The Arunachal Times - Archives

State capital keeping pace with other developing cities

Make every effort to enhance revenue: CM

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu today called upon the state transport department to find ways and means to enhance the revenue generation which is not well-matched to the recurring expenditure incurred by the department every year.

He was addressing the impressive function organized at I G Park on the occasion of flagging off ceremony of the 23 new buses procured under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) by the state urban development department.

Describing the day as historic, the chief minister hoped that UD and PWD Minister Nabam Tuki will take appropriate step for procurement for more buses under this urban renewal mission for all districts of the state. He also urged the department concerned to engage experienced and efficient personnel for running the buses smoothly so that the common masses get benefit out of it and state revenue be enhanced.

However, the chief minister urged the transport department to maintain uniform rate while procurement of lubricants, tyres and other motor parts for the state owned transport service.

Pointing out the global warming and climate change, he stressed on proper emission test of all private and government vehicles which has been substantially contributing towards global warming. “While the world is facing the brunt of pollution and due to which the glaciers are melting, I appeal all section of the society to initiate corrective measures to contain the alarming threat posing to the world”, Khandu emphatically said. Speaking on the occasion PWD and UD Minister Nabam Tuki hoped that the city buses would be a great help for the Capital dwellers. He called upon the transport department to prepare time schedule for plying of the buses so that the school children, office goers and others can avail this new bus services. Lauding the transport department for its dedicated service, the minister hoped the department would make the good use of the buses as public utility service as well as a good source of earning revenue.

Giving a details of the procedural hardship that involved in the procurement of the buses, Tuki informed that at the initial stage state capital was out of the criterion under national transport policy meant for mission city. However, Itanagar was included in the mission after great persuasion, he said. He further informed that state transport department was entrusted with the task of running the buses under JNNURM till the constitution of the municipal bodies in the state. He added that with the initiative of the chief minister the municipality in Itanagar and Pasighat will be constituted soon. The central fund meant for development of urban area will be increased with the constitution of the municipality, Tuki hoped.

Parliamentary Secretary Transport K Kri in his address said that the state transport department are plying the buses on 153 routes of the state, 63 of them are non profitable and APST buses have been plying in these routes for the convenience of the people only.

Out of the total 244 state transport buses, 150 buses have become obsolete and maintenance cost is higher than that of the revenue earning, Kri said. He appealed the chief minister provide more buses to the department for improving the public transport service as well as revenue earning.

Kri, however, assured that the Govt to run the new buses smoothly to earn more revenue.

Earlier, UD director cum CE Er. Taba Tedir welcomed the dignitaries.

A host of dignitaries including local MLA Techi Kaso, MLA Wangki Lowang, Commissioner Finance V K Dev and Planning Secretary Ankur Garg were present on the occasion.

Discourage child-marriage, enrich educational scenario: Siram

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: Tali, one of the educationally backward blocks of Kurung Kumey district has been gifted with a KGBV (girls residential school for disadvantaged groups like school dropouts, BPL, never-enrolled girls) by the Govt of India under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan scheme in 2008-09.

Abu Talang Memorial Society has been running the school successfully since last year.

Education Minister Bosiram Siram formally inaugurated the school in presence of Govt officers, elected representatives and general public today.

Appreciating the efforts of the NGO in running the KGBV successfully, Siram exhorted the parents and public to extract maximum benefit from the school in order to achieve 100% female literacy for the block. He also advised the GBs & the public to discourage child-marriage so that maximum number of girls can complete formal schooling and enrich the educational scenario of the block.

The education minister was happy to announce that the maintenance cost for hostelers of KGBV shall be increased from Rs.750/- per month to Rs.900/- per month from the next financial year besides provision of free uniform and bedding after every three years. He also assured to post sufficient teachers for Govt. Secondary school Tali very shortly.

Taking a strong dig at erring teachers who don’t attend duty properly, the education minister warned that the government shall not take lenient view of teacher absenteeism anymore, rather those teachers failing to perform their duties shall be dealt with strictly henceforth in order to achieve quality education in the state. Taking into consideration the remoteness of Tali area, he promised to supply essential materials like textbooks, monthly salary etc. on priority. He also directed the DDSE K/Kumey to submit concrete proposals for infrastructural development of Govt. Secondary school Tali under Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan. While soliciting pubic cooperation for the new MLA Tali, for all round development of the area, he requested the public, panchayat leaders and govt. officials to get the Yangte-Tali road completed at any cost for betterment of the area. He also assured to look into the memorandums submitted by the KGBV authority and other public of the area.

