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August 01

CAU bags 2nd position at national level

PASIGHAT, Jul 31: Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal having constituent colleges in six states of North Eastern Hill Region bagged the 2nd position amongst the 65 Agricultural Universities in India for securing Junior Research Fellowship on the basis of Common Entrance Examination conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Dr. S.N. Puri, Vice-Chancellor, CAU, Imphal received the award from the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi on the occasion of celebration of 86th Foundation Day of ICAR on July 29 in presence of the Union Minister for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries Radha Mohan Singh and Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries Sanjeev Kumar Balyan.

This is the second time that the university has been awarded for its students’ performance at National level. In 2012 Central Agricultural University, Imphal had been conferred award from ICAR for attaining 2nd position among all the SAU’s in India.

The College of Horticulture and Forestry, Pasighat is one of the constituent colleges of CAU. This college has produced 11 ICAR-JRF in this year. The students of this College, B. Vanlalneihi and Huidrom Priyananda Singh have secured the first position in Horticulture and Forestry categories respectively in all India ICAR-JRF examination. The Dean, Dr. A.K. Pandey along with faculties and staffs of the college congratulated to Vice Chancellor for significance achievement, valuable guidance and visionary planning to give the newer height to the university.

Altogether, 33 students from CAU secured JRF and 104 students have been admitted to different PG courses in various National Institutes and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs).

 

CS urged to call back extra staff from RC offices

ITANAGAR, Jul 31:  Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Tribes Union (APITU) has called upon the state government to immediately call back all the extra staff posted in various Resident Commissioner Offices across the country, saying most of the RC Offices are unnecessarily overcrowded with officials and staff.

In its representation to the Chief Secretary, the Union claimed that the RC offices are unnecessarily overcrowded with staff starting from peon to high ranking officials resulting in shortage of staff in various govt offices back in the state.

‘Almost all the govt departments have posted their own OSDs besides other staff there. And some departments have even posted more than one OSDs,’ the Union claimed adding, however, they (staff) remain inactive as they have nothing to do there.  

While stating that posting of extra staff at RC offices across the country is not only unnecessary but also extra burden on the govt exchequer, the Union strongly demanded the CS to call back all the extra staff who already rendered their services more than 3 consecutive years at same place at the earliest failing which it threatens to launch democratic movements against the govt.

 

EKMZSU and DA conduct survey for demarcation

ITANAGAR, Jul 31: A team of the land management staffs along with the members of East Kameng Middle Zone Students’ Union (EKMZSU) today conducted a survey at government higher secondary school Pompoli, 8 kilometers off Seppa in order to demarcate the school boundary to prevent land encroachers. The mapping on the school premise came following the directive given by the deputy commissioner responding to the representation submitted by EKMZSU complaining rampant encroachment in and around the government schools under Seppa circle. EKMZSU president Rocky Blange who accompanied the government officials assured to give full cooperation and support to the district administration in restoring the school land. The union also added   that initiative by the DC East Kameng would discourage the land grabbers and it  will also send strong signal that whoever tries to encroach upon the school land would be forcibly evicted out.

 

City dwellers  resolve to contain stray animals

ITANAGAR, Jul 31: The residents of D- sector Itanagar have resolved to curb stray animals within the ward no.14 in order to avoid motor vehicle accident and to keep the sector clean and hygiene, the decision came following the consultative meeting of the senior residents held on 27th July last. It also resolved to restore the destroyed and damaged CC steps in the colony. It said that illegal builders have deliberately damaged the existing CC steps in an attempt to encroach. The residents agreed upon the resolution that whoever destroyed the CC steps would take responsibility to restore the same. In order to check the illegal immigrants and unlawful activities, the residents also resolved that no non-APST will be allowed to employ those who do not posses valid ILP, a release added.

 

NSUI visits Govt higher Sec school Seppa

ITANAGAR, Jul 31: The National Students Union of India (NSUI) State vice president Pagge Rime visited the government higher secondary school Seppa to seek the status report of recent arson. NSUI vice-president further called on officer in-charge of Police station Seppa to know the status of the case. He also met DDSE, principal and vice principal of the school.

 

Fact finding committee to follow Mathew Dabi death case

ITANAGAR, Jul 31: The fact finding committee of Arunachal Pradesh Elementary Teachers Association would follow Mathew Dabi death case.  Dabi died while on duty for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections held  in recent past. The ten member’s fact finding committee resolved to take the case with the home minister for early break through so that truth can be unearthed.

