The Arunachal Times - Archives

Inordinate delay in execution of PMGSY in Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Aug 22: According to reports by state level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee, Arunachal Rural Road Development Agency (ARRDA) under RWD, Executing agency of Prime Minister Grameen Sadak Yojana(PMGSY) have not completed many PMGSY projects. The committee further said that delay for works is not known.

Some projects are yet to be completed since 5 years, whereas the projects should be completed within a period of 9 months from the date of issue of the Work order.

The on-going PMGSY road since 2005 are 11, 2006-07 are 52 while the number at 2007-08 stands at 79 and 2008 accounts to 73.

In respect of Hill State or in case, the period for execution is adversely affected by monsoon or other seasonal factors, the time period for completion should not exceed 12 calendar months in any case.

Alarmed at the inordinate delay, State level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee would inspect work sites across the state beginning from Sept 2 in 16 districts of the state.

There are a total of 216 PMGSY roads in the state with Tirap (33), Changlang (21), Lohit (20), Anjaw (05),Dibang Valley (02), Lower Divang Valley (09), East Siang (08),West Siang (30), Upper Siang (02), Upper Subansiri(10), Lower Subansiri (08), Kurung Kumey (08), Papum-Pare (02), East Kameng(12), West Kameng (21), Tawang (23).

Efforts on to restore peace along

Arunachal-Assam border

Russa villages remain tense

ITANAGAR, Aug 22: The situation in Rusa Villages of Tirap remains volatile after trouble broke out on Aug 14 along the Assam-Arunachal border. SP Changlang and Anjaw along with 2 Inspectors and 4 sub inspectors are being rushed to the area to assist SP Tirap who has been camping in the area since the trouble broke out.

The situation has been further aggravated by the economic blockade announced by students of Assam and reports of stopping Tirap bound vehicles.

The trouble in Kanubari border has spilled over to Joypur when scores of Tirap –bound vehicles were stopped near Nagaghat- Joypur in Assam on Aug 21 by student activists and local committee members. The reason the activists cited was ostensibly for usurping Assam land by Arunachalees.

Meanwhile, in an effort to bring normalcy in Tirap district, a joint police patrolling by personnel from both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh led by DC, SP and EAC have been deployed in the disputed area as part of confidence building measures and for constant monitoring of the situation, DIGP, Eastern Range, Robin Hibu informed the press persons. He said that roads have also been cleared and deployment of ‘Neutral Force’ in the area is under consideration. Talks are also being held at top level to remove economic blockade imposed on Tirap district by Assam students groups, he added.

Meanwhile, a 10-member peace committee was today constituted as per resolution adopted in a meeting held at Bimalpur on August 19. The Committee includes a Magistrate, a DSP and three respected senior citizens from each side. It was also resolved in the meeting that statusquo would be maintained at the disputed site and display of weapons by the villagers of Arunachal Pradesh would be discouraged.

Normalcy was fast returning to the trouble-torn villages under Kanubari circle in Tirap district with no firing incident being reported since yesterday, Hibu said.

Meanwhile, the DIGP in a hand out informed that the Kanubari incident broke out on August 14 at around 2.45 am when a group of miscreants damaged a barrack which was being constructed by Assam Police in addition to their existing vacant barrack along the Assam-Arunachal boundary. Thereafter, massive police forces from Assam led by the Sibsagar SP were rushed to the spot and started deployment along the long stretch of Assam-Arunachal boundary by constructing police observation posts at different places which created panic among Russa villagers on the Arunachal side. In the meantime, Tirap SP also rushed to the spot with his force. An exchange of fire occurred when the SP was on the way wherein one local resident, namely T Wanjen suffered grievous injury. The injured person was immediately rushed to the Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh for further treatment. His condition was stated to be still critical. In another incident on August 18, Assam Police fired at the house of Raja of Russa village. Though no one was injured in the incident, the window panes of the house and some portions of the wall were damaged. In retaliation, AP IRBn also fired, the hand out informed

In yet another firing incident, Assam Police opened 50 rounds of fire towards Arunachal side on August 20 which has created a volatile situation in the village.

