February  - 24

• Arunachal record best ever performance in National Games
• Centre approves proposals under Bharat Nirman and PMGSY
• Tirap is not about guns alone, it’s about gold medals too
• NIHM disability rehabilitation awareness programme
• Training on soil and water conservation in different land forms
• Hunger strike against corruption
• Five days mega eye camp
• Seps organizes “Total Sanitation Programme”
• Refresher course for college and university teachers
• Hollistic and participatory approach bears the fruit
• ELT in Arunachal – Looking back, Looking Forward……

Arunachal record best ever performance in National Games

M. Doley

ITANAGAR, Feb 23: Arunachal Pradesh created history by recording their best ever performance in National Games with 11 medals, including a silver with pugilists providing icing on the cake by winning three bronze medals today.

Although the boxer trio of Prakash Dorjee, Tilak Budhathoki and Monita Devi could not make it to the finals they were awarded medals as there is no bronze medal play off in boxing. Both the semifinal losers are awarded a bronze.

Monita lost to Vanlal Duati of Tripura 1-5 while Prakash was outclassed by Santosh of Goa 0-4.

Archery team drew a blank both in Indian and Recurve rounds and returned empty handed.

With addition of three more medals, Arunachal’s medal tally climbed to 11, one silver and 10 bronze, the best ever haul in National Games so far.

Arunachal won two bronze medals in last edition of the National Games held in Guwahati in 2007.

Meanwhile, a controversy involving boxer Budhathoki dampened the celebration at Arunachal camp.

According to information received here, Budhathoki did not take part in the semifinal against Rakesh Kalasakar of sscb ‘intentionally’ without any valid reason. The matter has been informed to Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA), Chef de Mission of Arunachal contingent L Sokun Singh said. Disciplinary action would be initiated against him, if found guilty, he added.

Singh further informed that he along with four other members of the Arunachal contingent will call on former President APJ Abdul Kalam in a function being hosted by Jharkhand CM Arjun Munda in Ranchi tomorrow.

Arunachal have now completed their engagements in the Games and the team will be returning from Jharkhand on February 27.

 

    Event            G    Sil   Br  Total

Lawn Bowl      0     1    2     3

Karate            0     0    4     4

Boxing            0     0    3     3

Weightlifting    0     0    1     1

Archery           0    0     0     0

 

Centre approves proposals under Bharat Nirman and PMGSY

ITANAGAR, Feb 23: Union Ministry of Rural Development has cleared  the proposals of NE states under Bharat Nirman and PMGSY (Stage-II).

Union Minister of State for Rural Development Agatha Sangma is happy to inform that her ministry cleared the proposals (stage –II) of North-Eastern states under Bharat Nirman Programme and  PMGSY. This was informed by Nationalist Congress Party, Arunachal Pradesh unit president Ngurang Pinch in a release today.

Formation cutting for construction of  roads under  Bharat Nirman in some of the North Eastern states have been completed under stage-I but  there was an urgent need of fund and clearance of proposals for  completion of roads under stage-II.

According to the release, an amount of Rs.800.62 crores will be required for clearance of pending proposals from 7 hilly states under Bharat Nirman.  Also, an amount of Rs.1192.14 crores (approximately) will be required for  clearance of proposals under Stage-II under Bharat Nirman and an amount of Rs. 829.19 crores will be required under PMGSY (Stage-II) for which Stage-I has been already cleared. Thus the total amount required for proposals of North Eastern states is Rs.2821.95 crores, the release said.

 

Tirap is not about guns alone, it’s about gold medals too

D. Bosai

Today, Tirap is synonymous with guns and killings thanks to the presence of two warring insurgency groups which are after each other’s blood. Entire district including the district headquarters Khonsa has become hot bed of insurgency wherein sporadic sounds of gun fire reverberate through the hills and valleys, thereby breaking the silence of the hitherto most peaceful place.  

Had the authorities acted in the beginning, when insurgents in small groups had infiltrated the border villages of Lazu, Wakka, Pongchou and Pumao, the situation would not have been what it is today. As of now, two factions are well-entrenched, well armed and had penetrated deep inside the social milieu. During the last one decade scores of civilians had been killed in cold blood including the high profile assassination of former young MP Wangcha Rajkumar. Even dozens of security forces have been killed.      

