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2014

December 12

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2012

Si Donyi Football tournament

DAPORIJO, Dec 11: The Bagang Abu United FC defeated the ATYO by 1-0 goal in the Si Donyi football tournament being played at Daporijo general ground here today. For FAUFC, Papo Rebi scored the lone goal. The ATYO tried its best but failed to score any goal.

The tournament organized by the Si Donyi celebration committee Daporijo, began on December 5 and final match will be played on December 30 at Rijo Ground Daporijo.

Altogether 26 football teams are participating in the tournament.

Earlier, while attending the inauguration function at Rijo ground on December 5, MLA Dikto Yekar encouraged the players to participate in the games and sports. He said youth can opt sports and game as career as the Govt announced job reservation in various department.

Tagin Cultural Society, President Er Tabu Paktung also attended the inauguration function. He also encouraged the sportspersons to maintain team spirit. Paktung had also inaugurated the football match at Dumporijo, organized by Dumporijo Si Donyi festival celebration committee.

Job mela cum skill development rally

BOMDILA, Dec 11: The second Job Mela cum Skill development rally for the school drop outs, educated unemployed youths and entrepreneurs of West Kameng and Tawang districts was conducted today at Bomdila with sponsorship from the Skill Development & Employment Generation Department, GoAP.

Attending the function, Deputy Commissioner AK Singh expressed his optimism that the programme could bring a sea change in one's life if pursued with determination and commitment. He said that to make the programme beneficial in true sense, only the drop outs and the educated unemployed youths should be preferred and enrolled and added that the Vocational Training Providers (VTPs) should avoid enrolling of regular students.

DC Singh advocated that the institutes and the VTPs need to take utmost care of the selected trainees and be morally responsible for their comfort and safety. He also asked the Deputy State Co-ordinator of the Skill Development & Employment Generation Department to make available the database of the trainees placed in various parts of the country to the District administration for convenience, easy access and monitoring.

Later, Singh held a meeting with the VTPs, Deputy State Coordinator and DIC members led by DDI PC Lama in his chamber.

Out of 469 applicants, a total of 379 youths were enrolled today under various trades by the VTPs.

A total of 07 VTPs representing O2, GPTi, Don Bosco Youth Centre, Amazing, VLCC, CPTi, and Soft Dot Institute from various parts of the country participated in the Job Mela. DIPRO

APITITU asks for AutoCAD training in ITIs of Roing and Tabarijo

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: The Arunachal Pradesh ITI Technical Union (APITITU) has urged for implementing AutoCAD training at ITI's of Roing and Tabarijo expressing dissatisfaction that both the institutions do not offer AutoCAD training which is important for civil trades of Surveyor and Draftsman stream.

In its letter submitted to the Parliamentary Secretary, Industries, it reasoned, AutoCAD is the backbone of civil engineering. Through AutoCAD it is easy to design structure and draw survey maps on computer which has not been introduced in any of the ITIs till date.

Unions calls for revocation of transfer orders of teachers

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: The All Lower Subansiri District Students Union (ALSDSU) has called for revocation of transfer order of teachers from the district.

In its letter to the Director, Elementary Education, while claiming that a good number of teachers have been transferred from the district without any reliever, it said that such situation is creating lot of problems for the students.

Constitute fact finding committee, says AACWA

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: Claiming that some unknown person is engaged in the extension and upgradation work of Archeological Museum building at Western Gate, Itafort, without work order, the All Arunachal Contractor Welfare Association (AACWA) has sought constitution of one member fact finding committee to investigate into the irregularity.

In its letter written to the Chief Secretary also seeking stoppage of the ongoing work, it alleged that the said work was not floated with open tender following the CPWD norms and that the person engaged in the work has also encroached into the premise of the Research Department without obtaining permission from the concerned authority.

ABEOF seeks implementation of block level education administration in state

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: The Arunachal Block Education Officers Forum (ABEOF) has called for early implementation of block level education administration in the state.

In its memorandum submitted to the Education Minister, while saying that many states have adopted and accepted recommendation of National University of Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA), New Delhi wherein it provides BEO's quality improvement structures in the elementary education, it urged that the state government too should implement the same as early as possible.