 

Shifting of location demanded

ITANAGAR, Jul 31: All Palin Chambang Yangte Gante Tarak Langdi Students Union today demanded the forest authority to shift forest sub-division headquarter from Gai-III to Gangte town under Kurung Kumey district saying the current office is far away from the Gangte which make difficult for the officials to check environmental problems.

 

Training programme for extension personnel and field functionaries held

ITANAGAR, Jul 31: Two days training programme for extension personnel and field functionaries of line departments viz.  Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries and ATMA was conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lower Subansiri at camp office premises, Hapoli, Ziro on July 30 and 31.

Resource persons, Y. Nunu, SMS (Agronomy), Girish Nainwal, SMS (Fisheries), S.K. Chaturvedi, SMS (Horticulture), Hage Munth, SMS (Soil Science), Mudang Tana, SMS (Plant Protection) and Hage Manty, SMS (Ag. Extension) delivered lectures on different relevant topics like feasibility of integrated fish farming system in hill region, effect of mulching on yield, quality of fruits and vegetables, Method of biochar making and its importance in soil and water health management, Management of insect  pest and disease of important crops, Green manuring.  Altogether 50 extension functionaries attended the training programme.

 

HSRP launched in West Siang

AALO, Jul 31:  In its effort to affix high security registration plates on all types of vehicles in the district, embossing machine at DTO Office Aalo has been made operational after its inauguration by Aalo ADC, TS Mibang today at DTO Office Aalo.

Inaugurating the machine, Mibang said that HSRP is essential to contain growing theft cases of vehicles in many parts of our state. He expressed his gratitude to DTO, Shim nit UTSCH Company from Nagaland and all technicians involved in the installation of the new device. He urged them to make best use of the machine to provide security plates to all vehicles of the district.

The District Transport Officer Hummo Taipodia assured all possible services to vehicle owners of the district through the machine.

The officers of the DC office Aalo also attended the inaugural function.

 

Meeting on implementation of RTE held

ITANAGAR, Jul 31: A district level meeting of private management and NGOs run schools functioning in East Kameng district was held under the chairmanship Sandeep Kr. Singh, DC-cum-District Project Director, SSA District Mission, Seppa on implementation of the RTE Act, 2009 in full context on 26th July at Kameng Hall.  During the meeting it was  found that  two private run schools Gyan Mandir Seppa and PNV, Pakke-Kessang are providing 100 percent free of cost education by enrolling children of their neighbours.  However the rest institutes were expressing constraint in implementing the provision of RTE act. The deputy commissioner directed all schools to make strategies and action plan to implement the provision of RTE, a release added. DC also informed that surprise inspection would be carried  out on regular basis by DDSE, BEOs, BRC/CRC co-coordinator in every month and report would be submitted on the basis of their findings and disciplinary action would be taken against the defaulters. Further it informed salary of 13 BEOs, BRC/CRC Co-ordinators has been held up for the month of July, 2014 for non-compliance of the order and for non-submission of SIF against their respective block and cluster. The salary of 20 regular teachers and 100 SSA teachers were held up and show-cause notice had issued against them for explanation, a release informed.

 

Social service conducted at various places

ZIRO, Jul 31: In a bid to ward off malaria, typhoid and other water borne diseases, the All Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society (AAPWWS), Ziro branch in collaboration with Anganwadi workers and gaon buris is conducting series of social service at villages in Ziro Valley begins from July 28 last.

After covering Niichi-Niitii on July 28, Hari on July 29, Kalung, Reru & Tajang on July 30, the team has arrived at Hija village today and conducted social service there.

In the daylong social service they have cleared the bushes, drainages and garbage. Besides, they also raided village shops and seized large quantities addictive substances like tiranga and gutkas.

Dusu Amer, Secretary, Ziro branch of AAPWWS said that the organization has recently paid a visit at district hospital Ziro where they found many patients got admitted there for water borne and other diseases. “So, in order to prevent such diseases we are conducting social service in every villages.  After completion of this social service program, we will again conduct awareness campaign in all these villages in consultation with medical department,” she added.

Bullo Yaro, Secretary, Lower Subansiri Anganwadi Workers Union said that they have already covered six villages of Apatani plateau. The last day of the programme will be concluded at Diibo villages tomorrow. “Checking on selling of prohibited products like tiranga, gutkas etc that affects innocent students directly is also part of our programme. We have not availed any assistance from others except Urban Development department who has provided a vehicle with two labours for lifting the garbage,” she added.

