August -  10

• CM calls for promotion of fishery sector as alternate source of livelihood
• Ering urges Centre to solve stapled visa issue
• Gunmen loots GREF personnel
• BJP seeks Governor intervention to bring succor to  people
• 4 burglers arrested in Changlang
• Arunachalee designer steals the limelight in fashion show
• Congress observes Kranti Diwas
• DUDA meet decides to take up SJSRY schemes
• CRPF’ computer laboratory  to benefit poor students
• Organic tea in Northeast- A difficult task

 

Union demands eviction drive in totality

ITANAGAR, Aug 9: While appreciating the eviction drive carried out in Pasighat township, the Adi Students’ Union, Itanagar said that eviction drive should be carried out in whole of the Pasighat Township.

The eviction drive was done for proper development process of the town but why the administration didn’t start the eviction from the main town where many government land and quarters have been illegally grabbed by politicians, officers and business men, it questioned.

Instead of carrying out eviction drive in prime location, administration evicted many houses in the periphery of the main town, the union said.  This indicated that the administration is using its power under pressure of some local people, it said.

The union appealed to the East Siang District Deputy Commissioner to maintain fair eviction drive and treat all people equally.

It also condemned the participation of local people in the eviction drive and opposed the transfer of DC in the midst of eviction drive.

 

Library orientation prog. in RGU

ITANAGAR, Aug 9: The central library of Rajiv Gandhi University conducted an orientation programme on “Use of Library” to the newcomers in the academic disciplines.

During the two days event  which concluded today, Professor H L Das, Visiting Professor, Department of Physics spoke on the significance and strength of the library highlighting its proper use.

Assistant Librarian, Dr, D K Pandey stressed on the use of online access of library materials and stored print materials to the new students. He also advised them for its optimum use and proper care.

The Senior Professional Assistant Bhaskar Saikia pointed out on the technicalities of library activities on behalf of the entire staff.

Faculty members of various departments such as M.Soura, A.R. Parhi, M.Hazam, P K Acharya also attended the programme.

 

‘Follow transfer and posting norms’

ITANAGAR, Aug 9:  The All Arunachal Youngster United Federation has requested the state government to transfer those gazette officers of various departments who have served for over 2-3 years in their current places of posting in keeping with the governments’ transfer and posting norms.

Citing the example of overstaying by the officers in particular place, the Federation said the PWD Captial division B executive engineer and the capital electrical division EE have already served 10 and seven years respectively in their present posting place.

 

Meritorious students felicitated

ITANAGAR, Aug 9: Gyamar Welfare Society has felicitated the meritorious students of Gyamar clan for the academic session 2010-11 during its 2nd foundation day celebration held at Naharlagun yesterday.

The  meritorious students who were felicitated included Gyamar Kaku, Class XII (Sc) and  Gyamar Nikum, Gyamar Tadap, Gyamar Chungku, and Gyamar Tatup (all class X).

Appreciating the excellent performance of these youngsters, the elders of the society asked them to work harder to achieve their goal. While congratulating the achievers, Gyamar Kuba, a social workers and chairman of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Nyapin has announced to contribute Rs 5,000 each to the student of Gyamar clan who will be pursuing technical/professional course from this year as well as for coming year.

 

Engage experienced sub-contractors: Union

ITANAGAR, Aug 9:  All Pipu Chayang Tajo Gawe Purang Sawa Students Union (APCGSSU) has   urged upon the M/s Gammon India Ltd to engage experienced and skillful sub-contractors in road construction work.

Alleging that inexperienced sub-contractors are engaged in some parts of important RCC slab culvert construction on Seppa to Chayang Tajo road, the union said sub-standard work quality may lead to damage of the road in near future.  Earlier, an agreement was also reached for engagement of experienced and skillful sub contractors in construction, the Union claimed and urged the Gamon India to intervene for quality road construction.

 

Incorporation day

NAHARLAGUN, Aug 9: The North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi) Itanagar branch, celebrated its “Incorporation Day” here today by conducting Wall Paintings to convey the message of the negative impacts of Global Warming and also on legal and social awareness.

The event was participated by Ramakrishna Pubic, School, Itanagar, Green Mount School, Itanagar and Kendriya Vidyalaya -2, Itanagar at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun.

The school children painted on the walls of RGU Stadium on the theme of global warming and legal /social awareness.

NEDFi, the premier public financial Institution, was created by the Govt. of India in the year 1995 and since then  it has been celebrating its “Incorporation Day” every year by conducting social activities under its Corporate Social Responsibility Policy (CSR). DIPRO.

 

KVK Lohit distributes 300 duckling to 52 fish farmers

ITANAGAR, Aug 9: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Lohit distributed 300 ducklings among 52 fish farmers of 12 different villages during this year. The villages include Eraloni, Silatoo, Piyong, Momong, Nanam Khamyang-1, Juna-IV, Chongkham, Naputia, Gunanagar, Emphum, Manmou tissue and Pangkhao.

