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April 25

APLS condemns attack on journo

ITANAGAR, Apr 24: Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society has condemned in its strongest term the recent attack on Editor of Arunachal Front and Publicity Secretary APLS Pradeep Kumar Behera and called for early apprehension of the culprits. Terming the incident as dastardly and  reflection of the growing "goondaism" in the state, especially the Capital Complex, YD Thongchi, State Chief Information Commissioner and President APLS said such violent attacks over petty incidents are a sad reminder of the present status of our society.

Interestingly, a number of onlookers working in the locality of industrial estate, A Sector Naharlagun, refrained themselves from stopping the intoxicated youth from attacking the senior journalist because they "thought it was somebody else and could not recognize him".

APLS termed the whole incident shameful and urged the concern authorities to apprehend the culprits at the earliest.

 

DTO revenue generation exceeds target

ITANAGAR, Apr 24: The District Transport Office Capital Complex has collected revenue in tune of Rs 5897424 exceeding 14 lakhs from the target set by the government. This was informed by the District Transport Officer in a release today.  DTO also informed that the department has achieved a revenue target of Rs. 5.75 crores for the financial year 2014-15. DTO credited the revenue target achievement to his staffs, a release added.

 

Governor, CM greet people on Moh Mol

ITANAGAR, Apr 24: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Lt Gen Nirbhay Sharma (Retd) and Chief Minister Nabam Tuki have extended greetings and good wishes to the people of the State on the joyous occasion of Moh Mol. Governor expressed hope that the New Year festival of Tangsa community will usher-in peace and prosperity in the society.  

Tuki also conveyed greetings to his fellow Arunachalees particularly to the Tangsa brethren on the auspicious occasion of Moh-Mol festival.

In his festival message Tuki said, “On this auspicious occasion, I join the members of Tangsa Society in praying “ROM-ROM” to bless each one of us with peace, prosperity, sound health, happiness and a bumper harvest”.

 

BJP workshop on Maha Sampark Abhiyan

ITANAGAR, Apr 24: Madhya Pradesh Minister and in-charge of Maha Sampark Abhiyan of Arunachal Pradesh Kailash Vijayvargiya has urged the party leaders and workers to reach out to all the registered party members through the Maha Sampark Abhiyan.

Congratulating the state BJP for enrolling more one lakh members during the three months of Maha Sadasyata Abhiyan during a state level workshop on Maha Sampark Abhiyan at Naharlagun today, Vijayvargiya inspired the members to work hard with sincerity to further strengthen the party organization at booth level. Asserting that BJP can only make India strong, he elaborated the process for carrying out the Maha Sampark Abhiyan at all levels.

State BJP president Tai Tagak, former MP Tapir Gao also addressed the gathering.

The Maha Sampark Abhiyan will be launched by the party’s national president on May 1. However, the State BJP will launch it on May 7.

The Sampark Team will meet and interact with all the members who became members of the party online during the period of Sampark Abhiyan.

More than 250 members comprising state, district and mandal level office bearers, party legislators, Zilla Sampark Pramukhs, regional presidents, and head of Morchas attended the workshop.

 

Tourism awareness programme cum workshop in Aalo

AALO, Apr 24: A pool of resource persons from the region and the state dwelt at length on home stay, rural and eco tourism, hospitality service for growth of tourism sector in a workshop organized by the Directorate of Tourism at Aalo yesterday.

Soumyadeep Dutta, an Assamese writer from Assam, Sunil Chauhan, an activist working for sustainable development of Himachal Pradesh and  Raj Basu, Rural Tourism and North East Tourism activist spoke in details important components of tourism like development of rural tourism destination, home stay management, bio–diversity conservation, resource mapping in economic and rural tourism, market linkage and communication etc.

District Tourism Officer Tate Tatak, Assistant Director Bengia Manna Sonam also spoke on rural and different aspects of tourism.

The team proceeded for another round of workshop at Mechuka to generate awareness on tourism. DIPRO

 

Awareness prog on disaster management

HAPOLI, Apr 24: Braving the incessant rain, the students of Government College Yachuli (GCY) took out an awareness rally on disaster management around Yachuli market area yesterday. During the procession, the students shouted slogans and displayed placards on the need of disaster preparedness and preservation of forest resources.

Later, the students staged a street play on the problems related to deforestation which is very rampant in the area. The play was scripted and directed by Shanti Nguri of Hindi Department and the whole exercise was guided by Dr. Techi Upen Tara, Studnets' Union Advisor.

