April 15
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
No deliberate intention to usurp Good Friday as Digital India Day: BJP
ITANAGAR, Apr 14: The BJP has said that the occurrence of Good Friday and Digital India Day on the same date this year is purely a coincidence. Contrary to the rumors being spread, there is no deliberate intention on the part of BJP Govt. to usurp the Good Friday as Digital India Day, said the BJP President Tapir Gao in a message.
I earnestly appeal to the Christian community of the state not to have any apprehension
or misgiving on this issue, he said stating "it seems there is some apprehension
among the Christian brothers and sisters of Arunachal Pradesh in connection with
Good Friday and celebration of Birth anniversary of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar
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In a long statement, Gao wrote "I assure the Christian brothers and sisters that our party is a democratic and secular party where we respect and appreciate the religious sentiments and practices of all faiths. This democratic nature and secular character of BJP is reflected by the composition of our party members and workers who comes from different beliefs and faiths. Many of the senior state office bearers and senior leaders of BJP in Arunachal Pradesh come from Christian community. They are in fact the backbone of our party and they have been working very hard and sincerely for so many years for strengthening the party in Arunachal Pradesh. Therefore, there is no reason to believe that such responsible leaders hailing from Christian community will take or will be party to any decision or policy that is detrimental to the interest of Christian community of the State".
He called on the Christians not to get swayed or disturbed by unfounded rumors and rest assured about their religious sentiments and practices under the BJP government. There has never been and there will never be any deliberate intention on the part BJP to hurt the religious sentiment of any section of the society, he added.
Protest in AUS over stipend, students and army get into scuffle
Staff Reporter
NAMSAI, Apr 14: A scuffle broke out between the students of the Arunachal University of Studies (AUS), Namsai and army personnel on Thursday, following a protest by the students of the university demanding stipends.
Reportedly, the army personnel were returning after attending computer classes in the same university, when some protesting students blocking the main gate stopped them from passing through.
The Namsai Police Station OC informed that there was no major scuffle, and the matter has been resolved between the two parties. On reports that the army had blocked the national highway, the OC said that the reports were false as there was no such blockade.
Earlier, the students of AUS staged a protest at the university campus to express
their resentment over the non-
They claimed that around 700 students of various degree and diploma courses have not received the stipend despite placing their grievances before the university authority and the government agencies.
In pursuance of this, the students had also released a press statement in the local dailies on April 12 seeking clarification from the concerned government agencies, but are yet to receive any response from the government.
Reportedly, the students applied for their stipends under the Directorate of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Arunachal Pradesh during the time of admission.
CM assures AAPSU to look into demand for regular NERIST, NIT directors
ITANAGAR, Apr 14: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has assured the All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) to place its demands for appointments of regular directors at NERIST and NIT in the upcoming executive meeting. The CM's assurance came when an AAPSU delegation called on him on Friday and apprised him of the urgent need of regular directors in the institutions.
Taking cognizance of the prevailing situation in premium institutions like NERIST and NIT, AAPSU informed the Chief Minister that the smooth running of reputed institutions has been gravely affected by the internal bickering and indifferences within the administration.
"Since the last decade the administrations in the institutions have not been able to deliver well and the overall developmental activities is held up," AAPSU said adding the frequent disruption by such internal bickering in the campus is affecting the academic career of thousand of students.
AAPSU also informed that due to non-
It has also urged for early completion of the infrastructure saying that the functioning of the entire faculty of NIT is to be shifted to Poma at the earliest.
AAPSU President, Hawa Bagang appealed the government to take up the case immediately through direct communication with the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) Govt. of India.
Meanwhile, AAPSU also demanded the Govt for reconsideration of the contentious move to wind up the engineering wings in the Education, Tourism and Sports departments.
Such impromptu decision will have far reaching consequences to many indigenous people working in the departments and will also hamper growth of the departments, the AAPSU said.