Meanwhile the Chief of Rusa Villages Panwang Wangham have said that people of Rusa villages are passing through serious mental and physical agony as there is no solution to the decades old inter-state boundary problem.

He added that the Assam authorities led by Sivasagar DC and SP and media aggravated the present crisis by accusing the people of being hand in glove with the NSCN.

How can anyone believe the claim that the NSCN had fired at the SP of Assam when there are hundreds of personnel from Assam police, Arunachal Pradesh police, CRPF and Gorkha Regiment, he asked.

He further requested the State Government to institute a CBI enquiry into the entire controversy at the earliest to unearth the whole truth.

On the other hand, All Tirap Students Union has demanded immediate intervention of All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union and its Assam counterpart All Assam Students Union over the economic blockade.

ATSU urged the unions to jointly visit the disturbed area and discuss with the common public area to sort out the differences.

Union also strongly reacted to the news item that appeared in cross section of regional daily and electronic media that said that the Assamese living in the said disturbed area are being ill-treated.

ANSU declares Aug 30 bandh

ITANAGAR, Aug 22: All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) has declared a 12 hours bandh on Aug 30 to press for solution to its various demands. The Union said that it has been forced to go for bandh following the failure of state Govt. to take initiative of the various Memorandums submitted by the Union. The demands include establishment of Polytechnic College at Yachuli, finalisation of Permanent site for NIT-Arunachal on the basis of the Site Selection Committee Report, equal Right of Settlement at Hapoli(Ziro), establishment of Police Out-Post at Tarasso, Gumto, Kakoi, Dissing-Paso, Kimin, and Tali.

Road Connection from Itanagar to Balukpong via Jote and Seijosa, Doimukh to Dollungmukh via Kimin, Tamin to Tali and Nyapin to Chayangtajo and declaration of Kara-Dadi as National Park. The Union demands also incldue Hydro-power Project at Kurung Kumey and Kameng River by NHPC and NEPCO undertakings.

Flash flood creates havoc in Dollungmukh area

ITANAGAR, Aug 22: Flash flood triggered by torrential rain yesterday washed away a portion of hanging bridge over Dollungmukh river, along with water supply pipeline.

Paro ASM Rotom Teyi in a release today further informed that flash flood also damaged the paddy fields and washed way RCC culverts and completely disrupted the road communication. At least five villages including Tanio, Bomte, Kherbari, Midpu and Rajali remain cut off due to washing away of bridge, he said.

Three motor vehicles parked nearby the bridge were also washed way by the flash flood, he further claimed.

The ASM has appealed the department concerned to restore the road communication, water supply system immediately. He also pleaded for adequate relief for the flood affected people.

Nepalis meet in search of tradition

ITANAGAR, Aug 22: Aiming at promoting Nepali tradition and culture among the Nepali residents of the Capital Complex, the state unit of Nepali Sanskriti Suraksha Parishad (NSSP) organized a meeting at Nyikum Nyia hall, Nirjuly here today.

While addressing the gathering, All Arunachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Board chairman, Jalley Sonam said that everyone should be proud of one’s tradition and culture and follow them sincerely.

He recalled how Nepali soldiers during the Indo-Chinese war in 1962 sacrificed their lives to protect and defend India while adding that the Nepalis have contributed a lot in the development of the state.

He appealed everyone to come forward and work together for proper development and progress of the society and added that other communities of the state will also be encouraged and inspired to follow suit.

Later, he contributed some fund for the Parisad and assured all possible help to NSSP.

NSSP general secretary, Bishnu Bhandari said that most of the Nepalis residing in different parts of the North East state are forgetting their age old culture and hoped that such programme would be helpful in creating awareness among them.

Delegates from different states and North Eastern State also attended the programme.

Mobile fair price shop launched to ensure PDS items

Correspondent

DIRANG, Aug 22: To make available PDS food items to people at their doorsteps, a mobile Fair Price Shop was formally inaugurated at Nyokmadung and Senge villages under Dirang circle here today.

Distributing essential food items including rice and sugar to around 300 families, local legislator Phurpa Tsering said that it was part of his election manifesto to provide essential food items to people of his constituency. “Poor people find it hard to travel 30 to 40 kms to Dirang to lift food items from Dirang Lamps. Hence, we have launched the service to reach out to people of remote and far flung areas and to ensure that they receive their quota of essential food items at their doorsteps”, he explained.