Earlier, Hage Khoda, Commissioner (Education) outlined in brief the purpose of opening KGBVs and advised the student community to lead a disciplined student life to achieve good status in life. He also promised to sanction adequate fund for educational development of the area besides posting of sufficient teachers for Tali.

The Guest of Honor of the occasion, Lokam Tasar, Parliamentary Secretary (Civil Supplies), assured to cooperate with MLA Tali in all-round development of Tali area and promised to provide adequate ration for the government staffs of Tali under CPO (air-dropping) and under PDS for the common public. He assured the public that the state government is really committed to streamline the PDS in the state so that every category of Arunachalee gets essential food items at reasonable price.

Tali MLA Markio Tado, assured the public that road connectivity from Yangte to Tali has been his priority and that he would leave no stone unturned in connecting a motorable road from Yangte to Tali (Kumey river) within five years. He sought public cooperation in developing Tali and advised everyone to shed political differences for a common cause.

It may be mentioned here that Tali is the only constituency in entire Arunachal Pradesh which is yet to be connected by road and that a kilo of salt costs Rs.100 in Tali!!!

Creation of Lower Siang district

GWS calls for inclusion of its representatives in HPC

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: Galo Welfare Society (GWS) Jarjum Ete along with the Chief Advisor and former President, GWS, Huzar Lollen and Coordinator, East Siang District, Dekbom Ese called on Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu on January 21, informed GWS publicity secretary in a release today.

The three-member team apprised the CM about the change of guards in the GWS and submitted a petition to the high office of the CM to include representatives of the GWS in the proposed High Power Committee (HPC) to study the creation of the Lower Siang district in the foothills of East and West Siang districts.

Jarjum gave a background of the ‘January 2008 people’s demand and the community’s consensus for prioritizing the creation of Lower Siang district with the district headquarters in the foothills’, and about the ‘resolution for the same as adopted at the 2008 Aalo Baane Keba ( Baanv Kvba) under the aegis of the GWS’.

The delegation impressed upon the CM that the issue of creation of Lower Siang district was a non-negotiable for the protection of the interest of the people and ensuring the development benefits to those living in the foothills of East Siang and West Siang. Khandu, in his very discerning way agreed on the matter, adding that his commitment to the Lower Siang district creation was total. He also said that he had the best interest of the people of the area and that his government will entrust the Galo Welfare Society to help the community to resolve the matter, keeping the interest of the common people living in the remote foothills in mind, the release further informed.

‘Districts are created with administrative centers to facilitate development activities to help the people,’ he said. He also promised to intervene at his level to help ameliorate the sufferings of the people in these rural areas, the release said.

Meanwhile, the GWS will embark upon its first leg of Awareness Generation Tours on February 12 starting from the villages in the foothills of West Siang district, the release added.

Committee takes step to handover CHC staff quarters

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: Hospital Management Committee Deomali CHC in its meeting held today under the chairmanship of E. Yirang, SDO (IC), Deomali, Tirap district expressed their strong-displeasure over the possession of CHC staff quarters by non-VHAI staff. All the 29 staff quarters of Deomali CHC were officially handed over to VHAI on Sept 18, 2009, according to an official release.

The meeting attended by many doctors and nine panchayat leaders unanimously resolved that SDO, Deomali would take step to vacate all these quarters within two week period as VHAI’s CHC-staff deserve to reside in CHC quarters, the release added.

House also appreciated the performance of the part-time Specialists, Medical Officers.

Clarion call to make Seppa township clean

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: East Kameng Deputy Commissioner Pige Ligu has made a clarion call to the denizens to keep Seppa township clean, hygienic and plastic free. Meanwhile, sector-wise cleaning operation was conducted on Saturday Jan 23 at Seppa. School kids of Lal Bahadur Shastri Niketan-1 took very active part in the social service.

Miscreants destroy CGI sheets

ITANAGAR, Jan.23: In a shocking incident a truck carrying CGI sheets from state Capital to Keba in Kurung Kumey district was attacked by group of people as they were heading towards Jama where motorable road ends.

In a press release issued by Sorang Tabe ASM of Keba panchayat, it was informed that around thirty people in four Maruti and a single Alto car ambushed the truck and took them to Dumporijo along with driver, where they destroyed CGI sheets by cutting into pieces.

Further he informed that truck contained 1000 CGI sheets worth five lakh rupees and cash of around fifteen thousand were lost. An FIR has been lodged in this regard at Daporijo police station. When contacted police sources at Daporijo confirmed that FIR has been filed.