 

10th ndependence running football

V.V.F.C beat Ganga youth club

ITANAGAR, Jul 31: V.V.F.C defeated Ganga youth club by 2-0 in the first match of the 9 warriors 10th independent running trophy football tournament held at KV-2 play ground here today.

Taba Zirjo and Francis Seka scored a goal each for VVFC.

In the second match A.C.V.Y.A F.C defeated Young star F.C  by 3-1.

Targu Taje score two goals and Lokam Ranju added one goal for  A.C.V.Y.A while the lone goal of Young Star FC was scored by  Langha Peter.

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News Impact

NHPC ED office to stay at Itanagar

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jul 31: Much to the respite of the hundreds of NHPC worker, the Union power ministry informed the Arunachal Govt that the executive director, NHPC regional office at Itanagar will be retained.

The reported decision of higher authority to shift Regional Office of NHPC from Itanagar to Guwahati had evoked strong reaction from various organizations including All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union and NHPC Contractors Welfare Association. It compelled Chief Minister Nabam Tuki to intervene and review the situation.

Participating the short duration discussion regarding “shifting of Executive Director, NHPC Office from Itanagar to Guwahati,” in the Assembly today, the Chief Minister informed that the decision to shift the NHPC office was made by the union ministry of power without the knowledge of the state government on the ground that “there was no work for the Executive Director as the work was taken away by the private developers.” The CM further informed that higher authorities of power giant also decided to close down executive director offices in other states of the country  besides the Itanagar office.

The Chief Minister said  after reviewing the situation arising out of the reported shifting of NHPC office he had written a letter of protest against the decision and also apprised Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal of the situation over phone yesterday. The people of the state are pro-development; the decision to shift the NHPC office will create negative feeling against the power giant NHPC, the CM told the Union Minster.  Later the Union minister agreed to revoke the decision, the CM disclosed.

Giving details of the NHPC activities in Arunachal Pradesh, Tuki said the NHPC which entered the state in 2002, was allowed to undertake survey and investigation besides preparation of detailed project reports for Siang, Dibang and Subansiri projects.  NHPC is implementing six projects which included 3000 mw Dibang Multi-purpose project, Tawang I (600 mw), Tawang II  (800 mw), Siang Stage I (6000 mw), Siang Stage II (3750 mw)  and the 2000 mw Lower Subansiri project. While referring to the Lower Subansiri project at Gerukamukh work of which came to a halt in December, 2011 after protest from anti-dam protagonists in neighbouring Assam, the chief minister disclosed that the state had incurred a loss of Rs 316 crore annually from its 12 per cent free power from the project.

Earlier PPA MLA Nikh Kamin while initiating the short duration discussion said that such move of the NHPC would jeopardize the lives of many NHPC workers including casual employees working in the state.

Participating in the discussion, MLA Tamar Murtem said there will be huge lose in term of employment opportunities if the NHPC office is shifted to Guwahati.  Besides making the employees jobless, such move will force the tenants to lose their source of income.

Describing the move unfortunate, MLA Laisam Simai said the Corporation needs to shoulder responsibility. Such move of shifting NHPC office will only send negative message to the other states and other private organizations.

Among others, MLAs Tumke Bagra, Paknga Bage and Tesam Pongte also participated in the discussion.

 

 

State Govt  urged to ensure security of NHPC staff : Rijiju

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jul 31: Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju today informed that hydropower giant NHPC has reverted its decision to shift the office of executive director (ED) from Itanagar to Guwahati. After receiving many representations from various NGOs of state, Rijiju drew the attention of minister of state for power (independent) Piyush Goel towards the crisis. Chief Minister Nabam Tuki also spoke to Goel in this regard.

This afternoon power minister convened a meeting at his New Delhi office with Rijiju to discuss the situation.  During hour long meeting, MoS Home, who is also Arunachal West MP, apprised power minister that NHPC is taking up major hydropower projects inside Arunachal territory and it would be wrong on their part to shift out office of ED from Itanagar. He also briefed that decision has hurt the sentiments of Arunachalee citizen and should be immediately reverted. As an outcome of meeting, power minister instructed NHPC to cancel the decision and that office of ED at Itanagar will remain there.

