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December 24

Christmas greetings

ITANAGAR, Dec 23: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has conveyed his warm greetings to the people of the State in general and the Christian brethren in particular, on the auspicious and holy occasion of Christmas. He expressed hoped that the festive occasion would usher-in peace, fellow feeling, love and tranquility throughout the State, Nation and the World.

In his message, the Governor said that Christmas heralds the birth of Jesus Christ, who symbolizes love, peace, non-violence and brotherly and sisterly feelings, in Bethlehem, remains a powerful symbol of hope for a better future. At the same time, it marks a moment to pause, to reflect and believe in the possibilities of new beginning and rejuvenation. As we come together amongst family and friends to celebrate this special occasion and look forward to the coming New Year, I hope that in the months to come, we shall be able to find ways and means to strengthen our bond of togetherness among communities for a better and brighter future for all, and for more vibrant, prosperous and progressive Arunachal Pradesh.

The Governor appealed to the people to join hands together and provide support and comfort to one and all, more particularly to the marginalized people and face whatever may lie ahead with hopes, optimism and faith in the Almighty.

May the Lord grant you all a Blessed Merry Christmas and fulfill your hopes and wishes for the New Year 2016, and may God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit bless you. Let us also inculcate His advice – ‘Love thy neighbour, I love thee’. The proverb goes – ‘When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.’ On this sacred occasion, once again, I wish every one of you a very happy Christmas, the Governor wished. PRO to Raj Bhawan

 

Committee refutes allegation

ITANAGAR, Dec 23: Reacting at Attorney Holder’s claim in a news item published in this daily on Dec 8 last that miscreants create hurdles in construction of Sangbia Paffa road works under Bameng CD Block in East Kameng, All Sangbia-Paffa Road Development Committee (ASPRDC) refuted the allegation of Attorney holder as baseless.  

Armed with departmental enquiry report on said project, ASPRDC made a counter claim saying that only 10 percent of project work is so far completed inspite of 90 percent of the payment released by the department. The committee also claimed that payment was fraudulently paid to the executing agency without completion of physical work of the project.   While condemning the allegation, the  committee sought action against the executing agency.

Meanwhile, two member enquiry team was constituted comprised of T Paktung SE, NL Kamin, EE RWD Laying Yangte who visited the site on October 29 to verify the physical achievement of the work and detail payment made to the contractor. In its report, the enquiry team concluded that the work has not been executed as per the Detail Project Report and the completion of road project with current balance amount seems impossible. It also added that careless execution of the works and no proper supervision have been done at the PIU level.

 

PIO imposed penalty

ITANAGAR, Dec 23: Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission had imposed penalty of Rs 25000 on PIO cum Executive Engineer, PWD Division Daporijo N. Riram under section 20(1) RTI Act 2005 for ‘deliberately defying  the order of the Commission in connection with the appeal case No APIC-105/2015. The PIO has been directed to deposit the penalty amount in favour of the Registrar APIC, on or before January 18, 2016.

 

Arunachal wins gold medals in AIFS Meet

ITANAGAR, Dec 23: Taring Yania from Arunachal Pradesh won the Gold medal in women open single badminton in the 22nd All India Forests Sports Meet 2015 held at Bangaluru, Karnataka from  Dec 19 to 23. In women open doubles badminton also Taring Yania and Pema Ladon won Gold medal. In men's veteran doubles badminton, the pair of D. Doke and T. Khilli bagged the Silver medal. A 17-member team from Arunachal Pradesh participated in the meet. The contingent was headed by Dr. Shashi Kumar, PCCF and Parl. Secy (E&F) as chief of the Mission, Tasing Sitang Eko, IFS, CF(HQ), as nodal officer.

 

Worker awareness prog

ITANAGAR, Dec 23: All Arunachal Pradesh Labour Union (AAPLU), Longding unit organized an awareness programme for the workers of both organized and unorganized sectors to make them aware about various benefits provided to them by Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Constructions Workers’ Welfare Board (APBOCWWB) at remote Waka circle under longding District on Tuesday.

General Secretary of AAPLU district unit Pholem Wangnow informed about the benefits being provided by the Board like medical assistance, tools advance, maternity assistance, housing loans, education assistance,  old age pension for above 60 years, scholarships to children of registered workers, death benefits, funeral assistance etc. Other benefits being provided by the Board are free distribution of school kits to the children of registered workers, solar lamps, helmets and gumboots etc. He requested labour community to educate their children in order to make them worthy citizen.

He further requested the HoDs of Longding district to deposit one percent cess towards the Board for the welfare of workers.

Vice president of AAPLU district unit Wanglam advised the labour community to grab the opportunity by registering themselves with the Board.

