August -
Former CM Apang sent to 7 days police remand in PDS case
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: Former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Gegong Apang was sent to seven days police remand by Special Session judge at North Lakhimpur in Assam today. Apang was arrested this morning by the Special Investigation Cell for his alleged involvement in the multi crore public distribution system (PDS) scam.
He has been kept at R K Mission Hospital.
The Special Investigation Cell was constituted by the state government on the directive of the Gauhati High Court after a PIL was filed on June 13, 2004 against PDS scam in the state.
The Special Investigation cell investigating officer M. S Chauhan said, Apang was
arrested based on material evidence and the statement given by the other accused.
Apang, who was summoned this morning by SIC, was arrested under non-
Chauhan said, Apang was provided with a set of questionnaires and despite three earlier summons he appeared before the SIC only today. However Apang had appeared before the SIC on Friday and allgedly made to wait for two hours because Chauhan was unavailable even though he had issued the summons.
When this daily contacted Apang he categorically stated that he had submitted the answered questionnaire today.
Chauhan further added Apang “did not reveal anything,”
On the other hand, when Apang’s legal counsel was contacted, he said that Apang was summoned as a witness U/S 160 Cr Pc so the question of arrest does not arise. He has to be an accused first to be arrested, he added.
Meanwhile, the lawyer who had accompanied Apang was not allowed to enter the room where the former Chief Minister was being questioned. The former Chief Minister’s legal counsel was called by Chauhan only after a decision on his arrest was made.
More drama unfolded on the way to the Special Court in Lakhimpur. The former Chief Minister who was in his private car was stopped midway by Chauhan. Instead of letting Apang’s driver drive the car, the IO decided to do the honour and drove till the Court.
On the other hand, the Home Minister Tako Dabi, who had called a press conference
on Assam-
The former chief minister in a written said that “As a law-
Assam continue to isolate Tirap, Dabi calls for peace and restrain
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: Even as peace parleys continue, agitating people in Assam fuelled
by media reports did not allow vehicles to cross Joypur-
Reports reaching this daily informed that vehicles bearing Arunachalee registration numbers including an ambulance were stopped at areas bordering Tirap district.
Meanwhile the Home Minister Tako Dabi addressing a press conference here today said
that economic blockade against Tirap should be lifted. While appealing to the agitating
students’ organisations of Assam to remove the economic blockade imposed since Sunday,
the minister called for maintaining status quo by both the sides for restoring peace
in the area. Advocating peace and restrain, he said that Arunachal-
Brushing aside allegation of involvement of underground elements in the ongoing impasse
in the inter-
“The media houses in Assam are exaggerating the entire issue hiding the facts and want to show that Arunachal is trying to wage a war with Assam”, he added.
Giving a chronology of events since August 14 last when tension broke out between
the two states after an under-
Meanwhile, the apex body of Nocte Chiefs’ Council has urged the All Assam Students Union to lift the economic blockade.
In a press statement secretary of Nocte Chief Council, Khamwang Lowang has appealed
to the AASU leaders to lift the blockade immediately in the supreme interest of the
both Assam and Tirap adding that historically Assamese and Nocte-
Lowang emphatically said that Tirap district has no history of usurping Assam land at any point of time adding that the incident in Kanubari circle was unfortunate. He however, said that solution to any problem can be hammered out through discussion across the table with mutual trust and spirit of give and take adding that protest and economic blockade serves no one’s cause. It is the poor people of the both sides who suffer the most during such blockade and urged AASU leaders to review the decision of imposing economic blockade, he concluded.
On the other hand, elected leaders of Tirap called on the Governor Gen JJ Singh at Raj Bhavan today and apprised him on the economic blockade launched by some organizations of Assam. The leaders including Parliamentary Secretaries, Wangki Lowang, MLA (Namsang) and Thangwang Wangham MLA (Longding Pumao) and Khonsa (East) MLA Kamthok Lowang accompanied by Advisor to Chief Minister H. Pongham submitted a memorandum and urged upon the Governor for his personal attention on defusing the tension.
Gen Singh, who has been closely monitoring the entire situation, assured his best support in maintaining cordial relations with the neighbouring State of Assam.
ANSU defer bandh on account of Solung
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) has deferred its 12 hours bandh call to Sept 6. The decision to postpone the 12 hours bandh call came after an appeal made by the Adi Baane Kebang in view of Solung celebration.
ANSU president Niglar Veo said that the bandh call has been postponed keeping in
view the need of maintaining communal harmony and peaceful co-
Meanwhile, the Adi’s residing in Capital Complex has geared up for celebration of Solung festival in a grand manner.
