February  11

State Govt calls for social boycott to bandh callers

City police arrests 18

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: The state government has vehemently condemned the Capital bandh called by a union and termed it as unethical, self-centered and politically motivated. The Government shall find out the truth behind such bandh call and the people involved in it will be seriously dealt with as per law, said a Govt statement.

The state Govt appealed to the people to disassociate themselves from such organizations and outcaste its leaders who allegedly jeopardize the social fabric for personal and vested interests. “The state cannot stride towards its desired goal of prosperity and inclusive development, unless and until the people voluntarily and vociferously stand against such evil forces,” it said.

Coming down heavily on the bandh enforcers, the state Govt said the so-called organization coming from nowhere has been taking the state and its people for ransom. It said the very name of the organization is in question since it has adopted the name "Border" which is a vast and sensitive subject and is liable to be booked under National Security Acts.

The boundary dispute is a subjudiced matter in the Supreme Court, the statement said while adding that a one-man commission has already been constituted to resolve the boundary row by the Apex Court.

Apart from that both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh Govts are holding regular meetings to find an amicable solution to the boundary issue. Local commissions representing both states are also scheduled to meet soon in this regard, the statement said.

Meanwhile, the dawn to dusk capital bandh called by a Union crippled normal life today.  The Union called the bandh in protest against the state Govt alleged failure to respond its 10 point demands which included immediate construction of permanent police check posts at various circles along Assam-Arunachal boundary and immediate issue of land possession certificates free of cost to the local people who settled in boundary area under Arunachal territory.

The Capital administration had declared the bandh illegal earlier.

Despite the ban order, the bandh supporters damaged several vehicles including two wheelers by pelting stones besides blocking the NH 52 A at several locations by burning tyres and felling trees.

According to sources, 18 bandh enforcers including two women have been arrested from Capital area.

All type of vehicles, except few state transport buses and vehicles of security forces, remained off the road during the bandh, while business establishment closed their shutter down and educational institutions remain closed.  Attendance in Govt offices was also thin.

Meanwhile,  All Arunachal Pradesh Border Students’ Union (AAPBSU) in a release today claimed that the 12 hours capital bandh ended successfully and peacefully.

On the other hand, the convenor of the Inter-State Boundary Area Peace Committee (ISBAPC), Kimin circle, Bamang Mangha  said the bandh call given by AAPBSU was totally uncalled for and politically motivated, particularly  when  the Peace Committee has initiated a dialogue with Assam counterpart for peaceful solution to the boundary row. He also condemned stone pelting on vehicle during bandh hours.

Vehemently opposing bandh culture, the Peace Community said the organizations or societies should not hamper the development process by calling such bandhs for their personal gain.

 

Address food crisis of Arunachal: Mossang tells Centre

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: Speaking at all India conference on National Food Security Bill 2011 which is in its final stage and modernization of TPDS by End to End computerization of its network for effective delivery in New Delhi on February  8  and  9,  Arunachal Food  and Civil Supplies Minister Komlung Mosang urged upon the Centre to give top priority in addressing the present food crisis in the state. Arunachal Pradesh must not be equated with other states as the state has a plethora of problems which are peculiar including communication bottleneck because of its remoteness from the mainland, he added.

Speaking on the present foodgrain and levy sugar shortage in some parts of eastern and western parts of the state, the Minister said that distribution of foodgrains and levy sugar by FCI was not at all satisfactory during the last five months adding that the common people who are solely dependent on PDS are facing untold sufferings.

He categorically told the policy makers that if such poor delivery system continued then introduction of Food Security Bill would be useless.

Reiterating his demand, Mosang implored the Central Govt to earmark separate foodgrain and levy sugar wagons for Arunachal about which the Centre had been apprised on January 5 last.

The Minister suggested that if the FCI failed to provide food grains on time like what was happening now, the GOI should pay in cash in lieu of the food grains to the consumers adding that the rate of foodgrains in Arunachal being higher than in other states, the amount distributed must be calculated accordingly.

He said that the FCI should procure foodgrains in a decentralized manner from the rice-producing districts like Pasighat, Roing, Tezu, Pappu Valley etc without the interference of the profit-seeking middlemen. Mosang told the participants in the conference that the Tirap model e-PDS introduced by Tirap district administration has been a huge success and seeing its success, this innovative model was all set to roll out in another18 administrative centres in the state. He sought all possible logistic support from the GOI in this regard.