Dirang Lamps managing director M.P Prathapan explained that the service was a long pending demand of public to mitigate sufferings of common people in procurement of essential food items. “The service would be carried out on monthly basis and requirements of PDS items would be met through this service regularly”, he informed, while thanking the MLA for launching the service.

During the day, heads of Deptt. of Dirang circle, Dirang circle officer, ZPM’s of Dirang and Thembang blocks, Dirang Lamps chairman Yesi Tsewang and other public leaders were present at the maiden event. In another event, 30 beneficiaries of Lish village of the total 250 beneficiaries of Dirang circle were distributed watershed related schemes including land development, agri/horti projects, animal husbandry, household production selection schemes, soil conservation measures and project level financial benefits under National Watershed Development Project in Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) by Dirang agriculture development officer A.K Srivastava and senior public leader Sange Tsering here today.

“The project has been in operation since 2008 and it is running very successfully in the area. Envisioned to generate 1500 man days, beneficiaries are taking keen interest for sustainable development in the area” explained the ADO to this correspondent. Further, he informed that schemes worth Rs 7 lakhs have been distributed so far in the circle.

IDEA launches Farmers’ Club at Boasimla

Bishop calls for accessible services to farmers

Boasimla, Aug 22: Itanagar Diocesan Empowerment Association (IDEA) in collaboration with NABARD officially launched Farmers’ Club at Boasimla to create a platform for the farmers to be productive and prosperous.

Most Rev. Dr. John Thomas, the Bishop of Itanagar Diocese while inaugurating the program said that the scope of Industrial initiatives is very limited in the rural belts of Arunachal Pradesh. Therefore the people have to become resourceful. Hence it is of key importance that we launch the farmers club to create an enabling environment to make the services accessible to farming community at the grass roots, he added.

K. Vhaipei Manager NABARD enlightened the gathering on Farmer’s club management, Technology transfer, credit and market, rural hut development, non-traditional vegetables development. He reiterated the commitment of NABARD to support capacity building of farmers on new agriculture developments and practices. He also made a field visit to the SHG horticulture gardens and SHG run fair price shops and suggested technical tips. Vhaipei distributed several horticulture saplings to the newly formed 33 IDEA Farmers’ Club members.

Former MLA Boa Tamo requested the banks to simplify the process of bank linkage and loaning. He also expressed his willingness to donate land for the construction of a rural hut. He further said that Farmers Club can play a prominent role for improving the income level of farm families by convergence of initiatives for access to improved agricultural services.

Fr. Ivan Vas SVD, the Director of IDEA said that the objective of this pilot project is to make the farmers productive by creating awareness among the farmers on multi-cropping, lead crops, credit, marketing, and to develop partnership with resource institutions.

During the presentation of the SHGs and Farmers club report the IDEA SHGs Leader Rakhe Maria highlighted the impact of IDEA interventions in the area. Replying to the quarries of Vhaipei, she said that women are being empowered. Women have stopped making and selling local beer which has resulted in reducing drinking tremendously in the area.

The villagers have undertaken various IGP activities such as mushroom cultivation, candle making, vegetable gardens, horticulture, etc. She further said the 42 IDEA SHGs are having bank accounts and regularly saving part of their income, which has amounted to Rupees eleven lakhs.

The Programme Coordinator of KVK, Dr. Debnath shared his expertise on Know-How on Agronomy. He explained the plant protection measures and possibility of making bio-inputs using natural ingredients so as to reduce farmers dependency on chemicals like urea and pesticides.

B.C.Mishra, SDAO, Raga said that IDEA has created a platform for growth for the farmers to take issues of great concern. He imparted knowledge on multi-cropping, soil testing, multi-nutrients, seed testing and germination, adopting high yielding certified seeds, fish farming, organic fertilisers and manure, etc.

S.Kaikhanthang, SBI Bank Manager, Ziro, pointed out that IDEA has realized what was envisaged in the Microfinance vision 2011 initiated by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. He elaborated on the microfinance initiatives of SBI for the development of rural people.