But strangely, this burning insurgency problem seems to be untouchable and nobody wants to talk about it. It seems everyone is thinking that it is Tirap’s problem alone and must be solved by the people. In the not too distant past when Tirap paid the highest revenue in the form of forest royalty people used to sing a sweet and different tune and every Govt employee wanted to be posted there. However, today when it is in trouble there is no body to shed even a tear leave alone extending a helping hand. What a shame when we neglect Tirap we are neglecting Arunachal. Tirap’s problem is Arunachal’s problem. Urgent effort must be made by govt to address the problem in right earnest.

There is total mistrust among all sections of people vis-a- vis insurgency in the district. The poor villagers don’t trust govt agencies, security forces and their fellow villagers too as the stand of both state and central Govts on this issue is not clear to them.

The poor Govt. employees working in the district have no one to lean upon as they are also a confused lot in present ambience. They have no security whatsoever. In the past many officers had been picked up by ultras and beaten up and humiliated. These poor victims apparently don’t confide their agonies to anyone for they know no punitive action would be forthcoming from any quarters. This is a bitter truth.      

The stoic silence of leaders of all hues on this issue is also not helping in anyway either. In the process it is the innocent villagers who suffer the most in silence. For everyone’s good the state govt needs to clarify its stand loud and clear on this vexed issue for the benefit of the common people who are in a morass of confusion. The state govt can start dialogue process with both groups in consultation with the centre to hammer out mutually acceptable solution in the interest of Tirap which has suffered enough.

However, some positive and encouragement developments are also taking place thanks to the contributions of some of the dedicated and selfless officers against all odds. Against the backdrop of the often turbulent law and order scenario in the district, this year former DC Ankur Garg, former SP  Madhav Tiwari, Executive Engineer Walat Handique,  former OC, Thomas Pertin  got gold medals from the state Govt. while Amit Bengia , DF&CSO got  silver  which is first medal of the entire Food & civil supplies department since its inception. All these medals were given for their stupendous performances in their respective fields under trying and often dangerous conditions. People of Tirap salute them for bringing laurels for themselves and the disturbed Tirap district which has otherwise nothing to write home about. --

D. Bosai (The writer is DIPRO, Khonsa)

 

NIHM disability rehabilitation awareness programme

ITANAGAR, Feb 23: National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped (NIHM), Secunderabad, under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in collaboration with Donyi Polo Mission Rehabilitation Centre, Chimpu, Itanagar is organizing an awareness programme on disability rehabilitation from February 28 to March 3.

During the five-day long programme, NIHM team including NIMH, Rehabilitation Psychology HoD Dr. Binapani Mahapatra and Occupational Therapist Dr. T Mukesh will conduct awareness camps for different schools and colleges of capital area, Anganwadi workers, volunteers, special educators, professionals working in the field of disability rehabilitation, representatives of NGOs and parents of children having mental retardation and other disabilities. On March 4, a composite rehabilitation camps will be organized at Donyi Polo Mission School for the Hearing Impaired, Chimpu to identify persons with disabilities, psychological assessment, guidance and counseling of mentally retarded children and other disabilities.

The parents and guidance may contact principal, DPMSFHI, Chimpu at 9436416702 for registration and detail information.

 

Training on soil and water conservation in different land forms

BASAR, Feb. 23: A 7-day long training cum exposure visit on “Soil and water conservation in different land forms” was successfully completed on Feb 23 at ICAR, Basar. Altogether 62 trainees from different villages of West Siang and Upper Subansiri district were benefited from the programme. The training was sponsored by Scaling up of Water Productivity in Agricultural for Livelihood (SWPAL), Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. P. Suresh Kumar, Joint Director in-charge, ICAR highlighted the importance of this training programme and apprised the rural farmers how the soil and water conservation measures can improve the soil and water quality on different land forms. Further, he elaborated the importance of off-season production of vegetables to increase the farm income, nutritional security and livelihood.

The course coordinator Dr. V.K. Choudhary, Scientist, Agronomy delivered introductory lectures on “soil and water conservation measures for different topography”. He has also stressed the importance of soil and water for various agricultural practices and how better we can manage the water in the region for long term use and sustainable growth of the region. He also addressed the issues of climate change in the region and its impact on our society and how best we can cope up with.

