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January 07

Cm calls on Governor

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today called on Governor General (Retd.) JJ Singh at Raj Bhavan here this evening.

In the first meeting of New Year, the Chief Minister briefed the Governor on the overall development in the state. He also apprised him on some important initiatives taken by State Government. The Governor shared his vision of development programme in the State for the year to come with the Chief Minister.

Earlier, they exchanged New Year greetings and expressed their hope that the New Year will herald new development and prosperity in the State.

Secretary to Governor Ankur Garg was also present in the meeting. (PRO to Raj Bhawan.)

Police and admin. taking action: SP

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: Reacting to a news item published in this daily today regarding an alleged assault on Lotu Gadi, Junior Engineer, DHPD under Tawang district, the SP SN Mosobi has said that as per the verbal complaint by the Junior Engineer on January 1, followed by a written complaint the next day to ADC, Jang , an investigation was launched by OC, police station Jang about the incident which occurred at Lhou while negotiating a crossing in their respective vehicles.

The SP said that prompt action was taken by the law enforcing agency and judiciary while adding that law would take its own course in the case. He said that on completion of the investigation and depending on the facts finding a case vide Jang PS non-FIR case no. 01/2012 (pt-ii) u/s-323 IPC has been submitted to ADM, Court Jang on January 2 and also prayed to initiate a proceeding U/S- 107 CrPc, against alleged accused Sange Phuntso of Lhou village.

He further informed that the court has issued summon to both the parties and other related persons who could give material evidence into the case, fixing the date of hearing on January 9.

Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Tribal Junior Engineers’ Service Association (APTJESA) has condemned the physical assault on Lotu Gadi allegedly by one Sange Phuntso on January 1 last.

Accusing the district administration of its failure to nab the culprit despite written complaint from the victim, the association demanded that the accused should be booked immediately. It further threatened to go for democratic movement in case the district administration fails to deliver justice.

Society demands 3rd party monitoring

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: Expressing concern over delay in completion of Kurung-bridge point to Pari PMGSY road (via Nangram, Kele and Yumlam villages), the Nangram Welfare Society (NWS), a Kurung Kumey based NGO, has demanded third party monitoring to enquire into the irregularities in implementation of the road project and punishment of the wrong doers involved in it. The road project work was reportedly awarded to a Guwahati based contractor in May 2009.

In a complaint letter to the chief secretary, the Society alleged that there is no tangible progress of the PMGSY road being executed by Laaying-Yangte RWD division till date. Rather, the executing agency has distorted original DPR and forest resources and cultivable land have been destroyed due to casual handling of the project, it said.

The Society further claimed that half of the fund earmarked for the formation cutting of the road project had already been paid to the contractor without physical verification of the work. Despite submission of a public representation to the district project implementing unit (executive engineer Laaying-Yangte RWD division) apprising him of the grievances of the Nangram people and proper implementation of the project under PMGSY guideline on April 22, last year, the status of the road remained same till date, the Society resented. It claimed to have learnt that RWD division has extended the scheduled time for completion of the project work many a times without valid reason.

SIT to investigate Roing firing

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: The State Government has handed over the investigations into the police firing incident at Roing on October 5 last year to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the state police. The decision came when the recommendations of the Inquiry Committee that was constituted in the aftermath of the incident came up before Chief Minister Nabam Tuki at fag end of December last.

The Committee had earlier submitted a 205 page report to the Government after inquiring into the causes and circumstances of the incident that had left several students injured during Durga Puja celebration. Roing had been tense after student organizations protested against the police action and demanded justice on behalf of the victims.

It has been recommended that the SIT to investigate the incident would be headed by a police officer not below the rank of a Deputy Superintendent. Some other recommendations of the Inquiry Committee that got the CM’s nod are putting in place immediate steps for training APCS officers in effectively dealing law and order situations, riots, crowd control, communal tension, etc besides directing the district administration to improve communications with the public to remove all misunderstandings.

