April 11
Arunachal lifters win medal at Youth World Weightlifting Championship
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: Upcoming lifters of Arunachal Pradesh Jimjang Deru and Lalu Taku representing India for the first time at Youth World Weightlifting Championships in Lima, Peru, have won one bronze medal each in clean and jerk in their respective weight categories.
Jimjang Deru lifted 135 Kgs in below 56 kg category while Lalu Taku lifted a total of 246 kgs (Snatch: 107 kg, Clean & Jerk 139 Kg) in below 62 Kg weight categories, informed Arunachal Weightlifting Association. India finished seventh in the championship.
Kabak Kampu FC play Re-
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: Kabak Kampu FC will play against Re-
Kabak Kampu FC entered into the final defeating Palin United FC 2-
Michi Bhai and Tamuk Taja scored one goal each for Kabak Kampu FC while the lone goal for Palin United FC was scored by Kioda Tamo.
For Re-
RGU postpones exam
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: Rajiv Gandhi University Examination for Undergraduate courses scheduled on 13 April 2015 has been postponed. The next date for the particular examination shall be notified later. The university cited administrative reasons for the postponement of the exam.
Governor, CM greet people on Pongtu
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Lt. Gen (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma and Chief Minister Nabam Tuki have extended warm greetings to the people of the state on the festive occasion of 'Pongtu'.
The Governor wished that the prayers and offerings on the occasion invoke the blessings of Almighty for a bumper harvest and security of the crops against natural calamities.
I join all my Tutsa brethren in offering prayers to Almighty for his choicest blessings, the Governor said in his festival greetings.
CM Nabam Tuki has also expressed joy and wished everybody on the festive occasion of Pongtu, one of the most important festivals of Tutsa community.
Extending greetings to members of the Tutsa community, Tuki reiterated his call for all to join the celebration irrespective of community and religion and express solidarity with their Tutsa brethrens. "Festivals not only preserve our rich and distinct culture but also plays the pivotal role of strengthening the bond between different communities of our distinct state," he said.
The Chief Minister expressed faith that the celebration would usher a bumper harvest and prosperity for people of the state.
Met dept seeks airport land
Yupia, Apr 10: A meeting was held between the Papum Pare DC Tai Kaye, officers of Indian Meteorological Department and District Land and Revenue Settlement Officer regarding the requirement of land at the proposed Airport for the Meteorological department.
Director, Aviation, Indian Meteorological Department apprised the Deputy Commissioner about the ongoing and proposed activities of Meteorological Department in the State of Arunachal Pradesh and impressed upon the requirement of two hectares of land within the perimeter of Green Field Airport for setting up of Aviation Meteorological office, Meteorological Centre residential complex and observatory.
Vivek Sinha, Director, Aviation Services reiterated that the land requirement is essential for setting up Meteorological Centre facilities. He further pointed out that similar facility has been provided to Meteorological department at all other State Capitals and the Meteorological Centre located within the perimeter of Airport State Capital Airports.
Sinha offered to provide related Meteorological data which may be required to examine the issue of flood along the Kokila and Hollongi rivers.
DLR&SO Techi Hitlar suggested that as per the Master Plan of Airport, the State Govt. can consider allotment of required land to India Meteorological Department.
The Deputy Commissioner called for inclusion of the proposal in the Master Plan of the Airport.
Ban gambling during Longte Festival
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: The Central Longte Festival Celebration Committee (CLCC) in a representation to the Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner requested him to impose complete ban on gambling and other allied activities during Longte festival celebration.
The committee said that encouraging gambling and setting up of food stalls for commercial
purpose during festival hampers socio-
The people should be involved in sacred rituals but gambling and other allied activities should not be the motive of the celebration, the committee said.
Bandh called off
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: All Palin Chambang Yangte Gangte and Tarak Langdi Students Union
has called off its proposed 24 bandh on 13 April next following a meeting with PHE
Minister Takam Pario on 7th April last. The union had demanded for electrification
of Langdang village under RGGVY scheme, shifting of forest beat office from Gai-
DC holds coordination meeting on disaster management
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: East Siang Deputy Commissioner Nidhi Srivastava today called upon all the stakeholders to be prepared and keep extra vigil to minimize the possible impact of disaster.
Addressing a coordination meeting of the District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) here today, she said that the committee will be the epicenter of all activities during any disaster. "All have to work in tandem and in a coordinated manner for which easy communication is must," she added.
She also informed that safe shelters have been identified and a team of volunteers is being prepared to help at the time of need.
Through a power point presentation the DC briefed about impact of disaster and post disaster management. She also took stock of the preparedness of all departments & institution for better understanding and proper awareness. The DC assured that combine mock drill will be arranged.