It is worth-mentioning here that the Tirap model e-PDS was appreciated by all and it has got a mention in the PDS computerization map of India.

Further, Union Food Secretary B.C Gupta appreciated the Arunachal Pradesh Govt. for providing free of cost land for construction of FCI Godowns.

During the meeting, Food and Agriculture Ministers and Secretaries of states/UTs participated.

Apart from Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sarad Pawar, it was attended by Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia.

The Arunachal F&CS Minister was accompanied by Amit Bengia, Officer Co-ordination, Hage Kanu, Director Agriculture and K.N Damo DRC Delhi.

 

Siram calls for strict vigil to contain law and order

PASIGHAT, Feb 10: Education, Library and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bosiram Siram today called for concerted efforts by the police, administration, civil society, students’ union and the traders to make Pasighat crime-free.

In a coordination meeting held with the Pasighat Market Association (PMA) at the main bazaar today, Siram said the meeting aimed at getting feed backs and sensitizing one and all towards individual responsibility for greater welfare of the society.

The minister, who is also the local MLA, appreciated the people of different communities residing in Pasighat for showing the highest degree of responsibility in protecting and maintaining communal harmony and brotherhood at all levels.

In his specific directives to the police and the district administration, he said no one could be allowed to collect donation in the name of any student or welfare organization in the township as a whole and market area in particular. He assured to find out ways and means for manning the Gandhi Chowk police beat office ensuring 24x7 police service to contain crimes as in the past. The minister further made a fervent appeal to the Pasighatians not to twist any unfortunate incident through their claims and counter-claims.

Siram also advised the All Bogong Students’ Union (ABSU) members to extend their wholehearted support to the district administration and police in protecting and preserving unity, integrity, peace and tranquility in the society and to help contain illegal activities.  Earlier during the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner Talem Tapok asked the people to keep a strict vigil on nefarious activities of suspicious elements. He said, with the active cooperation and support of the citizens we could defeat such elements who are hell bent to spread violence in the civilized society. He assured that no stone would be left unturned to nab these antisocial and criminal elements adding that the support of the citizens is indeed indispensable for this purpose. Advising the students’ union Tapok said their activities should be more education oriented to inspire the present student community.

The SP Pushpendra Kumar while giving an overall picture of security scenario stated that  safety and security of the people and their property is the prime duty of his department. Though he pointed out the limited police strength, he said no laxity in this regard would be tolerated.

The PMA President Onyok Tamuk and his associates also spoke and assured to extend their supports to the local administration and police. DIPRO

 

Conditions set for the Govt on Lower Siang district

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: District Demand Joint Action Committee (DDJAC), PRI members, rank and files of all Political parties of  Likabali and Nari Koyu (ST) Assembly constituencies met the Chief Minister, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Parliamentary Secretary (Home) and appraised them of the grievances faced by publics of both constituencies that are becoming an impediment in creation of Lower Siang district.

The members after meeting the Chief Minister stated that they expect a positive result whereby the grievances of the public would be redressed. The members further decided that if the terms of reference No. (i) of Notification No.DAD-22/2009 dated 30th June 2011 issued by the Chief Secretary is not deleted and corrected as demanded on or before February 12, it would launch a series of protest including a 12 hours bandh call on February 13 starting from 5 am in Likabali and Nari- Koyu Assembly constituencies. It further stated that it would boycott Public Hearing fixed by HPC on February 15-16 at Nari and Likabali respectively and a 12 hours Chakka Bandh on February 17 in the two constituencies.

The members present also unanimously viewed that the state Government would be fully held responsible for any un-warranted incident and for failing to respect the mandate of the public of Likabali and Nari Koyu Assembly constituencies.

 

Highway project-affected people protest ‘concocted land deal’

Correspondent

HAWAI, Feb 10: Affected people of Khupa (Hayuliang) - Hawai widening work under Trans-Arunachal Highway held a protest march from Dimwe camp to Hawai camp against what they call concocted land deal by Anjaw district administration on Saturday.  

Panchayat leaders, youths and general public took part in the protest march, according to a report from People’s Forum for Project Affected Families (PFPAF) that organized the rally.

Affected people alleged that administration fabricated a gram sabha meeting of September 20, 2011 in which a resolution is allegedly adopted to donate land free of cost by villagers of Supliang and Hayuliang for construction of double lane road from Hayuliang to Hawai.  