According to Central Solung Festival Celebration Committee, Itanagar, local MLA Techi
Kaso and leader Dagmo Jini have consented to be the chief guest and guest of honour
of the occasion while tourism secretary Bandana Deori would be the special invitee.
To add colour to the celebration, a musical night is being organized at Solung Ground
on August 31 wherein Assam’s popular singer-
DPC for regularisation of jobs of 33000 labourers
Ojing Tayeng
ZIRO, Aug 24: As there are more than 33000 workers in the state excluding WC staff, it would not be possible for the state government to regularize them at one go, therefore to regularize these workers on work performance and seniority basis, DPC is being conducted by concerned department, said Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Chairman Jalley Sonam during meeting cum awareness camp held at Ziro today.
He further said that 75% of the labour of the state are from outside Arunachal, if such trend continue here it would not be possible to solve the state’s unemployment problems.
Appreciating the people of Tawang particularly youth for their hard work, Sonam encouraged youths of other districts to follow suit. Our youth should not hesitate to work as labour and we should equip ourselves to fill the gaps after the retirement of migrant labour, he said .
He further taking serious note on large family and emphasizing the benefits of ‘small family happy family’ advised the workers/labourer of the state to have small family for economic benefits. Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Commissioner Ojing Darung appreciated HoDS of Ziro for contributing highest cess amount to the board and informed the collected cess amount will be utilized for the welfare of workers community of the state.
At present an amount of more than Rs. Seven crore is with the board, he said while adding that the workers should know the benefits provided by the board. However, to get the benefits of the welfare measures the worker has to pay a sum of Rs 20 per month as membership fee to the board.
Darung further, briefing about Janashree Bima Yojana informed that 196 workers of Ziro have been insured earlier and directed the District labour officer to submit the list of left out workers to board.
PHE, Ziro Assistant Engineer clarified that due to lack of fund allocation the Bonus could not be disbursed to the workers. He further informed that Ziro PHE department is paying the 1% Cess for the last two.
District Labour Officer T Ete while briefing about Arunachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board and cess act 1996 urged the workers to register their name in the board to avail the benefits offered by the board.
He assured to extend all possible help to the labourer in membership registration procedure.
Earlier, All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union, Lower Subansiri District President Puri Logi in a Memorandum to Chairman and Commission appealed for early conduct of DPC meeting under PHE, WRD & Power department , head counting to check bogus laborer in the district, release of Adhoc Bonus in respect of casual staff PHE department Ziro Division for the year of 2007 to 2010, establishment of Orphan Rehabilitation Centre for the Workers, establishment of Stay care House for widows & old persons, selection of beneficiaries for providing of CGI sheets & other amenities for construction of House under IAY & GAY, who are leaving under Below Poverty Line.
On the occasion, besides distribution of free exercise books to all the 500 above workers by the board and HoDs, All Arunachal Pradesh Workers Union,(AAPWU) Ziro team also presented cultural programme.
Arunachal's campaign ends at U-
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: Arunachal Pradesh U-
It is worth mentioning here that nine Arunachalee players out of 17 were disqualified
for over-
ITBP inter sector football competition begins at Kimin
KIMIN, Aug 24: The Ist Inter Sector Football Tournament of Indo-
Commandant, 40th ITBP, Ram Meher Singh, who declared the tournament open in presence of 10th ITBP Commandant Rajesh Kumar Tomar, welcomed all the participating teams and asked them to play the game with true sportsman spirit and earn glory for their respective Battalions by winning the tournament.
Describing the importance of games and sports in today’s life, the Commandant said that sports helps us to keep our body physically fit.
The matches will be played from tomorrow and the final will be held Aug. 31.
The main motto of this event is to find the best team, the best players and inculcate the sense of sportsman spirit among ITBP Jawans, Commandant Tomar said in a release.
The opening ceremony was marked by an impressive march past by all the 13 participating teams (sectors) in their colorful dress.
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: The Capital Complex Petroleum Depot Association (CCPDA) has appealed all petroleum consumers to bear with the oil depots for the sudden scarcity of petrol and diesel in the oil depots of the state capital complex.
In a statement this evening, CCPDA President Tadar Babin informed that the sudden scarcity resulted from a strike launched by oil tankers since August 20 last in protest against a physical assault on a driver by local youths at the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) depot. In the last couple of days the depots were running with their earlier stocks, which starting to dry up fast. In fact, he said, several depots of Itanagar and Naharlagun have already sold out of stock forcing them to shut down.