The Minister also added that all the officers of NHPC should resume work from Itanagar office at the earliest. However, minister Goel asked MoS Home to liaise with state government and ensure that proper security arrangement is put in place, so that employees of NHPC can work in peaceful atmosphere.

 

 

CM assures to complete Aalo-Pasighat 132 KV line project by March 2015

Ojing Tayeng

ITANAGAR, Jul 31: Much to the delight of the people of Pasighat and its adjoining areas, the State Chief Minister Nabam Tuki assured that the Aalo to Pasighat 132 KV line project will be completed by 31st March 2015 if DoNER releases its last installment and the state government releases the required fund as state share in this financial year.

The Chief Minister said this while replying to a question raised by 38th Pasighat Assembly Constituency MLA Kaling Moyong on Aalo to Pasighat 132 KV Line at state assembly today.

Tuki informed that the delay in completion of Aalo to Pasighat 132KV line was because of delay in obtaining right of way as local people are claiming compensation at par with that of Trans Arunachal Highway, and non release of final installment of Rs.6.45 cr since 31.3 2009 by MoDoNER. The transportation of materials to the site also hindered by the construction work of trans Arunachal Highway and  resultant re-alignment of transmission line due to construction work of Trans Arunachal Highway.

Moyong in his supplementary question informed the house that Pasighat, district headquarter of East Siang District is one of the oldest town of the state which was established in the year 1911 and it is the only town in the state where Urban local bodies is introduced. However, developmental activities in education, health, banking, industries and other office works and sectors are getting hindrance only due to power crisis.

The people of Siang belt, Lower Dibang Valley and Lohit District had a lot of expectation with the news of coming up of 132 Kv line from Aalo to Pasighat in 2005.

The project is supposed to be commissioned in 2008. Now, nine years have passed, still 132 kv line from Aalo to Pasighat could not be commissioned till date; even the authority could not complete the erection of Tower. He further said that if the project were completed on time, the question of claiming of compensation at par with the rate of Trans Arunachal Highway would not have arisen.

He urged the Chief Minister to direct the concerned department for immediate resumption of the project work.

However, Moyong expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister for his assurance to complete the 132 Kv line from Aalo to Pasighat by March 2015.

He also appreciated all the elected representatives of East Siang district, ZPC, ZPMs, Councillors of Pasighat Municipality and the Pasighat Peoples Welfare Committee headed by Okom Yosung for spearheading the power crisis movement for the last several years.

 

Estimate sanction of the project Rs 29.02 crores

Revised estimate Rs 58.09 crores.

Total number of Towers 179 numbers.

Tower erected 127 towers.

Total length 67.67 kms.

Completed 25.8kms.

Balance 41.87kms.

 

 

Centre approves Hollongi site for airport construction

Question hourin Assembly

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jul 31: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today informed the Assembly that the Union Civil Aviation Ministry in principle approved the Hollongi site for construction of Greenfield airport.

Responding to a supplementary question raised by opposition leader Tamiyo Taga on construction of Green Field Air-field during question hour, the Chief Minister said the process is on for construction of airport at Hollongi and state government has no role in selecting the site.

The Airport was supposed to be constructed at Karsingsa  in the beginning, later technical expert committee of the Civil Aviation ministry and the Airport Authority of India (AAI),  finalized the Hollongi  site under Balijan circle, the CM informed. "The state government cannot select the site technically. It is selected by the AAI after assessing all technical aspects," the chief minister  added.

While responding to another supplementary of Taga, the CM admitted that a few portions of the airport site fall under residential area where Chakma and Hajong refugees have settled. However, he said, the area is not within the proposed runway but falls under the site. Taga wanted to know  whether there is  Chakma-Hajong refugee settlement at the selected airport site or not.

BADP: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki assured the House that he would approach the Central Govt for  inclusion of Dadam circle under Border Area development Programme (BADP) along with other blocks touching international boundary. The CM was replying to a supplementary raised by MLA Tirong Aboh who wanted to know whether Dadam circle is included in BADP scheme or not.

The Chief Minister further informed that he had already taken up the matter with the Centre for inclusion of whole state under border area schemes in addition to  existing BADP  for the blocks along the international border.

MHS: Responding to a question of MLA Laisam Simai, Hydro Power minister informed the house that Namchik MHS ph-I (2x250 kw) and Namchik MHS phase –II (2x150 kw) located at Manmao, are in progress. However, damage occurred on power channel of  the MHS phase-I & II due to landslide triggered by heavy rain recently.

