feb17 04

2017

February 04

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---- Editorial ----

Take more initiatives

A unique initiative has been launched by Longding Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Gupta. The young IAS officer has tasked all the heads of the department to adopt a government school, located within their work jurisdiction. This has been done to improve the condition of schools. Though it is just in initial stage, this is an awe-inspiring initiative. Literacy rate is quite low in troubled districts of Tirap, Changlang and Longding. The infrastructure of Government run schools are mostly in pathetic condition. The adoption of school by the HODs will immensely help to improve their condition.

This unique project should be adopted by all the deputy commissioners. Government of Arunachal should take initiative in this regard. A case study should be done to study the impact of the scheme launched by Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Gupta. Also there are several private companies operating in Arunachal. They too should be asked to adopt government school as part of their corporate social responsibility. Majority of children belonging to poor economic background depends on government school for education. However, pathetic condition of school along with lack of facilities and teacher absenteeism has become huge obstacle for these children. To draw more children towards school state government, in particularly education department, should take more innovative initiatives like the one started by DC Longding.

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---- Readers Forum ----

Aadhar fees

Dear Editor,

Through your esteem daily, I would like to draw the kind attention of the concern authorities that illegal Aadhar enrolment is continuing at Ziro Lower Subansiri District, located near Pine Ridge Complex Hapoli (Ziro).

They are charging @Rs.300/- per enrollment which is illegal as Aadhaar enrollment is free of cost as per government of India directive which is often published in your daily also. So it is my urgent request to the authorities to check the practice.

Yours,

Johnson

Regressive policy of reservations

Dear Editor,

The fact remains that nothing has been more regressive for India than its policy of reservations. This policy is nothing but a means of reverse discrimination. Often an individual belonging to "backward" class supersedes his "privileged" counterpart in the sphere of education or service, despite having an inferior track record. In the process, not only does the criterion of eligibility gets relegated in the background, the pernicious practice also gives rise to a class of "neo-Brahmins". Social justice and equality cannot be achieved through such policies. Rather it only gives rise to resentment and ill-feeling. The present generation of so-called upper castes should not be made to pay for the misdeeds of their ancestors.

Reserving seats for the "deprived" is as ridiculous as reserving berths in the Indian cricket team for players of Ranji teams like Himachal Pradesh or Tripura because they fail to make it to the national side. Not only would the performance of the team suffer, it would also mean gross injustice to the eligible players(who would have to make room for the reserved ones). Similarly national interests indeed get assaulted if ineligible personnel are allowed to don responsible posts.

Thus, irrespective of caste affiliation, people deprived of proper education due to financial constraints should be given free access to schools and colleges and books. Also stringent punishment needs to be awarded to those who insult or discriminate against citizens on the basis of caste.

But this is where the positive action should end. Admission to higher education and employment should be based solely on merit-percentages scored in relevant examinations, ranking in merit list or performance in interviews.

Yours,

Kajal Chatterjee,

Kolkata

Funds being used without following laid down norms

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily, we the denizen of Nyapin circle would like to draw kind attention towards the misappropriation of govt. allocated fund by the Add. Deputy Commissioner, Nyapin under Kurung Kumey district.

The government allocates huge amount of funds to every districts every year, especially through administration. But often we come across situations of misappropriation of these funds by the administrative officers. One such examples of misappropriation of fund are being witnessed in Nyapin. According to documents obtained through RTI act 2005, it implicit that Additional deputy commissioner (ADC),Nyapin was allocated several crores of fund through non plan (O.E-ll&O.C- 50), untied, MLA LADS, disaster management, etc. But most of these funds were misappropriated, in many cases it was illegally withdrawn by making false bills by violating the official norms. The misappropriation of public money attracts several offences of penal consequences like offence under prevention of corruption act. Hence there is a clear violation of prescribed financial and contract rules. The contracts awarded by the ADC Nyapin for the contract work were given mostly to either government servants or public leaders, thereby neglecting and ignoring the general public. As such the engagement of government employees in other contractual works directly violates the service rule which is against the ethics of service jurisprudence and terms of appointment of Govt Job which may attract ground for termination from the services. At the same time, there has not been a single instance of public tender or Eol for any contractual works, nor has any works been awarded to general public of Nyapin. Therefore, there is a clear violation of government norms.

As per CPWD manual and in accordance with the direction of Supreme Court if amount of tender work is more than Rupees fifty thousand it is mandatory and bounded duty of tendering authority to publish such tender work in newspaper by inviting notice. However, the Additional Deputy Commissioner Nyapin has neither issued any NIT or NIQ and nor invited Eol for any works carried out and executed under his jurisdiction for last many years which is a clear violation of CPWD manual and direction of honorable Supreme Court which implies that the fund has been misappropriated.

