The Arunachal Times - Archives

Centre directs FCI to release HTS for Arunachal

Sanjoy hopeful of adequate foodgrain

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: Centre has directed Food Corporation of India to release the admissible amount of Rs 39.38 crores as Hill Transport subsidy for the period 2004-2007 after adjustment of the recoveries due from the state government. This was informed by the Minister of Consumer Affairs and Food and Public Prof K V Thomas while responding to a question in Lok Sabha by MP Takam Sanjoy.

MP Takam Sanjay said that centre has constituted a group of minister to study the demands of more quota of food grains for states. He was hopeful that demands of the state would soon be fulfilled (See table). He further said that impediments like delay in release of Hill Transport Subsidy which has been an impediment for proper workings of the PDS in the state would also be overcome soon.

While responding to a question on steps taken for strengthening Public Distribution System and provision of adequate quantity of foods grains under poverty alleviation, the minister said that allocation of food grains to States and UTs under TPDS are made for Below Poverty Line (BPL), Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Above Poverty Line (APL) families on the basis of poverty estimates of Planning Commission projected on the population estimates of Registrar General of India or according to number of families actually identified and ration card issued by each state/UT government. While the allocations of food grains for AAY and BPL categories are made @ 35 kg per family per month, the allocations for APL category are made depending upon availability of stocks in the Central Pool and past off take. However, allocation of food grains to Arunachal Pradesh under APL are made @ 35 kg per family per month for all accepted number of APL families.

On the other hand, to improve efficiency of Fair Price Shops operations in the country, centre has asked the states and union territories to take measures such as strengthening of monitoring and vigilance system, making use of Informative Communication Technology (ICT) tools.

(In lakh tonnes)

Year Wheat Rice

Allocation Offtake Allocation Offtake

2006-07 0.81 0.55 38.19 31.53

2007-08 0.65 0.42 38.19 35.96

2008-09 0.35 0.32 35.42 35.00

2009-10* 0.23 0.17 18.81 18.74

* Upto September

Waii suggest stringent steps to ensure development

SEPPA, Dec 16: Speaking at a public rally at Bameng, Parliamentary Secy. for Forest and Environment Kumar Waii while stressing on the implementation of the govt. funded scheme for the all-round development of the constituency, said that unless physical achievement is made, no payment shall be made against incomplete works.

He assured that all the villages of the area would have road connectivity and further assured to solve the chronic drinking water problem. Participating in the meeting, DC Pige Ligu said that people should give more impetus to the developmental work. While responding to gaon buras demand of the hike in the salaries, Ligu informed that the enhancing of the salary is not in the hand of the district authority. Expressing his concern over the developmental status of the district he said that, East Kameng being one of the most backward districts more need to be done. Besides, he urged the Govt. staff to stay in their posting place for the early completion of works related to the development of the area. He asked the EAC Bameng to initiate the Demarcation process of the township.

Besides both the East and West Bameng ZPMs, EAC Bameng Kego Esi, Panchayat leaders and Gaon Burah also spoke on the occasion. (DIPRO)

7th dist level taekwondo C’ship begins at Pasighat

H.K. Roy

PASIGHAT, Dec 16: The 7th District Level Taekwondo Championship began at Solung Hall here today.

Declaring the championship open DC Srivastava, SSP, Pasighat said, "The state has abundant talents in many sport disciplines such as football, weight-lifting, mountaineering, Tae-Kwon-do etc. and despite meager and limited resources many have been successful in proving this fact by excelling at National and International level competitions". The SSP said that constant attention and care is now being taken by state leadership to develop sports sector. As a result of which taekwando is gaining popularity all over the state. Sporting activities keep one physically fit and mentally alert. And, there is also special job quotas for talented sportpersons in police department, the SSP informed.

O. Pertin, DIPRO, who was the guest of honour, advised participants not to misuse this oldest form of self defence. It is an opportunity for the local youths to show their talents, skills and discipline, Pertin added.

Internationally recognized taekwondo player Kayang Darang and winner of 12 gold medals in various championships Ranjit Biswakarma from SAI, Naharlagun demonstrated arts and styles of Taekwondo.

Education Minister Bosiram Siram would attend the valedictory function tomorrow and distribute prizes to the winners.

Training in Poma on Bee Keeping

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: Director of Textile and Handicraft under the initiative of Arunachal Pradesh Governor has launched a week-long training programme on bee keeping at Poma village today sponsored by state KVIC.

Addressing the trainees, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Assistant Director D Saikia exhorted the people to take up bee keeping for self employment and economic benefit.

