April 03

Smart class launched in Tawang

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: Tawang Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Dev launched Smart Class 'K-Yan' developed by IIT- Mumbai and IL&FS in three schools of the district, namely Govt. Sec. School, Lhou, Govt. Town Sec. School and Govt. Residential School, Melonghar, Lumla.

The Smart Class rooms have been provided under the DC's untied fund and are also believed to the first of its kind in the Govt. Schools of the state.

The smart class systems have pre-loaded CBSE content and are also capable of displaying educational content through internet or through the system which has Windows 8 pre-installed.

Addressing the launching ceremony in Govt. Town Sec. School amidst a gathering of enthusiastic students and teachers, the DC stated that being a portable system the smart-class can be organized in any school or classroom and would also prove to be quite helpful at times when the subject teacher is not available. He further stated that, there is a plan to introduce more such smart classroom systems in other schools of the district under MsDP Scheme.

DDSE Tawang, Apel Tayeng hoped that with the introduction of smart classroom the children will be able to grasp concepts better and would also be able to supplement their classroom based education.

 

AAPSU flays HM statement

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: The press statement of Home Minister Tanga Byaling terming students unions and organizations of the state as ‘extortionist’ has come under sharp criticism from All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU).

Describing the statement as uncalled for, illogical and immature, the apex students’ body of the state in a release said that the statement given by Home Minister is nothing but an abrupt attempt to hide the Pre Paid Metering System (PPMS) issue which the dwellers of the twin capital cities are opposing tooth and nail.

“The students’ body has been playing the role of strong and vibrant opposition since its inception against every wrong doings of the State Govt. The AAPSU has also been rendering yeomen services to the people of Arunachal in general and students’ community in particular starting from Chakma-Hajong, refugee and inter-state boundary issues etc.,” the AAPSU release said.

While extending its unconditional support to All Nyishi Students Union (ANSU) in stopping the installation of Pre-Paid Energy Meter in the Capital complex, AAPSU also strongly condemned the Home Department for trying to suppress the voice of ANSU which they have been raising in the interest of common people.

The arbitrary nature of the govt. can be seen from the mere fact that they tried to arrest the ANSU President and his team from Arunachal Press Club during a press conference, the release added.

Meanwhile, the All Nyishi Unemployed Youth Organization has also strongly condemned the Home Minister’s ‘extortionist’ statements. Alleging failure to submit Utilization Certificates (UC) to the centre by the state government after misusing all the funds, the union questioned, is not the state government an extortionist? The Union also blamed all the politicians for mushrooming of associations and unions especially during the election, claiming it is only a handiwork of the contesting candidates. Condemning the home minister’s remark, it further added, the home minister should not make such cheap remarks rather should run the home department smoothly and effectively.

 

Complainants rubbishes clarification made by DA, DDSE West Siang District

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: The clarification of District Administration and Dy. Director of School Education Aalo on selection of firm for awarding of Mid-Day-Meal carriage contract work for West Siang District is misleading the public and the media as  the selection was not done on merit basis, said a section of panchayat leaders and social activists.

The complainants said that, as per the clarification of District Administration and Dy. Director of School Education, the Liromoba Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd was recommended and approved by the Deputy Commissioner on 23rd Feb, but in fact the DC has approved the file on 13th Feb. 2015, when the Model Code of Conduct was in place with regards to Liromoba by-election. The WT Message sent on 5 March 2015 to Education Minister from DDSE Aalo clearly revealed the fact that the DC has approved the file on 13 February last during the period of Election Model Code of Conduct.

 

Wearing aprons compulsory for hotel workers

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner cum District Level Steering Committee Chairman, Mige Kamki, following a government notification has made mandatory the wearing of protective, hygiene clothing (Apron or smocks or plastic aprons, head covers or snoods or hair and beard nets, masks, proper footwear, gloves) for workers, waiters and food handlers of hotels, restaurants, eateries and dhabas located within Capital Complex effective immediately.

All street vendors and food handlers should also use hygienic and protective clothing, the order said, and directed the hotel, restaurant and dhaba owners to provide such clothing to their workers.

 

Miao APSTS exceeds revenue target

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: The Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Service, Miao station has collected a revenue amounting to Rs. 1,57, 36,734 (Rs one crore fifty seven lacs thrty six  thousand seven hundred thirty four) only, which is 106 percent above the targeted amount during the financial year 2014-15.

The achievement comes due to the sincere hardwork of the operational staff of this establishment despite many problems  including non-plying of buses due to Assam bandhs, informed N. Songthing, Station Superintendent, Miao STS in a release.

 

Hanuman Jayanti

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: Hanuman Jayanti Mahotsav is being celebrated at Shiv Mandir, E-Sector, Naharlagun from April 3 to 5. Renowned singers from Kolkata and Banaras will perform to the delight of the devotees. The celebration will conclude with a mass procession on April 5.

 

National Rural Drinking Water & Sanitation Awareness Week

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: With an aim to create awareness on the need of ensuring better sanitation and hygiene among the villages of Kurung Kumey District, the “National Rural Drinking Water & Sanitation Awareness Week” was organized at Sangram, Sarli and Palin block coinciding with the World Water Day celebration from March 18 to 22.

The focus of the campaign was to create total awareness on Swachh Bharat Mission, to keep villages clean, build and use toilets, safe handling and storage of drinking water, water conservation and operation and maintenance of water supply systems.

Flagging off the programme at Sangram block, PHE & WS department Executive Engineer, Tadar Ukap highlighted the main aims of the programme. He urged the participants to take maximum advantage of the campaign and spread the awareness among all the villages of the district.

In other blocks too, the District Consultants appealed all the participants to maintain health and hygiene in every steps of life. They also sought cooperation of the participants to conduct such needful programme in near future, according to an official release.

 

Social service at DC office

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: A mass social service was conducted in the office premises of the Deputy Commissioner, Capital Complex as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

The indoors as well as outdoors of the office premises were cleaned up during the daylong social service which was conducted under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Mige Kamki. The DC advised his sub-ordinate officers and staff to keep the office premises neat and clean.

 

Former minister turns author, releases book on his experiences

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Apr 2: A book titled ‘My days in the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly’ authoured by former Minister Bosiram Siram was released in a simple ceremony at Siang Guest House here today.