Its other demands included creation of 120 BEO posts in the pay scale of JT and not to resort to posting BEOs to solve shortage of teachers.

AAPLU seeks labour stand

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: The All Arunachal Pradesh Labour Union (AAPLU) has demanded for allotting private labour stands at Nirjuli, Naharlagun and Itanagar.

In this regard, the union wrote a letter to the Capital Complex DC.

Do not transfer MGNREGA to panchayat department, says APBDOWA

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: The Arunachal Pradesh Block Development Officers' Welfare Association (APBDOWA) has expressed its disapproval over the proposal to transfer MGNREGA to the Panchayat Department.

In its letter to the Chief Secretary seeking annulment of the proposal, it reasoned that this is the lone scheme of poverty alleviation programme of Rural Development Department which engages the entire functionary in the state.

We are shocked with the proposal that has been made by Secretary PR because all BDOs under RD Department are engaged with this scheme being the Programme Officer since MGNREGA scheme was launched in the country in 2008. Currently, all the BDOs are busy in Gram Panchayat level conducting Intensive Participate Planning Exercise (IPPE). So, such decision of the state govt is against the interest of the employees of RD Department and DRDAs in Arunachal, the letter read.

NCST team arriving today

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: A team of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) headed by its Chairperson Dr. Rameshwar Oraon is arriving Arunachal Pradesh on a week-long visit from December 12.

In the first phase of tour programme, the NCST team will be visiting Tawang from Dec 12 to 15. This would be followed by the visit to Itanagar and Papum Pare district from Dec 15 to 18. The Commissioner will have a state level review meeting with senior officers at the conference hall of Planning department on Dec 17. During its tour to the district, the NCST team will have interaction with various tribal representatives and also visit tribal villages. They will have interaction with the district level officers to review the various issues pertaining to implementation of tribal welfare schemes by the state Govt.

Lower Siang bandh cripples normal life

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: The 96 hours bandh called by District Demand Joint Action Committee (DDJAC), Galo Peoples Forum, PRI members, rank and files of all political parties of 28th Likabali and 36th Nari-Koyu assembly constituencies have paralyzed the life in the two constituencies. The bandh is being peacefully observed by the people of the Lower Siang district, demanding for immediate posting of Deputy Commissioner and SP at Likabali. The need for immediate posting of DC and SP has been necessitated following the report submitted by the Local Boundary Commission appointed by the Supreme Court, the DDJAC claimed in release.

DDJAC also claimed that more than 500 bandh callers were detained at Likabali police station. The bandh supporters of all ages had been kept under detention. Many senior citizens and leaders like DDJAC chairman Sengo Taipodia, Ex-minister Kardu Taipodia, prominent leader Gumke Riba, Marbom Doye General Secretary DDJAC, Libom Nyodu vice president DDJAC, Jirgi Kadu (Anchal Chairperson, Upper Ramle-Banggo), Nguge Taipodia (ASM Bali), Tayom Dini (ASM Kuntor) and GBs were arrested for violation of the magisterial order. As there was no space at the police station to keep all the arrested people, the DDJAC claimed that arrested people were kept at the badminton auditorium where they had to fight with cold and there was no basic amenities like toilet.

The locals have expressed strong resentment against police for such high handedness. "When there is boundary dispute with Assam our government never sends additional police forces but just to crush our agitation heavily armed police have been flooded into Likabali," said one of the bandh callers.

Meanwhile, when contacted the Likabali police informed all the arrested people were unconditionally released. The police also clarified that they were arrested only for violation of order and were confined for few hours.

The demand of the foothill people are declaration of Likabali, the temporary headquarter of Lower Siang District to be made functional by posting DC and SP and make Siki Rima as the permanent district headquarter. It's a long pending demand going back to 1994. The citizens of 28-Likabali and 36-Nari-Koyu under the aegis of DDJAC have vowed to continue to fight till their demands are fulfilled by the state government.