Earlier, the local Village Chief, who inaugurated the programme, appealed to the workers, farmers and MNREGA job card holders to register with the Board to avail maximum benefits. He further advised the working class to be punctual and disciplined in life for better future of the Waka circle and also requested them to abstain from bad habits like drinking and drugs. Chief of Village requested the Workers Welfare Board to conduct awareness in other parts of district.

Around 135 workers attended the programme.

 

Free health camp

ITANAGAR, Dec 23: A health camp was organized by “Dirang Monpa Capital Complex Welfare Association” in collaboration with “Rama Krishna Mission Hospital”, Itanagar at Namshu on December 21 and 22.

A team of doctors including medicine, eye & ENT specialists, gynecologist and pediatricians attended patients suffering from various ailments during the two-day medical camp.

Besides general health check ups, needy patients were also provided medicines, spectacles, hearing aids and crutches free of cost by the organization.

Sonam Wangchu Tsarmu took initiative to organize the medical camp with active support from local MLA Phurpa Tsering.

 

Governor mourns tragic demise

of BSF personnel

ITANAGAR, Dec 23: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has deeply mourned the loss of lives of the Border Security Force (BSF) in a plane crash at South West Delhi on December 22.

The Governor said that he is deeply pained by the loss of 10 precious lives of BSF personnel, who were responsible for safety and security of the Nation – both in the areas of internal as well as external security. The nation has lost the valiant personnel in the service of their motherland.

While expressing heartfelt condolence and sympathy on behalf of people of the Frontier State of Arunachal Pradesh and his own behalf, the Governor prayed to the Almighty to give the bereaved families the much needed strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. The Governor further prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls.

 

Cold wave  grips Siang valley

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Dec 23: Cold wave has gripped Pasighat area on the right bank of mighty Siang river with the mercury level plunging below 9 degree Celsius at Pasighat last night. The minimum average temperature of the area this week is around 12 degree Celsius, which has gone done to 9 degree Celsius since Sunday.

Similarly, Ruksin area, about 35 km South-West from Pasighat, has been experiencing unusual cold wave in the last few days. Though the area recorded coldest day of this fortnight on December 14 last, people are reeling under severe cold during this week.

 

‘Cancel transfer order of Kanubari ADC’

ITANAGAR,  Dec 23:  The chiefs of various villages, GBs and Associations of  Kanubari sub-division in Longding district has requested the state Govt to cancel  the transfer order of Kanubari Additional Deputy Commissioner S S Chaudhary.

Justifying their demand, in a joint letter to  Chief Secretary and Secretary personnel,  they  said that Kanubari, an independent Sub-Division which shares state boundary with both Assam and Nagaland, needs an experienced  and efficient administrator like present ADC, they said adding  the state Govt should not effect posting and transfer order on the basis of demand made by ‘self-motivated grassroot leaders.’

The Associations has also discussed the matter with the Deputy Commissioner, Longding and requested him to stay transfer order of the ADC for the interest of common people.

 

PM to inaugurate SAF Games at Ghy

ITANAGAR, Dec 23: Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA) President Padi Richo and Secretary General Gechi Doke attended the Indian Olympic Association Meeting at Guwahati today wherein various issues related to conduct of the ensuing SAF Games were discussed.

Guwahati and Shillong will host the SAF Games from February five to 17, 2016.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Games at Guwahati on February five.

 

Orgs write to CS

ITANAGAR, Dec 23: Claiming that Chief Minister Nabam Tuki led Government has been reduced to a minority Government, a conglomeration of 15 organizations demanded the Chief Secretary to stop movement or transaction of Government files/business until formation of new majority Government.

“No official file/business transaction, specially transfer of fund against central schemes in state civil deposit account, job appointment, scheme prioritization, issuing of LOC or sanction or administrative approval should take place and every file movement must be stopped until the new majority government is formed,” the conglomeration of organizations in their joint memorandum to Chief Secretary said.

 

Orgs condemn Pul

ITANAGAR, Dec 23: The All Arunachal Pradesh Tribal Youth Association and All Nyishi Unemployed Youth Association today strongly condemned former finance minister Kalikho Pul for his alleged condemnable jibe on Nyishi community. Both the organizations in separate press releases  further stated that Governor JP Rajkhowa should leave the state on moral ground saying that his presence in the state may create division among the tribes.

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News Impact

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AAPSU urges Rajkhowa to produce unedited footage

ITANAGAR, Dec 23: Days after Education Minister Tapang Taloh asked state Governor J P Rajkhowa to produce the entire footage of the arguments held between them on December 15 last, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) on Wednesday demanded the governor to produce the unedited video immediately.

“The governor instead of supplying the ‘edited’ version of the footage to electronic media should have the courage to provide the unedited footage of the entire discussion from the beginning,” AAPSU president Kamta Lapung said in a statement here.