In a petition to Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, PFPAF has alleged that no such meeting was convened or conducted at any place or any point of time. The minutes of the meeting (No. H/PR-20/11-12, dated Hayuliang, 20th Sept, 2011) and signatures of the delegates are fraudulent and fabricated, it said.

Moreover, PFPAF said Anjaw district administration even failed to respond after a complaint was moved by Supliang gram panchayat on January 6, 2012 on the alleged fabricated meeting. The Saturday public rally was initiated to protest against the indifference of the district administration, it added.

The PFPAF has also alleged that district administration tore the posters put up by the organization from Dimwe camp to Hawai township. The affected people said they don’t have other means of sustenance apart from the agricultural and horticultural plots located on the proposed area of project.  

The improvement of  Hayuliang-Hawai (50 Km) road to double lane standards under the district connectivity and Trans Arunachal Highway Programme is undertaken by Project Udayak, Border Roads Organization (BRO).

 

Horticulture is viable source for income generation: CM

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki stressed for taking up horticulture as viable source for sustainable income generation. He was addressing a mammoth gathering at Mengio under Papumpare district today.

Highlighting the area’s potential to grow cash crops like cardamom and various other horticultural produces, the Chief Minister urged the locals to make use of the blessed land for augmenting income generation of the area.  Tuki also suggested encouraging Mithun development scheme which has enormous scope in the region.

“You have ample scope to be self-employed” Tuki said while assuring to provide every possible assistance to encourage the locals to take up these prospects.

Placing his government’s agenda, the Chief Minister informed that the state government is putting all out effort to prepare a people centric development roadmap for Arunachal Pradesh in the 12th Five Year Plan.

“Our concern is to deliver the goodies of development to the doorsteps of the people”, Tuki emphatically said.

The Chief Minister announced that his government has been giving due importance to rural sports and certain posts have been reserved for sportspersons in the specified government jobs. While requesting the teachers to perform their duties dedicatedly, Tuki disclosed that the government has released its share of state matching for the enhanced salary for SSA teachers.

While strongly coming against the bandh culture, the Chief Minister made it amply clear that no organization shall be allowed to jeopardize the social fabric and the state government shall take stern action against the violators. He appealed to the people to voluntarily voice against bandh called by petty organizations without any legitimate demands.

Power Minister Tanga Byaling while endorsing the plea of a Mini Hydel at Mengio, assured to take up it with his department.

Social Welfare Minister N Tingkhatra assured the people to streamline social welfare programmes so that it genuinely reaches the needy. He requested the Anganwadi workers to be sincere in their duties besides issuing strictures to the department officials for generating awareness over social welfare schemes and programmes. (PRO, CM cell)

 

Healing crusade concludes at Seppa

Staff Reporter

SEPPA, Feb 10:  Three days healing and deliverance crusade of Pentecostal Christian Fellowship Church concluded at Seppa general ground on Thursday.

Thousands of Christian believers from various denominations across the state took part in the healing crusade. Jeevan Jyoti Ministries Rev. Dr Amos Singh of Madhya Pradesh was the key speaker.

Attending the function, local MLA Tapuk Taku called upon the youth of the East Kameng district to take responsibility in maintaining peace in the society and help the administration to improve law and order. He also urged the Christian believers to adopt the principles of non-violence so that moral values of life could be inculcated among the youths. Taku further called for cordial relationship among the believers of various religions.

Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (APB&OCWWB) Chairman Jalley Sonam said that love and tolerance is the key facet of true Christian. He also urged the gathering to equally respect other religions and believers.  

During his discourse Papum Pare Superintendent of Police Nabam Gungte who was instrumental in organizing the crusade urged the believers not to discriminate the people on their status. The crusade organizer Ramjo Pordung also spoke on the occasion.

 

Alien Gods rocks Tezu audience under MMC

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: Alien Gods, the star performers of Red Rockfest concert presented by Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society to create awareness on HIV/AIDS rocked Tezu audience at Indira Gandhi Government College auditorium on February 9. Tezu youth thronged the venue in a large number to enjoy the live concert organised under Multi Media Campaign on HIV.

Tezu Extra Assistant Commissioner G K Pal Chowdhary speaking on the occasion emphasised on the importance of creating awareness on HIV/AIDS by involving youths. He also expressed concern over the lack of awareness among the people about the availability of services being provided by government on HIV/AIDS. He urged the people to come to the service centres and know about HIV/AIDS.