The book narrates the working experience of the former minister in the state legislative assembly during his ten years as a legislator. The book also highlights some of his achievements in the field of socio-economic and educational development. It also threw light on his local area development activities and experiences gained during study tours of Assembly Estimate Committee to Andaman & Nicobar Islands in 2005.

The team members met the Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Prof Ram Kapse, pleaded him to find whereabouts of freedom fighters of Arunachal, like Matmur Jamoh. Adi Warrior Matmur Jamoh, who assassinated British Political Officer (Sadiya) Noel Williamson at Komsing village during 4th Anglo Abor War in 1911 was imprisoned in Port Blair jail by the Britishers.

Releasing the book, retired IAS officer Oshong Ering said, the book is a compilation of experience gained by the former minister in the legislative assembly which he hoped will helpful for the students, especially political science, in gaining information about state government activities.

 

NHPC contributes to ITI Roing

Correspondent

ROING, Apr 2: Extending its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd (NHPCL) has provided a water tank of 1000 liter capacity, an electric motor, GI pipes etc to Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Roing on Tuesday. This contribution was made by the company for providing water supply in various workshops and laboratories of different trades of the institute.

These items of water supply were handed over to Principal ITI Shubash Pertin by Deputy Manager (PR) SR Gupta in presence of other officials of the NHPC.

 

Meeting on food safety and standard held

KHONSA, Apr 2: A sensitization meeting on implementation of sanitary and hygienic requirements to be followed by the food business operators was organized at Khonsa yesterday.

While addressing the meeting, ADC N Wangsu urged all food business operators to comply with the government order strictly adhering to the hygienic condition with immediate effect and also register themselves and obtain food licenses from designated officers.  

In the meeting the steering committee members decided to shift the present meat and fish market to the ALC line where a shed is already constructed.

Earlier, DMO Dr. K. Perme informed on the general hygienic conditions and advised the food business operators to follow the guidelines. He also highlighted on status of registered food business operators in the district.

The meeting was attended by the District Steering Committee members of FSSA restaurant owners, street food vendors, butchers, grocery store owners and eateries. DIPRO    

 

ANYA condemns murder of boy

ITANAGAR, April 2: All Nyishi Youth Association today strongly condemned the murder of 10 year old Late Tani Tana, whose body was reportedly found in a toilet at Government ME School ESS Sector Itanagar. In a press statement, ANYA President Biri Kakum urged the state government to install CCTVs in the Capital Complex. The ANYA President also demanded the authority for immediate installation of High Mast lightening system in the town to contain the law and order problem. ANYA further expressed deepest condolence at the mysterious death of the young school boy.

 

Councilor counters Byaling on PPEM issue

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: BJP Councillor of Itanagar, Gora Lotak has questioned the Power Minister Tanga Byaling’s for not conducting awareness campaign before the installation of Pre-Paid Electric Meters (PPEM).  He also questioned that why the state government did not take the confidence of all political parties before implementing the project.  Lotak said that the Minister is trying to politicise the issue as the organisations are coming out to street in protest against the installation.  He further asked the minister to conduct public debate over the issue.

 

Two Police Stations inaugurated in Tirap District

KHONSA, Apr 2: Tirap Deputy Commissioner, Kamlesh Joshi attending the Police Station inaugural programme at Soha today, urged the people to maintain the new Police station with great care.

He stated that the Circle Officer of Soha would visit the headquarters once a week to issue ST certificate and other official documents to the people till the infrastructure is created and regular staff posted.

Earlier, inaugurating the Police station, Superintendent of Police, Ajit Kumar Singhla informed the gathering that Police personnel including an Officer Incharge has already been deployed. He appealed the people to extend their cooperation to the Police to enable them execute their duty smoothly. The Superintendent of Police has also made all basic utilities available at the new Police Station to make it fully operational.

The meeting was also attended by MLA Wangki Lowang, SDO Deomali, ZPM Soha, ZPM Deomali and other public leaders.

Earlier on April 1, the DC and SP had also inaugurated a new Police Station at Katang. DIPRO

 

Union provides relief materials to fire victims

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: All Bori (Adi) Students Union has extended its helping hand to the fire victims of Tumbin by providing relief materials recently. The union also helped the fire victims in making makeshift shelters for temporary rehabilitation. In a release, the students’ union informed that 92 RCC BRTF Tumbin Officer Incharge, Rakesh Kumar also helped the affected people in transportation of materials for rehabilitation camp.

 

Satam Pogiang Memorial Football Tournament begins

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: The second Satam Pogiang Memorial Football Tournament began at IG Park here today.

Four matches were played on the first day where Satam Kame Football Club beat Genesis FC 2-0, Seven Star FC beat SSAFC 6-0 and Palin United beat Young Boys FC 3-0.

The match played between NRFC and Buddies FC ended in 2-2 draw.

News Impact

Ambush on Army convoy leaves 3 dead, 4 injured

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: In a daring ambush, suspected NSCN militants killed three personnel of 4 Rajput Regiment and injured four in trouble-torn Tirap district today morning.

The ambush on the last of the four vehicles of the convoy took place around 8.30 am at Tukpi village, about 15 km from Khonsa along Khonsa-Longding road, told Tirap SP Ajit Kumar Singla over telephone to this daily.

The personnel were on their way from Tinsukia, Assam to their camp at Longding in four vehicles in the morning after a night halt at Khonsa, the headquarters of Tirap district, the SP added.

The injured have been admitted in Army hospital. However, there were no casualties on the other side, the SP said. The three personnel were killed on the spot.

“It is too early to say which faction of the outfit was involved in the attack. But there is high probability of involvement of the NSCN (IM) faction in the attack. We have launched combing operation in the area to nab the attackers at the earliest,” the SP added.

The NSCN faction led by S.S. Khaplang had recently called off the ceasefire with the government.

 

 

Congress expels senior leader Kalikho Pul from party

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: Amidst the report of dissidence within ruling Congress party, the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) today expelled former minister and Anjaw MLA Kalikho Pul from party for a period of six years.  Pul has been expelled for alleged anti-party activities. While talking to this daily, APCC President Padi Richo informed that decision to expel was taken following serious complaints of anti-party activities.