Therefore, all the educated youths, philanthropist, peers & pressure groups and the general public etc are hereby requested to monitor & survey the developmental issue as a denizen of the Nyapin.

Yours,

Tadar Takiang (AAPSU Spokesperson),

Tadar Amar,

Tadar Mama,

Tadar Raju

Zebra crossing for pedestrians

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, I would like to share few things about the Zebra crossing. First of all, I would like to thank the authorities for the Zebra Crossings in the capital complex.

But, there is a dilemma.

Drivers never slow their vehicle near Zebra crossing so people are not able to walk across the road by using the Zebra crossing. I think our people are not aware about Zebra crossing. It appears that they thing that these crossings are mere decoration.

What is Zebra crossing? A zebra crossing is a type of pedestrian crossing used in many places around the world. Its distinguishing feature is alternating dark and light stripes on the road surface, resembling the coat of a zebra. A Zebra crossing typically gives priority to rights to way to pedestrians.

Road accident is increasing in our city because of careless driving. Forget about signals; people don’t even know about zebra crossing. At least you have to know that if something happens to a pedestrian at the zebra crossing, then the driver will be held accountable.

I would like to request all the drivers of the state and particularly in capital to kindly respect the pedestrians and make way for them at the Zebra crossings so that common people can walk easily across the road. And I would like to request common people to use Zebra crossing when crossing the road so that we can easily cross the road. May God lead us.

Yours,

Manjing Arangham,

Itanagar

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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

PPA launches attack on CM Pema Khandu

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: The People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) has launched a blistering attack on Chief Minister Pema Khandu and his family, alleging them of indulging in corrupt practises.

Drawing the attention of newly appointed Governor P B Acharya in this regard, the party alleged that Khandu was the main contractor during his father late Dorjee Khandu's tenure as the Chief Minister when the state economy underwent the phase of naked exploitation by the person running the state.

"If the people of the state still remember, many copies of the 'Dossier on large scale embezzlement by the then Chief Minister, late Dorjee Khandu were in wide circulation, a copy of which is still with us. Several hundred crores worth of works were awarded to various firms of the family members of late Dorjee Khandu, including the present Chief Minister without following any codal formalities. There are several PILs pending in the Supreme Court of India for final disposal, including SLP No. (C) CC No. 14395/2010 and CC No.16258/2010 and etc, against the family members of late Dorjee Khandu, including the present Chief Minister, for gross economic embezzlement," the PPA stated.

Further, they added, "We would also like to remind the people of the state regarding 'The Committee on Corruption' constituted by then BJP National President Nitin Gadkari, headed by Ravi Shankar Prasad as its Chairman in the year 2011 in a national executive meet in Guwahati, which was also attended by then National General Secretary Tapir Gao, who is now BJP state unit president. The committee at that time had vowed to take on the Dorjee Khandu Government and had stated that scams like Hydro Power, PDS and Drinking Water Mission would soon be exposed. A thorough investigation in all these scams will find the present Chief Minister Pema Khandu being the major beneficiary.

The BJP under the leadership of Narendra Modi talks of weeding out corruption from the nation and stringent punishment against the corrupt persons, but unfortunately such a person is heading the BJP-led Government in Arunachal as its Chief Minister, who is also charge sheeted under the infamous PDS scam."

The party has urged the Governor to intervene and see to it that a thorough and systematic investigation is carried out and the corrupt leader be removed from occupying the prestigious post.

"Governor Acharya, though on temporary charge has spent most of his youthful age tirelessly working to uplift the tribals in the North East states and Arunachal in particular. We will equip him with all the necessary feedback needed for taking the state towards greater wisdom and prosperity," the PPA added.

OIL urged to resume oil operations in the state

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein urged upon the officials of Oil India Limited (OIL) to resume oil operations in the state, and also to explore areas from where oil and natural gases can be extracted in the state.

He said this in a meeting with the officials of OIL Duliajan, Assam in his Civil Secretariat office, here on Friday.

He further said that the operation of oil extraction and setting up of oil and natural gas plant in the state will lead to more business activities, which would add to the economy of the people of the state.

"It would also help in setting up more industries, as power will be generated from the oil and natural gas plant,

which in turn would provide employment opportunities to the unemployed youths of the state," he added.

He also asked the OIL officials to take up social welfare activities for the people of the area under the Corporate Social Responsibility programme.

He also discussed issues regarding proposal for setting up of 10 MW Natural Gas Plant at Kumchai, under Diyun Circle of Changlang district and asked the officials to expedite the formalities for setting up the plant.

