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August 27

Cyber fraudster dupes man

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: In an ATM fraud, a person having account in Doimukh branch of SBI, was duped of Rs.36,000 after an fake caller tricked him into divulging the details of his debit card.

In his FIR lodged with Doimukh Police Station, the complainant informed that an unidentified person called up him (from no. 7763828792) on Saturday and introduced himself as State Bank Officer. The fake caller told him that his debit card was about to expire.

The complainant said that he got One Time Password (OTP) twice immediately after the fake caller collected his card details. Later on, he started to receive SMS of bank transaction for 15 times for online shopping in Noida and Mumbai. Most of the transactions were done without OTP, the complainant said in his FIR.

By the time he called up SBI customer care service to block the same, the fraudsters had already withdrawn Rs 36,000 from his account.

The Doimukh Police Police has registered a case after Under Section 419/420 against the fraudster.

Meanwhile, the complainant has appealed to the police to bring the fraudster(s) to book immediately and recover his hard-earn money.

 

Misappropriation of MGNREGA fund alleged

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: Alleging rampant corruption in the office of the Block Development Officer (BDO), Ziro –I, CD block, the Bharatiya Janata Mahila Morcha, Lower Subansiri district unit today said that public money meant for the unemployed under MGNREGA scheme, particularly of 96- Nenting Leyu Anchal Segment under 7-Reru Kalung Anchal Samiti has been misappropriated.

Claiming that deserving unemployed persons have been deprived of the benefit of the scheme, BJP Mahila Morcha Unit said that dead men and Govt employees have been enrolled as unemployed in the muster roll. Money has been withdrawn in their names from the BDO office and the same was misused, claimed BJP Morcha unit.  

A complaint has been lodged under Section 64 (e) of the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayat Raj Act, 1997 against an ASM for alleged misappropriation of public money, but no action has been taken till date, the Mahila Morcha said  and demanded the authorities to give exemplary punishment to persons involved in corruption.

 

SBI Ziro ready to lunch PMJDY

From a Correspondent

ZIRO, Aug 26: Lower Subansiri district is all set to formally launch one of the most intensive financial inclusion mission of the country, titled “Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna (PMJDY)” along with the rest of nation on Aug 28 next here at Abotani Hall, according to Satyabrata Chanda, Chief Manager, SBI, Lead Bank, Ziro.

On the occasion of India’s Independence Day celebration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced countrywide launching of this scheme to bring poor people who are left out, into the mainstream of the financial system. This scheme will be formally lunched same day in national, state and district level.

The objective of the scheme is to bring poor people who are financially excluded into the banking system by providing them bank accounts and debit cards. Every individual who opens a bank account becomes eligible to receive an accident insurance cover of up-to Rs 1 Lakh for his entire family, he added.

 

DDSE inspects education store

AALO, Aug 26: West Siang DDSE, Tomi Doke inspected Elementary and Secondary Education store, Aalo to ascertain the text book distribution in the district.

The DDSE informed that 70% of the text books have been dispatched to various schools of the district since opening of the school this academic session.

He also inspected Upper Primary School Eyi, Logum Jini and Govt. Secondary School Pessing to assess the functioning of the school. In some of the schools the classes were suspended early due to thin attendance of teachers due to road blockade owing to incessant rain for the last ten days. Discussion on report relating to staff strength, students, MDM etc. was also held with the teachers. DIPRO

 

Shops raided, commodities seized for violation of Legal Metrology Act

ROING, Aug 26: In an effort to check black marketing in the district, a team constituted by the district administration headed by Sanjay Taram, Town Magistrate along with H H Atung, Assist Controller, G Singpho, Inspector and R Ratan, M/Assistant  of the Legal Metrology & Consumer Affairs Department, Roing raided several shops for violation of the Legal Metrology Act 2009 in the Lower Market, Roing today.

During the raids, the team seized many commodities like Rock Light, Solar Portable Lamp, Utsav Asian Paints, Rechargeable Emergency Light, Lighting Led Lantern, High-powered Radio Control Super Cars (Toy Cars), Chinese made Insect Spray, Fibre Glass Tape etc which are being sold in the open market without the MRP and some with self imposed MRP.

The department officers informed that such kind of raids will be carried out in the market frequently to check black marketing and selling of goods above MRP.

 

AdiSU Shillong celebrates Solung festival

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: Adi Student Union Shillong had celebrated the Solung festival of Adi community on August 23 last at Don Bosco Youth centre, Shillong.

Meghalaya Forest and Environment Minister Prestone Tynsong, Dr.Tanie Natung  from  the department of Ophthalmology NEIGRIHMS  along with other doctors of NEIGRIHMS also joined the festival celebration.

On the occasion AdiSU Shillong President, Mark Moyong said that successful celebration of Solung festival in Shillong this year was possible due to cooperation from ABK, well-wishers including MP Ninnong Ering .

 

APCSD observes death anniversary of Dr. NS Hardikar

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Seva Dal (APCSD) today observed the 39th death anniversary of Dr. N.S Hardikar, founder of Indian National Congress Seva Dal at Indira Gandhi Congress Bhawan Naharlagun.

