The Arunachal Times - Archives

Governor S K Singh passes away

ITANAGAR, Dec 1: Former Arunachal Pradesh Governor S.K. Singh died in Delhi today after a brief illness at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife Manju Singh and two sons.

Singh had been admitted in Gangaram Hospital in Delhi for the last few days.

He served as governor of Arunachal Pradesh from December 2004 till 2007. Before his tenure in the state ended, he was appointed as Governor of Rajasthan.

In Arunachal, he had earned the reputation of speaking his mind, even if it meant getting into the wrong books of policy makers.

A career diplomat, Singh was educated in Agra University and Cambridge, before he began his career in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1954.

In 1989, Singh was appointed foreign secretary of India. He held the personal rank of Grade-1 Ambassador, the highest in the IFS.

Prior to becoming the foreign secretary, he was India’s longest serving ambassador to Pakistan from 1985 until 1989. He also served as ambassador to Austria, Afghanistan, Jordan, Lebanon and Cyprus.

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen JJ Singh has expressed shock and grief at the sudden demise of Late Singh.

In a message to Manju Singh, Gen Singh said, in Late Singh’s death the country has lost a seasoned diplomat, distinguished statesman and a true friend of the Arunachalees.

As Governor late Singh took personal interest in the developmental programmes, especially road communication and education. Touring intensively to every part of the State, he was very particular about the development in the border areas, Gen J J Singh said in a message.

Extending heartfelt condolence on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, the Governor said, the People of Arunachal Pradesh will always cherish his fond memory.

In a condolence message to the bereaved family members, Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu said “Late Singh was a statesman, an architect of modern Arunachal. During his tenure as the governor in the state; he was the source of inspiration for the state government. He was instrumental in various developmental activities of the state, which the people will remember in the years to come, Khandu said.

“His death is an irremediable loss to the state as well as the entire nation which cannot be supplemented”, the chief minister added.

Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly speaker Wanglin Lowangdong has also condoled the death of Late Singh.

Efforts to make learning a joyful process

ITANAGAR, Dec. 1: A two-day Advocacy and Training Programme on the Comprehensive and Continuous Evaluation (CCE) Scheme began at Bharat Scouts and Guides Polo Colony, Naharlagun today. The programme is being conducted by the CBSE in collaboration with the state education department as a part CBSE’s Examination Reforms initiative at the Secondary School level for its affiliated Schools.

Principals, Vice-Principals, Headmasters and Senior Teachers from Government Schools and Missionary Schools like Ramakrishna Mission and private schools of the state affiliated to the CBSE are participating in the Workshop which aims at sensitizing on the CCE mode of learning system for all round development of the students through a regular and continuous term based evaluation process.

Earlier, resource person from CBSE, Papiya Mukerjee addressing the participants in the inaugural session said that in the race for marks the joy of learning is taken away from the child/student and the CCE initiative by CBSE is an effort to make the learning process a joyful and participatory experience for the learner. The CCE process in Class IX and X will help the child’s all round progress through an ongoing all-year-round assessment system divided into two terms each during two academic years.The student friendly CCE scheme initiative aims to reduce anxiety and stress which often build up if the students are assessed only once through a single-shot examination at the end of the year. The holistic assessment system aims at development of all aspects of a learner including areas like social, emotional and thinking skills, attitudes and values, sports and games besides the progress in School Curriculum. The Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) will be strengthened in all affiliated schools with effect from October 2009 in Class IX.

DDSE(NLP) R. Mibang from Directorate of School education, Dr. Srijata Das, Dr. Sadhana Parashan from CBSE were among others present on the occasion. Chairman CBSE Vineet Joshi will be joining the programme tomorrow.

It may be mentioned that the CBSE has already introduced the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation in Primary Schools in 2004. DIPR

Students’ bodies jointly oppose NSUI membership drive

ITANAGAR, Dec 1: In an emergency meeting of different students unions of Adi belt, namely, Adi Students Union (AdiSu), All Upper Siang District Students Union (AUSDSU),All East Siang Students Union, Jawaharlal Nehru College Students Union, All Bogong Students Union, Mebo Students Union held at Siang Guest house, Pasighat today under the chairmanship of Tobom Dai,spokespreson AAPSU, it was unanimously decided to oppose the NSUI membership drive in their respective areas.

