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2014

January 24

NSCN-K cadre surrenders

CHANGLANG, Jan 23: One hardcore NSCN (K) cadre identified as Self Style Lance Corporal Dungwang Phuksa of Kolam village, Laju circle surrendered with one 9 mm pistol and live ammunition to the Assam Rifles in presence of the Arunachal Pradesh Police on January 21 last. The cadre was active in Changlang district for the last four years. However, the relentless operations of Assam Rifles convinced him regarding the futility of leading a life of violence.

The surrender ceremony assumes importance as it will act as an inspiration for other misled youths to come forward and join the national mainstream. The event also exhibits goodwill and confidence generated by Security Forces, who have created a secured environment in Tirap, Changlang and Longding district, thereby giving a severe jolt to the insurgency in the region. DIPRO incharge

 

PPLAWC writes to local MLA

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: Reiterating its demand to appoint 50 of the ITI trainees from the land affected people, the Pare Project Land Affected Welfare Committee (PPLAWC) has threatened to launch 48 hours bandh call on February 8 next in the project site if the appointment is not done on or before February 7 next.

In its representation submitted to the local MLA cum parliamentary secretary planning, while giving an account of the various meetings with the NEEPCO authority wherein the NEEPCO authorities have assured of appointing the trainees, it also requested him to ask the NEEPCO authorities to consider six months vocational training to the trainees instead of the two years course.

Expressing disappointment with NEEPCO for not being able to fulfill its assurance, it said, recently the NEEPCO head office conducted an interview of account officers, personnel officer, engineers etc wherein one of the affected youth Bengia Atu was denied of any job despite of the fact that she had cleared the written examination and also that PPLAWC had recommended her name for the appointment.

It also informed that the trainees who are undergoing training at ITI Tezpur are being deprived of their monthly stipend from the NEEPCO authority as directed by the chief minister.

The stipends are not being released properly resulting in lot of inconvenience for the students as the college authorities often threaten them to vacate for nonpayment of the mess fee, it said.

 

Road safety campaign and free eye check up camp

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: The Santin Ajing Society Ziro (SASZ) in association with India Oil Corporation Ltd.  has organized  road safety campaign and free eye check up camp at LPG Bottling Plant, Kimin on January 22 and 23.

Around 150 persons, most of them were drivers/ transporters, were benefitted by the programme. On the main road the motorists were imparted knowledge on road safety. Pamphlets were also distributed to spread the awareness on road safety.

Dr. Nani Tamang Jose, Dy. Registrar, Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh delivered key note address on  “Awareness on road safety- A life saving mantra”  through power point presentation.

Earlier, S. Kumrah, Asst. Manager (LPG-O), briefed the importance of observing the road safety day.

Later Dr. T Sorum, Sr. Eye Specialist from R.K. Mission Hospital, Itanagar briefed on the need of eye-care.  Eye-check up of drivers & contract labours in co-ordination with Dr. Meena Mudang, MO, CHC, Kimin was done. Free medicines were also distributed to the  beneficiaries.

Er. Mudang Tacho, Plant Manager, IOC, Kimin and Rubu Omo, representative of SASZ also spoke on the occasion.

 

Singla joins as Tirap SP

KHONSA, Jan 23: Ajit Kumar Singla, IPS has joined as the new Superintendent of Police in Tirap today relieving Vikramjit Singh who has been posted to Delhi Police after completing his tenure in insurgency-hit Tirap district.

Speaking at a farewell meeting organized in honour of the out-going SP at DC’s conference hall, Tirap Deputy Commissioner Kamlesh Kumar Joshi spoke about Vikramjit Singh’s contributions towards ushering in peace in Tirap.

Describing Singh as a truly professional officer of high caliber, Joshi said that during his tenure as SP the people lived sans fear as the law and order was in control. The DC also welcomed the new incumbent Singla and hoped that he would also leave no stone unturned in maintaining peace and rule of law in the district.

The ADC H Matcha in his speech lauded the out-going SP for his exemplary courage and efficiency in dealing with the present explosive insurgency problem of the district. A number of other HoDs also spoke on the occasion. The DC later presented mementoes to Vikramjit Singh on behalf of the district. DIPRO

 

CM’s  Volleyball trophy  begins

PASIGHAT, Jan 23: The CM’s Volleyball Trophy for 38-Pasighat was declared opened by the PMC Chief Councilor Denong Tamuk at the sports complex Pasighat today.

Eight teams are participating in the tournament; the winner team will participate in the district level to be held from Jan 29-31 next.

In the opening match, Opener Smasher team defeated Mirku.

