April 27
MEA, Nepal Embassy launch Helpline numbers
ITANAGAR, Apr 26: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has opened round-
Following are the helpline numbers launched by the MEA-
The helpline numbers to contact Indian Embassy in Kathmandu are: +977-
HC stays execution of road work
ITANAGAR, Apr 26: Responding to a writ petition filed against the state government
and eight others by one Nyakar Rike, attorney holder of M/s ML Enterprises, Aalo,
the Itanagar Permanent Bench of Gauhati High Court (HC) has stayed the works of improvement
and construction of road from Pakam-
The petitioner challenged the execution of the said work on the ground that the authority did not float any tender notice (NIT) for the said work. Further, there was neither any administrative approval nor expenditure sanction by the state government for the said work.
The Court issued notice to the respondents, returnable within a week.
AAPSU memo to Education Minister
ITANAGAR, Apr 26: All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union has called on the government
for introduction of Sociology, Public Administration and Mass Communication in the
Govt. Colleges of the state. Posting of Head-
An AAPSU team today met the Education minister Tapang Taloh and placed their demands.
The students also called for creation of posts and posting of teachers especially
in the remote and far-
The other demands include appointments of Assistant Professors and Lecturers in Govt. Degree and Polytechnic Colleges.
Govt. Degree College of Doimukh, Women’s College of Lekhi, Govt. Degree College of
Geku, Nyapin, Daporijo and Govt. Polytechnics of Dirang, Namsai, Roing and Laying
of Kra-
While appreciating the demands being placed by the students, Minister is reported to have assured the delegation that Sociology will be introduced soon while other subjects will be addressed in phase wise manner.
The minister further said that 17 Principals and Headmasters are scheduled to be posted soon in far flung areas. In reply to the creation of teacher posts and transfer and posting of school teachers, Minister informed that from coming academic session, all the schools especially of interior areas will have the privilege of having teachers.
Seppa checks disaster preparedness
SEPPA, Apr 26: Addressing a workshop cum coordination meeting on disaster management
today at Seppa, East Kameng DC Sandeep Kumar Singh, said that there has been paradigm
shift in disaster management mechanism-
He informed the house about the preparation of District Disaster Management Plan (DDMP). He further directed the DMO to keep available stock of medicines and DFCSO to ensure availability of food stocks during the eventuality.
He directed the DSP to survey and analyse the vulnerable areas and advised to collect the contact numbers of NDRF and other paramilitary forces.
Pooja Jain, ADC Seppa has suggested inclusion of employees from land management department in the Incident Response System since they are well equipped and acquainted with the area for better information of the geographical landscape of the district.
Bomto Kamdak, DSP, while informing about the availability of response forces in the time of any eventuality, has requested for procurement of more equipments.
Moromi Sonam, DDMO, Seppa presented the total estimate of pecuniary losses due to
damages in 2014-
Donyi Sago Popwr Party overall champion in Mopin Cultural competition
ITANAGAR, Apr 26: The six-
Cultural completion is organized every year during Mopin festival celebration as one of the many steps to preserve Galo culture with special emphasis on Galo language.
Nyamron Hacheng wins Miss Moh-
ITANAGAR, Apr 26: Nyamron Hacheng of Kharsang won the Miss Mol 2015 beauty contest held in Jairampur during Moh Mol festival.
Mariam Longri and Priscella Latem, both from Kharsang, were adjudged the first and second runners up respectively.
The sub-
MLA Laisam Simai handed over the keys of a Scooty to the winner.
Impose financial emergency
ITANAGAR, Apr 26: Arunachal RTI Activist Forum has urged the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh to recommend imposition of Financial Emergency in the state.
While blaming the state government for the poor financial status, Arunachal RTI Activist Forum demanded the government to come up with clear public statement. Meanwhile, Arunachal RTI Activist Forum has further demanded Chief Minister to come up white paper on the financial position of the state
It called for dissolution of the state legislative assembly since the present Nabam Tuki led government is unable to recover from current financial stuation.
While the government maintains that financial position is not bad, on the other hand, the Reserve Bank of India has issued order for stoppage of payment to state government.
ASUC appeals Arunachalee students in Chandigarh to behave
ITANAGAR, Apr 26: Informing that the car damage incident involving Arunachalee students in Chandigarh has been solved successfully, the Arunachal Students Union Chandigarh (ASUC) has appealed to the students of the state studying in Chandigarh to devote themselves to their study only.