Director of Textile and Handicraft, Khoda Ruja told that bee keeping and sericulture activities are quite feasible in the area and asked all the participants to make best use of the training programme. He told that 15 bee boxes will be made available free of cost after the training programme. He further informed that financial assistance and seeds would be given to the farmers free of costs if they are interested in taking up sericulture activities.

Poma ASM while appreciating the department’s initiative said that conduction of more such training at grassroot level will definitely benefit the farmers.

MK Das, supervisor bee keeping, KVIC from Guwahati, who imparted training, also spoke about bee keeping and its economical benefits.

Altogether 30 trainees attended the inaugural day of the training programme.

A serious case of lost opportunity

Taba Ajum

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: In a state which is trying hard to sell its image as perfect tourist destination, recently concluded Poi Pee Mau festival (Khampti New Year) held at Namsai is a serious case of ‘lost opportunity’ for government to promote tourism industry in Arunachal Pradesh. Apart from Pangsau festival and Buddha Mohatsava, this state does not boasts of any major events to attract tourists. Poi Pee Mau festival could have been a major event to attract tourists especially from north-eastern states and south-east Asian countries, had state government in particular tourism department taken certain initiatives.

Poi Pee Mau festival being celebrated at Namsai which is strategically located nearby Indo-Burma border has potential to develop as an international tourist attractions. While organizing committee were honest enough to admit that they could not intimate tourism department at appropriate time, but being leader of tourism development in state everyone expect the department of tourism to actively promote every major potential tourist destinations of Arunachal Pradesh.

It is to the credit of Tai Khampti Development Society that even without much promotion still Poi Pee Mau festival attracted number of tourists from nearby states like Assam, Manipur, etc. This reporter surprisingly bumped into some Singaporean tourists at the venue of celebration and was taken aback by their enthusiasm for Poi Pee Mau festival.

It is hoped that organisers and department of Tourism will tie it up so that this unique festival becomes one the major attraction in the tourism calendar.

Vijay Diwas observed in North Eastern Regions

Ojing Tayeng

with Input from UNI

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: Vijay Diwas was celebrated all over the country today. The day is celebrated every year on December 16 to commemorate the glorious victory of the Indian Armed Forces over the Pakistan forces culminating in the creation of Bangladesh.

A brief of the War: The Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 was a military conflict between India and Pakistan. Indian and Bangladeshi sources consider the beginning of the war to be Operation Chengiz Khan, Pakistan's December 3, 1971 pre-emptive strike on 11 Indian airbases. However, Pakistan considers it a part of the overall Bangladesh Liberation War, in which India had been providing direct financial and military support for the Mukti Bahani Bengali rebels.

During the course of the war, Indian and Pakistani forces clashed on the eastern and western fronts. The war effectively came to an end after the Eastern Command of the Pakistan Military signed the Instrumental of Surrender, following which on December 16, 1971, Bangladesh, formerly known East Pakistan, was liberated from Pakistan.

Around 97,368 West Pakistanis who were in East Pakistan at the time of its independence, including some 79,700 Pakistan Army soldiers and paramilitary personnel and 12,500 civilians, were taken as prisoners of war by India.

The day was also celebrated in various places of North Eastern Region in a befitting manner. At Shillong, General Officer Commanding 101 Area Maj Gen AT Parnaik, Senior Air Staff Officer of Eastern Air Command Air Marshal LK Malhotra, Director General of Assam Rifles Lt General KS Yadava, Brig (Retd) WJB Sturgeon offered floral tributes at the War Memorial of Pine Walk Area.

A colourful ceremonial parade was conducted jointly during the function by the ceremonial guards of 58 Gorkha Training Centre and Air Force.

At Kolkata, Fort William, the headquarters of Eastern Command, today celebrated the Vijay Diwas at Vijay Smarak near Fort William, wreaths were laid by Lt Gen V K Singh, GOC-in-C Eastern Command, Air Marshal SK Bhan, AOC-In-C, Eastern Command, Rear Admiral Karam Bir Singh, Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command.

Major General Abdul Matin and Major General Md Aniuddin (retd) from Bangaldesh and General (retd) Shankar Roychowdhury also laid the wreaths.

At Agartala, The 39th victory day was today observed by garlanding martyrs minars, laying floral tributes, exchange of greetings and distribution of sweets.

Floral tributes were also paid at Shahid minars in various parts of this state in memory of those armed forces jawans, who laid their lives for the motherland during the Indo-Pak war of 1971.

At Post Office Chowmuhani, the main centre of this capital City, where a Pakistani tank was captured by the Indian Army during the war was garlanded and tributes were paid in memory of the martyrs.

On Indo-Bangla border, border guards of both the countries exchanged greetings and distributed sweets on the occasion of victory day and Bangladesh’s liberation day.