“The fault of petroleum scarcity is not with the oil depots as some may assert. Therefore, we appeal to our customers to bear with us for as soon as the transporters resume the supply, we would be on service again,” Babin appealed.
Meanwhile, sources have informed that the transporters are expected to end their strike by tomorrow after assurances of safety and security from the administration and the police.
Meanwhile, Arunachal Chamber of Commerce & Industries general secretary Tarh Nachung informed that no FIR has been filed in the case and some drivers are holding the fuel supply to ransom. He urged the IOC authorities to terminate such transporters immediately and engage other carriage contractors to solve the problem within 12 hours.
Governor, CM celebrate Raksha Bandhan
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen J J Singh and Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu today celebrated Raksha Bandhan with students from various schools and members of Brahma Kumaris from Raja Yoga Centre.
Let us celebrate the Raksha Bandhan with a cause; let us be a good Arunachalees and protect our prized flora and fauna. This was the message Arunachal Pradesh Governor conveyed while interacting with school children on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan at Raj Bhavan here today. Gen Singh also advised them to aim high and wished them success in the lives. Number of students from schools and members and Brahma Kumaris from Raja Yoga Centre, Itanagar tied ‘Rakhi’ on Governor Gen JJ Singh.
Sister Brahhma Kumari Junu and Dr. Jayadev Sahoo apprised the Governor on the activities
of the centre in its endeavour for all round socio-
Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu celebrated Raksha Bandhan with the children of VKV Itanagar,
Bhramakumaris and children from Itafort at his official residence at Niti-
APCC president and PWD and UD Minister Nabam Tuki also celebrated Raksha Bandhan with school children today. Around 100 school children tied holy Rakhi on the wrist of Tuki. The minister also offered gifts to the children on the auspicious occasion.
The members of Bishwa Hindu Parishad, Itanagar, celebrated Raksha Bandhan with city police and BRTF personnel in the capital.
Arunachal Vikas Parishad, Naharlagun Circle Level Committee also celebrated Raksha Bandhan festival at Nyedar Namlo, Naharlagun. Around 150 men and women including some Balwadi children participated in the function. Medar Nelo Naharlagun, Nyedar Namlo, Naharlagun and Pachin, Kargu Gamgi, Naharlagun presented devotional songs on the occasion.
Social worker Dagmo Jini graced the festival as Chief Guest. Sony Muri, President Arunachal Vikas Pasrishad, Naharlagun, presided over the function.
Health Minister conducts surprise visit to Pasighat GH
PASIGHAT, Aug 24: Health and Family Welfare Minister Tanga Byaling visited the Pasighat General Hospital today.
Accompanied by DC Onit Panyang, DDHS Dr. K. Lego and DMO Dr. T. Taloh, the minister visited all the wards, OT, training institutions, medical stores, newly constructed blocks/buildings, sanitation system to check. According to Byaling, the hospital is performing well despite various odds.
Later, in an interactive meeting with the doctors and staffs, held at the hospital auditorium the minister asked the doctors and staff to be alert at all times, to meet any emergency. He said the visits will continue during his tenure as health minister and he would make every effort to improve health care across the state.
While giving a patient hearing to the grievances of the doctors and staff, the minister said that the present Dorjee Khandu led government is committed to ameliorate the sufferings of the helpless and needy. He urged the doctors and staff of the hospital to always be forthcoming towards poor patients as they are the one who need their attention and care the most.
The minister after visiting the dilapidated Girls Kitchen sanctioned Rs 25 lacs on the spot for construction of new kitchen. Before proceeding to his next destination, the minister also visited Ruksin CHC and Sille PHC and expressed his satisfaction.
Society criticises AdiSU on dam
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: Condemning the proposed two days East Siang bandh called by AdiSU
on August 26 and 27, the Pangin-
"AdiSU is a student union and not a forum to represent the popular voice of the area, and its decision or steps whatsoever may be do not carry the force of the consensual decision of the area. With the construction of the Siang Lower Hydel Project, altogether 33 villages under Pangin assembly constituency will be affected. Appreciably, all the affected families are supporting this project after certain modification in the MoU," PBDWS said in a press statement.
