The Arunachal Times - Archives

Later in an emergency meeting at RWD complex the employees describing the incident as ruthless said that the town becomes a shape havens for miscreants. The execution of development works will be hampered if such kind of incident continues. “Unless the authority initiate exemplary action against the culprits, similar incident against the engineer cannot be ruled out in near future”, expressed one of the Engineers. “If the executive becomes a soft target then what is the security of other subordinate officials”, said another.

Meanwhile, the employees submitted an ‘appeal’ letter to the DC and SP to brought the culprits into book within 48 hours else the officials will go for peaceful dharna in front of DC office.

Itanagar: Meanwhile, Confederation of Service Association of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) expressed deep shock over the incident and strongly condemned the assault on Choudhury.

The Confederation urged the Deputy Commissioner, Roing to immediately arrest the culprits and give exemplary punishment as per law.

Growing ASEAN-India bond will help

solve many burning problems: Siram

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: The growing relationship of the ASEAN with India in facilitating strategic ties will go a long way in solving many problems of the country in particular and the South East Asian nations in general, observed Education Minister Bosiram Siram while addressing at the inaugural function of three-day International Seminar on Negotiating Interventions in South East Asia today. The seminar is being organized by Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies, Rajiv Gandhi University.

Pointing out the common security concerned of both India and South-East Asia, he said the ARF (ASEAN Regional Forum), in which India is a member, are preparing strategies for confidence building. India's endeavour to promote good neighbourly relations with South-East Asia is paying dividends in the economic and strategic terms, he added. He also stressed on cultural ties between South East Asian countries and India.

While narrating the essence of Asian prosperity in today’s market driven world, Siram said that since 1992 the ASEAN has been extending its cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, tourism, science and technology and the India’s bilateral relations with all ASEAN countries are increasing in terms of trade and commerce. The policy of democratization, liberalization of trade, focus on human rights have brought India and the ASEAN closer to each other, he observed.

Pointing out the ongoing Look East Policy of Government of India, Siram expressed his hope that the policy will have a profound policy impact on Arunachal and South East Asia. He further went on to inform that the theme of the seminar will definitely throw light on Indian’s Policy in particular and Aruncahal Pradesh in specific for broad Interventions like social, cultural, economical and technological perspectives.

In his welcome address Prof. Tamo Mibang, Director of AITS, Rajiv Gandhi University said that the prime concern of the International Seminar is to look forward to strengthen and deepen international links and understanding through mutual interactions and academic programme. Knowledge has no frontier. It is only human knowledge that has brought the world closer and closer. He added that the seminar would address some crucial issues affecting south-east Asia and to re-locate their roles in new circumstances of this millennium. The questions to address would be how South-East Asian countries respond to global interventions viz. technological, ideological, economic political and cultural. How do they respond, negotiate, accommodate or negate these interventions. Whether free trade and globalization can go together with security problem?.

Dr. M.C. Behera, Coordinator of the seminar, explained the concepts both intervention and negotiation graphically and clarified why South East Asia is chosen for three days International seminar. He also added need for interdisciplinary inputs to bring out the linkages between interventions and negotiation in the context of south East Asia.

Sabine Jell Bahlsen of New Jersey Institute of Technology, New Jersey, USA, the Guest of Honour, narrated her anthropological journey in different parts of world based on interventions and dialogues as key concepts.

Dr. Udai Bhanu Singh of Indian Institute of Defense Studies and Analysis, in his key note address explained eloquently the multiplicity of meanings of the concept “Intervention and taking Myanmar as case study tried to explain why the issue of intervention and negotiation are important to understand dynamics of political economy in contemporary South East Asia. He has urged for a more accommodative policy in the context of Myanmar.

Prof. K.C. Belliappa, Vice-Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University in his Chairman’s remark expressed the importance of both concepts like negotiation and interventions in the context of the region and the state of Arunachal Pradesh. He wished that this three-day seminar will contribute meaningfully towards various intricate issues of the region as well as state. This inaugural session come to and end with the vote of thanks by Dr. Sarit K. Chaudhuri, Assistant Coordinator of the seminar. This session was attended by huge number of dignitaries from different parts of world, scholars from various corners of India and Arunachal Pradesh along with faculties, administrative staffs and students of Rajiv Gandhi University.

DM directs school authorities to ensure fire safety

SEPPA, Feb 15: Taking serious note to the Palin hostel inferno, the District Magistrate of Seppa today passed an order that direct all the Govt. /private school authorithies like principal and hostels owner to ensure fire safety measures in the schools and the hostels in the district in order to avoid any fire hazardous.