The house also condemned the NSUI’s alleged tactics of taking away the students I-card without their prior consent particularly of J.N college Pasighat.

AAPSU spokesman in a release said that the resolutions adopted in the meeting has clearly vindicated the apex students body objection to the NSUI’s attempted design of splitting the unity and integrity of the student community of the state who have always remain neutral & independent. Incidents of taking away of students I-card particularly of JN College without their prior knowledge in some other pretext to be used in the NSUI election is nothing but an act of highest means of undemocratic practice, he said.

Meanwhile, Rajiv Gandhi University Students Union (RGUSU) has denounced the membership drive carried out by National Student Union of India (NSUI) in Arunachal Pradesh. In a press release issued, Tayuk Sonam, president of RGUSU stated that NSUI is political organizations and students of economically backward state like Arunachal Pradesh should refrain from joining these kinds of political outfits.

RGUSU specially urged regular students to keep away from political activity and instead concentrate on studies, as they are the future of state.

However, RGUSU do not oppose those students who willingly join such political organizations declared Tayuk Sonam. Further Union appealed All Arunachal Pradesh Teachers Associations to bring awareness among student communities about merits and demerits of joining political organizations and their repercussion on study.

APYC president attends IYC meet

ITANAGAR, Dec 1: Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress president Likha Saaya will review and discuss the role played by youths in the last Parliamentary and Assembly elections with AICC General Secretary and Youth Congress in-charge Rahul Gandhi in the 3-day national executive meeting of Indian Youth Congress which began at New Delhi today.

Saaya, who is representing Arunachal Pradesh in the meeting, will also hold discussion with Rahul on ‘Aam Admi Ki Shipai’, a dream project launched by Rahul to make India vibrant and corruption free, and various other issues in the sideline of the meeting.

NREGS covers all districts of Arunachal: Centre

ITANAGAR, Dec 1: The National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) is being implemented in entire rural areas of the country including those of Arunachal Pradesh, informed Union Minister of State for Rural Development Pradeep Jain (Aditya) in Lok Sabha yesterday.

Responding to a unstarred question raised by Arunachal MP Takam Sanjoy, the union minister in a written reply informed that all the districts of Arunachal Pradesh are being taken under NREGS and a total amount of Rs 6024.09 lakh rereleased for this purpose.

Giving district-wise details of implementation of NREGS since its inception till Oct 2009, the union minister disclosed that so far a total amount of Rs 4118.92 lakh has been utilized out of released fund of Rs 6024.09 and 2912 works have been taken up in all districts. (See the box for details)

S. Districts Employment Central Expenditure Works

No. Generated Funds (In Lakhs) taken

(Personadays Released up

In Lakhs) (In Lakhs)

1 2 3 4 5 6

1. Upper Subansiri 19.47 2955.23 1381.25 917

2. Changlang 4.335 504.67 516.29 1081

3. Lohit 11.42 1010.41 1123.50 151

4. Anjaw 0.33 92.76 70.68 12

5. East Kameng 0.24 81.66 63.74 0

6. East Siang 0.96 87.14 74.80 0

7. Kurung Kumey 0.58 23.62 55.56 19

8. Lower Dibang Valley 0.40 47.97 48.19 34

9. Lower Subansiri 0.14 54.31 9.59 0

10. Papum Pare 0.89 350.53 175.99 277

11. Tawang 1.06 319.66 234.34 160

12. Tirap 1.84 123.30 148.36 85

13. Upper Dibang Valley 0.07 5.43 11.00 3

14. Upper Siang 0.27 80.20 24.28 13

15. West Kameng 0.85 179.46 98.67 106

16. West Siang 1.20 107.74 822.68 54

Total 44.07 6024.09 4118.92 2912

What’s in a name?

Tongam Rina

The Indian Army, apart from guarding our borders, has other contributions too. Worth mentioning are renaming places and building places of worship almost everywhere they set their foot.