The statement added: "Geographically, the Pangin-
"No person from outside other than the affected families of Pangin-
Onam-
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: For the second year, the APNE Library, a unit of VT-
The event, organised jointly by the VT-
The visitors were thrilled to see 22 teams of students from 5 schools around Wakro,
participating spiritedly in the Contest, bringing out their very creative best. The
contest was unique since all the Rangolis were made using only eco-
The first and second prizes in the senior group went to Anjangmai Mam and her team (Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Wakro) and Amilu Minin & team (Apna Vidya Bhavan), while Nirmaya Rai and team (Govt. Sec School, Wakro) won the consolation prize. In the Junior group, Kr. Elai Rangmang and team and Batemlu Mam ( both (Apna Vidya Bhavan), won the 1st and 2nd prizes, while consolation prizes went to Apailu Minin and team ( Govt. Middle School, Pukhuri) and and Anju Ngadong & team (Govt. Sec School, Wakro).
Dr. Pradosh Sharma, Director, Centre for Logical Research and Development Studies, New Delhi also visited APNE Library and urged the readers to use their creativity to promote a healthy and clean environment in their surroundings. Er. Tayum Tok, EE, PHE also expressed his high appreciation for their enthusiasm and appealed to them to support the local villagers to improve their healthcare standards.
Governor release book on strengthening Indian Environment Laws
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen JJ Singh released a book, titled ‘Strengthening Indian Environment Laws – New Lessons and Approaches’ authored by G N Sinha, Chief Conservator of Forests and Director, State Forest Research Institute, Itanagar at Raj Bhavan, here in the evening.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor said, in a state like ours, which is endowed with abundant forest resources, but facing stiff environmental challenges, the importance of such strengthening of environment laws needs hardly be stressed upon. Terming the book as eye opener on the tremendous scope that is there in strengthening the existing environment laws of the country, based on the wisdom and experience of international best practice, Gen Singh said, the chapters on environmental pollution through destructive activities like jhuming and the need to integrate the traditional rights of forest communities with imperatives of environmental protection are of particular importance.
Recommending the book for students to circle level administration and those involved in the environment activities, Governor said, you have taken step which will be benefiting to the country.
Speaking on the occasion, State Principal Chief Conservator of Forest B.S. Sajwan expressed his hope that the book will have immensely wide readership.
Earlier, throwing lights on his book, G.N. Sinha said, British Raj in India is known for causing exploitation of natural resources on a massive scale to meet the industrial and defence needs of the Empire. This led to deforestation and environmental problem in the course of time. It was, however, the British Raj in India which initiated corrective measures for safe and healthy environment.
The book provides the insights of a professional forester and a UK trained lawyer. It argues for restructuring the Indian environmental law regime by drawing suitable lessons from the UK’s and the European Union’s environmental law regimes. The author of the book informed the book is a must read for those who are interested not only in environmental policy and law, but also those with an interest in environmental governance and sustainable development in India.
Deluge of Beggars in Capital Complex
Dear Editor,
The unabated incursion of beggars in twin Capital Complex has made the life of local populace quite difficult. The beggars seem to come from neighbouring state of Assam and from other parts of the country under a well planned strategy not only to fleece but also commit petty crimes. While the common people are worried over this alarming influx, the authority has adopted an Ostrich like attitude.
The continuous migration of beggars from different pockets of the country has made the common man’s life in Capital complex problematic.
The people living in here feel vulnerable in their own houses because of migrant beggars.
During the last 1-
The irritating behaviour of these beggars has disturbed the normal life of people to a great extent. These beggars are not only begging in a normal manner but force people to part with some money.
Nowadays the beggars are roaming everywhere without any restriction. Whether it is a footpath, vehicle parking, government hospital, shopping complex/market, every common person has to face these beggars.
The immeasurable presence of migrant beggars in capital complex might be one of the causes of increasing graph of crime in the capital complex. There are numerous such cases in which the migrant beggars cause problems. Initially the beggars make their entry into a house asking for alms but whenever they find people alone they never lose the opportunity to rob the family.
Moreover, the non-
Whatsoever the concerned authorities are doing but the increasing menace is indicating that if the concerned authorities does not take strict steps against this problem, then the day is not far, when the whole of Capital complex will get overcrowded by migrant beggars and the paradise will turns into a slum.
However, expectation is still high and its is expected that Capital complex administration will take immediate steps in the same line of Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur district of Nagaland Maongwati Aier who has ordered the beggars to leave Dimapur within a week's time. Our state and its people have no culture of begging and such practice should completely discourage at all.
Yours,
Tarh Ramya
Naharlagun (On email)
School in dire need of teachers
Dear Editor,
The Govt Middle School, Payum under West Siang district is facing shortage of teachers since its establishment in 1964. At present the school is run by only two teachers.