GCY Principal Dr. Hage Lasa expressed his satisfaction over the enthusiasm shown by both the students and the teachers in making the programme a grand success. While encouraging the students, the Principal called upon them to maintain the same tempo and spirit for the cause of the society.

Meanwhile, Dr. Upen decided to stage the play at Yazali and at Ziro to bring awareness among the masses.

 

Complaint against use of harmful chemicals at water source

ITANAGAR, Apr 24: Organization for Socio-Economic, Educational & Cultural Awareness (OSEECA) has lodged a complaint with West Siang Deputy Commissioner against use of insect killer, weedicides etc in drinking water sources at Ene Abu (stream) under Kombo Tarsu Mobuk, in West Siang district.

Expressing concern over the serious threat being posed by the contaminated water on public health, OSEECA appealed to the DC to take immediate appropriate action and measures to stop this practice.

“It is quite obvious that polluted water, animal and human wastes that overflow the WRC fields are ultimately mixed with Ene and Hile stream before it falls into water supply tank at ‘O’ point constructed at the lower zone or at end point of WRC fields. The polluted water is widely used during monsoon season by the farmers, as a result the harmful chemicals are instantly mixed with pure water before it reaches water supply tank at ‘O’ point. Though the water is treated and filtered by the Public Health Department harmful water soluble chemicals are already dissolved with the water at ‘O’ Point which cannot be cleaned,” the letter said.

 

Plans chalked out for 2nd round of NPR

ITANAGAR, Apr 24: Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner Mige Kamki in a meeting with the officers of the Directorate of Census, administrative officers and officers from paramilitary forces deployed in the state capital chalked out detailed action plan for conduct of second round of Biometric Enrollment (BME) under National Population Register (NPR) in Capital Complex.

This second round BME under NPR was necessitated following “very poor” coverage during the first round held in 2014-2015, the DC said.

Permanent Enrolment Camp (PEC) and designated camps will be set in different places in Capital Complex to ensure full coverage. The Charge Officers have been directed to appoint enumerators and fix a calendar of activity so that works can be started immediately.

The private companies, namely M/s Lyra Consultancy Services and M/s WebX Technologies are directed to keep the required personnel, new enrolment forms and equipments in readiness for successful enrollment. Enrolment of ITBP, CRPF and BRO personnel will be done separately for which they will appoint enumerators from amongst personnel of their respective organizations.

In another meeting, the Deputy Commissioner said that no organization or individual will be allowed to monopolize the window of opportunity thrown open by the coming of train services to Arunachal Pradesh for carrying out economic activities like plying of taxis, auto-rickshaws, freight carriage, etc. and the existing rules in this regard will be applied strictly. He said this in a meeting with administrative officers and representatives of ASNDF Railway Construction L & UL Sramik Union. He said that EAC Naharlagun has been asked to submit proposal and report for proper regulation of services like, taxi, auto rickshaws, freight carriers etc.

 

Work hand in glove: HM asks district admin

TEZU, Apr 24: Home Minister Tanga Byaling has suggested the Lohit general administration and police to work hand in glove to ensure peace, harmony and rapid development in the district.

It is very important for the district administration, all the government departments and representatives to work together with mutual understanding for all round development, said the Home Minister during his short visit to District Jail, Tezu, today.

Currently, there are 55 under trial prisoners (UTPs) and two convicts in the jail. The District Jail was formally inaugurated by the Lohit Deputy Commissioner Dr. BM Mishra on March 18 last.

He advised the people not to take law in their hands and be law abiding citizens.

During his brief interaction with the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, Panchayat leaders and various HoDs, Byaling suggested them to make concerted efforts to root out Poppy Cultivation from the district. Taking example of Sikkim, he suggested that opium cultivation can be replaced through cash crops farming like cardamom which yield high income. DIPRO

 

Gadkari to visit Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Apr 24: Union minister for road, transport and highway Nitin Gadkari is arriving on 30th April to the state. Gadkari will fly first to Ziro and lay down the foundation stone of following highways Potin-Pangin (407 km), 2 laning from Pasighat to Pangin section of NH-229 (from 0 km to 28km), 2 laning  from Pasighat to Pangin section of NH-229 (from 41.3 km to 57 km), 2 laning from Changlang/Tirap boundary to Changlang (18.27 km) section of NH-52 B, 2 laning from Mahadevpur to Buri Dihing section of NH-52 B and 2 laning from Longding to NH-52 B.

