The Arunachal Times - Archives

High-level committee for Defence land acquisition soon

CM calls for early creation of Arunachal Scout

ITANAGAR, Dec 17: Chief Secretary Tabom Bam revealed that a high level committee comprising of Land Commissioner as chairman, Land Management Director, All DCs and representatives from Army as members would be constituted and the onus would lie on the committee to expedite the land acquisition process by the Defence Forces.

He said this during a meeting today between the Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and Union Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar along with Joint Secretary and senior Army and BRO officers.

The meeting was basically aimed to discuss various matters pertaining to land acquisition for Army, Process of Transfer of ALGs to defence, progress of BRO roads in the state and raising of Arunachal Scout which has already been approved in principle by the centre.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Khandu has pleaded the centre to expedite the process of creation of Arunachal Scouts with at least four battalions on the lines of Ladakh and Kumaon scouts. “This would not only contribute to effective border management during peace and act as a force multiplier during operation, it would provide job opportunities to local youths”, Khandu said while justifying his stand.

Mr Kumar while appreciating state government for promptly responding to their request for land acquisition for setting up of defence infrastructure at various areas in the state and in the given time frame, he assured to take up the matter which was pointed out by the chief minister pertaining to land rent for the lands taken over by the Army and BRO in the past but have till date not paid the rent. Kumar also requested the state government to hand over the ALGs to defence as it is, so that it could start up their work at the earliest. Khandu assured to expedite the matter.

The chief minister further urged the visiting secretary to impress upon the centre for pushing forward the proposal of ALG at Tawang, which is very much necessitated, on the defence and tourism point of view.

Khandu highlighted for setting up of elementary education facilities for the children of BRO labourers, ensure a planed future of BRO labourers and provide them with subsidized ration and for which he requested the Defence Secretary to take the matter with appropriate authorities.

While dwelling on employment to local youths, the chief minister exhorted for engagement of local qualified youths in various technical and non technical sectors under BRO.

Khandu also urged Kumar to impress upon the centre to enhance the maintenance fund for roads allocated to BRO so that the organization could meet up the rising price rise and maintain all weather roads in the state. He said while lamenting on poor condition of BRO roads.

Kumar promised to take up the matter on priority.

From the state government’s side, Principal Secretary to CM Yeshi Tsering, Development Commissioner V K Dev, Land Commissioner T Taloh, Planning Secretary Civil Aviation Director and Director Land Management also attended the high level meeting. (PRO to CM)

Namsai gets a flavour of Coconut Development Board’s Schemes

NAMSAI Dec 17: Farmers awareness programme on coconut and Coconut Development Board’s Schemes was organized in Namsai Town Club by the Coconut Development Board, Guwahati in collaboration with the District Horticultural Officer, Tezu. About 35 farmers from the area and officers and staff of Horticulture department participated in the training.

Inaugurating the programme as Chief Guest Namsai ADC R K Sharma said that entire Namsai Sub – Division was feasible for Coconut cultivation but the farmers are required to be trained about technicalities and they should also be aware of incentives provided by the Government for the purpose. “This training may be a good platform to discuss and enlighten the farmers on these aspects,” he added. Tezu DHO B Riba and Namsai SDAO, K. Banyang also spoke on the occasion.

The inaugural progra-mme was followed by technical session wherein coconut in Arunachal Pradesh, CDB schemes, cultivation technology was thoroughly discussed and interacted.

Training and pruning on apple

DIRANG, Dec 17: Under the auspices of National Horticulture Board (NHB), Ministry of Agriculture, a 2 days training cum demonstration programme on “Training and Pruning on Apple” was organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) on Dec 15-16 at Farmers Field at Dirang.

Altogether 120 delegates including NHB officials, scientists, professors, state department officials, KVK officials, NABARD based farmers’ club members, practicing farmers, farm women and unemployed rural youth attended the programme.

The objective of the training cum demonstration programme was to make the farmer community, youths and general public aware of the prospects of commercialization of apple cultivation in the West Kameng district of the state Arunachal Pradesh. Moreover the programme provided an opportunity to the participants to know about the apple cultivation scenario in the country as a step towards development of apple cultivation in the region. Dr. N. D. Singh, Programme Coordinator of the Kendra, highlighted the role and function of the KVK especially in the field of frontline demonstration, on farm trials and training on agriculture and its allied sectors in West Kameng district.