Voices of discontentment against public hearing for Etalin HEP

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: The All India Forum of Forest Movements (AIFFM) have written to Omkar Singh, chairperson, State Pollution Control Board seeking cancellation of the Public Hearing of the Etalin HEP slated for December 12, 2014.

Finding discrepancy in the environment impact assessment (EIA) published by Etalin Hydro Electric Power Company Limited, the forum alleged that EIA does not include another sub-project, Anonpani HEP, located on the river Anonpani, a tributary of Tangon. "The Anonpani HEP is very cleverly, but wrongly, being taken out of the main Etalin project and treated now as a separate project. As a result of that, being a HEP with a capacity generation of less than 25 MW, following the EIA Notification of 2006, no EIA has been prepared and Public Hearing has not been notified. Accordingly, the Anonpani HEP is now being treated as an exemption from requirement of environment clearance from the regulating authority," the forum stated. Further the Forum added, "In a gross violation of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, the Etalin HEP, a joint venture with the State Government of Arunachal Pradesh, has, therefore, misled both the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the Ministry of Environment and Forests and a Public Hearing of Etalin HEP is being notified for December 12, 2014 without integrating the Anonpani HEP as a sub-project in the said EIA".

Meanwhile one Rahul Choudhary, an advocate on behalf his clients Kotige Mena and Ingore Linggi of Roing town have served legal notice to the member secretary Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board for withdrawal and cancellation of the proposed public hearing scheduled for tomorrow, citing loopholes in the EIA submitted by Etalin Hydro Electric Power Company Limited.

Arunachal & RusHydro International sign accord

NEW DELHI, Dec 11: A new chapter in the development story of Arunachal Pradesh unfolded today with the signing of Joint Cooperation Declaration between the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and RusHydro International, an international hydropower company partly owned by the Russian Government on the sidelines of the Russian President's visit to New Delhi.

RusHydro is one of Russia's largest power generating companies with 38.2 GW installed electricity generation capacity distributed over 70 renewable energy source facilities.

The Joint Cooperation Declaration culminated after persistent efforts of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki to streamline the course of hydropower development in the State. The Joint Declaration was signed in the presence of Chief Minister by Secretary Planning Sonam Chombay representing the State Government and Evelyn Dod, Chairman of RusHydro International at a meeting here this evening. The representatives of RusHydro are part of a business delegation led by Putin to explore business and trade ties with India.

The Joint Cooperation Declaration aims to create a mechanism for possible collaboration on Hydropower education projects in Arunachal Pradesh under a Public Private Partnership Model (PPP). Taking into account the international experience of RusHydro in the field of hydropower and other renewable energy sources, engineering, construction and operation, the Company had expressed willingness to take part in activities to develop educational services in the state.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, who witnessed the proceedings, in his brief address termed it as a significant development in meeting human resources needed for the hydro-projects coming up in the state. He observed that as RusHydro has expertise and experience in providing modular education for developing technical manpower with its tie-ups with professional and reputed educational institutions, their cooperation would immensely benefit the youths of Arunachal Pradesh.

Incidentally, the Tehri Dam, one of the safest dams in the world, which Tuki had visited a year ago, has been designed by RusHydro. While lauding the expertise of the company, he suggested that similar projects of designing can be offered to it in near future.

Tuki also emphasized upon the company officials to interact more with the local populace to clear misconceptions and apprehensions over hydro projects.

"There are several genuine concerns of the local people, which can be explained and clarified only by experts like RusHydro," he pointed.

Tuki welcomed the company to work in Arunachal Pradesh and asserted that Russia has had a long and cordial relations with India since the days of Gandhiji.

The signing of the Declaration signifies a mutual interest of the State Government and Russia's leading hydro-electric power company in development of joint education programmes and activities, which will enable sharing of knowledge and joint use of best practices in project development, construction and management of hydraulic facilities.

RusHydro International AG through RusHydro International India Private Limited, a joint venture registered in India, will pursue the opportunity of setting up education programs with clear long term objectives to set up the cooperation roadmap in the field of vocational and higher education under the auspices of RusHydro and India's leading state hydro power companies to train hydro power plants specialists and students.

