The Arunachal Times - Archives

''Out of such 61 vehicles in the region, five were already sanctioned for Arunachal,'' he informed, adding about 75 GPS-fitted vehicles are targeted to be made operational by March to overcome the challenge posed by the hilly and thickly forested routes in the North East and to ensure smooth and timely movement of mails and parcels across the region.

Meanwhile, underscoring the problems encountered by BSNL subscribers in the state, he informed that various effort are on the pipeline to revamp the land line, mobile and broadband services in the state, besides setting up of two more telephone exchanges at Jully and Dollungmukh.

Moreover, in North East, all the districts which have insurgency activities, those areas will get more attention, infrastructure and mobile towers to make people feel the part of the communication revolution in India, he added.

Later, he visited the office of the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee, wherein he appealed the party leaders and workers to render selfless service to the people of the state and also appealed the youth and the women folk to come forward in the main stream of the nation building to fulfill the motto of Indian National Congress.

The programme was attended by Ministers, Parliamentary secretaries, MP, MLAs, former Chief Minister, former Ministers, former MLAs, senior party leaders, PCC Office bearers, Frontal Organizations and other party workers.

• Arunachal Pradesh has 172000 mobile subscribers, plan to increase it to 272000 in next financial year.

• Over thousand villages would be connected with DSPTs by March 2011.

• 1510 villages have VPTs, 1322 are planned.

• 48 WiMax towers would be commissioned in the next 14 months.

• Satellite communication system would be implemented at Dacho and Pancheo.

• 88 new mobile towers would be set up in 2010-2011.

• Work on 62 towers of USOF is already in full swing.

CM, Pilot review IT andcommunication services in state

NAHARLAGUN, Feb 3: In the meeting with the Union Mos for IT and Communications, Sachin Pilot today at his office at Nitivihar, State Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu sought the support of the Union Ministry of IT and Communications for extending the coverage of Communication services all over the state particularly the remote and rural areas of the state through the BSNL and Satellite Phones.

The MoS and the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of IT projects in the state. The need for improvement in quality service was also discussed.

He apprised Pilot of the major developmental initiatives being undertaken in the state viz. the Trans-Arunachal Highway project, State Medical College & other projects like improving air connectivity under the PM Package. He also informed that the state Govt. has taken the initiative to introduce Third Party Monitoring System to ensure quality & timebound work of the development projects under the PM Package. The state is resource rich in terms of its huge hydro-power potentials, 82% forest coverage besides coal and other minerals.

The need for ensuring smooth postal mail services in Vijay Nagar was also discussed in the meeting as due to the existing landing ground being declared unfit mail services through helicopter services had to be discontinued for sometime. The Chief Minister assured that state Govt. is ready to help out within its capacity to facilitate mail services. The Chief Minister further informed that road connectivity project connecting Vijayanagar is being initiated, which would facilitate communication & transportation services.

The need for Satellite phones in outposts’ border areas of the state was also discussed in the meeting. The MoS called for blanket coverage of BSNL services all over the state for providing connectivity to the people of the state, the Jawans serving in remote and border areas, adding that good communication connectivity will also encourage investors to come to state. He assured full support to the state government in promoting IT sector in the state.

He informed that the Centre is ready to provide sufficient funds for development of the state. Pilot also assured support of Govt. of India for setting up of Software Technology Park of India (STPI) in the state Capital. In this regard the Chief Minister assured that the state Govt. will provide land for the Proposed STPI in Itanagar.

The need for early approval of (RFP) Request for Proposal to setting up State Data Centre Project submitted to the DIT, Govt. of India was also apprised to the Union MoS on the occasion.

The state Commissioner IT, apprised the minister of the smooth progress of the SWAN ( State Wide Area Network ) project under the National e- Governance Plan to connect the various State Govt. departments and facilitating speedy Govt. delivery services to the people of the state through IT technology.

Jarbom Gamlin, Minister, Power (Elect), Parl. Affairs and Govt Spokesperson was also present in the meeting and urged for early approval for STPI project. DIPR

Mechukha witnesses snow fall on eve of Losar

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: Mechukha witnessed season’s first snow fall as Losar was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety at Memba Guest House today.

Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, Agriculture Marketing Board, Chairman Pasang Dorjee Sona said that snow fall on the eve of Losar celebration is very significant as white colour of the snow signifies peace and prosperity.

While extending his Losar greetings to the people on the occasion stressed on the need to preserve ones own culture and tradition for posterity. Emphasizing the need to make Mechukha tourist friendly, he urged the department concerned and people of Mechukha to work with dedication to make their place a tourist hub and plastic free town.

Later, he felicitated the ITBP jawans with a ‘letter of appreciation’ and cash amount of Rs.10,000 for helping the team which comprised of the MLA, administration and work Departments during their 3-day trekking to Tso Pasang Sonam which was undertaken to explore more tourism potentials in Mechukha.

Condolences pour in for late MP

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: Arunachal Pradesh Governor JJ Singh has expressed shock and grief on the sad demise of former freedom fighter and Lok Sabha member Chow Khamoon Gohain Namshum.

While praying for eternal peace of the departed soul, the Governor described him as a multi-faceted, versatile and distinguished social worker, who made immense contributions in the development of erstwhile NEFA and for the State of Arunachal Pradesh.

Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has also condoled the death of Namshum and observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul and prayed for his eternal peace. The members of Theravada Buddhist Society residing in the capital complex have also deeply mourned the passing away of the former MP and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.

‘When the Mist is lifted’ by Moji Riba at Mumbai film fest

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: The 10th edition of Mumbai International Film Festival for Documentary, Short and Animation Films, M.I.F.F, organized by the Films Division got underway on Wednesday at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Mumbai.

A total of 200 films from 37 countries are participating in the festival in different categories, including Moji Riba’s “When the mist is lifted” under the section North East Package of Films. The film will be screened on Feb 5.

Riba’s documentary deals with the conflict that many tribal societies are facing today with modern culture eroding their conventional lifestyle and traditional social institutions. Made in 2005, the film was widely acclaimed for its sensitive portrayal of vulnerability of traditional institutions and value systems against the global ideas.

This is Riba’s second time at the Mumbai International Film Festival. His film “Between God and Me” was screened in 2000.

This year, ten films under the NE Package from the region are being screened.

Puppet Film section, Cinema Legends, Science Fiction, Environment, North East India and newly-created Best Student Cinema section while the Country in Focus section are Bhutan and Switzerland.

The prestigious festival will continue till 9th February. Veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra inaugurated the weeklong festival. 'On the Tiger trail' by Naresh Bedi and 'Viola' by Shih-Ting Hung were the opening films.

Arunachal ranked 2nd in MPLADS implementation

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: Inspite of the short working season and the difficult terrain and poor connectivity, it is indeed appreciable that Arunachal Pradesh has achieved the 2nd rank in the country in performance under the MP Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS). This was conveyed by senior officers of the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation during the National MPLADS review meeting held at New Delhi yesterday, according to official source.

As against the national average of 91.7 pc, Arunachal Pradesh was able to achieve financial utilization of more than 98 pc. Similarly, while the physical achievement of works at the national level stood at 91.3 pc, Arunachal achieved an appreciable progress of 95.4 pc. Unlike many other States, no audit paras were outstanding against Arunachal Pradesh. The State has also started uploading the monthly progress report online on the portal provided by the Ministry. The credit for this achievement goes to the present and all the earlier MPs of the State and the Deputy Commissioners of the nodal districts, who were not only able to take quick decisions but also ensure effective implementation on the ground to achieve high physical and financial progress.

The planning department under the leadership of the CM is taking several steps like development of a work monitoring software and automation of work-flow for more effective management of this scheme.

Media to play role pivotal role in bridging differences between Assam and Arunachal

Taba Ajum

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: In the past relation between two neighboring states Arunachal Pradesh and Assam have witnessed many ups and down. Even though there are enough people to people contacts, still relation between two states has experienced tense moment on many occasions. Various reasons have been attributed for this shaky relationship with boundary issue being one of them and lack of proper knowledge about each other’s culture too harming friendship of two states.