Tamuk appreciated the organizing President Rajesh Panyang (ADC) and secretary Nada Apa (DSO) for their tireless efforts and people of Pasighat for overwhelming response from all quarter. He stressed on the need for maintaining discipline and physical fitness and further stated that such kind of event will imbibe unity and fill communication gap among all.

Earlier, ADC Panyang said when it comes to sports, Pasighatians exhibit an almost unmatched passion. They turn out in large numbers to watch and enjoy. DIPRO

 

Org condemns authority for inaction

ITANAGAR, Jan 23:  The 21-Koloriang Indigenous People Movement today condemned the government for alleged inaction to drop the tainted MLA who allegedly involved during electoral roll burning   incident at Hawa Camp on 9th Dec 2013.  Digging at Pradesh Congress Committee, the organization also condemned it for not being able to expel the MLA from the party.  Further it urged the home department to re-arrest the other accused involved in the incident.

 

EKDBAS office inaugurated

SEPPA, Jan 23: The office of the East Kameng District Bar Association Seppa ( EKDBAS) was inaugurated  by CJM- Cum- Civil Judge (Sr.Div) Tageng Padoh in the premises of the court building.

All the Advocates of East Kameng District were also present along with the staff of the court.

 Speaking on the occasion Padoh informed the gathering about the relation between Bar & Bench. He said that Advocates should be a role model for the society and work as a social engineering to eradicate social evils from the society. He gave emphasis for maintaining the ‘Rule of Law’ and further told the Bar member to maintain ethics and uphold the Justice system.

East Kameng District Bar Association (EKDBA) President Biman Sonam urged the Bar Members to supports him, so that he can appraise the problem to the Bench and pleaded the CJM- Cum- Civil Judge (Sr.Div) for early disposal of back logging cases.

EKDBA, General Secretary Nama Dodum also spoke on the occasion. DIPRO

 

Farmer awareness campaign on rural godown gets underway

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: A three days farmers’ awareness campaign on rural godown conducted by Institute of Cooperative Management, Guwahati in collaboration with Arunachal Pradesh State Cooperative Union Naharlagun being sponsored by National Institute of Agricultural Marketing Jaipur got underway in Papumpare district. The objectives of the programme are to create awareness among the members of cooperative societies, self help groups, farmers etc about the various schemes and policies of the government for infrastructural development for godown construction in agricultural field.

 

8423 immunized against pulse polio in Longding

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: Longding district achieved a coverage of 96.84 percent in the first phase of the intensified pulse polio immunization campaign.

Of the targeted 8699 in the age group of 0-5 years a total of 8423 children were administered oral polio drops, informed DRCHO Dr. L Bagra.

Bagra, who credited deputy commissioner Repo Ronya, Longding DMO Dr. N Lowang and the team of District Programme Management Unit’s whole-hearted support during the campaign for the achievement, said will try to achieve cent percent coverage in the next round of IPPI which is scheduled on February 23.

 

Encourage sports activities in remote villages: SP

CHANGLANG, Jan 23: The Khuchep-II(B) team won the Khuchep-II village volleyball tournament by  defeating Khuchep-II(A) in the final match of the  tournament  which  concluded  at the village yesterday. Jonglimpother team emerged as most disciplined team. The best player award was presented to Nongbi Taisim of Khuchep-I team.

Addressing the closing ceremony Changlang Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar lauded the organising committee  for their noble step  to encourage game and sports in the remote village. Such sports activities not only keep one healthy but also keep the youths away from unhealthy and unwanted activities. He suggested them to organize such activities periodically.

 

Bunny’s Fantasy World observes Netaji’s 117th birth anniversary

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: The 117th Birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was celebrated at Bunny’s Fantasy World School here today.

Presiding over the function, Dr V N Sharma, state nodal officer, NSSS, emphasized on the teaching practices and methodologies adopted to teach young students. He exhorted the students to follow the ideology of Netaji.

Cultural programme presentation by the tiny tots of the school also marked the occasion.

A declamation contest was organized to commemorate the day. Master Sangha Nikum of Class VII was declared winner. Taring Marina and Ponung Panyang of Class VII bagged second positions while Dampi Ligu of Class IV came third.

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News Impact

SUMA confronts NPF, blocks entry

ITANAGAR, Jan 23:  A team of Naga People’s Front (NPF) which arrived here yesterday, agreed at the intervention of Students’ Union Movement of Arunachal (SUMA) that the Nagaland-based regional party would not spread its wings into Arunachal Pradesh for the time being, although it had announced earlier today to float its candidates in the ensuing Lok Sabha and assembly elections during a Press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here.