Roman Zorabyants, CEO of International Affairs, RusHydro gave a presentation on the activities of the company in Russia and other places while Novikova Varvara, External Affairs Specialist, briefed about the institutional mechanism to implement the training in view of the tie ups they have with various Russian universities committed to developing professional manpower.

Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi gave a detail on the overall hydropower scenario of the state. Other senior officials of RusHydro including directors of India operations were also present.

Mein advocate for separate agriculture planning for mountain states

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Minister Chowna Mein has urged the Central Govt to have a separate planning process and a specific body for mountain states on agriculture.

Speaking about the nascent stage of farming in the state at the "Meet of the Mountain States", the two-day event which concluded at Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, New Delhi today, Mein suggested measures to scale up the process in mountain states including planning framework, market linkages, green budgeting and state-farmer communications.

Including the states in the planning process, specific policy initiatives and harnessing the potential of the states have been identified as key factors for better future of the mountain states during the two day event which was attended by major stakeholders of the mountainous regions of India. Member of Parliament from Sikkim P.D. Rai, in his address during the second day's proceedings, emphasised: "Going forward, it is important to join hands and energise every stake holder - policy-makers, executive and NGOs - to achieve the vision of making every Indian proud of our mountains."

The second session for the day was on "Regional Consultation on Mountain Issues in light of Climate Change Negotiations". The session was held in coordination with GLOBE India and Indian Environment Law Office (IELO). This was followed by a round-table discussion of policy makers from the mountain states. Impact on crops like Apple in Himachal Pradesh, large cardamom in Sikkim and the measures taken by the respective Governments were discussed by representatives from the states. Impact of climate change in states of Meghalaya and West Bengal were also highlighted.

Pradhan assures release of pending royalty to Arunachal soon

NEW DELHI, Dec 11: Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan has assured the Arunachal Pradesh Govt that the pending royalty to the state will be released within the next fifteen days and works would commence for the 5 MW Gas Plant at Kumchai in Changlang district in the next six to eight months. This assurance came when the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today called on the Union Minister here and discussed several important issues related to the state.

The Chief Minister sought the Centre's intervention for the release of pending differential royalty to the state which stands at Rs. 150 crores. The Union Minister assured that the royalty will be released within the next fifteen days.

To the appeal of the Chief Minister to start the works on the 5 MW Gas Plant at Kumchai in Changlang district, which was to be set up jointly by Oil India Limited (OIL) and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the Union Minister assured that works would commence in the next six to eight months.

While discussing the scope of CSR activities of Oil and Petroleum PSUs in the state, the Chief Minister reiterated the commitment of the Ministry of Petroleum to set up the Arunachal State Nursing College at Itanagar. The capital cost of setting up of the proposed College was to be incurred jointly by Oil India Limited, Bharat Petroleum and ONGC.

Pradhan has agreed to take up the project at the earliest. He informed that his Ministry would co-ordinate with the State Government through the office of the Resident Commissioner, Arunachal Bhawan, New Delhi to finalize the modalities for the same.

They also discussed at length the scope of oil and gas exploration in the prospective districts of Arunachal Pradesh in the future.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Secretary Planning Sonam Chombay and Resident Commissioner Sanjay Saxena. (CMMC)

Balek incomparable and eye-opener for the state: Moyong

PASIGHAT, Dec 11: Large number of buildings constructed in fifties and sixties in the state need immediate attention and is in dire need of maintenance but government alone cannot do much with limited resources said MLA Kaling Moyong while inaugurating a thirty thousand litres capacity water tank at Balek Secondary School constructed on self help basis by villagers and SMC of the area.

Lauding the efforts of the School Management Committee and villagers, he said it was incomparable and eye-opener for the state. Balek people showing their generosity proved that a community based arrangement is usually the quickest and easiest way to help the school authority where their children study. SMCs and village welfare committee can play an important role in meeting the educational needs of their respective areas and cooperate in enrollment of more children and also render assistance for maintenance of school buildings.

He also advised that there must be good relationship between teaching fraternity and villagers and they should together guide the students for improvements in social, economic, cultural and educational activities.