It said the engineering wings have been supporting the respective departments in
solving the technical issues and such decision also would indicate the winding up
of Technical Supporting Group (TSG) from the state. "This will directly affect all
the flagship programs with other centrally sponsored schemes which may result in
de-
The Union also furnished the information concerning a huge lapse in the execution of schemes in the past which was awarded to other departments and till date many utilisation certificates (UCs) have not been submitted.
Earlier, AAPSU had served 15 days ultimatum to the state government to sort out the issue.
Governor’s awards for craft center trainees
ITANAGAR, Apr 14: Arunachal Pradesh Governor, PB Acharya who had visited Craft Emporium in Bomdila, West Kameng recently instituted Awards in the names of eminent personalities for outstanding trainees of the Craft Centre on Friday.
Every year, two best trainees from the institution will be given the award while another award will be given to the best craft masters. The awards will be in the memories of eminent personalities like, Guru Padmasambhava, Rev. TG Rinpoche and Hrusso (Aka) King Taghi Raja.
The Governor has further sanctioned an amount of one lakh from his Discretionary Grant, which will be kept as fixed deposit in the joint account of the Deputy Director, Textiles, Handloom and Handicrafts and one officer of Raj Bhavan. The annual interest will be used for the award purpose, which will be in kind.
The Governor has also sanctioned an amount of Rs. one lakh for renovation/ construction of hostel for girl trainees as out of the 43 trainees, which includes 28 girl trainees are staying in private rent houses.
He also met the representatives of NGOs, public leaders, business community and contractors and asked them to contribute towards construction of girls' hostel for craft trainees under Citizen Social Responsibility. (PRO to Governor)
DyCM seeks councillors’ cooperation for highway construction
ITANAGAR, Apr 14: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Thursday called upon the Councillor
of Itanagar Municipal Council (IMC) to play a crucial role for smooth construction
of four-
Addressing a meeting of all the municipal councillors at his official residence to
discuss matters related to construction of must needed four-
"The government is stepping up efforts to build the NH-
Informing that the approval for the four-
Participating in the meeting, Parliamentary Secretary UD&H and PWD, Techi Kaso, pointed out the importance of roads for overall development of the state.
He appealed the Councillor to cooperate with the government and create awareness among the masses in their respective ward about the importance of the national highway.
Capital Deputy Commissioner Prince Dhawan informed that the district administration has already briefed the councillors about this project and steps has been initiated to hold ward meeting of every wards in capital complex to find out the exact number of dwellers to be affected by the eviction drive.
IMC Chief Councillor Kipa Kaku while assuring to provide support to district administration
during construction of the four-
DCM has assured to look in their grievances in consultation with the local MLA who is also the Parliamentary Secretary PWD.
Among others, CE (Highway) T.Basar and EE (Highway) Nani That attended the meeting.
Vehicle plunges into gorge, driver injured
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Apr 14: The government vehicle of Additional Deputy Commissioner, Tali has reportedly plunged into a 300 meters deep gorge at Pongrung village near Sangram in Kurung Kumey district on Thursday.
The driver is injured grievously as the vehicle reportedly skidded off the road and plunged into deep gorge and is damaged beyond repairs. He was evacuated to RK Mission hospital this morning.
Sources informed that the accident occurred when the vehicle was coming back from
Parsi-
Sangken -
ITANAGAR, Apr 14: The traditional Sangken Water Festival begun with great enthusiasm
and fervour across the State on Friday morning with beating of gong, drums and cymbals
and Fra-
Sangken marks the beginning of the Tai New Year. The timing of the festival is calculated according to the Tai Lunar calendar, which this year begins on 14 April at 4:56:29 AM and culminates with New Year's Day on 16 April at 09:01:10 AM.
For devotees, the morning will begin with a visit to their local temple, to wash
images and statues of Lord Buddha, or to clean and redecorate their house shrine.