Resource persons were called to deliver presentation and to expose the farmers to the nuances of advanced farming methods. Dr. Doni Jini, Scientist, Veterinary Extension has briefed about scientific pig and poultry farming. A. Kiran Kumar Singh, SMS, Agronomy gave brief description on the types of soil and water conservation measures (various measures) to increase the farm productivity. Dr. P. Sarma, SMS, Horticulture, delivered presentation on “Nursery management techniques for solanaceous crops”. Dr. S.P. Singh, SMS, plant protection besides delivering lecture on mushroom production, detailed the farmers about disease management measures for agricultural and horticultural crops Technical officer G. Bhagawati, Technical officer, Meteorology, explained the honey bee rearing and Integrated Pest Management measures for controlling devastating pests of agri and horticultural crops. N. Taye, Technical of KVK farm Bame explained about the various on going activity. Exposure visits were also arranged to the research farm Gori and KVK instructional farm to witness the new technologies on their own. Hands on practical were also conducted to get expertise on the technologies taught.

Participants were very much satisfied and appreciated the ICAR-AP Centre, Basar for working hard for the Arunachali farmers. Farmers promised the organizer that they will try their level best to implement the appropriate technologies which were taught in their farms to have sustainability.  

 

Hunger strike against corruption

ITANAGAR, Feb 22: The Bharatiya Janata Party, Anjaw district unit  launched 48 hours hunger strike in front of the addl. deputy Commissioners office at Hayuliang as its second phase of democratic movement against alleged rampant irregularities and corruption in the district on Feb 22 morning, informed BJP state unit in a release.

The party further informed that in its second phase of strike, the party is demanding resignation of  local MLA. Alleging black marketing of PDS items, especially rice and atta, the party said that the MLA was responsible for creating scarcity of PDS commodities and thereby forcing the people of the district to face starvation since 2006 to till date.

The BJP sought the personal intervention of the Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu  to do justice to the people and also demanded necessary investigations into the alleged corruption and irregularities.

Earlier on Feb 11, the Anjaw district BJP had staged mass anti-corruption rally.

 

Five days mega eye camp

Aalo,  Feb 23: A five-day mega eye camp got underway at District Hospital Aalo on Feb 22. More than one hundred  patients have been shortlisted to undergo minor and major operation  during the camp.

Inaugurating the mega eye camp, Jarsa Gamlin,  Chairperson, West Siang Zilla Parishad  insisted on creating awareness on different ailments.  He expressed his gratitude to participating doctors, ophthalmologist and paramedical staffs for rendering medical services.

Dr. Yater Darang, Eye Specialist from Pasighat is the lone doctor to carry forward the five days medical programme.  A doctor known for her professional ethics, zeal, simplicity and patient friendly nature, she is determined to take up the medical task ahead, unmindful of physical and mental fatigue that may take toll on a lady. As a senior doctor she has been a regular member of many a medical camps in various parts of the state whenever her service was required.

The Aalo DMO, Dr. Bomjum Kamki, DFWO Moli Riba, Dr. Jopir and Dr. Linya Bagra, Medical Superintendent also highlighted the aims and objectives behind organizing the eye camp and extended their thanks to everyone for starting a successful Mega Eye Camp at Aalo. DIPRO

 

Seps organizes “Total Sanitation Programme”

ITANAGAR,  Feb  23:  The Self Employment Programme Society  (SEPS), a Dibang Valley based NGO has organised an awareness campaign on  "Total Sanitation Campaign"  at Anini today.

Abu Tayeng, DC cum Chairman, Disrict Water Sanitation Committee (DWSC) speaking on the occasion said, " contaminated water is the root cause of many common and fatal diseases. He requested the department concerned to ensure proper treatment of drinking water  and its interrupted supply to the people.

The DC also appealed  the Panchayat members to work with dedication  for proper implementation of the sanitation schemes. He advised the NGO to conduct such awareness campaign on sanitation in far flung villages and in schools as well.

Earlier resourse person Dr. M. Mihu, briefed the gathering about the importance of the sanitation programme.  In short interactive session, he responded on few health related queries.

 The awareness campaign was attended by officers, Panchayat representatives and  the villagers of the area. The campaign programme was co-ordinated by W. Mihu, President, SEPS. DIPRO

 

Refresher course for college and university teachers

ITANAGAR, Feb 23: The UGC-Academic Staff College and the Department of Chemistry, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong have jointly organized a Refresher Course for College and University Teachers  from Feb 23 to  March 15. The Inaugural Function held on the 23rd February 2011 in the Academic Staff College, North-Eastern Hill University and was presided over by Prof. B. Myrboh Head, Department of Chemistry.