The MLA pointed out the "Guru-Sishya Parampara" had forged strong bonds between the teachers and students over the centuries and wished that the same kind of relationship would continue. Moyong advised the students to devote in their study and take part in extracurricular activities with discipline. He also advised them to respect elders and maintain cleanliness to take the nation forward.

The MLA further briefing about the importance of games and sport, informed that certain quotas are reserved for talented sportspersons in various government jobs.

On the occasion, he lauded the efforts of ABK Women Wing for combating alcohol and drug menace with missionary zeal.

Earlier, ZPC Kaling Dai in his address suggested for early completion of the school auditorium. He called upon the womenfolk to avail all benefits under NRHM scheme.

DDSE Tani Talom advised the teachers to use the under construction auditorium building for morning assembly purpose. Dejir Tamuk Chairman SMC elaborated the role and achievement and also future plans of the school. Among other prominent personalities, Bogong Bango Kebang (BBK) President Oyem Dai, Chairman Village Water Management Committee Tamut Tasung, headmaster Onom Dai also spoke on the occasion. DIPRO

Awareness programme-cum-training on organic farming

Tezu, Dec 11: The Department of Horticulture, Lohit district in collaboration with Yashowati Bio-Multi Tech, Tinsukia conducted a day long awareness programme-cum-training on organic farming and organic certification yesterday at Changliang under Tezu circle.

On the occasion, Lohit District Deputy Commissioner Dr. B.M. Mishra, said that most of the orange gardens in Lohit district are not having proper drainage facility and not maintained properly. He shared his practical experience of Delhi that the certified organic fruits have 3 to 4 times higher market price in comparison to uncertified fruits produced using chemical fertilizer and pesticides. DC advised the farmers to concentrate more in farming activities following correct package of practices through organic ways under the technical guidance and advice of horticultural field functionaries, resource persons and scientists as and when they visit.

Dr. Mishra also mentioned the negative impact of opium in the society and advised the farming community to involve their young generations in the farming activities during their leisure time along with themselves without hampering academic career and added that such activities will not only bring extra income to the family but also will save the young generations from the evil effect of opium.

He informed the farmers that the Alubari-Digaru bridge will be functional by April 2015 which will facilitate better marketing connectivity of their produces.

Superintendent of Police Ved Prakash Surya also briefed about harmful effects of chemicals and congratulated the farmers for their initiation to convert their orange gardens into organic ones under the guidance and assistance of the department of Horticulture.

Subodh Sharma, Asistant Manager from Research & Development Wings under International Panaacea Ltd., New Delhi and Neeraj Pareek, CEO, Yashowati Bio Multi-tech, Tinsukia provided technical support for organic cultivation and certification.

H Kri, ZPM, Tezu advised the farmers to practically follow the guidance and advice of the resource persons for better earnings through horticultural activities.

Earlier S Rahman, HDO, Tezu in his key note address also briefed about organic farming and its certification process, market value of organic products and their importance. DIPRO

Arunachal atop the medal standings at NE Sports Competition

M Doley

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: Host Arunachal Pradesh lived upto the expectation of home crowds on the second day of the National Level North East Zone Sports Competition, 2014-15 by topping the medal tally with 19 gold, six silver and as many bronze medals today.

Manipur, known as sports power of North East, finished the day with 14 gold, 11 silver and 10 bronze medals followed by Assam that won 10 gold, two silver and 20 bronze medals.

Karate contributed the major chunk of medals for the host state. A total of nine gold and three bronze medals came from Karate. Judokas have contributed five gold, two silver and one bronze medal while Archers contributed two gold and as many silver medals. The weightlifters have contributed to the medal collection by picking up one gold, one silver and two bronze medals on the first day of the event. The hosts are expecting more medals from weightlifting.

Anung Wangsa opened hosts' medal account in track and field events by winning one gold medal in 1500M race. She clocked 5:18:6 minutes to win the race.

The hosts won the women's badminton team event gold defeating Mizoram in the final while the men's team settled for the silver after they went down fighting to Mizoram.

The quartet of Genom Tekseng, Sorang Yumi, Masilu Mihu and Netan Drema won one gold medal in Women's Olympic Round Team Archery beating Manipur in the final. The bronze medal for this event went to Nagaland.