Toko Techi, Rural Bank Manager, Ziro, demonstrated the bank linkage and loaning avenues available to the farmers in the Rural Bank. He also assured full cooperation and support to the farmers in availing credit.

Messages on ailments like poverty, illiteracy, school drop-outs, polygamy, alcoholism, unhealthy living conditions, gambling and the related social problems were sent out to the people through street plays. There were over 500 SHG Members and Farmers from Kamporijo I, Kamporijo II and Raga Block.

The Bishop of Itanagar accompanied by other invitees planted a sapling in the Boasimla public Ground campus as a memorial of the launch.

Where raising concern means ‘anti-national’

Tilu Linggi

After our Chief Minister Mr Dorjee Khandu, now it is Lok Sabha MP, Takam Sanjoy, who seems to be using words such as ‘anti-national’ for anti-dam activists.

It makes me to recall a statement made a couple of weeks ago by the Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit, who said that anyone who criticized the Commonwealth Games, criticized the government was being unpatriotic.

The Times of India pointed out that ‘patriotism’ implies standing up for one’s country and not for the government of the day. Indeed, for bad policies of a government, it could be said that criticizing the government is the most patriotic thing in the world.

The same concept applies here. I am skeptical if at all our Lok Sabha MP is pretty sensible enough to ponder over his appropriateness of asserting such terms. While the definition of being nationalist, one who is loyal to the interest of one’s country, but not to the govt, is valid in other polities, it is obviously not so in India. The reason for this is simple.

In other countries, which call themselves democracies, governments exist to serve the country, i.e., the people who elect them into office (and elect them out as well). In India, increasingly, it is the country, i.e., the populace, which exists to serve the government of the day, whichever political party, parties, it represent.

The most important duty of the Indian citizens who have come of age is to cast their vote. The party they cast vote for doesn’t really matter, because behind their facade of ideological differences, they are basically all the same and have the same goal: to perpetuate their interests at the expense of the interests of the country, and of the citizens who constitute it. Once this basic fact on which our system is bed rocked had been grasped, a lot of things that anger us or dismay us will no longer do so.

To question gross act of signing rampant MoUs by the state government, by voicing against multiple mega projects, which has the potential to change the whole socio-cultural scenario, is not being anti-national. It is a concern and a desire to live in a safe and healthy environment. And, that reason has nothing, whatsoever, to do with revolting against nation or degrading national pride.

The real reason behind blind go ahead for several large hydro projects, is that the individuals and institutions that comprises the sarkari network (which includes corporate, contractors and businessman) is to make money and strengthen their stranglehold around the neck of the common citizen.

And, it’s not just the dams. According to a recent report, over 330, so called ‘public’ sector projects have been bogged down in protracted time-overruns, resulting in a supposed ‘loss’ of Rs 50,000 crore of the taxpayers money. Does this anger you? It shouldn’t. Because, the so-called ‘public sector does not belong to the public, which is you and me, but the ‘sarkar’. So, the so-called ‘loss’ of Rs 50,000 crore is not a loss at all. It is on the contrary, a gain for the true stakeholder in the ‘public’ sector: the sarkar.

Once we learn to put the sarkari horse before the country’s cart, we shall understand lot of things. The MPs of all political parties have voted unanimously for a hefty 300 per cent plus pay hike for themselves. Though, it’s been put on hold, we should urge them to take an even larger pay hike than that of the union government has decided. What better way to ensure them to take our servitude of the sarkar, by the sarkar, and for the sarkar, will never perish from this land? (The writer is based at Pune and can be contacted at linggitilu@gmail.com)

Committee demands more fund for road renovation

ITANAGAR, Aug 22: Chandranagar Development Welfare Committee (CDWC) has appealed the state Govt to create more fund provision under AOP for development of Capital infrastructure, especially for renovation of all kind of roads in Capital Complex.

Claiming that only 75 per cent of sector roads have been included for maintenance under Rs 53 crore JNNURM schemes in the Capital region, the committee said the fund is not adequate as almost all the sector roads are lying in dilapidated condition. Apart from road maintenance, there are many proposals for construction of approach roads including NH52-A ( near Ganga School) to Industrial complex, Chandranagar, power house Chandranagar to BB Barrak Senki Park which are yet to be implemented by the department concerned, the committee further said.