S. Singh, Assistant Manager, NHB Regional Office, Guwahati lucidly elaborated the aims and objectives of the NHB in imparting training programmes on various areas and highlighted the importance of the 2 days programme in the locality.

Dr. K. K. Baruah, Director, National Research Centre on Yak (ICAR), Dirang appreciated the choice of the location specific subject of training programme in the region. He stressed the need and importance of proper infrastructure, trained manpower, entrepreneurs, good local market, cold storage facilities etc., to accelerate the practice of this profitable trade.

Dr. R. K. Sharma, Senior Deputy Director, NHB, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, Gurgaon highlighted the importance of commercial apple cultivation and its benefits in terms of employment generation, higher income and foreign exchange earnings.

Prof J. Badyal, CSKHPKV, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh in his address focused on the immense potential of apple industry for generating remunerative self-employment among small and marginal farmers.

Dr. B. K. Karkara, Former Associate Director Research, Shimla dwelt at length on the potentials of apple and kiwi cultivation in the region. He further said that if the Farmers’ club members formed under NABARD work properly and sincerely, West Kameng can be a land of fruits.

Dr. I. M. Sharma, Senior Scientist (Plant Protection) in Dr. Y. S. Parmer University of Horticulture, Solan, Himachal Pradesh elaborated on the importance of disease and pest management in apple cultivation for its commercialization and in achieving a good market.

A working manual on Training and Pruning of Temperate Fruit, published by NHB, Gurgaon was released during the inauguration programme for an easy understanding of the methodologies demonstrated.

During the 2 days programme the participants were divided in three groups with 25 members each and they were elaborated and demonstrated on training & pruning methodology, usage of manure and fertilizer in commercial apple cultivation and nursery management respectively by the invited resource persons on rotation basis. Besides, an interaction session was also held on the occasion. The trainees were given free hand to make queries on horticulture related issues and problems and the same were responded to by the experts who took part in the training programme. Bodumba, a progressive farmer of Namthung village pinpointed the problems encountered in apple and kiwi cultivation. He said that the farmers are also facing problems of producing and easy marketing of horticultural crops due to non availability of quality seeds, planting materials, fertilizer crisis and infestation of pest and diseases.

Education system should be students oriented: Siram

PASIGHAT, Dec 17: The education system should be students oriented instead of teachers oriented, said Education Minister Bosiram Siram while addressing the meeting of the teaching community during his visit to Paglek ME School here.

Lamenting over the low standard of education in the state he emphasized the needs of National Curriculum Framework to impart quality education in the state. Responding to teachers demands of the school, the Minister assured to sanctioned required fund for minor maintenance works of the school building.

Later, Siram inspected the construction works of VIP Paying Cabin, solar water heating systems at general hospital, Pasighat and held a meeting with the DDHS Dr. B.C. Sarma and Medical Superintendent Dr. O. Moyong. Meanwhile, Coordinator for ISO NE Region, Guwahati Dr. Saurav Basu expressed happiness over the developmental activities that are taking place in the hospital and also highlighted necessary requirements of the hospital. (DIPRO)

CM supports Health Policy, chides private practices by doctors

ITANAGAR, Dec 17: Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has supported the plan for bringing out a comprehensive ‘Health Policy’ for Arunachal Pradesh to bring about all desired positive changes and development in Health Sector.

The Chief Minister said this during a meeting with the Health Minister Tanga Byaling and his officers.

The CM expressed his strong displeasure at the government doctors who are resorting to ‘private practices’ in spite of enjoying Non Practicing Allowance.

Byaliang emphasized his desire to bring about positive streamlining & proper functioning of the health sector. He sought support from chief minister and all elected legislative assembly members.

He also exhorted all the officers and the staffs to discharge their duties with utmost sincerity keeping in mind the public interest and welfare as the utmost priority. The Chief Minister appreciated the Health Minister for his initative and informed the house about his government is giving priority to Health and Education Sectors in the state’s development. The Chief Minister expressed the hope that department will further improve the health care delivery system in the state and assured all possible from his end.

The meeting was also attended by Development Commissioner V.K Dev, Secretary Health A.B Shukla, Director of Health Services Dr Tajum Basar and all State Health Programme Officers. He was briefed on the various important National Health Programme by the dept. of Health Programme managers. (PRO to CM)

India is aware of border infrastructure by China

ITANAGAR, Dec 17: The Government is giving careful and special attention to the development of the infrastructure in the border areas opposite China, in order to meet legitimate strategic and security requirements and to facilitate the economic development of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. The Minister of External Affairs S M Krishna said this while responding to a question by MP Takam Sanjoy in the Lok Sabha.