Mein further assured to take up the issues pertaining to Ningru Extension Petroleum Mining Lease (PML) in Changlang and Namsai districts with the Chief Minister as the forest clearance of the projects, which is requisite for the re-grant of PML to OIL is pending with the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in New Delhi, as informed by General Manager, OIL Duliajan, A K Baruah.

Geology & Mining Minister, Kamlung Mosang, who also attended the meeting, urged the OIL officials to take up more employable activities in their area of operation and to reserve seats for Arunachal youths, citing unemployment as the main cause of unrest among the youths today.

Among others, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning Chow Zingnu Namchoom, Commissioner Geology & Mining Hage Kojeen, Namsai DC R K Sharma, PCCF Omkar Singh, CE Power O Moyong and Geology & Mining Special Secretary Mitali Namchoom also attended the meeting.

GoS constituted to translate CM’s vision for Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has constituted a Group of Secretaries (GOS) on six different themes to translate his vision for Arunachal into reality.

The Chief Minister sought ideas and suggestions from the GoS on "Good Governance- Challenges and opportunities in Arunachal Pradesh," "Arunachal as the organic hub and fruit bowl of India," "Arunachal as the centre for wellness," "spiritual and adventure tourism," "employment generation and skill development," "health and education - quality access to all and “Land - can its resource potential to be unlocked?"

This group will work out a detailed plan on their respective themes and present them to the government.

A meeting of the GoS was convened by the state Chief Secretary on Friday, who categorically briefed the secretaries to deliver their best in suggesting the government with suitable and viable suggestions so that the vision plan of making Arunachal a front-runner state is achieved.

RGU signs MoU with NCRI for deeper cooperation

RONO HILLS, Feb 3: Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Council of Rural Institutes (NCRI) for deeper linkages and cooperation in promoting resilient rural India through curriculum accreditation, curriculum design, development and promotion for higher education programmes in the valedictory function of the two-day national level workshop on 'Transacting Students Engagement for Promoting Rural Resilience' on Friday.

Organized by NSS unit and Department of Social Works, the workshop was sponsored by NCRI Hyderabad.

The objective of the workshop was to identify the gaps for curriculum inputs in rural engagement of students, preparation of a draft module for curriculum inputs in identified higher education streams and evolving a methodology for transacting these curriculum inputs in identified higher education streams.

The inaugural programme was attended by Professor K C Kapoor and NCRI Chairman Dr W G Prasanna Kumar as chief guest and guest of honour respectively on February 2 last, where Guwahati NIRD Director Professor R M Pant delivered the key note address.

Participants from various central universities of North Eastern region viz., Nagaland University, Mizoram University, Manipur University, TISS Guwahati, Tezpur University, NEHU, NIT, NERIST, NSS programmes' officers of various colleges of North East India, besides participants from RGU also attended the workshop.

The valedictory function was attended by RGU Vice Chancellor Professor Tamo Mibang, Finance Officer Professor Amitav Mitra and host of deans, HoDs, faculty members of various departments and administrative officers of RGU.

Coordinators of the workshop were John G Gangmei and Gomar Basar, who received active support from faculty members and students of departments of Social work, Mass Communication and Education.

Taga calls for timely completion of development projects

PANGIN, Feb 3: Power, Textiles and Industries Minister Tamiyo Taga on Friday exhorted government officers of Siang district to ensure timely completion of all pending projects in the district.

Addressing a consultative meeting with the Deputy Commissioner and officers of heads of offices in the district on Friday, Taga urged them to take all steps to complete all the pending projects within the given timeframe.

"Ensure transparency and accountability in execution of any developmental scheme and maintain better coordination with the elected representatives", the minister said.

Also emphasizing on performing duties with dedication, the minister said that the officers should keep him updated about any proposal submitted to the government so that he can pursue it further for the betterment of the district.

Expressing displeasure on the defunct schools and health sub-centres, the minister assured that he would take special care of education, health, drinking water facilities and would improve road connectivity in all villages and other pending issues on priority.

"The electrical and hydropower departments should work in tandem with proper planning and vision for utilization of resources", he said.

Later, the officers of various departments made presentations on development projects currently underway in the district during the daylong session.

Earlier, during his visit to Pangin, the minister, while interacting with the local leaders and public, outlined his road map of development and urged on everyone to be a part of the massive development process. (DIPRO)

NDRF & DDMA launch two week familiarization exercise

SEPPA, Feb 3: With the objective to educate people about disaster preparedness and to strengthen disaster response at the grassroot level, the District Disaster Management Authority, in collaboration with 12th Bn of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Tuesday launched two-week long familiarization exercise in East Kameng district at VKV Wessang Ground.