Therefore, I earnestly request the authorities to post 5 teachers at the Payum Govt Middle School for greater interest of the academic career of the students.
Yours’
Tame Pabin, Rumgong Students Union
Hydro companies are not run by fools !!!
Dear Editor,
Whenever I read about the opinion regarding the large dams projects being constructed by hydro companies I really felt that both the parties are trying to put their agendas only but the general public are not going to get anything due this tussle.
I worked with Gammon India Ltd in Himachal Pradesh at Parbati Hydro Electric Project
as project Engineer for Feryssinet pre-
In Himachal Pradesh though migrant labours from Assam , Orrisa , Bihar came but they did not pose any problem due to strong law and order imposed by the administration. In any case most of them work for 12 long hours shift wise and most of them stay in barracks provided by the company.
According to the law imposed by the Himachal Pradesh govt. company have to employ 70 percent labourers from the state. So where is the question of our people becoming alien in our own back yard due to such projects if such laws are implemented in our state? Also we have inner line permit system which is a boon for our state if it is implemented with spirit.
The monthly payment given by a company in Himachal Pradesh per labourer ranges from
8000-
Instead of raising the height of dam they can construct another weir in the downstream of large dams to generate electricity of same capacity according to their economic viability.
The topography and geological data of our state is quite similar to that of Himachal Pradesh and also dam does not create havoc in the downstream rather it controls flood and provide water for irrigation whereas our people in Arunachal Pradesh practice cultivation during summer season only and thats why we have to import food grains from other state. Water resources which are lost every year through mighty Brahmaputra in the Bay of Bengal can be tapped by such dams only. if there is any way other than let this organisation suggests.
I would like to appeal the organisations who are against the dam construction to go to Maharashtra where large dams were constructed and earthquakes often occur and these people have benefitted from the dams.
Movement of Tectonic plates which is the mother of all earthquakes cannot be broken by the weight of water stored by dam as it requires energy more than the energy required for atomic explosion that occurred in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan.
The hydro power companies are not fool that they will construct dams with low grade qualities of cement and rod and design as they are going to own it for forty years or even more. If something happens to dam it is them who are going to lose everything. It is actually in the hands of hydropower department of our state not you or me...
If we want development we have to let the hydro power company construct the dams otherwise we have to live at the same stage where our forefather lived.
Yours,
Javon Samon
Bordumsa, (on email)
Constitute fact finding committee
Dear Editor,
The news item ‘DDK threatens to stop programme after assault on staff’ (Aug 21) is disturbing for all Neelam clan. Many organizations have already condemned the act of one Neelam Tatar, a state Govt employee for his alleged assault on a DDK staff on Aug 20. We the members of Neelam Area Intellectual Form also condemn the incident and at the same time want to know who is so called Neelam Tatar. There is no such name called Neelam Tatar in Genealogy or Chronology of our clan.
As the Neelam clan is one of the law abiding clans and believe in cordial relations to all communities, we want to know that person in question. Or are the organizations or individuals making news out of it for willful intention? Is that DDK staff B L Sharma hospitalized and why the DDK authority did not feel necessary to file an FIR ?
NAIF appeal the organizations or individuals not to drag the name of ‘Neelam’ and go to press without verifying the fact. The federation is ready to cooperate with other statutory in solving the problem and request the authority to constitute a fact finding committee to unravel the truth.
Yours’
Neelam Tamin,
Chairman
Talam Har Neelam
Secretary, Neelam Area Intellectual Forum
Development should be equal for all
Dear Editor,
It is seen that state most of the backward districts are being neglected in term
of development of infrastructure, while the concentration is given only in Tawang
and the Capital complex. Rest of districts are being deprived of modernization and
still confined to dark-
What to talk about launching of MIG-
Therefore, it is my earnest request to the authorities that there should be balanced and equal share of development in all districts instead of concentrating in Tawang and Capital region.
Yours’
Taro Tasing, Yogong,
West Siang,
Tai Oru, Chambang, Kurung Kumey
Why brand all Muslims as terrorist
Dear Editor,
This is in response to Syed Ali Mujtaba's article "Time to turn the wheel" (21 August)
It is high time the world realises the true essence of Islam so as to enhance communal
amity and international brotherhood. In this respect, the myth -
Yours,
Kajal Chatterjee
Kolkata-
Appoint all wait-
Dear Editor,
The wait-
Therefore, it is our sincere and humble request to the higher authorities of the
education department to begin appointment process of all the wait-
The authorities should keep in mind that the candidates are waiting for last five months after declaration of results and further delay in appointments may create procedural problems.