The ducklings were distributed under the guidance of Dr. Debasis Sasmal, SMS, Fishery Sc., and supervision of Dr. Prasanta Kumar Mallick, Programme Coorditator, KVK, Lohit and Dr. J. Rajkhowa, SMS, Animal Sc. with an objective to implement the new integrated ‘duck cum fish culture’ and to secure the livelihood of rural people living in the disadvantaged regions by  improving the economic condition.

 

ACF prays for Sonia Gandhi

ITANAGAR, Aug 9: The Christian community of Arunachal Pradesh today offered prayer for speedy recovery of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi who was recuperating after surgery at hospital in America.

Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) organized a prayer meeting at the town Baptist Church, Chandranagar here today to pray for speedy recovery of Sonia Gandhi. The prayer meet led by Pastors R T Bate, Town Baptist Church (TBC), Chandranagar and Associate Pastor Toko Bath, Christian Revival Church (CRC), Itanagar was attended by prayer warriors of various Churches. They prayed to Almighty God to extend His healing touch to Sonia so that she returns to active life to work for peace and prosperity of the country. The blessing was given by prayer leader T C Jamik. Among others, ACF adviser and former home minister Neelam Taram and renowned revival preacher Dr Joram Dol were present in the prayer meet.

 

Women volleyball

ITANAGAR, Aug 9:  The final match of the IXth Taba Tat Memorial Women Volleyball tournament will be  held at Yazali on August 10.

 

ZPM pleads for early restoration of road link

ITANAGAR, Aug 9: The Pakke-Kessang ZPM B C Tok has appealed to the concerned authorities to  clear the  Seppa-Sagalee-Yazali road blockade at the earliest.

The ZPM in a release today said that though the road clearance works in between Doimukh and Kheel and Sagalee areas upto East Kameng border are going on, the road between Pakke-Kessang  to   Rillioh and Rilloh   to Papu Valley remains unattended till date, he said.

The ZPM also appealed to the all five MLAs of the East Kameng district to attach due importance to Seppa-Sagalee-Yazali road, which is the lifeline of the people and connects the state capital.

 

Condolences

ITANAGAR, Aug 9: The Apatani Youth Association (AYA) mourned the sudden and untimely death of Bullo Loder, Assistant Social Service Secy of the association.

He left behind his wife and two sons.

AYA conveyed its deep sense of condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace of departure soul.

 

AAPWU demands

ITANAGAR, Aug 9: All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union in a letter to Director Cum Chief Engineer, Urban Development appealed for engagement of semi skilled labours to skilled labourers, release of wages of labourers within first week of every month and immediate payment of labourers bonus of 2009-2010.

It further taking serious note over the sanitation laboureres’ health grievances urged the director to take up precaution measures by providing raincoat, safety helmet, hand gloves, mask, jumbo shoes, umbrella, basket, brooms, periodical TT injection etc to UD department labours and also opposed the one day break of casual labour in the UD department.

 

Crusade

ITANAGAR, Aug 9: Area-VI, Christian Revival Council of Churches is conducting area crusade at Pakke Kessang from October 21-23.

Rev. Nabum Sangno and Evan. Nampung Gyadi would attend the programme as speakers while Evan. Jackey Tayeng and Evan Sanjay Labung are the chairmen of the programme and the praise and worship will lead by Roshan Pordung.

 

One dies, four injure as wall collapses

Daporijo: An 18-year-old girl died while four others were seriously injured when a brick wall fell down on the house in which they were living at around 8.30 pm at SBI Colony, Daporijo. The wall reportedly collapsed due to heavy rainfall on August 6, reports DIPRO.

The injured persons are admitted to district hospital, Daporijo for treatment.

A rescue team comprising civil police, APPBn, CRPF,GREF personnel and local public conducted the rescue operation which continued till 3 pm..

A case has been registered for investigation.

 

Error in census record regretted

ITANAGAR:  The director of Census Operations,  Arunachal Pradesh has highly regretted the  inadvertent mistake that has been detected at para 5 and 7 of state highlights of Census of India 2011 publication, provisional population totals (paper 1) of Arunachal Pradesh wherein the  word Tangins has appeared in stead of Tagin.

The correct nomenclature should be Tagin, the director admitted while stating that the mistake has occurred due to electrical error while printing for publication.  The director Hage Batt said necessary steps have been taken now to correct the error and selling of books has been stopped forthwith. It will also be ensured that no error or mistake occurs while printing books for the final publication of Census of India-2011, he said.

 

Forum demands posting of lecturers

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Colleges’ Forum highlighting the grievances of students, appealed to the state government for posting of lecturers in various departments at Donyi Polo Government College, Kamki and Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat immediately.

News Impact

CM calls for promotion of fishery sector as alternate source of livelihood

ITANAGAR, Aug 9: “With a significant wide range of fish resources ranging from Alpine varieties to tropical ones in the lower altitudes, Arunachal Pradesh has the capability of emerging as a “Sunrise Sector” through fisheries in the state’s economy”, asserted State Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin while inaugurating the two days State Review Meeting on fisheries developmental Programmes here at Banquet Hall today.

With a deficit of 10,000 tonnes in fish production against a demand of 13000 tonnes, Gamlin emphasized for urgently promoting fisheries as an alternate source of livelihood, especially for youths.