Org discusses boundary issues with Commissioner Home

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: The central executive members of All Arunachal Pradesh Border Students’ Union (AAPBSU) today met the Commissioner Home and Border Affairs in his office chamber and discussed various boundary related issues in Arunachal Pradesh.

According to the Home Commissioner, AAPBSU said, permanent police check posts at Taraso and Balliso have been sanctioned by the state government and infrastructure development works would be started very soon. Police out posts/check posts in other places would also be sanctioned soon, AAPBSU said quoting the Home Commissioner.

“Establishment of 4th IRBn training centre cum headquarter at Taraso would be possible only after verification of boundary dispute by the authority concerned, the Home Commissioner said while assuring that police check post at Likabali would be shifted to the exact location after examining the ground realities.”

The union, earlier, submitted a memorandum to the chief minister demanding establishment of police out posts/check posts at Taraso, Kakoi circle of Papum Pare, Pomao circle of Longding, Wakka of Tirap, Balliso of East Kameng and establishment of 4th IRBn training centre cum headquarter at Taraso.

Committee entrusted to supervise

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: Gangte Circle Intellectual Forum (GCIF), Local MLA, Panchayat leaders, senior citizens, officers, college and university students and public of Gangte circle in a meeting held here has entrusted Phaa Bridge Construction Cum Gangte Road Development committee to supervise the construction work of Phaa steel bridge over Kumey River and road construction work in the area.

Meanwhile, addressing the gathering, the local MLA assured to complete the Phaa Bridge construction before next election.

Society hopes

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: Passa Valley Development and Welfare Society welcomed the cabinet decision for creation of a new CO headquarters at Passa, East Kameng District.

The society hopes that the establishment of new administrative circle would bring socio-economic development in the area.

Meanwhile, the society appealed to the people not to encroach or capture land at proposed circle headquarter at Taza Happa and also prohibit sale of land within Passa valley to outsiders.

Committee resolves

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: Basar Assembly Constituency Over All Development Action Committee in a meeting resolved to delegate a team from Basar to meet Transport Minister Jarkar Gamlin which would negotiate with the minister for re-establishing ANM School at Basar, which it said has been “snatched” by the leaders of Aalo.

It was further decided that another team would meet the chairman of Paktu Aao People Forum for withdrawal of the demand for shifting additional session court from Basar to Aalo. In yet another resolution, the meeting decided to send a team from Basar to meet the chief minister to press him for early creation of the new district with its headquarter at Basar.

The meeting, meanwhile, condemned the East Siang district administration for ‘forcefully’ taking away Hipo (Piri) village from Basar assembly constituency without the ‘consent’ of the people of the village.

Forum demands new college

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: Arunachal Pradesh Colleges’ Forum, in a letter, has appealed to the Chief Minister to initiate immediate step for upgrading DNG College to a model college and establishing a new Government College in Papum Pare district to accommodate the increasing number of students.

The Forum also highlighted the accommodation and other related problems faced by the College due to ever increasing numbers of students.

News Impact

State celebrates Si-Donyi

Culture depicts identity of people: Sanjay

DAPORIJO/ Nahar- lagun, Jan 6: Si Donyi festival was celebrated throughout the state today with religious fervor and traditional gaiety.

Si Donyi is the most significant festival of the Tagins. Si signifies the earth and Doni is the sun.

At Daporijo, the festival was celebrated with full joy and gaiety at Rijo ground today. The day saw the presentation of rituals, a colourful array of traditional dances and chanting of traditional prayers and songs.

Complementing the Tagin community for celebrating the festival with great enthusiasm, MLA Tani Loffa said such celebrations help preserve our cultural heritage and traditions. Festivals should be celebrated with pride and dignity by one and all, he said adding that everyone should maintain peace and harmony while celebrating such festival.

In keeping with the spirit of unity and oneness of the festival, DC Ameya Abhyankar addressed the people in Tagin dialect, to the joy and appreciation of all. Praying for peace and harmony for all, he enjoined all the parents to nurture and guide the youths in the right direction as they are the future of the tribe and the state.