Speaking on the occasion, APCSD Chief Organizer Kipa Kaha remembered Hardikar as a true freedom fighter and a real Congressman.

Dr. Hardikar was born in Dharwar in 1889. He founded Indian National Congress Seva Dal In 1923 which played a stellar role in the civil disobedient movement. He was elected twice as Rajya Sabha Member from Madhya Pradesh from 1952 to 1962.He was also conferred the Padma Bhusan in 1958, said APCSD Spokesperson Geli Ete.

 

Training on organic farming

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: The Department of Agriculture, Changlang organized a training programme to build capacity of the filed extension functionaries of agriculture departments of various districts on various methods of organic farming at ADC's Conference hall, Jairampur yesterday.

Dr. Chandra Shekar, Scientific Officer, RCOF, Imphal along with scientists from Krishi Vlgyan Kendra, Jalrampur dealt in length on various aspects of organic farming during the training programme.

Earlier, inaugurating the training, Jalrampur ADC Kento Riba explained the Importance of organic farming. He said that formers of Arunachal Pradesh are practicing organic farming since time immoral and most of our products are organic by default.

Changland DAO AD Panggam requested the participants sincerely attend the training and acquaint themselves with the latest information and techniques of organic farming for the larger interest of forming communities of the state. He also highlighted the growing importance of organic farming in modem society. While citing the example of Sikkim, he exhorted the field extension functionaries to create Sikkim-like agriculture scenario in this part of the district where the organic would be the trademark of each and every agriculture related products.

Sponsored by Regional Centre of Organic Farming, DAC,MoA, Gol, Imphal, the training was attended by field extension functionaries from Anjaw, Lower Dibang Valley, Dibang Valley, Lohit, Tirap, Longding and host district Changlang.

 

NNSPSU organizes education tour cum awareness programme on early marriage

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: The Nyapin Nyobia Sangrarn Phassang Students Union (NNSPSU) organized a four-day education tour-cum-awareness programme on Early Marriage in various institutes of the four circles from August 11 to 14 last.

The programme was conducted in all the Middle schools, Govt. Secondary School Hiya & Laya, Govt. Higher Secondary School Sangram & Nyapin, Tadar Taniang Govt. College Nyapin and Govt. Polytechnic College Laying of Sangram, Nyapin, Phassang and Nyobia Circles of the Kurung Kumey district. The team also distributed exercise books in various schools.

Meanwhile, informing of the various requirements of the schools of the area like demarcation and School Boundary wall, maintenance of school building, shortage of class room and need for subject teachers, it sought the intervention of director of school education to better the education scenario of the district.

 

AZHYA seeks arrest of assaulters

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: Claiming that two of its executive members were assaulted by a group of 7-8 miscreants in the evening hours of August 22 last near UD complex at Hapoli, the All Ziro Hapoli Youth Association (AZHYA) has called on the district administration to arrest all the remaining culprit/s involved and book them under appropriate section of law. Till now, only four of the persons involved have been arrested.

In its memorandum submitted to the Lower Subansiri DC, while claiming that the victims were attacked without any reason with sticks and lethal weapons injuring them severely, it warned of launching democratic movement if the arrests are not made within one week.

Also requesting to intensify night patrolling, setting up of police beat houses in all the sensitive areas of the township and banning lethal weapons in the town, it also sought DC’s intervention into requesting the power department to erect proper street electrification in all the sensitive locations.

 

ACCSU draws attention towards dismal state of PMEGP scheme

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: The All Chetam Circle Students’ Union (ACCSU) has drawn attention towards dismal state of PMEGP Scheme in Upper Subansiri district.

This Scheme is in operation in our district since 2008 and many beneficiaries have been selected till now but unfortunately this scheme has been a complete disaster and sheer waste of Govt fund because out of 100 percent beneficiaries, 90 percent of them are still unemployed and consume the amount provided to them without setting even a Pan Gumti. It seems like it is the fault of concern authorities who completely fail to recognize the young, energetic and potential entrepreneurs, it said in the release claiming that the concern authorities select beneficiaries not according to their skills and entrepreneurial attribute but according to recommendation and political pressure.

The maximum cost of the projected/unit admissible under manufacturing sector is Rs 25 Lakhs and the maximum cost of the project/unit under business sector is Rs 10 Lakhs. Contrary to that, amount which is supposed to be given this year to each beneficiary is only Rs 2 Lakhs 10 Thousand. Has the concern authorities got the power to amend the provision enshrined in the guidelines of PMEGP Scheme? Or is it possible to establish a business with a meagre sum of Rs 2 Lakhs 10 thousand in this inflationary situation, the release further added.

 

Org demands early release of landslide compensation

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: Expressing grief and shock over the death of Techi Yadik, 37, wife of  Techi Tadik of Rachi village, Leporiang circle, who was buried under the massive landslide at Dapo Colony, Sagalee yesterday, Arunachal Anti-Corruption Sena, All Sagalee Branch (AACS-ASB)  today appealed to the State Government  to release compensation to the citizens who lost their properties in the landslide immediately. Many citizens of the Sagalee lost their houses and properties due to massive landslide, it said. Demanding immediately release of ex-gratia to the victim’s families, the organizations also urged the authority to conduct awareness programme among all Sagalee circle especially in the affected area to avoid such major losses in near future.

