painyuli, who had attended the inauguration of the Apna Vidya Bhavan in 2003, appreciated the Apnes, the AVB teachers, and members of the ASSET for their commitment towards the service of the society. Painyuli, who was then the Commanding Officer of the 110, Intelligence  and Field Security Unit, also appreciated the support extended by the 82 Mtn Bde and the 2 Mtn Div of the Army  for uplift of rural area in Wakro.

Ramnathan, formerly Scientist with Defence Research Development Organization also expressed his desire to support the education of an Apne. Such humble and sincere efforts must be supported by one and all, he reiterated. The scientist who interacted with the young Apnes lauded their confidence and good conduct of the children.

The scientist also offered his guidance saying, “work while you work and play while you play. Be happy beings and enjoy life by serving people around”. The ex-DRDO scientist complimented Col Vinod for winning young tribal friends in the Apnes who had come to greet their old friend during their summer vacation.

The Apnes praised Col Painyuli for his inspiring visit to Arunachal and  said that  his visit was the  best summer holiday gift.

Charles, Auditor and Consultant to Quality Management  and Systems and Mridu Phukan, Environmentalist and Wildlife activist also expressed their support and  encourage ASSET activities.

 

RGU gets a new PHC

ITANAGAR, Apr 27: Rajiv Gandhi University Vice Chancellor Prof. David R Syiemlieh inaugurated a new Primary Health Centre at the University campus today. The four-bed PHC will be attended by two doctors and assisted by three nurses and one pharmacist on a regular basis. Built on an area of 230 sqmts, the PHC has been completed within a period of two years under the UGC XIth Plan grants.

In his address, Prof Syiemlieh said that apart from catering to the needs of the residents, the services of the primary health centre will go beyond the University campus.

Highlighting the healthcare-related problems faced in the earlier years by the University community, the Vice Chancellor said that a long-felt demand of the university community has been fulfilled with the opening of the PHC. He also expressed need of an ambulance for the PHC, which,  he said, will also be realized soon.He urged the gathering to stay fit by doing regular physical exercises.

The Registrar-in-Charge of RGU Dr. Tana Showren informed that the present four-bed PHC will be upgraded into a 14-bed facility in the UGC’s XIIth Plan period, adding that state-of-the-art medical equipment will also be procured.

 

Farm school

ITANAGAR, Apr 27: Farm Information and Advisory Committee (FIAC) of BTT Doimukh under ATMA, Yupia opened a farm school at Mani Chiputa village recently.

The school was inaugurated by ZPM Tana Bado in presence of  K Darang, J T Tako, FIAC, Doimukh Chairman Yab Bola, officers from Krishi Vigyan Kendra and other government establishments.

Various speakers highlighted the importance of farm school on the occasion and farmer-resource persons interaction programme was also conducted.

 

Union alleges of secret transaction

ITANAGAR, Apr 27: All Tawang Districts Students’ Union (ATDSU) today alleged that numerous secret transactions were carried out by various departments at Tawang district in the month of March, even though the head of departments were out of the station. It further sought the state government to look into the matter and appealed to All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union to intervene.

 

Check tax evasion: Tassar

ITANAGAR, Apr 27: Parliamentary secretary, tax and excise, Lokam Tassar yesterday urged the departmental officers to check rampant tax evasion particularly by the cement and steel dealers.

Presiding over the high-level meeting held at the Tax and Excise commissioner’s office to discuss measures to increase revenue collection, Tassar said “there are lots of tax evasion by the cement and steel dealers.”

All cement and steel dealers, who are importing materials from outside the state,  should procure goods with C forms.   He further opined that the goods imported by the dealers in the state should have proper documents including C forms, or else vehicles carrying goods will not be allowed to enter the state and materials will also be seized.

Tassar also appealed the consumers/retailers to purchase goods from authorized and genuine dealers.

T.T Gamdik, Commissioner and other senior officers of the tax and excise department were present in the meeting.

 

Forum calls for arrest of assaulters

ITANAGAR, Apr 27:  All Papum Pare Indigenous Peoples Forum (APPIPF) expressed concern over non-arrest of attackers involved in assault of Taba Tahi, ex-ASM Jote and his son Taba Vikash by group of people on April 13 at Gohpur Tinali, Itanagar.

“The brutal assault on senior citizen Taba Tahi has hurt the sentiments of residents of Papum Pare District. We call upon the law enforcing agencies to immediately arrest the attackers. If the culprit is not arrested within seven days, we will go for democratic means of protest by conducting phase wise bandh call in Papum Pare region,” Forum said in a release.