Chief Guest Prof. A. N. Rai Vice-Chancellor of North-Eastern Hill University, while speaking  on  the occasion emphasized the need  of direct interaction between  the participant teachers and  the faculty members of the department as  it provides a  unique opportunity in understanding  the  problems/difficulties  in implementing the course curriculum/syllabi apart from  the academic enrichment. This direct interaction is superior to the feedback that we receive from other channels. Prof. Rakesh Mohan, Director UGC-Academic Staff College, North-Eastern Hill University emphasized in his speech the importance of Refresher Course in general for career advancement  of the  teachers, but most  importantly he pointed out that after attending this course, whatever updates in their  professional  knowledge they receive, should be passed  on to their  students at their respective work places.

While speaking on the occasion as Chairperson Prof. B. Myrboh informed that year 2011 is being celebrated as International Year of Chemistry with the Theme: “Chemistry–OUR LIFE, OUR FUTURE”. This is to celebrate the achievement of chemistry and its contribution to the well being of human kind and to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Madame Marie Curie getting Noble Prize and the foundation of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).

The other who spoke on the occasion includes Dr. H. Askari-Course Coordinator.

 

Hollistic and participatory approach bears the fruit

Itanagar, Feb 23: The performance of different farmers regarding the Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) on Pulses and Oilseeds and Potato under the KVK West Siang have been strictly monitored and evaluated by A. Kirankumar Singh, SMS (Agronomy) and Dr. S. P. Singh, SMS (Plant Protection) under the guidance of the Joint Director.

As a part of it, the team visited the New Bam Village on Feb 21 and 22 and Gori-III village  today and interacted with different farmers. They suggested  them for different techniques of crop management and insect pests control measures. The team interacted with Dakkar Bam and Mangam Basar who are growing pea and rapeseed in their fields and noticed the problem of water stress and early symptom of powdery mildew and suggested the control measure accordingly. Further, the team apprised them to actively participate in the FLD programme of the KVK with full dedication. The KVK West Siang is working for the farmers with dedication and full commitment for the improvement of economy of the farmers with technical guidance and critical inputs for which the participation of farmers with strong will is required to perform and show their results to other farmers of the state.

 

ELT in Arunachal – Looking back, Looking Forward……

S. Mundayoor

English language teaching (ELT) in Arunachal can be said to have its start in 1970-71, when the union territory adopted

English as the medium of instruction in all schools right from class I.  Before that itself, the opening of the RK Mission school at Along (Aalo) had set the scene for accepting English as the medium to put school education in the state on a strong footing. This received a further boost by late 70’s with the arrival of the RK Sarada Mission followed by the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas on the educational front, providing a secure and supportive residential learning environment to their students, almost all of them first-generation learners. This spurt in educational activism also created a sudden interest among a large section of the young Arunachali parents, the upcoming middle class, to seek out English medium schools for their young children. Of course, this trend not surprisingly has led us today to a culture of opening ‘school-shops’, under no social or governmental controls; but that’s another story.  

The 80’s also brought us a short spell of active and close association with two premier educational agencies, CIEFL and NCERT in giving a major thrust in training our teachers, especially  in English Language teaching (ELT). For this far-sighted gift, Arunachal owes a big thanks to the educationist-statesman, late R. N. Haldipur, our 2nd Lt Governor (1979-81). His enthusiasm in promoting educational standards saw him not only rope in these agencies to come to Arunachal, but in driving all the way to visit schools and attend teachers’ training programmes in many parts of the state. Many old teachers still remember him sitting with them in workshops and even joining in ‘Antakshari’ recitations!    This association brought us not only training inputs, but also saw NCERT bringing out a series of attractive language text books for grades 1 to 3 in English and Hindi, totally based on the socio-cultural scenario of Arunachal. The ‘New Dawn Readers’ gave us familiar-sounding rhymes like ‘Old Chung Wang had a farm’, instead of making our children repeat meaningless ones like ‘London bridge..’ and ‘Piggy on the rail’, as is being done today even in our Anganwadis. It’s not clear as to what made the state discontinue this path-breaking initiative, but a clear long-time vision was evidently missing. A golden opportunity was lost to build a cadre of competent language teachers and text-book writers in the state Education Dept. Introduction of a series of culture-sensitive language text books upto class V would have also given a great impetus to the rural primary education in Arunachal, by making reading English easier and more meaningful to the children than what it is today. Such a strong foundation would have by now put us ahead of many other states in the country. Continued Involvement of CIEFL through its Shillong branch too would have supplemented the state’s efforts. But sadly, the tempo was clearly missing by late 80s.