 

Social service conducted

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: Braving the heavy rain, a mass social service was successfully conducted at D-Sector, D-Extn areas, RWD colony, Donyi Colony & Postal Colony, Itanagar  under Ward No. 14, Itanagar Municipal Council (IMC) by the residents of  the respective areas on August 23 and 24. The members cleared the garbage from the sectors / colony’s main dustbins and sector roadsides. They also cleared all the chocked drainage  and  renovated the sector link roads. On August 23, the mass social service was also conducted with participation of students at the D-Sector Govt. ME School, Itanagar.  Meanwhile, Kipa Tarish, Councillor, Ward No. 14 lauded the IMC, PWD division -4 and all the residents for making the  social service a  grand success.

 

ARPA calls for creation of drug inspector posts

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: The Arunachal Registered Pharmacists Association (ARPA) in its general body meeting held in the conference of DHS, Naharlagun discussed various issues and grievances of working pharmacists in the state.

Among others, the meeting discussed on the need of creation of Drug Inspector posts which has not been created since last 12 years and up-gradation of grade pay of working pharmacists which is yet to be implemented according to the 6th Pay Commission although Centre had already announced for the 7th Pay Commission.

The CoSAAP Secretary General Patey Marik, who also present in the meeting, expressed resentment over delay in functional up- gradation of grade pay of working Pharmacists from Rs.2800 to Rs.4200 per month as per Central Government norms. He urged the High Level Standing Committee (HLSC) on pay anomaly headed by the Chief Secretary as Chairman to consider the grievances immediately.

Amitabh J Chaudhary, founder of UDF, New Delhi cum Convener of India Pharmacists Revolution (IPR), Drug Inspectors of the state and Pharmacy Council members of the state were present in the meeting.

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News Impact

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2012

Education department breaks its own rule

[ Amar Sangno ]

ITANAGAR, Aug 26:  At a time when the government schools across the state are facing shortage of teachers, particularly senior and subject teachers, it seems that the education department is adding more problems by breaking its own rules by diverting more than 140 teaching staffs into non-teaching staffs thus further weakening the already shattered education system.  

Ironically the education department’s double standard has been exposed with appointment of more than 140 Block Education Officer (BEO) erstwhile Assistant District Education Officer (ADEO), whereas the actual sanctioned post of BEO are 32 only.

The appointment of ADEO was banned by then Commissioner Education Hage Khoda through his letter no.ED.2/519/ 2008 Dated on 23rd August 2010. Khoda in a circular which was issued to all concerned DDSEs clearly stated that mass diversion as non-teaching staff is directly affecting the teaching learning process and quality education.

However the department overlooked the circular and went on with appointment spree.

Total number of BEO now stands at121 according to the document provided by the department which was accessed by Arunachal RTI Activist Forum (ARTIAF). The department itself admitted that the current number is not updated and it is believed that there are more than 140 BEO across the state.

West Siang and Upper Subansiri Districts are at the top spot with 15 and 12 BEOs respectively, while East Kameng and Kurung Kumey are at third and fourth spot with 11 and 10 in the race of highest BEOs in a district.

Interestingly apart from the 32 sanctioned posts, rest are unsanctioned.

Those who have been appointed under unsanctioned post are drawing teacher’s salary.

Similar situation is developing under SSA, as large number of teachers are being appointing as BRC and CRC.

The appointment of such large numbers of BEOs, CRC and BRC is a brazen violation of its own terms in the pursuit of quality education in the government schools. Sources from the department informed that more number of teachers is in queue using their political clout to get the post of BEOs.

The requisite qualification to be a BEO is atleast fifteen years experience as junior teacher with B Ed. For CRC and BRC, 10 years of minimum teaching experience with B Ed is required.  

 Most of the subject teachers who are supposed to teach at schools are reportedly switching to non- teaching jobs considering the prospect of easy income generation and to liberate themselves from laborious teaching job.   

With faulty education policy, the government seems to be comprising with quality education as the elementary schools in remote areas are the worst sufferers.

 

 

Lohit, East Siang worst affected by flood fury

Rs. 10 Cr. for emergency flood restoration works

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: Though there is no fresh report of submersion of new area by flood water in the state following slight improvement of weather condition, the reports of extensive flood damages from Lohit and  East Siang district have been pouring in.  

While reviewing the flood situation in a high level meeting at his office chamber here today, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki directed release of an initial lump sum of Rs.10 Crore for emergency repair and restoration works. Out of which Rs. 5 Crore has been allocated to PWD, Rs.3 Crore to WRD and Rs 1 crore each to Power (Electrical) and PHE & WS Depts. This decision is in addition to Rs.15 Lakhs and Rs.7 Lakhs released to the Deputy Commissioners and Addl. Deputy Commissioners respectively of the flood affected districts to enable them to undertake immediate relief measures.