As the 12-member NPF team including its secretary general K G Kenye, vice presidents T L Meri and S Shingnyu, general secretaries Kruzakie Kelio and S Akho Leyri, women wing working president K Sangchu, including Nagaland police personnel and drivers were leaving the Press Club area they were confronted by members of Students’ Union Movement of Arunachal (SUMA) that led to a commotion as SUMA leaders have been opposing the entry of NPF into Arunachal.

During a meeting between the two groups later, as claimed by SUMA, the NPF team tendered apology for entering the state without valid permit or without prior official intimation.  The two groups later decided that NPF would not take up any political activity within Arunachal till reaching an agreeable solution to the issue raised by SUMA.

SUMA president Biri Tabing said that SUMA told them in no uncertain terms that they would not allow NPF ‘which stands only for the cause of the Nagas’ but  would consent if any party reflects the regional character of other North Eastern states and vouches for their causes.

The representatives of NPF and SUMA held a threadbare discussion at a local hotel and came to the above unanimous conclusion. The SUMA team later informed the mediapersons at the Press Club that the People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) would also face the ire if it ties up directly with the NPF for the elections in the state. SUMA would not, however, oppose if the PPA joins a regional forum of political parties.

The SUMA team came to the Press Club to announce the decisions at an impromptu press conference. But, when they arrived at the venue another press conference was on. Impatient SUMA members started verbally abusing journalists including woman scribes.

Though they were allowed to respond to a few questions but the press conference did not take place.

Tabing later tendered a written apology for the unbecoming behaviour of few of its members after the Press Club president Chopa Cheda dealt with the matter seriously and demanded an explanation.

Later, the members of APC and Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists unanimously decided that such unbecoming behaviour by any organization with the Press persons would be taken as an insult to the media and the case would be decided according to its merit. Meanwhile, the NPF team was externed out from the state capital Itanagar at the direction of the magistrate after the team leaders were produced before a local magistrate.

The NPF leader including Kenye, a VIP under security coverage, had reportedly arrived here to hold discussion with their Arunachal counterparts and address a press conference today. But the Nagaland team members were without any inner line permit, mandatorily needed for any outsider under the Bengal Eastern Regulation, 1873 and without intimating the state administration or Capital police about the VIP movement under security coverage.

 

 

CM promises rapid development of Mariyang

MARIYANG, Jan 23: The first-ever Yamne River Festival was inaugurated today by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki at Mariyang in Upper Siang district. He was accompanied by Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Ninong Ering, Education Minister Bosiram Siram, Yingkiong Legislator Alo Libang and local legislator J K Panggeng.

The maiden festival also marked a new beginning for Mariyang. Tuki had promised the people to upgrade the township to an ADC headquarter during his visit in 2012 and today he inaugurated the newly established office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner.

Addressing a huge gathering, Tuki appreciated the efforts put in by the local legislator and the organizing committee for conceptualizing the Yamne River Festival and organizing it for the first time. He said the state government is emphasizing on local festivals that would ultimately become attraction-point for tourists and thereby boosting local economy in the long run. “Ours is a land of festivals. Let’s make these festivals a catalyst to strengthen our brotherly bonds and spread peace and happiness,” the Chief Minister said.

He appealed the people to lend their cooperation and support to the government so that the elected representatives can fulfill their aspirations.

Taking the opportune moment of the presence of a huge festival crowd, Tuki sought support for Ninong Ering, who will be seeking re-election in the ensuing Parliamentary Elections.

“We are lucky to have a Union Minister from amongst us. Let’s give him another chance so that he continues at the Center and serve the people of the state,” he appealed.

Responding to a memorandum submitted by the local legislator, the Chief Minister assured a sum of Rs 1 crore from TFC for establishment of a Children’s Park and Rs 2 crore for construction of a multi-purpose community hall at Mariyang. He also assured to heed to the demand for a police station in the town besides giving consent to establishment of a sub-treasury office at Mariyang and a micro-hydel project in the Adi Pasi area as sought.

Later in the day, the Chief Minister also inaugurated newly constructed multipurpose stadium of the Govt Higher Secondary School, a new Circuit House and a new steel bridge over river Yammeng. Incidentally, Tuki had laid the foundation stones of the multipurpose auditorium and the circuit house during his visit to Mariyang on December 8 in 2012.

 

 

KGBV teachers announce pen-down strike, demands job regularisation

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: Battered by alleged indifference attitude and step-motherly treatment towards them by the state government, All Arunachal Pradesh Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Teachers’ Association (AAPKGBVTA) today threatened to launch indefinite pen-down strike from January 27, just a day after the Republic Day celebration, till their demands are met. The organizing has been demanding regularization of jobs and enhancement of the monthly salary.