At the Bangladesh Visa office here, various programmes were also organized to mark the liberation day of that country from Pakistan.

Let merit prevail in RGU

Dear Editor,

I would like to express my grievances regarding the selection of students for educational tour, which is not done on merit basis. Since last year, I have noticed that the excursion team consist more members from the executive body of Rajiv Gandhi University Student Union. The centre has allotted the fund for the meritorious student's and not for the student union alone.

This time there was no transparency in the selection process. The percentage of the selected students was not displayed which seems like an indicator that there was partiality in the selection. There were other demerits as well. Firstly, proper information were not given to the non- hostellers. Secondly, selection is not proportionate as some department have more numbers, thirdly, proper time table was not given because of which some meritorious students assumed that the trip may coincide with upcoming APCS exam. Apart from these, many selected students are not from the merit list. I do not deny some meritorious students have also been selected.

Therefore, I would sincerely request the concern authority to check the system properly and try to use the fund allotted by centre legitimately. I would also request some of the genuine minded students of R.G.U to have a second thought. If such system persist in the highest educational institution of the state than we cannot expect much from others.

Yours,

Jhumi Didi

(on Email)

Govt accommodation for cancer patients and students in Mumbai

Dear Editor,

Most of the cancer patients of our state are referred to the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, probably the only full pledged cancer hospital in the country. These days, the disease is curable at its early stages and in the later stages, also the life of the patient can be prolonged by correct treatment and medications. But the irony is, in the absence of a proper place to put up, the patients' coming from Arunachal face lot of hardships in addition to their mental agony. In majority of the cases, most of them don’t attempt to come, or even go back without completing the required treatment owing to financial difficulties. Another thing which needs mention is the plight of the students pursuing various courses in Maharashtra who are compelled to seek accommodations in the hotels during their admissions. We are charged hefty amounts and the most difficult part is dealing with the strangers who are always in the lookout for duping the people from north-east.

Other North-Eastern states have their own accommodation provided by their respective state govts. Moreover, our govt. also owns a plot in Mumbai but nothing has materialized till date. Hence, on behalf of the people from Arunachal I make an earnest appeal to our state govt. to put up an establishment on the lines of Delhi or Kolkata. It shouldn't be an uphill task and also it would be a major development considering the prevailing circumstances. This would come as a great relief to the students and most importantly to the hapless cancer patients of our state.

Yours,

Dezir Zirdo

Lower Parel, Mumbai

(on Email)

Technology week-2009

Deomali, Dec 16: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Tirap, Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh has celebrated the “Technology week – 2009 ” from Dec 14-15 with a brief programme in its Deomali campus. Dr. Narendra Kumar, Programme Coordinator urged all the fellow farmers to cooperate in technology assessment / refinement process of KVK and avail guidance on adoption of proven technologies. He also requested other allied departments and local administration for cooperation and collaboration in various KVK activities in the greater interest of the farming community.

SDO, Deomali G.C. Deori in his brief speech advised the farmers to adopt scientific methods in farming activities to get the maximum benefit and take help from KVK in this regard., BDO, Namsang Block Mr. K.Khilak informed the farmers that various agricultural schemes are being implemented through Block Development office and the beneficiaries should take technological help from KVK.

The programme was attended by 60 farmers from different villages of Tirap district and other extension staffs of allied departments.

The technical session was dealt by Dr. Jitu moni Das, SMS (A.H. & Vety.) on scientific pig farming, Pranabjit Phukan, SMS (Agril. Extension) on oyster mushroom cultivation and Rajdeep Dutta, SMS (Fisheries) on composite fish culture.

Mr. Simanta Kalita, SMS (Agronomy) spoke on improved technologies for field crop cultivation, Miss. Nemjong Ronrang, SMS (Soil Science) on collection of soil sample, Mr. Pranabjit Phukan, SMS (Agril. Extension) on farm enterprises for self employment / income generation of SHG and Dr. N. Kumar, Programme Coordinator on vegetative propagation techniques of fruit plants. Besides, demonstration on seed inoculation of bio-fertilizer, preparation of Bordeaux mixture, planting and fertilization of citrus and soil sample collection techniques were conducted.

The farmers were also shown mushroom cultivation unit, crop cafeteria, KVK farm and Fishery demonstration units. The farmers have interacted with the KVK staffs on various technical points during training session and while visiting the units and concerned staff clarified their points to their satisfaction.

Mobile Medical Unit camps ends in Tawang

Tawang, Dec 16: A total of 438 patients were treated on the final round of the Mobile Medical Unit Camp held in Nam Tsering under Dudunghar circle of the Tawang district. The MMU under the National Rural Health Mission was started on Gandhi Jayanti.