Giving an outline of Si Donyi celebration on mass/ community basis since 1975, the chairman of Si- Donyi Festival Celebration Committee 2012, Daporijo, S. Timba prayed for a vibrant economy, a society that is free from poverty, unemployment, diseases and parochial political culture.

“The present generation stands at the crossroads of evolution,” he said and stated that it is the duty of the present generation to rise to the occasion and commit themselves towards the preservation and promotion of the culture and tradition through research activities.

Thousands of people from all walks of life and community participated in the celebration, reports DIPRO Attending the celebration at Naharlagun today, Member of Parliament Takam Sanjay said that people should respect their own cultures and tradition although they have different religious practices. While stressing on peace and unity among citizen of Arunachal Pradesh, Sanjoy called upon all to develop the value of tolerance and charity that bind together all societies. Sanjoy assured to contribute Rs 20 lakh for improving the festival ground set up recently near the Naharlagan Helipad.

Earlier, Sanjoy released Si-Donyi festival souvenir ‘Diibe Nyiiling’.

Local MLA Techi Kaso attending the festival assured to extend all possible support for development of Tagin community in the capital complex. He also assured to his support for development of the festival ground.

Kaso also released a Tagin dictionary compiled by Dr Gyamnya Baki Garam, a young veterinary surgeon which aims to preserve ethnic language of the community. According to Dr Garam, preserving tribal language in written form is the only way to protect it from being extinct.

The festival which began at Naharlagun on January 4 ended formally on Friday.

The priest (Nyibu) would visit every household along with cultural troupes to pray for their peace and prosperity. DIPR

Discussion on issues of agri. dev. and role of KVKs

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: A brainstorming session on ‘issues of agricultural development and role of KVKs in Arunachal Pradesh’ was inaugurated by Agriculture & Horticulture Minister Setong Sena at ICAR Basar yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion, Sena stressed on cultivation and commercialization of location specific crops and encouraged the young entrepreneurs to come forward to the farming sector.

Later, the minister visited the integrated farming centre of Kenmar Basar, ZPM and encouraged the youths of West Siang to take up such integrated farming for self sustenance.

Dr. R. Bhagawati, Joint Director, ICAR, AP Centre said that KVK being the frontline extension agencies has the responsibilities for disseminating latest technologies to the farming community.

Hage Kojeen, Commissioner, Agriculture and Horticulture said that since agricultural lands are being converted for non agricultural activities the thrust areas should be to enhance the productivity. He also advocated for imparting proper training to the farmers on scientific cultivation of potential crops.

Dr. S.V. Ngachan, Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Meghalaya highlighted on conservation of elite germplasm and efficient use of the natural resources. He elaborated the benefit and the importance of off season cultivation of vegetables by farmers for economic their benefit.

Amjad Tak, Deputy Commissioner, West Siang informed the role of Farmers’ Federation for agricultural production and marketing. He appreciated the Joint Director, ICAR, Basar and his team for their efforts for the farming community.

A.K. Purkayastha, Director, Agri. Marketing, Govt. of A.P. gave a presentation on “Status of agriculture in Arunachal Pradesh and strategies for the XIIth Plan”.

Citizens rue erratic supply of PDS items

FCI assures yet again

PASIGHAT, Jan 6: At least two lakhs consumers are facing shortage of PDS in Siang belt as the FCI (Food Corporation of India) authorities have failed to supply essential commodities to East, West and Upper Siang districts during the last four months.

According to official sources, the District Food and Civil Supply Officer (DF&CSO) of all three districts could not make available essential items like rice, wheat and sugar etc since September, 2011 in their respective districts.

Reportedly only 1700 MT of rice was supplied by FCI in August 11 last which is insufficient for three districts.

Meanwhile, a three-member delegation comprising state’s PWD minister Chowna Mein, Planning Commission of India member Dr. Soumitra Chowdhury, Advisor to PCI Brahmo Chowdhury, DC Talem Tapok, DF&CSO Gautom Mibang and host of officers visited the 2500 MT capacities empty FCI depot at 2 miles Pasighat today to take stock of the reality.