The KGBV schools running under the SSA are meant for poor and drop out girls children in the rural areas. There are at least 48 KGBV schools with 480 teachers (in approximate) across the state mostly in the interior places.  

Addressing the mediapersons at Press Club here today, AAPKGBVTA  president Tayon Dai informed that the agitated KGBV teachers have decided to go ahead with indefinite pen-down strike following the unfruitful meeting with the Education Commissioner on Tuesday. “Despite repeated pleas and several representations to the state government our demands are not fulfilled yet” Dai rued. While questioning the authority he further said, “What kind of dedicated service is expected from us by the Govt when it failed to pay our meager monthly salary”. The association general secretary Rana Yangfo briefed about the untold sufferings of the teachers, who are serving in far-flung areas where prices of essential commodities are beyond the common man’s reach including the teaching community. “We feel awkward to close the schools while on agitation, however for our own justice we have to do” said another member.

Their demands for enhancement of salary and regularization grow louder since the state government had enhanced SSA teacher’s salary and regularized many of them. It is said Education Minister Bosiram Siram had assured the KGBV teachers to regularize and enhanced their salary while attending the Balika Shivir somewhere in East Siang way back in 2010; however his assurance bears no fruit even after four years of their struggle. “If SSA teacher’s salary could be enhanced why not ours”? asked one of the members.

“And we don’t want verbal assurance rather we need our demands be fulfilled,” said association Convener Moken Loyi.

The KGBV teachers are getting monthly fixed salary of Rs 8500/(JT) and Rs 7200(AT) since inception. The fight for justice and fundamental right will go on till the government pays heed towards our demands, the association said.

 

 

Cancellation of public hearing demanded

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: Forum for Siang Dialogue (FSD) and Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU), in a joint memorandum to East Siang Deputy Commissioner has demanded cancellation of the public hearings for the 2700 MW Lower Siang Hydroelectric project proposed to be held in East Siang, West Siang and Upper Siang districts on January 31 on various ‘legal’ grounds.

In their memorandum to the deputy commissioner they alleged that conduction of the public hearing on the same day and time in three different venues is an intended gross denial and violation of the letter and spirit of the EIA notification 2006 as well as the article 14 of Right to equality and the Freedom of Speech under article 19 of the Constitution of India. “There are a number of local persons/clans/local communities who have land directly affected by the Lower Siang project cross-cutting the district boundaries. But, they will not be able to exercise their legal rights to participate in all the public hearings in the districts where their ancestral lands are affected, since the hearings are being held on the same day and at same time,” the memorandum said.

“It is crucial that the public hearings are held in the three districts with sufficient days in between to enable the affected persons to participate in the public hearings wherever their ancestral lands are affected,” it said.

“It is their legal right to participate in the public hearings wherever their lands are affected. This is a clear ground for cancellation of the public hearings and re-announcement by keeping sufficient days in between hearings being held in different districts,” the memorandum said.

While drawing attention of the DC that Pasighat was not an appropriate place for conducting the public hearing for East Siang district, the memorandum claimed that atleast 11 out of the 25 villages directly affected in East Siang district are more than 100 km away from the venue of public hearing. Riga village, one of the severely affected villages under East Siang District is 172 km. away from Pasighat. Further nine villages are 60 – 100 km. away from the venue. and six villages have to walk for up to at least 12 km on foot to reach the only motor able road NH-52.

Further, Pasighat town is nowhere listed as an affected village/area/circle in the EIA, EMP and Social Impact Assessment report of the Project Proponent, the memorandum added.

“The public hearing for Upper Siang is also fixed at Katan which is 40 km away from the villages of Geku circle, which is encompassing the majority of the villages to be affected by the same dam in the district and above all there is no any mode of transportation facilities to reach Katan, Further,  the only village which is likely to be completely submerged by the said dam happens to be Pongging village under Upper Siang district, and the village people of Pongging have to walk on foot covering a distance of 19 km to reach Katan as there is no public or government transport facility from Pongging to Katan.”

They also strongly protested the Upper Siang DC’s reported announcement that those persons will only be allowed to attend the hearing who possess valid voter ID cards and rests will be debarred from entering into the venue of public hearing.

Regarding selection of venue for public hearing for West Siang district at general ground, Aalo, the memorandum said that Aalo town is not an affected village/area as per the assessment reports prepared by WAPCOS, the consultant agent who have prepared the same for the project proponent,” the memorandum said.

“This is totally unacceptable as per the letter and spirit of the EIA notification 2006 and various court orders /judgements on the need for proximity of the public hearing venue to the affected area.