“He was spreading propaganda against his own party government. During the cabinet meeting he walked out creating an ugly scene. Also during the assembly election, he campaigned against official Congress party candidate of Tezu assembly constituency. Likewise, there are many other complaints of serious nature against him for acting against the Congress party,” said Richo. He further informed that the decision was arrived following consultation with the party high command. When contacted by this daily, Pul declined to make any comment. However he is expected to hold a press meet soon to clarify his stand. Pul is a very senior figure of the party and is one of the longest serving ministers of the state.

Earlier in December last year, he was surprisingly dropped from the council of ministers by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki. He was holding the post of health and family welfare minister before being dropped and was eventually replaced by Anini MLA Rajesh Tacho. At that time no official reason was given by either the state government or Congress party for dropping him. Pul will now remain as an unattached member of the assembly and will not be able to switch loyalty to another party unless he resigns from present assembly and seek re-election. It will be interesting to watch what effect this decision of Congress party will have in the long run.

 

 

Higher authorities urged to look into problems of State Hospital

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: While admitting water leakage in female ward and shortage of 4th grade staff in Arunachal State Hospital (ASH), the Medical Superintendent (MS), Dr. D Raina has requested the Director of Medical Educations T & R, GoAP to look into the serious matter personally and take some concrete steps to improve miserable condition of the premier institute of the state.

The Arunachal Times in the April 2 issue had highlighted the deplorable condition of the ASH including poor sanitation, leakage of building wall and constant theft in the hospital wards. In fact it is absolutely correct news, MS Dr. D. Raina said adding, “there is no denying of the fact as it has been brought to the notice of higher authority and construction agencies concerned many a times verbally as well as in writing form in this regard but no concrete step has been taken so far.”

In a letter to Director of Medical Educations T & R, Raina said, “We are running the hospital in a state of half demolished and half under construction state, in a catch-22 situation. We proposed private security guards and male/female attendants for the hospital but it is always turned down with one or another pretext and there is severe shortage of GNM nurses too. On the other hand numbers of OPD patients, delivery, operation and accidental cases are increasing day by day. The staffs highly qualified are working within the existing dilapidated infrastructure and operation theatre in a non-conducive atmosphere for the betterment of our own poor people of state keeping aside all comforts”.

 

 

Mahila Congress burn effigy of Giriraj Singh

ITANAGAR, Apr 02: Protesting over the controversial racist remark on the AICC President by Union Minister Giriraj Singh, the Arunachal Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee today burnt his effigy at Rajiv Gandhi Congress Bhawan Itanagar. The Mahila Congress led by its President Kamala Linggi along with party members also took out a procession. Shouting slogans against Giriraj Singh, the APMCC demanded public apology from the minister and urged the Prime Minister and BJP President Amit Shah to take strict against him. “Such political leaders who fancy cheap comments just for political mileage should not stay as the Union Minister” added the APMCC President. “If Singh fails to withdraw his statement and tender apology to Sonia Gandhi, the Congress will not remain silent” Linggi added.

 

 

Thongchi calls upon budding literary talents to hone up writing skill

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) chairman Y D Thongchi today called upon the budding writers and litterateurs of the state to  continue to hone up their writing skill.

Quoting the famous poetry of saint-poet Sri Tukaram, Thongchi, a Sahitya Akademi Awardee said, the writers should always play with  the words for creative  writings.  

Presiding over the multi-lingual poet meet  at the  Itanagar Book Fair, the APLS chairman also assured to  provide a fruitful platform for  upcoming writers.  Today’s event was conducted to give young poets a platform and encourage their literary endeavors, Thongchi said. He also hoped that  the organizers  would make the book fair an annual event  for the book lovers of Arunachal Pradesh.

Addressing the gathering, Tokong Pertin, APLS General Secretary said the event was organized to promote poetry writing and encourage the budding poets of Arunachal. Bilatee Pertin, Commissioner, Land & Management, while appreciating the APLS for such event, called upon the  budding talents to continue their  creative writings.

 Earlier,  the programme started with the patriotic song "Hamara Arunachal". The multilingual poets’ meet was organized by NBT in collaboration with APLS here in IG Park as a part of the on-going Itanagar Book Fair.

A total of 25 poets from different communities recited their self-composed poems in different languages ranging from English, Hindi, Assamese, Galo, Nyishi, Oriya to Bishnupriya Manipuri. Worth mentioning were Nomi Maga Gumro's Hindi poem titled "Kuch Ankahi Batein", Nganu Gamlin's hopeful "Kash", Little Kimi Diyum's "Pattiyon ka Chiriya Ghar" and Dr. Takop Zirdo's "Kero Komji Okkv Dvvdw Komji Gadde" in chaste Galo.

Prominent Bengali writer R N Koley also recited a self- composed poem BPL, while budding writer Arunika Koley recited a piece titled“ Onannya. “ Haatkang” a  self-composed poem in  Bishnupriya Manipuri language was recited by  poet cum journalist Ranjit Sinha, (see photo ) which   was also received huge applause from the  audience.

Poets like Beni Madhab Bhattacharya, DDK Itanagar Programme Executive, Pradeep Kr. Behera, Editor Arunachal Front, Dr. Jamuna Bini Tadar, Asst Professor Hindi Dept, RGU, Dr. A.K Pandey, Associate Professor Commerce, DN College also presented poems in their mother tongue which  were widely appreciated by literary lovers.

Among others, Batem Pertin, Director of Research was also present on the occasion.

 

 

Allow judiciary to take action as per law: Govt

ITANAGAR, Apr 2: While referring to the news of All Papum Pare District Students’ Union (APPDSU) demanding resignation of Minister Education, Government Spokesperson Bamang Felix today said that the matter has been clarified by the department as well as the Minister concerned about the allegations and charges.

In a statement, the Govt spokesperson further said that the persons who are involved in the alleged case have been arrested as per the case registered by the police. Judiciary should be allowed to function independently as per law, the statement said adding that the case will be handed over to SIT/SIC for detailed investigations.

“The Model College Doimukh scheme of a sanctioned amount of Rs 2 crore under SPA is mandatory to be executed through tender process only. Therefore, it is an appeal to the APPDSU to allow the judiciary to take action as per law of the land and give justice to the society and the public,” the statement added.

 

 

NATURAL RUBBER:  A crop with sustainable income for the farmers of Arunachal

Kuruvila Joseph & Summi Doye Jamoh

Natural Rubber (NR) is the most versatile industrial raw material of plant origins. The main source of natural rubber is from the rubber tree Heavea brasiliensis, a native of Amazon river basin. Christopher Columbus, the great explorer and navigator was the first to give information about this wonder tree to the Modern world. It was introduced to the tropical Asia and Africa by the efforts of British Government during the later part of 19th century.