Impressed with the way the department of Fisheries has been attempting to bring fisheries to the fore-front of the economic agenda, the chief minister fervently appealed the media houses in the state to play a pivotal role in publicizing this economic sector.

“Media must be used extensively to achieve this and we need a change in mindset for the fisheries department to fully utilize its hidden potential”, Gamlin emphatically said.

While Gamlin maintained that in order to create employment opportunities, fisheries are an excellent way of bringing opportunities to the doorsteps of the people. He advocated for bringing out fisheries revolution where the consumption requirements of fish are produced within the state and not procured from farms in far off states.

He called for promoting Fisheries cooperatives, as cooperatives ensure that the dividends are spread across a larger beneficiary base. He categorically requested the Cooperative bodies to support the department in this field.

Gamlin further stressed on the need to promote fisheries entrepreneurship amongst the local youths by giving them access to technology and to markets besides paving way for farm side research on better breeding techniques to the fish farmers to promote this viable industry.

Minister of Industries and Fisheries Tako Dabi disclosed that the state with abundant scope of fisheries development would put in renewed thrust in the current year for massive pisciculture development.

“Apart from enhancing the capacity to build up entrepreneurship for large scale fish farming, fish breeding, integrated fish farming through PPP mode for reservoir fisheries activity, the department plans to identify entrepreneurs for setting up of small industries for fabrication of boats, nets, fish feed mill, retail hygienic markets as well as retail shops for value added fish products” , Dabi revealed in the meeting.

The minister however highlighted certain bottlenecks in sustainable use of natural resources like rampant exploitation of river borne resources like boulders, sands, shingles etc. which badly affects the fish breeding habitats. He urged the government to sort out means to provide funds for rehabilitation of breeding habitats.  Dabi further urged the government to include fisheries department in the management plan committee of Environment Assessment Impact Management Plan for Hydro Power Projects coming up in the state. He also requested for de-reservation of the forest areas where fishery resources are available.

Dabi called upon the officers of the department to work and put their efforts in missionary zeal to make the pisciculture a leading economic plan of the state.

Fisheries Secretary Kaling Tayeng and Director Fisheries also spoke on the occasion.

Among others, Education Minister Bosiram Siram, Tourism and WRD Minister Pema Khandu, Secretaries, Head of Departments, MDs of Cooperative institutions, DFDOS and fisheries officers were present on the occasion.

 

Ering urges Centre to solve stapled visa issue

ITANAGAR, Aug 9: The Lok Sabha MP from Arunachal Pradesh, Ninong Ering has raised the issue of stapled visa  in the Parliament under rule 377 today. He said that the issue  should be solved once for all as this issue always comes up when the citizens of Arunachal Pradesh wish to travel to China.

The Stapled Visa issue hit Arunachal Pradesh when the China-bound State’s five-member team, including three karatekas and two officials were unable to represent India in the 11th Asian Karate-do Championship at Quanghou city of Fujian province of China during 3rd quarter of July last.

“Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and the dual attitude of the Chinese Embassy to the citizen of Arunachal Pradesh is vehemently opposed,” Ering said.

Meanwhile, Ering along with a delegation of Parliamentarians led by Sachin Pilot, Minister of State for Communications & Information Technology met the President of India to apprise her of the “malnutrition” problem in the country.

He also invited  the President of India and her family to visit Arunachal Pradesh and its peace loving people.

Earlier, the External Affairs Minister, in a letter  to Ering on August 1, had said that issue of stapled visa has been referred to  concerned ministry  for investigation.

Ering in its letter to Krishna on August 23, had requested the concerned union ministry saying that “Chinese authority must be suitably and clearly told that all the Arunachaiee people are the Indian nationals and their visas once considered should be stamped and not stapled and this issue should be sorted out once for all.”

 

Gunmen loots GREF personnel

Raju Mimi

ROING, Aug 9: Fifteen armed gunmen attacked a GREF Maruti Gypsy, conveying monthly disbursement of Rs 25.3 lakhs for Casual Paid Labour (CPL) payment for the month of July, here today morning.

They forced the occupants Officer Commanding (OC) of the 62 RCC (GREF), Nagendra Kumar along with his two army guards M Senthil Kumar and Digvijay Kathare, and the driver to vacate the vehicle at the gun point.  

Kumar said the armed robbers struck at 8.30 am on Roing-Hunli road at 4 km point from Roing town after blocking the road with boulders.

Recounting the ordeal, he said when the driver stepped outside to clear the blockage, the armed robbers appeared from bushes.

He said most of the gang members were armed with AK 47 and AK 56 with two person carrying pistol.

He recalled the armed members as young, appeared non locals and few of them had covered their face.

“We were told to come out of the Gypsy. They took away our mobiles. When the guards tried to resist, they were hit by rifle butts and soon overpowered by them,” Kumar narrated.

He said the robbers took them away in the bush, and tied him and the driver in one tree and the two guards in another tree.

He said one armed member then looked in his pockets for the key of the black steel box that contained CPL payment money and then they looted away the money, including a laptop and money bags. They then drove away in their Maruti Gypsy BA no-10B-14658 with the loot, promising to return after one hour, said Kumar. After almost an hour, he said he was able to untie himself and the three other and reached GREF camp at Roing walking on foot along the river. He said he feared walking back on road, expecting the armed gang members to return.