Sanjoy had asked whether the Chinese government has completed survey of Railway Line from Lhasa to Bumla in Arunachal and whether India is contemplating to build roads and other infrastructure along the Indo-China border.

Government is aware of the proposed extension of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway line from Lhasa to Nyingchi in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, Krishna added.

‘EC calls for revolution in energy sector’

ITANAGAR, Dec 17: The onus is on all the stakeholders to bring about new technological innovations to address the challenges facing energy conservation in coming days.

This was opined by Chief Engineer, Power (Eastern Zone), Anong Perme during the inaugural session of a two-day training of trainers (ToT) on energy efficiency at Itanagar today. The programme is being organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (APEDA) with the sponsorship of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), GoI.

The National Productivity Council (NPC), Mumbai, is providing the course for the trainees. Around 40 participants, ranging from the ranks of JE to SE, from various departments like Power, PWD and UD are taking part in the two-day training.

The CE said, with the depletion of natural sources, it’s time to trigger a revolution in the energy sector so that the global warming and the climate change don’t take a toll on the future generation.

“A revolution on new technological innovations in energy sector is the need of the hour. As history tells, revolutions don’t take place itself, it needs to be triggered. A new beginning on energy conservation issue is a must to lend a helping hand to the world leaders to over come the energy crisis due to global warming and climate change”, Perme commented.

He stressed the need to come up with a multi-faceted approach from all the stakeholders, including the central and state governments and concerned departments, to deal with the issue of energy conservation saying it is not only associated with renewable energy.

On the run for development, the CE said, “We are rushing to a comfort zone without keeping in mind the sustainable future. Unless there is a change in approach, with threats of global warming and climate change looming large on our environment, it will be difficult to provide the young generation with a better life”.

Terming the challenges coming in the way to energy-efficient future as a global mission, Perme said, “We are a part of the mission. All of us should put in a concerted effort to save the environment from a bleak future”. And this is impossible, he added, without a revolution taking place along the way.

The director & head of NPC, S P Sadanand emphasized on the need to demand management as energy efficiency is a crucial issue citing a big gap between the supply and demand of electricity.

Pointing at the role of several concerned departments to spread the message of energy efficiency, he said that the central and state governments are making necessary efforts to address the ‘energy’ issue by converting renewable energy sources. However, he rued that global warming is taking its toll on us by generating heat and lessening energy.

Earlier, the director of APEDA, Marki Loya expressing serious concern over the energy ‘syndrome’ due to global warming spreading its ‘tentacles’ enlightened on some important points to make the world a better place to live in—green building, zero energy building and conserve energy for future.

PPA calls on EC for restoration of mithun

ITANAGAR, Dec 17: The People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) has called on the full Election Commission of India today at New Dlhi regarding restoration of the party's earlier reserved symbol, mithun.

The Election Commission of India has assured the delegation that after examining the legal procedures for allotment of the reserved symbol, the Mithun will be re-allotted to the PPA. The party has four MLAs.

The delegation was led by the party President Kamen Ringu comprising of MLAs , Markio Tado, Takam Tagar and Kumsi Sidisow and General Secretary Dr. Ashan Riddi.

Party had appealed to the Election Commission of India for early restoration of the mithun as the party's election symbol.

Tawang administration discuss ways to improve education sector

Tawang, Dec 17: Government Schemes should be properly implemented and should reach the targeted people, said the Deputy Commissioner, Gamli Padu, chairing the first Review Meeting of the SSA Zila Mission and Tawang Shaksharta Mission meeting today.

The meeting discussed in brief the activities taken up by the SSA under the Target Mission 2001-10 in the Tawang district.

"The students should know the basics of computer and we should at least make a point to visit a school to encourage them and take stock of situation ", he said to the members in the meeting.

Padu undertook a point to examine and inspect the educational institutions of the entire Tawang district.

DDSC i/c, Sangey Wangchu laid down some of the hindrances, which are obstacles for a better education system in the district. Punctuality of teachers, enrolment of more students in phase manner, attention and devotion from both the teachers and students is much needed, he shared.