According to ASUC, few Arunachalee students under the influence of alcohol hit the car of a local resident in Chandigarh without any reason on April 18 last not only causing damage to it but also bringing bad name to Arunachal. However, the case has been solved within a week because of the intervention of the students union, according to an ASUC release.
ASUC cautioned the students to refrain from such activities to stay safe away. It also appealed to the parents and guardians to take proper care of their wards since this kind of activity by their children will not prove good in future for all of us.
MGNREGA performance reviewed
SEPPA, Apr 26: DC East Kameng, Sandeep Kumar Singh reviewed the performance of MGNREGA in the district during a meeting here.
BDOs of different blocks briefed on physical and financial achievement under MGNREGA
in their respective blocks during 2014-
In total, 143 projects have been undertaken and generated more than 93000 man days
during 2014-
Chayang Tajo block has generated more number of man days while, Seijosa block recorded the lowest.
Appreciating the progress made during 2014-
Further, he sought details on net connectivity status from BDOs of their establishments by 15th May and requested them to complete the MIS data entry as soon as possible. (DIPRO)
News Impact
Centre assures help to Arunachal
Tuki meets Jaitley
ITANAGAR, Apr 26: The Union Finance Minister while responding to the concerns raised by the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh on difficulty being faced by the State in cash management is reported to have assured to consider the request of the State favourably.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that Arunachal Pradesh being a strategic and sensitive border State of India will always receive preferential and immediate consideration by the Union Government.
Chief Minister Nabam Tuki had called on the Union Finance Minister on 26th April
and apprised him of the difficulty being faced by the State in cash management during
initial transition of implementation of 14th Finance Commission due to non-
He also explained to the Union Finance Minister that due to change of funding pattern
and non-
Rational exercise is being undertaken by NITI Aayog and it will take some time to have clarity in the matter. Till the time clarity is achieved, the States should be assisted by the Centre by way of extending ‘Ways and Means Advance” (WMA) facilities as well as advance drawal of State Share of Central Taxes to tide over the situation, the Chief Minister said.
Chief Minister also urged upon the Union Finance Minister to release immediately the first installment of all central schemes fully funded by the centre.
Malaria PF cases increase in LDV.
[ Karyir Riba ]
Roing, Apr 26: Speaking at the sidelines of the World Malaria Day at Roing on April 25, DVBDCO Dr N.Yirang informed that although the number of the total malaria cases is decreasing in the district, the malaria pf (plasmodium falcifarum) cases are increasing which, he said, is a matter of great concern for the department as this may lead to outbreak of an epidemic in the district.
All possible efforts are being put forward to control the further increase in the number of pf cases, he said.
He appealed to the general public and other departments to be a partner in fight against the killer disease for a malaria free world".
Meanwhile, the day was observed here yesterday by conducting a rally in the township area, which was organised by the Seva Kendra and DVBDCP, with support from Caritas India and GFTM, under the theme "Invest in Future, Defeat Malaria", in order to create awareness about prevention and control of the disease amongst the general public. The rally saw participation of students and their teachers, NGOs from Caritas India, Officers and staff from the health department headed by DMO Dr.D.Wange, and also from the general public.
An essay and drawing competition was also organised for children at the Kendra Vidyalaya School Roing, to mark the occasion.
CM offers condolence to earthquake victims,calls for state-
ITANAGAR, Apr 26: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has expressed shock and grief over the deadly and devastating earthquake in Nepal and North India, including West Bengal and North East region that killed thousands and left lakhs injured on Saturday.
In a press statement today, Tuki extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic disaster and prayed for speedy recovery of those injured on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. He wished for a successful rescue and relief operation in the affected areas.
“People of Arunachal extend their solidarity with the people of Nepal at this difficult time with whom we have a long and strong social bonding,” Tuki added.
The Chief Minister also made a fervent appeal to the people of Arunachal Pradesh to take a cue from the disaster and take extensive preventive measures. He called for extensive sensitization and awareness programmes on preparedness at district, block and village levels.
In a directive to the Disaster Management department as well as district administrations, the Chief Minister suggested public meetings, awareness programmes, publicity through media, etc to educate the masses on dos and don’ts during such nature’s fury. He emphasized that preventive measures be given utmost priority.