He said, the video clip had projected the state in a bad manner before the entire nation which was ‘unexpected’ from the Constitutional head of the state.

“Instead of working for the overall development of the state and its people, the governor is busy in creating political instability in the state,” Lapung categorically said and demanded for his immediate call back from the state.

Referring to the Greenfield Airport issue, the AAPSU chief alleged that the governor in his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking him to scrap off the project has clearly exposed his anti-Arunachal stand.

“The governor from the very first day in office has been working against the interest of the state and its people. He even failed to pursue the contentious Chakma-Hajong refugee issues with the Centre,” Lapung alleged.

He said, the governor never bothered to write even a letter to the Home Ministry on the refugee imbroglio nor raised the issue in any platform.

“The people of the state were of the impression that after his appointment the decades-old inter-state boundary dispute between Arunachal and Assam will get a logical conclusion. But all their hopes and aspirations have been defeated by the governor who never raised the issue till date,” Lapung added.

Meanwhile, the apex students’ body has urged the state government to immediately filed the curative petition in the Supreme Court against its September 17 order for permanent settlement of Chakma-Hajong refugees in the state.

 

 

BJP reacts to CM’s remarks

ITANAGAR, Dec 23: The Arunachal Pradesh unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reacted sharply to Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister’s accusation on the party of instigating dissidence in the ruling Congress legislators during an interview with a national level newspaper.

Terming the CM’s statement as a blatant lie, the party in a press statement said that the ghost of sponsoring dissidence among Congress legislators by the BJP is a creation of their own. By leveling such unsubstantiated allegation on the BJP, the CM has exposed his own incompetency to control his own party legislatures, the party said.

The chief Minister himself is completely responsible for the dissidence within the Congress party legislators, the saffron party said, and suggested the CM to get his own house in order first before leveling such allegation.

The party also alleged that all major projects such as Greenfield Airport, Civil Secretariat and many other important projects are lying unimplemented during his tenure.

The BJP demanded the Chief Minister to resign gracefully as the party claimed Tuki has lost the trust and confidence of his own party legislators.

 

 

Tuki meets Prez to discuss political crisis in Arunachal

HYDERABAD, Dec 23: Against the backdrop of a political crisis in his state due to a tussle between factions of the ruling Congress, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki met President Pranab Mukherjee here today.

"I called on him. I apprised him the situation. The matter is now sub-judice," Tuki told PTI.

Opposition BJP and rebel Congress MLAs got together on December 17 to "vote out" Tuki and to "elect" a rebel Congress MLA in his place but the Gauhati High Court intervened to keep in abeyance decisions taken at the "rebel session".

Congress has accused the BJP of hatching a conspiracy to topple the Tuki government, but the saffron party has maintained that it has nothing to do with the dissidence in the ruling party in Arunachal Pradesh.

The President is here for his customary southern sojourn which concludes on December 31. PTI

 

 

GSU demands recall of unfit uniforms,

action against DDSE

ITANAGAR, Dec 23: Galo Students’ Union (GSU) demanded action against the Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE), West Siang for dispatching unfit uniforms to various schools in the district which are either sub-standard in quality or unfit for use.

Despite repeated prayers, uniforms which are unfit to use or is of sub-standard quality were dispatched to various schools and also payment has been released to the supplier by the office of DDSE, Aalo, said GSU in representation to West Siang Deputy Commissioner.

Supply of unfit and sub-standard quality uniforms to student is not only a curtailment of facilities entitled to students under Right to Education (RTE) rules but also a huge loss to the state exchequer.

This trend of supplying unfit uniforms in bulk in connivance with officials of the Education Department must be put to an end, the representation said. It also called for recall of all the unfit uniforms.

GSU also demanded for depositing funds meant for civil works under SSA in the joint account of the teacher in-charge and school management committee (SMC).

Alleging that placing of funds for civil works at the disposal of DDSE cum DPO has often led to mismanagement of funds, GSU strongly urged the DC for placing of funds meant for civil works such upgradation of EGS to primary, primary to upper primary, construction of toilets for both girls and boys, mid-day meal conversion etc directly in the joint account of concerned teacher in-charge along with the SMC chairman. The students union further demanded to speed up the construction of Trans-Arunachal Highway from Tai to Gabu Stream, by sorting out all issues including land compensation within January 10, 2016, immediate eviction of land encroachers in West Siang District particularly in Aalo township and publication of White Paper on land encroachers.

Meanwhile, GSU today lodged a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner against inferior quality construction of College Auditorium at DPGC, Kamki, West Siang.

GSU informed the DC that the auditorium which was inaugurated on August 16 started to develop cracks due to poor quality construction work using sub-standard materials few months after it

. Further, the floor of the auditorium has also worn out, GSU said and appealed to the DC to initiate strong action against the contractor concerned for faulty and sub-standard construction and also to immediately direct the authorities and the contractor concerned to carry out necessary renovation works.