All these gestures are intended to initiate purification of the self and washing
away of personal sins and bad luck in the past year. The young would pour water over
the palms of the elderly as a sign of reverence. Other form of merry-
The water throwing is at its most energetic level in Namsai, Empong, Phaneng, Kongmukham of Namsai district and Itanagar. Water is a symbol of not only cleanliness but also auspiciousness.
In Itanagar, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein is participating in the celebration at Kyong Theravada, Vivek Vihar.
He called on locals to celebrate the festival in a more traditional way and preserve
the aged-
The highlight of the celebration was Soun Fra (pouring of scented water) on to images
of Lord Buddha and splashing of water by revelers to the passer-
Digi Dhan Mela concludes
Total transparency because of IT revolution: Rebia
ITANAGAR, Apr 14: The concluding ceremony of the Digi Dhan Mela, an initiative to promote digital payment and cashless transaction, was held on Friday here at Banquet Hall.
Minister for Urban Development, Town Planning, Housing, Urban Local Bodies Nabam Rebia said IT revolution would bring in total transparency and accountability by ensuring that corruption is rooted out of the system. This, Rebia said, is the essence of true democracy and will thereby make India a vibrant nation.
Rebia also remembered Baba Ambedkar on his birth anniversary and stated that Ambedkar
is an ideal of a true democracy. Chairman of State Council for IT and e-
Later a MoU was signed between the Department of IT and M/S PN Writer for data digitization of old records. This is significant as it symbolizes the last leg of Paperless Secretariat that was initiated last year to ensure that all government files are processed and decisions taken electronically by using digital signatures. The creation of centralized management information system for employee and pensioner of Audit & Pension department was also launched on the occasion by Urban Development Minister Nabam Rebia. A prize distribution ceremony was also held for the winners of various competitions organized at NERIST on Thursday along with handing out Certificate of Recognition to few merchants and government officials for their efforts in bringing in digitisation. Secretary IT Sonam Chombay and Special Secretary IT Prince Dhawan also spoke on the occasion.
Central agriculture Secretary visits Ziro
ITANAGAR, Apr 14: Secretary Agriculture, Govt. of India, SK Patnaik made a one-
After his field visit secretary had interaction with Ziro Valley Kiwi Grower Association executive members lead by its General Secretary Gyati Loder and Lower Subansiri Vegetable Grower Association lead by its Chairperson Nani Jalyang. They submitted two point memorandum to visiting Secretary for channelization of Kiwi Market and establishment of Cold Storage at Ziro for convenient of farmers.
In response to their memorandum Patnaik assured them that he will look into it at earliest possible. He also assured to approve their demand for exposure trip to New Zealand for few selected farmers. He also appreciated the cultural heritage and beauty of Ziro landscape. Secretary was accompanied by State Protocol Officer Dani Salu and Asst. Director Agriculture, Tasso Butung. He was given warm reception this morning at Ziro ALG by Heads of Department of Lower Subansiri Dist.
Work with more zeal, Tashi urges party workers
[ Tawang Vigilance ]
TAWANG, Apr 14: Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Works Department, Jambey Tashi called on the BJP karyakartas and office bearers to prioritize and focus on the poor and weaker sections of the society and serve with more zeal and vigor guided by the Mantra of Antyodaya.
He was addressing the BJP workers during the BJP Sthaphna Diwas on Thursday last. Recalling the contributions of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyayaand Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he called upon the karyakartas and office bearers to work with more zeal towards realizing the party's ideologies.
Tawang District BJP president, Sangey Chodup, ZillaPrabhari, Naresh Glo and Gandhi Sakrinso also spoke on the occasion.
Pasighat Smart City proposal appraisal meeting held
PASIGHAT, Apr 14: Pasighat Smart City Mission core committee member, Dr. Narmi Darang presented a detail report on final proposal on Smart city which was submitted recently to the Union Ministry of Urban Development during an appraisal meeting organized by the Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) at the Pasighat Town Club here on Thursday.