Fortunately, the emergence of communicative approach all over the world in the teaching of English as a second language, and the CBSE’s tie-up with the British Council in teacher-training in the approach, brought a revival of interest in English language in Arunachal around 1992-93. Thus a team of senior English language teachers in the state were trained as master trainers in Communicative approach at Hyderabad and in Delhi, to provide similar training inputs to teachers of secondary schools back home. This was for class IX and X, and thus there was still a large section of teachers in the primary and middle schools not covered by any ELT inputs.   

The emergence of Sarva Shikhsa Abhiyan led ELT in the state to an almost a crisis! The rapid spread of primary and middle schools even to the remotest corner of the state under SSA, over the last one decade called forth a massive effort to strengthen the English language levels at the primary school level. But this is yet to be a reality. There emerged a large cadre of newly appointed teachers, with hardly adequate proficiency in English. But the inputs they receive in ELT in their month-long training sessions - often imparted months after their appointment – could hardly equip them to teach confidently in an English medium school. That this is the case in many other parts of India, shall be no consolation for us. Describing this pathetic national scenario, Prof R. Govinda, Vive Chancellor of the National University of Educational Planning and Administration ( formerly NIEPA) says, “A great majority of teachers is absolutely unskilled and unemployable….we are in a “banana-republic” where schools churn out masses of ill-educated and unequipped students…”  It was with this bleak background, a large number of ELT scholars, academicians and voluntary educational activists like this writer, gathered together recently at Hyderabad, for the International Conference on English Language Teacher Development, organised jointly by the British Council, India and the English & Foreign Languages University, (formerly CIEFL) from  Jan 22-24, 2011.  It was a highly satisfying experience, with 500 odd delegates from 16 countries, listening to stimulating talks and presentations by renowned academicians and later spiritedly interacting on issues theoretical and practical, including the challenges of English learning by rural and marginalized societies. (A detailed report of the conference appeared in AT,  Jan 28, 2011).

From the NE states, Assam and Mizoram alone were present, but the former made up with an impressive team, mostly from the state Govt’s English Language Teaching Institute, Guwahati, led by its spirited Director Dr. Partha Sarathi Misra. Sadly one eagerly looked, in vain, for an Arunachali student among the EFLU volunteers, who were active all through the conference. It was therefore a consolation and joy to see several delegates responding very positively to the power point presentation on the Lohit Youth Library Movement and the benefits accrued by its Reading campaign, esp., the improvement in language learning skills in the young reader activists of the Bamboosa Library Tezu and APNE Library, Wakro.  The British Council officials also expressed their warm appreciation of the Lohit Youth library activities and have assured us of its assistance, to take up the challenges of promoting better reading habits in the rural areas.

In the field of language training activities, it was Sri Lanka which stole the show, with delightful presentations by their delegates. The Nepal team too was worth watching, as they shared much of the problems faced by Arunachal. It would be very useful in the long run if Arunachal can have some tie up with our neighbouring country and the Nepal English Language Teachers’ Association, (NELTA), to impart practical skills of teaching English at primary levels. It was clear both Sri Lanka and Nepal have benefited immensely from the support and interventions by the British Council over the last 2 decades.

It is worth mentioning here an exciting Innovation introduced by Sri Lanka in the field of primary school teaching: under the ‘Activity Based Oral English (ABOE)’ programme, only spoken Language skills are taught in class I & II,  with no text-book to study or writing work. This not only reduces the mental and physical burden of the young children (and parents!), but ensures a strong spoken language base and a good vocabulary, by the time the child comes to Cl. III.   Formal teaching of text lessons and writing work starts only in class III, by which time all Sri Lankan children have developed full exposure and fluency in speaking 3 languages compulsory: English, Sinhalese and Tamil. Mrs Shamali Jayaratne, a Master trainer, says confidently that all Cl. I & II teachers in their country have been trained in ABOE.  

Here is a model worth serious consideration by Arunachal Govt, considering that the teaching of primary level English in rural areas in our state is almost wholly left to untrained teachers, many of them not competent in English language. This 3-languge formula can also help us introduce the local Arunachali language in cl. I & II, across the entire state –without creating needless controversies!