 Upon reaching back at the camp, he said, the police and the administration were soon informed about the attack.

 Meanwhile, at around 5 pm, report came in that the GREF Gypsy is found near Koronu, 22 km far from Roing.

 The armed robbers also took away two INSAS rifles (BUTT no 02, body no-17344178 and BUTT no 07, body no-17344183) of the Army guards, along with the loot money.

 

Official team visit Doimukh-Sagalee road

ITANAGAR, Aug 9: Papum Pare deputy commissioner Pige Ligu accompanied by Sagalee ADC Chukhu Talar and engineers of various PWD sub-divisions made a spot visit of the damages that has occurred along the Doimukh – Sagalee  road.

The DC inspected the major block points upto 18 km point from Doimukh.

As per the reports from the EE PWD, there are more than 200 spots along the road from Kheel to Doimukh where massive landslides have made the road unusable. The road clearance work would likely to take around two weeks, the .DC said and expressed satisfaction over the prompt action taken by Dube Dulom,EE PWD.

The Executive Engineer and his entire team is camping at 10 mile point and monitoring the progress of the restoration work with a total of 8 bulldozers/JCBs, he said.

It has also been reported that the alternate road from Sagalee-Kheel-Ompuli-Pitapool-Hoj-Naharlagun has been cleared for traffic today evening by clearing the debris near Kunglo village.

The unprecedented rainfall on the night of August 4 has caused massive landslides causing blockages along various stretches of Doimukh-Sagalee road.  However, the road is cleared for plying of light vehicles, the DC said.

The District Administration appealed to the general public and commuters to bear with the situation and allow the PWD to carry out the restoration works smoothly.

The DC also requested the commuters to use the alternate road via Pitapool.In case of an emergency. The matter for airlifting essential food items to Sagalee has already been discussed with Secretary (Civil Supplies) who has assured to take up the matter at the right earnest, the DC informed.

The DC has requested the various organizations to lend a helping hand to the administration and the PWD engineers as and when asked for in this hour of crisis.

He further instructed all the administrative officers to be at their respective headquarters and celebrate the Independence Day in a befitting manner.

 

BJP seeks Governor intervention to bring succor to  people

ITANAGAR, Aug 9: Expressing concern over the morass and confusing situation that has been prevailing in the state for the last few months, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Arunachal Pradesh today requested the state Governor to intervene and direct the state government and its council of minister and Parliamentary Secretaries to look into the people’s grievances and discharge their constitutional obligations.

Stating that, BJP, despite being the only opposition party in the state, is always ready to cooperate in the development initiative of the state Govt in the larger interest, the party general secretary and spokesperson Tai Tagak in a release today said after the devastating rain of July 19 and Aug 5 last, the people of the state  are in dire need of their leaders to rescue them from unprecedented nature’ fury.

The party advocated that there should be separate PWD Highway Division to man the Banderdewa to Hologi NH 52 A.

Pointing out the absence of ministers, MLAs from the state capital, who are reportedly campaign in New Delhi, the BJP said that the present government can not escape from the constitutional obligations and responsibilities to its peoples. The people of the state would like to know the name of Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries who have been camping in Delhi. Whether there are any major issues of state interest which compel them to go to Delhi? Why the state Chief Minister can not direct them to take care of the people when people are facing the brunt of natural calamities caused due to heavy rains?  the BJP questioned.

Criticizing the Congress high command, the party  also said “It seems that Congress High command also is least interested to solve the problems of  Arunachal Pradesh by remaining mute spectator  and whereas in the elections time they promises that their elected leaders will be always for the aam amdi(Common Men).”

Blaming the state Govt for its inaction to amicably resolve the issues raised by the different aggrieved groups in different  issues, the party said that the common men have to suffer  due to lackadaisical attitude of the state govt.  towards solution to the issues.

“It is high time the state government and its senior leaders pull up their socks and initiate effective and pragmatic steps to assuage the sufferings of the people without any further delay,” the party said.

However, the party appreciated the Home Minister’s maiden visit to Tirap  as a good beginning.

 

4 burglers arrested in Changlang

ITANAGAR, Aug 9: Alert Changlang Police arrested four burglers in connection with two different theft cases and recovered 14 mobile handsets (old & new) with accessories worth Rs. 74,823.

Three burglers, namely, Jawan Wangsu, Anil Rai alias Dussherath, Roney Kungkho were arrested by police on August 7 in connection with Changlang PS case no 32/2011 U/S 457/380 IPC, according to Police.

A team of Changlang Police under the constant supervision of SP T Amo, and leadership of Inspector T Tangha, OC and ASI P Nath swung into investigation immediately after they received a written complaint from the owner of an electronics shop at TT Point, Changlang market that some miscreants stolen mobile handsets along with accessories by breaking the doors.

The instruments -- an iron rod and ‘chini’--which miscreants used to break the locks of the door, led to the arrest of the thieves, police said.