In a separate order the DM also banned all illegal activities related to the environment like the feeling of tree, collection of minor forest products, and hunting of animals without prior and valid permission from the DC/DFO and also use of explosive, bleaching powder and fishing trap in the river. The order also declared the collection of sandstone/boulders and chips stone from the river bank without prior permission from the DC/AMDO as illegal. This order stands continue for the period of one year or till another order is passed and violators of the order will be punished as per law. DIPRO

High power committee meeting held

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: The first meeting of the high power committee (HPC) constituted to look into the various aspects of recent Palin fire incident was held today.

In the meeting all members expressed their views and were of the opinion that the first and foremost task of the committee is to unearth the cause of the fire mishap.

Member secretary of the HPC, ADC Pania apprised the committee members about the demands of the parents of the victims and informed that only 10 children have died in the accident, the reports in some section of the press regarding more causality is baseless, he claimed.

After a detailed discussion it was decided that a team headed by MP Takam Sanjoy will immediately proceed to Palin and assess the situation on the spot and based on their reports the committee will finalize its reports.

The Education Minister is unable to proceed to Palin due to some pre-occupation and has fully authorized Sanjoy to lead the team.

Governor to inspect on-going railway project

ITANAGAR, Febr 15: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen JJ Singh, who is closely monitoring all the development activities in the state, especially those under Prime Minister’s package will be inspecting the progress of on-going works on the Harmuti-Itanagar rail link on February 16. To have a board idea of the rail link between Harmuti and Murkongselek, near Ruksin in East Siang and to see for himself, the basic facilities, infrastructure and service provided to the passengers from Arunachal Pradesh by the Indian Railways through Harmuti Railway Station, Gen Singh will be travelling by train from Harmuti, the nearest railway station in Assam to Gogamukh on the day. The Governor, who has been stressing on board gauge railway line up to Itanagar in the 2nd phase, has commended the State Government and the district administration for expediting the land acquisition process.

On November 28 last, accompanied by the Doimukh MLA Nabum Rebia, Itanagar MLA Techi Kasso and the then Papum Pare Deputy Commission Bidol Tayeng, the Governor had gone on an aerial survey of the construction of railway line. The total length of the first phase railway line is about 11.45KM. PRO to Governor.

Development issues in K/Kumey discussed

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: Some of the problems like poor road communication, power supply, education scenario and health which plagued Kurung Kumey district were the main points of discussion of the coordination meeting held here yesterday.

While highlighting problems like delay in release of SSA teachers’ salary, mid-day meal, students’ stipend and irregularity of Govt. officers and officials, Tali MLA Markio Tado opined that these matters need proper investigation.

Nyapin MLA Bamang Felix stated that the district has been lagging behind in all developmental activities as compared to other districts. Proper initiative could make a difference in this regard. He appealed to the student bodies to guide students community in proper direction and create awareness on the need of education among people.

Tali being the most backward constituency in terms of development activities among four constituencies in the district needs proper care and initiative by the government, opined Lokam Tassar, Parliamentary Secretary (Food and Civil Supply etc). Emphasizing on the need of atmosphere conducive to education, he assured the meeting of his best for development of Kurung Kumey.

All Nyishi Students’ Union general secretary Nilly Likha while highlighting some of the pressing problems like poor road communication, power supply, emphasized on posting of qualified principals, headmasters, subject teachers in schools and administrative officers in various departments.

Issues related to security, PDS and socio-economic condition were also discussed in the meeting.

ZPMs, ASMs and representatives of AAPSU and ANSU attended the meeting and shared their views for solution of these problems. The meeting was presided over by All Kurung Kumey District Students’ Union (AKKDSU) president Marbam Taga, according to a release issued by AKKDSU.

‘Festival plays a binding role in our society’

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: Tamladu festival, which echoes the very ethos of the Digaru & Miju Mishmi communities reverberated all around Yealiang village under Sunpura circle of Lohit district today with hoisting of festival flag amid fanfare and traditional gaiety.

Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, the State PHED, Veterinary and Dairy Development Minister Chowna Mein termed festival as a common thread that binds the members of the community and expose the rich cultural heritage of a particular tribe of the state. Such festival should be a common forum to conduct social discourse and debate on our folk -lores , spiritual healing and other practices prevailing in our society.

Mishmi Art & Craft are of high order and weavers should have a professional approach to work on it for better marketing, he said adding “with the improvement of communication system in the district, our place can be a potential tourist destination”.

Terming his visit as home coming and recollecting his childhood memories about the Sunpura circle, he said that lot of developments have come up in this tiny part of this district.

Responding to public demand on the occasion, the Minister was specific on 4 % achievement in agro sector as envisaged in central guideline and “ironically we could achieve 2 % in this very important sector”.