The main focus of the meeting attended by Dharmendra Sharma Principle Secretary (Home), in-charge Chief Secretary, Gonesh Koyu Commissioner (Finance), K R Meena Commissioner (P&AR), Kapa Kholie, Secretary (DM), C L Thungkhang Director (State Plan) and Y W Ringu, Director (DM), was to ensure immediate measures on emergency basis to restore connectivity and core infrastructure in the flood affected areas.

The Chief Minister has sounded alert in the wake of the flood fury that has gripped Arunachal Pradesh and appealed to all to remain alert. He has also requested all elected representatives, Deputy Commissioners and  disaster management authorities to work hand in hand and extend necessary relief and help, as per relief norms.  

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has written to the Prime Minister informing him about the critical situation arising out of the incessant rain since last 3 months and requested him for extending flood assistance.  He also spoke to the Union Minister of State for Home and apprised him about the situation. Responding to his discussions, the Union Minister of State (Home) is expected to visit the flood affected districts of Arunachal Pradesh on August 28.

Meanwhile, in view of the ensuing aerial survey of the flood damages by the Union MoS (Home) Kiren Rijiju, the East Siang DC Nidhi Srivastava held a meeting this evening with developmental departments’ officers and SP East Siang. She instructed all the officers to submit realistic detail reports with estimates.

As per preliminary report received so far, Lohit district witnessed heavy damage to public utilities such as road communication, water and power supply. Heavy loss of cultivation land, standing crops, dwelling house, live stock etc were also reported from administrative officers and Village DM committees of all three circles of the district. The district has also been hit twice by flood  this month.

Many villages were cut off from the district HQ and their nearest Administrative Offices due to damage of PWD link road at Wakro circle from Tri-Junction to Katan village. As per report as many as ten villages are cut off since August 13 due to damage to culverts and roads at various locations.

Meanwhile, with improvement of weather condition, all the dept concerned along with District Administration and public were engaged in restoration work of basic amenities in the district. As a result, road communication between Tezu-Tinsukia via Parsuram and Alubhari restored temporarily. Meanwhile, power supply has been also restored temporarily in the district. No life loss reported so far.

WRD department Tezu and District Administration along with general public of Tezu conducted a social service on August 24 at Denning Nala to protect Tezu Town and District Hq Tezu. Local MLA Dr. M Chai and Chairman DDMA, Dr. B M Mishra had pressed in man and machinery to restore normal life under Lohit District.

The entire department and the outpost administrative offices were directed to submit detail flood damage report of Public and private properties occurred due to heavy rain in the month of August 2014.

Flood triggered by heavy rainfall in East Siang has badly affected road communication, paddy fields, horticulture gardens, fish ponds and irrigation channels and also damaged standing crops. Poglek River on Pasighat to Takilalung road has extensively damaged large area of WRC fields besides blocking the road communication. ZPM Osi Tatak and Anchal Chairperson Olen Taning along with villagers taken up the flood protection work on self help basis.

Heavy damages to the WRC and cash crops are being reported from various circles of the district. BRTF personnel are working at war footing to restore the road communication from Mebo to Siluk.

Siluk ASM Delem Damin, reported that Sukan Nallah, Yittak, Sibya and Kadang Korong are creating havoc and damaged roads and agricultural fields.

 

 

Rampant earth cutting causes massive damage to capital roads

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: Heavy rainfall for last few days has caused massive damage to capital road. NH-52(A) and arterial roads connecting capital to nearby villages are in shambles as an effect of recent downpour. No doubt nature god is responsible for  larger damages incurred but it is noticed that in some cases citizens are also to be blamed. Rampant earth cutting nearby road has caused extensive damages to National Highway and arterial roads.

In some parts of Naharlagun like near NRL Petrol Pump at Model village and at Lekhi village near Law College, NH 52(A) have been damaged due to earth cutting. Capital administration should take strong action against the persons responsible for damaging the highway. Those people who caused damage should be made to carry out the repairing of road at their own expenses.

Similarly Gohpur-Poma road, the lifeline of the people of Upper Balijan area has been badly damaged as a result of illegal earth cutting near the roadside. Just before reaching Gyikir Sinyi (Ganga lake) road has vanished due to mudslide caused by earth cutting.

Deputy Commissioners of Capital Complex and Papum Pare should take strong action against such people who damages the public properties. They should come out of their air-condition offices and make field visit and take action against the persons damaging the highway. Capital complex is gateway to Arunachal and if strong action is taken against citizens for causing damage to highway in capital area, it will send a strong message to rest of the state.

 

 

A bursting bubble and reality check

[ Tongam Rina ]

The recent articles of former Chief Secretary of the state H K Paliwal titled "Precarious Financial Condition of the state and way forward" made an intriguing piece. The former bureaucrat and the current Chief Advisor to Arunachal govt suggested mass dam building to rescue the 'alarming, horrendous, wobbly' financial conditions of Arunachal Pradesh. The financial figures to be made from these dams were mouth watering.

But what yours truly found interesting was the fact that the article revealed that the financial status of the state is not healthy at all while the politicians have been able to convince us not to worry as it is not as bad as it is being perceived.

The contrasting statement from the political leadership and former top bureaucrat seems to suggest that one of them is not aware of the realities. Which one do we believe?