Looking back, the objectives our participation in the Conference were greatly fulfilled:  Firstly, the Lohit Youth Library Movement received a good projection on a national platform and it could seek support - academic as well as in terms of expertise - to evolve as a vibrant functional model for Arunachal. The innovative and practical approach of our Reading Promotion campaign was highly appreciated.  Many research students have shown interest to come as a volunteer to participate in the library activities and thus provide ‘Adult Time’ to rural and marginalized students.

Secondly we could re-establish contacts with some of the faculty of EFL University, Hyderabad who had earlier some academic links with Arunachal Pradesh. This brought about some joyful meetings, as these old-time contacts expressed great happiness in the Library activities and offered to extend their support at their personal level as well as from the University. Research in ELT aspects is an unexplored area where Arunachal can reap rich long-term benefits from this prestigious University. Some of the areas where the state can have link –ups with EFLU could be –

a) taking up model study programmes on areas like Minimum Levels of Learning (MLL) achievements by Arunachali students; and deputing EFLU students to take up Arunachal as a field for their research studies;

b) production of supplementary reading materials based on Arunachal’s cultural and social back-grounds; also audio/ video materials to supplement reading texts;

c) studies on utilizing bilingual and multilingual heritage of the state to strengthen ELT. This was a point stressed by Prof R.K. Agnihotri, Dept of Linguistics, Delhi University and Prof Geetha Durairajan, EFLU.

It was also interesting to learn that the British Council is actively supporting the SSA programmes in 7 Indian states, including Tamil Nadu and Andhra, and was keen to extend it to other states.

There is the pressing need of a professional body in the state, like the ELTI, Assam or the Regional Institute of English, Bangalore, to take up serious studies on language learning aspects typical to Arunachal Pradesh. The state Govt. and the Rajiv Gandhi University could explore in what way the British Council’s support can be used in these areas, to give a badly needed boost to ELT in Arunachal.

Arunachal is celebrating its 25th birthday. 40 years back we had given to our people an assurance of giving their children a strong foundation in Education using English language.  It is the right occasion to redeem this pledge. The challenges of living in 21st century demand this.       (S. Mundayoor is an educational activist with 3 decades of close interactions with Arunachali youth and schools. He is a trustee of Vivekananda Trust, (HQ: Mysore, Karnataka) and the Coordinator, VT-AWIC Youth Library Network, Lohit. E-mail : vtroing@gmail.com . His Participation in the conference was kindly sponsored by the TT Charitable Trust, Naharlagun, and with the patronage of Sri. Karikho Kri, Hon’ble MLA, Tezu)

News Impact

Expedition to Uyu Lingne

ITANAGAR, Feb 23: The All Cherom Chera Welfare Society recently organised an expedition to the mythical rock Uyu Lingne near Payeng in Upper Subansiri district to trace the migration of the Cherom and Chera clans. The rock is significant evidence and symbol of two brothers which further led to separate ways to Kurung Kumey, Lower Subansiri and Upper Subansiri districts, claimed a release.

 

‘Royal rides’

ITANAGAR, Feb 23: Arunachal Bullet Club is organizing royal rides for mega Nyokum celebration being organized at Yazali. Royal Enfield riders from across the country are reaching Itanagar to participate in this good will rally. More than 100 bikers will take out rally on 25th starting from Itanagar culminating at Yazali town. Informing about this ABC President Nabam Jose said, “The bike ride is being organized for MLA Likha Saaya who is doing great service to Nyishi society by celebrating Nyokum in such a grand manner. We also want to impart the message of promoting our culture and identity through this rally.”

 

DC clarifies

ITANGAR, Feb 23: East Kameng Deputy Commissioner Tope Bam today clarified that   the district administration had deployed sufficient police force at the venue of ANSU conference cum election and within the Seppa township.

Reacting to the statement of AAPSU president Takam Tatung regarding the incident of stone pelting on the day of counting on Feb, 20, the DC said all these incidents happened as soon as darkness approached.  However, the security personnel resorted to lathi charge and dispersed the miscreants. The   situation was totally brought under control on arrival of DC and SP at the spot, he further said.

When district administration has utilized its full resources and tackled the situation, it is not wise on the part of anybody to fix responsibility on the District Administration for such sudden unfortunate incident. There would have been no such sudden incident had the students leadership/contesting candidates controlled their colleagues and supporters in a more matured way before and during the election and counting of votes, he added.