DC Tapok expressed serious concern over the issue and informed that all the districts are passing through a very critical situation owing to shortage in essential commodities since September last. He said that lifting of food grains from alternate FCI depot of Assam also could not be materialized. He drew attention of the members towards the dependency of the people on PDS and further appealed to sort out the issue at the earliest to avoid PDS scarcities in the districts.

Tapok urged supply of sufficient food grains to tackle the present situation and also keep buffer stocks for lean months.

On their part, the PCI member Chowdhury assured to take up all hurdles with the FCI authorities to normalize the supplies at the earliest, reports DIPRO.

Meanwhile, CMD, FCI Siraj Hussain has assured that separate railway rack of food grains and Levy sugar for Arunachal Pradesh is being earmarked while adding that there would be no further food scarcity in Arunachal Pradesh.

He also committed that one regular General Manager, FCI for Arunachal Pradesh Region in Itanagar will be posted at the earliest to mitigate the present food crisis. The CMD said this during a meeting with Minister for Food & Civil Supplies Kamlung Mosang, Union Minister for Food & Public Distribution Dr K.V Thomas which was attended by Food & Public Distribution Secretary BC Gupta and other senior officers of Food Ministry and FCI headquarters.

The CMD is reported to have expressed gratitude to the state Govt. for proving land for construction of FCI godowns in Arunachal Pradesh.

NERIST should become best technical institute of the country: Governor

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: Arunachal Pradesh Governor General (Retd.) JJ Singh chaired the 20th Annual general meeting of North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology Society at NERIST campus, Nirjuli today.

Opening his address by quoting Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who said that ‘Like the sun, Arunachal Pradesh will rise from the east as a new star and become one of the best regions of our country’ the Governor said that in the same manner NERIST should also rise and become one of the best Technical institutes of the country.

Underscoring the importance of the meeting, the Governor said that the meeting is being held at a very critical juncture. Like the entire global economy, higher education in the country is today confronting challenges – about the need for a higher numbers of more highly trained, more highly educated scholars. In the years to come, Arunachal Pradesh, which is also going through a historic phase of development, will require a large pool of technically qualified manpower for various civil construction and hydro-power projects under implementation. This requirement increased the expectation of the State citizenry from NERIST Society, as well as imposes upon the institute, a moral obligation to not fail them in their expectations.

The Governor added the adoption of State Public Private Partnership Policy 2011 by the State Government will open the gates for development of various infrastructure sectors in the State through much-needed infusion of resources and managerial capability of the private sector. It will require lots of technical help. He expressed his hope that NERIST will be there to provide specialized advice or consultancy and more importantly, the pool of qualified manpower.

The Governor, who is chairing the Annual General Meeting for fourth time in a row, said that the society must integrate learning, discovery and practical work to provide the best environment for the students. The guiding principle must continue to be based on academic rigor and discipline but also provide opportunities for as many students as possible to participate in research teams, perform challenging work in industry and work sites and gain substantive professional experience.

He suggested that the premier technical institute should collaborate with other universities within the country and outside and create online networks for knowledge sharing. Maintaining that experienced engineers working along young engineering students and local residents can develop workable solutions for areas where working conditions are tough through a cross-disciplinary approach, the Governor also suggested for creating network of alumni. He also weighted importance to extracurricular activities.

Actively participating in the discussion, members gave important inputs for further improvement the campus environment and academic activities of NERIST.

Professor Dipankar Pal, Director NERIST presented the Director’s report in the meeting.

Professor Gautam Barua, Chairman, Board of Management, NERIST & Director, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, A N Jha, Financial Adviser, Ministry of Human Resource Development, GoI, F P Solo, Commissioner, Higher & Technical Education, Govt. of Nagaland, L R Sangma, Secretary, Education, Govt. of Meghalaya, Dr. Joram Begi, Director, Technical and Higher Education, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh and R K Y Singh, Additional Director, University & Higher Education, Govt. of Manipur were present in the Annual General Meeting. Special invitee Ankur Garg, Secretary to Governor also attended the meeting.