Indira Gandhi Government College Principal in his speech said that the youth being the backbone of the nation has a vital role to play in preventing HIV. He asked the young audience of Tezu to extend all possible effort in creating awareness on HIV/AIDS.

District Medical Officer Dr. Ninu said that Tezu with 28 HIV positive is the only category ‘A’ district in the state. Therefore, she said,  the people of Tezu must make special effort to curtail the rise in HIV patients in the state.

APSACS (IEC) Dy. Director Tashor Pali while giving a brief introduction of MMC informed that youth are the most vulnerable group.

In Arunachal Pradesh, out of total 188 HIV detected, the youth aged between 15-29 years constitute more than 64 percent which is much more than the national average.

He informed that the MMC target this vulnerable population so that they know about HIV at the early age and remain safe.

 

Arunachal Pradesh: An Emerging Industrial Centre

Dr. Rima  Taipodia, Ph.D

Arunachal Pradesh of India comprising 16 districts is a reservoir of rich natural resources and a beautiful amalgamation of different people and cultures. It surely is a region waiting to happen.

Blessed with bio diversity, huge hydro-energy potential, oil and gas, coal, limestone, forest wealth, fruits and vegetables, flowers, herbs and aromatic plants, rare and rich flora and fauna, Arunachal Pradesh has all the potential to transform into a commercial hub and tourist paradise.

The region shares borders with China in the north, Bangladesh in the South-West, Bhutan in the North-West and Myanmar in the East. This makes Arunachal Pradesh a prospective hub of international trade and commerce.

The area is a vibrant source of energy rich in oil, natural gas, coal, limestone and perennial water system, the River and its tributaries, which can be tapped for energy, irrigation and transportation. The fertile soil around the valley of the Rivers is a veritable storehouse of horticultural products/plantation crops/vegetables/spices and rare forest products.

Subsidies on transport, capital investment, interest on working capital, excise duty refund, income tax exemptions etc. are available for industries in the region, as declared in the new North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy 2007 (NEIIPP).

Attractive incentive structures should attract new domestic and foreign investments into the region, which, despite having several advantages, has not witnessed the kind of fast-paced growth and development that it should have experienced in the past years.

Arunachal Pradesh also offers huge opportunities in sectors of strategic importance like energy and infrastructure; oil, natural gas and hydrocarbons; agro, food processing and horticulture; floriculture; IT and ITeS; cement; defence, etc. Tourism is another potential high growth industry.

Arunachal Pradesh has huge potential in sectors like power, agro-based industries, etc.; a greater private sector involvement in the state economy will ensure local job creation and entrepreneurship development. The State Government can lay a major thrust on Agro and Food Processing; an Agri Export Zone for Passion Fruit can be developed in the state.

The literacy rate in Arunachal is above 66%, A well-educated and hardworking young population is an advantage for Foreign and also domestic corporate; sectors like IT and ITeS, agro processing, floriculture and bamboo are some areas that can offer huge opportunities to investors. The state also grows fine quality of grapes, which can be utilised for large-scale wine production. The State Government of Arunachal Pradesh is pro-active and industry-friendly, and investors can be assured of single-window clearances.

Arunachal can provide huge investment opportunities in sectors like hydrocarbons, oil and natural gas, bamboo, handicrafts and tea. Arunachal tea is well known for its distinctive quality, and exported to the developed markets. Sectors like IT, hospitality and tourism, power, agro and food processing are poised for impressive future growth - companies like Infosys and Reliance have already shown interest in investing its neibouring state like Assam, with Tata Consultancy Services even having a BPO unit in Guwahati.

All the North-Eastern Indian States have distinct advantages, and provide immense economic and trade opportunities to domestic and international corporates.

North-East India is often described as the Gateway to South-East Asia. India’s ‘Look East’ Policy aims at transforming the North-East into a dynamic center of a thriving and integrated economic space, linking the two high-potential regions with a network of highways, railways, pipelines, and transmission lines crisscrossing the region.

The huge complementarities arising out of India’s ‘Look East’ Policy and our South-East Asia focus and the ‘Look West’ Policy of South-East Asian nations like Thailand, gives rise to immense opportunities for India and ASEAN countries to develop their trade and investment relations, using the North-East as a primary focal point.