Ruchika Katyal, ADC who is also the Incident Commander of Incident Response Team
wanted proper planning and co-
Kaling Dai ZPC appealed the house to response to the call of the rural people and also create more awareness amongst the rural masses. DIPRO
ATA clarifies
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: The Arunachal Teachers' Association (ATA) CEC has described the allegation of collection/deduction of salaries from Group 'D' contingency staff as unfortunate and said that it is without any iota of truth.
Reacting to the press statement of Arunachal Pradesh Elementary Teachers Association
(APETA) claiming that ATA CEC had issued a circular to all the DDSEs and DPOs of
the districts to deduct Rs 1000 each from contingency, D-
Giving clarifications in detailed, the ATA (CEC) said that it had received numerous written and verbal requests from Group 'D' contingency staffs who sought cooperation under the larger banner to address their grievances with the authority. Thus, acknowledging the appeals made by the contingency staffs the president, ATA (CEC) constituted a committee to look into the genuine grievances placed by the desponded contingency staffs. Subsequently, the Committee served a letter through all the DDSE's to collect/deduct contribution 'only from interested' contingency staffs to carry out the activities of the Committee for their cause. But, due to some unavoidable circumstances the ATA (CEC) suspended the activities of the Committee for indefinite period."
The ATA cautioned the APETA to refrain from making press statement without verifying facts.
All new PSs in Changlang made functional
CHANGLANG, Apr 10: All the new Police stations at Namtok, Nampong, Miao, Yatdam and Khimyang in Changlang district have been made functional with formal inauguration of the last two police stations at Namtok and Nampong on April 8 and 9 by Changlang Superintendent of Police.
While inaugurating the PS at Namtok, the SP advised the Officer-
At Nampong Police Station, the SP hoped the opening of the Police Station will ensure better law and order and prevent crimes. DIPRO
DC planning to plant 5 lakh trees in Daporijo
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: While participating in the avenue plantation in the complex of Menle Botom Tourist Lodge at Daporijo recently, Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner said that he will pursue with the State Government for providing 5 lakh saplings for plantation in Daporijo town area and various colonies under the district administration's Clean and Green Daporijo," agenda.
The plantation programme was organized by managing director of the tourist lodge Dosh Dasi in collaboration with Department of Environment & Forest, Upper Subansiri with the theme "Green Daporijo".
Daporijo MLA Dikto Yekar, DFO T Bui, SP Taru Gusar, Tamin Welfare Society Chairman, Nada Ngute, BDO Payeng, Sadung Gyadu also attended the programme and planted trees.
Birthday of father of homeopathy celebrated
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: The 259th birthday of Dr. Samuel Christian Fredrich Hahnemann, father of Homeopathy, was celebrated as World Homoeopathy Day by Dawn Breaker Homoeopathic Forum (DBHF) along with H5 Classical Homoeopathy Clinic.
A team of DBHF and others visited the "Mothers' Home" at Lekhi village and conducted
a free health check-
In the evening, DBHF members along with the senior homoeopaths of Capital complex Dr. Animesh Mukherjee, Dr. B.C Singh and Dr. A Khan, lecturers of N.E Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital at H5 classical Homoeopathy Clinic paid homage to Dr. Samuel Christian Fredrich Hahnemann. They shared their views on the present status and growth of Homoeopathy in the Capital region and state as a whole.
During the programme, senior doctors encouraged the junior homoeopaths and resolved to work together.
Poisoned vultures released to wild
SIVASAGAR, Apr 10: In a joint operation with the Assam Forest Department, IFAW-
On March 7, the CWRC-
Dr Boruah said, "Until and unless the significance of vultures is understood by the locals, it would be very hard to keep this endangered species from going extinct.
"This year alone, nearly 200 vultures have succumbed to carcass poisoning by locals in different parts of Assam," he said.
A team of forest officials led by the DFO Naba Kumar Malakar released the vultures
jointly with the IFAW-
Forest authorities also conducted awareness programmes for villagers in adjoining areas to make people understand the importance of vulture conservation.
Association asks Govt to release salary
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: All Arunachal Pradesh Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Assistant Teachers Association (AAPSSAATA) today urged the Chief Minister to release the pending teachers' salaries. In a representation submitted to the CM, the association also demanded for timely disbursement of the monthly salary. It stated that the untimely release of salary creates a lot of problems for a teacher's family. AAPSSAATA further asked the CM to enhance teacher salaries and regularise SSA teachers at one go.
APLS to confer Karmveer Award on former CM
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society will confer Karmveer Award on former chief minister late Dorjee Khandu in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the state and its people to earn the Honorius of 'Laughing Buddha', coinciding with its 9th foundation day on April 12 next.
Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, who has consented to be the chief guest, will give away the honour to late Khandu's eldest son and Tourism Minister Pema Khandu at a function at Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum here.