Input received from the citizens like solar power project, smart public transport,
water management, e-
An open house discussion on the proposals was also held in presence of local MLA Kaling Moyong, DC Tamiyo Tatak, retired bureaucrats, municipal councilors, senior leaders, officers, representatives of ABK and youths.
Speaking on the occasion, Kaling Moyong asserted that Pasighat would be an example of a 'Carbon Neutral City' sustaining its cultural heritage, green economics and pristine nature. "We have worked together with our esteemed citizens to create a robust proposal," Moyong said.
He also threw lights on various ongoing development projects including Pasighat road-
Deputy Commissioner Tamiyo Tatak stated that the overall approach focuses on promoting smart growth to fulfill the needs and aspiration of the citizens.
MEO cum Mission Officer, Ainstein Koyu presented a brief report on the initiatives undertaken by PMC in implementing smart solutions. Once granted by the union ministry, the proposal would significantly improve citizen service delivery system and promote transparency and accountability of services, Koyu added.
Retired IAS Oshong Ering, Assistant Town Planner (PMC), Tani Taloh, ABK Secretary HQ (East Siang) Tabung Ering and many prominent personalities of Pasighat also spoke on the occasion. DIPRO
Panchayati and municipal Governments in Arunachal Pradesh
[ Pramanik. N,
Dr. Kago Gambo ]
ITANAGAR, Apr 14: Since time immemorial till the advent of statutory Panchayats in
Arunachal Pradesh, the political, social, legal and other affairs of the tribesmen
were regulated through its indigenous self-
Following the Chinese aggression of 1962, the Government of India decided to design
its administrative machinery of the NEFA Administration to achieve twin objectives
of bringing the areas to the national political life; and to make the people to take
lively interest in developmental activities. The first step towards achieving these
objectives was to appoint a four-
The Regulation did not assign any specific function to the Gram Panchayat except that it served as Electoral College for the Anchal Samiti besides helping the executives in developmental activities and mobilizing the people for such purposes. The Anchal Samiti was assigned with sizeable powers, funds and functions in planning and implementing developmental schemes. The regulation envisaged the Zila Parishad as a district level panchayat body with supervisory and advisory roles over the Gram Panchayats and Anchal Samiti within the district. Further, it was envisaged as the supreme body in finalizing the plans and programs of the district. The Agency Council functioned as legislature for the NEFA. The nomenclature of the same was changed into Pradesh Council (in 1972), which was developed as the provisional Legislative Assembly (on 15th August, 1975) of the UT of Arunachal Pradesh.
Later on, duly passed Arunachal Panchayat Raj Bill, 1997 prepared as per the requirements
of the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act, 1992 finally and ultimately received the
assent of the President of India on 13th April, 2001 after a long span of time due
to certain inevitable reason. For the first time, the newly-
1. Gram Panchayat for one village or group of village.
2. Anchal Samiti at the Block level.
3. Zila Parsishad at the District level.
Besides expanding the developmental functions of different panchayat bodies and broadening
the system of representations; the 1997 Act ensured constitutional status to the
state Panchayat system. It is being hoped that this new Panchayat Act would go a
long way in strengthening the modern grass-
Meanwhile, the urban local government or Municipality (as it is called) made its
first appearance in Arunachal Pradesh (in 2013) in Itanagar-
Obligatory functions:
(i) Supply of pure and wholesome water;
(ii) Construction and maintenance of public streets;
(iii) Lighting public streets;
(iiii) Cleansing public streets, places and sewers;
(v) Regulation of offensive, dangerous or obnoxious trades or practices;
(vi) Maintenance and support of public hospitals;
(vii) Establishment and maintenance of primary schools;
(viii) Registration of birth and deaths;
(ix) Removing obstructions and projections in public streets, bridges and other places; and
(x) Naming streets and numbering houses, etc.