Sorang Yumi also won one gold medal in Women's Qualifying Round Double 50 event. The silver medal for this event was won by Genom Tekseng.

The host settled for the silver in Boys Archery team Olympic Round after they lost to Manipur in the final. The bronze medal for this event went to Meghalaya.

Tang Devi won the first weightlifting gold for Arunachal in women's 44kg category. She lifted a total of 105kg (Snatch-45kg, Clean and Jerk- 60kg).

Umpe Dami lifted a total of 194kg to win the silver in men's 56kg category. He lifted 89kg in Snatch and 105kg in Clean and Jerk.

Thrombo Tayu and Tinchat Wangsa won one Bronze medal each in men's 50kg and 56kg category respectively.

In Judo, Ponkap Techi and Dindu Chukla won one gold medal each in boys 42kg and 46kg category respectively while Toko Tachu and Madin Hina won one gold medal each in men's -55kg and -60kg category respectively. Ehalu Tega won one gold medal in women's -44kg category while Anjali Sagro and Alim C Khunjuju won one silver medal in girls' 40kg and 48kg category respectively. Yari Maying won one bronze medal each in women's -52kg category.

The hosts are yet to open their medal account in Taekwondo.

Medal rounds of Boxing will be held tomorrow.

Football semifinals will be played tomorrow at Rajiv Gandhi stadium.

Host Arunachal will play against Meghalaya in the second semifinal at 1.30 pm while Assam will take on Mizoram in the first semifinal at 11.30 am.

Earlier in the day, Meghalaya beat Assam 4-0 and Mizoram trounced Tripura 8-0 in their last group level matches. Arunachal and Meghalaya lost to their respective opponents Mizoram and Sikkim by identical margin of 1-0.

Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Karate Do Association (AKA) president Likha Tara has expressed immense pleasure and happiness over the outstanding performance of the state karate team in the prestigious event. He expressed gratitude to the organizers, particularly, Subhash Basumatary, Director, SAI, Guwahati, for responding to the request for inclusion of Karate in the competition.

Karate was not included in the competition. But later, it was included as one of the 10 disciplines after constant persuasion of AKA.

The medal winning karate players are, Matyup Tamblung, gold, individual men's Kata, Rei Yadi, gold, women's -50kg individual Kumite, Sinne Mikhu, gold, men's -55kg individual Kumite, Johny Mangkhiya, gold, women's +68kg individual Kumite, Minam Tekseng, gold, women's -61kg individual Kumite, Sumpi Chege, women's -68kg individual Kumite, Doni Yangfo, gold, men's -60kg individual Kunite, Likha Rajen, gold, men's -75kg individual Kumite, Yusenso Yun, gold, men's +84kg individual Kumite, Goda Asha, bronze, women's -45kg individual Kumite, Likha Lej, bronze, men's -50kg individual Kumite, Gyamer Mach, bronze, women's -55kg individual Kumite.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and Minister, RWD Kumar Waii will attend the closing ceremony of the Sports Festival at Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy, Chimpu on December 13. The organizing committee has also arranged musical night to make the event memorable, where popular musical bands and renowned singers will perform.

Dupit retains state level Chess title -2014

ITANAGAR, Dec 11: The 6th State Level Open Chess Tournament -2014 concluded in Nyokum Niya Hall, Nirjuli on November 9 last.

Tachung Dupit of Upper Subansiri district retained the coveted title by winning the championship with 8.0 out of 9.0 points. He was the defending state champion as he had won the tournament last year at Yachuli in Lower Subansiri. He was followed by Hage Lassa Nado, Tamar Nilling and Tabu Dupit with 7.5, 7.5 and 7.0 points as 2nd, 3rd and 4th position winners.