Instead of being familiarised with local names, they choose to change the names itself! Some options are easy!

Yours truly is not sure who influenced who but Army has a friend in Arunachal when it comes to renaming places and institutions after some famous personalities.

Rahul Gandhi during his three hours visit to Arunachal recently stopped at Rajiv Gandhi University, Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan and Indira Gandhi Park! That is a lot in three hours!

At the University while responding to a question from a student on naming the University after his father, Rahul Gandhi had said “it is your University, you have to decide what ever name you like to give it. I’m ok with it”.

This is a clear decree.

Do we name just to fulfil certain political obligations or are there guidelines?

Excuse the ignorance but if there are any guidelines, the biggest media house in the state has failed to grab the copy.

Whatever the reasons and compulsions are we seem to have left out some very deserving names. The former Chief Minister Tomo Riba, Late MP Bakin Pertin, Late Nyari Welly, first woman MLA are some prominent personalities who we have failed to give due honour.

Their contributions have gone down in the history of the state. None the less, they do deserve a mention. More so when we are already on the job of honouring those great men and women who have contributed to give shape to the state.

That’s not all.

Gekar Sinyi has conveniently become Ganga Lake. Amazingly beautiful Shongatser Lake, some 45 Km from Tawang is today better known as Madhuri Lake. For the later, to find out the original name, it took a text message to a dear friend.

Yours truly apologizes for shamelessly borrowing the title from William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with a promise that the next title would be more original.

Yun XI lift PRCT trophy

ITANAGAR, Dec 01: Yun XI defeated Hawai Aby 74 runs in the final of 3rd Pangung Welfare Society running cricket tournament played at Yatong under Manchal circle of Anjaw district on Nov. 29 last.

Chasing a daunting target of 224 runs made by Yun XI, Hawai A could manage only 150 runs in limited 30 overs.

The winning team was awarded cash prize of Rs 12,000 along with trophy while Hawai team received Rs 6000 along with trophy.

The valedictory function was attended by KK Singh and Ram, both JEs from Hayuliang.

Earlier, the inaugural function on November 16 was attended by Hawai-Walong ZPM Lasum Pul.

AVP organizes Talom Rukbo Memorial Kho-Kho competition

ITANAGAR, Dec 01: Arunachal Vikas Parishad (AVP) organized Talom Rukbo Memorial Junior kho-kho competition for boys at Yazali Higher Secondary School, Lower Subansiri recently.

K.P Rao, Principal of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Yazali, who was the chief guest in the inaugural function, appealed to the youth to participate in the sports activities to unfold several virtues and talents which are present in every youth, but in a dormant stage.

Speaking on the occasion, Ramesh Babu organizing secretary of Arunachal Vikas Parishad said that the selected players of kho-kho competition will participate in the national competition which will be held at Himachal Pradesh in the last part of December. He also informed that a similar state level Archery competition for junior and sub junior boys & girls will be held at Tezu on December 6.

Yazali Govt. Higher Secondary School team became champions and Nyedar Namlo team of Pitapool was the runners up.

Altogether four teams participated in competition. The game was a new experience for the people of Yazali and marked that the game was very interesting and it requires lot of energy, good technic, large amount of team spirit and extraordinary competitive spirit.

Sixteen probable have been selected for the national competition at first round. The playing eleven will be selected after five day conditioning camp which will be held in the third week of December at Itanagar.

Plan chalked out for effective implementation of TSC in U Subansiri

DAPORIJO, Dec 1: The District Water and Sanitation Committee (DWSC), Upper Subansiri held a meeting today to chalk out policy and programme for implementation of Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) for the district. The meeting was chaired by the ADC G Ete in his chamber and attended by N Nalo (Chairperson, Zilla Parishad),Er. N Konia(EE cum Member Secretary DWSC), ZPMs, members of DWSC, AEs (PHE) and JE (PHE).

The ADC addressing the meeting said there was a real need to create awareness and get the support of the public in achieving the goal of total sanitation. He also appealed the public to take advantage of the govt.’s schemes.