Earlier on his arrival to the NERIST Campus, the Governor, along with other NERIST society members took part in a plantation programme organized to commemorate the occasion. (PRO to Raj Bhawan)

Chidambaram entices prospective investors to invest in NE

ITANAGAR, Jan 6: Addressing the inaugural session of the 7th North East Business Summit 2012 organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in New Delhi today Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, said that while the North East presents massive opportunities for profitable investment across a large number of investors it is important to showcase that opportunities present in the North East offer a better return on investment than other regions across India to actually attract investors. Contrary to the persistent perception of the region being conflict prone, Chidambaram emphasized that, courtesy tireless efforts by the Centre and the respective State Governments violence and unrest has considerably reduced in the region. Businesses should as such be necessarily encouraged to invest in the North East, he pointed out. While efforts at restoring peace are truly commendable, efforts have to be undertaken for creating an enabling policy environment for optimal resource utilization to generate the requisite investor attention in the region, he reiterated.

Aggressive promotion of the bounteous opportunities both across different states of India and internationally is necessary to facilitate new investments in the State and for which education should be accorded topnotch priority. Amongst other lucrative opportunities a special mention must be mentioned about Tourism, he stated. The region courtesy its mountainous landscape and pristine environment boasts of a huge opportunity in Tourism, nothing much of which has yet been realized. Coal, Limestone and other mineral sources and Hydro power represent other sectors which offer bountiful opportunities. India has reached a new peak in its mutually cooperative bi-lateral relations with Bangladesh. Relations with Myanmar have also improved remarkably over the years. Through its cooperative and consultative engagements relations with other nations of East and South East have also been mutually developmental. It is high time to leverage on the cooperative relations to enhance cross border trade flows, a critical factor in ensuring a holistic development for the North East.

Echoing similar sentiments Paban Singh Ghatowar reiterated that the Ministry of DONER in collaboration with the Centre and the specific State Governments has made tireless efforts in projecting the North East’s enormous potential. Agro and Food Processing, Mining and Minerals, Horticulture, Tourism and Hospitality all present massive opportunities in the region for profitable investment. DONER, has played a highly proactive role in devising an enabling policy environment to create the requisite investor attention within the land locked region.

The Session also witnessed presentation of Excellence Awards to two personalities from the North East for their outstanding contribution in business and social life. While Sajjan Bhajanka and Chamaria of Star Cement Company were acknowledged for their outstanding contribution in the Social up-liftment of around 150 people through construction of schools and hospitals, Hasina Kharibh of Impulse Social Enterprises was recognized for her committed efforts in reducing the incidence of the dreaded HIV AIDS amongst the people of the North East, which incidentally is very high in the region.

Taloh highlights potentials

ITANAGAR: Minister for Industries, Handloom and Textile & Handicrafts Tapang Taloh heading the panel discussion on India’s NE – strengthening linkages at the 7th North-East Business Summit 2012 at New Delhi highlighted the state’s potential to the investors. He said that there are ample scope for investment in the state in infrastructure development, tourism, food processing units, mineral resources, medicinal plants and numerous aromatic plants --potential raw materials for drug manufacturing, education. He said that Arunachal Pradesh offers an attractive destination for investors with its vast natural, hospitable human resources, the strategic location and attractive incentives.

Director (Industries) R Ronya and Joint Director (Industries) Subu Tabin have interacted with potential investors in Industries, Tourism, Education, Health, Hydro Power sectors in Arunachal Pradesh.

China denies visa to Arunachalee IAF officer; India puts visit on hold

New Delhi, Jan 6: In yet another provocation, China has denied visa to a senior IAF officer hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, who was to travel as part of a military delegation, after which India put the visit on hold.

Group Captain M Panging, based in Tezpur, Assam, was refused visa by the Chinese embassy without being given any reasons, sources said.

Reacting strongly, India put on hold the visit that was to start from January 10.

The officer was to be part of the Integrated Defence Staff team travelling to China on a four-day visit under a bilateral defence exchange programme.