Altogether 66 players took part in the tournament. Other position holders included: 5th - Padi Kambo (6.5), 6th- Kekjap Riba(6.5), 7th- Raluk Dui(6.0), 8th - Dr. Rejum Ronya(6.0), 9th - Takhe Pai (6.0), 10th -Nabam Chada(6.0), 11th-Tapung Pogia Mara(6.0), 12th -Tadam Dupit, 13th -Tapir Mize(6.0), 14th -Tangong Tabing(6.0), 15th -Bigam Doke Lendo(6.0), 16th -Tapi Shah(5.5), 17th -Yommar Nyori(5.5), 18th Lokam Bala(5.5), 19th -Tasso Tai(5.5), 20th-Tami Jetli(5.0).

Under 15 category: 1st -Tadam Dupit(6.0) and 2nd -Bhai Chaga(5.0). Under 19: 1st -Kino Tufan (4.0), and 2nd -Tadar Tatung(4.0) and Women: 1st -Nabam Jirnya(4.0) and 2nd -Taba Manya(3.0). The tournament was adjudicated by BP Lahon and Taba Anam both senior national arbiter as chief arbiter and co-arbiter respectively.

Addressing the validictory function, Upper Subansiri ZPC cum Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Coordination Committee chairman Sushil Nalo, while congratulating the winners, lauded the role of AAPCA in promoting and popularizing chess in the state. He said chess is one of the best games which is free from any kind physical injury and it requires high degree of mental sharpness. He expressed his support to promote this game in the state for benefit of young talents. He urged the players to practise sincerely with dedication and win laurels for the state.

Addressing the gathering AAPCA President Er. Niapung Konia shared the problems and difficulties faced by the organization in conducting activities for development of chess in Arunachal Pradesh due to financial constraints. There is no financial support from state government, he lamented. However, he exhorted the players no to be disheartened and practice the game diligently to perform excellently in national level and win laurels for the state.

AAPCA secretary Tamchi Kache also spoke and shared the difficulties in running the association without financial assistance from the government. Pointing out the difficulties faced by the association in organizing the 7th NE Chess Tournament-2013 in the state last year due to paucity of fund, Kache informed that no support was received from the government.

Earlier, Chief Councillor of the Itanagar Municipal Council Higio Aruni in her inaugural address on December 6 gave her commitment to support and extend cooperation for development of this game.

Speaking on the occasion, Tarh Tabin, Secretary, NES appreciated the sincere efforts of the AAPCA for promotion and popularization of this mind game in the state. Er. Nabam Chada, Organising Secretary and Getor Lombi, Chairman of the committee also spoke on the occasion.

---- Editorial ----

Step in right direction

The decision of the government of India to decriminalize the "attempt to suicide" by deleting Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code from the statute book is a step in right direction. Under the said Section, a suicide bid is punishable with imprisonment up to one year, or with fine, or both. States like Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Sikkim opposed the move by arguing that decriminalizing the attempt to suicide would handicap law enforcement agencies in dealing with persons who resort to fast unto death or self-immolation to press the government/ authorities to accept their unreasonable or illegitimate demands. Such people, they argued, can no longer be booked for attempt to suicide or be force-fed.

Manipuri anti-AFSPA activist Irom Sharmila is being cited as an example, who has been on indefinite fast for the last 14 years but was kept alive by being charged with attempt to suicide and forcibly administered intravenous fluids. However for the country like India where big number of citizen dies due to suicide, there was urgent need to decriminalize this old law. Now as this outdated relic of colonial law has been removed, government must go ahead and proactively remove other illiberal laws which get in the way of people’s lives. Unless such steps are taken the innocent people will continue to be punished and the justice system remains clogged.

----Readers Forum ----

Why so long ?

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, I would like to write about the delay and corruptions in recruitment process and how it is becoming a headache in our state.

Department takes a long time toconduct exams, despatch call letters or declare results. It takes two or more years to finish recruitment processes. To despatch the letter alone, it takes a year. Does the Govt have any solution to solve this problem?

Yours,

Namen yigam

Abotani colony

Itanagar.

The other sideof Job Mela

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of the students who have enrolled their name in the second phase of the Job Mela at Daporijo recently. Firstly, I am not against Job Mela. In fact I am thankful to the state Government for initiating such kind of platforms. But, as we know where there are merits, there are demerits too.