Irrigation system is quite essential and classified into high & law region and place like Sunpura falls in the low region and contingency plan should be drawn accordingly.

He also assured to look into water scarcity problem and highlighted the on going incentives for Sunpura circle. Sanitation has become a very important and sensitive issue all over and government is organising a ‘Sanitation Run’ on statehood day on 20th February next to sensitize people and appeal all to involve in the run

Speaking as Guest of Honour Parliamentary Secretary Transport Karikho Kri said that effort is being made to bring Tamladu festival in a larger platform to expose Cultural heritage of the Mishmi society. The promotion of once own dialect, handicrafts, traditional games and sports and maintaining own culture are main concerns to keep our roots . Traditional attires do not keep our identity unless we galvanise our traditional thought pattern and maintain ethos that are associated with our culture. Religion and culture are different identities and should not be mingled while celebrating the festival , he observed. Angramso Kri and other also spoke on the occasion.

The occasion was also celebrated at district HQ Tezu with pomp and traditional extravaganza. Augung Bengia General Secretary Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh cum Jt. Secretary Nyshi Elit Society graced the occasion as Chief Guest and gave his goodwill and Tamladu greetings to all members of the society . Dominso Tayang Head Priest of Mishmi community also attended the function as Guest of Honour. Flag hoisting, presentation of traditional dances and cultural show were other attraction of celebration at Tezu. DIPRO

Accomodation to homeless

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: In a move to provide well furnished home to shelterless people of the state, the state government has decided to construct residential flats at Lower Jollang village near Pachin river along Itanagar-Jollang-Naharlagun bypass.

The primary objective of the scheme is to provide land, services and good quality home to shelterless people of the state. Beside, such scheme will prevent the growth of slum area and unplanned development in the township, an official release said.

Three thousands flats would be constructed in the first phase, the release said, adding that the flats in second phase will come up at Upper Jollang. However, the tenants will have to pay certain amount for certain category of the flats.

Plan afoot to celebrate Arunachal

Day in different way

ZIRO, Feb15: Lower Subansiri District administration in a meeting today decided to celebrate the ensuing statehood Day at Ziro, on 20th February next in a befitting manner as ‘Arunachal Day’. District HODs, ZPMs, ACPs and representatives of educational institutions took part in the meeting.

DC Hage Takka, while chairing the meeting said statehood Day is a very important occasion and we should not undermine it by observing it in namesake. Announcing to celebrate it in different way from the earlier ones, he urged full support and cooperation of all HODs, local leaders and general public for making it a grand success.

Unlike earlier occasions, where the Day was celebrated by unfurling the national flag at the DC’s Office complex, this time the Day will be celebrated at Subansiri Stadium with Parliamentary secretary Padi Richo as Chief Guest.

A cleanliness drive - social Service for the entire township will precede the statehood Day on Feb 19 next.

Besides unfurling of National flag by chief guest, guard of honour, football match and Tug of War between officers and Public, etc., have been included as programme of the Day. DIPRO

Condolences still pour in

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: The staff and students of the Don Bosco College, Itanagar has condoled the death of the children in Palin hostel fire incident.

In a condolence meeting organized at college auditorium the college fraternity sang hymns and offered prayers for the victims and those affected by the incident.

Speaking during the service Dr. Sebastian Karottupuram, Principal of Don Bosco College, said, “It was really a tragic event. We sympathize with the bereaved parents and family members and pray for their solace.”

He also lauded and thanked the Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, the Member of Parliament Takam Sanjay and the administration for the quick response and also the Prime Minister for his support and financial assistance.

The college was closed for the rest of the day as a mark of respect to the children who were killed in the fire accident.

Meanwhile, Confederation of Service Association of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) deeply condoled the death of children in Palin fire incident and extended solidarity to the bereaved families in their hours of extreme grief. The members prayed to the Alimighty God for eternal peace of the departed souls and speedy recovery of the injured.

The Arunachal Pradesh Christian Revival Church Council (APCRCC) has expressed its shock and concern over the tragic inferno incident which killed young lives at Palin.

Expressing its solidarity to the victims and their families at a condolence prayer meeting held at CRC Itanagar on Feb 14, the APCRCC has decided to extend all possible support to the victims.

‘Rectify norms’

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: The All Arunachal Registered Contractor Association (AARCA) demanded the department of Urban Development and Housing, Capital Complex to immediately rectify the norms and extension to schedule time and date of NIT under the scheme of JNNURM vide package No. UIG /AP-03/A-01. The AARCA in a release said the authority concerned should follow the NIT Amendment Act given by Central Public Work Department (CPWD).