In the context of this scenario, visit of media persons from North Cachar Hills district of Assam to Arunachal is a welcome step. Media could play a crucial in maintaining peace between two states even in the midst of tense period and so this visit of media person from Assam could go a long way in bridging gap between two neighboring states. Representatives from leading print and electronic media from North Cachar Hills district of Assam along with staff of the department of information and public relation government of Assam formed a team to visit Arunachal to know this state in better way. As they went around Itanagar and its adjoining places like Poma village, visitors from Assam were dumbstruck by the hospitality offered to them by their host and most could not stop themselves from heaping praise about Arunachal.

For many of these journalists it was their first visit to the state and they were honest enough to admit that some of their apprehensions have been cleared after landing here. “I always wanted to visit Arunachal but was little bit hesitant, however my whole idea of this state has changed after arriving here. I think Arunachalees are very honest and hardworking people,” commented one visiting media person. Also most of the visitors believed that there is not much of difference between the two states. “Deep down the line we share many similarities and people of both states should learn to respect each other’s culture and custom in better way. Media can propagate each other’s culture,” commented another media person.

Most of the visiting media team believed that if boundary issues are resolved amicably, it will quite essentially solve all major problems. “It is important that both the state mutually solve boundary issues and in fact work cohesively towards development of border areas. Both the state belongs to backward region and development should be main issue,” said a young visiting journalist.

The first part of their tour covering Itanagar and its adjoining areas winded up on 2nd February and a formal interaction of media persons from both states took place at Hotel Arun Subansiri where ideas were exchanged. Present on the occasion were IPR and Finance minister Setong Sena, IPR Secretary AB Shukhla, state IPR Director Leki Phuntso and IPR Director Assam, DC Deka along with media fraternities from both states. In their respective addresses all the distinguished guests present dwelt on the importance of developing better relation between the two states. As caravan of visiting media team left for Bomdila, there is a hope that people of Assam and Arunachal will continue to live peacefully as caring neighbors.

Siram stresses on value-based education in schools

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: Education Minister Bosiram Siram stressed on value-based education in schools for overall development of the students.

Attending the 35th Annual prize distribution ceremony of RK Mission School, Narottam Nagar, Deomali as chief guest today, the education minister said that parents and teachers should educate children in right perspective so that they could become quality citizens of India.

Releasing the school magazine, Siram lauded the faculties and monks for providing education with emphasis on moral and ethical values.

He also referred to the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and other scholars during the function.

Later, Kalikho Pul, Minister, RWD, Tax & Excise etc also joined the function. The minister duo were accompanied by Wangki Lowang, Parliamentary Secretary, Sports & Youth Affairs, Kamthok Lowang, MLA, Khonsa and E.Yirang I/c SDO,Deomali besides Panchayat leaders, HODs of the Sub-Division.

Earlier, Siram inaugurated a newly constructed Girls Hostel with a boarding capacity of 30 students for Wangcha Rajkumar Govt. College and paid a visit to Govt.HS School, Deomali.

Responding to a memorandum submitted by the Principal of the college and the PR leaders, the minister assured to look into the problems regarding construction of more infrastructures and posting of more faculties including the permanent college site after consultation with leaders of Tirap and Changlang districts.

The minister urged the students to maintain discipline, attend class regularly and make best use of the library and also appealed the teaching staff to give the best education to the students.

He assured to construct fencing around the Higher Secondary School under RAMSA scheme.

He advised the Panchayat leaders of the area to work hard for all round development of the area.

Gram Expo under PMEGP begins at Bomdila

Tashi advises youths to go for income generating activities

BOMDILA, Feb 3: The days of running after easy money in the form of contract or supply works are limited and white collared jobs few. Therefore, it is imperative to go for income and employment generating activities according to one’s aptitude and attitude, said West Kameng Deputy Commissioner i/c ADC Rinchin Tashi.

Inaugurating the 3-day Gram Expo under Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme sponsored by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission.