Yours’
Millo Magia, Yagi Babla, Kabak Yani, Tage Piliya, Subu Ampi, Api Pertin
Update job vacancies
Dear Editor,
I checked your website and to my surprise I couldn't find the job vacancy section. I believe your daily is missing a very important section since many students are studying outside the state and need to be well informed about any job vacancy. I believe your website is the only authentic medium students can rely upon. So kindly do this favour to our future generation.
Yours,
Sarom Yedi
Daporijo (on email)
********************************
All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.
-
IDEA’s Skill Development Program
Banderdewa, Aug 24: Itanagar Diocesan Empowerment Association (IDEA) in collaboration
with NABARD inaugurated an intensive skill development training programme for the
first batch of 25 school drop-
The programme was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Clement Quadros SVD, the Director of Itanagar Diocesan Youth Commission (YUVODAYA).
In the inaugural function the Youth Director appreciated the initiatives of IDEA
to raise the hopes and aspirations of the school drop-
Fr. Ivan Vas SVD, the Director of IDEA said that SDP offers an opportunity for the
school drop-
He further said that other IDEA SDP centres in Gopur Tinali, Ziro and Daporijo will be opened shortly.
Rev. Sr. Brigit SABS, the SDP Program Manager highlighted the scope of SDP in starting entrepreneurship activities and income generation.
Speaking on the occasion Manu, the Parish Secretary Banderdewa lauded the innovative
ventures of IDEA and called for many more such programmes to create self-
Sanjiv Tirkey, the Project Coordinator of IDEA gave a detailed elaboration of SDP program, its multiple benefits and future focus.
Changlang DRDA governing body meet held
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: 48th Governing Body Meeting of Changlang DRDA was held at Changlang today.
While addressing the members the Deputy Commissioner-
MLA-
Chairperson, Zilla Parisad, Jumpa Taikam Jugli reiterated on completion of the schemes under stipulated time. She stressed that quality should be maintained while implementing the RD Schemes.
Earlier, Project Director, Manik Bui presented the physical and financial achievements
of DRDA for the year 2009-
CIPET conducts awareness prog on plastic industries
TAWANG Aug 24: The Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology (CIPET),
a Guwahati-
CIPET has been organizing such programme for last couple of years in view of Assam Gas Cracker Project at Lepetka, Dibrugarh, Assam and subsequent probable down stream industries that may come up based on the Feed Stock available from Cracker Unit.
The programme was inaugurated by A. Bhattacharjee, Deputy Director, District Industries
Centre, Tawang. CIPET faculty member and organizer Rajib Kumar Das gave a power-
Kharkonger is new NEEPCO (fin) director
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: A.G.West Kharkonger has been appointed and assumed the charge of Director (Finance), NEEPCO Ltd. on Aug 19, informed NEEPCO Tribal Employees’ Welfare Association (NTEWA), Ranganadi Hydro Electric Plant unit in a release today.
He is the first tribal officer to hold the post since the inception of NEEPCO in 1976, the association said and congratulated him for his coveted assignment.
SUN expresses gratitude to medical deptt
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: The Students’ Union of NERIST (SUN) expressed gratitude to Naharalgun medical staff, specially Chief Medical Officer Moji Jini and Dr. K Ete for providing an ambulance to carry Sweta Suman, a student of NERIST, safely and comfortably to Guwahati for further treatment.
Sweta suffered critical injuries after falling from the terrace of the two-
Coordination meet on RKVY held
PASIGHAT, Aug 24: In order to prepare a progressive agricultural plan based on agro-
Zilla Parishad Chairperson Y Dabi while presiding over the meeting hoped that the farmers would be highly benefited under the scheme.
The DAO O Yomso in his keynote address said that it is a special additional central assistance scheme to boost the agriculture sector.
It was decided in the meeting that every block would be equally considered for land development and all the required materials would be procured and received in presence of public representatives to maintain transparency. The house stressed on judicious distribution of procured materials through Panchayat leaders to avoid future complicacies. DIPRO
Project heads assure to look into grievances
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: Both head of the project of the Pare Hydro Electric Project and project manager of Hindustan Construction Company Ltd have assured amicable solutions to the grievances of the project affected people of Doimukh area.
The assurance came when Pare Project Land Affected Welfare Committee (PPLAWC), Doimukh held separate meetings with the head of PHEP and MP HCC on Aug 21 and Aug 23 respectively, claimed the committee in a release today.