Yachuli MLA tours remote Seya and Deed villages

ZIRO, Aug 22: Yachuli MLA and APEDA chairman, Likha Saaya, visited remote Seya and Deed villages of Lower Subansiri under Pistana circle on Aug,21 last to assess the development activities.

At a development meeting with villagers at Seya, Saaya, informed the people that the state government has approved for creation of a circle headquarters at Deed, and thanked the state government under the leadership of Dorjee Khandu and Nabum Tuki and local Anchal Chairperson Likha Api and her team who persistently persuaded the government for sanctioning the circle headquarters. This is a big gift from the state government and this will go a long way in the overall development of the region, he said and entreated the people of the area not to forget such a noble gesture of the government.

The MLA reassured the villagers to take care of all their problems.

Election is a different class of game, having a winner and loser as in real sports, the winner takes home the trophy in sports but in election, the winner goes out and works for the people without a trophy but with people’s support, he added.

Asking the people to remain united and support the present leadership of the area and state government for the sake of overall development, he said development never comes by its own, people need to prepare themselves for it.

He instructed the District officials of Agriculture, Horticulture and Fisheries departments to explore the huge potentials of the area in their respective sectors in consultation with villagers.

His visit to the village was also marked by announcement of various developmental packages for the village including black topping work of six Kms span road from BRTF road to the village, construction of two suspension bridges over river payi and pei, football ground and boundary wall for local middle school, footpath from PWD road to Pai happa. Distribution of utensils for over 400 villagers and financial assistance of Rs.60,0000 for development cultural activities and Rs. 500 each to over 30 GBs of the village and nearby villages.

While visiting the school, he advised the students to make cleanliness a habit and plant flowers and ornamental plants in and around the school which will not only make the school look better but cleaner and fresh.

Lower Subansiri Zila Prishad Chairperson, Likha Tongum, Lower Subansiri ADC, W.thickak also addressed the villagers among others. Tongum in his address said that we need to appreciate the role of those people present and whoever has given their bit for the development of the area and appealed the people to be united and support and cooperate Saaya in his efforts to bring development for the area.

At Deed, the MLA inspected the Primary health center, where he interacted with the employees and patients. Saaya, besides, giving financial assistance to an emergency patient and advised him to inform him for shifting to Ziro or Itanagar for further treatment if necessary. While visiting Government secondary school,he expressed his dismay over the untidy surroundings and school rooms of the local school and advised the school teachers to keep the school clean and guide the students to be neat and clean and for proper upkeep of the school infrastructures. Besides, he also inspected other ongoing development schemes and interacted with local leaders for proper implementation of schemes. Interacting with the school authorities assuring to streamline the educational system he asked the Circle Officer, to be very strict for smooth functioning of schools of the area and inform him if anything goes wrong. (DIPRO)

Stand up before its late

Dear Editor,

Recently Tanga Byaling, Minister of Health & Familly welfare, have visited few areas which are likely to be affected by Subansiri Upper hydroelectric power project. He assured few innocent citizens, who still don't know what is Hydroelectric power project and what is going on since more than 60% of our population are illiterate, that they will not be forced to give up their land and asked them not to become bottle neck in setting up of Subansiri Upper hydroelectric power project. But we don't want mere assurances & promises. What we want is sustainable development, peace in the valley and justice to people without ecological imbalances. Existence of peace doesn't mean the absence of violence but it is presence of justice. We don't want promises like ''building a bridge where there is no water.''

We are not against the project but we are still skeptical and confused with the suitability of project site. What our civilized society wants is a suitable location and sustainability. I would like to tell the people of Upper Subansiri about the status of location of project Site that it is located at seismic Zone 5 which is very-very vulnerable. Any high magnitude earth quake can happen at any time. If once happen, no one, not even those people who are assuring & promising us today, will come to save us.

It is located at upper catchment of Subansiri River. Daporijo, Dumporijo, Sippi and many settlements are located at Subansiri river bank surrounded by hills in all sides. Sudden release of huge volume of water occurred will lead to mass devastation in the valley as there is no escape way.

We don't have any Hydroelectric Liability law to secure and compensate our people from Dam project related Tragedy.