Informing those present about the TSC, N Konia said that it was a central initiative with the aim to create awareness about sanitation, health and hygiene in urban and rural habitations. The motto being to educate the people about the benefits of sanitation in their daily life, awareness could be spread through IEC (Information Education Communication).

Konia stated that a target for construction of 1061 units of toilet for individual households and 132 units for Anganwadi centers in the district had been made for 2009-2010. He stressed on the need to successfully implement the TSC scheme by achieving the target number so that the people could really benefit.

He appealed the the ZPMs to see that the people really availe the schemes.

The ZPMs present put suggestions for successful implementation of the schemes based on area, terrain, availability of resources etc. A District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) was also formed to guide and monitor the TSC. DIPRO

Restart Loth-Tayo road construction work

ITANAGAR, Dec 1: All-Tarak Lengdi Youths Welfare Association (ATLYWA) has appealed the construction agency to restart the construction work of the 40 km PMGY road from Loth village to Tayo village and complete the road within the stipulated time.

Though the construction work of this important road started in the beginning of this year, the work has been stopped after earth cutting work done up to 12km of the total 40 km, the association resented. It said such developmental schemes in interior places should be implemented properly and work should be completed within stipulated time.

Maintain quality: AKKDSU

ITANAGAR, Dec 1: All Kurung Kumey District Students’ Union (AKKDSU) has appealed the higher authorities to build up infrastructure in planned manner while maintaining quality in Koloriang, district head quarters of Kurung Kumey.

While visiting the construction works of office buildings of various departments, the union’s leader alleged that buildings are being erected in haphazard manner without maintaining quality. There should be proper town planning with clear demarcation between public and private land, the union said.

Free medical camp

Tawang, Dec 1: Tana Roma Tara, coordinator of Himalaya International Ministries Charitable Society organized a free medical camp in the Zemithang circle of Tawang district on Nov 29.

With the help of Dr. Tape Dakpe, a doctor in district medical and Dr. Watizulu S. Jamir and Mr. Imtiyong Longkumer (Lab. Technician) medical camp offered treatment to 246 patients. Some of the medicines were donated to the Voluntary Health Association of India stationed there. DIPRO

SMC launches online investment

ITANAGAR, Dec 1: SMC Global Securities Ltd today launched online trading in mutual funds with its countrywide network of offices.

In Arunachal Pradesh the SMC clients can invest in or redeem mutual funds in such schemes through fully-automated on-line order collection system NEAT-MFSS, informed SMC branch Itanagar in a release.

DP School for visually impaired

ITANAGAR: Governor JJ Singh has consented to inaugurate the Donyi-Polo Mission School for the visually Impaired, Chimpu, on the occasion of World Day for the Disabled at its campus on December 3.

It is being organised by the Donyi-Polo Mission Rehabilitation Centre.

Relief to the fire victims

PASIGHAT: The Deputy Commissioner East Siang district Onit Panyang disbursed an amount of Rs.2000 each as an immediate relief to fire victims of Pasighat.

As per the investigation and thorough verification, the total number of household damaged by the fire accident occurred on 27 November last at Pasighat Bazaar were 30 excluding a few cases of partial damage. DIPRO

ASU demands effective Fire Service

ITANAGAR: Apatani Student Union has complained that fire service department at Ziro is not catering to the needs of local community. ASU charged that on most occasion fire service vehicle arrives with empty tank at the site of fire accident. Further, they alleged that fire service number 101 does not properly work. They had appealed authority to be more alert as Apatani valley is a fire prone.

Meanwhile Apatani Students Union (ASU) has requested civic authorities to provide immediate relief materials to the victim of fire incident which took place on 29th November at Bank colony, Ziro. House owned by one Koj Mali was completely gutted down and several properties were lost in the incident claimed ASU.

APSSWB calls for strict measures

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh State Social Welfare Board(APSSWB) has strongly condemned November 26 incident at Dera Natung Government College, in which group of mob had damaged college infrastructures like hostel, library and bus. Ms Niani Natung Chairperson of APSSWB visited college on Tuesday and took appraisal of the prevailing situation. She met principal of college and other faculty members and interacted with student communities.