 

SLF accuses PHED of supplying  untreated water

ITANAGAR, Apr 27: Sango Lamte Foundation (SLF) has alleged Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Seppa of supplying untreated water for consumption in Seppa township.

The department is supplying water directly from running water sources without any treatment which people are consuming for the last three years, SLF chairman Payi Gyadi alleged. He said the department had no right to collect water bills from consumers by providing such unhygeanic water which spread water borne diseases among consumers. Taking dig at then executive engineer for the alleged misusing of funds meant for water treatment plant, Gyadi demanded immediate arrest of the EE and contractors. He also urged the government to seal their accounts.

Meanwhile, Gyadi appealed to All East Kameng Students Union (AEKSU) to have patient to unearth the WTP issue saying that entire district was supporting the union.

 

Public happy with BRTF assurance

ITANAGAR, Apr 27: Local people of Kimin area have expressed happiness over the assurance given by 756 BRTF to carry out improvement works of  Pahumara-Kimin road within a month. The BRTF authority assured this in a meeting organized by public leaders at Kimin on April 25, informed public leader Techi Kena, Kimin.

Besides Kena, the meeting was attended by Kimin circle GB president Techi Tata, Project Arunank Chief Engineer A K Goyal, Commander, 756 BRTF Hq, J K Dwivedi, 10th ITBP Bn Commandant, Kimin, R K Tomar, CO, among others.

The public leaders also appealed to the state Govt to extend all possible help to the BRTF for early improvement of roads. During the meeting, local leaders highlighted the problems being faced by the local people due to dilapidated condition of Pahumara-Kimin road and enquired about the initiatives taken by the BRTF for improvement of the road at the earliest. This road plays an important role as it connects seven districts besides the international border with China and cater to the transportation need of LPG at bottling plant Kimin, the local representatives said.

 

Union resents release of payment

ITANAGAR, Apr 27: All Tali Area Students’ Union (ATASU) has expressed resentment over the reported release of contractors’ payment without verification of construction of footpath from CPO to Helipad  and construction of kitchen for boys hostel, which was originally meant for girls hostel.

Alleging poor quality construction works and misuse of  fund, the union  said that despite complaints were lodged against the implementation of the two schemes through Tali circle officer, the Tali  PWD division made payment to the contractors. It urged the concern department to clarify its stance on release of payment within a week.

Zonal conference of ICCW gets underway

Itanagar, Apr 27: Representatives from the seven states of the North East region are meeting here at a two-day Zonal Conference of the Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW) which started  at Banquet hall today.

ICCW State honorary president Jarjum Ete mentioned various problems facing the children in interior parts of the state. She said that in the eastern part of the state there were cases of abduction of male child by the militants. She said that many children were victims of child marriage and child labour while adding that no major action has been taken to stop it.

She also mentioned that there were cases of trafficking in the name of higher education and professional courses by missionaries.

ICCW national president Gita Siddhartha said that steps must be taken to provide every possible help to children.

She further said that she is expecting more shelter homes for juvenile, women and children as she encouraged the members of ICCW to work on issues confronting women and children including child abuse, labour, marriage, prostitution and sexual abuse for better future of the children. Secretary IPR Indira Malo Jain called on the organization to extend its support to the issue and make people aware of the problems.

Parliamentary Secretary IPR Tangham Wangham, said that we must take care of our children to secure their future.

“It is everybody’s concern because children are the hopes of the future”, he said.

The programme was hosted by ICCW Arunachal Pradesh and supported by ICCW New Delhi and North East Zonal.

 

 

Governor awarded Gandhi Seva medal

Itanagar, Apr 27: Arunachal Pradesh Governor General (retired) J.J.Singh, was today honoured with Gandhi Seva Medal at Raj Bhawan by Gandhi Global Family for his contributions to the nation as the Chief of the Army earlier and Governor of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Medal was presented to him by a team of volunteers of Global Gandhi Family led by its Vice President SP Varma.

The Governor, while receiving the medal appreciated the selfless services of the members of the Gandhi Global Family for the cause of  the community  and the country and urged them to keep it going.

Gandhi is respected and revered world over and we need to  do lot more to spread his message particularly the philosophy  of  non-violence, peace and patriotism, the Governor suggested. Peace and non-violence being the pre-conditions for prosperity everybody should solve the problems through peace, he added.

 

 

Parl. Secy inaugurates new village

Aalo, Apr  27: The newly established Doyor village  under  Bagra circle was inaugurated by Parliamentary Secretary, Home, Geology and Mining Gadam Ete on April 24.

Addressing a big gathering on the occasion, Ete called upon the people to take up agriculture and horticulture activities on priority basis as major thrust is being given on this sector by the present government to promote self employment. The initial fund requirements for road, bridge and infrastructure have been fulfilled, he said and sought the cooperation and unity among the people to bring more developments to the village.