Some of the various schemes undertaken are the construction and up gradation of 18 Primary Schools in Tawang township area, Kitpi, Thingbu, Jang, Dudunghar, Zemithang, establishment of 30 Primary Schools in the same areas, and establishment of Residential Schools in Dudunghar, Lumla, Zemithang, Kitpi, Tawang.

5th Christmas Trophy

NESO GS rues lack of sports infrastructure

ITANAGAR, Dec 17: The 5th Christmas Trophy organized by All Sagalee Students’ Union (ASSU) began at Sagalee yesterday.

Attending the opening day as chief guest North East Students’ Organization (NESO) general secretary Gumjum Haider rued the lack of sports infrastructure throughout the state which has handicapped the talented sportspersons to hone their skills. He, however, advised the players to dream high and emulate star player like Baichung Bhutia, who also hails from a remote NE state.

Guest honour Ringu Kuku, convenor, AAPSU said that winning or losing is part and parcel of any sports; so without thinking of it the players should take part in such sporting activities with true sportsmanship to foster unity and brotherhood. While asking the students to keep themselves away from any political activities, the guest of honour also warned them not to carry mobile phones while going to school.

Earlier, responding to a memorandum, both the chief guest and guest of honour assured ASSU to help redress its grievances.

State National Club Games

ITANAGAR, Dec 17: Arunachal Olympic Association will hold the State National Club Games from January 14 at Itanagar.

The event will be held for seven disciplines viz. Football, Volleyball, Handball, Basketball, Kabaddi (men and women), Hockey (men and women), Kho Kho (men and women).

Each district will send 10 players ( 5 reserve) for football, five for volleyball (2 reserve), seven for handball (3 reserve), six for basketball (3 reserve), five for Kabaddi (two reserve), six for Hockey (2 reserve) and five for Kho Kho ( two reserve) along with officials to participate in the competition.

The event being organized by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will give the block level clubs the chance to enter direct to national level club games.

India has been divided into six zones for this event and NE zone is one of them. IOA has assigned Arunachal Pradesh to host the North East zonal competition for the National Club Games. The winner of state level will represent the state in the zonal competition and the zonal winner will compete in National level games.

The date and venue for the national level games would be decided by IOA after conduction of all zonal meets.

Students demands teachers and quarters

ITANAGAR, Dec 17: Government Higher secondary school, Daporijo student committee in a memorandum to Education Minister and Local MLA, highlighting the various grievances of the school appealed for immediate posting of regular principal, Chemistry and music, additional English senior teachers and Physics laboratory assistant.

It further highlighting the school boundary encroachment problems appealed the Minister and MLA to immediately look in to the matter for construction of school boundary wall along with proper drainage system. The students demanded construction of new teachers quarter and renovation of the existing Principal and Vice Principal quarters.

Silver Jubilee

ITANAGAR, Dec 17: Town Baptist Church, Hapoli (Ziro), the first Baptist church in Ziro valley will celebrate Silver Jubilee on Dec 24 at its Church.

Padi Richo MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary, Land management, Labour & Employment and Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Sadhana Deori will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively.

Eno Panlook from West Bengal will be the speaker. On the day colourful cultural programme and other activities will organized.

The church was established on 24 Dec 1984 by Bendang Ao, the founder of Town Baptist Church, Hapoli with the support and cooperation by Dr. Bamin Tada, Toko Kach, and former minister Neelam Taram.

ALSSU memo to CM

ITANAGAR, Dec 17: Members of All Lower Subansiri Students Union (ALSSU) on Thursday called on Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and submitted a memorandum apprising him of numerous problems faced by people of district. In the first point, union urged government to give exemplary punishment to the killer of late Dusu Halley, who was kidnapped and killed at Ziro.

ALSSU requested CM to immediately upgrade district hospital of Hapoli which needs urgent attention. Even though it has status of general hospital, facilities provided are lacking claimed ALSSU. Lack of doctors, medical staffs and shortage of essential equipments, medicines, etc are major problems of hospital. ALSSU also appealed for increase in number of police personnel posted at Lower Subansiri district to prevent increase of crime rate.

ASHA’S Training at Seppa

Seppa, Dec 17: Training of Accredited Social and Health Activities (ASHA) is under way at officer club, Seppa. The training which is being organized by the District Health Society will conclude on Dec 19. At least 75 trainees had registered their name for the training.