During one of its daylong programmes, a 25-member team of 12th Bn NDRF team, led by Inspector Akhilesh Kumar and Sub-Inspector Saurabh Singh gave brief demonstration on basic steps and techniques of rescue during disaster. They also highlighted the use of improvised tools/ methods from locally available resources.

The NDRF personnel explained about precautions to be taken during heavy rain and flood. The team also gave a live demonstration of the way of operating rescue equipment, giving first-aid to injured persons and other related acts of rescue to the attending participants.

Apart from demonstration on disaster management, the NDRF team explained about disaster preparedness and safety tips to reduce the extent of disaster. They also demonstrated various techniques to rescue people caught during disasters like flood, earthquake and other natural calamities.

Stating that the Himalayan region, including Arunachal Pradesh is prone to earthquakes, Sub-inspector Singh said that the common people of the region should remain alert in this regard. He informed that there are many improved techniques which can be applied during disaster to save lives and properties.

While interacting with the NDRF team, East Kameng Deputy Commissioner Rajeev Takuk briefed about the status of flood and other natural calamities that have occurred in the district so far.

'As Arunachal is a Himalayan state, we cannot rule out the possibility of disasters like earthquake and we need to be prepared', he added.

The DC said that impact of any calamity could be reduced to a large extent if people are made aware of general disaster preparedness and safety tips. He made an appeal to all to cooperate and participate in the programme for general awareness.

Takuk further lauded the NDRF for their effort and support to sensitize people on disaster management.

Besides AMDO cum DDMO In-charge Keshok Dodum and NDRF personnel, the launch programme was also attended by ADI Nondo Doka, officials of Disaster Management Department, students and teachers from VKV and KGBV Wessang, and general public of the area.

The NDRF team will conduct more such awareness programmes, including mock drills at different parts of the district in the next two weeks. (DIPRO)

IFCSAP team calls on Governor

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: Members of the Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), led by its Secretary General, Bai Taba called on Governor P B Acharya at the Raj Bhawan here on Thursday last to discuss various issues like establishment of schools for economically backward sections of the society, and opening of vocational training centre for indigenous youth and women of rural areas.

The IFCSAP members also stressed the need for preserving and promoting indigenous faith and culture as well as promotion of rural development program-mes like 'Rural India' through sustainable development projects, training and entrepreneurship development to promote rural indigenous arts and handicrafts enterprise and create a platform for rural youths to take up income generation.

The Governor on his part assured to extend all possible help to the IFCSAP in its endeavor to promote, preserve and protect the indigenous faith movement. He further suggested the society to get registered with the North East Zonal Cultural Centre, Dimapur to give exposure to the indigenous cultural activities.

Governor meets judicial officers

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: Arunachal Pradesh Governor P B Acharya met judicial officers, including, Sessions Judge, J Chai, CJM, H Kashyap, JMFC, M Kamsi and APSLSA Member Secretary, Budi Habung at Raj Bhavan here on Thursday last and advised them to visit the jails regularly to provide free legal aid and relevant provisions of law provided by the government.

The Governor also visited the District Jail, Jullang on the occasion of Martyrs' Day here on Friday.

Stating that games and sports and recreational activities help in reducing stress and ensures proper mental state, the Governor further announced to provide sports and recreational items for the inmates.

Further, the Raj Bhawan officials also handed over sports and recreational items with the contribution of Itanagar Market Welfare Association and All Capital Complex Autorickshaw Welfare Association to SP (Jail) Nabam Gungte at the District Jail. (PRO to Governor)

RGU semester exam results out

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: The Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) has declared the results of BA, BCom and BSc first, third and fifth semester examinations held in December 2016, according to a university notification.

The results are available in the university website www.rgu.ac.in.

ASF calls for upgrading ILP system

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: The Arunachal Students' Federation (ASF) has called for upgrading the existing Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the state with Swipe Identity Card (SIC), with E-Aadhar card authentication system and two-direction checking in the entry check gates.

In its representation to the state chief secretary, it claimed that if the SIC system is introduced it will not only help police monitor the increasing crime rates easily but also help track all fake ILP holders.

The federation also insisted for installing CCTV cameras in entry check gates at Banderdewa, Hollongi and Gumto, and to direct building owners in the state to collect details of their tenants and submit it to the concerned authorities.

Kaso inspects CC road construction

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: Local MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary Techi Kaso inspected the under-construction CC pavement roads in Chimpu, VKV, Sangri Happa, Dokioso, Sanglo Putung, Lower Putung, Police Colony, Economic Statistic Colony areas within Itanagar Township on Friday.