However, as indicated earlier, despite these great advantages, Arunachal Pradesh has not grown at par with the rest of the country, and the region’s potential has not been tapped properly. While the significant initiatives taken by the Government to promote economic growth, tourism and development in the state can be largely welcomed, issues and problems like shortage of power generation capacity, over-dependence on hydro-power, absence of proper road connectivity, etc., need to be given special emphasis in order to help the region achieve high growth.

However, the high priority to be accorded to the development of roads in the North-East Region is well reflected in the Union Government’s intention to invest nearly Rs.50,000/- crores on the roads sector in the North-East.

The East-West corridor project, connecting Silchar in Assam to Porbandar in Gujarat will go a long way in improving connectivity and transforming the region into a vibrant economic zone.

Also, India is exploring a transport corridor through Myanmar, a potential gateway to East Asian countries, to form a free-trade region. The proposed ‘Trilateral Highway' connecting India, Myanmar and Thailand is being discussed. This project has the potential of strengthening economic exchanges and international co-operation significantly.

With necessary infrastructure development within the region, and the building of connecting links between North-East and the rest of India, and North-East and South-East Asia, the economic potential of the region can be suitably exploited. Time-bound implementation of projects, conducive centre-state relations and political stability, monitoring of fund–flows and necessary marketing and branding of the region can truly transform this goldmine of a region into a vibrant hub of business, tourism and trade. (The writer is a STO and former consultant to the state planning department govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar.)

District level TSC meeting held

PASIGHAT, Feb 10: A  one-day district level  meeting on Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC)  under the initiative of PHE department was held in the DC’s conference hall here on February 8 last. The objective of the meeting was to discuss about various hurdles and shortcoming that has been facing by the executing department while implementing centrally sponsored TSC in the district.  

The meeting presided over the DC incharge cum  DWSC Chairman R Perme, EAC (Judl) was attended by Zilla Parishad chairperson, ZPMs, ASMs and  East Siang PHE department engineers.

Speaking on the occasion, Perme said special efforts would be made to achieve the goal under TSC in maintaining sanitation, health and hygiene in the village level in the district.

The ZPC Yai Dabii and other members of the house also spoke on the occasion.

The  PHED EE presented a detailed report on revised proposal on TSC and after threadbare discussion the house approved construction of latrine for individual household and toilets for school, anganwadi centers and also for Dere (Community Hall) under TSC. (DIPRO)

 

LOU for early public hearing

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: The Land Owner Union (LOU) on behalf of project affected families of Lower Siang HE Project appealed to the Chief Minister to give the necessary directives to the competent authority to conduct public hearing on Lower Siang Hydel project.

In its letter to the chief minister, LOU said that future of over 350 employees belonging to project affected area who are engaged in various works in Lower Siang Hydro Electric Project are in jeopardy due to delay in public hearing on the project as the project developer can not engage employees anymore without works.

 

MPCC mourns Dr Jini Gamlin’s death

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee expressed profound grief and sorrow at the sudden and untimely demise of Dr. Moter Jini Gamlin, wife of former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin.

The Meghalaya PCC described Late Dr. Jini Gamlin as the source of strength, courage and wisdom to Jarbom Gamlin in her lifetime.

She had been a very bright student all throughout who had obtained her MBBS from the most reputed Lady Hardinge College, New Delhi.

The Meghalaya PCC prayed for the eternal repose to the departed soul and also prayed to the Almighty to grant solace and strength to the members of the bereaved family, so that they may bear with this great and irreparable loss.

 

BSNL network cut off in Dibang Valley

Anini, Feb 10: For the umpteenth time, the BSNL network at Anini, Dibang Valley is out of order. DIPRO says that sudden shift in weather condition accompanied by heavy down pour, thunder and lightning for nearly 36 hours has caused complete breakdown of BSNL services in Anini area.

DC Abu Tayeng expressed his displeasure and took up the matter with the BSNL authorities to ensure uninterrupted communication network to the border district.

Roing BSNL SDO (T),  who is presently camping at Anini confirmed that satellite system and battery charger have been damaged beyond repair at the Anini local exchange. The whole process of restoration work may require 15 days or more.

It is learnt that up-gradation of the BSNL network was on the process but it has been in cold storage for reasons best known to the department. Even the equipments have already reached but department is yet to post officials to install it.

BSNL authority is required to speed up the restoration work immediately to establish communication link to the remote and land-locked district.

Further, reports from the Electrical Department and BRO (GREF) are awaited regarding functioning of Power house and Anini- Roing road as at the time of filing this report, there was no communication yet.

