The Arunachal Times - Archives

Centre for equitable development in NE

ITANAGAR, Jan 12: The UPA govt at the Centre had made its mind for an equitable development of North East, including Arunachal Pradesh, Union Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Kumari Selja said while addressing a gathering after inaugurating a cost effective housing complex, constructed for safai karmcharis and urban poor at Nirjuli near here this afternoon.

Taken under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), the Rs 260.34-lakh housing project with 40 dwelling units was executed by Hindustan Prefab Limited, a govt of India enterprise under the Union Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation.

The UPA Govt at the Centre wished that the people of North East, including Arunachal Pradesh, march on the development path at par with rest of the country, she said and sought the people’s cooperation to ensure that its developmental fruits reach out to all corners of the region.

Selja disclosed that an additional outlay of Rs 50,000 crore has been earmarked under the JNNURM to construct 15 lakh ‘makaan’ (houses) in the country to provide affordable housing and basic amenities to the urban poor and low income groups.

Over the period of planned development, we have been able to address the problems of food security and clothing for aam aadmi. Now, we at the Centre, for the first time in the country, are focusing on providing makaan (houses) to the commoners in cities and towns under JNNURM, which was launched in December 2005, she said.

The Union minister, who earlier handed over the keys along with allotment orders to four of 40 beneficiaries, informed that the Centre is going to launch another scheme, Rajiv Awas Yojana, for the urban poor and slum dwellers to promote a slum-free India. She said, Now, the responsibility lies on the govts of respective states and Union territories to prepare vision papers and submit it to the Central Govt for a slum-free India in five years.

CM calls of union minister

ITANAGAR, Jan 12: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu called on the Union Minister for Urban, Poverty Alleviation and Tourism Kumari Selja at Raj Bhavan here today.

The Union Minister, who is on a three-day tour to the State, arrived here in the evening after a visit to Mechuka, Sagalee and Nirjuli in the day.

In the threadbare meeting, Chief Minister touched on the tourism prospects of the state and its uniqueness.

Both stressed upon cleanliness and enhancement of tourism in the state. Promotion of indigenous produces, traditional and cultural activities as part of tourism initiative were taken up in the discussion. As tradition, on behalf of people of the State, Khandu presented an Apatani shawl, Monpa carpet and Thangkha to the union minister.

Khandu spells out development priorities

ITANAGAR, Jan 12: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Khandu said that the state, considered to be the future power house of the nation with a potential to generate 60,000 MW of hydropower, has already allotted over 40,000 MW capacity to CPSUs and private players.

In an interview with a news agency at his new Bunglow here today, the Chief Minister said the 2000 MW NHPC unit under construction at Gerukhamuk will start generation in two years.

The detailed project report (DPR) for several other mega hydro projects including 3,000 MW NHPC unit in Lower Dibang Valley, another of similar capacity at Gamwe in Lohit to be constructed by Athena group and the 1500 MW Tawang project were complete.

DPR for 2700 MW unit being constructed by a private developer at Pasighat has been almost finalized. Besides, scores of small units were coming up which will go on stream in a year or two bringing huge revenue to the state coffer, he stated.

Regarding eradication of corruption, Khandu claimed that in the past two years it has been reduced substantially through third party monitoring and bringing transparency in the system by putting the status of implementation of projects on websites with photographs.

Khandu, who had made the promise to reduce corruption when he became the CM in 2007, informed that over 1000 RTI cases were filed with the Information Commissioners in the state last year.

Revenue against power supply also went up from Rs 3 crore to Rs 10 crore last year, he added.

A Greenfield airport, rail link, and generation of at least 5000 MW of hydro power , construction of modern state assembly and State Secretariat, sessions courts are also on my target, Khandu said. Tendering for different segments of the Trans-Arunachal highway linking over a dozen district headquarters has been continuing, Khandu said, and will be completed in two years to remove the problem of inaccessibility.

Completion of the Chief Minister’s bungalow at a cost of Rs 7 crore sanctioned by the Centre was the first major construction he has completed to give a facelift to the image of the state, Khandu said.

The new assembly building and secretariat for which the Centre has sanctioned Rs 40 crore and Rs 91 crore would also be completed in next two years.

A power grid corporation for distribution of power within the state has been constituted and the state has sought Rs.1,400 crore from Planning Commission for construction of the grid, the Chief Minister informed .

Khandu said land for eight Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) lying unused for long has been handed over to the Defence ministry for free under an MOU signed last year with the stipulation that they will be used both by military and civil aircraft.