NABARD supports SDP on incense stick making

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in its endeavor to expand its outreach to the rural areas of Arunachal Pradesh through promotional and developmental programmes has sanctioned two Skill Development Programmes (SDP) of 6 days duration each on Incense Stick Making at Aropo village in Dibang Valley district.

The programme has been sanctioned to Muna Mihu, a local Craftsman, who had earlier undergone incense stick making in Agartala. The programmes will support 50 unemployed youth and women in the area.

Abratos, the local name for a species of bamboo, botanically known as Phyllostachy Bamboosoids which is to be used as the raw material for the training programme is abundantly available in Dibang valley District. Due to transport and communication bottlenecks, many activities which have potentials could not be commercially exploited. The programme on incense stick making is found to be very suitable as traders have given assurance for purchase of these sticks in bulk at place of production. Based on the successful implementation of the present progarmmes, NABARD will explore the possibilities of conducting more such incense stick making programmes on a larger scale in the district under cluster approach, according to a NABARD release.

PPWF concludes with cultural extravaganza

Staff reporter

NAMPONG, Jan 23: The three days long Pangsau Pass Winter Festival 2010 concluded last evening in a positive note with no untoward incident.

On the concluding evening cultural extravaganza such as Mizo Bamboo dance, Bhangra, Bihu dance from NEZCC, Dimapur, traditional dances from Nocte, Wangcho, Tangsa, Singpho added much vigour to the festival. However, the main attraction of the night was from Rock On contest finalist Avinanda Sarkar (it is worth mentioning that Sarkar will be jamming with international Hip-Hop star Akon in the opening ceremony of FIFA world cup 2010 anthem song). Her energetic performance captivated everyone and made them swayed to the Bollywood numbers such as Sajna Ji Vari Vari Jao Me, Crazy Kiya and others.

Young and talented singer Anish John also left spellbinding effects at Nampong general ground with Tumse Hi Mil Jate He, Jara Si Dil Me Jaga De Tu and other scores.

Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister Setong Sena thanked everyone for making the festival a grand success. At the sideline of the programme, one Dr Ahuja, scientist from Bangalore, could not help but was simply amazed at the traditional values and ethos the people in this part of the world is still keeping intact despite the onslaught of modernization. Among others, Dhirtimaan Chatterjee from 36 Chowringee Lane fame was seen reveling the festival.

Students donate blood

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: The NSS unit of NERIST organized a blood donation camp with the coordination of doctors from NERIST Health Care unit and the General Hospital Naharlagun today. More than 40 students donated their blood and the others were engaged in general cleaning of the campus and academic block of NERIST maintaining a high standard of hygiene in the campus. The doctors appraised the students about the merits, importance and utility of blood donation. The entire programme was coordinated by Prof. Binay Singh, Deptt of Forestry, NERIST.

Let us continue to keep Arunachal clean and green: First Lady

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: Arunachal Pradesh is a beautiful land. Let us continue to keep it clean and green, appealed State First Lady Anupama Singh, while leading a social service cum cleanliness drive at Naharlagun, today.

Stressing on cleanliness and quoting Mahatma Gandhi, she said, cleanliness is next to Godliness, we should therefore maintain it not just attribute on our body but also in our surroundings. Stating that Arunachal Pradesh is going to become a tourist hub, State First lady said, to attract more tourists and to ensure their repeated visits, we have to keep our home, surrounding and locality clean.

Expressing pain over the garbage leftover by the New Year picnickers in the pristine Poma area, near Itanagar, the First Lady said, being a part of a tribal society, it is in our age old culture and tradition to live in a clean environment. Pleased by the huge turn up for the drive, Singh, who conducted a successful Statewide Breast Cancer campaign recently said, the enthusiasm you have shown, not only encourages us, the Muskan Welfare Society (MWS) to take such initiatives but also shows your concern for a clean Arunachal. It also reflects your civil sense towards the society, she pointed.

Reiterating the appeal of the State Governor for clean and green Arunachal and against use of plastics, the First lady urged upon the school children and teachers for their maximum contribution towards the objective.

Speaking on the occasion, Local MLA Techi Kaso, who personally volunteered to take part in the cleanliness campaign, appreciated the First lady and the Muskan Welfare Society for the initiative. We should continue the campaign initiated by the First Lady and I will ensure that this campaign continues successfully, assured Kaso.

Earlier, welcoming the volunteers, Capital Complex Deputy Commission Padmini Singla said, the MWS or the Government alone cannot take care of the cleanliness of the State Capital, but it is the duty of every denizen to keep it clean. Individual contribution is required for it, she stressed.

MWS Member Secretary Mamta Riba expressed gratitude to all the volunteers for their participations and urged upon them to continue with the campaign at the personal and community level.

