The Arunachal Times - Archives

CM calls on BRO for early submission of DPR and creation of job opportunities

ITANAGAR, Dec 5: Lamenting over the poor maintenance of BRTF Roads, Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu strongly reiterated the need of better and all weather connectivity to various parts of the State from strategic as well as socio-economic development point of view. He insisted the BRO for early submission of the Detailed Project Report for the roads to be executed by them in the State under the PM Package, which includes the massive trans-Arunachal Highway.

Khandu has further called on the Border Roads Organisation to accommodate local youths, in various technical and non-technical sectors. He said that qualified youths from the state should be given employment opportunities in BRO.

He said this during a meeting with the Director General of Border Roads Organization Lt. General Mahesh Chandra Badhani along with Commander BRTF, Chief Engineer Project Arunank and two other officers of BRO who called on him in his office chamber this afternoon.

The DG Lt. General Badhani assured that henceforth the recruitment rallies shall be carried out in Tezpur which will enable larger participation of local youth of the State in nation building.

The DGBR put forward the proposals on various road infrastructure development and land acquisition for setting up of their new Project offices in the state. He informed that the proposal of the Chief Minister for enhancement of wages for the BRO labourers working under tough terrain and harsh weather conditions have already been considered by the Organisation and the wages enhanced albiet on step by step basis.

The Chief Minister further suggested introducing incentives in the form of increment for the labourers.

He also emphasized for setting up of elementary education facilities for the children of BRO labourers which in turn would also benefit the local populace in the vicinity of the BRO establishments. The DGBR assured to take up the matter in right perspective.

With regard to procurement of essential commodities for the labourers, Khandu was of the view that the BRO should take up the matter with the Ministry of Food & Civil Supplies, Govt. of India so that these items are made available to the poor labourers at subsidized rates.

Chief Minister assured all possible assistance from the State Government’s end to the BRO.

The meeting was also attended by Parliamentary Secretary Planning Tsewang Dhondhup, Development Commissioner V K Dev, Secretary Planning Ankur Garg and Chief Engineer PWD Bora Ete. (PRO to CM)

Question mark on functioning of DIETs in Arunachal

Bishnu Rana

ITANAGAR, Dec 5: At a time when some private schools have been doing exceptionally well in providing qualitative education across the state, at the same time, the government run schools have literally failed to deliver the same.

The seven DIETs which were set up in 1996 have miserably failed to disseminate their prime objective of improving the quality of education.

The three major pillars of educational institutes-- the National Council for Education and Research Training (NCERT) at central level, State Council and Education & Research Training at state level and District Institute and Educational Training (DIET) at district level to evaluate, monitor and assess the quality of education are in a ridiculous state. The state failed to set up independent SCERT until now to monitor the functioning of DIETs. Further, the DIET, which is an independent body, is still under the control of DDSEs, which is a violation of NCTE norms.

The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) Act established in December, 1993 with statutory authority to take all steps as it may think fit for ensuring planned and coordinated development of teachers’ education and for determining and maintenance of standards of teachers’ education including preparation for pre- primary, secondary and senior secondary stages of school education. For this, the policy document envisages the establishment of DIET to organize pre-service and in-service courses for elementary school teachers.

Under the NCTE norms Arunachal Pradesh government has established seven DIETS at Pasighat, Itanagar, Seppa, Changlang, Dirang, Daporijo and Roing. The faculty members in the DIET are made to follow the existing norms and guidelines laid down by the NCTE. However, the appointment and selection of faculty are mostly politicized which has spoiled the sanctity of the DIETs.

The DIET lecturers are appointed without the requisite qualification and experience which is a violation of the existing norms and guidelines laid down by NCTE, ERC, Bhubaneswar and the existing norms of state government. Lecturers without requisite qualification (M. Ed) in Teacher Education and Experience (eight years in cadre) are posted in DIETS.

There are also instances of violation of recruitment of Assistant Teachers/Junior Teachers.

The illogical 80 percent promotion rule of junior teachers to vice principal neglecting senior teachers and secondary school headmaster to principals without having teaching experience in higher secondary level exists nowhere in the country or it is recommended by the Kothari Commission. These are the basic problems, which led to poor results in CBSE, AISSE examinations. A drastic change in recruitment, posting and promotion policy can only save the present education scenario from further deterioration.

Let us remember and learn

Azadi Pulu

Everywhere in the world, the birth of a child is awaited and accompanied by great joy and festivity. But it is not so in Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh. There the childbirth is one full of skepticism and cynicism. Majority of the birth cases record severe biological and physical dysfunctions.