Discretionary Functions:
(i) Securing or removing dangerous buildings and places;
(ii) Construction and maintenance of public parks, gardens, libraries, museums, rest house, leper homes, orphanages and rescue home for women, etc.;
(iii) Planting and maintenance of roadside and other trees;
(iiii) Housing for low income groups;
(v) Organizing public receptions, public exhibitions, public entertainments, etc.;
(vi) Provision of transport facilities within the municipality; and
(vii) Promotion of welfare of municipal employees, etc.
However, the newly-
(The contributors are Assistant Professors, D. N. Govt. College, Itanagar)
Injured researcher recuperating, army refuses help
Staff reporter
ITANAGAR, Apr 14: The condition of environmental Researcher Neyi Jamoh who was dangerously injured by an Army vehicle on April 10 at Solmora, is slowly improving at a Guwahti hospital, according to her colleagues. She had a surgery on her face on Friday. Neyi has suffered multiple fractures in her skull and face.
According to reports, a stallion truck of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, 15 Corps of the Indian Army hit multiple civilian vehicles at 7.30 am on 10th April in Solmara in Assam injuring several people. Neyi was grievously injured with multiple fractures to her skull and facial bones, and bleeding in her right lung.
According to a petition to the Defence Ministry by Neyi's sister, the JKLI has declined to support her treatment. She has appealed to the defense minister to direct the JKLI to provide for Neyi's treatment.
While her life is no longer in danger, she still will be in ICU under close monitoring
for another week and will start a long journey of multiple surgeries to correct the
many fractures of the skull and facial bones followed by post-
GSU announces 48 hrs bandh
ITANAGAR, Apr 14: The Galo Students' Union (GSU) on Friday, announced its 3rd phase
48 hours bandh call from 5 AM of Apr 17 to 19 next in all Galo-
The GSU has earlier enforced a 36 hour bandh on Apr 10 in its second phase in protest
against non-
Tara's integrated farming system at Sonajuli inspires DyCM
ITANAGAR, Apr 14: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has visited integrated farming system at Sonajuli under Banderdewa Circle in Papum Pare district on Thursday. Spread over the 35 square km of land, farm owner Tana Nekam Tara, besides growing tea, lemon grass, orange and rubber, incorporated fishery, poultry, goat rearing, bee keeping and piggery in the farm area. He is also providing employment to more than 300 people and becomes source of inspiration for all other farmers of the locality.
Mein, who himself is an agriculturist, while appreciating the efforts of the progressive farmer said that the success story of Tana Nekam Tara is an inspiration for others especially the unemployed educated youths. The Dy CM said the unemployed youths should learn from Tara and take up integrated farming system to generate their own income source.
Integrated farming is a new approach that can be applied to any farming system and it can generate employment opportunities, Mein said.
Meanwhile, Dy CM has assured to hold meeting with concern officers of the Agriculture department to come up with proper strategy to revive the defunct Government Seed Farm at Sonajuli soon.
While sharing his experience, Tara explained about the various projects being embarked upon and highlighted numerous challenges confronting them.
Earlier, Mein also visited the Papum Pare Tea Estate, the Eco-
Teacher's quarter gutted
ITANAGAR, Apr 14: One semi-
All belongings of the teacher was completely turned to ash in the devastating fire, informed AKDDSU President', Gora Rikam Bhai in a release on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Union has further strongly appealed to the Deputy Commissioner, DDSE and District Relief & Rehabilitation Officer to provide adequate relief and compensation to the affected teachers' family.
Fire service week
ITANAGAR, Apr 14: Fire Station, Gandhi Market Itanagar has organised Fire Service
Day on April 14 under the theme "Firemen -
The event was led by Officer-
During the day various fire fighting equipments were showcased while public were informed on Do's and Don'ts in case of fire.
Community hall inaugurated
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Apr 14: Pasighat West MLA Tatung Jamoh has inaugurated an up-
Addressing the villagers in the inaugural ceremony, both the MLA and the MP urged them for proper maintenance of the community hall apart from maintaining unity and peace.