Responding to a public memorandum pertaining to appointment of HGB, creation of separate panchayat segment, he asked the administration to examine the  demands for necessary action.

West Siang Deputy Commissioner Amjad Tak said that village expansion over a period of time is inevitable and it is the responsibility of the administration to meet the needs of a village wherever possible.

Basar ADC, Bagra Circle Officer and HoDs from Aalo also attended the function.

The Parliamentary Secretary also had an interactive meeting with the department of Horticulture yesterday and urged the department to take up Horticulture packages sincerely so that fruits go to every needy people.

Karyom Doji DHO, Henrik Basar HDO, Dugnya Ete HDO presented detailed picture and prospects of Horticulture in the district. DIPRO

 

 

Orgs call for review of hydro power policy

ITANAGAR, Apr 27: Three organizations of the state have called on the Chief Minister to review all the MOA's/MOU's signed for implementation of hydro power projects, state hydro power policy and State Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy.

The hurriedly drafted polices had not undertaken numerous sensitive issues such as the cumulative negative impacts on the social fabric and identity of the tribals in the wake of taping of more than 47,000 plus MW of hydropower potentials. The policies also failed to address the issues of gross demographic imbalance after the implementation of hydro projects, particularly in river basins, where local population will be reduced to microscopic minority and the rich tribal heritage would be thing of the past, said Save Arunachal Forum, Voluntary Arunachal Sena and All Arunachal Pradesh Contractors Welfare Association in its memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister.

The organizations requested the Chief Minister to order a CBI enquiry into the hydro power dealings and incorporate the suggestions of stakeholders while reviewing the Hydro Power Policy and policy of Relief & Resettlement of the state.

It threatened to take legal recourse if the issues were not addressed within two months.  The policy is silent on sharing the huge decommissioning cost of dams/ projects among the stakeholders and also failed to incorporate issues  raised by the downstream and upstream people including insurance cover of the life and property of the affected population,  the memorandum says.

The all important issue of direct signing of below 100 MW through MOA's/MOU's route without limited bidding process or short listing of the interested parties through verification of the companies track records in fields of power generation, financial and technical soundness etc were bereft of sound reasoning and financial prudence, the organizations further said while adding that the issues of carbon credit benefits are not spelt in clear terms which are against the provisions of internationally recognized convention on clean development mechanism benefits.

The huge collection of Upfront and Processing Fee amounting to Rs. 1,82,031.31 lakh, a part of which were parked in private Banks rather than depositing in state exchequer were pointed out by CAG as gross violation of financial rules and transaction of public money, it said while adding that the involvement of the middleman as brokers between the Govt. and the private companies and the acts of the companies to mortgage the MOA's/MOU's documents to obtain huge bank loans from powerful financial institutions on one hand and playing around the  money in share market is  confirmed fact to be unearthed by investigation agencies.  The organizations suggested that the policy should also incorporate constitution of an expert committee drawn from various field including sociologists, lawyers, dam experts, geologists, disaster management experts and environmentalists who would carry out overall cumulative impacts on the life and culture and ecology of the state in general and project area in particular.

The present norm of obtaining NOC from Govt departments as well as public hearing etc are nothing more than an eye wash and stereotype postmortem exercise carried out after signing of MOA's/MOU's. Since many mega projects are there on the other side of LOC, the state Govt should, therefore, urge the Centre to sign water sharing treaty with China. The concept of first user's right is diluted in the sense that China had already completed more than 100 projects in the Tibetan Plateau, it said.

The memorandum further said that the amended policy should fully reserve the very smaller streams with installed capacity of 25 MW and below to local entrepreneurs of the state and to state owned APEDA and APHPDC.

The policy should ideally spell out public-sector preference such as NHPC, NTPC, NEEPCO etc over private sector companies. The justification being that in case of disaster the Central Govt is the third party guarantor and also that CSR are clearly laid down in case of public sector, whereas in private sector, the provisions are vague and carried more by profit motive. The PFR and DPR prepared by NHPC, NTPC etc should not be snatched away and sold out to private companies as has been unearthed through RTI findings. Also a mechanism should be evolved to make joint ventures MOA's/MOU's between companies and the Govt. more favorable than the present terms of reference, the three organizations added.

They further said that the land owners should be given the liberty to fix the rates of the resources as per market principles rather than blanket imposition of rates fixed by the Govt. Also the provision of land Acquisition Act should be suitably amended in the context of various safeguards granted to the tribal under customary laws and the traditional Forests Dwellers Act, 2006. The mortgaging of the entire river basin land and resources to power companies for 40 years would simply push the natives back to mountain caves, it said.