Once dam is constructed, nothing can be done. No matter how much we cry, no one will listen, not even those ministers who is assuring us today. So it is wise to ''lock the stable before steed is stolen'' and never compromise the ability of our future generation to meet their need & security.

Let's ask for conditions and liability packages before project is started. Students and other organizations should not sleep in this hour. Students Unions should try to come out from ditch of uselessness to help innocent people and stop dreaming cars & bikes.

Yours,

Tasing Jeke Nilling

Delhi University,

(on email)

Don’t distort fact and add fuel to the fire

Dear Editor,

The current stand-off between the authorities of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh is a meticulously planned strategy to evict the Arunachal villagers and encroach upon the land that rightfully belongs to them. The present stalemate at Kamkuh Rusa further got aggravated, after the initial incident in which a barrack of the so-called extension police station at Bimolapur, only due to the biased broadcast and reporting by the Assam based media. All these are figment of imagination, unsubstantiated and one sided reports.

On most occasions as and when boundary disputes erupt between Assam and other NE states, the media always gives biased and malicious information in favour of the state where the media houses are based without any proof or verification from the other side’s or even some clarification.

Ever since the recent incident which occurred at Kamkuh Rusa village of Kanubari sub-division of Arunachal Pradesh the media in Assam reports that the cadres of NSCN (IM) are involved. Like in the recent case of dispute between Meghalaya and Assam, wherein the media called the Langpih as Lampi, the media in the present instance too described Hahshe Rusa as Charaipung, Kamkuh Rusa as Naharani etc. As if that is not enough, the media calls the Wanchos, one of the largest indigenous communities of the state, as Noga/Naga probably with the intention to equate the present crisis with that of the infamous Merapani incident due to dispute between the Nagaland and Assam in Golaghat some years back during which the NSCN cadres were reportedly involved.

What is most hurting in the present case is that of claims by the media especially the electronic one that the locals with the help of fully armed cadres of NSCN (IM) cadres were involved. We wish to make it amply clear that no where NSCN cadres are involved, hence it is a surprise how these cadres would fire at the Assam police in broad day light that too when hundreds of personnel from the Arunachal police, CRPF and army are dominating the entire area.

The electronic media has branded the youth, Tahjam Wangjen, injured in the firing by Assam police on 14th August, as an NSCN cadre. Here too we wish to inform that the youth, the only son of his parents, is a father of five daughters of Kamkuh Rusa village. The condition of the lone bread winner of the family is still serious and requires immediate evacuation outside the region for special medical care.

The burning of houses are too handiwork of Assam police to mislead the people. Excepting for one tea labourer’s camp these houses are basically small huts used as tea leaves collection centres and the incidents took place at isolated spots which are strategically advantageous for the Assam police, and executed with sharp precision only to dominate as much as possible Arunachal land only on the pretext of flushing out extremists which are non-existent.

The people of this insurgent affected region are not new to claims like that of recovery of AK-56 rifle and ammunition by the Assam police from the spot at Shimhokho. We also would like to know the identity of those reportedly killed or injured in one of the firings allegedly by the NSCN.

The observations here are to give a clear picture and reveal the truth about the incidents related to the current boundary dispute at Kamkuh Rusa. We also oppose surrender of the traditional muzzle loading guns as the local people would be largely left unprotected and taking the advantage of which the Assam police may launch swift land grabbing operation.

Hence the call of the hour is responsible handling of the situation in order to end escalation of agitation and violence on both sides of the boundary and create conducive atmosphere for peaceful resolution of the decades long inter-state boundary problem. Its time the media should not report like that of embedded reporter as seen during US attack on Iraq, but should be balanced and responsive. The respective governments too should with all sincerity and honesty explore all possibilities to atleast restore law and order in the area till the boundary issue is resolved once and for all.

Yours,

Tingkap Jamikham

President

Dr. Manlong Ralongham

General Secretary

Launu Circle

People’s Forum

Commitment fulfilled

Dear Editor,

Water Resources Development Minister Atum Welly has fulfilled his commitment with announcement of development package for Pakke-Kessang EAC HQ. It is a dream comes true for the people of Pakke-Kessang area.