Later in the day he will fly down to Jairampur and inaugurate NH-153 (Stilwell road) from Jairampur to Pangsu Pass. Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and PWD Minister Gojen Gadi will accompany the Union Minister.

 

One dies due to electrocution

ITANAGAR, Apr 24: One person namely, Hidam Game of Tamaripa village under Maro Circle of Upper Subansiri district has reportedly died due to electrocution on April 23.

The accident occurred when he was looking for his domestic animal near an electrical line. His body was found below the electric pole where the transformer is installed, informed Galo Students’ Union (GSU).

According to GSU, there was no fencing or caution board around the electrical transformer.

GSU strongly appealed to the department of power to provide compensation to the family members of the victim who was the sole bread winner for his family on humanitarian ground.

 

Union draws DC’s attention to land encroachment

ITANAGAR, Apr 24: The All Yachuli Students Union (AYSU) today drew the attention of Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner towards the illegal land encroachment of government lands. In a representation, the union claimed that rampant encroachment is going on of government land in the proposed area for Divisional Commissioner headquarter and other areas of the town. AYSU urged the district administration to stop the menace before it was too late.

 

ASM opposes diversion of school

ITANAGAR, Apr 24: Claiming that DDSE cum DPO SSA had diverted the scheme for establishment of a new primary school at Lechin village to Dayam, Anchal Samity Member of 63-Sippi-VIII 5th Chetam Anchal Samiti Block under Upper Subansiri District has strongly opposed the decision. In a letter to Deputy Commissioner Cum District Project Director, ASM M B Siga claimed that there are already two primary schools at Dadi and Rikung which is very near to Dayam village. The ASM further claimed that the government had approved to establish the primary school at Lechin in 2014-15 and diversion of the proposed school would deprive the children of the village.  Seeking the DC to intervene in the matter, ASM further added that Lechin village has a total population of 120.

 

APPETA appraises CS to rectify NPS

ITANAGAR, Apr 24: In a letter address to the Chief Secretary, All Arunachal Pradesh Elementary Teachers Association (AAPETA) claimed that National Pension System (NPS) is not updated in the education department. Claiming that Drawing and Disbursement Officer (DDOs) are not maintaining the account of the employees properly, it requested the Chief Secretary to give direction to the Secretary Education for rectification of NPS. In a separate letter to the Secretary Education, the association demanded to halt the construction of Shiksha Bhawan amounting Rs 100 lakhs at Itanagar saying that the proposed location fixed for construction of Shiksha Bhawan is not proper.

 

ZCC&I mourns Sunjoy

ITANAGAR, Apr 24: Ziro Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ZCC&I), Lower Subansiri district condoled sudden and untimely demise of Tassar Sunjoy, the former president of Chamber of Commerce & Industries Arunachal Pradesh.

Expressing grief and sorrow over his death, ZCC&I in a condolence message said, “We will always remember his contribution for promotion of trade and commerce in the state.”

May almighty rest his soul in peace,” prayed ZCC&I.

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News Impact

SBI stops payment to govt. cheques on RBI direction

[ Taba Ajum ]

ITANAGAR, Apr 24: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has written to State Bank of India to stop all the payments on behalf of the government of Arunachal Pradesh with immediate effect. RBI AGM has written to SBI informing that Government of Arunachal has exceeded the permissible period for remaining in Overdraft and therefore payments must be stopped at the earliest.

When contacted senior government officials confirmed the news adding that it is a temporary management. “The change made in funding pattern due to the abolition of planning commission is creating the main problem. Funds are not released on time due to this change in funding system. Most of such problem arises in March-April month as it marks the end of current financial year and start of a new one,” shared the govt. official. He further added, “However once union budget is passed and new guidelines are finalized, the funds will start coming. It might take few more days.” But he also clarified that government employees will be paid salary on time.

This new development comes just days after former finance minister Kalikho Pul alleged that the state is going through severe financial crisis due to the financial mismanagement of the present government. He made the revelation after being expelled from Congress party. His allegations were strongly rebutted by state government.

As the banks are refusing to make payments to government cheques, the small time contractors are the worst sufferer once again. “I got the shock of my life when SBI Itanagar refused to accept my cheque citing RBI order. I had carried out a small contract work and had borrowed some money for it. Now as the bank is refusing to pay me, I am facing a very tough time,” shared a young contractor who did not wish to be named. Adding to the woes of public, there is no clarity on the part of state government as to when will this ban by RBI end.

 

 

Working without honorarium for the last nine months!