“We must also ensure that standard building norms are followed in all construction works and avoid construction of multi storied buildings. People residing in slope and loose soil areas need to be shifted to safer places to avert any casualties during such occurrence,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Disaster Management department has viewed the Saturday catastrophe seriously and prepared a plan to educate the people across the state on tackling such eventualities in a scientific manner.
ITANAGAR, Apr 26: The officers and staff of the Directorate of Health Services bade farewell to Dr. Gyati Tatu, Dr. Bollapragada Venkata Surya Narayana Murthy and Dr. Satyajit Kakoty, who retired on superannuation.
It was a rare treat for the officers and staff of the Directorate, when the three superannuating doctors shared their experiences in a function organized by the directorate recently.
For Dr. Gyati Tatu, who joined as MO in District Hospital, Along on October 5, 1982, it was his sense of duty and dedication that kept him moving from one place to another despite being afflicted with multiple health problems. After serving as MO at Changlang and DMO in Anini, Pasighat, Khonsa, Seppa and Daporijo, he was promoted to DDHS (S&T), then DDHS (P&D), and then Additional DHS and finally as Director Family Welfare.
As for the other retiring officer, Dr. Bollapragada Venkata Surya Narayana Murthy, it was the beauty and simplicity of the people which made him stay for more than 33 years in Arunachal. He joined on September 19, 1980 at Mahadevpur Health Unit as Junior Medical Officer. Thereafter from 1984 to 86, he was posted in rotation in the Health units of Piyong (6 months), New mahongy (3 months), Manchal and Hayuliang PHC(6 months). He was sent by the then DMO, Tezu to these Health Units to open and make them functional. He visited most of these places on foot and occasionally by bicycle.
Says Murthy, “For Manchal, I first went in a truck from Tezu to Hayuliang. Then I had to walk on foot for two days (officially four days trek) with halt at Yatang to reach Manchal.” He recalled that, “There was only one peon in the Health unit at that time and I was the first doctor to go there.” Incidentally, no doctor has ever gone there after him. The present hanging bridge of Manchal owes its existence to Murthy’s efforts. He had written the application for its construction.
In case of Dr. Satyajit Kakoty, it was the love of the local people which made him stay at Gelling Health Unit, a far away interior place of East Siang from May 1981 to December 1986, incidentally his first place of posting as MO.
In addition to this duty, he also covered Tuting and Singa on foot.
“Once I walked on foot up to Yingkiong,” revealed Dr. Kakoty to the stunned audience. Interestingly, the then ADC, Bharat Baruah once had to forcefully send Dr. Kakoty back home for vacation when the latter deferred his programme of visiting home for years at a row for the sake of looking after sick patients.
His next posting came in 1987 at Kimin courtesy the kindness of the then Chief Minister, Gegong Apang. He explains this with a fond smile, “Apang Sir would always see me in the Chabua Airport waiting for a sortie helicopter to go back to Gelling (the only mode of transport in those days) whenever he landed at the airport. So, when he saw me waiting at the airport year after year, he took pity on me and transferred me to a softer place (Kimin)”.
Later, he served as Medical Superintendent, DMO, DDHS (S&T), DDHS (GA) in various places like Ziro, Kurung Kumey, Bomdila and Naharlagan from 1991 to July 2013. His final promotion came as PD, APSACS.
“There was a sense of dedication and sincerity amongst the earlier doctors which is so hard to find now a days,” said Dr. Moji Jini, Director Medical Education while expressing his appreciation for their yeoman services. Other officers and staff present in the meeting also spoke highly about their selfless contribution to the Medical department in particular and the State in general.
Dr. K.Nishing, DHS, Dr. T.Kampu, DDHS (P&D), Dr.N. Peter, HRS were present among others.
Earthquake and Itanagar: Are we prepared enough
[ Peyom Jini ]
The very unfortunate Nepal Earthquake has claimed thousands of lives in recent times.
Apart from praying for the departed souls and sending NDRF task force for rescue
operations, shouldn’t we the people of Arunachal Pradesh and North-
Our state lies in the most earthquake-
The fact sheet is a clear indicator that Arunachal Pradesh has experienced some of the most severe earthquakes in the past with magnitude as high as 8.7 on Richter scale.