Meanwhile, the DC has assured to look into the matter at the earliest, GSU informed.

 

 

PPA delegation calls on governor

ITANAGAR, Dec 23: A nine-member delegation of the People Party of Arunachal (PPA), led by its Chairman Kamen Ringu called on Governor J P Rajkhowa at Raj Bhavan here today. Other members of the  PPA delegation include its President Kahfa Bengia, Secretary Generals, Kaling Jerang, Tarang Tajo and Tame Papuk, Secretary, (Tirap, Changlang and Londing District) Nyasam Jongsam, Youth wing President Gautam Ringu and Vice President Komkar Riba.

According to Raj Bhavan release, the members apprised the Governor of their concern on the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. They also expressed their unhappiness over  the incidents on  December  16 and 17 in the State Capital, including the failure to maintain law and order at the Assembly premises,  where the gates were not opened for the MLAs, inspite of written order of the Chief Secretary.

The delegation expressed concern over the blockage of roads that even ambulance was not allowed to pass through, ‘with the Police not taking any action to clear the roads.’ They also expressed unhappiness over the role of the Home Minister of the State and also condemned the happening at Raj Bhavan on Dec 15, when some Ministers showed unruly conduct by dishonouring the Head of the State, in the presence of the Chief Minister, the release said.

While appreciating their concern as members of a regional Political Party, the Governor advised them to guide the younger generation towards communal harmony and all round development in the state. He expressed happiness that the PPA leaders and cadres have risen above the petty politics and working for overall welfare of the people of all tribes of the strategic and frontier State of Arunachal Pradesh. He requested them to guide the youth in the right direction to pursue their education seriously, not to waste time influenced by vested politicians and serve the society in constructive ways, the release added.

 

 

Education Minister inspects work

progress of  NIT & Law college

JOTE, Dec 23: Education Minister Tapang Taloh today visited the new proposed permanent site for establishment of Women College at Poma. The said college is running temporarily at Lekhi village.

Further, the minister along with his entourage visited the construction site of National Institute of Technology (NIT) at Jote  and  assessed the  progress of work. He interacted with the engineers of construction agency Hindustan Prefab Limited and they assured the minister that  all the work will completed by March 31, 2016.

Taloh was accompanied by Ngurang Pinch, Chairman, Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Product and Marketing Board (APAP&MB), former minister Tatar Kipa and Chairman AP Medicinal and Aromatic Board, Director, Higher & Technical Education Dr. Tejum Padu, Jt. Director A. Jongkey, officers from Education department.

Later, the team also visited the construction site of Law College at Jote. The minister while taking note of slow progress of work and quality measures informed  that tomorrow a crucial meeting will be conducted with the executing agency, officers of Higher & Technical Education and other stakeholders   to discuss the  early completion of civil works. He also stressed that the quality of work should not be compromised and work should be completed within stipulated time period. DIPRO

 

 

Youths urged to hone skill for self-reliant

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Dec 23: In its endeavour to create employable skills amongst the unemployed youths,  particularly financially  weaker section of the society, the Tourism department, GoAP has successfully conducted skill development training to its 4th batch of trainees under Hunar Se Rojgar Tak (HSRT), a scheme under Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The training was  imparted on hospitality, food production, food & beverage service, housekeeping, bakery and passeteries.

It also gives emphasis on technical and behavioural skills to improve the performance level. The content of course has been designed by National Council of Hotel Management & Catering Technology and was conducted by clustering five best hotels in the state capital. The trainers were the faculties of Tourism & Hotel management. Giving away the certificates to trainees in a function held at conference hall of Directorate of Tourism here today, Parliamentary Secretary Mama Natung called upon the trainees to apply their skills they gained from the two months training to make themselves self-reliant. Parliamentary Secretary also exhorted the trainees to be dedicated and efficient in their fields of activities.

Highlighting various skill development programmes initiated by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, Natung informed the trainees that many youths from state have already joined the service in various trades across India who were trained under state government initiation. He further assured that  priority  will be given to trained and skilful youths in any government programme and schemes while adding that  state government is putting all efforts to make the youths skilful  for self-sufficient.

Meanwhile, Natung along with Director of  Tourism, Karma Lekhi and Executive Engineer Tourism, T Ligu inspected the ongoing construction of Tourist Resort building near Siddhartha Vihar  Gompa, Itanagar to assess the physical progress of the work. While  expressing satisfaction over the progress of the  building construction. Natung, however, urged the contractor to complete the project within the given time frame  without compromising with quality.  He also assured all possible help to speed up the project at government level. EE Tourism T.  Ligu informed that 70 percent work has so far been completed despite least release of fund.