 

Agatha to visit Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Feb 23: Preparations are afoot to receive Union Minister of State for Rural Development Agatha Sangma who is scheduled to visit Arunachal Pradesh on February 25. Sangma would meet with the heads of the state’s departments of Public Health Engineering, Rural Development and Rural Works besides others and also take stock of the development situation including implementation of Rural Development Schemes, according to NCP state unit. Apart from her official programme, Sangma would attend the Nyokum Festival at Niyapin as the chief guest on February 26. She would be accompanied by the NCP Arunachal State president Ngurang Pinch and James Sangma, Megalaya MLA as the Guest of Honour and Special Guest on  the occasion. Sangma would be the first ever Central Minister to stay overnight in a rural place of Arunachal Pradesh. The minister would leave Arunachal for New Delhi on 27th February. Pinch has asked the party activists of the state to gear up for according her a warm welcome.

Pinch further said that on her arrival,  Sangma would announce the pending amount of of Rs. 247.97 Crore under Baharat Nirman and Rs. 692.04 Crore under PMGSY Stage – II in a meeting at Banquet Hall, Itangar on Feb 25 evening. Pinch also appreciated the role of MLA Nyapin for inviting her as chief guest of the Nyokum festival at Nyapin.

As a NCP leader, Agatha would also hold meeting  with state NCP party leaders to  discuss various  party related and other matters, the release added.

 

NEZCC director arriving today

ITANAGAR, Feb 23: Director of North East Zone Cultural Centre, (NEZCC) Som Kamei is arriving Itanagar tomorrow to attend Nyokum festival at Parang which is being sponsored by NEZCC under Remote Area Festival scheme.

Meanwhile, Department of culture, member of NEZCC and Arunachal Artist Forum is organizing a felicitation program to Kamei at Hotel Tosum, Naharlagun on February 24.

 

Sheetal is state AITC chief

ITANAGAR, Feb 23:  The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has appointed Toko Sheetal as the president of  Arunachal Pradesh AITC unit.   The AITC also appointed Dature Miuli as vice president and  Domin Loya  as general secretary, (organization) and Techi Necha as general secretary administration of the party.

 

‘Restore power supply’  

ITANAGAR, Feb 23:  The people of Palin area have been reeling under darkness    for the last one month due to damage in power transformer, said Palin Area Youth Welfare Association in a release today.

The Association in a letter to chief secretary appealed him to take step for restoration of power supply in Palin area.  Besides the general public, the students are also facing  difficulties in their study due to non-supply of electricity, it said.

 

Statehood Day Celebration

ITANAGAR, Feb 23: ADC Headquarter Seijosa celebrated the Arunachal Pradesh statehood day in a befitting manner on February 20 last.

On the occasion, ADC T Pado and DFO Tana Tapi highlighted the significance of the day and appealed one and all to preserve and safeguard the dignity and integrity of the state.

He further advised the people of the area to work sincerely and selflessly for area development.

March past, band display and cultural, games and sports events were also conducted on the occasion.

Earlier in the morning a mass procession was also organized by students, officers, government staff and public.

 

SDP on wood carving

ITANGAR, Feb 23: The AMYAA (NGO), Namphai-I conducted a skill development programme on Wood Carving  for the unemployed youth, farmers and local artisans under Khagam CD Block, Miao on Feb 22. The programme was sponsored by NABARD Regional office, Itanagar.

The handicraft in wood carving has not yet become a popular trade in the state, whereas sate like Nagaland has become famous  for  producing number of trained and experienced Craft Masters in wood carving. The Arunachal Pradesh does have immense potentiality to train local artisans in this trade.  The AMYAA aims at promoting the trade by imparting specialized training to the local people to help them become expert local artisans. This can open up opportunities for self-employment/employment.  Meanwhile,  the beneficiaries of the  recently concluded training in Mushrooming under REDP at Khasan Jugli Village of Kharsang circle  are about to go for the first harvest of the Mushroom.

 

The winners

ITANAGAR, Feb 23:Tagru Gyadi, Class VI student of ‘D’ Sector Middle School, Itanagar, has won first prize in Painting competition organized on the occasion of Silver Jubilee celebration of Statehood of Arunachal Pradesh. Likha Sumpa, Class VII, another student of the school, also won third prize in Arunachalee song competition in senior group.

 

Plea for proper implementation of CAMPA fund

ITANAGAR, Feb 23: All Arunachal Pradesh Forest Workers’ Union has called for proper utilization of fund under CAMPA scheme.