She has urged authorities to adopt strict measures against those people involved in vandalizing act, so that such unfortunate incident does not occur again in future. This kind of incidents not only pollutes atmosphere of institution but also violates the sanctity of college stated Niani Natung.

Professionalism and competitiveness only mantra to give a new thrust in cooperative sector: Pavitra

ITANAGAR, Dec 1: Expanding the cooperative sector by venturing into all possible areas to generate employment as well as revenue is the need of the hour, said Parliamentary Secretary (Cooperation), Nido Pavitra today while interacting with the senior officers of the Arunachal Pradesh State-Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd (APSCABL) and cooperation departments about the plan and policy of the cooperavite sector.

Advocating for attitudinal change among the cooperators of the state with accountability to take the cooperativie movement to a new phase, Pavitra said “it would be wise to explore the possibility of new areas for the cooperative sector to take up even developmental activities with commitment. This would be possible only by adopting the spirit of competitiveness and professionalism”.

Giving a brief history of the cooperative movement since 1957 NEFA till the institution of state Cooperative Apex Bank, the parliamentary secretary said that the cooperative sector with the glorious past needs to be given a new thrust in tune with the changing time.

In a threadbare discussion with the officers including Joint RCS R D Thungon, Apex Bank MD cum CEO T Dakpe, APSCMSF MD T Bage and other senior officers after visiting the offices of Registrar of Cooperative Societies and Apex Bank head office, the parliamentary secretary further disclosed that under the roadmap for reviving the cooperative banks, the Vaidyanathan Committee had recommended a Rs 15,000 crore package. While the Centre is likely to bear 75-80% share, the state would have to formulate a strategy to provide its share, he added. Pavitra informed that he has already taken initiative to avail the financial incentive from the Centre which would improve cash position of the only state-owned bank in the state.

Lauding the Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu for reviving the sick Apex Bank, he said what is needed to run it as a people’s bank is professional management and expansion of bank activities under strict guidelines. He assured that the cooperation department will act as a facilitator to help the cooperative sector grow in people’s interest.

Regarding Apex Bank MD’s plea for converting Rs 180 crore state Government’s redeemable share to equity share, sanction of Rs.8.45 crore fund for the constructions of head office building, One time grant of Rs. 5.46 crore for implementation of 6th Pay Commission recommendation to boost the morale of the bank employees, deposits of Rs.150.00 Crore Non-Treasury Fund of the various departments of the state to increase the deposit base of the Bank, immediate release of remaining balance of Rs. 25 crores being Soft Loan for starting lending to generate the income base, writing off an amount of Rs. 80.49 lacs by State Govt being remaining balance under Agriculture Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme -2009 Scheme and approval of Model Cooperative Act by the State Govt for implementation of Vaidyanathan Committee recommendations in the state for strengthening the Credit Cooperative Institutions, Pavitra assured that all these important matters will be taken up with the chief minister soon.

T Dakpe expressed hope that under the guidance of new parliamentary secretary (Cooperation) the Apex Bank will touch the height of the success.

Joint RCS Thungon put emphaisis on loans under priority sectors and LAMPS for income generation. He requested the parliamentary secretary to take initiative for immediate release of the HTS bills of the LAMPS.

Arunachal pledges to step up fight against AIDS

NAHARLAGUN, Dec 1: A series of prorgammes were organised by Arunachal Pradesh State Aids Control Society (APSACS) today to mark World AIDS day all across the state.

With some 149 confirmed cases in the state already, the intervention is seen as an important step towards bringing awareness on the disease.

In Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh Legislators Forum on HIV/AIDS (APLFHA) organized a one day advocacy meeting which unfortunately was attended by only eight legislators out of 60.

Addressing them, Speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Wanglin Lowangdong said that no country or society could successfully fight the menace of AIDS unless and until the people come forward. He urged citizens to lend their voice against stigma attached with the dreaded disease.