The 1950 earthquake reportedly claimed around 2000 lives in Assam and Tibet where many more must have been left unreported and the actual figure of casualties in Arunachal Pradesh (then a part of Assam) still remaining obscure. Another assumption for the low casualty rate was that due to rural building techniques and lack of urbanization, many lives were saved of building collapses, electrocution, fire etc.
The scenario would have been different had it occurred in recent times. Apart from the natural vulnerable setting, one of the most important yet neglected fact is that urbanization has a greater role to determine whether a city becomes more or less vulnerable. Itanagar and other urban centres have seen unprecedented and unregulated growth since last many years. As such, the vulnerability of these cities increases many fold.
A study by famous geologist Trilochan Singh has found out that Itanagar Capital Complex lies in a highly susceptible area marked by innumerable local Fault lines running across under the city. Immature topography, unconsolidated nature of sediments, and various geomorphic features make the Itanagar Capital complex geodynamically active. Itanagar township is located on the uplifted quaternary fluviatile deposits which characterizes the multitude of landslides experienced by the area.
The entire area of Arunachal Pradesh was treated as rural in 1961 census. In 1971
census, four districts and sub-
The growth rate of urban population in Itanagar was 158.2 % in 1991 and marginally decreased to 111.6 % in 2001. Urban population growth rate in 2011 was 86.4 %.
The urban growth rate in Itanagar is still very high at 86.4%. As such, the vulnerability naturally increases for the residing population. And to add to the vulnerability is the growing unregulated buildings and dense urbanization, slum growths in hazardous locations, development in steep slopes, lack of escape route, unplanned roads and transport corridors.
Can we say we are safe enough? Or are we sitting on a time-
Preparations on for Tawang Festival 2015
TAWANG, Apr 26: Tourism Minister Pema Khandu today reviewed the detailed programme of the ensuing Tawang Festival in a meeting with Festival Celebration Committee headed by the Tawang Deputy Commissioner at Circuit House here.
He exhorted the Festival Organizing Committee to work hard for conduct of the mega tourism festival with its usual grandeur.
Earlier, Pema visited the festival ground to take stock of the ongoing preparation works and met the representatives of various agencies involved in conduct of the festival.
He also visited the old market area of Tawang and reviewed the programme to be held there.
Tawang Festival, 2015 is scheduled to be inaugurated by Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Lt. Gen. (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma on May 1.
Union Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar and Union MoS for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju will attend the second day of the festival. The Chief of Army Staff and other top brass of Army are likely to accompany the Union Defence Minister in the Festival.
Chief Minister Nabam Tuki will attend the final day on May 3.
Bollywood Star Arjun Rampal will be arriving on April 30 to attend the festival. ‘The star being nostalgic of his younger days, expressed his desire to meet his college friends from Arunachal during his three days stay in Tawang”, informed festival director of Tawang Festival Tsetan Chombay Kee.
Arjun Rampal is likely to discuss with Pema various aspects to explore and promote Arunachal tourism through Bollywood ventures in the state.
Bollywood playback singers Priya Patel and Anushka Manchanda will perform on the second and third nights of the Festival respectively.
Besides, M-
The Street Dance show is a novelty in Tawang Festival, 2015. Hundreds of dancers will perform traditional folk dances in the streets of Old Market Tawang to the delight of visiting tourists. Other attraction of the festival is the Arunachal Food Court, exhibition and sale of handicrafts from the State, traditional games and sports and adventure sports.
Tawang Festival is a mega Tourism calendar event that is organized by the Department of Tourism Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh at Tawang. The festival, every year attracts hundreds of domestic and international tourists to experience the serene natural beauty of Arunachal Pradesh, its diverse culture, mouth watering cuisine, unique tribal folk songs, dances, art and artifacts.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
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Nepal tragedy-
The devastating earthquake which rocked neighbouring country Nepal has caused death
of 2500 person and numbers are continuing to rise. Country has been badly battered
by the sheer magnitude of the quake. Aid groups and governments worldwide have intensified
the efforts to help earthquake-
Indian government is also helping the Nepalese government. Prime Minister Narendra
Modi himself is monitoring the situation and issuing directives. Massive rescue
and relief operations have been initiated on a war footing. Modi took stock of the
situation at a high-
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The Nepal Tragedy
Dear Editor,
Any natural or man-
Thus the devastating earthquake in Nepal, where I was present even a month earlier
as a tourist, has indeed broken my heart("900 killed in Nepal earthquake, scores
dead in India", April 26). The charming city of Kathmandu, with the awe-
The whole international community will certainly assist Nepal in this hour of crisis
both in physical and economic terms. It is hoped that the authorities in Nepal will
also ensure that all injured gets properly treated, shelter-
India also deserves congratulations for generously lending its helping hand to Nepal in their hour of crisis despite itself getting affected by the very same earthquake with loss of properties and more than 50 precious lives.