The  iron rod and ‘chini’ being the only clue, police immediately contacted with the blacksmith at 1-mile on suspicion that the instruments might be collected from his shop. On being received the necessary information,  the police team raided the suspected person and finally succeeded in arresting the miscreants.

Police also arrested another burglar Birsa Tati, 23, of Laktong village on August 7 in connection with Changlang PS Case No. 34/2011 u/s 447/380 IPC and recovered two mobile phones from his possession.

On interrogation, he also confessed his involvement in several burglary cases including the last year’s theft case in the shop of one Gautom Bhowmik of PWD complex where in they had stolen shop items worth Rs. 77,000 (Case No. 38/2010 dtd 28/08/2010 u/s 457/380), IMFL stolen case from a wine shop located at PWD Complex (Case No. 13/2011 dtd 09/03/2011 u/s 457/380 IPC) and the case of stealing grinder mixture, pressure cookers, long pant from a quarter of a teacher in BN colony near 1-mile road (Case No 31/2011 U/S 457/380 IPC DTD 09/07/2011. His two accomplices are yet to be nabbed, police said, adding that the two cases (No. 38/2010 and 13/2011) were already submitted to the Court, however, without clue and evidences. The cases would be re-opened following the arrest of the accused and his admission.

 

Arunachalee designer steals the limelight in fashion show

ITANAGAR, Aug 9: Arunachalee designer Yana Ngoba mesmerized audience by displaying Arunachalee traditional costumes with never seen, highly expensive and traditional ornaments at a unique fashion show organized at New Delhi on August 7.

This  time  the organizer showcased and promoted Arunachal Pradesh, the land of rising sun, its culture, its heritage, its flora and fauna and the Arunachalee traditional costumes along with their fusion contrast.

Informing about the unusual collection Yana Ngoba, the designer said the dresses were given a twist with the use of mineral water bottles, polythenes, tobacco and noodle wrappers and beer bottle caps.

While displaying her collection Ngoba said "We have collected some tobacco packets and we have made a bag out of it to carry in daily life you can use it. The clothes you have seen with the Maggi (noodles) packets and clothes with mineral water bottles, plastics and we have made a bag and dress with the sequins made out of caps of drinks bottles. We have also made shoes out of plastics and papers," Ngoba added.

The collection titled 'Yanaraj Desizns' was designed by the designer duo of Yana Nagoba and Raj Singh.

Apart from the recycled collection, clothing line including fusion of western designs with the tribal outfits was also displayed at the fashion show.

An audio image presentation displaying the unexplored paradise- Arunachal Pradesh--also left the audience spellbound. Besides, the dance performed by Asha Dirkhipa Khom, a talented dancer of our region, made people go crazy with her Bollywood, salsa and western freestyle forms in the programme.

The programme was attended by MP Takam Sanjoy as the chief guest and Maninder Singh, Commissioner Raj Bhavan, Assam as guest of honor.

Officials of Arunachal House and Arunachal Bhavan too went nostalgic at the event.

 

Congress observes Kranti Diwas

ITANAGAR, Aug 9: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee today observed the 69th anniversary of August Kranti Diwas/Bharat Chhodo Andolan/Quit India movement in a simple function held at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here today.

Participating at the programme as resource person, Dr R B Tripathi of Dera Natung Govt College presented a brief historical background of Quit India movement which leads to national independence.  The Congress Working Committee demanded British to quit India on July 14, 1942 and subsequently the AICC endorsed a resolution on August 8, 1942 and under the leadership of Gandhiji Congress started the Quit India movement, he said.

The Quit India movement was crucial in securing India’s independence and it sounded the death knell for the British Raj in India.  The Quit India movement could be described as the pinnacle of the India’s Freedom struggle, the resource person said.

We should draw inspiration and encouragement from the sacrifice made by our freedom fighters and try to adopt them in our day-to-day life, said MLA and Parliamentary secretary, Law and justice, J K Panggeng in his address. He added, Arunachalees need to work harder to enjoy the fruit of independence.

Special invitee from DNGC, Dr Apurva Ranjan dwelt at length about the achievement of Indian National Congress and its contribution in nation building. He said political independence without economic freedom has no meaning.

Arunachal Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee president Yari Dulom recalled the contribution of women leaders in freedom struggle. She appealed to the central leaders to consider women reservation bill to be passed in the on going parliament session.

The function presided over senior Congress leader and APCC executive member Tasso Grayu was attended by Environment and Forest Minister Setong Sena, MLA and Parliamentary secretary, information technology and science and technology Thangwang Wangham, APCC office bearers, DCC presidents of Papum Pare, Kurung Kumey and Upper Subansiri districts, women ZPMs from Itanagar, Kimin and Upper Balijan besides office bearers of NSUI, APMCC, CMCC, AIRGVM and APCSD.

Earlier, APCC general secretary Byabang Nukh delivered his welcome address while APCC general secretary Tachu Hina extended vote of thanks.

Arunachal Pradesh Congess Seva Dal (APCSD) also celebrated the Kranti Diwas at Indira Gandhi Congress Bhawan, Naharlagun in  a befitting manner. All the office bearers including Seva Dal cadres from the district and city units  took part in the programme.