In his key note address, Project Director APSACS Dr. Emi Rumi said that creating awareness does not solve the problem unless the individual wants to participate. He further added that the focus should be on young people, check on high risk group, use of condom, decentralization at districts and sub- district level, scaling up of treatment and stopping discrimination and stigma attached to the disease.

In a function organized at government higher secondary school, Itanagar today to create awareness amongst the students to prevent and stop spreading of HIV AIDS, APSACS project director, Dr Emi Rumi suggested that school authority implement adolescence education program in the school to create awareness among the young boys and girls about HIV AIDS and other related problems. Cautioning about the spread of HIV AIDS in the country and in the state, he said that people should visit Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers (ICTC).

Meanwhile, highlighting the causes and preventive measures of HIV AIDS Rumi said, besides unprotected sex with infected partner, it spread through infected blood transfusion, drug use and pregnant woman to her baby in the womb. However, HIV infected mother can also deliver a normal baby if she takes proper treatment.

APSACS Deputy Director (STD), Dr Riken Rina also said that despite knowing all the causes of spreading HIV AIDS, it is increasing day by day due to ignorance and negligence.

Responding to a question, Dr Rina said HIV AIDS patients are being treated in the ART centre in the General Hospital, Naharlagun, where free medicines and consultation are provided.

At present 36 patients are taking medicines regularly from the centre.

He further emphasizing on use of condom instead of contraceptive pills said that it not only protect from spread of the HIV but also unwanted pregnancy.

On the occasion, interactive programme was also organized and a kit play was also displayed by the NSS volunteer of government higher secondary school, Doimukh.

At Naharlagun, The Chief Medical Officer, General Hospital, Naharlagun in collaboration with Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) organized a Speech Competition on the subject “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise” and “Universal Access and Human Rights for students of Class-VII to IX at the Little Rose School, Naharlagun on the occasion of “World AIDS Day” today. Medical Superintendent, General Hospital, Naharlagun Dr. Dukhum Raina along with four senior specialists of General Hospital, Naharlagun Dr. Tao Kaki, Dr B.Apum, Dr.Bommi Riba and Dr.Keny Ete attend the programme as adjudicators.

Chumki Paul, Class-IX student was adjudged the best speaker followed by Charu Noni, Class-IX and Mamang Taloh, Class-VIII in the second and third position respectively.

Meanwhile, interactive session related to health and HIVAIDS was also conducted.

At Pasighat, The Red Ribbon Club under the aegis of NSS Unit and Science Club J.N.College, Pasighat observed World Aids Day today. On the occasion, a rally was also organized which was flagged-off by Principal, J.N.College, Pasighat T.Talom in which 350 students and faculty members participated.

Meanwhile, pamphlets and condoms were distributed to truck drivers and Thelawalas and a poster competition on AIDS was conducted in the college auditorium and a documentary film was shown to create awareness among the people.

Meanwhile, VHAI also observed World AIDS Day at Aalo, Itanagar and Daporijo by involving the local youths, students, People Living with HIV/AIDS, paramilitary forces, staff of different Government departments and other high risk group members.

Rallies, Essay & Debate Competitions and public meetings were organized by VHAI to mark the occasion.

At Itanagar, more than 150 people participated in VHAI’s activities. Students of P-Sector Middle School were enthusiastically involved in programs. Mepung Tadar, Vice Chairperson, State Commission for Women, Dr. B. Rana, CMO, Hema Hospital, Itanagar, Christine Wanglet, Asst. Director, Disaster Management attended the programs in State Capital.

At Daporijo, headquarters of Upper Subansiri District, 450 people participated in VHAI organized programs. Blue Mount Public School, Daporijo students actively participated in all the activities of WAD. Dr. L. Dulam, Gynecologist, Dist Hospital and O. Garam, Principal, Govt. Higher Secondary School were the main speakers at Daporijo.

At Aalo, headquarters of West Siang District, more than 150 people participated in VHAI’s program and most of them were from the Indo Tibet Border Police (ITBP). VHAI’s TI Project Managers Olom Perme, Nyago Rumi and Marli Basar organized the activities in all three locations in close collaboration with their colleagues in ICTCs and other government units.