Instead of engaging in mere lip service, India has rendered the adage 'A friend in need is friend indeed' into practical reality. It is hoped that the affected people and family members of the deceased ones in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal will also be provided adequate relief and properly compensated and rehabilitated.
Science or technological progress has not yet succeeded in defeating the forces of nature like earthquakes, tsunamis or volcanic eruptions. However the impact can be certainly lessened a bit by proper planning.
In this regard the Indian sub-
Yours,
Kajal Chatterjee,
Kolkata
A clarification
Dear Editor,
This is in response to the letter published in the reader's forum of your esteemed daily captioned "All we ask for is little respect and equal opportunity" by one Tater Ropuk.
Well, his concern for the teaching fraternity as expressed in the article is highly substantial considering the disparity faced by the teachers. I would like to rebut some of the points brought out by him.
His dismay over the disproportional loan provision for teacher is highly justified but ATA is well aware of this prejudice towards the teacher. A memorandum has been submitted to the SBI to bestow equal privileges to the teachers of 18 months multiplied by the net salary of the individual as is being enjoyed by the employees of other department and a positive response is expected shortly from the Bank official. As far as his accusation towards the ATA regarding the blame game being played over the collection of membership fee and terming of ATA as blind, dumb and deaf is really unfortunate. ATA is an Apex union of teachers which has certain prestige in maintaining the growth and development of human resources and criticism in the media without proper assessment is unacceptable. As for fee collection is concerned, it is the moral responsibility of all teachers to give their membership fee for the proper functioning of ATA.
The role of the teacher is to impart a nation building mentality in the minds of young students and it is done best in the school activities rather than taking tuition.
Giving of Non Tuition Allowances is to be decided by the govt, depending on the financial status of the state. As far as the misuse of GPF and NPS is concerned, the ATA is keeping close eye on the issue. Unlike any other pressure groups or Unions, ATA is an apex employed Association under the purview of Government and we cannot go against the govt, without any full proof evidence.
Also, our silence on the issue shouldn't be seen as our weakness. We will definitely leave no stone unturned to fight against the Govt, if there is any issue concerning the teaching fraternity of the state and when the govt, denies any rights and privileges of the teachers.
Being the General Secretary of the ATA (CEC), I agree on the increasing disrespect towards the teachers especially by the students. But, if we try to find out the sole reason for disrespect towards the teacher by their own students, I believe its because of the "Non detention Policy" of Education in chapter IVth of article 16 of RTE act 2009.
Implementation of RTE has its many high and low. Due to the Non Detention Policy
of RTE, the students don't have any fear of failing the examination till class-
ATA has demanded for the amendment of the RTE and certain Rules should be deleted which have negative impact towards the smooth functioning of education system.
Lastly, I appeal all the teaching fraternity to give up their divisive mentally and unite together to work for the welfare of the teachers for the development of education system and for the welfare of our state.
Yours,
Tania Hakom
General Secretary ATA(CEC)
Itanagar
Change the fare
Dear Editor,
It has been observed that there has been no decreases in the sumo fare of Seppa although the price of fuel has gone down considerably on several occasions. The passengers have been paying the very same amount, which has become a big issue, a huge burden for the passengers to carry. The passengers mostly are students and poor peoples who come to Itanagar for medical treatments.
I can remember when the fuel price went up a bit, Seppa's sumo fare was increased suddenly from Rs 700 to Rs 800 and since then we have been paying the same fare despite of the drastic decrease in the fuel price.
Moreover, the drivers charge such extraordinary amounts for carrying even a small luggage.
I am calling on the relevant authorities specially the Deputy Commissioner, East
Kameng to look at this situation and make necessary adjustments for the benefit
of us all. I also urge the Sumo welfare association of Seppa to extend its co -
Yours,
Prem Taba, Seppa
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