We extend our sincere thanks to Atum Welly for changing the face of 12 Pakke-Kessang assembly constituency, including health and education sectors within 10 month’s time. We also extend our sincere gratitude to Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu for his whole-hearted support to Pakke-Kessang MLA.

Yours’

Sunil Nabam

Anchal Chairperson

Pakke-Kessang

Kudos to DC

Dear Editor,

Till recent past the Kurung Kumey district was known for all bad reasons, mainly for its backwardness and lack of development. Now the district has been progressing rapidly in right direction, thanks to dynamic leadership of able administrator and Deputy Commissioner Bidol Tayeng.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Tayeng for his bold initiatives in bringing the district in the forefront. I also appeal all the heads of the departments to perform their duty with dedication for all-round development of the district.

Yours’

Tadar Takiang

ANSU Finance secretary

Tourism and its wasted potential

Dear Editor,

The vast cultural resources, the mesmerizing scenic beauty and the scope of adventure activity are what Arunachal boosts of. But the potentials of tourism are just only a potential. With the pessimist approach like that of our state it can and will never be implemented. To say the bitter truth Tourism in Arunachal will just become an empty word synonymous only with illegal appointments, incomplete projects and schemes.

I would like to thank our Governor JJ Singh for taking lots of initiation to promote tourism and showcasing the

potentials of our state to the world. In fact due to his effort lots of tourism activities have come in action. At the same time, I would like to make a sincere request to our governor to keep monitoring the tourism activities and do lots of good for the state and people.

There are lots of demerits in the tourism system and department of tourism govt. of Arunachal. The department is still surviving with the age old Recruitment Rule(RR) where in it deprives the professional human resources. Due to which there is a lack of professional approach hampering the growth of tourism. There are number of illegal appointments of TIO (Tourism Information Officer). “People First” government has been kind enough to change the RR just in one day to accommodate their own kits and kin. One will be surprised to know that these so called TIO’s are not in their place of postings.

Representations and memorandums were submitted to Secretary Tourism, Director, Parliamentary Secretary Tourism as well. Several times the case has been filed in high court but due to the political and pressures from tourism department itself the cases lay pending.

On the one hand the state government is providing tourism courses in state institutions but on the other these same students are not given to right to even sit for the competitive exams. All the posts are filled up with illegal appointments. The RR for DTO is still pending in court even after 3 years which was also changed in a forth night by rejecting the Sahu Committee’s Report. Through RTI , we students have also come to know student leaders are involved into such act. To our surprise it can be noted that there are many number of applications pouring in for the vacant post of TIO’s and DTO’s recommended by student bodies and Political leaders. What is the stand for such act from our beloved Governor? We would like to know about it.

Thirdly interesting fact can also be drawn that most of the tourism schemes and projects are brought and made by the influential leaders and contractors. Since there is no monitoring board the projects and schemes are being misused. Further it’s just a nexus between the contractors and tourism department to gulp away the large mass of bucks in the name of tourism. Best example can be given from the Yatri Niwash of Roing which is lying depleted even without completing the work. Also lots of lodges and infrastructures are constructed without doing any market research. Due to which such infrastructures becomes the cowshed. Zemithang alone has 2 lodges built each in the distance of 50 metre, where in the tourists doesn’t stay.

Rather the local people are using the lodges. Same is the case of tourist lodge built near Jameri of West Kameng. And many more untold stories.

The tourism department doesn’t come up with innovative ideas of promoting and marketing the tourism potentials of Arunachal. They still depend upon the Tourism Policy of 2003 to which our Governor takes a pride to mention it to the world outside. In fact it is just an eye wash in the name of tourism development.

We the students of tourism management would like to request our governor to look into the matter seriously. As we have learned that the deeds are more important than the words spoken. And our governor will live up to our expectations.

Yours,

Tourism graduate students (On email)

Some confusion there

Dear Editor,

In the front page of the Aug 20th publication of The Arunachal Times, the birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi was printed as 67th whereas at the back of the same daily the birth anniversary was printed as 66th. The editor of an esteemed daily should scrutinize such irregularities before publication to avoid confusion to the public.

Yours,

Anonto Boruah

Pasighat, (On email)

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----Editor