Meanwhile, the logic defying suggestions of the Chief Advisor of the state regarding the hydro power in the state imply that he is not aware of the problem the projects have run into.  

Most projects have not even been awarded clearance as yet.

One prime example is the 3000 Dibang MW hydro power project which has already been rejected by the statutory green panel, Forest Advisory Committee, atleast twice already. The diversion of 4577.84 hectares of biodiversity rich forest land and the felling of 3.24 lakh trees is not acceptable to the panel. It appears that, it was not projected in the DPR.

Almost every project has the same story to tell.

Of the 94 odd projects with a combined capacity of the 41,000 MW, which have been allotted by the state government, almost all of the projects are stuck in some sort of hurdle.  A project is supposed to take up to five years to start construction from the time MOU is signed. But in case of Arunachal, the proposed time limits have run out already.  The chief minister met the project proponents on August 12 because of the delay in implementation.

The way things are moving it seems like the hydro bubble has burst and time has come for a reality check.

On the other hand, the centre is keen that projects takes off soon as tapping of hydro power is seen as a tool to counter growing Chinese hydro business in Tibet.

It was reported that the cash strapped state government is supposed to contribute upto Rs 16000 cr as equity to the 41 projects totalling 35000 over the next ten years in the state in order to ensure speedy start of the projects.

Apparently, the state shares of the cost are to be adjusted against future revenues. Under such circumstances, it is unlikely that the state will be swimming in hydro dollars any time soon. It looks more like we will be submerged in debt instead.

On the other hand, the non start of projects have come as a relief to many indigenous communities and organisations who are suspicious of big power projects. The sheer numbers of projects have intimidated many, including yours truly.

 Under such circumstances, perhaps it is time to look at other more viable alternatives like horticulture, tourism, human resources, agriculture and animal husbandry which are real life, doable projects instead of unrealistic ones. The people would be in more direct control of their economy. Tea and rubber, vegetables, fruits could turn around the local economy, if enough emphasis is given. To start with, the government sure can help in training as well as finances for the local farmers.  

 

 

Centre  urged to sanction remaining road projects under PM package

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: BJP MLA and Opposition leader Tamyo Taga has urged the Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways to clear and sanction all the remaining road projects under PM’s Package in Arunachal Pradesh and accordingly award them for early implementation.

Eleven out of the 19 packages under Arunachal Package of Road & Highways have been awarded and remaining eight packages are yet to be awarded. The last package awarded was sanctioned in March, 2012 and thereafter there has been no further sanction from the Ministry of Road, Transport & Highways, Taga informed in memorandum to Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari.

The projects which are lingering in the ground for want of sanction are intermittently located within the awarded projects, the works of which are in progress. Thus non-sanction of these road projects has hampered the integrated and synchronous development of the National Highways in Arunachal Pradesh, the memorandum said.

He also informed that five out of the eight un-awarded packages were cleared in the 39th High Power Inter-Ministerial Committee meeting held in the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways,New Delhi in December, 2012 but the projects were asked to be implemented in EPC mode. Two packages were tendered in the interim period but were returned back un-approved by the Ministry in June, 2013 with a direction to implement the same in EPC Mode. DPR for the remaining one package were submitted to the Ministry on August 13, 2013 and same instruction was given for this package too.

Informing that his Ministry has issued a circular (No. RW/ NH- 37010/ 4/ 2010/PIC dated 30 October, 2013) wherein the choice of mode of implementation of the SARDP-NE packages in North-East India has been left to the implementation agency of the State, Taga urged the Union Minister to expedite the award of work for the remaining eight un-awarded packages of SARDP-NE under Arunachal Pradesh PWD in item-rate mode instead of EPC Mode. He said that the State PWD as well as the State Government has already made numerous correspondences with the Ministry for adoption of the Item-rate mode instead of the EPC Mode for the un-awarded packages.

Taga also urged the Union Minister for approving the East-West Industrial Highway adjacent to Arunachal-Assam boundary.

“A good double lane highway called “East-West Highway” adjacent to the Arunachal - Assam border starting from Bhairabkhund located near the bi-junction of the Arunachal - Assam - Bhutan border to Ruksin  located on NH 52 near Pasighat and covering places like Bhalukpong, Seijosa, Digalmukh, Balijan, Nagarlagun, Kimin, Subansiri River, Likabali, Dipa, Nari with an approximate length of 431 km could bring about a drastic change in the socio-economic scenario of local population residing in the foothill region of Arunachal Pradesh as well as the neighboring state of Assam. Moreover, this road will also open up new Hydro-Power avenues in the region, a resource in which Arunachal Pradesh is fortunately abundantly blessed with,” the memorandum said.

The State Government has already approached the Ministry for approval of this Project and is keen on declaring Special Economic Zone in the region, he said and requested to consider this proposal and approve the double lanning of the East-West Industrial Highway.

Taga also urged the Minister for early sanctioning of the DPR for four lanning of the NH-S2 A (New NH 415) from Itanagar to Banderdewa. He informed the minister that four-lanning of 19.20 km stretch of the same road from Itanagar to Holongi is being done under SARDP-NE.