 

Campaign on flagship programe of the GOI

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: As part of Public Information Campaign on Bharat Nirman, a day-long special publicity programmes was organized at Ruksin General Ground in East Siang district today. The programme was organized by the Core Committee of Public Information Campaign, Assam in coordination with the East Siang District Administration.

An interactive public meeting cum seminar was held at Ruksin General Ground on the occasion.

Addressing the meeting as resource person, DRCHO Dr. Mandip Perme said about various components of NRHM and its ongoing programmes in the district. He said that after implementation of NRHM there is a noticeable decline in Infant Mortality rate. Under Janani Suraksha Yojana, 600 ASHSAs have selected for the rural areas. They have taken care of 700  mothers. Likewise 200  ASHAs have been selected for the Urban Areas. They have taken care of 600 mothers. About 75 per cent immunization has been achieved in the district, he added.

Nari CDPO Onyok Panyang said that there are 6 ongoing projects and 397 Anganwadi Centres in the district. He also highlighted various activities of the ICDS in the district.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Deba Prasad Panda, Associate Professor, J. N. Collage, Pasighat, explained about the RTI Act. He also said that Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission had received best Award from the government of India.  

M Doley, Deputy Director (M& C) PIB, Guwahati highlighted the objectives of Public Information Campaign.

Farmers trained on seed production

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: A total 350 farmers from seven villages, namely, Siiro, Hong, Hari, Kalung Reru, Tajang, Kelyang and Nenchalyang of Ziro-I block were trained on quality seed production of different crops, specially Maize, Soybean and Blackoram in separate training programmes organized in each village from January 21 to February 9.

The centrally sponsored ‘Seed Village Programme’ was conducted under “Development and strengthening of infrastructure facility and distribution of quality seed.

Dr. Shashikant Chaturvedi, SMS, KVK Ziro and Duyu Tadu, ADO FTC, Ziro were the resource persons. It was also attended by the officers and field staff of the agriculture department, Ziro-I block.

 

SAI selection trial

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: The Sports Authority of India (SAI), Regional Centre Guwahati, will conduct selection trials in Boxing for girl of age between 14 to 16 years for induction of trainees in SAI at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun at 9 am to 3 pm on February 27 and 28. Interested can obtain detailed information from O.B. Meetei, District Sports Officer (tele: 9436896324 & 9436020767).

 

Singkom wins Upper Subansiri Boogie-Woogie

ITANAGAR, Feb 10: Tajap Singkom won the first ever Upper Subansiri Boogie-Woogie, a dancing talent hunt held at Singik Hall Daporijo on February 4, according to a delayed report by the organizing committee.

The first and second runners up titles went to Nillo Yedi and Jem Duchok.

Singkom, the title winner, was awarded cash prize of Rs.50,000 along with a laptop while Nillo, the first runners up was given Rs.30,000 along with a trophy. The rest up to 10th position winners were given trophies, gift and certificates.

The top 10 finishers have qualified for the Arunachal Boogie Woogie which will be conducted in April  and May 2012.

Daporijo MLA Tapen Siga  attended the final programme.

News Impact

• State Govt calls for social boycott to bandh callers
• Address food crisis of Arunachal: Mossang tells Centre
• Siram calls for strict vigil to contain law and order
• Conditions set for the Govt on Lower Siang district
• Highway project-affected people protest ‘concocted land deal’
• Horticulture is viable source for income generation: CM
• Healing crusade concludes at Seppa
• Alien Gods rocks Tezu audience under MMC
• Arunachal Pradesh: An Emerging Industrial Center

 

A lesson to learn

 

The poaching has become a major threat to survival of wild animals in  North Eastern states of India.  Our neighbouring state of Assam is still fighting against the poachers in order to preserve the one-horned rhinoceros.

On the other hand our neighbouring country Nepal is celebrating the zero poaching year.

The wildlife experts feel that the milestone was achieved with the coordinated efforts of the Nepal Government, conservation partners, local communities and most importantly, security forces.

In October, Nepal arrested a complete chain of criminals involved in poaching and trading of the one-horned rhinoceros. In that case alone, 17 people were held on the charge of poaching the endangered species and smuggling their derivatives.

The arrests was a significant achievement leading to the complete breakdown of a network of poachers and smugglers right from the grassroots to the international level.