[ Amar Sangno ]

ITANAGAR, Apr 24: Honorarium or payment is two words which irritates Silley Dodum and other contractual employees under Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Shashakti Karan Abhiyan (RGPSA) scheme, the most for the last nine months.

Dodum a contractual Computer cum Account Assistant who had been appointed under Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Shashakti Karan Abhiyan (RGPSA) scheme for Bameng-II (Mlorang and Tallo Gram Panchayat) in East Kameng on 4th March 2014 has been working without honorarium for the last nine months. RGPSA was launched with an objective to strengthen the Panchayat and enhance capacities and effectiveness of Panchayats and the Gram Sabhas. The scheme is valid upto 2017.

Initially it was informed that the Department had released four months honorarium few months after the appointment.  However, since then no official communication was heard from the authority, Dodum complains. Every month we are pacified by saying to wait for few more days, he added.

As per an engagement order issued by Secretary Panchayati Raj B.R Babu (order No. PR-RGPSA/SEPPA/669/2014), the Computer cum Account Assistant gets rupees eight thousand only in a month.

Regrettably, it is also said that no clear instruction and charter of power and function were given to the employees after the appointment, though it has given eight points role and responsibilities.  “No specific role and responsibilities are being given to us, despite eight-point roles and responsibilities prescribed with an engagement order” Dodum rued.

Meanwhile, when contacted by The Arunachal Times, Panchayati Raj Director Kemo Lollen admitted the delay in releasing the honorarium. He also said that the crisis is due to procedural delay; however he made it clear that as soon as the department gets clearance from the government it would release the honorarium. Sources informed that many employees who had been appointed under RGPSA are skeptical on recieving their honorarium considering the current situation of the department.

The Computer cum Account Assistant has to maintain Gram Sabha meeting register and draft minutes of meeting, maintain cash book, maintain register of water supply and line departments Agri, Horti, health and ICDS etc.

 

 

ANSU alleges APB&OCWWB of misusing Cess funds

ITANAGAR, Apr 24: The All Nyishi Students Union (ANSU) has alleged that Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (APB&OCWWB) has misused the labour cess fund collection meant for the welfare of the workers of the state. ANSU President Byabang Joram stated citing documents unearthed using RTI.

The labour cess collection in respect of district wise deposited to treasury challan period from November 2012 to 3rd January 2015 amounts to Rs 8,39, 80,020.00 and the cess collection in respect of district wise period from 2008 to 31st January 2015 is amounting to Rs 585812500 (Rupees fifty eight crore fifty eight lakh twelve thousand five hundred three only) and total labour cess collection is Rs 66,97,92,603.00 (sixty six crore ninety seven lakh nine two thousand six hundred three only). But it is surprising that only Rs 31, 86,570.00 (Rupees thirty one lakh eighty-six thousand five hundred seventy only) have been provided as benefits to the registered workers by Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, the ANSU stated in a release.

The Union further alleged that appointment for Registration Officers -7 posts, LDC-5 posts, UDC-1 post and peon 5-posts were made by APB&OCWWB without flouting any advertisement in the local dailies which is against the Indian constitution. They added that chairman of the board, Nyamar Karbak had forwarded a letter to secretary APB&OCWWB to appoint 13 candidates without giving advertisement which is a gross violation of Recruitment rules. Interestingly 10 out of the 13 candidates appointed illegally are purportedly from Liromoba constituency, of which Chairman of the board Nyamar Karbak is the MLA.

 

 

Kerosene shortage hits Tawang

TAWANG, Apr 24: Tawang district has been facing acute shortage of kerosene causing great hardship to poor and common people.

According to sources, the district has been facing shortage of the common men’s fuel since last one year.

There has been fluctuation in allocation of kerosene quota since last one year with the district receiving 18 KL (18000 liters) of kerosene in the current month, the sources said.

More over, monthly allocation of kerosene to each ration card holder has also been reportedly reduced from 3.95 litres to 1.5 litres.

The people of Tawang district are mostly dependent on kerosene for cooking and illuminating their houses. However, meagre allocation of the most important fuel has been causing great hardships to the people, especially the poor, the sources added.

 

 

New species of catfish discovered in Pange River, Ziro

A new species of catfish has been discovered by the scientists of the Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in a river near Ziro, Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. The moderate sized Glyptosternine torrential catfish, under the genus Oreoglanis (single specimen) was found on 9th June, 2013 in the Pange river, at Aro-Lenching, about 10 km from Ziro, the district headquarters.