The memorandum further urged the Union Minister for handing over of few roads projects from BRO to State PWD for speedy execution.

He suggested the Minister that BRO should be entrusted road works which connects the district headquarters with remote administrative centers located near Mac-Mohan line and rest be entrusted to state PWD.

He urged the Miister to instruct BRO hand over Akajan- Bame- Ukabai and the Khonsa - Hukanjuri road projects to State PWD as decided in a meeting convened by the Secretary, MORTH in September, 2013 in New Delhi with a request for double lanning of Khonsa - Hukanjuri road under SARDP-NE.

Informing that important border roads adjacent to the international boundary with Myanmar under BRO have been placed in the SARDP-NE Phase B, he urged the Minister for shifting of some of the SARDP-NE Phase B packages to SARDP-NE Phase A for early development of the border areas which will also boost border trade with that neighboring country, the memorandum added.

 

 

BJP demands immediate restoration of road

Itanagar, Aug 26: A state BJP team led by President Tai Tagak visited the infamous sinking zone near Karsingsa where a good portion of the road was washed away by Dikrong River snapping road communication.

Criticizing the respective Congress Government, which ruled the state for almost 30 years, and for their alleged lack of political will for maintaining the roads of Capital Complex, the state BJP demanded immediate restoration of the vital road.

Saying that road blockage due to landslides and washing away of culverts etc at sinking zone has been a regular phenomenon as it happens every year, the party said that respective Congress ruled Governments in the state have blatantly overlooked the chronic problem.

The condition of the road has gone from bad to worst since the state PWD has taken over the charge of the road from BRTF in 2008-09. The government could have solved this recurring problem in the last three decades if there were a political will, the party said.

 The realignment of the road portion as proposed by the BRTF would have so far been completed if the they were in charge of the road, the party said and questioned the state government the reason for abolishing the idea of realignment of the road.

The State Govt. could have also developed the Doimukh-Harmutty road via Gumto under numerous central projects which would have served as vital alternative road link for the state Capital, the party said.

 State party President Tagak demanded the State Government for construction foot-track road where the then BRTF had carried out re-alignment at the sinking zone for the convenience of the commuters.

He further said that the road should not be left unattended in the pretext of the proposed 4 lane highway. He suggested for working out a quality DPR for re-alignment of the road from the present sinking zone as the 4 lanning of the road is still in nascent stage.

The party also demanded the State government to prepare a proper DPR for CRF road from Doimukh to Harmutty, if the same is not yet considered, and accord top priority to ensure all weather road connectivity to State Capital.

Tagak was accompanied by vice president Techi Necha State ST Morcha president Tadar Akap, state Yuva Morcha president Dugh Saha and host of party workers.

 

 

DCPWS appeals for flood relief, restoration of suspension bridge

ITANAGAR, Aug 26: The Dumporijo Constituency Peoples’ Welfare Society (DCPWS), a Dumporijo-based social and charitable organization has urged the Upper Subansiri district authority to take up immediate relief and rehabilitation measures for the flood affected people of the district.  

While submitting a four-point memorandum to District authority, the Society demanded immediate restoration of Wire Rope Suspension Bridge (WRSB) at Debom village. The Wire Rope Suspension Bridge (WRSB) over river Subansiri at Debom village, the lifeline of the Debom and other adjoining villages, has been washed away by recent Subansiri flood. The life comes to a standstill due to disruption in road communication, the Society said.

Demanding  flood control and anti-erosion  measures on the embankment of the Subansiri river, the Society said implementation of flood control schemes  needed immediately to protect the  life, properties and  WRC field of poor villagers. It further advocated for formation of Fact Finding Committee to ascertain the cause of sudden rise of Subansiri water which is the cause of devastation.

The Society also lauded Daporijo MLA Dikto Yekar and Dumporijo MLA Paknga Bage for their prompt approach to monitor  the situation and mitigate the sufferings of the flood victims.

Earlier, the team of DCPWS led by its chairman Tadam Lida, Secretary Adv. Chijum Riddi, executive members and Dr. Logo Bage Secretary Tani Foundation, Itanagar, visited all the flood affected site and had interacted with the flood victims located at Kopurijo, Dumporijo, Rukrijo etc. which are falling under Dumporijo constituency and its adjacent areas. The Society has extended some financial assistance to few most severely affected families in the recent flood.

More than 200 families were reportedly affected by the flash flood of Subansiri river on August 22 last. “It is also reported that Mithun around 15-20 numbers grazing in the island located at Kopurijo were also washed away in the flood”, the society said adding the properties worth crores in rupees were also damaged.

 

 

Flood water forces the authority to close down school

Correspondent

Ruksin, Aug 26: The Govt. primary school, Oyan camp remains closed for the last one week as overflowing water of Linka river has blocked the entry road of the school. The school authority has no other option but to wait to recede the surging river water for reopening of the school.