 During the year 1887 a few rubber seedlings were experimentally planted in Kerala, seeing the success; in 1902 first rubber plantation was started at Thattakkad near Trichur, Kerala. Later in 1904 Mr. J. J. Murphy from Ireland started rubber plantation in the eastern parts (Yendayar) of Kottayam District in Kerala which paved the way for wide spread of rubber plantation.  

The Government of India had constituted an Indian Rubber Board under the Rubber Act  1947 (Production and Marketing) which later made some changes in the constitution and was  amended as ‘The Rubber Board ‘ which came into force on 1st August 1955. The Rubber Board functions under Ministry of Commerce & Industry of the Government of India. The Board has a chairman appointed by the Central Government. He is the principal executive officer responsible for the proper functioning of the Board and also for the implementation of its decision and discharge of the duties under the Rubber Act. There are 27 other members of the Board. The main functions of the Board are defined under the Act as:

1. To promote by such measures as it thinks fit for the development of the Rubber Industry.

2. Without prejudice to the generality of foregoing provision the measures referred to therein may provide for:

a) Undertaking, assisting or encouraging scientific, technological or economic research.

b) Training in improved methods of planting, cultivation, manuring and spraying.

c) The supply of technical advice to rubber growers.

d) Improving the marketing of rubber.

e) Collection of statistics from owners of estates, dealers and manufactures.

f) Securing better working conditions and the provisions and improvement of amenities and incentives to the workers.

g) Carrying out any other duties which may be vested with the Board as rules made under this Act.

Kerala is known as the largest producer of natural rubber in India, it has a fascinating history of rubber plantations which has changed the fate of lakhs & lakhs of people across the length and breadth of the state. For a variety of reasons the continuance of rubber cultivation is imperative in Kerala. The State of Kerala accounts for about 72 per cent of the land under rubber cultivation. The balance being distributed in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, and Andaman & Nicobar islands. More than 90 per cent of rubber in Kerala is produced from small rubber growers with an average rubber area of 0.50ha (p). Rubber latex as well as the timber and its seed provide some base for industries and create opportunities for employment.  .   

Rubber has already proved its worth as an effective means of the settlement for repatriates and shifting cultivators in Tripura. Apart from commercial value, rubber can play a vital role in the rehabilitation projects for shifting cultivators (Jhumias) for their social and economic uplift and for the forestation of denuded forest lands. The Rubber Board has taken up spectacular achievements in the extension of rubber cultivation in Tripura by taking 103 ha of rubber area of in 1973 to 61231 ha in 2012-13.The Rubber Board, through its plantation development schemes, took the rubber concept out of estate sector and went on domesticating the crop for the rural mass. Today the vast majority of the rubber plantations in Tripura pertain to very small and marginal growers. By now, Tripura has emerged as the second largest rubber growing state of the country, next to Kerala.

In early fifties the productivity of Kerala was only 229Kg /ha. With the adoption of scientific method of cultivation with constant motivation and encouragement from the Rubber Board  the productivity of rubber in the country is now 1639Kg/ha. In 2012 -13 the production of Kerala State was 8,00,050 tonnes, which contributes for a gross income of 137.9 (p) billion Rupees ( The Ancillary income and employment  generated is apart from this)

Scientific Planting, Maintenance, Harvesting and Processing of rubber

As we know that our state has a vast quantity of land available for plantation crops( those areas which are unproductive and lying vacant due to its unsuitability for Paddy cultivation, fruit or vegetable crops), which can be economically utilized. But before starting any long term venture or investment, we need to know about the basics and scope of the project and if the above specifications are met, the procedure and cultural operations to be followed so that the economic year remains at par.

The rubber tree grows in a wide range of agro-climates and soil conditions if well distributed rainfall of about 200cm is received annually given that the area lies under an altitude of 420 metres from Mean Sea Level. It is a tall, sturdy and deciduous tree in which normal wintering occurs during December to February in India.

Land Preparation: In North East Region, rubber plantations are established in forest clearings of Jhum land or by crop replacement and usually the areas are highly undulating with a limited extent of flat lands so some of the necessary operations to be followed here are given below-

1) Clearing-: the land to be brought under rubber cultivation should be cleared of all vegetation by keeping only some fruit or permissible limits of timber trees (maximum 20 no.s) in a scattered manner. A light burn after felling and drying will facilitate planting operations and slow down the regeneration of weeds. Nevertheless, excessive cleaning and burning operations may result in the destruction of soil structure resulting in erosion & loss of fertility.

2) Lining-: lining should be based on plant spacing and planting density to be adopted. Square or rectangular planting is suitable for level and near level lands whereas contour lining can be adopted in undulating and hilly lands (where the slope exceeds 8%). In rectangular planting, the lines should be oriented in East West direction to intercept maximum sunlight. Distance for flat lands = 15ft×15ft (4.6 metres×4.6 metres),  16ft×16ft (4.9 metres×4.9 metres) and   for hilly areas = 22ft×11ft (6.7metres × 3.4metres), 22ft×10ft (6.7metres × 3.0metres, 20ft×11ft (6.1metres × 3.4metres)

3) Terracing-: on hilly and undulating terrain, cutting of terraces along the contour is a recommended practice to conserve soil moisture and prevent soil erosion (since we receive a heavy monsoon here, this operation is very necessary). The soil on the hill side is cut from a distance of 60-75cm in front of the planting row and thrown back in such a way that the terraces so formed will have a width of 1.25 - 1.50 metres with an inward slope of 20-30cm. Steps of uncut earth may be left out at intervals along the terraces to check lateral flow of water. This operation will help us to conserve the soil from erosion since we face heavy monsoons over here and our soils are very much prone to erosion and landslide.

4) Drainage-: proper drainage enhances aeration, microbial activity, ground cover establishment and helps in the development of an extensive root system. Natural waterways available in the area may be cleared, dressed or deepened to form a good drainage system. If not, drains are dug at an interval of 100-200 metres depending on the slope and drainage problem.