The Govt. should also pursue with the Centre for grant of compensation package in lieu of the massive distress caused to the state and its people while shouldering a major responsibility of turning the state as power house of the nation. Such lucrative package incentive shall help the state owned Power Corporation to be self reliant and also take up many joint venture initiatives, the organizations said.

 

 

Pasighat’s contribution immense towards state’s dev: CM

Prafulla Kaman

PASIGHAT, Apr 27: Acknowledging the immense contributions of Pasighat towards overall development of the state, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki on Thursday said that he had a vision to maintain Pasighat as an education hub.

Addressing a mammoth gathering at Doying Gumin (Adi Bane Kebng) yesterday, Tuki reiterated the contributions of a number of genius born in Pasighat, who had served the state with utmost dedication. Eminent public figure like Daying Ering, politicians like Gegong Apang, Kabang Borang, all grew up and came from Pasighat area, Tuki said while mentioning that Pasighat has also gave birth to many eminent writers, researchers and linguistics.

Saying that the decade-old JN College, Pasighat is playing a crucial role in creation of human resource in the state, the chief minister said the products of the premier institution have still been serving the state in various departments in various capacities.

“Evaluating the immense contributions of Pasighat, I have committed to complete the remaining development during my tenure. My government has a vision to maintain Pasighat as the hub of quality education for which his Government has approved up-gradation of JN College to State University and Polytechnic Institution etc.,” said Tuki while adding that his government is eying for establishing a Medical College at Pasighat.

Expressing his concern over degradation of moral values in youths, the chief minister urged the elders and intellectuals to guide them to the right path.  He disclosed that state government has constituted a ‘Skill Development Council’ in order to provide employment opportunity to one lakh unemployed within the 12th five-year plan. He discouraged random formation of unions/organization and said the legality and activity of those organizations should be monitored by the administration. Tuki also suggested the youths and local organization to refrain from Bandh culture which affects the developmental process.

 

 

AAPPTF demands slash  in 12.5% entry tax on commercial vehicle

ITANAGAR, Apr 27: All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation (AAPPTF) expressed their displeasure at levying 12.5% entry tax on commercial vehicles purchased from outside the state.

The issue was raised during a meeting between Commissioner, Tax and Excise team and AAPPTF’s president Takar Goi and general secretary Dobing Sonam today. The AAPPTF urged the commissioner to reconsider the government’s order and impose nominal rate of 2% to 3% entry tax.

AAPPTF team said that 12.5% value added tax (VAT) is paid on purchase of commercial vehicle. The levy of additional tax in the form of entry tax by department of Tax and Excise in the state is harassment to unemployed youth of the state who buy vehicles on loan, they said. Meanwhile, responding to the demand for reconsideration of the levying of 12.5% entry tax, the Commissioner assured to look into the matter immediately.

It is worth mentioning that AAPPTF has signed a memorandum of understanding last year with Arunachal Pradesh State Cooperative Apex Bank to offer loan to unemployed youth for buying commercial motor vehicle. But due to imposition of entry tax of 12.5% the unemployed youth are facing difficulties.

AAPPTF team further said that they are not against the imposition of entry tax but oppose imposition of exorbitant rate.

It further said that due to non availability of motor vehicle dealers in some parts of the state people have to buy motor vehicles from outside the state.

AAPPTF also appealed to the motor vehicle registering authority of every district to cooperate in the registration process to boost the state revenue.

 

 

AAPSU opposes ABK demands

ITANAGAR, Apr 27: All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has strongly opposed the demand put in by Adi Bane Kebang (ABK) to state government for recognizing Mishing tribe as Adi/Abor.

 In a release AAPSU President Takam Tatung stated that Mishing has already got ST status in Assam and therefore question of granting them ST status in Arunachal does not arise.

“If we talk of linguistic similarities, there are many tribes in China and Myanmar who speak same language like some tribes of Arunachal. Does that mean we go and seek Chinese and Myanmarese citizenship? ABK should concentrate more in working for the welfare of Adi communities. There are many problems plaguing the community at the moment,” AAPSU stated in a release.  

Further union said that as per Constitution no tribe can avail ST status in two different states.

AAPSU also expressed serious concern over reports of rampant issuing of Indian passport to Tibetan refugees in West Kameng and Tawang districts.

While calling on authorities to check such malpractice, union urged district administrations to carry out operation to identify exact population and address of Tibetans. Further, AAPSU called for cancellation for ST status given to 90 Tibetan refugee families in Shyo village of Tawang and said it was done only for political gain by some politicians of Tawang.