I would like to highlight some instances with reference from the first phase of the Job Mela where many students from our District suffered. Students had overwhelmingly enrolled their name and went to different states of the country in different trades last year. Though the students had completed their course and examination procedure peacefully, but many of them did not got the job placement under their chosen trade. They are yet to get their certificates which were supposed to be dispatched January last. Therefore, one need to be careful in order not to repent later.

Yours,

Kali Gongo

A bank that needs help

Dear Editor,

If anyone is curious to know the functioning of the Miao branch of SBI, one may be disgusted. A customer of the bank, who is a friend of mine, came to me tensed because of the way the bank handle its customers.

He narrated to me that, his son who is studying outside is finishing his exam on 5th January’2015 and wants to book a train ticket for Delhi-Tinsukia Rajdhani. He was worried that, his son may not get a confirmed ticket if money doesn’t reach him on time. He couldn’t even get his pass book updated, because the bank authorities refused to help him. When shall the bank authorities work for the customers? How long will they make excuses? Sometimes they say that it is staff shortages, defective printing machines; inkless cartridges so on and so forth.

Hence,the attention of the Branch Manager is drawn so that immediate measures are taken to abstain from harassing the genuine customers.

Yours,

Ngaimong Tangsa

Miao

Cataract Surgery in camps is safe

Dear Editor,

This is in response to the letter by Rebeka Borang of JNU, New Delhi which appeared in the Reader’s Forum column of your esteemed daily on 10th December 2014. I sincerely thank writer for the compliment to the eye surgeons of the state and appreciate the concern regarding the post operative outcome in camp set up.

In the interest of the readers and community, I would like to share some of my experience working in community as a surgeon. The camp surgery in Arunachal is not new and has been going on for the last 30 years since 1984 with the implementation of National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) in the state. In those years, Cataract surgeries were conducted by our seniors with bare hand without gloves in health institutions, make shift tents or mobile vans. Equipments and technology were not available for high tech surgeries and intra ocular lens implantation. The post operative vision of the patients were better than the pre-operative conditions but were not very satisfactory in terms of quality and such patients were forced to used thick spectacles for better vision. But by mid 1990s, newer technology and equipment reached our state and our surgeons acquired state of art expertise. Suture less Intra ocular lens implantation became routine in both institutional and camp surgeries and thick spectacles became the thing of past. We have stopped operating patients in temporary structures and shifted to health institutions for the surgeries with utmost precautions as per the government of India guidelines.

Thus in last 30 years, hundreds of cataract camps were conducted and thousands operated without any post operative complications. Every year, more than one thousand cases cataract cases are operated by eye surgeons of government and NGO sector in our state apart from routine hospital surgeries, with excellent post operative outcome. I attribute the success to the adherence of guidelines, strict asepsis measures, competence of our surgeons and good pre and post operative counseling to patients and their relatives.

However, it is fact that no surgery is devoid of possible risk of complication during or after surgery. Every surgical case is new case for any surgeon; no surgeon guarantees 100 percent complication free surgery in all cases. After operating over thousand cases, I have learnt that the risk of complication increases with the increased duration or late stage of cataract. For best result, the community is advised to get regular checkup of vision by the competent surgeon so that the cataract is operated before it is too late.

To conclude, the outreach camps are conducted to reach the unreached. Those patients with cataract blind will not be able to reach the health institutions passively, and unless eye care providers reach them, they will prefer to remain blind for the rest of their life. Community need to know that the camp surgeries are quite safe and the post operative visual quality is not inferior to any institutional surgeries. So no one should have doubt or apprehension regarding the safety and quality of surgery in camp.

Yours,

Dr. Taba Khanna

State Programme Officer, NPCB

Conduct exams

Dear Editor,

Gauhati High court, Itanagar bench had notified job vacancy of Sheristadar and UDC at the same time. Exam of Sheristadar have been conducted and its result has also been declared whereas exam of UDC is yet to be conducted.

Some association has already raised the issue of shortage of staff at various courts of our state leading to pending of many cases. Therefore, we appeal to the concerned authority to conduct the exam of UDC soon.

Yours,

Mardum Kergam

Akash Tage

Naharlagun

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----Editor