Interacting with the locals, Kaso assured to take up a few abandoned roads in the areas and directed the officials not to compromise with the quality of works.

He further appealed to the people to cooperate with the government for rapid development of the state and assured that he would continue to serve the people of the Capital Complex.

He was accompanied by IMC Empowered Standing Committee Member Tatung Tania, PWD Capital Division-A EE Taniya Soki, AE Tadar Bhupen, Division-B AE Tadu Taka and Chimpu ASM Bamang Aman.

Rebia pledges to give equal importance to party and development work

DOIMUKH, Feb 3: Urban Development Minister Nabam Rebia has said that he will give equal importance to both development and party work.

Speaking during a function organized by the Papum Pare district unit of BJP on Thursday at Doimukh, Rebia said he would work hard for faster development of the district.

All the office bearers of 14th Doimukh and 15th Sagalee assembly constituencies, senior state BJP workers, HGBs, GBs, Panchayat leaders, senior citizens and general public were also present on the occasion.

KVK conducts training prog for school students

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: Lower Subansiri district Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) organized two different training programmes on 'Kitchen Gardening' and 'Vermi-composting Technology' for rural students of Don Bosco School, Yachuli at the school premises on Thursday.

The objective of the programme was to create interest among rural youths in Agri-Horticulture activities.

While SMS (Horticulture) Dr S K Chaturvedi imparted training on 'Kitchen Gardening', resource person Hage Manty delivered a lecture on 'Vermi-composting Technology'.

The 70-odd students were also encouraged to engage in production of vegetables and fruits on waste land.

East Kameng holds DTFI meet

SEPPA, Feb 3: During the District Task Force Immunization (DTFI) meeting of East Kameng district on Friday, DRCHO Dr K Lapung in his power point presentation reviewed the status of Mission Indradhanush Phase 4 and highlighted that the immunization status till December 2016 was at 41 percent.

He informed that the reason for low immunization is also census-based population which is a mismatch to the ground reality. There exist many refusal cases and also half of the sub-centres are non-functional.

Chairing the meeting, DC-cum-Chairman of District Health Society, Rajiv Takuk insisted on obtaining correct data, pointing out that many of the missions of GoI fail due to incorrect data.

He said that the district immunization status is much more than shown in the figure and that the key reason for low immunization is lack of self-initiation, the mind set and social system around them.

He further asked all health workers to co-operate and carry out all the health programmes in an appropriate manner. (DIPRO)

LDBSU seeks APST bus service for Longding district

LONGDING, Feb 3: The Longding District Border Students' Union (LDBSU) has sought APST bus service for Longding, saying that the district does not have APST bus service till now. In its release, the union said that in absence of the bus service, people have to walk quite a distance to go from one place to another.

Anganwadi centres receive essential materials

TEZU, Feb 3: In a bid to refurbish and facilitate the Anganwadi centres of Lohit district lying in a state of disrepair, essential materials like water filters, cupboards, trunks, whiteboards, mats, tables, chairs and books were distributed on need basis to three centres from Tezu, Sunpura and Wakro circle under the initiative of Deputy Commissioner Danish Ashraf.

Meanwhile, the nine Anganwadi centres which received materials under the DC's untied fund were ALC Line, Tribal Colony, Loiliang III, Paya, Hatiduba, Yeiliang I, Wakro, Mawai I and Kamja.

Out of these centres, the ALC Line centre was selected to be developed as a model Anganwadi centre.

Expressing anguish at the dilapidated condition of most of the Anganwadi centres, Ashraf said that their deplorable state and underutilisation was a big loss to the society.

He said that these centres are like first port of call for children living in villages who otherwise do not have access to pre-primary education. He also exhorted the department heads and Anganwadi workers to work towards improving the present scenario. (DIPRO)

Parliamentary Secretary inspects agriculture farm

AALO, Feb 3: Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, T Jamoh inspected Government Agriculture Seed Farm, Jomlo under Rumgong subdivision of Siang district on Friday.

Accompanied by Deputy Director Agriculture and ADOs of Pangin, the Parliamentary Secretary took note of the grievances and problems faced by farm staff and assured to look into the problems.

The said farm is one of the oldest in the state and continues to yield agriculture produce despite various constraints over the years. (DIPRO)

Swachhta Pakhwada progs organized

ITANAGAR, Feb 3: The Directorate of Field Publicity, Nampong unit orga-nized Swachhta Pakhwada programmes in various areas of Nampong from January 16 to 31 last.

During the programme, awareness on cleanliness was created among the people. They were advised to keep their houses as well as surrounding and public places clean to avoid diseases.

Government officials, PRI members, villagers and other societies also participated in the programme.