State's noted literary personalities Oshong Ering, Takhe Kani and Sherphow Nimachow will be felicitated on the occasion followed by Rainbow, Kavisammelan that would see young and old poets to prove their creative skill and hold discussion over literature.
APLS president and Sahitya Academy awardee Y D Thongchi, instrumental in forming the society, has been serving as a platform to promote budding talents of the state and creative writers.
Fire devours 2 houses
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: Two dwelling houses were gutted in a devastating fire that broke out at Gida village under Nyobia circle on April 7.
Household properties, including valuables like local ornaments of the victims were lost in the fire. However, there was no report of any human casualty.
Meanwhile, Nyobia Youth Association of Nyobia circle has strongly appealed to the concern authorities for providing immediate relief and assistance to the victims for their quick rehabilitation. The Association also requested the Sangram SDO, who is also the Circle Officer of Nyobia to assess the properties lost or damaged lost in the fire accident for compensation.
Agri Director denies allegation
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: The Director of Agriculture has denied the allegation leveled against him by AAHCSHWA which appeared in this daily today.
Terming the allegation as false and without iota of truth, the Director said that the department is strictly following the decentralized purchase policy of the govt. in a fair and transparent manner. In regards to missing of office file on chemical fertilizer act, the Director clarified that the file got misplaced somewhere on its route from FD to the Directorate. He, however, said that all efforts are being made to locate/trace the missing file.
He also denied any kind of misuse of power and position and misappropriation of govt. land.
DC directs HODs to gear up for Monsoon related disaster
AALO, Apr 10: West Siang Deputy commissioner Pige Ligu has issued directives to all line departments to take all precautionary measures, like sufficient stocking of essential commodities, food and medicines and review departmental contingency plan on disaster management to deal with any disaster during the monsoon.
The preparedness is very necessary due to problems, like landslide, flood, erosions and water loggings etc. that may occur during monsoon disrupting surface communication, telecommunication, water and power supply, the DC said. DIPRO
News Impact
Deal effectively with terrorism, Centre will withdraw AFSPA: Centre’s diktat to Tuki govt
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: If the Govt of Arunachal feels that it can effectively deal with the terrorists on its own and is not in favour of Central intervention, Ministry of Home Affairs will immediately withdraw the extension of AFSPA along with the additional forces deployed in affected areas, said Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju.
It has been observed that splinter groups of insurgents, particularly NDFB(S) and ULFA (I) have not only been using Arunachal Pradesh as a transit to Myanmar but also taking sanctuary in the bordering districts of the State with Assam beyond the 20 km belt declared disturbed along the border with Assam, the minister said. As a result, security forces have been finding it increasingly difficult to act against them, even if they know their whereabouts, he added.
The State government does not seem to be comfortable with this measure while at the same time the State police have not proved to be effective in dealing with these terrorists, Kiren added.
Under the circumstances, the Ministry of Home Affairs is left with no alternative but to ask the State government as to what alternative would they like so that the national and internal security is not compromised and innocent peace loving citizens of Arunachal are not unnecessarily affected, the minister added in his statement.
Declaration of the districts bordering Assam, in Arunachal Pradesh, as disturbed has been made with the sole purpose of enabling the forces to chase and arrest these terrorists and insurgents irrespective of the distance they cover in Arunachal Pradesh for a limited period till these violent Assam based groups are neutralised, the minister further added.
Taking note of the voice of serious discontentment among the people of the state, he further said that 20 km border belt between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh was already declared a disturbed area since long time due to various terrorist and insurgent groups operating in Assam.
The minister further said that he has directed the concerned officials of his Ministry to obtain other alternative measure from the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
PPA files petition before Assembly Speaker against 5 MLAs
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: The People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) today filed petition before state legislative Assembly Speaker Nabam Rebia under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution seeking disqualification of its five former MLAs for deserting the party in December last year.
Five PPA MLAs -
"The entire process of merger was completed in a single day by the Speaker without following laid down procedures," PPA president Kahfa Bengia told reporters here.
Bengia, who filed the petition, said the party would soon file a writ petition against the Assembly Speaker for violating the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. He said the party after apprehending such a move had earlier served intimation to the Speaker not to entertain any merger.
The Speaker, instead of observing the laid down constitutional provisions, admitted the MLAs into the Congress party and issued a bulletin on the same day, he said.
"The way in which the Speaker anointed the five MLAs as Congress members in connivance with Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, had defeated the Tenth Schedule," PPA secretary general Kaling Jerang said.
Terming defections as a "chronic disease" of the state, Ringu said because of defections regional political parties cannot grow in the state.
"The merger was a pre-
During the Rajya Sabha elections last year, the PPA MLAs supported Congress candidate Mukut Mithi disregarding party instruction, he added. PTI
Orgs criticize Centre’s AFSPA move
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: Organisations have vehemently condemned the extension of Armed Force Special Power Act (AFSPA) to 12 districts of Arunachal Pradesh by the central government for one year.