Tashi advised the unemployed youths that the opportunity given to them needs to be availed in true spirit. Right planning, perseverance, hard work with a pinch of luck pays off in the long run.

While acknowledging the continued efforts of the KVI Board/Commission and the Department of Textile and Handicrafts Bomdila for organizing the District Level Exhibition continuously for the last seven years, Tashi lamented that the annual affair, instead of gaining momentum and upward trend seems to be loosing its charm and credibility which is evident from the poor turn up of the entrepreneurs and the poorer merchandise put on display for sale cum exhibition.

Though the government has initiated various employment generation schemes for the educated unemployed youths, there seems to be some co-ordination gap between the executing agencies and the target group, he said. There is lack of awareness and the department concerned should take the onus upon itself to disseminate information up to the ground level. Instead of making it a routine affair, efforts should be made to ensure that the very purpose of the programme is not defeated, he added.

Earlier, ADTH Dorjee Phuntso, while speaking on the particulars of the PMEGP; which is said to be a revolutionary decision of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises by merging PMRY and REGP schemes, urged the Industries department and the District Task Force Committee for giving priority to the manufacturing sector. A total of 10 entrepreneurs put up their stalls of which seven were from the district and the rest three were from Naharlagun, Doimukh and Sagalee.

Earlier in the morning, A.K. Sharma and his team from North-East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST) Jorhat, Assam (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) with the help of power point presentation conducted an awareness programme on Water Literacy attended by the administrative officers, head of departments and general public.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner i/c ADC Rinchin Tashi urged for linking up of the training programme with the departments of Health and Public Health Engineering so as to achieve optimum result and the need to centre these programmes in the village and block levels involving the PRI members who are the grass root functionaries besides the concerned administrative officers. This is the age of information and creating awareness is of utmost importance, added Rinchin Tashi. The NEIST team would be conducting these programmes at Rupa and Kalakatang too in the district. DIPRO

Free operation camp by VKAJ begins at Margherita

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: The 3rd free operation camp for various ailments for the needy people of Tirap and Changlang districts got underway at NECF Coal India Hospital at Margherita, Assam on February one.

The camp is being conducted by a team of doctors from U.S.A. led by Dr. Gangadhar Madiwar.

Dr. Madiwar said that though they are now citizens of USA, their heart always beat for the cause of their motherland and that is why we are coming every year to India to serve our native people.

This year, 128 patients from Tirap and Changlang districts have registered their names in the camp.

Besides conducting operations of Gall Bladder Stone, Appendicitis, Hernia, Hydrocell, Lumps and Bumps the camp will also offer free endoscopy and health check-up for gastric and all abdominal related diseases. The camp is being organised by Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti in collaboration with Remote Area Medical Corp. Knoxville, U.S.A. & Coal India Ltd. NEC, Margherita.

Earlier, the camp was inaugurated by Phosum Khimhun, Parliamentary Secretary on February one by lighting the lamp after prayers to Rangfraa and short traditional rituals.

The chief guest expressed his gratitude to visiting doctors for their noble work and the Coal India NEC hospital, Margherita and Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti for conducting this Free Operation Camp.

NES conducts social interactive, academic tour

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: The first leg of the 2nd phase Social Interactive and Academic Awareness tour conducted by Nyishi Elite Society has been completed successfully. This leg of the tour covered Upper Subansiri, Lower Suabansiri, East Kameng, West Kameng, Kurung Kumey and Papum Pare Districts.

During the tour, they had interaction session with the local people and officers at various places where discussion were held on social and economic issues including health and education sectors.

The NES assured to take up their grievances regarding issues related to education, health and other socio economic problems faced by the Nyishi community.

Meanwhile, NES will take up the issue of creating a new Rupung District with the appropriate authority by reorganizing East Kameng and Papum Pare District, construction of road, school, medical infrastructure under Chayang Tajo Circle, road connectivity from Chayang Tajo to Nyapin, Chayang Tajo to Koloriang and Chayang Tajo to Palin.

Various educational, health and infrastructure sector were found in miserable condition during the tour, NES added.