The state government has also sent a proposal for construction of another ALG in the Buddhist town of Tawang, which attracts 9000 tourists every year besides being an important border town from the defence point of view.

The process for allotment of land for accommodation of the proposed deployment of two more divisions of army were also on.

Khandu, who returned to power with a two-third majority in the October Assembly elections, said he plans to complete some major projects which will help the backward state become prosperous by exploiting its huge natural resources.

On the cards are, among others, the ambitious 1800 km Trans Arunachal highway and other highways interlinking district headquarters and a four lane link between the state capital and the rest of the country. DIPR

Cultural extra-vaganza marks the 2nd day of Siang River festival

Ojing Tayeng

AALO, Jan 12: Thang-Ta (art of displaying sword) by Manipuri cultural troupe and melodious numbers of little champ Anamika Choudhury, Assam and Darjeeling base Nomads Band Cultural troupe stole the limelight on the 2nd day of the five-day long Siang River Festival which began yesterday.

Festival which aims to provide a platform to the rural artisans and members of various local self Help Groups drew scanty visitor at day time. However, with the evening of cultural programme in the evening, the festival group overcrowded with audience.

The local Apong (wine) and locally prepared meat served at the Galo, Minyong, Memba, Bokar model houses and other Apong stalls remain houseful and turned to be the most profitable stall of the festival till today. The rich works by rural artisans and craftsmen of the district which are being displayed here for direct retail sales could not compete with the Apong stalls.

A representatives of the Local self-help group said that the event was a great effort on the part of the government.

Though, the festival has opened a whole new dimension for the people of the area for promotion of rural handicrafts and other products along with cultural extravaganza, the people have little conscious about it.

However, they hoped that in near future SRF will emerge as a one of the major festival of the Siang belt.

Meanwhile, a stall owner said that the SRF organized by department earlier, was far better than the present festival.

This time many local SHGs and members were restricted from setting up of stall.

She further lamenting over the scanty visitors appealed the organizers of the SRF 2011to initiate more stalls and also to include local sports besides cultural items.

The accommodation for the media teams especially print media is not satisfactory. Some of the media were given room at Circuit house and others were adjusted at dilapidated PWD Inspection Bungalow.

Meanwhile, Organizing Secretary Kengam Ete said that this time we have reduced the Apong stalls and the time has also been fixed upto 8 pm.

He further added that models house of the every sub-tribes of the Siang belt have been introduced for 2nd time in the festival so that they can highlight their daily house hold activities.

We have invited SHGs in large number to set up stall, but only few of them turned up, lamented Ete.

NABARD state credit outlay pegged at Rs 123.36 cr

ITANAGAR, Jan 12: The total credit outlay for Arunachal Pradesh is pegged at Rs.123.36 crores as per aggregation of potential linked plan prepared by NABARD in a credit seminar organized by the NABARD regional office today.

The seminar being organized to discuss the State Credit Plan for 2010-11 and issues involved in the flow of credit at State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) was attended by 32 participants from line departments, Banks and NGOs took part in the seminar. State Focus Paper was also presented on the occasion.

In his presentation, Dr. B.G. Mukhopadhyay, General Manager, NABARD highlighted the potentials of the state under Farm and non-Farm sector which could be exploited through institutional finance.

He urged upon the bankers not to make “Land Possession Certificate” the issue for stopping the borrowers to access finance. The SHG approach and Joint Liability Group method are the other options to bring the people under banking fold, he mentioned.

Subu Tabin, Joint Director of Industries, advised the bankers to take the responsibility on “mission mode.” There is ample scope to improve the Credit-Deposit ratio of the state which is lower than the mandated norms of RBI, Tabin added.

The representatives from NGOs lamented the lack of bank credit for the SHG members.

GM, NABARD advised the Bankers and SLBC to prepare a road-map for the financially excluded districts and region. He said NABARD will support any innovative initiative to reach the unreached section of the population in the State.

A News Letter named ‘Umang’ of Support Center Micro-Finance, Arunachal Pradesh was also released on the occasion.

Governor suggests PPP model in tourism sector

ITANAGAR, Jan 12: The biggest problem in the tourism sector is the problem of accommodation for tourists, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen. JJ Singh said and suggested for leasing out of some of the government infrastructure, such as inspection bungalow and forest rest house etc. to the registered tour operators under Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

He was interacting with members of Arunachal Pradesh Tour Operators Association at Raj Bhavan here today. Governor said that the youths could be involved in cultural activities or cultural troupeage, construction of trackers’ hut and preparation and serving of local cuisine besides providing conveyance to the tourists. This will not only help in employment generation and also to the state revenue, he said.