The local villagers led by Head Gaon Burah, Yon Yomso have appealed the MLA and the MP for granting additional fund for further development of the community hall.
The community hall worth Rs 5 lakh was funded under MP's Local Area Development Fund, while the local MLA donated the CGI sheets for its completion.
Vodafone Super Net TM 4G launched in Tawang
Tawang, Apr 14: Vodafone India has announced the launch of its Vodafone Super Net
TM 4G service in Tawang, which the company said has one of the most challenging terrains
to set-
Governor greets people on Bohag Bihu
ITANAGAR, Apr 14: Arunachal Pradesh Governor, PB Acharya has greeted the people of the state on the occasion of Bohag Bihu. He expressed hope that the occasion will herald a new era of harmonious relations and prosperity.
The Governor also extended best wishes to all brothers and sisters of Assam on behalf of people of Arunachal Pradesh.
In his festival message, the Governor said that Bohag Bihu ushers in the period of enjoyment and marks the arrival of spring, the agricultural season. People welcome the spring season and pray for a bountiful and rich harvest.
'I wish that the festivity highlights the challenges of agrarian community and also create awareness on welfare schemes launched for them, the Governor hoped. (PRO to Governor)
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US send message to Taliban & ISIS
The decision of US Military to drop the country's most powerful non-
The US military has defended its decision, describing it as a "tactical" move. Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai condemned the move, saying Afghanistan shouldn't be used as a "testing ground" for weapons. But one does wonder whether munition, known as the "mother of all bombs" for its extraordinary force, was necessary for the particular target. The impact also does not seem to achieve much desire result. There are perhaps secondary effects of Thursday's bombing in Afghanistan such as signaling to the North Koreans and the Syrians that the United States can deploy such weapons against their bunker systems. The US also is sending out message at a time when the war in Afghanistan is at a critical point. The war in Afghanistan is at its lowest point for the Afghans and their American allies since the Taliban were overthrown in the months after 9/11.The Taliban "control or contest" about a third of the population of the country and have been continuously capturing new areas. Perhaps by dropping such powerful bomb, US wants to tell Afghan people that it will stay put and continue to fight Taliban and ISIS.
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Escaping from police station
Dear Editor,
I am angry to read about the recent escape of 12 UTP's from Chongkham Police Outpost
under Namsai District. There are lots of unanswered questions about the recent prison
escape that I would like point out -
1. How can you lock 12 prisoners inside one jail cell?
2. Is the prison guard an electrician? Why did he go inside the cell to repair the fan?
3. Is there only one guard for the whole police outpost? Or is he the only police in the station?
4. If he was not the only Police, where were the other police personnel?
Time again it has been proven that our police department is still unprofessional & unqualified. I blame the head of police and the state govt for ignoring the basic needs to run a police station.
When the police station of the Capital Complex is at the worse condition, I can only pray for police outpost of the interior districts.
Yours,
A Concerned Citizen
Discriminating house owners
Dear Editor,
It seems like a curse to be a Nyishi especially when you are looking for a rented room in the capital complex of our state. I have been looking for the same since the last couple of months and have also been able to found some. But then it was very disappointing to know the fact that many of the building owners do not entertain Nyishi tenant. In fact “Chima” has rightly said in the movie “Itanagar zero km” that Nyishi honese rent nahi milta hai. You cannot generalize all Nyishi to be the same just by the wrong deeds of very few of them. Every tribe has got its own positive and negative side both. Many of my relatives and friends including me, who are Nyishi are not less than any other tribes if we see in terms of obedience, manners and discipline. It is the elders who initiate the differentiation. If other tribes can avail the room unconditionally then why can’t we? We do also have equal responsibility to look after our family just like them. Where are we supposed to go when we don’t have our own houses and hostels available here? We cannot become day scholars from the respective villages to daily attend the schools, colleges and the offices.
It would be much obliged if they kindly put a notice board in their buildings with
a signboard that reads-
Yours,
Concerned citizen
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