The next phase of the tour would cover Mengio, Balijan, Kakoi and Kimin of Papum Pare district.

Adisu organizes anti-drug awareness campaign

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: Adi Students Union (Adisu) organized anti-drug awareness campaign at Oyan circle today.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) D.Srivastava lauded the Adisu for taking initiative in organizing such awareness drive saying that such constructive activities would go a long way in shaping up of a healthy society and discourage spread of drug menace. He also informed that Police department alone cannot help prevent such anti-social activities and everyone must rise to the occasion to check this social problem permanently.

He further said that Gaon Buras are the custodian of their respective villages and locality and as per the relevant act and amendment they have the power to maintain law and order within their jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, the SSP refuted the allegation levelled against police personnel taking drugs and lamented that nobody in particular has ever come up to file case against such police personnal.

Deputy Director of Health Service Dr. B.C Sharma, who was the guest of honor, advocated that the parents, particularly mother needs to play a proactive role in containing drug menace.

AAPSU spokesperson Tobom Dai, special guest, praised Adisu for the initiative they have made in organizing such campaign but opined that on many occasions important messages could not be carried further as after sometimes intensity of key issue fizzles out.

During the interactive session District Medical Officer Dr. T Taloh and Dr.L.Darung psychiatrist highlighted the ill effects of drugs use and informed about various steps taken by the medical authorities for rehabilitation of the addicts.

The awareness campaign was participated by local people including PRI leaders, members, Gaon Buras and students from different schools.

Appa invited to UK film fest

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: Hage D Appa, the lead actor of internationally acclaimed Arunachalee film ‘Sonam’ has been invited to attend the UK’s first Himalaya Film and Cultural Festival in London.

The film Sonam (The Fortunate One) is produced by Garima films, a unit of Garima Construction Pvt. Ltd of Guwahati, in collaboration with Itanagar-based public charitable trust Mountain Hive.

This is the first ever dialect film of Arunachal Pradesh, directed by Ahsan Muzid and deals with polyandry among yak shepherds in Arunachal Pradesh. The film will be screened at the UK’s first Himalaya Film and Cultural Festival at London.

D Appa has been invited in place of director of the film Muzid, who have expressed his inability to attend the festival due to some ‘obligations’.

The Film Festival, which is being held in the Tricycle Theatre, London from January 28 to February 12 will provide Appa a golden opportunity to meet and network with journalists, critics, other film directors and artists and guests from various embassies of the Himalayan and South Asian Region.

Meanwhile, Appa said,”the London festival has become the major event of the genre for mountain life and culture. But, unfortunately our director is not being able to attend it and then I am invited. Still, it's an honour that our film is there and I shall be there”.

Appa was felicitated by Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) and Itanagar Press Club (IPC) on November 16, 2008 in recognition of his contribution towards the development of Film and media of the state. Recently he acted in a major role in Shivam- a Hindi film from Bollywood.

Based on a popular Assamese novel of the same name, written by Sahitya Akademi winner Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi, Sonam has represented the country in various film festivals across the globe, including the National Geographic's All Roads Film Project in USA, Himalay Archie Nederland Film Festival in Amsterdam and Autrans International Mountain Film Festival in France.

The film won the Rajat Kamal in 2005 for the best feature film for "picturesque and effective portrayal of the contemporary tribal life".

It took Muzid and his crew 45 days of grueling trekking and traveling at heights of 8,000 feet to 15,000 feet to complete the film.

Eminent guests visit NERIST

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: Eminent personalities and educationist including Dr. N.Upadhaya, former Director of National Institute of Rural Development and presently a visiting faculty of IIM Shillong along with Dr. B.N.Singh, Ex. Professor, IIT Kharagpur, V.G.School of Management and presently Director, PIET, Rourkela, Orissa, and Mr. Rao, Chairman, National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), Vishakhapatnam visited NERIST yesterday.

During their visit, Dr. Upadhaya spoke on the Development Debates which included the Millennium Development Goals set by the UN and its achievement through all round development of the society as a whole and the problems to the rural development and ways to eliminate these problems.