5) Construction of silt pits and contour bunds-: silt pits are trenches of about 120cm length, 45cm width and 60cm depth taken along the contour at suitable intervals to check erosion and to conserve water. Pits can be taken at the rate of 150-250 per ha depending on the degree of slope. They are aligned in such a way that the pits in the adjacent inter- rows are in a staggered manner. Construction of stone pitched bunds is another method to check erosion in steep slopes.

6) Pitting and refilling-: pitting is necessary to provide an ideal medium for the proper growth of the young rubber root system. The standard size of the pit is 75cm×75cm×75cm. Pitting should be started sufficiently early and filling should be completed well in advance of planting so that the filled soil will get sufficient time to settle. While digging, the topsoil is kept on one side and the subsoil on the other side which is interchanged at the time of refilling. Organic manure and phosphatic fertilizers can be applied at the time of filling by mixing it with top 20cm soil in the pit and the pit should be filled to about 5cm above the ground level. A peg may be placed in the centre of the pit to locate the planting point.

7)  Planting-: The success of planting depends on the prevailing weather conditions, quality of the planting materials used and the care with which the planting operation is done. After the completion of clearing, lining and pitting during dry winter season, planting may be started with the commencement of monsoon. Since irrigation in rubber is provided only as a life saving operation, early planting during April-May has given much better results than late planting in June-July.

8) Clones recommended for NE region-: RRIM 600, RRII 105, RRII 429, RRII 430, GT 1 etc.

9) Intercropping-: during the initial years of rubber plantation, the interspaces can be utilized for growing intercrops, which will help the farmer to generate additional revenue. The Common intercrops cultivated in rubber plantations are banana, pineapple, ginger, turmeric, vegetable, medicinal plants, tuber crops.

10) Cover crops-: in order to conserve soil and improve soil fertility, cover crops are grown and maintained. Leguminous ground cover enhances the growth and yield of rubber. Common Leguminous cover crops grown in rubber plantations are Pueraria phaseoloides, Mucuna bracteata, Calopogonium mucunoides, Centrosema pubescens.

11) Mulching, shading and whitewashing: mulching or covering the plant basin with dry leaves, cover crop cuttings, grass cuttings, paddy straw etc is a recommended practice in rubber plantations to protect soil in the immediate vicinity of the plants from direct impact of heavy rains and sun light causing soil degradation. During the year of planting, young plants may be protected by shading before the beginning of summer. Plaited coconut leaves or used gunny bags can be used for this purpose. The brown bark of the young plants can be protected from the scorching action of the sun by white washing the main stem of the plant from the second year of planting. This may be continued till canopy of the plant develops and partially shades the plantation. However, plants on the roadside may need white washing for a longer period as they are more exposed to sunlight. Whitewashing can be done using lime or china clay.

12) Induction of branches: it has been observed that to achieve a high rate of girth increase the rubber plant should produce branches at a height of about 2.5 to 3.0m from the ground. In high branching trees girth increment has been found to be poor compared to low branching trees. Some plants show a tendency for high branching, particularly clones like RRIM 600 and GT 1. In such cases branching has to be induced by encouraging a few lateral buds to develop, the branches thus induced should develop in different directions  in an equally spaced manner to ensure a well balanced canopy. Techniques like the double blade ring cut device and the leaf cap method can be utilized for this. -instead a wrong way of notching the terminal bud is practiced by many in our state

13) Weed management: Weeds can be controlled by either manual methods or with the use of chemicals known as herbicides. However, an integrated method involving a combination of these two methods is more economical and eco friendly.

Harvesting in rubber can be started when 70% of the trees in a plantation have attained a girth of 50 cm at a height of 125 cm from the bud union. Tapping (harvesting in rubber) is a process of controlled wounding during which thin shavings of bark are removed. The aim of tapping is to cut open the latex vessels or remove the coagulum which blocks the cut end of the latex vessels which are concentrated in the soft bast, the inner bark layer arranged in a series of concentric rings of interconnecting vessels maximum being towards the innermost region. The best period to open trees for tapping is March-April and if some trees have been left behind for want of sufficient girth, they may be opened in September. The tapping cut of budded trees should have a slope of 30° to the horizontal running from high left to low right since the latex vessels run at an angle of 3-5° to the right. The tapping task (number of trees tapped on a day by one tapper) in India is 300-400 trees. Early morning (2:00 AM – 6:00 AM) tapping is recommended for getting good yield. Headlights can be used for visibility during early morning tapping.

For high yielding clones, the trees can be tapped on half spiral third daily (S/2 d3) system and alternate daily tapping (S/2d2) for medium yielding clones (RRIM 600, GT 1, PB 28/59 etc). Controlled Upward Tapping (CUT) may be practiced during the later stages of tapping when the economic life of the tree starts diminishing.

During rainy season, tapping can be carried out by fixing a rain guard above the tapping cut to prevent loss of tapping days and thus yield due to rain. During severe winter, re-foliation and flowering, the yield will be comparatively low. Normally the trees are given about 3-4 weeks of rest since the soil is very dry and the yield become uneconomic.

The main crop from the rubber tree is latex, a milky white dispersion of rubber in water which is harvested by tapping. Processing is done using hand operated roller machines by addition of water and acid after checking the Dry Rubber Content (DRC). The important forms in which the crop can be processed and marketed are (1) sheet rubbers (2) crepe rubbers (3) preserved field latex and latex concentrates, and (4) technically specified rubber (block rubber). Out of which sheet rubber is the most common marketable form in NE being.

The sheets after four to six hours of dripping in shade should be put in the smoke house where the temp is maintained between 40° and 60° to avoid any blisters. The completely dried sheets are graded according to the standards as per IS-15361-2003. This standard provides for six grades of ribbed smoked sheets, viz RSS 1X, RSS 1, RSS 2, RSS 3, RSS 4 and RSS 5. Now the Rubber Board sponsored Company – Manimalayar Rubbers – is helping the growers by collecting and marketing the rubber produced  until the growers are fully equipped with the market policy.

With a per capita consumption of 1.14Kg, India stands 7th in consumption in the world. With our current GDP the consumption is going to increase in the coming years. Projected consumption of NR 2025 is – 18.83 lakh MT and Projected a deficit of 2.96 lakh MT in 2025. This shows bright prospects for rubber in the state.