Kranti diwas was also observed in Palin circle with various programmes including Prabhat Pherry. Literary competitions and a debate competition on the topic “Scientific development is a boon or curse for human kind” was organized by the principal of Govt Hr Secondary school along with Town ME school, Palin under the supervision of  administrative officers, Palin. Prizes were also distributed  among the student winners.

 

DUDA meet decides to take up SJSRY schemes

KHONSA, Aug 9: The meeting of the DUD.A governing body was convened under the chairmanship of Tirap deputy commissioner cum DUDA chairman W. Lowang today.

R. Mihu, Urban Programme Officer, Khonsa Sub-Division, U.D & Housing briefed the meet regarding the various components of the SJSRY being sponsored by GOI by the ministry of Urban Development  and Poverty Alleviation. He also appraised the meet regarding the various scheme components under SJSRY  to be implemented in Tirap District, which include UWEP, USEP, UWSP, STEP-UP, UCDN.

He  further  sought clarification from the Manager, Apex Bank, Khonsa branch regarding the Bank loan component from the bank.

The Apex Bank manager H B Chetri assured that his bank would extend every possible help regarding subsidy schemes.

The DC asserted that the latest BPL survey should be conducted in order to identify genuine beneficiaries. After having a threadbare discussions over the various issues regarding project proposals and implementation of the schemes the meeting agreed to take up the schemes under the SJSRY.  

ADC Longding, N. Wangsu said that solid waste management of Longding township should be initiated at the earliest.

Er. Nich Jacob, UPO Longding stressed that the empanelment of reputed technical institutions ( like NERIST/NIT/Govt. Polytechnic/I.T.I’s ) be taken up by the State nodal agency (SUDA) for imparting training under STEP-UP scheme.  

The meeting was also attended by members and representatives of various departments including D.P.O Khonsa, A.E RWD, E.E PWD, AUPOs etc. DIPRO

 

CRPF’ computer laboratory  to benefit poor students

ITANAGAR, Aug 9: The 138 Battalion of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)  established a modern computer laboratory by providing two sets of latest computer and accessories, including table and chairs under its Civic Action Programmes in Upper  Subansiri district  at Govt. Bazar middle school, Daporijo under its Civic Action Programme today.

This laboratory has been established for the benefit of poor students situated in remote and fur-flung areas of Arunachal Pradesh, who do not have the facility access to such modern day facilities.

Speaking on the occasion, Bhupendra Kumar, Commandant 138 Bn, CRPF informed about the aim and objective of the programme. He said that the para military force is regularly organizing such developmental activities under this programme in its areas of operation with the aim to win the hearts of local people as well as improve police-public relationships through such developmental activities.

He informed that 138 Bn, CRPF organized various programmes earlier this year under the programme, such as tailoring training by providing sewing machines to the needy ladies of remote area, workshop-cum-training on first aid for school teacher and distribution of first aid box with medicines, distribution of bi-cycles to needy children and establishment of a library by providing books and establishment of a musical group by providing musical instruments.

G. Ete, Addl. District Commissioner, Daporijo assured that the computer laboratory  would be utilized properly and all efforts will be made to make students of remote area familiarize with modern computer knowledge.

On this occasion, G. Ete, Addl. District Commissioner, Daporijo, Dr. D. Bagra, Distt. Medical Officer, O. Ponar, DDSE, Upper Subansiri, Kolu Haging, Zila Parishad Member, N. Kodak, Principal Govt. Bazar Middle School, Daporijo, Dr. S Ragia, MO, Distt Hospital, Daporijo, R.K. Deori, OC PS-Daporijo, Teachers, public and students were present on this occasion.

 

Organic tea in Northeast- A difficult task

Rima Taipodia

In West Bengal and Assam, and other northeastern states, it is not a widely known fact, but 25 per cent of the total tea produced is produced by small growers. Their contribution to the total national tea production is 14 per cent. Very few of these small growers are officially registered with the Tea Board. In Assam and West Bengal, a grower with a tea plantation of 10 hectares (ha, 75 bighas) or less is classified as a small grower by the government. In the case of the small growers of the northeast, garden sizes vary widely and their modus operandi also differ. Roughly speaking, there are three categories those with 5-10 bighas or less — mostly paddy farmers who are growing tea for extra income; those with 5-10 ha — producing leaf but not processing it; those with 5-10 ha under tea who are processing their own leaf in small tea factories either on site, in an industrial area or at their residence.

A downturn in the tea industry, which began in 1999, has hit this class of tea producers the hardest. This has been caused by various factors, chiefly international competition, aggressive marketing by soft drinks companies and high cost of production. European buyers have gone for Kenyan teas since their cost of production is much lower and Kenyan growers have also shifted to organic production much sooner than Indian growers. Kenya, Sri Lanka and Indonesia have stolen a march over the Indians due to government support both at the production and the marketing stages. The writing on the wall is clear for Indian growers — cut down costs of production, go organic, follow good management practices or go down the tube.