 

 

Is the Constitution really so complex?

[ Dr. Topi Basar ]

The ongoing political turmoil in the State of Arunachal Pradesh raises crucial legal and constitutional questions. Hence, an academic viewpoint on the pertinent issues albeit the pendency of the matter before the honorable High Court shall help the masses in proper appreciation of the constitutional and legal complexities involved. It involves analysis of the Constitutional powers and functions of the Governor, speaker of the house, expulsion and disqualification of members, applicability of the Anti-defection law etc. in the prevailing circumstances.

Constitution enjoys unquestionable supremacy in the governance of the country. It controls and pervades over all the other authorities including the executive, legislature and the judiciary. All their acts must be authorized and validated within the confines of the four walls of the Constitution. Governor being the formal and Constitutional head of the State has been entrusted with the duty to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law. In this endeavor, Article 163 mandates that the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister shall aid and advise the Governor. As per this, it is imperative to have COMs headed by the Chief Minister in all circumstances excepting extraordinary situations. Such aid and advise are held binding on the governor by the Court in several decisions except where the Governor is required to exercise his discretionary powers under the Constitution. However, the Constitution does not spell out the specific situations and circumstances in which this discretionary power can be exercised. The scope and ambit of discretionary power is, therefore, spelled out by the judiciary. The honorable Supreme Court in Ram Jawaya Kapur and A. Sanjeevi Naidu cases held that the Governor is required to act in his discretion in the following cases: the powers of the Governor of Assam under Paragraph 9 of the 6X Schedule; the functions of a Governor appointed to be administrator of a Union Territory (Art. 239(2)); under Articles 371(2), 371 A (1) (b), 371 C (1), 371 F (g); implied discretionary power was read in second proviso to Art 200 and Art.356(1). In other cases the Governor is to act on the advice of ministers. The law is settled on this aspect by the judicial interpretation.

Undoubtedly, the Governor enjoys special power under Art. 371(H) with respect to Arunachal Pradesh. However, it is specifically dealing with law and order in the State and in discharging this function he shall consult the Council of Ministers before exercising his individual judgment as to the action to be taken. Proviso to this Article allows the governor to use his discretion whether to act or not in his individual capacity in a given law and order situation and the validity of anything done by the Governor shall not be called in question. Clearly the provision envisages a law and order problem or situation before the Governor exercise his discretionary power given under it. Second important issue pertains to the power of the Governor to summon, prorogation and dissolution provided in Art. 174 of the Constitution. The Governor shall from time to time summon the House to meet at such time and place as he thinks fit, but before six months between its last sitting in one session and the date appointed for its first sitting in the next session. Similarly, he may prorogue the House and dissolve the Legislative Assembly. It is pertinent to mention here that this power given in Article 174 is not intended to be a discretionary in nature and has to be read in the light of Art. 163, therefore the Governor has to act on the aid and advice of the COMs in this regard. Art. 163 envisage the parliamentary democracy embodied in our Constitution.

The Speaker is the officer of the State Legislature, a politically neutral figure. He or she may be removed from office by a resolution of the Assembly passed by a majority of all the then members of the Assembly. At least fourteen days’ notice has to be given of the intention to move the resolution (Art. 179 (c)). While a resolution for his removal from office is under consideration, the speaker shall not preside, though he is present. The Speaker shall have the right to speak in and take part in the proceedings of the House for his removal and be entitled to vote only in the first instance on such resolution but not in the case of an equality of votes (Art. 181 (2)).

Expelling a member from a political party and Disqualification from membership of Legislative Assembly are two distinct matters. Expulsion is governed by given code of conduct or party disciplinary rules of a political party for punishing anti party activities and act of dissents committed by the members who got elected under the ticket of that political party. Whereas, one of the grounds of disqualification is defection as stated in Para 2 of the Tenth Schedule known as Anti-defection law. A member shall be disqualified on voluntarily giving up his membership of a political party, votes or abstains from voting in House contrary to party whip which has not been condoned by the party within fifteen days from the date of voting or abstention. However, disqualification on ground of defection will not apply in case of merger of not less than two-thirds of the members of the legislature party concerned have agreed to such merger (Para 4 (2) X Schedule. The pertinent questions are - does the expulsion from political party can be the basis for disqualification from membership of the House? What shall be the status of the expelled member in the Legislative Assembly? Does he remain as an unattached member or independent member? Most importantly the question of defection arises under Para 2 of the X Schedule only in two situations, namely voluntary resignation or voting against the party direction (whip) or abstains from voting. Will the party whip lie against such expelled members if the member votes against or abstains from voting? These questions of Constitutional importance were raised in G. Vishwanathan Case, Amar Singh and Jaya Prada when they were expelled by the Samajwadi Party and in case of AAP MLA Vinod Kumar Binny who was expelled from the party. In Vishwanathan case the Apex Court held that an expelled member continue to be part of the party which set him up as a candidate during elections which means the whip shall lie on him. When Amar Singh and Jaya Prada were expelled from the SP they moved the Apex Court for an interim order against their disqualification and the Court held that the party whip will not lie against them in the event of their voting against the party lines on any matter in the parliament. Hence, the SC did not apply the ruling of Vishwanathan in this case.