This is the price the people of Bhopal have to pay for allowing union carbide corporation, a pesticide factory, in their land.

On 3rd Dec 1984 around midnight about 40,000 tonnes of gas leaked from the tank no 610 of the UCC into the atmosphere of Bhopal. Before anyone could bat an eyelid, the deadly Methyl isocyanides (MIC) gas killed thousands of people overnight (3787 people according to the MP Govt and around 8000-9000 people by the active NGO’s).Whatever may have been the statistics but the immediate effect and it’s preceding consequences were catastrophic; almost unknown before in world industrial disaster.

The effect of it can still be felt even after 25years of the tragedy. About 25,000 people have died aftermath and new born children develop various biological dysfunctions. The underground wealth, air and the surroundings still contain high degree of heavy metals.

But strangely on this land of democracy and “sovereignty of people” as we boast, no one was punished for the tragedy. 25years have passed but not a single culprit has been punished. Warren Anderson the CEO of the UCC was told to leave the country immediately to USA, instead of arresting him for the negligence of safety rules which wiped out thousands of people in Bhopal.

Non bailable warrant was issued against the UCC in 1992, but no one has been arrested till now. The case is still pending in the Bhopal court for 25yrs.

Does it have any lessons for us? I just want our people especially the youths to consider the facts.

The foundation stone of the UCC was laid in 1969 in Bhopal. Initially the UCC released several documents and conducted several public meetings to boast of its ‘safety standards’. When the UCC became fully operationalised, the true nature of the project board started to manifest. Which can be best summed as Profit=Public Hoax +Less and Cheap Equipments.

Instead of several complains by the people and papers the MP Govt. issued NOC to the UCC every time. Even before the tragedy, MIC was detected and nothing serious step was taken to prevent it from occurring again. Repeatedly the UCC had ignored safety standards for few profits which consequently led to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

25yrs have passed, people of Bhopal are still fighting for packages and rehabilitation .The main culprit, the CEO of the UCC W. Anderson is in USA laughing at the apathy of the people and wondering how the Indian Govt. have been able to fool the people for 25yrs.To add to the insult of justice, the MP Govt. is pressurizing the central govt. to set up 116 crore memorial in Bhopal instead of using the money to clean the water and atmosphere which is still contaminated.

People of Bhopal are facing it inspite of access to all the national and international Medias. What about “us” (Arunachalees) who do not have good medias and various projects are being imposed on us? (The contributor is a member of All Idu Mishmi Students Union)

Ramo, Bokar and Pailibo celebrate Podi Barbi

Correspondent

ITANAGAR, Dec 5: Ramo, Bokar and Pailibo communities of Mechukha Sub-Division residing in Capital region have a message to send to the people of the state; despite experiencing a lots of changes, they have not forgotten the ancestral festival “Podi –Barbi”.

The festival was celebrated by the people of three communities in a befitting manner in the Capital complex here today. Despite less population, the enthusiasm was for all to see.

Festival is celebrated in order to welcome the harvesting season and to extend thankfulness to the Mother Nature for bumper harvest, peace and prosperity among the people.

Meanwhile, some people disclosed that despite adoption of other religions they have not forgotten the ancestral festival. “We should not forget our ancestral culture, tradition and custom for it is our identity even if we adopt other religions” said G.Komi, who has adopted one. We never miss this day as it comes once in a year and it’s the time to meet our people, she added.

Another person who has also adopted other religion ten years back said, “I never fail to attend this festival despite lots of comments from my colleagues, because this festival is our essence and we should not forget it”.

The occasion was marked with traditional dances and songs by the cultural troupe of All Libo, Ramo and Bokar Welfare Society of capital region.

25 AR organises ‘peace run for Changlang’

CHANGLANG, Dec 5: 25 Assam Rifles, part of Dah Division organised a ‘Peace Run’ for the people of Changlang on 05 Dec 09 in Changlang Town. 500 persons took part in the run including large number of school children, government and police officials and enthusiastic people of the town.

The event was one of the series of activities planned by 25 Assam Rifles to commemorate 175 years of the Assam Rifles. Incidentally 25 AR is also celebrating its Silver Jubilee this year.

The response of the population, especially the children was overwhelming as it was the first time that such an event was being organised in Changlang Township. The atmosphere was cheerful and filled with fun. The joy was evident on the smiling faces of the spectators who turned up in large numbers along the entire route to cheer up the participants.