Capacity building prog for field NGOs begins
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: A 3-
The programme being organized by Nani Sala Foundation (MNGO) under the aegis of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was inaugurated by NRHM Mission Director Talem Tapok.
In his address Tapok emphasized the importance of the training and urged upon the
field NGO to work sincerely in the un-
Recalling the work done in the Changlang district earlier with Nani Sala Foundation on ASHA training, Dr. (Mrs.) N. Lowang, DRCHO, Papumpare district has expressed her satisfaction on the work carried out by the Foundation.
National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and Mother NGO scheme was explained in detail by the Deputy Director, IEC O. Thampang. He also cautioned Field NGO to deliver the best.
Dr. A. Perme, P.O. Monitoring and Evaluation, Nani Kojin, Chairman, Nani Sala Foundation and Habung Youngbo, Director, Finance, NRHM among others also spoke.
This circus should stop: no public hearing
Raju Mimi
Caught in the never ending circus of anti-
Its late afternoon and Mizu Umpe has just returned after attending a small meeting
held in the village community building. Settling down inside his chang-
He is worried about the future of 127 project affected families, who would be displaced, once construction of India’s highest dam, 3000 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project begins. At an young age of 28, he is the secretary of Dam Affected Citizens Committee (DACC), an organization that has been fighting for the rights of the affected people.
Time and again, several meeting of elders, youth, panchayat members and students had taken place, to discuss about the future challenges facing the people.
“It has been a long four years struggle and every time government only expresses its adamant attitude to build the dam. We are nervous and unsure of where we are heading to”, he says.
There is this unending fear of getting physically uprooted from their ancestral land, as Dibang protest seems to have become a never ending circus. Like him, all the people in the area, are in a state of anxiety and depression due to the growing threat of dispossession from their land and resources.
A small community of around 350 people belonging to Idu Mishmi tribe, they primarily depend on naturally available resources for their subsistence and on their traditional farming. They are settled 140 kilometers far from Anini, the district headquarter of Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh.
Among the project affected people, a sizeable of them are children, who are now attending schools. If displacement takes place, which can be a long and strenuous process, their education can get seriously hampered.
“After getting uprooted from their land, not sure of how the families will survive, the children may never return to school and might engage themselves working as laborers”, says Umpe.
Besides children, women which constitute half the population of affected people, are also as vulnerable, although they are likely to be excluded from the compensation process as the beneficiaries are often men, the head of the family.
Simu (21), eldest in her family of three, feels that they will be at the receiving end and is worried about many women of her age, who have dreams and wish for a bright future.
“The compensation and rehabilitation package may not be favorable to women. So, as income depletes, it may result in unbecoming acts by women leading to unavoidable pregnancies.”
She believes life will never be the same after the displacement. “We live in a close knit society here in our forefather’s land bonded by kinship and clan. After the displacement, everyone will have to fend for themselves.”
Although such fear haunts every single soul, it is simply overlooked, for it is considered ‘obvious’. The state government has no answer to their woes but talks only in terms of compensation and its rehabilitation policy claiming to be the best in the country. It claims the affected people will be adequately compensated with many additional benefits.
Atombo Molo, former President of All Idu Mishmi Students Union (AIMSU) is not convinced with the idea of state’s best compensation package. He says, “No matter how much money is offered, it will be wasted as they haven’t learnt to use money sensibly and wisely.”
“Also, there are severe social problems like opium addiction and drinking affecting the people. So the compensation money will get diverted for such purposes only. Therefore, the answer to their poverty and ignorance is not in this hefty compensation.”
The affected people convinced that these dams will make their life worse, had on three occasions stopped the public hearing from being held. Though hearing is considered as a chance for the people to raise their concern and objection to the project, they have known that it is only a mere procedural requirement as the entire process of public participation is ‘farce’.
The hearing to be held on 12th March 2008 was postponed after the villagers staged a road blockade. In the next proposed 25th Nov 2008 hearing, the authority could not even visit the site as several students union along with the villagers had called indefinite road blockade opposing the public hearing.
Following the failure to conduct the hearing, another date fixed for 26th March 2009 could not be held also because of continued opposition. The next hearing was then scheduled for Aug 6, 2009, although it was cancelled after MoEF issued notice calling it as illegal, as it subverted environmental norms.
Since then, NHPC Ltd, the project proponent for Dibang project had been dreadfully trying to win over the favour of project affected people, after having failed to hold public hearing for about ten times.