The imposition of the Arms Forces Special Powers Act by the Ministry of Human Affairs contradicts the recent commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Itanagar to develop this neglected Himalayan state within the next five years, said Arunachal Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ACCI).
Who would visit the state when the Ministry of Home Affairs officials are reportedly informing a global news agency about 'shoot to kill' rule have been extended to the state, ACCI said.
Union MoS (Home) Kiren Rijiju who should be privy to the information needs to explain to the people being the state representative and take steps to roll back the move before more damage is caused, the press statement added.
All Arunachal Pradesh Border Students Union (AAPBSU) said extension of the Act to 12 districts is a curtailment of democratic rights of the people of the state and violation of the rights of indigenous people, and demanded the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs to repeal the Act to save the innocent civilians from the scourge of the draconian law. "The main objective of the Act is to deal with banned outfits/ insurgency groups but there is no any such banned groups functioning in our state barring few districts," the union said.
AAPBSU strongly demanded the state government to deploy adequate police forces in
highly sensitive areas along Assam-
"It is the sole responsibility of the state government to tackle any law and order situation of the state," added the union.
Stating that the Arunachal Pradesh does not require Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), the Adi Students Union (AdiSU) today said that Centre's decision to implement AFSPA is a forceful attempt of the Centre to slaughter the democracy and vitiate peaceful atmosphere of Arunachal Pradesh.
Expressing surprise over the Centre's move, the AdiSU questioned how the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) could take the decision without consulting with the state government.
APCTA to boycott exams on April 13
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: The Arunachal Pradesh College Teachers Association (APCTA) has decided to boycott the examination duty on 13th April to protest against the horrific assault on Assistant Professor Dr. KK Rai.
Addressing media persons at Arunachal Press Club today, the members of APCTA led by its president Dr. Jommi Loyi shared the pain and anguish over such repeated assault on teaching communities by their own students.
On 7th April Dr. Rai was assaulted by one Ngurang Tati, a first year student for not allowing him to cheat in the exam. Yesterday evening another teacher was assaulted at JN College, Pasighat.
"Such incidents keep on occurring during exam, admission and student union election. The latest incident has deeply hurt all of us. Unfortunately maximum number of assaults on teachers takes place in Dera Natung Govt. College. Ninety percent of students are well behaved and sincere but few of them create nuisance and they need to be punished for such heinous crime," said Dr Bijay Raji, General Secretary APCTA. He also added that despite writing to the district administration they don't get proper cooperation from them. "Police personnel and magistrates are not deputed on regular basis. DA gives us excuse about lack of police personnel," said Dr Raji.
APCTA president Dr Jommi Loyi stated that these days' college teachers are treated as punching bag by their own students. "Even though we are trying to help secure the future of students, we get treated like this. As the accused has been arrested by Itanagar police, we appeal all unions be it area, community or state level not to interfere in this case and let law take its own course. We also feel very sad when students get arrested but wrongdoer should be punished to send strong message," said Dr Loyi.
Further he added, "We want expulsion of the accused from RGU as per university ordinance. Also just simple arrest will not do and the accused should be properly punished for committing such dastardly act. We seek cooperation from everyone especially from the people of the state in our fight to seek justice." IPR Secretary of APCTA and assistant professor of DNGC, Tao Abo called for frisking of students during examination time to avoid such incidents. "Police officials should conduct frisking of students for atleast two years and after that we can carry it forward. Also 5 years punishment should be given to those students who assault teachers on duty. RGU along with director of higher and technical education department should help us in this regard," said Abo.
APCTA member and assistant professor, T Riba Jomoh urged parents to keep tab of their wards activities. "Their duty does not end by just getting children admitted into a college. They need to give them proper education about need to respect elders and teachers. We trust our students very much and therefore when they misbehave, first of all it shocks us and then we get depressed," said Riba.
Assaulter arrested
The Itanagar police today arrested one Ngurang Tati, who is accused of assaulting assistant professor Dr KK Rai in the Dera Natung Government College campus. He was arrested from nearby Poma by a police team led by SDPO Techi Hanyir. Police team was helped by the members of All Papum Pare District Students Union (APPDSU) led by President Teli Duli in nabbing the accused.
Police has registered a case against him under section 341/353 IPC at Itanagar police station.
Formidable Gill retains the Festival of Speed title
[ Amar Sangno & Minkeng Osik ]
DIRANG, April 10: Defending Champion Gaurav Gill has retained the title of JK Tyre Arunachal Festival of Speed 2015 in Hill Climb (the last stage of the competition) held at Runja Village, Sangti Pudung, Dirang on Thursday. With this title, Guarav has consecutively won two titles in a row. Gaurav had been maintaining the lead in combine class such as Auto Cross, Sprint and Hill Climb.