However, taking note of the plea by the both that the ruling had created an anomaly by making the whip applicable upon the expelled member the SC referred the matter to a division bench for clarification still awaited. In AAP MLA Binny’s case the single judge bench of the High Court of Delhi had stayed the operation of Speaker’s letter which said that MLA Binny continued to be a member of the AAP despite his expulsion from it. His plea was that he be treated as an independent member and the party whip should not lie on him. In all the above case the members were merely expelled from the party membership but feared the impending disqualification in the event of acting against the party whip. Thus, the Apex Court has recognized the status of an expelled member as an independent or unattached and not amenable to the whip of the party. Does it mean that expelling a member from a political party has no legal implication and his membership of the House remains unaffected until he defects from that party? Defection by nature is voluntary whereas expulsion is involuntary. Now the anomaly arises when the member who is expelled from a party still comes under the party whip assuming he continues to be an unattached member in the House as the Apex Court has not made the anti- defection disqualification applicable in case of expulsion in Amar Singh and Jaya Prada and this principle has been followed in the recent AAP MLA Binny’s case. As voting against the party whip is a ground of disqualification under Para 2 of anti-defection law. On the one hand expulsion means removal and on the other the expelled member is required to follow the party whip is mutually contradictory. Another anomaly may be when the political party expels the member and the Speaker invokes the disqualification ground. It gives rise to legal ambiguity and final interpretation on this vexing issue by the apex court should set the anomaly right.

One of the cardinal Principle of interpretation of Constitution followed by the Court is to construe the provisions harmoniously. The intent and purpose of the Constitution in making the Governor as the formal and Constitutional head and the Chief Minister as the real head of the Executive cannot be subverted. The recent development leading to the present turmoil is demonstrative of the undue hastiness in dealing with a situation affecting the Constitutional bedrock. At the end, the Constitution is supreme and the spirit of constitutionalism must pervade for democracy to thrive. The Constitution is plain and simple, if it is read so, but it can be made very complicated if intended. (The writer is an Associate Professor, National Law University, Assam and can be reached at topibasar@gmail.com)

 

 

Tirap to achieve 100% insurance

coverage  under PMJJBY

KHONSA, Dec 23:  Tirap district administration has shown the way in extending the benefits of PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana to its employees. All the Group-D staff and ALCs of the DC establishment have been covered under the PMJJBY. The formal launching program was held at SBI Khonsa today.

Launching the initiative DC Ravi Jha said that Group-D & ALCs constitute the most vulnerable section of the government employees. The section is particularly prone to liquor, opium and other addictions and often the most neglected. It is therefore of paramount importance to bring them under the loop of insurance. As an incentive to the staff the first year’s premium for the entire Gr. D & ALC staff of the DC establishment has been paid from the salary of DC Ravi Jha.

Rs. 26,000 was donated in form of cheque by the DC towards payment of first year premium for 82 employees.

He urged upon the HODs to emulate the same initiative in their respective department so as to achieve  100% staff enrollment under the scheme in entire Tirap district. This will also boost up the financial inclusion of the left out people, the DC said.

PMJJBY provided life insurance of Rs. 2 Lakhs for deaths (irrespective of cause of death) at a premium of Rs. 330 per annum.

Earlier, in his address CBM Subash Dhar appreciated the Deputy Commissioner for his generosity and kind initiative for his staff. DIPRO

 

 

Aids and appliances distributed to

Children With Special Need

PASIGHAT, Dec 23:  With an objective to connect children with special needs (CWSNs) with the main education system, East Siang Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) under the supervision of DC cum DPD Isha Khosla distributed aids and appliances and other special gifts among CWSNs in a function held at the Bharat Scouts and Guide Hall, here today. DDSE cum DPO Obuk Panor, IE Coordinator SC Sharma and officials of SSA District Mission were present on the occasion.

Witnessing the drawing, solo song and dance competitions organized for the children with special need on the occasion, DPD Khosla appreciated all for their extraordinary quality. “Every single child is gifted and talented in a particular field” she said adding with guidance of parents and teachers the   children with special need  can excel in various fields.  Many differently abled persons have already established themselves and many of them even cracked UPSC, added Khosla.  