Rubber cultivation provides direct employment of 1000 man days per ha during immature phase and regular employment of 75 persons per 100 ha in the productive phase. Indirect employment in the area of nursery, production and distribution of plantation inputs, intercropping, rubber trading and processing, rubber wood cutting, processing of wood, furniture making etc. are also generated through rubber cultivation. Rubber wood is a high value timber. Subsidiary income through honey, rubber seeds etc are also received.

The prospects of Rubber in Arunachal Pradesh

Even though Rubber plantation was started in this state during 1979 by APFDC at Bordumsa in the district of Changlang, the cultivation of rubber in the state is still in its infancy. The agro- climatic conditions in many parts of the Arunachal Pradesh is suitable for rubber plantation. The Rubber Board has identified about 48000ha (p) of land suitable for rubber cultivation out of which only 3640ha is already planted. Balance 92.5 % of suitable and fertile land is available for planting. Rubber being a sustainable crop with a steady income can also become a livelihood to the small farmers in our state also.

Second to Iron, Rubber is the most important and sought after industrial raw material. Once enough rubber starts producing in the state, due to the availability of the raw material, whereby rubber industries can start pouring much employment for the unemployed.

Realizing the importance of this crop, Arunachal Pradesh State Government has already started its action for spreading of this crop in the state. The Hon. Chief Minister’s Mission Mode Project for Plantation Crops program envisages to plant another 4000ha in this 12th five year plan.  The Trade and Commerce Department has undergone a long way in implementing this plan. The personal interest taken by Mr. Tokong Pertin, Director, Mr. Sonyung Modi, Dy Director and their staff is highly laudable for spreading this versatile plantation crop in the state.  

Besides the encouragement from the State, the Central Government through Rubber Board provides all technical advices and guidance for planting rubber. Rupees Thirty five thousand per hectare is also given as subsidy in three installments for the first ten hectares of planting. Immediately on completion of planting operations, the application forms for subsidy have to be collected and submitted to the regional office within one year of planting before the prescribed last date. It may be noted that subsidy is given only after completing planting operations and not in advance.

In order to provide better facilities and to cater to the needs of the rubber growers, the Rubber Board under Ministry of Commerce & Industries, Govt of India has recently started its Regional Office at Zero point Itanagar (formal inauguration is yet to be done.) In addition to the field offices now working at Ruksin and Naharlagun, new field offices are also being opened at Pasighat, Namsai and Roing for the benefit of the growers. The growers can contact our office for any clarification and guidance. Regional Office, Rubber Board, GOI (Ministry of Commerce & Industry), Itanagar is located at Pertin Building, Museum Colony, Opposite Arun Subansiri Hotel, Zero Point, Itanagar. (Kuruvila Joseph is a Development Officer & Summi Doye Jamoh is a Field Officer Rubber Board Regional Office, Zero Point, Itanagar)

 

 

Education and employment avenues in library & information science

Rime M. Bagra

Down the ages, libraries have been regarded as hub of knowledge. The library and information centre’s being the repositories of knowledge, information and entertainment, are indispensable in the information age and their importance has increased manifold. With the merging of information technology with library science, the nature of libraries and the scope of their service have radically changed. The job involves wide range of reading and processing of the information content through classification, cataloguing, indexing, storing documentation, retrieving and dissemination of required information and so on.

Modern society is passing through the phase of information explosion, where information is available in print as well as in non-print media. The challenge was to manage these information which is a highly scientific task. This is where the Library & Information Science emerged as a discipline of study.

“Library and Information Science is an interdisciplinary field, that applies the practices, perspectives, and tools of management, information technology, education and other areas to libraries; the collection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information resources; and the political economy of information”. (wikipedia)

Very often library science is considered as traditional area of study and  information science is regarded as advanced field of study which deals with different aspects of information, involving application of  Information  communication technology (ICT)  in a great deal. Library & Information Science (LIS) provides education for library and information professionals. It aims at creating appropriate human resources to run the libraries and information centres as Librarians, Information officer and Documentation officer. LIS education is a life-long process which continues in the form of continuing education and staff development after initial formal education.

Courses in Library and Information Science

At present Library an Information Science courses in India are offered at six levels namely, CLISc, DLISc/DLIB/PGDLAN, BLISc, MLISc, M.Phil, Ph.D. These courses are broadly classified into semi professional and professional. Semi professional level course includes CLISc, DLISc/DLIB/PGDLAN and the professional level course includes BLISc, MLISc, M.Phil, Ph.D. Courses areas generally cover library administration, personnel management, information processing, classification, cataloguing, documentation, indexing, automation & networking, planning, budgeting & management, archive management, conservation of material, research methodology, etc. Courses offered are :-

Certificate Courses:

1.Certificate in Library & Information Science/Certificate in Library Science. (CLISc or CLIB ). Eligibility: Matric/ 10+2 or equivalent.  Duration: 3 – 6 Months

2. Certificate in ICT application in Library (CICTAL): Eligibility: 10+2 with CLISc/DLSc. Duration: 6 Months

Diploma Courses:

1. Diploma in Library & Information Science/ Diploma in Library Science ( DLISc or DLIB ). Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent. Duration: 1 Year.

2. Post Graduate Diploma in Library Automation and Networking (PGDLAN). Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree in Lib. & Inf. Sc. Duration: 1 Year.

Degree Courses:

1. Bachelor of Library & Information Science ( B.Lib.I.Sc.). Eligibility: Graduation. Duration: 1 Year

Master Degree Course:

1. Master of Library & Information Science (M.Lib.I.Sc.). Eligibility: B.Lib.I.Sc degree. Duration: 1 Year

2. Associate ship in Information Science (ALS) (Equivalent to MLISc/MLSc). Eligibility: B.Lib.I.Sc/BLSc/BE/MBBS/equivalent. Duration: 2 Years

3. M.S. in library and Information Science (M.S.(LIS). Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from recognized Indian or foreign University. Duration: 2 Years

Master of Philosophy Degree:

1. M. Phil Library & Information Science. Eligibility: M.L.I.Sc degree/ MLSc degree or equivalent. Duration: 1 Year

Doctor of Philosophy:

1. Doctor of Philosophy in Library & Information Science (Ph.D) Library & Information Science. Eligibility: MLISc / M.Phil degree / NET.  Duration: 2 - 5 Years

Eligibility:

The minimum qualification required to take up a course in Library & Information Science is XII standard for certificate and diploma courses. Graduates from any stream can go for Bachelor degree for which the duration is one year. Those with bachelor degree can further opt for Masters degree which is also of one year. Advanced studies in Library & Information Science includes M. Phil and Ph.D which can be pursued after the completion of  M.L.I.Sc. Besides this, a good librarian should have keen interest in books,  technology savvy, good communication skills, customer service attitude, good organizing skill, ability to understand users needs and must be accessible and  project  positive image.