Trophy with cash prizes were given away by Colonel Somal 28th Madras Regiment during a glittering prize distribution ceremony held later in the evening at Lopon Stadium, Dirang.
Sashid Singha finished at second spot in overall performance while Fillipo Mathai of Delhi in 3rd place and Kamlesh Das of Assam in 4th Jitu Kalita of Arunachal at 5th place respectively. In the 1600 CC class category, Gaurav again took finished at top spot followed by Fillipos Mathai and Dewilson Lingdoh as second and third. In 2000 CC class Kevinporo was adjudged first and Stephen Shimdly as second.
Deviraj Chaudhry was chosen winner for Diesel Class, while in SUV class Sashid Singha was chosen winner and Kamlesh Das and Gaurav Gill as second and third. In other categories like Quad Class, Andriam Saikia bagged the first prize and Zibbolang Wallang got the second prize and Ausid Chako and Hage Bitu shared the third prize.
Kamlesh Das, Anguro Sekei and Jitu Kalita were given first, second and third prize
in North-
Local MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary Phurpa Tsering in his address appealed to the organisers to continue the event and opined that the event would be more colourful if it coincides with Lossar. ADC Dirang Dakbom Riba and Binay Oberoi an IAS officer were among others present in the closing ceremony.
More than 10 racing cars broke down after the Hill Climb race. Later a rock show managed by Running Primates enthralled the spectators and drivers.
Coordination meeting discusses academic progress in East Kameng
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: A review cum coordination meeting under the chairmanship of the
DDSE Seppa was held at BRC Seppa on April 7. The BEOs, BRCCs CRCCs and district coordinators
of SSA & RMSA programme attended the meeting wherein the subjects related to academic
progress of the year 2014-
While presenting the brief accounts of the academic progress of the schools under their jurisdiction, the BEOs/BRCCs/CRCCs disclosed the problems and issues faced by them in implementation of the programme of SSA and sought proper suggestion from the District Mission Authorities.
Speaking on the occasion, Kata Rangmo, DDSE cum DPO, SSA & DPC RMSA, while lauding
the role of all the functionaries of the department for successful completion of
the academic session 2014-
"The team spirit should be maintained at every level. The department is doing well as per report from every corner due to our continuous efforts and credit goes all BEOs, BRCCs and CRCCs and others," he said.
He said that "due to poor or no enrolment in the schools the proposal for closure of defunct schools will be done on the basis of the report/suggestion in written form from the PRI members, GBs, local villagers etc if necessary, though the RTE does not allow to close down the school if there is low enrolment."
DDSE further said that the irregular teachers will be transferred out from the block as per proposal received from the block. The decision taken at block level will be final and binding if suited to initiate action. He instructed to resolve the problem of field functionaries at Block level which may arise due to misunderstanding and communication gap.
Informing that the problems of the accommodation at the posting places of the field
functionary will be solved with the help of the district administrative, he called
for completion of civil works for the years 2015-
The DDSE-
The house also unanimously decided to implement all ongoing flagship programmes of the department of education in letter and spirit.
Earlier, Ashing Lamgu BEO (Estt.) requested to all field functionaries to submit
MPR, QPR, report on MDM, stipend and teachers performance reports along with follow
up action. He further called for immediate submission of teachers list for inter-
B Dada, CRC and president ATA (EKDU) submitted proposals to meet up the school expenditure where enrolment goes beyond 300 and above as the maintenance and school grant is too meagre to meet up the annual expenditure.
Dali Tajo, BEO Chayang Tajo requested to issue necessary office materials to Chayang Tajo Education office. Among others Sankoli Taffo, DPC (SSA) also spoke on the occasion.
Avenue plantation at SAGY villages
ROING, Apr 10: Avenue plantation was carried out at Mayu-
Rajya Sabha Member Mukut Mithi and Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Shiv Kumar inaugurated the plantation programme by planting saplings of avenue plant in the premises of the Multipurpose Community Hall in the morning.
While interacting with the PRI leaders and villagers of the SAGY village, Mithi called
upon the villagers to develop the villages under Mayu-
After receiving complaint of potable drinking water problem in the Kera-
Deputy Commissioner Shiv Kumar asked the villagers to form a committee wherein the
District Art & Cultural Officer, Roing would be a member to look after the maintenance
of the Multipurpose Community Hall. He informed the villagers that proposals for
upgradation of Mayu-
On the occasion, More Linggi, EE (PHED) assured to construct a toilet for Rekoh at
Kera-
District Planning Officer, M Dirchi has highlighted the activities so far taken up under the SAGY and informed that every activity under SAGY will be implemented transparently with the involvement of villagers in the programme.
Sports item like Volleyballs with nets were distributed to the villagers on the occasion.