While sharing the aim of the project, the DC informed that SSA ensures that every child with special needs is provided meaningful and quality education. She gave away aids and appliances like wheelchair, crutches, hearing aids etc and prizes and certificates to the achievers.

DDSE Obuk Panor exhorted the parents to encourage their children to attend schools regularly and to take part in co-curricular activities according to their choice and ability. The devices were given with an aim to bring CWSN to the school, educate and connect them with normal children, Panor added.

IE Coordinator SC Sharma also highlighted various development achieved so far and demonstrated the assistive devices to the users. Among others, DTO (S&G) T Padung and AK Sinha, teacher also spoke on the occasion.

It is worth mentioning here that  earlier on October 18, a one-day multi specialty free medical assessment camp was conducted in the Pasighat General Hospital Audio-Visual Hall to extend free medical  treatment and required assistance to the CWSN in continuation of administration’s endeavor to bring them to the main stream society. DIPRO

 

 

Karo Moyong Memorial Cricket Trophy begins

[ Prafulla Kaman ]

PASIGHAT, Dec 23: The first ever Karo Moyong Memorial Cricket Championship organized by All Bogong Students Union (ABSU) in collaboration of East Siang District Cricket Association got underway at Pasighat general ground today.

Inaugurating the cricket tournament in presence of players and sports enthusiasts, All Bogong Yame Kebang president, Tagon Tasung recalled the contributions made by Late Karo Moyong for development of Pasighat township. He said that Late Moyong, being a successive farmer of the area, had donated large area of land for the town and establishment of Jawarlal Nehru College at Pasighat as well.

Appreciating the efforts of the organizing committee for conducting the tournament, All East Siang District Students Union president Tabit Gao suggested the budding players to maintain discipline and sportsman spirit, while organizing chairman, Baku Taming appealed all sections to maintain  peace and extend cooperation for smooth conduct of the event.

The opening match was played between Mebo-Bogong and Yagrung teams in which Mebo-Bogong entered the next round by beating Yagrung team by 15 runs.

The trophy for this round is donated by Kangge Moyong, Councillor (ward-12) of Pasighat Municipal Council in memory of his Late grandfather. The winner (champion) team will be given Rs. 50,000 cash reward with the trophy, while the runners up team will get Rs 25,000 with the trophy.

As many as 24 cricket teams from different parts of East Siang district are participating in the championship. The final match is scheduled to be held on January 6 next year.

 

 

Jai Kisan Jai Vigyan Diwas organized

at Sansad Adarsh Gram

ITANAGAR, Dec 23: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) East Siang and College of Horticulture & Forestry (CHF), Central Agricultural University, Pasighat celebrated “Jai Kisan Jai Vigyan Diwas” at village Takilalung (Sansad Adarsh Gram) to mark the birth anniversary of former prime ministers Atal Behari Vajpayee and Late Chaudhary Charan Singh, who contributed immensely for promoting use of science for welfare of farmers.

Addressing the gathering, Zila Parishad Member, Osi Tatak emphasized on integrated farming system to secure food and nutritional security of farming families. She also advised the villagers to take up horticulture in large scale. Tatak called on the KVK and CHF scientists to concentrate on developing location specific farmers’ friendly technologies suitable for the region.

ASMs Takur Toli and Tapor Taning urged the participating farmers to make good use of the knowledge provided by the scientists in order to excel in crop production thus contributing to self-sufficiency in food grain and food security.

Earlier, KVK Programme Coordinator, Dr. Mahesh Pathak explained the purpose and objective behind organizing the programme. He emphasized on importance and prospects of integrated farming system and use of improved seeds, animal breed and location specific proven technologies for improving the socio-economic condition of the farmers of the region.

Dr. T.S. Mehra, HOD Medicinal and Aromatic Plants CHF spoke on future prospects of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants and Floriculture in the region.

Dr. R.C. Shakywar, Assistant Professor Plant Pathology, CHF, delivered a lecture on nutritional aspect of Mushroom cultivation in the region.

Farmers-scientists interaction on Integrated Farming System was also conducted.

Babu Tatak, a progressive farmer of the village highlighted the scenario of farming systems prevalent in the village and improved practices being adopted by the farmers.

Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector - E, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh - 791111, India

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---- Editorial ----

 

End this disruptive tactic

Both the houses of Parliament were today adjourned sine die marking the completion of the winter session. In the entire session Lok Sabha passed 14 Bills registering 104 per cent productivity while the Rajya Sabha passed only nine bills witnessing 46 per cent productivity. During the entire session both Rajya Sabha and Lokh Sabha was constantly disrupted by opposition parties over various issues. Interruptions in the functioning of the House continued to result in loss of working time and neglect of the listed business. It denied the members opportunities to seek accountability of the executive through questions, Zero Hour issues, discussions and debates on public interest and concern. It also reduced the opportunities to scrutinize legislative proposals.