A survey team led by Dr. Bikramjit Sinha, officer-in-charge and Lakpa Tamang of the ZSI spotted the new catfish. The genus Oreoglanis comprises twenty-two species in the world, of these only two species are so far known from India, solely from Arunachal Pradesh. This is the second species in the genus after one such species – Oreoglanis majusculus from Kameng River at Rupa, West Kameng District, reported in the year 2005 by other researchers. The news of the discovery was very recently published in a Germany-based international journal “Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters”, Dr. Sinha said.

Scientists have named the catfish species as Oreoglanis pangenensis in remembrance of the river “Pange” as well as for easy identification of the original locality of the new species. Detail taxonomic distinguishing characters of the new species from all its congeners are highlighted in the published article, Dr. Sinha added.

Tamang says, members of the genus Oreoglanis are morphologically characterized by having dorsoventrally depressed head and body with enlarged pectoral and pelvic fins and ventrally situated mouth and usually found in high altitude cold regions. These naturally modified structures of the fish play a vital role for its survival under high pressure water of the streams/rivers. Such peculiar body shape of fish greatly aid in adhesion on substratum and also simultaneously reduces adverse affect of the water pressure on body and fish can make easy station on substratum and conveniently feed on fine green algae, which is a primary food for survival.

 

 

Congress flays BJP, terms Shah’s visit a farce

ITANAGAR, Apr 24: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) today ridiculed the visit of BJP national president Amit Shah to Arunachal Pradesh as a farce. The speech of Shah was full of hatred and condemnation, the APCC president Padi Richo said in a statement today.

What kind of Utilization Certificates (UC) is required by the BJP when the  BJP-led  central Govt did not release any new fund, the APCC questioned adding that the BJP Govt has curtailed many Central Sponsored Schemes (CSS) which was provided by the then UPA Govt. in the state.

APCC president further said that against the claim of Shah and Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, salaries are paid regularly to the Govt employees. “The irony is that the Central Govt. is not in a position to pay the salaries of the casual workers of Doordarshan and All India Radio, Richo said.

Regarding imposition of AFSPA in the state, the APCC also questioned Rijiju as to why the Centre has not sought the permission from the state Govt. for AFSPA extension up to 20 kms in 12 districts bordering Assam? Earlier, the Centre respected the federal system by consulting with the state Govt. on this issue but now the BJP-led Govt. has ignored and went over board by bypassing the cooperative federal system of the country, Richo said.

The APCC further said that Rijiju’s statement on racism is false and misleading at a time when two students of journalism from Arunachal were racially abused at Shantinagar Bus Stand in Bengaluru recently.

Raising  question over pulling out of special status  to  the Northeastern states by the  BJP-led central Govt, the APCC said Rijiju and Union Minister of State-Independent Charge for Sports & Youth Affairs, Sarbananda Sonowal should have staged a protest on the issue.

Is this the gift of the present ruling Govt. to the North East ?, Richo furthered asked.

 

 

AACWA threatens to launch hunger strike

ITANAGAR, Apr 24: All Arunachal Contractor Welfare Association (AACWA) has threatened to launch phase wise hunger strike if government fails to respond to its charter of demands within stipulated the time frame. The AACWA has planned to launch its first phase of 24 hour hunger strike on May 2 next followed by indefinite hunger strike from June 2 next.

AACWA is demanding immediate imposition of financial emergency in the state under Article 360, implementation of Lokayukta Act and releasing of its pending bills amounting to thousands of crores under various centrally sponsored schemes.

Addressing media person at Press club today, President AACWA Takam Padu lamented that despite series of memorandum and representation submitted to the government of Arunachal Pradesh, till date no response has come.

‘Most of the contractors are on the verge of bankruptcy due to non release of pending bills by the state government against their work under various centrally sponsored project including flagship programmes like PMGSY, JNNRUM, NLCPR, RMSY, SPA, and others for last the three years, said Padu while stating that some contractors may take the extreme step of suicide due to their heavy loans from banks and private firms’.

Padu stated that more than Rs 300 crore is pending against the PMGSY schemes under Rural Work Department only.

While alleging the the state government led by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for mismanagement of more than Rs 3000 crore resulting in pending of contractors bills, Padu said’ CM Tuki has no right to hold onto the chair of Chief Minister anymore and should resign on moral grounds.

General Secretary AACWA, Nabam Akin Hina termed the Tuki led government as deaf and dumb who is undermining the grievances of the common people.