Some of the major Institutions offering courses in Library Science

Most of the Universities in India offer Library & Information Science courses. Some of the major institutions are : Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, Allahabad University, Allahabad, UP, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, Bangalore University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, Bundelkhand University,  Jhansi, UP,  Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, Agra, UP, Dr. Harisingh Gour, University, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujrat, Gulbarga University, Gulbarga, Karnataka, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka State Women’s University, Vijayapur, Karnataka, Karnataka University, Dharwad, Karnataka, Kurukshetra University, Jind, Haryana, Lucknow University, Lucknow, UP,  Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, Manipur University, Imphal, Manipur, Mizoram University, Aizwal, Mizoram, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Panjab University,Chandigarh, Punjab, Patna University, Patna, Bihar, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University,Nagpur, Maharashtra, Sambalpur University, Sambalpur, Odisha, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati, Maharashtra, Sardar Patel University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda,Vadodara, Gujarat, The University of Burdwan,Bardhaman, West Bengal, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, University of Calicut, Calicut, Kerala, University of Delhi, Delhi, University of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, University of Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra, University of Mysore, Mysuru, Karnataka and  University of Rajasthan,  Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Universities offering LIS education in Open and Distance mode

Many universities in India offers course  in Library & Information Science through open and distance mode. Some of them are : Awadesh Pratap Singh University, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad, Telangana, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, Delhi, Karnataka State Open university, Mysore, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Nalanda Open University, Patna, Bihar, Netaji Subhas Open University, Kolkata, U.P. Rajarshi Tandon Open University, Allahabad, U.P., Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University, Kota, Rajasthan, Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Nashik, Maharashtra.

In addition to these, two national level institutions namely National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR), New Delhi and Documentation Research  & Training Centre (DRTC), Bangalore, are offering two years integrated course in associate ship in Information Science which is equivalent to MLIS and two years integrated master’s degree programme on Master of Science in Library and Information Science (MSLIS) respectively.

Career prospects and opportunities

There is lot of scope and bright career prospects for the students who are pursuing Library and Information Science as a profession. According to “U.S. News & World Report” Library and Information Science has been ranked as one of the “Best Careers of  2008”. Qualified professionals can find various job opportunities in different libraries and information centres as a teacher and as a librarian.

Following are some of the areas in academic, special, public and corporate sector  where person in this field can find employment opportunities: School, Colleges, Universities, Institutional Libraries, Research Institutions etc., Central Government Libraries, Ministries and other Government Department Libraries, State, District and Block Libraries, Museums, Archives, Art Galleries, Banks, Courts, Hospitals, Photo/Film/Radio/Television  Libraries, Media House and News Agencies, Business Houses& Large Companies and Organizations, Foreign embassies an High Commissions, Research & Development Centres like DRDO, CSIR, ICAR, ICSSR, ICHR, ICMR, ICFRE etc.  and International Centres like  UNESCO, WHO, UNO, SAARC, World Banks etc.

Type of Library Science Professionals:

Professor/Associate/Assistant Professor, Librarian, Deputy Librarian, Assistant Librarian, Director (Library), Documentation Officer, Reference Officer, Reference Librarian, Library & Information Officer, Assistant Lib. & Inf. Officer, Lib. & Inf. Assistant, Information Scientist, Knowledge Manager/Officer, Consultant, Information Executive, Information analyst, Record manager, Technical Assistant, Senior/Junior Analyst,  Junior Librarian, Cataloguer, Indexer,  Professional Assistant, Semi-Professional Assistant, Library Assistant, Library Attendant.

Remuneration

Like most other fields, the salaries of library professionals depend upon their qualifications, experience, size and nature of the hiring organizations. Person with superior records and high qualifications can achieve high position. Colleges and Universities have adopted UGC scales of pay for the library staff and are thus, comparable to those of teaching staffs. Librarians employed in government organizations like museums, archives and art galleries enjoys good  salary which are at par with  those of central government employee in ministries.  Library staffs of large central government establishment like ISRO, DRDO, CSIR  etc gets salary  scale similar to those of scientific staff.  In this age of IT revolution, person with library science degree, good academic record and adequate skills in computer and information technology can look forward to a bright and rewarding career in this profession.

To Sum up

With the National Knowledge Commission of India recommending for the formation of the National Mission on Libraries to strengthen  the library networks in India, the scope of librarianship has become brighter and  more job opportunities for library science graduates. Career in Library & Information science is multidimensional, ever growing, and bright which is significantly enriching the knowledge base of the society for prosperity and progress. With  increasing demand for libraries in government, educational, public & private sectors & organizations, person with degree in library & information science  is sure to find employment opportunities in any one of these sectors and not remain  unemployed  anymore. (The writer is a Librarian, National Museum, Janpath, New Delhi.)

2011

2010

2009

2012

2013

2014

---- Editorial ----

 

Crucial road project

India is planning to approach Bhutan for an early clearance to a crucial road passing through its territory that connects strategically important Tawang with Guwahati. Apparently the project was put on hold as Bhutan did not want to antagonize the China. If Bhutan allows construction of a 15-km road between Tashigang in its territory with Lumla in Tawang in Arunachal, Guwahati will be connected with Tawang thereby reducing 200 kilometres distance while the travel time will decrease by over six hours.

At present the distance between Tawang and Guwahati, which is the hub of Northeast, is 600 kilometres and is covered after over 16 hours of arduous road journey through Bhalukpong and Tezpur. The hilly road also includes crossing of Sela Pass which is at an altitude of about 14,000 ft and is closed in rough weather. Especially during monsoon season for days the road remains closed due to the landslide. Local people as well as army face difficult time due to road blockade. Also the frequent bandhs in the neighbouring Assam makes life miserable for the people of Tawang as well as Kameng belt. Therefore the availability of alternate road through Bhutan will immensely benefit the people of region. It will also help in expanding the border trade between India and Bhutan.