Both the  projects will be completed within this financial year if the Union ministery of new nad renewable energy release the fund  amounting to Rs 84.15 lakh.

Later Speaker Nabam Rebia adjourned the house sine die.

 

 

Ziro to host capacity building training for rural

eco-tourism guides and village hospitality

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jul 31: The Arunachal Pradesh Tour Operators Association (APTOA) is going to organize training programme on capacity building for Rural Eco-Tourism Guides and village hospitality service providers at the picturesque Ziro town from August 5 to 13 last in collaboration with Department of Tourism, GoAP.

This was informed by APTOA president John Panye during a press conference at Press Club here this afternoon. “The programme is focused on training those youths who can further engage themselves,” he said  adding that 60 participants will be participating from two districts; Papum Pare and Lower Subansiri.

He further informed that selected trainees will be then taken to exposure visits to other places. Bengia Mrinal, vice president informed that like the famous Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, Pakke Tiger Reserve at Seijosa will next year host Paga (Hornbill) Festival.

“We also need to showcase our pride of wearing the beak of hornbill on our head”, he said. He further called on the state government to provide subsidies to the tour operators of the state for setting up of jungle camp and other tourism related equipments.

Duyu Tamo General Secretary APTOA demanded for opening up of a new tourist circuit – Tirap-Changlang-Longding, extension of tourist circuits; Nacho-Limeking-Taksing, Tuting-Gelling-Singa and Miao-Vijaynagar, and early establishment of Greenfield airport and also called for involving stakeholders in policy making. Also present was Chukhu Mama Advisor, Michi Rajen treasurer and Yomjum Yomgam, secretary adventure wing APTOA.

 

 

State Govt for early completion of Bahulkpong-Tawang road

ITANAGAR, Jul 31: Arunachal Pradesh PWD Minister Gojen Gadi today said that the state government will soon pressurize the Centre for early completion of the strategic Bahulkpong-Tawang road executed by the Border Roads Organization.

Responding to a question raised by BJP member Japu Deru during Question Hour regarding delay in completion of the road which is vital from Defence point of view, Gadi informed that work on 123 km of the road (total length of 317.52 km) had been completed.

"Out of the works completed, 31 km road lies between Sela and Tawang while 92 km is between Balipara to Sela. A total length of 60 km between Balipara and Sela and 32.54 km between Sela and Tawang are yet to be completed," he disclosed adding, a length of 92. 52 km road has been targeted to be completed by 2015.

The minister said, remaining road (length 102 km) has no definite timeline of completion due to non-availability of environmental clearance, land acquisition, non-finalization of road alignment and CBI enquiry over alleged irregularities in payment of compensation.

In reply to a supplementary from Deru, the minister informed that the approximate cost per km of the road was estimated at 2.5 to 3 crore.  Stating that the Balipara-Tawang road whose completion would provide connectivity to Sino-Indo border, Deru while raising the question informed the House that road built in 1962, during the Chinese aggression, was still in dilapidated condition even after 52 years.

"The road is half dug and left in non-motorable condition affecting economy of the local people," the MLA from Bomdila said.

Independent legislator from Tawang, Tsering Tashi disclosed that the progress of the road was slow since 2008 when the state PWD handed it over to BRO.

Tashi also claimed that a several precious lives were lost every year due to road accidents because of the ramshackle condition of the road. PTI

 

 

Bill referred to Assembly panel

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jul 31: The Arunachal Pradesh District Planning Committee (Amendment) Bill 2014 moved by the Town Planning, Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Pema Khandu for approval of the Assembly was referred to select committee of the Assembly after a detailed discussion.

Speaker Nabam Rebia constituted five-member select committee for this purpose with Minister Pema Khandu as its chairman.  MLAs P D Sona, Dr Mohesh Chai,  Techi Kaso and Kariya Bagang   will be the members. The committee will review the bill and suggestions made by the members of the house during the discussion on  the Bill. The Bill was introduced by Pema Khandu on July 25 and is aimed at constituting the district planning committee and consolidating the plan prepared by the panchayats and municipalities in the districts.

The bill proposed to make zila parishad chairpersons as the chairpersons of district planning committees in place of deputy commissioners.

Earlier, participating in the discussion, MLA Nikh Kamin  said that if the ZPCs are made the chairpersons of DPCs it will bring political colour in the planning body.