Instead of listening to the common man, government is imposing the draconian law of ‘Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities Prevention Act’ (APUAPA) to suppress the voice of people who stand against corruption, the government should adopt Lokayukta to fight against corruption, stated Hina.

He further added that the fight would continue till the government gives any written assurance on all the demands made by the AACWA. The AACWA charter of demands includes adaptation of 1% EMD for tribal contractors for any category of tender works, scraping of 2% income tax deduction at source from tribal contractors, lowering down of enlistment of fees as per CPWD norms and others.

 

 

CM joins protest rally, voices against Land Acquisition Act

ITANAGAR, Apr 24: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today voiced his opposition to the Land Acquisition Act, 2015 being brought in by the NDA Government at the Center and demanded that the Land Acquisition Act of 2013 be kept in totality without amendments as proposed.

Participating in a mass protest rally against the Act organized by the Block Congress Committee of Sagalee, the Chief Minister’s home constituency, he claimed that the Land Acquisition Act of the NDA government will push farmers to colonial era and drive the land owners to lose rights over their property.

While asserting that the Congress is ‘for the poor, marginalized and tribals’, the Chief Minister elaborated that because of Pandit Nehru’s ‘Panchsheel’ doctrine the rights of tribal people over their land and natural resources is still intact.

He said that keeping in line with the ‘Panchsheel’ guidelines the UPA Government had kept in the Land Acquisition Act of 2013 the provision of Social Impact Assessment (SIA), which has to be completed within six months while taking into account the opinion of Gram Sabhas before land acquisition.

However, he pointed, after the amendments, the SIA will be completely removed and the government can acquire land without the consent of land owners.

“Now the government or private individuals, companies will no longer need mandatory 80% consent for land acquisition in the five sectors of national security, defence, rural infrastructure including electrification, industrial corridors and housing  including PPP where ownership of land continues to be vested with the government,” Tuki said.

The Chief Minister further said that the Congress is also against the amendments to the original Act as the new Act does not have provision to return the land to farmers if the land is not used within five years.

“Every party had supported the Act of 2013 including BJP. Now it wants to change it,” Tuki expressed surprise.

Parliamentary Secretary for Home Likha Saaya and Legislators Nyamar Karbak and Dikto Yeker also voiced their objection to the new Act and were unanimous in dubbing it as against the poor, especially tribal people and demanded its scrapping.

The protest rally attended by Panchayati Raj leaders, Mahila Congress, all frontal wings of the Congress, Gaon Buras and Congress workers passed a two-points resolution protesting against the Land Act and the dubbing of North East people as‘immigrants’ in the election manifesto of the BJP during the Delhi Assembly elections.

 

 

Mortal remains of PMC Dy. Chief Councilor laid to rest

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Apr 24: The mortal remains of Atik Pertin, the Deputy Chief Councilor of Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC), who died on Thursday morning was laid to rest today afternoon.

He left behind his wife, three sons and a grand-daughter.

Former ministers Bosiram Siram and Tako Dabii along with rank and file of East Siang District Congress (I) Committee, PRI leaders and Municipal Councilors, relatives and well wishers paid their last respect to late Pertin at the funeral today.

Earlier, the District Congress (I) Committee, with the help of local people took out a procession carrying the body to PMC office, where the councilors and officials led by Municipal Executive Officer, Nixon Lego paid last respect to their departed colleague.

“He was an active and dedicated social worker and leader. His immense contributions for socio-economic development of the area will be remembered for ever,” said Bosiram.

Pertin was the only person, who shared the idea for introduction of Municipal body in the state. He served the Pasighat Civic body (PMC) with dedication and sincerity, cherished a dream to make Pasighat town a ‘Role model city’, said the former minister.

The state’s Urban Development Secretary Khapa Kolie and Deputy Chief of Itanagar Municipal Council Kipa Babu in the funeral conveyed the condolence message sent to the bereaved family by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and Urban Development Minister Pema Khandu.

Pertin was a dedicated party worker and his demise has caused an irreparable loss for his party, Chief Minister said in his message.

The office of Pasighat Municipal Council remained closed today as a mark of respect for Deputy Chief. The business community also joined the mourning by shutting down their shops and business establishments in Pasighat town.

Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has deeply mourned the sudden demise of Deputy Chief Councilor of Pasighat Municipal Council Atik Pertin who died on Thursday at his residence in Pasighat. APCC termed Late Pertin death as a great loss to the Indian National Congress and the state. In its condolence message APCC said that his contribution for the welfare of the state will be always remembered.