“Most of the Tibetans living in Tawang and West Kameng districts are coaxing authorities claiming that they are local tribal. They have been actively supporting their countrymen in Tibet by various means. If their activities are not checked, they may pose serious threat to national security,” said Tatung.  

Meanwhile, AAPSU once again highlighting the law and order problem in the state capital, advocated for deploying more number of police force in the streets of capital so that sense of security prevails.

“Govt always complains about inadequate police force. However it is just an excuse. Most of the police force has been put for VIP security. Govt should trim the security provided to VIPs and some of them should be used for providing security to ordinary citizens. Life of ordinary citizens is as important as that of VIPs,” added Takam Tatung.

 

 

Mein calls for preservation and promotion of culture

Moh Mol

Staff Reporter

KHARSANG, Apr 27: Drums and gong beats filled the festive air while the Tangsas  danced to the tune of traditional music during the Moh-Mol celebration    on April 25.  Everyone present in the festival ground were dressed in their colourful traditional attire giving a complete picture of a rich and diverse culture.

Moh-Mol is the agricultural festival of the Tangsas.

Minister for Finance, Planning and PWD Chowna Mein attened the celebration and called for preservation, protection and promotion of rich cultural heritage in this era of globalization. Our rich and distinctive cultures refers to the religions, beliefs, customs, traditions, languages, ceremonies, arts, values and the way of tribal life in Arunachal Pradesh, he added.

Art and culture and research needs to be given more importance to preserve the cultural identity for posterity, he said and further called for preservation of artifacts.

Mein on the occasion called upon the youths to develop a sense of healthy competition and work towards self employment for the betterment of the society. He further urged them to shun the use of opium.

The minister informed that the present state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki is working to bring about transition in the agriculture system by promoting tea, rubber and horticulture products.

The state government has also come up with pro-people budget keeping in mind the welfare of its people, he added.

While responding to the two-point public memorandum, Mein assured an Art & Culture auditorium hall as well as teachers quarters for Kharsang government higher secondary school.

Miao Additional Deputy Commissioner T Mara, who attended the festival, also called for preservation of our rich cultural heritage for posterity. Rich cultural tradition needs to be imbibed by the generation next, he added.

Minister for Geology & Mining, Food & Civil supplies, Art& Culture Kamlung Mossang speaking on the occasion said that a society can only develop and grow in true sense when it works for the preservation of its rich culture and traditions. Tangsas are known for their hospitality and we need to preserve this positive culture, he added.

The festival was attended by ZPM Chairperson J Jugli, Changlang DCC president Sethai Sena, ASM chairperson Jawkhong Singpho, GBs, Panchayat leaders, Public leaders, HoDs of various government departments, officers and officials.

 

 

Abotani Vidya Niketan Secondary School shines

ITANAGAR, Apr 27: Eight students of Abotani Vidya Niketan Secondary School, Pachin Colony, Naharlagun, won All India Talent Search Examination merit certificates along with prizes.

The students who have got the  merit certificates in the National Talent Search Examination (AITSE) 2011 conducted by National Teachers Council (NTC) in November, 2011 are: Master Tadar Jopum, (Class III), Master Tullung Tang, (Class III), Tadar Jina, (Class IV), Master Tadar Tai, (Class V), Master Nabam Taaji, (Class V), Master Tadar Taaji, (Class VI), Master Tame Tahu, (Class VII) and  Master Khyoda Tama (Class VIII).

The prizes were awarded to the students in a simple but impressive felicitation function organized at Abotani Vidya Niketan Secondary School, Pachin on April 24, which was attended by parents, teachers and students.

Former AAPSU general secretary and  BJP state general secretary Dominic Tadar, school management committee chairman Tai Tagak, State Vice President, Arunachal Shiksha Vikas Samiti Tadar Kama were also present in the felicitation function and lauded the achievements of the students.

 

 

Agri-business & food retail boom: Arunachal perspective

A. K. Purkayastha

…Adage…

With mammoth blessing of Science and technology in farm sector, and  recent trend in regional and national retail boom it shall become visible  that the private entrepreneurs are going to dominate in the entire farming situation of the state, to slogan that “Arunachal shall glide to surge as a major agribusiness hub of South East Asia”.

 Introduction

Globally, the shift of focus from ‘Production only’ to ‘Production vis-à-vis marketing’ has come after a very long time which implies that the earlier concept of  “Seed to Seed” only is not enough for the toiling farmer and a tangible change of paradigm to  “Rupee to Rupees” (Return per Rupee invested in the entire production process)   is a necessity to transform the entire Farming profession into a Paying profession.