So to hold the hearing next time successfully, NHPC has been aggressively pursuing welfare activities, offering several contractual works to affected people. But with time, the people are now sensing that such offer is a noose to tighten their neck.
A project affected person who wished not to be identified said, “After offering contractual works to several people, they have withheld half of the payment saying, it will be paid after the public hearing is completed.”
With these petty tricks on the play, NHPC is now ever determined to hold public hearing and had earlier asked the state government to announce the dates in the month of September. For NHPC, it’s not only the delay that is costing them, but they are aware of loosing many of its projects to private players recently.
NHPC’s ambitious plan of putting up a large power plant in the state dashed after the state government in October 2009 allotted the 1600 MW Subansiri Middle project to Jindal Power. Earlier also, the state had allotted two other projects in the Siang Valley (3,000 MW) to private developers, though NHPC was given the mandate to prepare DPRs for the same.
Now currently with 2000 MW Lower Subansiri Project and the projects in Dibang and Tawang only, NHPC is increasingly getting aware that the state government is not going to be kind to them as private players have better offers (in terms of more free power and royalty).
As state government runs for better offer and NHPC determined to get through the public hearing process to execute its biggest project, the only choice left for the affected people is to continue to stop the hearing, because it’s their only chance. (The writer is Panos South Asia Media Fellow 2009)
Man dies after consuming dead Mithun
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: All Sa Jolang (Miji) Students’ Union has reported a death of a person after consuming meat of a dead mithun at Drakshi village.
At least 10 mithuns died of FMD (Foot and Mouth Disease) in Lada circle of East Kameng district so far since the disease broke out in the area, the students union claimed, and appealed to the authority to take immediate measure to control the outbreak of the disease to save precious Mithun and human lives as well.
Teachers demanded
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: Claiming that shortage of subject teachers has adversely affected the teaching at Govt HS School, Seijosa, the Students Welfare Committee of the school demanded immediate posting of teachers for the betterment of the students.
The Students’ Welfare Committee, in a memorandum to Water Resource and Civil Aviation Minister, demanded posting of STs for History, Business Studies and a JT for Biology subjects in the school. It also demanded for providing fund for renovation/ maintenance of the old school building and construction of new classrooms to accommodate souring number of students.
Other demands included immediate construction of football ground, completion of the
boundary wall work, immediate release of students’ stipend of the year 2009-
Teachers demanded
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: Dibang Adi Students Union (DASU) had demanded the education department for posting of regular teachers in many schools of Lower Dibang Valley, especially in Dambuk and Paglam Subdivision.
Most of the schools of remote areas are hardly running with 1 to 2 SSA teachers and with upgradation of schools, retirement of many teachers, the schools are now facing more shortfall of teachers, the union said.
KPYWA appointment
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: Nabam Bakiang and Nabam Kahi were selected as president and general secretary of Kamrung Panchayat Youth Welfare Association (KPYWA).
APYF appointment
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: Tadar Niglar, Tassar Babing and Phassang Tado were selected as president, vice president and general secretary of Arunachal Pradesh Youth Front (APYF).
School inaugurated
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: Govt Residential School Hapuk was inaugurated by Tali ZPM Tagio Yasok on August 20 last in presence of general public, panchayat leaders, HGB, GBs and senior citizens.
Explaining the importance of education, the ZPM urged the parents to send their children to school for their bright future. She also announced for sanctioning school boundary wall.
Blood donation camp
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: NABARD Arunachal Pradesh Regional Office, Itanagar organizes a blood donation camp at R.K. Mission Hospital on Aug 24 & 25 to commemorate the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Mother Teresa.
RCCCC appointment
ITANAGAR, Aug 24: Maga Tashi and Sandip Murtem have been appointed chairman and vice
chairman of Raga Constituency Collegian Co-
Govt land re-
ITANAGAR: Land Management Department will carry out ground verification drive to
re-
Workshop
ITANAGAR: The Department of Public Libraries will conduct workshop on ‘importance of public libraries in Arunachal Pradesh’ from August 25 to 27 at the conference hall of State Central Library, Itanagar.
7 traders booked
ITANAGAR: The mobile inspection team of the Department of Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs conducted a surprise inspection today and booked 7 traders of Itanagar area for violation of weights and measures laws.
Of the seven cases, three traders were found using unverified as well as non-
The team also tested delivery of petrol and diesel of a few dispensing pumps of Itanagar and found delivery within tolerance allowed under the rules, according to an official release.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
-
All rights reserved.