 

 

Coconut Board expresses willingness to open Coconut farm in Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Apr 24: Seeing the potentials and suitable climatic condition of the state for coconut cultivation, Chairman of Coconut Development Board (CDB) TK Jose has expressed the Board’s willingness to open a Coconut Farm in Arunachal Pradesh.

The CDB Chairman during his two days visit to Namsai from April 22 said that he has seen a vast potential for coconut production in Arunachal Pradesh and sought 40 hectares of land for opening a coconut farm.

The chairman visited various places in the district and also met Agriculture, Horticulture Minister Chowna Mein and Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom and apprised them about potential of coconut cultivation in Arunachal Pradesh.

He suggested Mein for introducing diploma or certificate courses in the universities of the state.

It was also agreed during the course of discussion that the Coconut Development Board will organize seminar and workshop for coconut farmers.

Mein also expressed his willingness to propagate coconut cultivation in the state.

Namsai Deputy Commissioner R K Sharma and DHO Sudhir Bhide were present during the discussion.

The CDB chairman was accompanied by MN Gopinath, Addl. Rubber Production Commissioner (Rtd.), Rajeev P George, Director CDB Regional Office, Guwahati and Deputy Director Dr. Rajat Kumar Pal.

 

 

Make ‘Mission Indradhanush’ a grand success in East Kameng district

SEPPA, Apr 24: Seppa ADC Pooja Jain has called upon all the stakeholders to make the ‘Mission Indradhanush’ a grand success in East Kameng district.

Addressing meetings on Mission Indradhanush held separately with medical officers, panchayat leaders and civil societies, and religious leaders and colony representatives on April 22, 23 and 24 respectively, the ADC informed the gathering that initially, the mission was launched in the first half of the April 2015, but due to low percentage of turn out the programme is slated to re-launch again from 7th May with renewed vigour and determination to immunize all children vis-a-vis eliminating the social misconception prevails about the immunization.

Quoting, “prevention is better than cure”, she further made an appeal to the gathering to extend their hands in generating awareness about and implementing the mission.

The ADC, however, expressed shock and dismay after observing the high refusal rate against immunization. She requested one and all to break the web of fear psychosis which prevails among villagers against vaccination and medical care. She made a special appeal to the public “to come out and bring their children for immunization to the nearest specified location and on specified date”.

The main objective of the three successive meetings on Mission Indradhanush held under the guidance and supervision of DC Sandeep Kumar Singh and Pooja Jain was to formulate a comprehensive action plan on implementation of mission and simultaneously, generate awareness among the stakeholders for furthering awareness to the public.

During the meetings, Dr. Geiyi highlighted the importance of immunization and requested all to join hands in the fight against the seven preventable diseases through this mission. He further stressed that PR leaders, religious leaders and, colony and civil society representatives, being in contact with general public all the time, have to play a prominent and pro-active roles in the success of this mission.

In the meetings, Dr. K. Lapung, DRCHO, briefed the houses about the mission and its objectives. He said that the Mission Indradhanush, a union Govt. scheme, targets to immunise all children under seven vaccine preventable diseases including Diptheria, Pertusis, Tetanus, TB, Hepatitis B, Polio and Measles. Five districts of Arunachal Pradesh including East Kameng have been targeted under this mission. In order to cover more children, he informed that slums, villages, construction sites, etc., have been focused and various teams have been constituted to cover entire district.

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2012

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

All rights reserved.

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---- Editorial ----

 

Disappointmentfor Arunachal

A lot was expected when Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah visited state. Massive crowd turned up at the venue despite heavy down-pouring of rain to listen to the speech of Shah. However instead of presenting a road map for the development of state, BJP president choose to speak about Rahul Gandhi and usual rhetoric of how BJP is going to develop NE region etc, etc. People except may be the BJP workers and supporters were extremely disappointed by his speech. In this difficult time when state is battling serious financial crisis due to mismanagement by Congress ruled Arunachal govt., the citizens were looking forward towards BJP president for some hope.

Alas to the utter disappointment of everyone he hardly spoke about Arunachal. Central leaders whether it is be BJP or Congress should not visit state just for the sake of Arunachal ‘dharsan’. They need to tell us the vision of their party and how they are going to develop state. We had enough of leaders visiting state without any outcome. During his speech Amit Shah hailed the people of Arunachal Pradesh for their patriotism. But Mr Shah should understand that patriotism does not feed our stomach. Unless centre and state develop cordial relation and work together, the people of state will not reap benefit of development. Right now state government is struggling to manage finance and unless central government offers helping hand things will not improve.