By looking at the numbers, what does it cost today to start a small, viable tea garden in the northeast right from scratch? In Assam, at Rs 2 lakh per ha for land and Rs 1 lakh per ha for a tea plantation, a 10-ha garden would cost Rs 30 lakh to get started. A basic tea processing unit including machinery, electricity generators and buildings would cost about Rs 10 lakh. Thus a minimum investment of Rs 40 lakh is required for a 10-ha garden in Assam. The figures may vary slightly for West Bengal and the other northeastern states.

Organic grinders

For small growers, conversion to organic production may seem highly desirable but the ground reality is somewhat different. The lack of adequate resources, training and manpower has kept the majority of small growers bound to chemical agriculture. Many wish to break out of this vicious circle. Organic is viable because it reduces input costs, and improves the quality of green leaf and makes it more acceptable in foreign markets.

Farmers can hope to make a profit by switching. Tea planters with education and information are keyed in to the benefits of organic farming and have made a switchover or are in the process of conversion. They constitute less than one per cent of the small growers, though.

In organic certification, one big hurdle is that organic certification by a recognised agency costs money and requires a mandatory waiting period of three years before the certificate is given. Very few growers have the luxury of going through this tedious process. The owner of the  Bogamati tea estate in the Karbi Anglong hills of Assam was certified by Skal, the organic products certification body of the Netherlands. It took two years and Rs 30,000. The owner got a reprieve of a year since his garden is on virgin land where no chemicals or pesticides of any sort have ever been used.

While engagement of the services of consultants and experts to guide them in the process of organic conversion adopted by the big growers and gardens, for the small grower it is a leap of faith. Only through trial and error do they arrive at satisfactory practices of cultivation.

External organic inputs like purchased cowdung manure, neem oil, neem cake and branded biopesticides are very expensive and their availability in remote areas is poor. Using urea and spraying chemicals works out to be cheaper for most small growers.

For small growers, diversification into related fields is another viable option. Fabrication of machinery for small tea processing units, import-export, the creation of herbal blends have been successfully tried out by some small growers. Tea tourism is another area of great promise if it is patterned on the homestay model. Cultivation of medicinal plants and fruit production is also remunerative and is desirable because it promotes biodiversity in a tea garden which is otherwise simply monoculture. Citrus fruits, bananas and pineapples do extremely well in the northeast as do herbs like lemon grass, hibiscus and tulsi. Some growers have already abandoned monoculture. Surprisingly, very few have thought about organic vegetable production which has a great potential to generate a supplementary cash income for the grower. Though not a tea grower, a farmer near Guwahati nets a cash income of Rs 40,000 per growing season from the sale of pumpkins and gourds grown on a mere four bighas of land.

More problems 

Several small growers in Assam and West Bengal, who are essentially paddy farmers do not have ownership rights over the land they cultivate. They are thus deprived of access to bank loans which are essential if they wish to expand, set up their own processing unit or go in for organic certification. In the dooars and the terai area of West Bengal several small pineapple growers had gone in for tea plantation in the 1990s eager to cash in on the boom in the tea industry. However, with the slump of 1999 these small growers were compelled to revert to pineapple growing. Growing tea can be risky.

Another major challenge before the small growers is marketing their teas, who are processing their own leaf, especially those who are going organic. The rest of the green leaf is sold to a tea factory. John Marbaniang retails his orthodox tea — high quality loose tea sought by many connoisseurs — in Shillong and Aizawl. Since production is limited, finding a market has not been a problem. Owners are planning to go in for green tea production soon with a tie-up to an export house based in Kolkata which caters to the European market. The development and production of value-added products such as green tea extract, herbal tea blends and fruit teas are very remunerative. But unless production and certification hurdles are cleared by the small growers, the time and money needed for such products will continue to elude most.

Negotiating a remunerative price for their green leaf with the large tea factories is the biggest problem for the majority of the small tea growers of the northeast. In this context, the small Nepali growers of the Darjeeling hills — about 125 in number have been organised into an NGO called Organic Ekta. They sell their green leaf to the Makaibari tea factory in Kurseong at a fair price. Their combined green leaf production is about 1,000 kg per day. Those processing their own green leaf in small units have to find good buyers or markets for their produce, mostly orthodox or green teas.

Government  support

For the small growers, processing their own leaf would represent a big step towards self-sufficiency. Jairam Ramesh, the then Union minister of state for commerce, announced the establishment of five cooperative tea factories in Assam and West Bengal each. They would be set up at a cost of Rs 40 lakh each and would be maintained by the small growers through cooperatives or self-help groups. Small growers are sceptical of this announcement because five factories for the 50,000 small growers of Assam or the 15,000 small growers of West Bengal is a mere drop in the ocean.

Processing of green leaf

While dealing with the factories they sell their produce to, growers are at a major disadvantage until self-sufficiency is achieved. In Assam, 99 per cent of the small growers sell their leaf to the 200-odd factories in the state.

About 69 of these process the leaf of small growers in the terai area of West Bengal. CTC tea — the fine and granular variety that is mostly consumed — is produced by these factories in Assam and West Bengal. Since a capital investment of around Rs 50 lakh is required for setting up a tea processing factory, these units are totally profit-oriented.