Enthused with this achievement, the conservationists are contemplating to  make strategy to achieve the status of zero poaching of tigers as well.

Will our country, particularly North-eastern states learn a lesson from Nepal?

 

Student politics and money in Arunachal

Dear Editor,

I would like to throw a light on present student union election in state of Arunachal Pradesh. I have been taking active participation as a delegate in every AAPSU and ANSU election since 2004. So far as my practical experience and observation in students union election is concerned, in fact I think now a days, student's election is more expensive than that of MP and MLA election in Arunachal Pradesh.  There is game of money and use of muscle power in every student's union election right from zonal level to state level student's union. It is matter of grave concern that it only happens in state like Arunachal Pradesh where candidates of every Student Union particularly, particularly the candidates for the posts of  president and general secretary  have to spend crores of rupees. They even have to sell their own land and valuable ornament if the situation demands at the time of election.

Now the question comes will they be able to recover the total expenditure spent at the time of election? If it is possible to recover then please tell me from where money will come as we know there is no any separate funds for student leaders in state of Arunachal Pradesh. What will happen to next student generation?

In this regard I would like to give six points suggestion to AAPSU and all the communal based student's leaders.

Firstly, they should immediately stop the money culture at any cost to stop corruption in the state so that student’s leaders do not follow the path of politicians who are indulged in corruption.

Secondly, dissolve the entire Zonal Student's Union from the districts in order to stop the feelings of regionalism among students.

Thirdly, organise and conduct seminar, debate, awareness about importance of culture, custom, traditional heritage of Arunachal Pradesh in order to stop the imposition of alien culture.

Fourthly, at-least visit different backward area of all districts in Arunachal Pradesh where education, good health is badly required at the same times attentively hear the voice of frustrated school going children and backward village to find out thier  real problems.

Fifth,  spread the importance of moral value among the students’ friends as we know our love, sympathy, tolerance, forgiveness, and other noble sentiment are disappearing fast.

And lastly, give a direction to all the colleges in Arunachal Pradesh to strictly maintain and follow the recommendation of Lyngdoh Commission.

In addition to above suggestion, I would like to appeal the student community not to support the money culture in student politics as AAPSU election is near and electoral reformation in present student politic is badly required. Let us join our hands and fight together against money culture to produce good and quality student leaders.

Yours,

Tang Dada

Jeju Dada village

East Kameng

 

 

Allegation baseless and unfounded

Dear Editor,  

Apropos the news item in your daily published on Feb 10 regarding illegal appointment under NRHM/ transfer of Mission Director and clarification thereof.

The NRHM deny the charges as total rubbish and unfounded. The one and only the grievance of the so called the President (not union/federation) is transfer of DRCHO ( District Reproductive Child Health Officer) of Kurung Kumey in the month of September’ 2011 by the Govt of AP. The DRCHO a state govt official is the nodal officer for the purpose of NRHM programmes of District Health Society.

The Mission Director NRHM (on deputation under State Health Society) does not hold the authority to transfer any state govt officer/official. This fact has been repeatedly clarified to this so called President, who came to threaten me with dire consequences every time. The  Gauhati High Court has uphold the transfer order of the state Govt on being litigated by the affected official. Having failed to restore the transferred officer/or failing to convince the competent authority, this President is making the Director scapegoat and making all sorts of unfounded and malafide allegations against him.

So far as illegal appointment of NRHM officials is concerned there is absolutely nothing like that. All NRHM appointment is decentralized. If there was any it has got to do with District Health Society which might be necessitated in exigencies as there was no any new post creation in 2010-11. District Health Societies are as autonomous as State Health Society.

So far transfer of Mission Director is concerned it should be left to the wisdom of the state govt. and not to the whims and wishes of any unauthorised XYZ.

Yours,

Nani Mali,

MD, NRHM

Arunachal Pradesh

 

 

For healthy growth

Dear Editor,

It is a matter of great concern that in our state firm law and order, progressive employment generation, better health, adequate education and communication facility remains a distant dream till today. Above all, our State economy is still in nascent stage. A few source of revenue earning being relied upon to run the state is hydropower, agriculture and tourism sector, yet these are also not at par with national level.

Hence, the State Govt is humbly urged to review the projected issues with more effective reforms and far reaching strategy for the all round development and healthy social and economic growth.

Yours,

Jumli Rina

New Delhi

 

 

Who says corruption is bad?