Tage Tado, PD, DRDA, Raju Mipi, DSO, PRI leaders and villagers participated in the avenue plantation programme which will be continued in the village. DIPRO
Tuki calls for restoration of 90:10 funding pattern for CSS
NEW DELHI, Apr 10: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today called for continuation of the Special Status accorded to states like Arunachal Pradesh and restoration of the funding pattern of 90:10 for CSS.
While attending the 64th Plenary of North Eastern Council (NEC) at New Delhi, Tuki stressed those critical windows of Plan fund (NCA, SCA, SPA and ACA) must be continued in some form for some more time for Special Category states till they reach a critical threshold of development and become competitive enough.
Zeroing in on the role of NEC since NITI Aayog has provision for Regional Councils, Tuki questioned the future of NEC and its role. He pointed that majority of NEC's efforts and times are consumed in issues like project selection, evaluation, sanction, monitoring etc.
With the recent replacement of the Planning Commission with the NITI Aayog and a shift in the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission, Tuki reiterated that the role of NEC in the changed scenario be revisited. He opined that role of NEC as the Regional Planning Body should assume primacy more than anything else.
With the coming in of NITI Aayog there has been a fundamental shift in the way plan resources are allocated to the states, Tuki pointed out. In this changed scenario, the most affected are the Special Category States (SCS), which were fully dependant on Planning Commission in steering development endeavours, he said.
While welcoming the 14th Finance Commission recommendations for increase in vertical share of the states by 10% (from 32% to 42%) Tuki expressed concern over the revamped Central Plan Assistance.
He said as many as 10 Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) have been delinked which includes NCA, SCA, SPA and ACA that formed a major chunk of Plan fund for the Special Category States. Further, the sharing pattern in 13 critical schemes is being proposed to be changed and as such the Special Category States, which enjoyed the 90:10 pattern of funding, will suffer.
"To complicate the matters, the funding has been consistently reduced with a shortfall
of 13.71% (4th-
He submitted that NEC must focus on its prime role as the Regional Planning Body,
be the repository of knowledge for the region, a centre of excellence for research,
give policy recommendations to the Union Govt as well as the member states. The plan
fund allocated to the Council can be suitably utilised for capacity building-
Public hearing conducted amid protest
SEPPA, Apr 10: The public hearing on Social Impact Assessment and Social Impact Management Plan for onward grant of environmental clearance of the Phanchung Hydro Electric Project (45 MW), proposed to be developed by M/s CESC Ltd., was conducted by Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB) along with East Kameng district administration amid protest from Immediate Downstream Affected People's Forum (IDAPF) of Pachi at Pachi Camp yesterday.
IDAPF staged dharna opposing the project before conduct of the hearing. The protesters expressed serious concern over impact of the project on environment, human settlement, influx of criminals in guise of laborers, and social issues that may come up during the project implementation.
"We are not against any developmental project in the area but such development should not be at the cost of people and the environment, said IDAPF Chairman Lota Singhi.
"Two dams in a span of 1 km in such a small area is really not feasible," he opined.
A report on Social Impact Assessment, carried out by the SIA team of the district administration, was briefed to the people by W. Mossang, CO cum Head, SIA Team.
According to a DIPRO report, there were also villagers, who have supported the project and requested to the fellow villagers to join hands in the path of development. They are even ready to donate their lands for the sake of the development provided the company will fulfill all the demands of the villagers such a fair and adequate compensation, enhancement of provision for local area development under CSR, job reservation and others.
Addressing the public hearing, the president of the project clarified that the proposed project is not a dam and there is no provision for storage rather it is a run of the river project. Therefore, there is no question of any disaster.
Talking about fear of fishes diminishing in the minds of the local people, he informed that minimum water flow level provision has been kept even in the lean season. As far as the rehabilitation and resettlement is concerned, he has further assured that the company will take care of every aspect and will take every view and suggestion put placed by the people.
Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar Singh, who presided over the public hearing said
that in a democracy there should be constructive opposition for a better outcome.
He urged upon the company to delineate every aspect of the project and come up with
a ground-
Further, he asked the company to take every stakeholder's emotion and demand into account in the process of development. He further cautioned the company that in the event of any eventualities the company will be the sole responsible for all liabilities. He has assured the people that every aspect regarding project will be thoroughly analyzed before any follow up action is taken. He urged the villagers to cooperate in the development of the area.
of Walnut in Arunachal
Mein for constitution of forum to take up walnut cultivation
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: Inaugurating a two days national level seminar on promotion of walnut in Arunachal Pradesh, Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry Chowna Mein emphasized the need for constituting a forum/Association comprising horticulture ministers, member of parliaments and speakers of Himalayan states to take up walnut cultivation and problem faced by farmers.
Walnut and other Nut Fruit Growers Association of India (WANGAI) President, KC Pandey encouraged the farmers to take up walnut cultivation in the state and requested the state government to distribute planting materials to farmers free of cost and to develop a Mother plant orchard of walnut since the availability of planting material is very limited in India.