 Dr M.S. Swaminathan  the eminent Plant breeder/Geneticist said, ”if  farm  ecology and economics go wrong, nothing else will have a chance to go right in  agriculture”. Right farm economics is as simple as remunerative price and assured market for the farmers. He has also related right economics with non-violence when he said “non-violence to farm women and men who toil day and night can be expressed in terms of remunerative price and assured marketing opportunities for their products”.

 Farm operation is mostly in the rural areas as in other parts of the country and even abroad, and the phenomenon of migration of working group farmers, unemployed youth from rural to urban areas and the entrepreneurial zeal behind such move requires detailed analytical studies for future planning. A consistent plan to improve the rural-urban balance is required to reverse or at least decelerate this trend. Reversal of the trend of urban migration is of much importance because of the fact that there has been overcrowding of the urban localities and thereby reducing rural population on whom the entire farm operation rests.

 An estimated Rs 50,000 crores are lost annually in the marketing chain in India due to poorly developed marketing infrastructure and inefficient system of marketing activities. Over the years, while the agricultural marketing and trade scenario has undergone tremendous changes, but it has not changed enough to meet the emerging demand for such services.

 Agri-clinics … Concept to Completion (C 2 C)

(Extract reproduced from Final Report of National Commission on Farmers)

 The Central Government has launched agri-clinic and agribusiness centres programmes to provide a single window access to multiple inputs, expert services and advice to farmers on cropping practices, technology dissemination, crop protection from pests and diseases, market trends and prices of various crops in the markets and also clinic services for animal health etc. which would enhance productivity of crops and animals.

   Some of the programmes of the private sector, such as Haryali Bazar, also provide diesel/petrol pumps and banking facilities. However, before setting up agriclinics and agribusiness centres, interested agricultural graduates are supposed to be provided specialized trainings to inculcate in them required managerial and some technical skills for setting up and running the center/ venture. The training courses are provided free of cost in various State Agricultural Universities and Departments and public sector institutes. Initiated by Small Farmers Agri-business Consortium (SFAC) and coordinated by National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), the courses comprise entrepreneurship development, business management as well as skill improvement modules in the chosen areas of activity. There are several projects/ ventures in agriculture which can be taken up by any unemployed youth with some prior training from an appropriate institution.

 While necessary support should be extended to farm graduates to establish and operate agri-clinics, including extension advisory activities, input dealership should primarily be given to agriculture graduates who besides ensuring timely distribution of quality inputs would also be proactively involved in rendering extension services to their clients. A single licensing system should be put in place. Those agri-clinics which do not have farm graduates on their establishment, should be obliged to hire agricultural graduates. As regards institutional support, quality credit packages and their delivery and comprehensive farm family insurance plans must be in place to strengthen the programme.

   Industry representatives feel that there is considerable unmet demand in relation to the range of services needed to farm families. There is therefore considerable scope for training farm graduates to provide demand driven services. Agricultural entrepreneurs are needed in large numbers for achieving successful farming systems diversification and value addition and for providing the right inputs at the right time and place. Mobile phones have made communication easy. Farmers will be willing to pay for value added services.

 Retail boom in Agriculture sector

Food is the largest segment of  India’s  retail industry which was by and large, unorganized. As the traditional retail outlets  had lack of professional management , they could not cater to the quality and quantitative demand of consumer. India’s Food Retail Map reveals that it is one of the world’s most promising emerging markets. There are about 12 million retail outlets in the country which means almost one retail outlet for 100 persons and the figure is increasing steadily. India, being currently one of the top five global destinations for retail investment, has started transforming the farm sector to rise up to the call for of global retail bang.

 The days of buying fruits and vegetables in scorching sun or torrential rain with an umbrella over the head are disappearing. With the entry of big corporate in the food retailing business, days are not far that consumers shall be able to purchase fruits& vegetables and other eatables from under the same roof of the shopping mall. Retail boom from farm to market is gaining momentum and this is a very ambitious venture which shall reduce the involvement of middleman & intermediaries in whole process of agricultural marketing and thereby push maximum advantage towards the growers. Retail boom has entered the northeast and expected to spread over the entire region soon. So, it is the time to start with technology based hi-tech farm operation so as to access into the growing need of regional, domestic and global retail business of farm produce.

 With the rapid changing mindset of the consumers towards quality aspect of every need for healthy and comfortable breathing, every stakeholder in its endeavor, be it the Scientist, Administrator, public service provider whatsoever it may be in service to mankind is exceptionally predestined to deliver the product of suitable quality. The fundamental need of living organism is food and that too a quality food and it is obvious that food crops contain their best nutritional quality at its maturity which is a natural phenomenon.  