---- Readers Forum ----

 

 

Hear our voices

Dear Editor,

It is really surprising to know that the decision to extend the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) in the state was made without any consultation with the state government and other security agencies.

Through your esteemed daily I would like to express my views on the act aforesaid. We understand that the act (AFSPA) is enforced to tackle and shut down any armed opposition and violence in a state. Instead of witnessing a noble job done what we hear is the barbarian acts committed by the army personnel.

From the past, we have come to learn only the drawbacks of the Act such as rape, molestation or torture by army personnel in lieu of power bestowed under the act. There is no merits, hitherto, we have heard and learnt of the Act. It seems the act is a punishment for the people rather than a saviour of the people. We, being obedient citizens of the country, are well aware that the government works for the welfare of the people. The government must have made  thorough and adequate studies and research before the enforcement of the act in the state.

But when such decisions are taken, we tend to question ourselves if the government really functions for the people? Why is the government so keen on extending the Act to newer regions when violence still prevails in the Act enforced regions? Is the government in a bid to double the crime and violence in the state?

Given the lacunae of the Act, it becomes highly recommendable to the government to reconsider its decision on extending the act to all districts of the state bordering Assam. We hope are voices are heard at its highest note because we mandated the government to power to keep us safe and to maintain peace, law and order in the state.

Yours,

Nani Taki, Ziro

 

 

 

A road fiasco

Dear Editor,

The ongoing trans-Arunachal highway at Tirbin to Gabu nallah, especially Bam to Aalo is being carried out at a snail pace which is causing much hardship to the daily commuters and the general public at large. The road connectivity since the initiation of the project has turned from bad to worse. After about some 5% of preliminary works- earth cuttings, etc. the entire stretch (about 95%) of the proposed road has been left completely unattended. There are potholes, muddy-roadways, water-logging which completely fill up the road especially during the rainy season. The road is no better in dry months either and has enhanced the risk of many untoward road accidents. The inconvenience caused to the general public due to the dilapidated condition of the road is beyond any expressive description.

In order to attend to the  court, we, the legal fraternity of the District has to undergo a herculean task of navigating the entire stretch of almost 120 kms (to and fro) of tiresome and almost inaccessible road from Aalo to Basar. The hardship of commutation to the respective court is proving to be a cause of delay in legal proceedings pertaining to the fact that the concerned advocates could not present themselves at the scheduled time at the Hon’ble court, irrespective of their best possible efforts. The trans-Arunachal highway is turning out to be a mirage and has almost crippled the smooth functioning of the judicial machinery besides the general grievance of the public at large.

As has been learned from the reliable sources, the executing companies have tendered the cause for the delay in executing the project as the failure on part of the Govt. in arriving at a consensus regarding the compensatory measures with the affected land owners. On the other hand, the Govt. agencies are reluctant to issue any statements which to some is nothing but the old trend of lackadaisical attitude of the Govt. officials. The land affected persons have their own volumes of grievances. Be it the lackadaisical attitude of the Govt., the exorbitant compensatory claims or the corporate conspiracy, it is the general public who has to bear the brunt. The irony is that the very purpose of the trans-Arunachal project was to serve the public purpose!

It is high time that some serious note is taken and that the Govt bodies along with all the interested parties work in consensus and pursue the matter keeping in view the greater welfare and purpose that the early completion of the trans-Arunachal highway will serve to the general masses. Until then it remains a fiasco for each and every one of us.

Yours,

Taji Talom

Vice-President,

West Siang District Bar Association

 

 

 

Depriving us

Dear Editor,

I am a common man with no channel to express its voice at the State level, but I believe that through your esteemed daily my voice and in fact the voices of the common masses of Tawang district will be heard.

The district of Tawang has been hit several times by short allocation of oil over the past many months from the authorities at the twin capital. When enquired, the concerned office at the district level expressed their helplessness over the issue which in turn means more stress for the poor and common households of Tawang district.

 Every person in Arunachal Pradesh and well qualified officers at the state level are acquainted with the fact that Tawang district is climatically cold place round the year. Though it has hydro power generation capability but due to poor mechanism of the state govt, the power generation in the district is not sufficient to feed the power requirement of every household in the district.

Under such circumstances, SKO allotted by the GoAP is an essential commodity and necessity for cooking and illumination in the district. The concerned department at the state level ignores this fact again and again.

Yours.

Dawa

 

 

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----Editor