Referring to a certain criteria in a recently published NIT by UD and Housing, Capital Complex division, the Association expressed concern over the alleged “new trend emerging in the field of NIT by compelling to sign an undertaking not to litigate against the authority.”

The authority should adopt the system of transparency rather than complex and rigid rules, it added while demanding revocation of such rules.

APCRCC releases its Bye-law

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: The Arunachal Pradesh Christian Revival Church Council (APCRCC) has released its amended version of bye-law on Feb 14 at CRC Itanagar. It was ceremonially released by one of its senior most reverends, Rev. Nabam Sango in presense of the who’s who of the APCRCC including its President Sama Dodum, General Secretary Evan. Tai Ete, Govt. officers, public leaders and believers from various churches of the capital and district headquarters of the state, according to a release.

Training programme on financial

rules and function of DDOs begins

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: A Week-long Training Programme on financial rules, procedures and function of DDOs has started in ATI, Naharlagun from today under the sponsorship of DoPT, Govt. of India.

Altogether, 34 officers comprising of various Head of Departments, District Administration holding Drawal & Disbursing Officers (DDOs)/ Head of Offices (HoOs) including number of APCS officers in the level of COs/ EACs are attending the pogramme.

Speaking on the inaugural day as chief guest Special Secretary Finance & Commissioner Tax & Excise Amit Singla appreciating the organizer said that more emphasize on training should be given to raise all round efficiency of Government functionaries & highlighted the delegation of financial powers by the Government to the Heads of Departments and informed that state Government have recently reviewed the “Delegation of Financial Powers & Rules 1978” through a high level Committee & approved major modification of the Rule which is being done after 1978 & revise the quantum of financial powers in commensurate with present price index in respect of all authorities under Categories ‘A’, ‘B’ & ‘C’ to provide much needful relief . Adding that, specific plan schemes under Government have further delegated special financial power up to 15 lakhs in each case for the level of Commissioners/ Secretaries of the Head of Departments in respect of ACA/SPA/ PA/DP/BRGF/CCS with endorsement of the case to Finance Department. However, the responsibilities for effective implementation and utilization of fund will rest on the respective heads of departments. Apart from above, the Directors/ Secretaries have been delegated with financial power of Rs. 1 Lakh & Rs. 2 lakhs respectively in each case for execution of “Minor Works” under State Plan Budget & informed that objective beyond this major decision of the Govt. is to facilitate smooth & effective implementation of various Govt. schemes & projects/ works within the time frame. However, singla cautioned the officers that the Government is not in favour of drawal of A/c bills in view of inordinate delay in submission of DCC bills & added that the Controller & Auditor General had also passed its strong remarks in this regard. Singla disclosed that Finance Department is soon launching a new Website ( www arunachal fin @ nic. in) where all financial related Orders/ Guidelines/ Notification/ Circulars/ Rules etc. will be available for the benefit of all stakeholders of the state & this will be formally inaugurated shortly by the Government and the Government is also planning to bring out a “Hand-Book on Financial Rules” for easy use of all the Govt. Departments/ Offices.

Earlier, Director (Training) Pema Tshetan pointed out that despite limited man power and poor infrastructural facilities, ATI have been rapidly organizing numerous training programmes on various “Issue Based” topics for the benefit of the Government officials & Officers including members of Civil Society for all objective of human resource development of the State. He thanked to the Government for the SPA grant of Rs.1 Crore to ATI for building a double storied Computer Lab-cum- Training Building besides a sizeable amount of Rs. 34 Lakhs under TFC grant for construction of one additional Lecture Hall which will be dedicated for organizing various financial related Training Programmes/Workshops/ Seminars/ Discussions during the current plan year 2009-10. He further emphasis on the need for recruitment of core faculty team of the Institute to cop with the increasing demand of training in the State and to have an institutional hostel building in near future.

He also gave strong emphasize on acquiring of thorough knowledge regarding the Financial Rules & Procedures and added that, all Government officers should be aware of the fact that all financial transactions of Government Department are under close scrutiny of the executive through Public Accounts Committee as well as Central Agency like; Controller & Accountant General etc. therefore the officers should be extra careful in handling Government expenses. he further emphasize that, the Department should give top most priority in matter of Assembly Questions on financial matters so that accurate information and documents are furnished so that Ministers are not required to face embarrassing situations & find them on wrong footings.