Established under Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) in the year 2011, the LP school is located in a low lying and isolated place surrounded by water body near Oyan Charali. The students and teachers of the school have to cross the river on bare foot as there is no bridge over the river. But, due to heavy rain in the area, knee-deep water level of the river has risen to neck-deep and the strong current made bare crossing almost impossible. The authority has already granted fund for construction of school building with RCC boundary wall, but it did not take steps for road connecting the school. It is alleged that the authority, despite repeated appeals made by the local villagers, has not taken any step for construction of a permanent bridge over the river to go to the school.

Due to lack of road connectivity leading to school, may teachers opt for transfer to other schools. The school headmaster, Tago Ering, who lonely managing as many as 52 students of the school, informed that three teachers posted in the school had gone on transfer pretending road problem. “It is impossible for me to run the school in absence of the assistant teachers. I have pleaded the education department to take an effective step for solution to the problems faced by the students as well as the teachers in the school”, said a visibly annoyed headmaster Ering.

Photo caption:- Govt LP School, Oyan camp is seen across Linka river.

 

 

Roing Anchal Samity to extend financial assistance to meritorious students

Correspondent

ROING, Aug 26:  The Anchal Samity, Roing block has announced financial assistance for Class X and XII toppers to promote educational achievement in the community.

This was announced recently in a meeting of the Roing Anchal Samity held under the Chairmanship of Raja Lingi, Chairperson, Anchal Samity, Roing Block.

As per the announcement, three student toppers will qualify for the financial assistance amounting to Rs 10,000 each annually. "The assistance will cover students from Roing Anchal Block whose family have the franchisee right in the panchayat," informed the Anchal Chairperson.

The proposal for financial assistance to the students was raised after a threadbare meeting was held to discuss smooth functioning of business establishments and shops owned by the Roing Anchal Samity.

The panchayat body owns about 30 shops in the heart of the Roing market and a complex that houses daily bazaar that sells vegetables and other food items.

In the meeting, the Panchayat body also resolved for a fresh deed of agreement between the Roing Anchal Samity and the existing shopkeepers of the Anchal market. The VAT registration shall be borne by shopkeepers with power of attorney obtained from Roing Anchal Samity, according to the resolution.

The meeting further resolved for maintenance of cleanliness and hygienic environment in the Anchal market with provision for dustbins for every three shops.

 

 

PM to launch Jan Dhan Yojana on Aug 28

New Delhi, Aug 26:  The government plans a mega launch of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 28, which is likely to see opening of one crore bank accounts on the first day itself.

As many as 76 mega functions are being organised at different places to mark the launch of the scheme, under which the new account holders will be provided RuPay debit cards with an inbuilt insurance cover of Rs 1 lakh.

The Prime Minister has already sent 7.25 lakh emails to bank officers informing them about the financial inclusion scheme PMJDY, which he had announced in his Independence Day address to the nation. Public sector banks, according to an official release, will organise more than 60,000 camps in rural and urban areas on the launch day.

"It is estimated that about one crore accounts will be opened on this day. These camps will be successful because preparatory camps have already been organised in order to get the required information from the new account openers," the statement said.

The mega functions to be organised by state capitals and major district headquarters will be attended by Union Ministers and state Chief Ministers.

The PMJDY has been conceived as a national mission on financial inclusion with the objective of covering all households in the country with banking facilities and having a bank account for each household.

"All the banks have started preparatory work and the mega camp will be held on August 28," Financial Services Secretary G S Sandhu told PTI.

The scheme, pushed by the government in a mission mode, seeks to provide two accounts to 7.5 crore identified households by August 2018.

The main features of the PMJDY scheme include Rs 5,000 overdraft facility for Aadhar-linked accounts, RuPay Debit Card with inbuilt Rs 1 lakh accident insurance cover and minimum monthly renumeration of Rs 5,000 to business correspondents who will provide the last link between the account holders and the bank.

The first phase of the mission, starting this month, would end in August next year. The second phase will start from 2015 till 2018, covering aspects such as micro insurance and pension schemes like 'Swavalamban'. The new scheme is an improvement over the UPA's financial inclusion programme.

The earlier scheme had no focus on households and no emphasis was given on urban financial inclusion, according to some experts. Besides, they maintained that there was a cumbersome Know Your Customer formality, restricting account opening.

Other deficiencies cited included lack of credit disbursement and 47 per cent of business correspondents being untraceable, resulting in inactive accounts.

The new scheme has tried to address all the possible deficiencies and its monitoring would be done at state and district levels. The 'mission mode' approach has been envisaged with the Finance Minister as head of the mission. PTI

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----Readers Forum ----

 

 

Appalling roads and its implications on the society and state economy

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, I wish to raise a concern and my utter disappointment at what I had observed recently on my drive from Itanagar to Harmuti. The entire stretch of road from Doimukh to Harmuti is in an appalling state. It is an important and strategic link to Assam, also not forgetting that it is currently serving as the main channel of communication and transport, as the NH52A from Nirjuli to Banderdewa is currently closed due to repair. But this is not what I wish to address here today, as the other important links like Itanagar-Gohpur, Naharlagun-Banderdewa, are in a pitiable state as well.