The peace run was flagged off by the veteran politician, T Ngemu in presence of Colonel H B Gramopadhye, Sena Medal Commandant 25 AR, Liyon Borang, ADC Changlang and other govt and civil dignitaries.

The ‘Peace Run’ culminated in the town’s main ground where the chief guest gave away the prizes and certificates to the first ten winners.

Addressing the participants and the spectators, Ngemu emphasized that such events need to be promoted more often to rekindle the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie among the people of Changlang. He praised the noble cause undertaken by 25 AR in involving the local youth in a variety of social and sports activities, promoting local talent and providing avenues of employment. He urged the Assam Rifles to keep up the good work so that the youth of Changlang look forward for a brighter future and are dissuaded from joining the banned militant outfits.

ADC Changlang Liyon Borang who participated enthusiastically in the ‘Peace Run’, thanked 25 AR for undertaking such public activities periodically to bring cheer to people of remote district. The prizes also included Rs. 1000/- cash prize for first and second position on behalf of SP Changlang.

Commandant 25 AR, Colonel H B Gramopadhye, stressed that 25 AR is committed to the wellbeing of the people of Changlang and the unit will continue to strive to live up to the motto of Assam Rifles. ‘Friends of the Hill People’. (DIPRO)

EPS carries out cleanliness drive in Tawang Monastery

TAWANG, Dec 5: Environment Protection Society (EPS) carried out massive cleanliness programme at monastery on the cliff below the front entrance gate, which was ruining and fouling the blissful environment of the magnificent Tawang Monastery. It took a great deal of courage and effort to complete the task successfully as the spot is very steep.

Deputy Commissioner Gamli Padu has banned the usage of polythene in Tawang, which has not only helped Tawang a cleaner but plastic free as well.

EPS, which is one of the young but active nongovernmental organisations has taken up the cause of pollution free and clean Tawang stated that it would continue to spread awareness among the people not to litter garbage in the town.

After the completion of the cleaniliess programme, the volunteers pledged that they would keep working for a cleaner and greener Tawang with more enthusiasm in the days to come.

Arunachal beat Nagaland in U-16 cricket

ITANAGAR, Dec 05: Arunachal Pradesh Under-16 cricket team opened their campaign at BCC Associated Member Tournament being held at Shillong with narrow win against Nagaland today.

Chasing a moderate target of 70 runs set by Nagaland to win, Arunachal Pradesh colts collected the necessary runs losing nine wickets.

Tajin Ton scored 16 runs from five balls while Dobom Jilen and Nabum Hina scored 12 runs each.

Earlier, Nagaland won the toss and elected to bat first. S. Das was the highest run getter for Nagaland. He scored 33 runs from 46 balls.

Rajesh Kumar picked five Nagaland wickets at the cost of 23 runs in nine overs. Other wicket takers were Techi Neri (3 wkt, 31 runs) and captain Dobom Jilen (2 wkt, two runs), according an Arunachal Cricket Association release..

GYC to organize Twenty20 cricket tourney

ITANAGAR, Dec 05: Ganga Youth Club (GYC) will organize the 2nd Twenty20 Christmas Cricket Tournament from December 14 next.

The main objective of the tournament is to expose hidden sports talents.

Union demands restoration of SBI Branch

ITANAGAR: All Raga Area Students’ Union served 7 days ultimatum to the concerned authority to restore the defunct State Bank of India, Raga Branch.

Earlier, the union had also served a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner and the concerned SBI Authority of the District for immediate restoration of services of the Bank after the robbery incident on April 5 last.

The union further alleged that the authority concerned failed to nab any culprit. Even, it failed to short out any meeting on this regard despite DC’s instruction to convene a joint meeting of GM, BDO and SDO Raga and SP, it said.

Biswas to attend Malaysia meet

ITANAGAR: Hari Prasad Biswas, president, National Youth Project of Arunachal Pradesh has been invited to attend One Asia Youth Forum and 60th years anniversary of World Assembly of Youth organized by Asian Youth Council and World Assembly of Youth in Kaulalumpur to be held from December 8-13.

3rd Kameng tourney

Itanagar: 3rd Kameng football tournament was inaugurated today by MLA Kumsi Sidisow amidst huge gathering of staff and public. In the inaugural match, Thungre Football club beat Bashal Brothers football club 3-1. Final is slated for December 14. MLA advised the teams to maintain the spirit of the game and appreciated ADC Abu Tayeng’s efforts in promoting sports in the area.