Dear Editor,

A rather disappointing account of any place is when corruption becomes a ubiquitous topic of teatime conversations. The brouhaha is further enlivened by never ending queues of scams and never ceasing to be sensationalist media. Corruption is set to become the unofficial constitution of India. I believe, some of our devoted politicians and government officials who religiously follow the many fold paths of "Corruptionism" are set to attain moksha.

Coming out of License Raj, India wants to isolate herself from too much of socialist inspirations and planning. However, the outcome is just a quasi victory of the pro market reforms seen in several states.

The dismal side of the phenomenon is the perennial licensing that still exists in several states. I say this because I come from a state where you need a permit to even enter the state, if you are not from the state, even if you are an Indian citizen. And when your sojourn in an Arunachali town revives the streets of India in 1950s, you know that you are in the Shangri-La of corruption.

Corruption in Arunachal has become a permanent institution, not that this is not the case with the whole country. The rights to corrupt are well-defined. As economist Steven Cheung, would say, they are actually transferable, assignable, inheritable and saleable. And with such a profound development of the institution, we are, in fact stuck.

And since we have been stuck for more than half a century we might as well try to see the brighter side.

Majority of people who oppose corruption do so on moral grounds. It has been fed into our tiny brains as kids, that corruption is evil, at times without any clear justifications.

Why does corruption occur in the first place?

Pillaging a plethora of jargon-filled theories, in layman’s terms, corruption occurs at the interface of the public and private sectors.

Whenever a public official has discretionary power over distribution, deviation from the competitive market caused by government regulation or interference  to the private sector of a benefit or cost, incentives for bribery are created. Thus corruption depends upon the magnitude of the benefits and costs under the control of public official. If resource allocation system were to be perfectly competitive, then corruption would not exist.

It would be rather unfair to vilify the corrupted politicians and government officials, as from an economist’s point of view they are like everyone else – constrained self-maximizers, obeying the convictions of Frank Knight. In line with the General equilibrium theory, under the usual social and political constraints corruption is generally the most convenient avenue to achieve the goal of utility maximization. Netas and Sarkari naukars therefore establish or maintain regulations and controls with the intent to facilitate corruption, which then becomes a source of income for them.

Is corruption bad?

Depends, an economist's answer.

Corruption is not always bad. It sometimes can partially restore the price mechanism and improve allocative efficiency. Corruption then might be viewed as people’s optimal response to market distortions.

For instance, to obtain a government approved document the Indian hoi polloi has to pendulate in and out of government offices for months or even years, creating a huge opportunity cost. However, there always exists an express path, which obviously means a little "donation" to the "deserving" panjandrum. Now why would a rational being go down the forbidden path of honesty, inefficiency and apathetic officialdom, when there exists a more efficient, cheaper, think opportunity cost, and like-minded system.

The theory of partial equilibrium views that corruption generally is good. It is good because most regulations and controls move the market away from Pareto optimality, a Pareto optimal outcome is one such that no one could be made better off without making someone else worse off.

Corruption will then cause a move back toward the Pareto condition.

Some regulations, however, are good because they move the economy closer to Pareto optimality. Given good regulations, corruption moves the market away from efficiency. Therefore, with bad regulations, corruption is good. With good regulation corruption is bad.

So which one is it with Arunachal, is it the good or the bad corruption? To give you a very good answer, I would say that with ample philosophical ranting you could justify either of them. But what I do know for sure is that we are not getting out anytime soon.

Corrupt officials who believe that the free market system can uproot their profit making opportunities will resist economic reforms, yes they are willing to wage a religious war.

Yours,

Bittu Kri

Tezu

 

 

Post teachers or face protest

Dear Editor,

As a Parent and as a concern citizen, I would like to bring to the notice of the Education Department regarding posting of Science subject teacher in various Government schools.

There are so many schools in our state without a proper subject teacher especially for the Science stream and this is the reason why our state is topping the literacy rate chart from the bottom. To add to the woes, a large number of secondary schools have been upgraded to higher secondary school with induction of Science stream.

On the other hand, Science stream is being inducted while on the other hand, the department concern is hesitating in posting of concern subject teacher. Let me remind them that we need a driver to drive a car.

I would like to appeal the authorities of the concern department to post Science subject teachers immediately to various schools or get ready to face democratic protest as the department concern stand first in the row that may face protest in the near future.

Yours,

A Parent

 

 

 

All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.        

----Editor

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