Being a postgraduate in Strategy and Economics, my concern is the lack of an understanding amongst the policy makers and powerful elite of the state to realize how important roadways are, for the state economy, and most importantly, Itanagar, the state capital. One needn’t be an intellect to guess that good and smooth roads save time and effort, and encourages commercial activities. However, there are other macroeconomic, political and social implications as well. When I was travelling through the Doimukh-Harmuti road, I had also observed the people who resided besides it. Clearly, these people have been abandoned by the so-called progressive society. The bad state of the road has affected their daily lives, as it has hampered everything from communication, exposure, employment, and transportation.  As a result, it was not surprising for me to find later that there were hardly any shops, ATMs or fuel stations along the road. Politically, being a disputed territory, under recent developments and unrest between Sino-Indo relations, bad roads add insult to injury. History proves that would be very difficult to react and reach out by the union ministry in Delhi to the administration in Itanagar in the event of a national emergency, considering the fact that there is not much scope for airways and railways. Also, the Doimukh-Harmuti road is the only link to the oil depot of Assam Oil, the lifeline of the fuel stations in and across Itanagar, failing which, public life would come to a standstill. Macroeconomic implications are far more severe as the entire state machinery, which is taken for granted, is disrupted. Bad roads, as discussed earlier, diminishes the scope for employment, interaction and business activities, as the long term expectations by consumers and firms remain low. The disruption caused in the supplies and imports from Assam results in inflation, often hyperinflation. When there is a deficit between supply and demand, the government either curbs demand by increasing prices, enforcing tighter and stricter fiscal and monetary policies, or by govt. expenditure in supply side, like building roads, schools, hospitals, and investment in infrastructure, so as to maintain economic stability. Unfortunately, there has been a little or no sign of the latter. It is also understandable that the govt., like other financial institutions, require money to carry out its developmental projects such as building roads. Often, these finances are met through borrowing and loans, with a rate of interest. If the long term expectations of the govt. is low and they foresee the loan turning into a bad debt, they are reluctant to carry out such projects. But this is not the case. The Doimukh-Harmuti road is of strategic importance connecting important institutions such as RG Institute of Technology, Botanical Gardens, Fisheries, etc. Moreover, improving the road would also encourage more shops, entrepreniual activities, and giving the people easy access to technology, power, water, and public transport. Having said that, I wish to conclude and raise my concern with a simple question. Why is no one bothered about the poor condition of roads in the state? Is it due to lack of funds? Is it due to lack in interest? Or is it that the administration is not aware about it?

Yours

Shaunak  Bordoloi

 

 

 

Convergence of peace and development

Dear Editor,

The final approval for the creation of Lower Siang District seems to be a distant dream.  Namsai District has been created already but Lower Siang remains a distant dream.

The demand for creation of Lower Siang District is in a state of illusion, confusions and has ended up as just a mere lip service.

The demand and official announcement of creation

Lower Siang is being hampered on account of strong political involvement and converting a genuine demand into a political issue with favour of some vested interests group.

The people of Nari Koyu who are giving full support for the creation of proposed Lower Siang district are being tagged as non supportive by some vested interest groups who instead of understanding the problems and agony of foothill areas are focused on their own selfish motives.

If they are really concerned about the people then why dont they speak and take necessary action in their capacity against incidences of encroachment in  Kamcham Village, Likabali, Nari- Koyu and other places where Assam Police had violated status quo and entered into the territory of Arunachal Pradesh creating fear psychosis.

I am not against any neighboring state but I am against the injustice meted out to the peace loving state.

I am not in support of creation of Likabali as temporary headquarter and Siki Rima as permanent district head quarter because I belong to Foothill area of Arunachal Pradesh but I press on these demand in order to see development and peace come together.

Yours,

Nguge Taipodia

Anchal Samity Member

Bali

 

 

 

A national shame

Dear Editor,

The recent interstate border issue which flared up between Assam and Nagaland is very unfortunate and a national shame. It appears that the government is not viewing the issue seriously and has put apprehension regarding integrity among the citizens of India. It has negative impact in peaceful coexistence among the neighbouring states due to insecurity and volatile situation that has erupted in the recent times.

Therefore it is urged to the ministry of home affairs to find an amicable solution.

Yours

Bomi Riba, Likabali

 

 

 

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----Editor

---- Editorial ----

 

Treading dangerous path

The generational shift in BJP was complete on Tuesday with its founders Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi being dropped from the BJP parliamentary board. From now onwards, the highest decision-making body of BJP headed by president Amit Shah will have 12-member including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  Three-time Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and party general secretary J P Nadda are the new entrants to the BJP parliamentary board which was reconstituted by newly-appointed chief Amit Shah.

Further Chauhan and Nadda have also been included in BJP's central election committee, which decides on the party candidates to be fielded in elections. This decision to drop the two veterans marks the start of Narendra Modi era within BJP in true sense. With his close associate Amit Shah as president, Modi has started to stamp his authority in the party. While it’s early days but political analysts believe that some of the action of PM Modi will bruise the ego of party veterans and their supporters. In the long run BJP may have to pay price for it. While effecting generational shift, if BJP makes too much hasty changes, there are possibility of internal bickering and backlash among party leaders. Such scenario will provide ideal opportunity to the opposition parties to hit back at Modi-Shah combination.