In a memorandum to the Chief Minister, the Union appealed him to ensure  the proper implementation of CAMPA scheme for maintenance of road and buildings under forest department and proper utilization of  fund  sanctioned by the state Govt for this purpose.

 

AIPU demand fresh interview

ITANAGAR, Feb 23: Alleging irregularities in  recruitment of  200 head constable by Home Department recently, the  Arunachal Indigenous People’s Union (AIPU) has urged both the Governor and the Chief Minister to direct the department concerned to re-conduct the recruitment process by giving advertisement afresh.

While citing example of irregularities, AIPU in a release alleged that many candidates who did not attend the interview were also recruited. It appealed for selecting genuine and deserving candidates only for the posts with a balance ratio of quota of posts for each and every district.

Meanwhile, AIPU informed that it has decided to launch state wide campaign against changing of indigenous names in the state.

 

Condolences

ITANAGAR, Feb 23: The teaching staff and students of Govt Middle School, ‘D’ sector, Itanagar mourned the sudden death of Tumpi Taba, Cl. VI, who breathed her last on February 20 last at her native village Evarest, West Siang.

Tumpi, 13, was the best volleyball player of the school. The students and teaching community in a condolence meeting yesterday observed two minutes silence and prayed to almighty for eternal peace of the departed soul. They also conveyed deep sense of condolence to her bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.

 

Appointments

ITANAGAR, Feb 23: Yaja Dui and Yalik Nguri have been appointed as new president and general secretary of All Upper Subansiri District Widows Welfare Society (AUSDWWS)

Bengia Tanang, Nguri Taso  and Tamchi Taniang have been selected as president, vice president  and general secretary of All Arunachal Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers Association Kurung Kumey Unit in a meeting held at Sangram recently.

Kirdo Eta, Nyajum Lollen, Tajen Tapen and Lige Loyi have been selected as Chairman, president, vice president and general secretary respectively of All West Siang District Maxi-Cab Association in a meeting held recently.

 

Condolence

ITANAGAR, Feb 23: Diso-Katu Youth Club, Upper Subansiri District condoled the untimely demise of Priest Makkio Uli, who died on February 22.

He is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.

The members of the club observed two minute silence at its office, Daporijo and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

They are eager to serve the society

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily I would like to express my experience in recent ANSU election held at Seppa East Kameng District.

I saw many school students including collegians and intellectuals participating in the ANSU election with lots of hope and enthusiasm that their chosen candidates will win and will be the future leaders. I was very happy to see my own young  people engaging in making our new leaders and at the same time, am surprised by knowing that more than crores  of money has flown like dust just to gain the mandate. But I hope and believe that the newly elected leaders are very much eager to serve the Nyishi society, particularly for the upliftment of Nyishi students and I urge my intellectual friends to grow up and do the right thing. What we are doing is nothing but following the path shown by our elders which is not for the common good.

I hope in next time the scenario will be different.

Lastly, the only thing that is worthy of my appreciation is the one who is responsible for the developmental work at Seppa. It is really good and  town planning for Seppa is better than Itanagar. It is also a very beautiful place and the people are really very hospitable and well mannered. I can boldly say that Seppa in true sense is becoming a town. And the people are praiseworthy.

Yours’

Byabang Ganga

Itanagar

 

 

Redress the problems of students

Dear Editor,

It is for sure that the Library acts as the epicenter of knowledge and information for the students in particular. It also acts as a catalyst for the academic excellence of the students to harness and shape their future career. But it’s quiet regrettable that the library of the lone central University of the State, Rajiv Gandhi University has been unsatisfactorily functioning and failed to provide the students with up to date information due to malfunctioning of the “Database Server” of the Library since three months back. Due to this many of new books that is received by the University to serve the purpose of the students has also failed to be incorporated. Till date no any agreeable actions seems to be initiated by the concern authority to redress this problem of the students the act of which is beyond anticipation from a central University like RGU which should be an exemplary institution for other academic institution of the state. After all when the university academic session is operating on semester basis, it’s incalculably essential to keep the library properly functioning. In this regard we the research scholars of the university which encounters maximum of the tribulations request the concern authority to immediately look into the matter for the interest of the students and to deal promptly with such issues.

Yours’

Tarh Ramya.

Nabam Tabang.

Dagli Lombi.

David Gao.

Namding Butung.

Rijum Riba,  RGU

 

 

 

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----Editor

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