Later, not just symbolic, but displaying her down to earth attitude, the First Lady lead the volunteers, including local MLA Kaso, Deputy Commissioner Singla and others with broom and cleared the garbage in the Nahalagun Bazaar. Taking breaks in between, she went on to interact with the shopkeepers and personally appeal them to keep their area clean. She also gave patient hearing to their problems, such as toilets and shortage of garbage bins etc. Touched by the enthusiastically participating small school children, Singh distributed sweets and also gave motherly advices to them.

Large numbers of volunteers, including members of Bazaar committees, NSS Volunteers, NCC, Scouts and Guides and senior citizens participated in the day long drive organized by Muskan Welfare Society. Led by Social Welfare and Child development Director, Smti R.T. Riba, CDPOs, anganwadi workers and gram sevikas actively took part in it. Displaying youthful energy and concern for the society, All Nyishi Youth Association also participated in the drive along with senior citizens of Jai Ram Seva Sangha, Naharlagun. Muskan Welfare Society members and Raj Bhavan officials, led by Secretary to Governor Ankur Garg also took part.

In the sideline of the drive, Urban Development Deputy Director Talo Potom, who provided the logistical support for the campaign and who also received huge applauds from the participants for his contributions towards cleaner Capital Complex informed that the capital city generate about 60 metric tons daily. With only six trucks, the urban department could only clear about 25 MT. Rest we are doing with ‘Tela gadi’ and other means. With adequate manpower and vehicles, we will be able to go for door to door collections and give a better result, a cleaner Capital City, Potom added. PRO to Governor.

K&TDDS dev meet held

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: Job opportunity for the locals in NHPC, NEEPCO, health and socio-political and educational issues such as promotion of girl child education were the main topics of discussion of the meeting held by Kameng and Tawang Districts Development Society at Naharlagun yesterday.

Besides changing the nomenclature of the society from Kameng Development Welfare Society to Kameng and Tawang Districts Development Society, the meeting also appointed a six member central executive committee of K&TDDS for smooth functioning.

The meeting was attended by officers, political and student leaders, intellectuals and well-wishers of East Kameng, West Kameng and Tawang districts.

Never too late to learn

MIAO, Jan 23: The Literacy campaign at Neotan village, Miao Circle of Changlang District is gaining a good process with the turning up of senior citizens who are 60+ of age ready to listen to the teaching of their grandsons/daughters. There is a paradigm shift in the interest of learning among the young and of illiterate elders who have shown ardent interest in learning alphabets and numbers not for exam but for value of dignity.

The Students of Newman School, Neotan who are in the classes 6 to 8, volunteered themselves to be the tutors of their own parents and grandparents. They spent every evening an hour or so in one to one teaching to all the illiterate persons of the village.

For the illiterate Elders of the village who have no much heavy duties to perform in the family, learning has become a pastime and a hobby for most of them, said an official release.

Boori-Boot Yulo

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: Parliamentary Secretary Industry Nabam Rebia and Parliamentary Secretary, Food and Civil Supply Lokam Tassar have consented to be the chief guest and guest of honour of Boori-Boot Yulo celebration at Daporijo on February six.

ATASU’s plea

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: All Tali Area Students Union (ATASU) in its meeting held on January 21 last has requested its president, who resigned from the post earlier, to withdraw his resignation in greater interest of the union, said a union release.

Budding zoologists to conduct survey

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: A team of budding zoologist, under the guidance of Daniel Mize, Asst professor Department of zoology Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono hill, will survey Zemithang and Sangti valley to ascertain the habitus status of these valley in perspective of blacked neck crane.

ESDP on cane and bamboo

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: Branch MSME development Institute, Itanagar in association with the NN Charitable Society (NNCS) is going to organisea fortnight-long enterpreneur-ship skill development programme (ESDP) on Cane and Bamboo furniture making for unemployment youths at Sagalee from February 1 next.

Mega health camp at Tuting

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: Tuting-Yingkiong MLA Alo Libang will inaugurate the first ever mega medical camp at Tuting on February four and later he will visit Zido and Ngaming villages. Prior to this, he will visit Likor the largest village under Paling circle on January 28.

APCGSSU election

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: All Pipu Chayang Tajo Gawe Purrang Sawa Students’ Union (APCGSSU), in its general conference cum election held at GHSS Chayang Tajo from January 16-19, has elected Rahim Yangfo and Kurung Gyadi as president and general secretary respectively.

Education Minister Bosiram Siram and local MLA Karya Bagang attended the conference as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.