The Governor also exhorted the operators to encourage home stay facilities among the local community.

Involvement of department of Environment and Forest, Deputy Commissioners Panchayati Raj members will definitely give impetus to tourism activities, he added. Urging the tourism department to take proactive role, the Governor called for Tourism Policy for the State. We must have calendared tourism activities along with the festival.

Citing the dumping of garbage in the picnic spots at Poma Jote areas by the picnickers, Gen Singh advised the operator to educate the people, especially those living in those area to keep their locality clean. He also stressed on organic farming for the benefit of common people and the tourists also.

Taking part in the discussion, DS Pandit Secretary urged the tour operators to give sufficient time to the department in issuing permits to tourists.

Tourism Director A K Singh apprised the governor on the latest initiatives of the Government and the department.

The Tour operators led by John Panya and Tsering Wange gave detail picture of the tourism in the state and also highlight on the activities. PRO to CM

Mamang Dai’s book released

ITANAGAR, Jan 12: Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Union Minister of State for External Affairs released the book, titled “Arunachal Pradesh The Hidden Land” in an impressive function organized at Arunachal Bhawan, New Delhi on Jan 8 last.

The book written by renowned litterateur Mamang Dai, was published by Penguin Books India. A writer and columnist himself, Dr. Tharoor has lauded the efforts of Mamang Dai.

Speaking on the occasion Sanjay Hazarika, the writer, journalist, social activist and voice of the North East highly appreciated the book and its author. Ms Gillian Wright, prominent writer herself, highlighted the content of the book and the talent of the author. Ravi Singh, Editor in-chief and publisher of Penguin Book India, Bijoy Talukdar, Deputy Resident Commissioner also spoke on the occasion.

Nabam Tuki, Minister (PWD & UD), C.C. Singpho, MLA and Parliamentary Secretary, Dr. H.K. Paliwal, Principal Secretary (Power & Coordination), Anshu Prakash former Commissioner (Health and FW), Arunachal Pradesh, P.S. Lokhande. former Secretary (Planning), Arunachal Pradesh presently DC, MCD, New Delhi, Bora Ete, Chief Engineer (HW) and many elite & intellectual personalities of Delhi took part in the function.

State needs education commission: MLA

DAMBUK, Jan 12: Jomin Tayeng, MLA Dambuk and the first IAS of the state has reiterated for creation of State Education Commission to streamline the education system of the state. He said this in an interaction with the teaching staffs of GHSS Dambuk on his maiden visit to the school after being elected as MLA.

There is deficiency in the education system and some changes are needed to improve the present condition, he said, while exhorting the teachers to be dedicated in their duties.

On the grievances of the teachers and memorandum submitted by the Principal of the school, he expressed his limitations but assured them to raise the issue before the concern authorities of the state.

Heeding to the demand of increase in the hours of power supply, Tayeng informed that an amount of Rs 1.50 lakh are spent every day for power generation. Reiterating the importance of Hydropower generation, he called for mass awareness on hydro projects.

Earlier, B. Yirang, principal GHSS has submitted a memorandum to the local MLA citing many problems of the schools.

Earlier, Tayeng visited the dilapidated boy’s hostel buildings. He was accompanied by D Tali, SDO Dambuk, Tuppik Saring, Anchal Chairperson Dambuk and HoDs of the Sub-Division and public leaders. DIPRO

Youths urged to involve in tourism sector

ITANAGAR, Jan 12: Sanjay Kothari, additional secretary, union ministry of tourism today called upon the youths of the state to play a pro-active role in development of the tourism sector in Arunachal Pradesh.

Inspecting the road side cafeteria at 6th mile near Itanagar today, Kothari, who was accompanied by state tourism secretary Bandana Deori and tourism director A K Singh, said tourism will reach its zenith with improvement of the communication facilities for which initiatives have already been taken. The proposed Karsingsa green field airport will also bring in more tourists, he hoped.

Lauding the apex students organization such as AAPSU and other student communities for extending every possible support for development of tourism, Bandana Deori, said the cafeteria constructed under central Govt scheme would be inaugurated formally on January 26 next. Large of student leaders including AAPSU president Takam Tatung, and ALSU and ANSU executives were also present on the occasion to give a new impetus to tourism sector.

TT Enterprise, Itanagar will run the cafeteria on lease basis for five years.

Meanwhile Tatung called upon the central Govt to sanction more development projects in the state on priority basis.

He also appealed the state Govt to make the guest house and shopping complex at Nirjuli functional soon.

State Govt should take step to shift CRPF base from the youth hostel, Naharlagun which is meant for youths, he added.