Dr. W. Sevamurty, Former Chief Comptroller, DRDO, Chairman ASTIF and DG, ADSI, AUUP,
has assured the Department to provide technical know-
The seminar is organized by Amity University in collaboration with Walnut and other Nut Fruit Growers Association of India (WANGAI) and Directorate of Horticulture under Mission for Integrated development of Horticulture (MIDH), GoAP.
All the DHOs and HDOs from various district and farmers from temperate zone area like Tawang, West Kameng, Lower Subansiri, Upper Siang, West Siang, Dibang Valley and Anjaw attended the seminar.
‘Where have all the flowers gone?’
A three day long festival of Music and Arts
ITANAGAR, Apr 10: 'Where Have All The Flowers Gone?' is a festival conceived by Akhu
Chingangbam, singer/songwriter and lead vocalist of Imphal Talkies, and event co-
'Where Have All The Flowers Gone?' (A song by Pete Seeger), is a three day long festival of music and arts inspired by the music and environmental activism of the late American folk singer Pete Seeger who passed away in January 2014.
3rd May will be Pete Seeger's 96th birth anniversary and organizers wish to commemorate the day by carrying out activities he held close to his heart and fundamental to protection and preservation of our environment.
Indian singer/songwriter Susmit Bose, who has been a friend of Late Pete Seeger,
will spearhead the musical evening at the venue. Susmit Bose is known for his songs
dealing with social issues, human rights, global peace and non-
The festival will also host Forest Man of India, Jadav Payeng-
The festival will not only provide a platform to the youth of Manipur to express themselves through various forms of art, but also give an opportunity to infuse a sense of environmental awareness in the hearts and minds of the people who will be gathered there, said Akhu Chingangbam in a statement.
Tree plantation, Bicycle rally to promote clean environment and spread awareness about environmental issues, Painting competition for school children, Art Installation/Photography and Painting are some of the high lights of the event apart from music concert.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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Take strong measures
Every year during college examination and student union election, the teaching faculties of the various colleges of Arunachal becomes unfortunate target of the student. With each passing year, the number of assault cases on college teacher is increasing and it is a matter of deep concern. Very recently Dr KK Rai, an assistant professor of Dera Natung Govt. College was brutally assaulted by his own student. Dr Rai was only perfuming his duty by not allowing the accused student to cheat during exam.
Sadly he had to heavy price for sincerely doing his duty. This is not the first time such incidents have happened. In the past also many lecturers was assaulted but no concrete punishment has been given to any accused so far. Unfortunately in some instance no police complaints were lodged and therefore it was never reported in media too. Such incidents have emboldened the criminal minded students. Besides giving strong punishment in the form of jail term, such students should be expelled from university. Unless strong measures are adopted the instances of assault on teachers will continue.
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The reasons I support AFSPA
Dear Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I would like to express my view on the matter of imposition of AFSPA in 12 districts in Arunachal Pradesh bordering Assam & Myanmar.
High decibel hue & cry is being heard from hundreds of both conspicuous & inconspicuous organizations across the state against the imposition of Armed Force Special Power Act which gives special power to Armed Forces as the name itself suggests. Such a reaction raises several questions in my mind of which few are tormenting my mind & I cannot hold back.
My first question to them is that do they know that AFSPA is already invoked in several districts of Arunachal Pradesh since several years and everything is going on smoothly, at least till today. I have worked in Tirap & Changlang for more than 6 years but never heard of any excesses done by Army in the pretext of AFSPA. I would like to relate an event when 4 Bodo militants were killed by army in the jungles of Deka Village under East Siang District. The army requested the villagers to carry the dead bodies of the slain militants up to roadside but the villagers refused to do so sighting social taboo and army never asked the villagers for a second time, not to talk of applying force.
My second question is, where do these organizations go when armed force personnel or innocent public are killed as a direct or indirect consequences of action of militancy. People who have volunteered to work for a noble cause should maintain balance on all aspects.
The power of armed force granted under AFSPA, like firing on unlawful activity in order to protect law & order, arrest without warrant, enter and search any premises to arrest, etc, are already there under IPC & CRPC. Forest Officers are empowered under Forest Acts to arrest without warrant, enter & search any premises, stop & check vehicles on transit.
Further there is no legal immunity granted to armed force under this act but prior sanction of the Central Government is required to prosecute or institute any legal proceeding against any person in respect of anything done in exercise of power conferred by this Act.