GST bill which is still stuck in Rajya Sabha became the biggest victim of disruptive tactics adopted by opposition parties. The delay in passing of GST bill will delay its implementation process and thereby hurt the India’s economy. Also political parties should understand that functioning of legislature is essential for democracy. Disruptions amount to its negation. Congress party which often use to complain about disruption of parliament by BJP during UPA rule are following same tactic now. The grand old party should stop this negative attitude. They are not doing country any favour by indulging in disruption of parliament. This year both monsoon and winter session of parliament has been regularly disrupted. This has lead to huge loss. Political parties definitely need to introspect in this regard. People of India are closely watching their each move and will punish them in due course of time.

 

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---- Readers Forum ----

 

Good luck Mr Governor

Dear Editor,

As a layman I don’t have much idea about constitution and its provision. But event of last few days has shamed everyone one of us. All the politicians including Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, leader of dissident Kalikho Pul, Congress, dissident and BJP MLAs are responsible for creating war like situation in capital complex. In their hunger for power, they almost took state to the brink of civil war. Usually in such kind of situation people look upto Governor with the hope that being a neutral institution; the office of Governor will try to resolve issue amicably. Remember in 2011 when state witnessed similar power tussle, people of state kept faith on then Governor Gen Retd JJ Singh and he won the heart by maintaining neutrality and by trying hard to keep situation under calm. Present Governor JP Rajkhowa’s action does not show him as neutral person. He made the biggest blunder by preponing the assembly session, which is the root cause of the entire problem. Governor very well knew that preponing of session will lead to chaos but still he went ahead. His questionable action definitely has not helped his own cause and that of the state.

In coming days Governor JP Rajkhowa will be under more scrutiny. One can only hope that he takes decision keeping in mind the prevailing situation. He should understand that Arunachal is a unique state. Good luck Mr Rajkhowa.

Yours,

P Rang,

Banderdewa

 

 

Abandon bandh culture

Dear Editor,

The people of Arunachal Pradesh are craving for peaceful co-existence. So, no organization should be allowed to disturb the social peace and harmony. In recent past, the Arunachalees were victims of bandhs organized by various associations that are inclined to dictate terms in every step. If this trend is not contained in time; the day is not far when we will be ashamed to introduce ourselves to the outside world.

There is no issue that cannot be resolved within the framework of Indian Constitution. So, why not let the law take its own course? All kinds of disputes can be settled by the appropriate organs/authorities as per norms. In any case, agreeable methods should be explored in the interest of brotherhood and justice. It would be very difficult to find any Arunachalee today, who is not fed up with bandhs. In consideration of the public opinion which is totally against bandhs, the associations irrespective of communities, political affiliations or districts would do well to adopt constitutional means for settlement of issues.

Yours,

K.Riba

 

 

Open letter to Chief Minister of Assam

Dear Editor,

Mr. Tarun Gogoi, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Assam, we Arunachalees has the tradition of respecting elderly person like you who is of high stature and fatherly figure as a whole. Mr. CM your terming of His Excellency Governor of Arunachal Pradesh J.P Rajkhowa as BJP agent, RSS Pracharak is disgusting and disheartening for people of both the states. I am neither a RSS man nor interested in whatever politics you play. Arunachal does not need a certificate from CM of Assam regarding the act of our state governor. You are making a non-issue an issue by ignoring all the real problems confronting your state. It is crystal clear that your party is in slippery wicket in the coming assembly election in your state, thus taking up issue for cheap politics which does not concern your state. If CM of Assam is really interested in well being of Arunachal, I advice him to solve the Assam -Arunachal boundary issue which is never ending since decades.

I ask two questions to CM of Assam:

1. Since the matter is sub-judice, how come CM of Assam is commenting on the role of Arunachal Governor?

2. There is already a tense situation in Arunachal regarding the issue, if any untoward happens in future will the CM of Assam be held responsible due to his loose and derogatory remarks about the governor of Arunachal Pradesh.

Arunachal need a public apology from the CM of Assam in these regard. Hope for the same from his end.

Yours,

Osong Saroh,

Advocate,

Gauhati High Court

Itanagar, Permanent Bench Naharlagun

 

 

Fall out of political turmoil

Dear Editor,

As fallout of the current political turmoil in Arunachal Pradesh, FIRs & Counter-FIRs by the rival groups of legislators including top government officials against one another is an unfortunate but welcome development.

If the law is to take its own course and alleged criminalities proved, then quite a good number of irresponsible VIPs and other power flexing people may land up in jail lawfully.

At last the people in the state can expect some accountability fixing, judging and streamlining of messed up state of public affairs.

Yours,

Tagam Mibang

Itanagar

 

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----Editor