T. Lodo, Deputy Director and the Course Coordinator of the Programme highlighted about the week-long training programme.

Y.Megu, Director, Audit & Pension, Pema Tshetan, Director (Training), A.Pangam, Deputy Commissioner, Tax & Excise/ A. Basit, Jt. Director ( Audit & Pension), J. Tayeng, Jt. Director Accounts and Treasuries, J.K Bhattacharjee, Sr. FAO, N. Lama, Treasury Officer, Naharlagun and P.K Saikia, FPO (Small Savings) are the Guest Resource Persons of the training.

Sena inaugurates CO HQ

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: Arunachal Finance and IPR Minister, Setong Sena today formally inaugurated the Circle headquarters at Soha about 25 Km from Deomali amidst a huge gathering. He also inaugurated the office building of the CO constructed by PWD under DoTC on the occasion.

In his inaugural address, Sena, while congratulating the people, asked them to extend their fullest cooperation to the state government and execute the government schemes properly to improve their living standard. The Minister said that the CO office would go a long way in addressing the pressing problems of the people more effectively. While replying to the memorandum submitted by the people, Sena assured to take up with the government. Earlier he inspected the school building at Soha.

Parliamentary Secretaries Wangki Lowang and Thangwang Wangham and public leaders also spoke on the occasion.

The function was attended by Wangpha Lowang, Ex-Minister, HoDs and public leaders from Soha and nearby villages. Archery Competition and cultural programmes marked the occasion. The Chief Minister, Dorjee Khandu conveyed his best wishes to the people on the occasion. DIPRO

‘Enhance supply of APL rice’

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: All Lower Subansiri District Fair Price Shop Dealers Welfare Association (ALSDFP-SDWA) has demanded for increase in allotment of APL (Above Poverty Line) rice as per requirement.

The association, in a memorandum submitted to Parliamentary Secretary, food and civil supply, claimed that 1700 quintals of rice is being lifted monthly under APL against the actual requirement of 4800 quintals. It claimed that the district authority is making allotment to issue 4 to 8 kg of rice to each family every month instead of 35 kg which is insufficient.

It also expressed resentment over the irregular supply of PDS items which according to them cause great inconvenience to both FPS owners and consumers. While claiming lapse in the supply of PDS items in the months of August, October, November in 2009 and January in 2010, the memorandum urged the Parliamentary secretary to ensure regular supply of PDS items by doing the needful. Supply of other ration items like sugar and wheat have been totally stopped since last two years despite repeated pleas and reminder submitted to the authorities concerned, the memorandum claimed and demanded resumption in supply of these essential items immediately. The memorandum also appealed for discontinuation of State Wholesale Nominee and appointment of district-wise whole sale nominee in the greater interest of the native people.

Greetings

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen J J Singh has extended his sincere greetings to all the people of Arunachal Pradesh on the auspicious occasion of Oriah Festival.

I hope the festival strengthens the emotional integration, brotherhood and mutual understanding amongst our citizens and brings prosperity, happiness and tranquility in the society, the Governor said in a message.

“On this auspicious occasion, I pray to Almighty Rangwa to bless each one of us with his choicest blessings, good health and a bumper harvest”, the message added.

State Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has also greeted the people of Arunachal Pradesh particularly the Wancho community of Tirap District on the auspicious occasion of Oriah festival.

While he prayed almighty for a bumper harvest, he believed that the festival will bring together all sections by strengthening the mutual trust and understanding thereby paving way for a peace and prosperity in the society.

‘Make number plates as per prescription’

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Police, Road Safety Cell, has directed all vehicle owners to make their vehicle registration number plates according to the specification given under CMVR 1989 before March three. Violation of the same would invite strict action.

PM lauded

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee thanked Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for announcing an ex-gratia relief from the PM’s National Relief Fund to the families of the school children, who lost their lives and also relief to the seriously injured students in Palin fire incident.

All Tam Socio-Economic Welfare Association appealed the state government to find out the cause of the Palin fire incident and also appealed the education department to frame proper rules and regulations for private institutions and hostels in the state.

MSME industrial motivation campaign

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: MSME, Itanagar would organize industrial motivation campaign at Branch MSME-DI, Itanagar on February 18 for the unemployed youth.

Nyokum Yullo

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: Beth A Payne consul general, consulate general of USA Kolkota would attend the Nyokum festival celebration, Doimukh as chief guest.

She would be accompanied by Political Advisor of the Consul general Tinku Roy.

MP of Sikkim OT Lepcha has consented to attend the Nyokum celebration, Kimin as chief guest.

Condolences

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: All Lower Subansiri Students’ Union (ALSU) and Union of Apatani Educated Unemployed Youth expressed their heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family members of Hibu Tabin, who died in a road accident near Dutta middle school, Ziro on February 13 last.

He was working a vice president of Union of Apatani Educated Unemployed Youth and is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.