Yours,
Tapek Riba
Keep safe our hard earned money
Dear Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I would like express my anguish regarding the news that GPF and NPF of govt employees of Arunachal Pradesh have been used by the govt for various purposes and accounts are totally nil. Here my question to the state govt. is that why did they touch the hard earned money of govt employees deposited in their respective GPF and NPS accounts for their future? Where did state govt use those amounts instead of using from budget allocated amount? With deficit of 4486.74 crore, how is the state govt
return the GPF and NPS amount of govt employees amounting to Rs Rs.864 crore(GPF) and Rs.97 crore(NPS)? Further, what is COSAAP doing? Instead of raising voice against looting of employees hard earned money, why COSAAP is a silent spectator?
COSAAP could have stopped state govt from using the hard earned savings of govt employees in GPF and NPS. If this situation continue to persist then state govt won't be able to pay the monthly salary of govt employees and regularisation of SSA and NRHM staffs is almost not possible.
Therefore, it is my earnest appeal to the honourable Governor to intervene in this matter so that the hard earned money of the govt employees kept in their GPF and NPS accounts are recovered again and is kept in a safe and secure place.
Various NGOs and Unions should play a proactive role in raising their voice against this condition.
Yours,
Concerned Citizen
Khonsa
Come clean on financial mess
Dear Editor,
Allegation and counter allegation between the state govt and Kaliko Pul is quite a tantrum. From the farce they are playing, even a child could smell foul play. We the common man are neither against Tuki govt nor zealot of Mr.Kaliko Pul because neither of them is right. As a common man of AP would like to know what happened to the NDRF, SDRF, states share of central taxes, our own state's revenue and several other? Why there is no enough balance in state govt exchequer? Why state govt is unable to release salaries regularly? Why contractors bills are still pending?
In daily conversations, we hear of 'buying MLA' but thought it to be sort of propaganda. Now seeing the financial crisis of the state we are forced to believe it. Well said someone "hand with scars is the sign of clean money". If anyone boast of his luxurious cars, houses or fancy clothes; shame on you. Behold, no one looks up at you, at your swindled money. Rather public is looking at you with contempt. Personally, I feel our leaders need to learn some ethics from honest leaders like Kejriwal and King Faisal.
If any leader spend money just to save their portfolio, shame on you. Curse of those
mother who are unable to send their child to colleges and schools be on you. Curse
of those helpless father who cannot afford to look after his ailing wife and children
be on you. Curse of those brothers and sisters whose dreams are shattered be on you.
For generations may your name be tyrannized (even when you are dead). People of the
state are suffering of poverty (especially rural areas) and we know sole reason is
because of the foul play of our state govt. Remember each one of you are elected
by the people, of the people and for the people. Yes, its true many of you allowed
yourself to be looted by self-
Surprisingly, we do not see any unions fighting for such serious issue. Are they only good at calling bandh calls, perturbing only poor vendors, daily wagers? But enough is enough we won't keep silent any longer. We demand state govt to come clean on financial status release white paper on state's financial position.
Yours,
Gogum Buchi
NERIST
Take steps to encourage the students
Dear Editor,
Just before two days from date of examination, I received my Admit Card for State Merit Scholarship examination 2014 that was to be held on September 9, 2014 from 10.30 AM onwards. I requested my father, who was at Aalo for an important social engagement, to come back to Naharlagun so that I could be dropped at Government Higher Secondary School, Itanagar, during the day of examination. My father might have sensed the gravity of seriousness. Leaving his work at Aalo half done, he rushed back by spending about Rs. 2500 for his vehicle fuel and other journey expenses. He, while dropping me, on the day of examination, on the way to Itanagar filled fuel of Rs.1700 again so that he could go back to Aalo to attend the left over work as soon as my examination was over. Seeing my father`s support, I felt very much encouraged.
Now, the result was out, wow! I had cracked the exam and did not let my parent`s support go in vain. My confidence level to compete in other examinations became high. Now I expected of receiving a Scholarship of about Rs.5000 to 10000 per annum for some years.
But, now, it is understood that the Scholarship amount would be Rs.1800/-
Yours,
Miss Toyum Ngomdir
Class X, KV-
Naharlagun
CHC without medicine
Dear Editor,
It is very sad to say that our newly established Community Health Centre of Bordumsa does not have life saving drugs required during delivery of a new born baby. My son was born at 3:10 AM but during delivery time nurse told me to purchase cotton, saline water, syringe, Betadine and other medicine. It was the private pharmacist who woke up at night at 2:00 AM and gave all the required medicine for delivery otherwise I don’t know what would have happened. If it is the condition of Community Health Centre of Bordumsa which is connected with all weather roads with Assam what about other Community Health Centres of Arunachal? The NRHM only provides Doctors but no medicine. It is fact of NRHM who boast of giving health service to the people of Arunachal Pradesh. But in fact it is a scam because only giving a pen to write in paper but no medicine for survival is a crime against the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
Only satisfaction I find with the CHC of Bordumsa is that they have all the vaccine required for infant.
Yours,
J.Singpho
Bordumsa
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