Many other legislators including minister Tanga Byaling, P D Sona, Dr Mohesh Chai, Kento Rina, Kaling Moyong, Opposition leader Tamiyo Taga and  Japu Deru, Laisam Simai participated in the discussion. Most of them  suggested  that the  DC should be made chairperson of DPC and also requested the  Speaker to refer the  Bill to select committee for review.

 

 

Naysayers! Do we need in the Assembly ?

Amar Sangno

Going by the long tradition that has been loosely set up by the opposition parties in Arunachal’s political history, it is perhaps easier for a political pundit or any common man to draw their own conclusion without much wrestle with intellectual conundrum that same old song would be played out in the Assembly session again!!

There is no “rabble- rouser” in the floor of the house unlike Congress’s Digvijay Singh; the most sought after politician by pesky media for his sarcastic jibe on every issue in and outside the parliament. Our Assembly often goes on “mute mode” during the session, as the history itself testifies that Assembly proceedings have never been marred by heated arguments or fierce verbal fights over faulty legislation or an ordinance.

Walking out of the hall by the petulant legislators during the middle of debate or in protest over the mismanagement of funds and lack of infrastructures is a rare sight. Ironically, idle gossiping and confabulation of few comrades in arm, craning their long neck with curiosity in order to peep over one another’s android and Iphone mobile phones, dozing-off in the middle of the Speaker’s deliberation are common sights in the Assembly sessions. The countable legislators are active in shooting questions during ‘question hour” whose answers have already been readied by the minister concerned engaging their officers round the clock to compile.

The tradition has already become “butt of joke” that whosoever tables the bill or resolution in the floor of the house; it sails through without much hiccup or hassle. Statistic records say, so far only few bills or resolutions were sent back or rejected since the establishment of the state legislative Assembly, for example - out of the three bills presented this year, the Arunachal Pradesh District Planning Committee (Amendment Bill) 2014 was not passed and referred to select committee. Apparently! Our state Assembly does not have “naysayers”. All seem to be yes men! Is it the way the democracy spirit walks?

Surprise emergence of the BJP state unit as principal opposition in the Assembly with its double digit legislators has imbibed a hope that it would put brake on the monotonous show.  After the thumping victory at the Centre, the BJP state unit appears to have regained its sense and emerge with renewed fighting spirit. This was testified by national general secretary Tapir Gao in a press conference held recently appealing Delhi to ensure proper utilization of funds released for Arunachal Pradesh.

Trumpets were also blown while jubilating mostly over Modi’s historic victory and partly over 11 seats won in the Assembly election. It gave general perception that finally the “toothless tiger has teeth”. However, with the end of the second session of the Arunachal Pradesh Sixth Legislative Assembly on Thursday, it seemed that it was too early to jubilate over emergence of BJP state unit as an opposition party in the state.

Unlike its party in New-Delhi, BJP state unit was not as vocal as people perceived. Rather, it still appears to be a “frail tigress” that wags its tail around ruling Congress in pursuit of developmental funds from SPA and other centrally sponsored schemes. The party legislators were unable to roar for the common people and their claws were not sharp enough to dig out the skeletons of the ruling party which is often left with trails of corruption and mismanagement.

The manner in which BJP is maneuvering, it forces the political experts to describe the saffron party as the party which lacks conviction.

The party chooses to have rather meek voice, be it hydro power projects, PDS scams, creation of multiple districts, insolvent state exchequer or expedition of civilian airport and Trans Arunachal Highway and other burning issues. Perhaps this is the reason why the student’s organizations in the state consider themselves as an “ultimate opposition party” and takes it upon themselves to watch over every move of the government as well as bureaucrats.  However as a matter of fact, these organizations have limitations when it comes to legislation as the constitution of India does not provide privilege to pressure groups to take part in the legislation, unlike the elected MLAs.

And as the long tradition keeps on repeating itself, maybe we have to wait for another Laeta Umbrey in the Assembly to break the jinx.

 

 

Meeting on illicit opium cultivation and menace of drugs

KHONSA, Jul 31: A meeting was held in the Tirap DC’s conference hall at Khonsa today to discuss on illicit opium cultivation and menace of drugs in Tirap district.