ITBP and Winrock Intl India join hands for livelihood enhancement of Border Villages

Jambey Tsering

TAWANG, Jan 12: ITBP and Winrock International India put on collective efforts to enhance the livelihood of remote border villages. To start up with their noble venture, the duo chose Brokenthang, a border village in Tawang district, just 11 KMs away from the Indo-China International border.

As a part of the joint livelihood enhancement program of 4th Battalion of Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Winrock International India (WII), a medium scale mushroom cultivation unit was recently established at Brokenthang. The processing centre was constructed employing only the villagers which generated direct labour opportunity to the villagers to a tune of more than Rs. 35000. The processing centre and the infrastructure required for mushroom cultivation (racks etc) has been constructed using local resources.

Mushroom is a traditional protein source for the people of Western Arunachal Pradesh and is mainly collected from the forests. At present very few mushroom production centres are present in this part of Arunachal Pradesh which are not able to meet the huge market demand.

The processing centre is of 24 sq metre area and has facilities of mushroom production in a scientific manner. The programme will provide training for the entire village in mushroom production and market linkages have also been established. The production will start in the month of March 2010, after the peak winter subsides. The Program Officers of Winrock informed that the production centre has a capacity to produce more than 30,000 kilograms of mushroom per annum which can generate approximately a profit of 4 lakhs for the villagers. At a function organized in Brokenthang on January 9 last, Commandant 4th Battalion of Indo Tibetan Border Police, Jackson P. Therratil, distributed the wages to the villagers for the construction of processing centre in the village. The function was also attended by Program Officers of Winrock International India, Dr K. M. Jayahari and Monalisa Sen, ZPM Sangey Norbu, Anchal Chairperson Namgey Tsering, and Chombay Kee, Secretary General, Yuva Arunachal.

Therratil while reinstated the commitment of ITBP towards livelihood enhancement of border villages, he requested the villagers to make use of the opportunity to generate more income using the potential of the market.

Chombay whole heartedly appreciated the initiative which is aimed to enhance the livelihood of an economically backward village like Brokenthang. He also encouraged the villagers to sustain and preserve the centre to set an example for others to follow.

Stress management workshop

ITANAGAR, Jan 12: The Art of Living is organizing an exclusive stress management and rejuvenation workshop for officials at the Police Officers' Mess, Near SP's Office, Ganga from Jan 15 to 17.

The workshop is organized exclusively keeping in mind the challenges faced by officials and decision-makers.

Comp. edn. prog.

ITANAGAR, Jan 12: Branch MSME Development Institute, a Govt. of India organization under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises would organize an entrepreneurship skill development programme (ESDP) on ‘computer hardware and maintenance for unemployed educated youth in association with A to Z Computer Education, Naharlagun from January 22 to February 10 next.

The programme aims to create awareness and scope for unemployed educated youth to take up self employment ventures and income generating activities in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

PEWA conference held

ITANAGAR, Jan. 12: The second conference cum election of Palin Employees Association (PEWA) was held from 9th to 11th January. During the meet students of area who brought laurel in CBSE 10th and 12th exams were felicitated by PEWA. They also honoured Toku Chokio, an economic lecturer from Government College Kamki for being the first lecturer of Palin area and hope his achievement will inspire coming generation youth.

Meanwhile Er. Rido Alo has been elected as new president of PEWA, whereas Khyoda Tagum and Er. Techi Tajo was elected as vice-president and secretary respectively.

KDWS calls for clean environment

ITANAGAR, Jan 12: Kameng Development Welfare Society (KDWS) has expressed concerned over dilapidated condition of Seppa Township. They claimed that town is full of dirt, garbage and even drain water is scattered over the road, which is making life miserable for people and leading to spread of dreadful diseases.

KDWS further requested MLA’s of the area, NGOs, citizens and local administration to take immediate steps to make town neat and clean. In this regard they have requested administration to make available dustbins in every corner of town and regularly clear garbage from township.

National youth day celebrated

ITANAGAR, Jan. 12: Sanskar Bharati Arunachal Pradesh and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sanghathan jointly celebrated National Youth day to mark the occasion of 148th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda on Tuesday at Vivekananda Hall Itanagar. The programme was attended by about 130 students from different schools of capital complex.

Dr. Joram Begi, Director Higher and technical education, Government of Arunachal Pradesh spoke on the occasion as chief guest and Swami Shubranandan ji, of R K Mission spoke on the occasion as guest of honour. During the day two youths Tilling Yam from Zero and Biyai Belai from Tezu were felicitated for their outstanding contribution to the society. Both of them got sum of Rs.15000 (fifteen thousand) each and certificate as token of award.