 It is the time to ignite the passion to clinch hi-tech agriculture through 4-P framework. Professional Precise Planning for Precision farming.

 Agri-business….Arunachal perspective

 A shift from ‘agriculture’ to ‘agribusinesses’ is being viewed as an essential pathway to revitalize Indian agriculture. While the share of pure agriculture in GDP may decline, the share of agribusiness will not and is bound to go up with the demand for value addition continuously increasing. It is in this context that it has long been argued for redefining agriculture as ‘the science and practice of activities relating to production, processing, marketing, distribution and trade of food, feed and fibre’ (Acharya, 2006)*.

 A genuine problem of agricultural marketing in the state is due to its long distance from the major consumption areas of the country .Large quantities of perishable agri-horticultural produces get qualitative deterioration during transit towards big markets resulting shrink in monetary return. Marketable surplus Farm produce of perishable nature like fruits and vegetables in the isolated locality can hardly reach even the rural primary market for disposal due to inadequate accessibility and rural transport services. In spite of genuine efforts of the union and state governments in creation of market infrastructures in the state, there is a genuine necessity of more market infrastructure and services. Due to difficult terrain, scattered farm locations, collection and aggregation of marketable surplus produce is a very cumbersome job. This results in considerable financial loss to the growers. Rural storage facilities, cool chain, dehumidified godowns etc. are scarce. There is dearth of Institutional arrangements like Primary Agricultural cooperatives (PAC), Market facilitatory rural institutions and other types of market partners for easy marketing, resulting distress sale of farm produces and non remunerative economic returns.

There is negligible private sector investment in the agricultural marketing activities in the states. Existing Market infrastructures and facilitatory services are exclusively in public sector.

 Upliftment of the agrarian economy of Arunachal Pradesh is a definite possibility in the near future by identifying the agro ecological zone specific thrust areas & meticulously working out the appropriate strategies to address those thrust areas in an extremely professional manner. The approach is now shifting from conventional  “Agriculture“ only to “Agriculture in conjunction with  value addition and effective marketing”

 Efficient marketing system needs sizeable asset in infrastructure, both material and organizational. Some of the vital requirements are:

• Cool chain infrastructure, including mini cold storage in urban areas

• Storage and warehousing in rural & urban market areas

• Specialized transport services viz. refrigerated Transport

• Grading & Packaging infrastructure,

• Agri service /Collection/aggregation centers

• Procurement through contract arrangements, including contract farming

• Retailing through Shopping malls in the urban areas

• Setting up of Shopping Mall exclusively for Fruits & Vegetables in Towns & 

   Cities( May be termed as ”GREEN HUB”)

• Human resource development (HRD) of local youths in marketing & Agribusiness.

 Optimum infrastructures, extension of appropriate technology, inputs, dissemination of information, credit support and above all, an assured market may be some of the appropriate steps in this direction. Creation of basic minimum infrastructures, easy availability of farm inputs at the doorstep, reasonable storage facility, and transport and hassle free trading facilitation through Public-Private –Partnership mode in the rural areas may decelerate the pace of migration of rural youth to urban areas in search of livelihood. Creation of village level knowledge centers with ICT facility or setting up of Information kiosk in villages may keep the rural people updated with latest information and thereby a change of mindset and competitiveness is expected. (The contributor is Director (Agri-Marketing) cum CEO, Agricultural Marketing Board (APAMB)

Grant stipend

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of the Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Ministry of Education towards the non-grant of stipend to the students of Sikkim Manipal University which is recognized    by UGC.

The Sikkim Manipal University is one of the top universities in India and the University offers Distance Education to the students and has regularized the classes in all institutions since the last two years.

So, it is genuine to grant stipend to the students of Sikkim Manipal University.

Also the stipends of the professional students are uneven.  Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh grants scholarship upto Rs 8000 to the Engineering and MBBS students whereas the LL.B students are getting Rs.5475 per head annually.

I, therefore, request to the Minister, Education and his esteemed department to take necessary action so that discrimination is ended.         

Yours,

Manlem Wangsu

President

Arunachal Legal Forum, Shillong.

 

 

Why there should not be mega power projects

Dear Editor,

One of the many reasons why mega hydro-power projects should not be commissioned in Arunachal Pradesh.

The 1950 earthquake, also known as the Assam earthquake or Medog earthquake, occurred on August 15, 1950, and had a magnitude of 8.6. The epicenter was actually located near Rima, in Tibet. The earthquake was destructive both in Assam and Tibet, and 1,526 people were killed.

It was the 6th largest earthquake of the 20th century. It is also the largest known earthquake to have not been caused by an oceanic subduction. Instead, this quake was caused by two continental plates converging.