Dr. Singh stressed on the loopholes in the education system, need for competency mapping of students for recruitment to the organizations, and the development of core competencies.

Dr. P.P. Dabral, Professor in Charge Training & Placement Cell of NERIST also interacted with the students and offered valuable tips to the students on issues related to their employability with professional organizations.

The guests also responded to the queries of the students after the lecture.

The visit was organized by Centre for Management Studies (CMS) under the banner of MaFoN (Management Forum of NERIST). This is the second time within a month that NERIST MBA has organized such a visit from eminent personalities.

Earlier Dr. Bhaskar Choubey, Rhodes Scholar and Assistant Professor at Glasgow University, U.K, visited the campus.

KVK organizes training programme on dairy farming

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: A training programme on dairy farming under dairy entrepreneurship development programme was organized by KVK, Papum Pare under the sponsorship of NABARD, Itanagar from January 31 to February 2 at Nirjuli.

All together twenty farmers were selected from amongst the Farmer’s Club members in and around the capital complex for the said training. The inquisitive farmers from Kurung-Kumey and Lower Subansiri district also participated in the programme. The inaugural session was attended by all the senior officers of the Directorate A. H & Vety.

Dr. Taba Heli, Programme Coordinator highlighted the objectives of the training programme and the need for dairy farming in and around the state capital for augmenting milk production for bridging the gap of demand and supply.

The trainees were made acquainted with scientific feeding, breeding and disease control measures by Dr. P. Borah (SMS, AHV) and Dr. N. Gama (FM) of the KVK. Further, they were taken for farm visit to private dairy farm of Taba Hare, a local dairy entrepreneur of Karsingsa to acquaint them on various managemental aspects of dairy farming.

The programme concluded with valedictory function which was attended by Dr. T. Taku, Deputy Director, AHV Deptt. as the chief guest, who in his speech exhorted the farmers to take up dairy farming on commercial basis and make full utility of this training programme for the sustainable income and development.

NABARD sponsores SHGs

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: NABARD is sponsoring six NGOs to put up three stalls to display and market their products at Namdapha Festival beginning from February five at Miao under Changlang district. Local NGO Seva Kendra is coordinating with the SHGs to facilitate marketing in the festival.

AITS to organize 3-day seminar

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: Arunachal Institute of Tribal studies (AITS), Rajiv Gandhi University will organize a three day international seminar on “Negotiating interventions in South-East Asia” from 15th to 17th February 2010. Education minister Bosiram Siram has consented to be the chief guest for the occasion and Dr. Udai Bhanu Singh, senior research officer, institute of defense studies and analysis, New Delhi will deliver key note address during the seminar.

ANYA appointment

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) has appointed Tarin Nabum as vice president (administration) with immediate effect.

Tang memorial football in Apr

ITANAGAR: The IXth edition of prestigious Tadar Tang Memorial State Level Football Tournament 2009-10 would be held at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun from second week of April, according to Arunachal Pradesh Football Association.

Student bodies condemn Daporijo incident

ITANAGAR: All Upper Subansiri District Stu-dent’s Union (AUSDSU), All Tagin Student’s Union (ATSU) and All Nyishi Student’s Union- Upper Subansiri Unit (ANSU-USU) have deeply regretted 31st January incident at Daporijo town in which locals and CRPF jawans had clashed.

In a press statement, all the three student bodies have requested authorities to terminate those persons from service who were involved in igniting the incident. Further they have asked administration to look into the treatment of one Taji Pakba, who was injured in the after math of clash when CRPF jawan had opened fire.

UAEA endorse NCP demand

ITANAGAR: Unemployed Arunachalee Engineer’s Association (U.A.E.A) has endorsed the demand of National Congress Party (NCP) in bringing out white paper on MOU with private developers. In a press statement, president of U.A.E.A Yumlam Aam charged that most of these private developers have recruited non-Arunachalees for all the important posts and most of them are not familiar with local issues.

Further he requested all departments to ban contract basis appointment of any technical posts and requested authorities to call open interview to select best candidates on merit basis to fill vacant posts.