MMU camp was also held in the Kitpi circle, 341 cases were attended by the unit. Kitpi Circle Officer, Mr. Tenzin Jambey gave an undying participation for the success of the camp.

General OPD, Obstetric and Gynae OPD, Dental and Family Welfare Clinics, Eye OPD were the treatments provided to the patients.

The District Medical Officer, Dr. T.C. Khrimey, Circle Officer, Dudunghar, B. Tawsik, S.I. SSB, Commander i/c Nam Tsering, J.D. Rawat, Dr. Wangdi Lama, DRHCO, Dr. N. Namchoom, Medical Superintendent gave a warm welcome to the Deputy Commissioner, Tawang, Gamli Padu, who came to inspect the Medical camp. Padu was accompanied by the District Planning Officer D. Riba and CO, J.M. Tayeng.

Earlier Mr. Padu made a maiden visit to Bongkhar Circle, an Indo-Bhutan border area along with a team of nine officers of the Jang Sub-division. Duly Kamduk, ADC, Jang and Circle Officer Lobsang Tseten were some of the members.

The main purpose of the visit was inspection and interface. He inspected the building structures constructed by the PWD Jang under the ASIDE Scheme. Interaction with the Goan Burahs and PRI leaders of Bongleng, Kharung, and Bomja also was a part of the tour. A memorandum for a regular Circle Officer at Bongleng, repair and maintenance of the school building, Road connectivity from Sazo to Bongleng and Kharung, improvement of drinking water facility, posting of additional teachers at Kharung Primary School was submitted to the DC.

The DC asked the villagers to fix a suitable site for the establishment of CO Headquarter for better accessibility with the villagers. “The road connectivity from Sazo to Bongleng is on the pipeline under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and I will ensure that every department is taking up the matters seriously”, he said. The DC assured the villagers that he would give any possible assistance to meet up the grievances of the villagers.

The Director, Department of Agriculture, Tago Basar also made a visit to Lumla sub-division regarding the inspection and monitoring of the Border Area Development Projects there. (DIPRO)

X Mas Carol

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: Ziro Christian Council (ZCC) is going to organize Joint Christmas Carol on Dec 19. Thousands of believers in Lord Jesus Christ belonging to different denomination will take part in the Joint Carol.

The Carol procession will start from APST office, Old Ziro and culminate at Subansiri Stadium Hapoli via Pai Gate.

Parliamentary Secretary for Land Management, Labour & Employment Padi Richo and DDTH Haj Dodung have consented to grace the auspicious occasion as chief guest and guest of honour.

Society demands CD Block

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: Roomching Elites Society, Daporijo in a four points memorandum to MLA Punji Mara appealed for creation of new CD Block for Payeng Circle, providing additional fund for construction of infrastructures at circle headquarter, road connectivity from Paktung to Payeng and from Kaji to Nyumpu village under PMGSY Schemes.

New two wheelers dealer

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: A Mahindra two wheelers Sub-Dealer will be inaugurated at A Sector Naharlagun on December 17 by APRB, Naharlagun BRANCH Manager B Dutta.

BSNL under scanner again!

Itanagar, Dec.16: Relentless pressure is piling on state run telecom giant Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to mend its way as this time student body of Raga has come down heavily for erratic mobile service in the area. A meeting of All Raga Area Students Union (ARASU) was held on Wednesday to discuss the issue of irregular mobile service under the chairmanship of Pilio Maga, Vice president ARASU.

In a press release issued, ARASU claimed that constant disruptions of mobile service are making life miserable for the people of Raga area. They urged BSNL to immediately rectify their mobile service failing which ARASU warned to take its own course of action. Union also requested local MLA and concern authorities to look into matter on priority basis.

Gomsang Rimo football

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: The 3rd Gomsang Rimo Memorial Football tournament for men and Volleyball for women would be held at Seppa General Ground from January 14 to 21 next, according to organizer Gomsang Rimo Memorial Foundation.

GRMF, meanwhile, appreciated state Chief Minister and Parliamentary Secretary, Forest and Environment Kumar Waii for contributing in cash for smooth conduct of the tournament.

APPSCCE counseling prog

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: Galo Welfare Society organized a counseling programme for APPSCCE aspirants at Aalo recently. Huzar Lollen, IAS, Tomo Gamlin, APCS (2003 batch) and Lijum Ete, APCS (2007 batch) contributed as resource persons in the counseling programme. In the same function, Education Committee of GWS also handed over books purchased with contributions from members and well wishers of the society to principal Kamba College for the use of the college students.