While addressing the participants Tirap Deputy Commissioner Kamlesh Kumar Joshi asked the PRI members, representatives of NGOs and people from Lazu area to express their problems and elucidate their valued suggestions to arrest the menace of opium and drugs in the district. While totally disagreeing with the logic put forth by some of the villagers from Lazu area saying that the poor villagers had no other alternatives to cultivation of opium for their livelihood, Joshi said that their argument held no water at all adding that there were many poor places in India but they did not grow opium.  He emphatically told them that they were lazy and were only after easy earning by applying for contract work like CC steps, construction of buildings etc which they did with profit motive and not showing concern for the public interest. He said that when they could grow opium, they could also grow cardamom and other cash crops to augment their economic income. The DC said that none of the schemes provided by the government to serve as an alternative to opium was successful as the villagers only wanted a short cut by continuing to grow opium. He warned the villagers of stringent action under the relevant law if any body was found growing opium. He asked the PRI leaders to conduct awareness meetings from time to time which would go a long way in educating the villagers on the harmful effect and consequences of taking opium. He informed that destruction of standing opium plants would be carried in the future.

The Tirap SP Ajit Kumar Singhla while participating in the deliberation said that he was ready to take action if the people were willing to share information about the drug peddlers. He asked the people to work hard adding that Lazu area was conducive for growing cash crops.

Khela-Lamsa ZPM Sontung Bangsia Lowang said that the root cause of the opium and drug menace in the district was the peddlers suggesting that the peddlers should be first identified and arrested. She also opined that anonymity of the informers about drug peddlers should be maintained. Lowang further said that viable alternative to opium cultivation was the only option which has to be provided by the government.

All the participants actively participated in the day-long discussion and they all vowed that they would fight opium malady tooth and nail in the interest of the future generation.

The meeting convened under the aegis of Tax and Excise department was attended by EAC, Lazu, administrative Officers, PRI leaders, HoDs, NGOs and SHGs. DIPRO

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2012

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

All rights reserved.

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---- Editorial ----

 

Bill of hope

Arunachal legislative assembly yesterday passed an important bill, Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Bill 2014. The bill, which was passed by voice vote, was tabled in the Assembly on July 25 by Home Minister Tanga Byaling. This bill has been initiated by new government especially to tackle the bandh culture. Bill has provision to take stringent action the against person calling bandh inside Arunachal territory.

Highlighting the cascading effect of bandh culture in the state, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki yesterday stated in the floor of assembly that Arunachal which had inherited the culture from neighbouring Assam incurs loss of Rs 10 crore per day whenever any group calls bandh. In the last decade, bandh culture has gripped whole of state. This has badly affected the developmental activities. No industrialists is willing to invest in Arunachal due to hostile atmosphere created out of bandh culture. Government of Arunachal deserves kudos for bringing in new bill to take on bandh callers. But they should ensure that provision of bill is not misused to settle political and personal scores.

----Readers Forum ----

 

 

Subsidies under PMEGP

Dear  Editor, 

I would like to draw the attention of the concern authority regarding the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) that has been implemented since 2008 in the state and working very well in empowering the unemployed youths and traditional artisans but the some districts are not following the norms of the guideline as they fixed the total project cost according to their will specially in the Upper Subansiri. The total project cost for 2014 is only Rs. 3.10 Lakhs whereas last year the total project cost for one unit enterprise was Rs. 6.57 Lakhs. According to the guideline, single unit entrepreneurs can apply for loan upto Rs. 25 Lakhs at the 25% subsidised loan for urban areas and 35% for the rural areas.

I therefore, request the concern authority to reconsider the total project cost of the beneficiaries for the benefits for the unemployed youths and traditional artisans.

Yours,

Tame Paksok, Itanagar

 

 

Lack of sensitivity

Dear Editor,

The V.K.V authorities have kept open its schools and conducted classes on the day of Idu’l Fitr, which is a Govt. of India notified gazetted holiday. By doing so, they have amply demonstrated their lack of sensitivity and respect for other religions. Are we sure we want to imbibe these values in our children?

Yours,

T. Damik, Aalo

 

 

Not always with us

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, I may draw the attention of the concerned authorities towards the unavailability of account opening application forms at SBI Ganga branch Itanagar.

Any person intending to open an account is directed to go downstairs to the internet cafe just below the bank and apply online. A sign board just in front of the cafe tells us that we might apply online there as if that’s the only panacea available and charges Rs.100 for form fill up. Not everyone is a computer literate and while the bank should be helping out fill up the application forms to the needy, showing a diversion is a deliberate act of shunning away from due responsibility. The tagline “Always with you” is surely misleading.