The plain areas near the mighty Siang River is said to be made because of 1950 earthquake. This massive earthquake not only changed the course of the river but also mountain regions were turned into plains areas. The mountains were brought down forming a nature dam across the Siang River. After this, a massive flood occurred because of the sudden release of huge volume of water destroying the natural dam made by the mountain debris. There was destruction all around.

The Northeastern region of India is the highest seismic zone in India.

So, fellow Arunachalees think 1000 times before commissioning a mega hydro project in Arunachal Pradesh.

Yours,

Ramjam Gungli

Coimbatore

 

 

Lesson from 3 Idiots

Dear Editor,

After watching 3 Idiots I was wondering about the lessons that the movie conveys through its story. For people who have not watched 3 Idiots or don't know what 3 Idiots is, let me tell you that 3 Idiots is the latest Aamir Khan starrer. It also features Sharman Joshi and Madhavan with Kareena as lead actress. Film has been directed by Raju Hirani and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. This movie is loosely based on Chetan Bhagat's novel 'Five Point Someone'.

This movie is a story which revolves around 4 guys. This film has shown that if the script is good, then the film will do a good business. It has already grossed more than 100 crore rupees which has surpassed Aamir's Ghajani's records. It has become the highest grosser ever and is now being compared with Sholay in terms of its popularity. But, it is too early to say that it is comparable to Sholay.

Dialogues of Sholay are still remembered. We don't know about 3 Idiots whether for how many years it will be remembered. But one thing is for sure, the way the movie has been made, it will be revered in the future.

Coming to the point, we are talking about the management lessons that can be learnt from the movie. There are so many to talk about, but I will try to be concise and will give my lessons point-wise.

Lesson 1: Do not learn to get success. Learn for knowledge. Success will follow. When we strive hard to learn and improve our knowledge, we move ahead in life. Lesson 2: Do not take life too seriously. Life is there to enjoy, have fun, making friends, and of course getting proper education. We get life once and we should live it the way we dream of.

Lesson 3: Learn to communicate well. Each word has its own importance. Proper pauses and stress on certain words will convey the exact meaning, or may even change the entire meaning. Like in the movie, Chatur's speech was modified with few words but the entire speech was changed. It was the most wonderful part of the movie.

Lesson 4: Last but not the least, help others and foster respect. Helping others helps you to grow mentally and easily associates you. A lasting relationship is created by helping others.

In the movie, Aamir helps Joshi and Madhavan in choosing right careers for them and follow their dreams. This creates an everlasting bond between friends, not only friends but with anyone whom we help. You grow as a person and never have to look back in life.

Yours,

Donyi Taga

Rani

Pasighat

 

 

Need information

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, I would like to raise a question to the Dept. of Town Planning, Govt. of A P, regarding delay or non-correspondence about advertisement which was published on 17th Nov’ 11 vide Adv. No. DTP/Estt-29/2010-2011 dated Itanagar, for the posts of Town Planning Assistant, Surveyor, Driver, Peon and accordingly fee of Rs. 50, 40 & 20 respectively were charged.

Now it is hard to understand that after charging fees from financially constrained unemployed youths why the department has not corresponded with the candidates till date.

Hope after reading this letter, the department will give some reliable correspondence to us.

Yours,

Miti Hunn

 

 

 

 

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

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Food security and Asia

China, India and Indonesia were the world’s leading producers of rice in 2010, and Asia produced and consumed around 90 per cent of the world’s rice. Rice serving as a staple food of more than half the world's population, including 640 million undernourished people in Asia. It is believed that the projected demand of rice will outstrip supply in the near future. Experts says “rice production should increase by 15 to 25 per cent by 2025 to meet the demand of a fast growing Asian population

Now system of rice intensification (SRI) is being successfully applied to increase the rice production and other staple commodities. The idea of SRI was first put forward in the 1980s by a Jesuit priest in Madagascar, under the premise that “less is more.” Less seed, less water, less pesticides, and chemical fertilizers can bring significantly higher yields, according to the International Network and Resources Centre (SRI-Rice), based at Cornell University in the US.

SRI started with involvement by just farmers and NGOs, but now governments are promoting it in China, India, Indonesia, Cambodia and Vietnam, and the spread is accelerating.

The Union Ministry of Rural Development increased support to SRI by targeting 10 million hectares of rice area for SRI management over the next five years, twice the area under SRI cultivation today.

Though many researchers are not convinced with the new SRI method for increased rice production, the system of rice intensification is gaining momentum across Asia, with more governments' now relying on it as a solution to achieve food security in their country.