The four days training would impart necessary information on the various preventive measures against unwanted pregnancy, prevention of various sexually transmitted diseases. Besides, the training would discourse on the methods to prevent various killer diseases and the usage of first aid after dog bites and burn cases. (DIPRO)

Leadership development camp for women and youth

KHONSA, Dec 17: DISHA, an upcoming NGO based at Khonsa, Tirap district, conducted a series of “leadership development camp for youth” and “women awareness camp”.

The camps were conducted in collaboration with Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti at Longding, Khonsa and Deomali on Dec 5, 6 and 12.

The Chairman of DISHA, Chaphung Wangsu appraised the participants about the concept, objectives and activities of DISHA and Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti. The secretary of DISHA, Wangfyak Wangsu briefed on the purpose and need of the camp. The Vice Chairman Wangdiap Lowang elaborated on the potential and the special features of Arunachal Pradesh which comprises the enormous economic Potential in the fields of Agriculture and horticulture (made possible by the existence of four Agro-climatic zones in our state), Tourism, and Hydro power, Animal Husbandry, Medicinal Plants, Orchids etc. and the social capital of our state that is, the community/organized way of living which he underlined was indispensable for holistic and balanced development of the state. He also mentioned about the strategic importance of Arunachal Pradesh from India’s point of view, owing to the state’s long international boundary. On these topics, group discussion comprising small groups were conducted for better understanding of the subject.

The Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti In charge of Tirap and Changlang conducted a demonstration cum interaction session to show them the importance of organized efforts to face the organized challenges which our society is facing today.

There was enthusiastic involvement of the participants in the games meant for development of subtle leadership qualities. They were also motivated by the patriotic songs collectively sung.

Around 200 youths and one 185 women participated in these camps. For many of the participants it was first and unique experience because, unlike in other parts of India, our State and especially Tirap District does not have platform to offer such types of invaluable exposure to enhance their confidence and encourage them to take up responsibilities which is quintessential to groom leadership qualities. (DIPRO)

DC ask for stock of food before Snow hits Tawang

TAWANG, Dec 17: Second District Vigilance Committee/ Advisory Board meeting of the year was held in the Office Chamber of the Deputy Commissioner Tawang under the Chairmanship of Gamli Padu.

Main points discussed in the meeting were the proper distribution of rations as proportionate to the population, ration cards, and advance stocking of LPG, petrol, and kerosene before the snow engulfs Tawang. The DC asked the DF&CSO to further notify the Government in case of shortage of food supply in the district in advance.

DSO Tojir Kadu agreed to put forward necessary measures more so for remote Mago-Thingbu circles. A review meeting will be held later this month for further analysis. (DIPRO)

Saaya meets Rahul

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress President Likha Saaya called on AICC general Secretary and MP Rahul Gandhi at New Delhi yesterday and apprised him of the various problems faced by the youths of Arunachal Pradesh, especially unemployment.

During his brief meeting with Rahul, Saaya also discussed the methods, ways and means to strengthen youth force.

Meanwhile, APYC congratulated Takam Sanjay for being selected as convenor of the Tribal MP’s forum.

Dept to organise free coaching

ITANAGAR: The State Directorate of Higher and Technical Education, like previous years, would conduct a free coaching programme of two months duration for civil service preliminary examination 2010 and APCS 2010 from December 23 in the Library of Dera Natung Govt College (DNGC).

The induction cum counselling programme is being organized on December 23 at 10 am in the library hall of DNGC.The coaching would be given by subject experts from University, NERIST and various colleges.

Khandu writes to Gogoi

ITANAGAR: Taking serious note of a news item published in various local dailies of the state on December 16 last regarding establishment of Polling Station by Assam Government in Kamku Russa, Taglam Russa and Hasse Russa in Tirap District, Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu in a letter has requested his Assam counterpart Tarun Gogoi to take up the matter personally in the greater interest of the people of both the state.

In his letter Khandu wrote, Local Legislator T. Wangham from Longding – Pumao, has also pointed out that some pressure groups from your state have proposed to meet at Nagahat on December 22, 2009 supposedly to solve the vexed inter-state boundary problem in pretext of the above mentioned issue. They have allegedly served summon letters to village authority and panchayat leaders without the knowledge of local administration of Tirap District.

“It is a noble initiative from the organizations but I regret to express that the entire process is being initiated without the knowledge of my government or the district administration of Tirap.

It is high time that both the states streng-then the mutual respect, understanding and tranquility, Chief Minister added. (PRO to CM)