Golf Club

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: A new ‘Golf Club’ at 10 Bn ITBP Force Kimin was inaugurated by Chief Guest Daljeet Singh, Inspector General (Eastern) Frontier, Indo Tibetan Border Police Force.

Inaugurating the golf club constituting nine Holes, chief guest congratulated R.K.Tomar, Officer Commanding 10Bn and his team of Officers for their ingenious effort and motivated to further develop the “Golf Club”. He also said that this golf course is first of its kind in the whole region.

He expressed his delight that with coming up of this golf course, interest of Force personnel’s and people from the region will increase for this sport.

Ziro: Potential hub for Agrohorticultural product

ITANAGAR, Dec 16: A field visit to Zero was made recently by the scientist and experts from NERIST and other parts of the country on the sidelines of a two-days national seminar on “Agroforestry for socioeconomic development of north east India” organized by the Department of Forestry.

The members visited some agroforestry systems and farm land in the area and also had discussion with the progressive farmers. The expert has recommended that the area has good potential for growth of some specific horticultural crops like kiwi, peach, plum, in higher elevation and orange, pinnaple and large cardamon along with the cereal crops to make the agricultural systems sustainable and profitable. The expert have suggested that instead of single cropping agronomical crops the farmers should start double cropping along with the horticultural crops so that the farmers can harness maximum benefits from the same unit of land. Besides, the experts made some important recommendation after the seminar for the improvement of livelihood of the tribal communities.

Agroforestry particularly, agro-silviculture and agrohorticulture through the combination of economically potential tree crops with the common agronomical crops as well as introduction of site specific horticultural crop, medicinal & aromatic plants, would be the best sustainable agricultural system in the state. Improvement of jhum lands with growing of various indigenous economically important species has also been recommended.

Medical camp at remote Bameng

Bameng, Dec 16: More than two hundred people were benefited from the Cataract Operation and dental camp being organized at Bameng PHC, managed by Karuna Trust from Dec 12 to 16. The four days camp was organized under the aegis of District Blindness control society and district health society, Seppa.

People from other parts of the district also flocked to Bameng to avail the facilities being provided at the camp.

During the camp, 14 people and 15 Pteryzium operations were successfully carried out.

Speaking as the chief guest of the camp, Parliamentary Secy. for Forest and Environment and local MLA, Kumar waii said that the Karuna Trust have been serving the people of Bameng for the last four years. People of the area should not leave any stone unturned in retaining the NGO in the place, he added.

He also expressed his hope that apart from their assign duty, the NGO would be instrumental in molding the socio-culture life of the area.

He further offered help to upgrade the building infrastructure of the PHC.

East Kameng Deputy Commissioner, Pige Ligu while lauding the NGO and the District health society for organizing such kind of pro-people camp said that this would provide a much needed assistance to the poor people who can not afford to go for the expensive treatment outside. He also expressed the hope that the society shall be organizing such camp in other part of the district to cater to the needs of the people. For such noble cause the district administration is always there to land a helping hand, Ligu added. (DIPRO)

Just be practical: SC to centre

NEW DELHI: The recent helicopter incident in which President Pratibha Patil had a narrow escape was enough for the Supreme Court to pooh-pooh government's suggestion for airlifting victims of disasters to safety.

A bench of Justices R V Raveendran and K S Radhakrishnan instead suggested that the government better adopt the Pune model of Bus Rapid Transport system to enable smooth passage for amubulances and fire tenders to rush to the tragedy sites.

"Helicopters are used for carrying VIPs. Unfortunately we have such pilots, who carrying the president, will hit the only building in the airport. Be just practical," the apex court told Additional Solicitor General Indira Jaising, who suggested that victims should be airlifted to get over the traffic snarls.

APEDA’s energy conservation training

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency will organize two days training programme on energy conservation at Hotel ArunSubansiri, Itanagar on December 17 and 18.

The programme is being sponsored by Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry if Power Government of India.

Resource persons from National Productivity Council, Mumbai will address the training.

Meanwhile, Chief Engineer, DoP, EEZ Er. Anong Perme has consented to attend the inaugural day as Chief Guest.

Governor to attend NERIST seminar

ITANAGAR: North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology in collaboration with ICSI, Kolkota is organizing one day seminar on the theme ‘A long way to go for empowering the people of Arunachal Pradesh, economically for its sustained growth’ at NERIST premises on December 19.

Governor, JJ Singh and NERIST Director Joram Begi have consented to attend the programme as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively.

NSUI meet

ITANAGAR: State NSUI President Kafa Bagang along with two delegates are leaving for New Delhi on December 18 to attend NSUI National Meeting.