Small-scale tea processing units in comparison to the large tea factories, present a totally different picture. Lachit Neog and Hemanga Gohain bought a 9.5 ha tea garden at Amlongchang in central Assam in 2002 and converted it to organic production. It was certified by Skal, Holland, in 2006. Neog and Gohain have set up a small tea processing unit in the garden itself the machinery cost Rs 6 lakh, two gensets cost Rs 2.9 lakh, the building and sheds cost Rs 80,000 and a furnace fired by paddy husk cost Rs 30,000; a grand total of Rs 10 lakh.

With future plans for producing green tea, this unit is processing about 120 kg of green leaf per day and fine quality orthodox tea. There are about 30 such small processing units in Assam. John Marbaniang — with his 3.6 ha tea plantation — produces about 1,000 kg of orthodox tea per year.

Even the best of gardens have to be sensitive to issues of labour management. Since the tea industry is labour intensive, good management practices play a big role in the recruitment and retention of labour. In West Bengal and Assam the tea tribes have dominated the scene ever since they were brought to the tea gardens by British planters. There are more problems in the other states of the northeast. In Meghalaya, outside labour is prohibited by law and by local sentiment. Local labour is expensive and erratic but the small growers have little choice in the matter. In Arunachal there is a shortage of tea garden labour since it is difficult to persuade the tea tribes to come and work in the gardens in this region.

In Maharashtra, these small tea growers are certainly better off than the cotton tomato and orange farmers who have been committing suicide in droves. They are perhaps on the brink of a major shift in cultivation practices with an emerging awareness about the benefits of going totally organic. (The writer is a STO, scholar(Botany), specialized in Tea Husbandry and technology sponsored by TEA BOARD OF INDIA and former tea consultant to the state planning department  govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar.)

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

All rights reserved.

 

Concentrate in other Mithun inhabited districts too

Dear Editor,

Every time when we see any activities initiated for conservation and propagation of the prized animal of Arunachal Pradesh - Mithun, it is only Papum Pare district which is given priority. Is Mithun only available in Papum Pare district? It is also available in other districts also. Therefore, such activities like vaccination and treatment camp, awareness campaign against prevention of mass slaughter of Mithun and other related activities should also be initiated in other Mithun inhabited districts of Arunachal Pradesh. It is also the duty of the Director, AH & veterinary, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh to identify potential districts where Mithun concentration is high and initiate steps for its conservation and propagation.

Yours,

Dr.K.K.Bhattacharjee

Consultant,N I R D

Guwahati-22

 

 

Prevention is better than cure

Dear Editor,

I would like to draw the attention of concerned authority particularly health department towards a prevailing serious health threat being confronted by the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

The common people of our State might not be knowing or heard about ‘Japanese Encephalitis’, a serious viral disease that infects animals and humans transmitted by mosquitoes which causes inflammation of the membranes around the brain, is reportedly spreading in our neighboring State Assam and now it reached in our State specially in the areas along the Assam-Arunachal boundaries.  

According to the official sources till July 30, more than 140 Encephalitis related deaths have been informed and more than 600 people are suffering in Assam. There are few severe cases of Encephalitis infected among Arunachalees (5-7 deaths) have been reportedly detected. Two patients, one from West Siang district and another one from Upper Subansiri district suffering from the disease are admitted at Dispur Polyclinic and Nursing currently. The doctors have already confirmed that both patients are at very critical state and there is no direct possible treatment for the disease except for preventing mosquito bites infected by the virus.

However, our State govt particularly the health department seems to be unaware of the threat as no preventive measures have been taken so far to combat the disease whereas the Meghalaya govt has already sounded high alert in the State and directed concerned department to take immediate measures to fight against the disease even though the State has not detected a single person. Why is our State govt not taking any measure here? Are they waiting for a few more detections or they are really unaware of the threat? The department concerned and other related organizations need to take immediate step to completely put off the chances of spreading of disease as it spreads very quickly by virtue of being a serious communicable disease and the present condition too may favor its.

Therefore, my humble request to the govt particularly concerned health department to take immediate steps and precautionary measures before it is too late. Also, the people living along Assam-Arunachal boundary need to take great care as prevention is better than cure.

Yours,

Nobu Chader,

Gohpur Tinali, Itanagar

 

 

 

 

 

********************************

 

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.        

----Editor

 

 

Green growth

 

Investing just 2 per cent of the global GDP a year into ten key sectors can kick-start transition towards low carbon, resource efficient green economies, says Towards a Green Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication a new report by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The study models the outcomes of investing around $1.3 trillion a year, roughly equivalent to 2 per cent of global GDP, into green investments across ten key sectors. The report claims this investment, backed by forward-looking national and international policies, would lead to similar or higher global economic growth than forecast under current economic models.

It challenges the myth of a trade-off between environmental investments and economic growth and sees a green economy as not only relevant to more developed economies but as a key catalyst for growth and poverty eradication in developing ones too, where in some cases close to 90 per cent of the GDP of the poor is linked to nature or natural capital such as forests and freshwaters.

The study cites examples like India, where over 80 per cent of the $8 billion National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, which underwrites at least 100 days of paid work for rural households, is invested in water conservation, irrigation and land development. This has generated three billion working days-worth of employment benefiting close to 60 million households.