---- Readers Forum ----

 

Improve sports facilities

Dear Editor,

Through the esteem columns of your newspaper  I wish to draw the attention of the govt. of  Arunachal Pradesh to focus more on games and sports in entire Arunachal Pradesh.

We know that our Arunachalees are very talented in games & sports but due to lack of facilities and poor condition of the family and ignorance about the importance of sports, our people have no chance to prove themselves.

Sainal Nehwal became the world no.1 in badminton.  At home there is shuttler Laa Talar who has done well and there are weightlifters, karate, archers etc. We are progressing well even though many are unaware about sports, therefore, I would like to request the govt. of Arunachal to focus on games and sports and provide facilities.

If more facility are provided and awareness spread, I am sure lots of our people will shine at national and international events if facilities are granted.

Yours,

Nayor Nilling

Govt. Engineering College,

Bhuj-Gujarat

 

 

 

Health department need urgent revamp

Dear Editor,

It was very encouraging to read the article titled "AP state hospital in deplorable condition". I would like to appreciate the courage of the writer, for taking up such an important issue which the people of AP are suffering every day. During my vacation, I went to the same hospital for a treatment. After a doctor had checked me, he wrote his prescription and asked me to undertake two tests and further added that don't take the tests in the hospital as it will take weeks to get the result. Instead he asked me to take tests at nearby "Diagnostic Centre" stating that I will get results in an hour. This is the state of affairs of our hospitals.

In the hospital pharmacy, most of the medicines are unavailable and even if available they are of low quality. Crores of money is spent every year for buying of free medicines but medicines are rarely available in our hospitals. I visited a doctor of Govt. hospital in my home district Kurung Kumey; surprisingly he was charging Rs10/- per patient for his service. I also visited a hospital in the same district, where a large hospital building was standing alone for years without any doctors, nurses and patients. This is an example where hospital projects are carried out just for ministers, officers and contractors to make money and not to serve people. There might be many more such interesting stories about our hospitals in various districts, which can be only known when common people write about them. Arunachal state hospital at Naharlagun has been sanctioned to become a medical college with huge investments. In order to gain personal benefits from the project, the project work was granted to some contractor without going through the tendering system as required by the central government. But, when the work had started, some insider whistle blower made the matter known to the court and the work is pending, because of which common people are suffering. Moreover, the quality of such work would definitely be poor and people would always remain sick. God only knows how many such corruptions are going on in our health department? If some NGOs or journalists could investigate and file RTI, then only the common people can know the true state of AP health department. The web portal of the health department does not show the account details of their expenditure; it has barely any useful information. It would be very amazing to know that primary health centers in the capital complex are disproportionately crowded with doctors, while there is hardly any doctor in so many other district hospitals. But, if one goes to these primary health centers, hardly any doctor can be found. For sure, our health system is also in chaos. Through this news paper, I would like to request the Health minister to improve the AP health system for the common people who elected them. Like electricity, good health is one of our basic needs, which we the common people of AP should aspire and demand for ourselves and for our coming generation. Otherwise, we have to spend our savings for treatment in various hospitals of Guwahati, Delhi, Chennai etc.

Yours,

Takam Tadar,

Delhi University, Delhi

 

 

 

Destroying ATMs

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, may I draw the attention of the concerned authorities regarding  damaged ATM counters around the Capital Complex.

It was in those olden days, we used to make a long queue to withdraw even a small amount from the Bank. We had then no choice but to stand sweating for hours at the bank thinking- Counter-wala your typing speed is too slow, please make it fast! Today, we withdraw money whenever we want-be it at dawn or nightfall irrespective of office hours. It is because of the revolution of Automated Teller Machine (ATM). The ATM is meant for the easy   financial transactions anytime. This is a great success of the Technology which needs to respected and taken care of by every citizen of the world.

To my intense dislike, I noticed about 90% of the ATMs around the Capital Complex are being sabotaged by reckless and lunatic drunkards. And I don’t see any security guards nearby it. To those who love to destroy public properties, please, stop it; this is your property too.

We should appreciate the work of concerned authorities who had installed ATM wherever it is required. This development is ours not UFO’s so why damage it which is substantial for us.

I often get infuriated whenever I visit those ATMs by seeing its transparent mirror doors being kicked down to thousands of pieces, its ceiling broken and sometimes these miscreants spit tamul paan at the screen of ATM. Yuck!!!  Which is, should I say, inhuman behavior of them.

I don’t know what the intentions of these Queer Fishes are. Are they trying to prove their strength? Or they are doing it for fun. Whatever it is, it’s not good. They’re digging our people’s reputation. This is a crime and such criminals should be given exemplary punishment. This total anarchy around here tells us there are still few uncivilized spirits wandering  in the streets of  Itanagar and Naharlagun, who needs to be taught the Moral Science we studied in Class-I.

On the other hand, the concerned authorities of ATMs seem to be in a relax mode, waiting for a complaint to be lodged. What’s the use of Web Cam in ATM? It is not only meant for identifying the ones trying to steal from it, it is also meant for the ones who destroy it.

Therefore, I am drawing the attention of the concerned authorities to put on some law and order and the responsible public to cooperate with them regarding the security of public properties in the capital Complex.

Yours,

Bamang Taba

 

 

 

The Pre paid system to affect poor people

Dear Editor,

Through your esteem daily, I would like to write about the installation of pre paid metres by the power department of Arunachal Pradesh. Actually we all know that this pre paid system is 100% right, for the interest of the consumer. People can easily estimate the consumption. No confusion and no doubt, the revenue collection from the consumer will help raise the income of the department and state government. But until and unless, the management is checked properly it may have no worth.

I think the state government is giving extra headache to poor people who don’t have regular income. If you want to install metering system, start with industries, business centre and big building /business community who are major power consumer.

In this regard, I would like to suggest that the department of power should improve the system and see the welfare of the down trodden poor people as well as students.

Most of the students are staying in rented houses, coming from far every state and district to pursue higher education in capital complex. As per the direction of power department, all the owners of the houses have forcefully started to install separate pre paid meter against each room. Those who belong to poor background, it becomes very difficult to pay the bill on time as well as in advance.

So I hope and wish that the department of power will look into the pre paid meter with outmost care without hurting the sentiments and lowering the bill of per unit.

Yours,

Topan Rimo

MA Mass Comm

Rajiv Gandhi University

 

 

************************************

 

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

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

All rights reserved.