At Bomdila, The National Youth Day was celebrated as Career Guidance Day at the auditorium of Government Higher Secondary school Bomdila in an attempt to acquaint the students on the various provisions and criteria’s for enrolment in the Indian Army, administrative services and in other allied services in the various organizations and institutions.

The programme participated by the officiating GOC M.S Sandhu of the Ball of Fire Division, Deputy Commissioner Swati Sharma, Regional Director IGNOU Dr. S.J. Neethirajan, Director Defence Research Laboratory Dr. Lokendra Singh, Deputy General Manager NABARD A.K. Pasrija and a host of other district departmental heads including MLA Phurpa Tsering.

GOC M.S Sandhu of the Ball of Fire Division paying rich tributes to the two great sons of the soil Lt. Sepoy Sonam Rinchin SM and Lt. Sepoy Ngawang Tenzing SM of Morshing and New Bomdila in the district, who had laid down their lives fighting terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir in 2004 last, gave a clarion call for the students to join the Indian Army so as to serve the nation and the people in true spirit.

Col. Rakesh Mehra made a detail power point presentation on the various levels of entry into the Indian Army and the related privileges topped with the feeling of satisfaction while serving the motherland.

DC Swati Sharma, a resource person herself for the programme and to whose credit the idea of this programme goes, made an impressive power point presentation on the UPSC preparations and impressed on the students the need for hard work, sincerity and commitment coupled with competence for success in any field.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Tashi and Circle Officer Tashi Dondup dealt on the approach for APCS preparations and shared their personal experiences with the students.

The other learned resource persons in the form of Dr. S.J. Neethirajan the Regional Director of IGNOU, Dr. Lokendra Singh the Director of Defence Research laboratory MOD Tezpur and A.K. Pasrija the Deputy General Manager NABARD too left an impression on the young minds with their powerful but lucid presentations.

In the interaction session that followed, the quarries of the students were taken care of by the various resource persons.

To commemorate the Career Guidance Programme held on the eve of the National Youth Day, an exhibition football match between GOC XI v/s DC XI was conducted where the Gurkha Regiment of GOC XI beat DC XI by 5 - 0. DIPRO

2nd state level karate c’ship from Jan 15

ITANAGAR, Jan 12: The Arunachal Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Association will conduct the second State Level Karate-Do Championship at Jubilee Ground, Tezu from January 15 to 17 next.

Teams from eight districts and clubs, including Papum Pare, Kurung Kumey, East Siang, West Siang, Lohit, Anjaw, Upper Subansiri, ITBP, Sports Authority of India Special Area Game Centre, Naharlagun and Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy will take part in the championship. Sensei L. Marik, Black Belt 4th Dan will be the chief jury. A referee examination, judges seminar will also be held.

Commandant, 25th Bn ITBP Tezu will attend the opening ceremony as the chief guest while public leader Ojumso Taying will be the guest of honour.

Yeza Memorial Twenty20 Cricket Tourney

Utd. Seppa beat Vintage XI by 4 runs

ITANAGAR, Jan 12: United Seppa Eleven pipped Vintage XI by 4 runs in a nerve wrecking quarterfinals to book semifinal berth of Yeza Memorial Twenty-Twenty Cricket Tournament being played at Seppa General Ground, today.

After winning the toss, United Seppa Eleven elected to bat first which proved worthy for the team. Taking full advantage of the pleasant weather, they scored 124 runs in restricted 120 balls. Key player Nong Boko, as expected, was the highest scorer with 39 runs off 30 balls. However, his dream innings was cut short by Lelong Sonam.

Skipper Kirba Sora played a captain’s knock and contributed valuable 25 runs. He was trapped LBW by P B Sonar.

Other players also contributed useful runs to set a challenging target of 125.

Much hyped Vintage Eleven, despite an impressive half century from Jorjo Sono Yangfo, could not live upto its expectation and the team’s innings folded for 120, four runs short of the target. Yangfo made 50 runs which included two sixes and four hits to the fence from 43 balls. He was bowled out by Harang Sonam.

Other Vintage tail did not wag except Lelong Sonam who scored a face-saving 18 runs from 16 balls. Tense filled last over of the match was the turning point for the Vintage. They were to score 8 runs from 6 balls but failed to do so as they managed to score 4 runs only.

Jorjo Sono Yangfo was declared man of the match for his splendid performance.

Seppa United play Gorkha Eleven in the first semifinal scheduled tomorrow morning.