The 30-member tri-Service Indian delegation, being led by an Air Vice Marshal-rank officer, had to visit Beijing, Nanjing and Shanghai there.

China, which lays claim over Arunachal Pradesh, has often denied visa to those hailing from the state despite protests by India.

The visit by Indian military delegation was reciprocal to the one undertaken by the Chinese last month and is part of the confidence building measures between the two sides.

Earlier in 2010, China had denied visa to the then Northern Army Commander Lt Gen B S Jaswal as he was serving in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to souring of bilateral relations India suspended all defence exchanges.

Jaswal was to head a military delegation to China under the defence exchange programme.

The ice was broken when India sent a delegation under a Major General in June last year. After that visit, two more visits took place between the two sides.

The two countries had decided to enhance defence exchanges as part of CBMs during their Annual Defence Dialogue (ADD) held earlier this month. PTI

women’s empowerment benefits everyone

The World Economic Forum reports that across 134 countries, greater gender equality correlates positively with per capita Gross National Product. The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific estimates that the Asia-Pacific region alone loses more than US $40 billion per year because of women’s limited access to employment, and $16-$30 billion because of gender gaps in education.

The Millennium Development Goals and the vision set forth in the Millennium Declaration represent the most ambitious blueprint for global development that the world’s countries have ever agreed to. Meeting the Goals and realising the Declaration’s vision of a more peaceful, prosperous and just world characterised by freedom and equality requires a host of actions and resources. Of these, none is more critical, far-reaching or strategic than advancing women’s empowerment and bringing about equality between women and men.

The report explores the ways in which equality and empowerment advance development objectives can be seen by analysing a few key drivers for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

Advocates for equality between women and men have long made the case that women’s empowerment benefits everyone—not just women. In recent years, other actors have added their voices to this chorus, bringing with them strong economic arguments and evidence.

Please pay us our salary

Dear Editor,

I would like to draw the attention of concerned authority towards the fact that SSA teachers are the back bone of fundamental education in Arunachal as they serve in remote places where there is no modern facilities.

They are the real nation builders. They teaches early and fundamentals to the little ones. But alas! They are deprived of even their salaries. They are silent but it doesn’t mean that they can do nothing. If they are silent it is silence before storm. If they fight right now when the final exam is quite near who will be responsible for the loss of one academic year of the students. Surely this govt will be blamed.

So I request the concerned authority to rectify the salary of SSA teachers, who are waiting for their salary for last few months otherwise buy lock and keys to lock thousands of schools. Please do something before it is too late.

Yours

SSA teacher

Accommodation problem

Dear Editor,

I would like to put forward my appeal to Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh and CoSAAP that maximum of Government employees working under Capital Complex are facing difficulties due to accommodation problem. Maximum of them would not hope for getting govt accommodation because there is no systematic allotment of Quarters. On the other hand, it is difficult to find private accommodation and even if one find, the rent is not less that Rs 2000.

Therefore, I request the CoSAAP to take up this matter with the government on priority basis so that Government gives House Rent Allowance with a minimum of Rs. 2000.00 or above per month to the employees who do not have government accommodation.

Yours

Frustrated Employee

Ban and advertisements

Dear Editor,

We all know that few days ago all the tobacco products were banned. But now days we see advertisement of Tiranga in our local newspaper. This is a joke on us. Those who are not addicted also will get addicted.

Yours,

Tangam Likha

Naharlagun

Tell us

Dear Editor,

This is apropos to the letter "Take bandh callers to task" by G.Tala, L.Talar & T.Tallu. Where these people hibernating when UAEA & Aspirant candidates were crying day & night over the APPSC controversy? Today we are victims of Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission; tomorrow it could be any one. For the labor which we are toiling today, the fruits will be benefited by others.

Where were you couple of months back, when there were celebrations of bandh calls? We took the step because organizations, unions, associations, societies are silent on the issue. They should intervene and tell us whether we are doing the right or the wrong.

Yours

Frustrated Engineer

___________

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