As a matter of fact, that signboard has been there for more than a month. Why should the bank be not in a position to provide application forms for such a long time? Is there a hidden nexus between the bank and the internet cafe?

Hope that there will be a plausible solution soon which otherwise would certainly keep up the spirit of khushi-khushi again. Who cares!

Yours,

Lijum Riba

 

 

Financial crunch and up-gradation

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily, I wish to state the importance of up-gradation of our economy. First of all, let me ask few question to our governing body why do our state often fall into financial crunch? Why our young generation are facing acute un-employment problem in spite of meagre population?  After 25 years of maturity, why we are lagging even in basic infrastructures?  

Answer to all these questions lie in single sentence. Up-gradation of economy is the need of the hour. Government need to identify the economic zones. After identification, it requires proper implementation and protection. There is no land in entire north east which is as fertile as the foot hill plains of ArunAchal. Due to its warm tropical climate, it is suitable for any kind of vegetation. The same plain is very much important from the industrial point of view, due to the availability of raw material and easy road access. As we know industries are economic boosters which will contribute much in state revenue and employment sector. It is the reason why our counterpart is engaged in encroachment activities. Therefore a strong possession of our valuable territory is also important so that other states may not enjoy the fruit of our hard work. So up-gradation of the state economy is the sole solution for all over problems of the state.

Yours,

Kipe Kena

Lipu, Likabali

 

 

We expect a certain level of accountability

Dear Editor,

Through a column of your esteemed daily, I would like to plead the concerned authority of Rural Work Department (RWD), Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar to kindly declare the results of the written examinations that were advertised in January 2013 and subsequently held in January 2014 for the various posts of SSCA, SCA,UDC, Field Assistants etc.

While the result for JEs and surveyors under the same advertisement was declared a long back, why is the authority taking so much of time in announcing the result for the remaining posts? Yours is a reputed and a renowned department therefore a certain level of responsibility and accountability is expected.

Delay in announcing the result will only make the candidates grow more suspicious of the recruitment process. So, once again I beg the authority to do the needful before the people start believing that there is something going under the table or in the back door. The earlier the result is announced the better it is for all of us.

Yours,

A candidate

 

 

Legislative session and mute ones

Dear Editor,

Did any of you hear our MLAs from Longding district voice their opinion inside Assembly hall or you didn’t notice them speaking or you didn’t publish the said voice in your dailies?

Since, the day our State budget session began, every morning my eyes roll throughout the newspapers amid lots of expectations, hope and anxiety, just to see; whether or not the budget has allocated something for my home district and if our representatives have raised any voice on any issues pertained to the Longding district? I could not find or see any of them saying something during the budget sessions.

What ails our MLAs to remain so quiet and silent, while the rest of representatives voiced their opinions on people’s concerns? Longding district, which has been newly created, is in very much need of development activities. Is it not that the Wancho people have chosen you considering being the best among the best leaders? Then why our representatives are not uttering a word for the common people who have given them their entire mandate, faith and hope to lead them?

When the people of Longding town are facing scarcity of water, when the district is experiencing frequent power cuts, when the people of Longding district are yet to access the facilities of internet and ICTs, when the telecom network is not functioning properly, when there is not even a college and the student’s have to go Deomali for studies which is 100s of km from Longding district, not a single ATM booth and when the people of the district are facing numerous challenges due to AFSP Act, guns and cross-firing incidents, Border dispute and clash with the neighbouring state and other related problems like opium addiction , it rather looks so awkward to remain silent inside the assembly hall.

Surely, people might have never elected their representatives to go, occupy the official Bunglows, sit there and enjoy the perks, salaries and amenities provided by the state government. It is the duty and moral responsibility of every representative, either MLAs or MPs to voice the people’s concern in assembly or parliament. In a Parliamentary and Democratic system of government, a MP or MLA fully represents the people of their constituency.

It is the parliament or State assemblies where the bills are introduced and Acts are passed. It is the place where the policies and programmes are formulated and where the required budgets are granted, which ultimately have their impact on common people’s lives.  

In parliament and Assemblies one doesn’t seek any wish or boon like in God’s temple, but fight, debate, discuss and justify their demand for grants, policies and programmes.

I hope our represen-tatives would consider my points with positivity and further work and strive hard for the development and welfare of the district and our state at large. After all, every citizens would always like to see their representatives to be outspoken, smart, dedicated, citizen centric and shine like a bright sun.

Yours

Well wisher

 

 

 

 

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----Editor