“And as enshrined under Chapter II U/s 5 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 and which reads as follows “whenever a Social Impact Assessment is required to be prepared under section 4, the appropriate Government shall ensure that a Public Hearing is held at the affected area”.

“Thus, the law point as per Chapter II U/s 5 of The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparent Land Acquisition Relief and Resettlement Act 2013 also clearly states that Public Hearing should be held in the affected areas and not otherwise.”

“Further, Siang river basin cumulative impact assessment study is not yet completed and placed in the public domain at designated places before public hearing,” the memorandum said.

“As per the EIA notification 2006 (section 9.4 of Form I) and the MoEF’s OM dated 28th May 2013, “if cumulative impacts studies have to be the basis for decision-making, then such studies have to be placed in the public domain at designated places 30 days prior to the public hearing”.

However, the Siang river basin cumulative impact assessment is neither completed nor placed in the public domain at the designated places prior to the public hearing, the memorandum claimed.

 

 

Rally driver Suresh Rana to captivate motorsports aficionado at Dirang

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: Top 50 rally drivers of the country will descend on the sleepy valley of Dirang to compete for one of the most extreme sports event in the world … Rallying.  The J K Tyre Car rally with the theme “Arunachal Festival of Speed -2014” is being organized by the Motorsports Club of Arunachal under the aegis of the Federation of Motorsports Clubs of India (FMSCI) on 1st & 2nd  February.

This daily, the print media partner of the event, had already presented a brief introduction of Gaurav Gill, the current Asia Pacific rally Champion. Now, we are coming before the motorsports aficionado with another rally driver -- Suresh Rana, the 9 times Raid-de-Himalaya Champion, who will be participating in the two-day event at Dirang.

The King of the Mountains as he is nicknamed by friends in the rallying circuit in India, Suresh Rana the humble shy boy who hails from the beautiful Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh has conquered the Desert as well. The achievement of Suresh Rana in the gruesome world of this extreme sport is unparalleled in this country. Rana has won the Raid-De-Himalaya 9 times, The Desert Storm 4 times and the Sjoba Rally 3 times in his career spanning only 13 years. He was also crowned the Indian National Rally Champion in the Gypsy class in the year 2007.

Winning the Raid de Himalaya 9 times is no mean feat. The Raid de Himalaya is known to be the toughest and most dangerous rally raid event in the country and it is listed among the 12 toughest events in the world.  All motor heads of the country will descend upon the silent valley of Dirang in their mean machines, the Mountains of Arunachal will witness a battle Royale between the current APRC champion Gaurav Gill who is known to be suave and stylish while Rana is known to be shy and introvert. Gill is in the hi-tech world of rallying driving a Skoda Super 2000 in the APRC and a Mahindra SUV 500 in the INRC while Rana who has won many of his laurels in the rugged simple Gypsy. Off late he is driving for Maruti Suzuki -the Grand Vitara which he has piloted to podium finishes whenever required.

The Arunachal Festival of Speed will see Rana again driving a Grand Vitara this time.  With an impressive career wins , it is for all to see the man himself in flesh and blood in Arunachal  Pradesh. With the event being very spectator friendly unlike other rallies which go long distances the event in Arunachal will feature short 5 to 8 km stages that can be viewed almost entirely from one location overlooking the valley. So all heading towards Dirang on 1st and 2nd Feb you better choose your seats up in the mountains well as this is one of the very few events in the country where the champion driver of  the Asia Pacific region will battle it out with head to head with the 9 times winner of the Raid de Himalaya.

 

 

Evolve effective ILP mechanism, says PPA

ITIANAGAR, Jan 23: Railway could be lifeline and precondition to any major development initiatives but in the context of Arunachal where Nehru-Elwin policy of protective developmental is in place, due attention must be given to preserve the age-old sanctity of the rich natural and cultural resources of the tribals, said Laeta Umbrey, the Chief Ministerial candidate of PPA.

Addressing the party executive members, Laeta Umbrey stated that railways can save time, money and bring about national integration, but the same can also pump in antisocial elements, illegal migrants and numerous other ills. “At a time when more developed NE states like Meghalaya and Sikkim too are pondering for introduction of ILP system, it is unfortunate that the present Govt is yet to put in place a full proof ILP mechanism before giving green signal for inauguration of railway service on 20th March,” said Umbrey while questioning the existence of physical structure such as ILP checkpoints, well equipped office, manpower, finance etc before flagging off the service.

In case of failure on the part of the Govt to put in place a full-proof mechanism to check ILP of the passengers well before the commencement of the railway service, PPA will be duty bound to play the role of ILP checkers at the entry points in the interest and future safety of its citizens, Umbrey warned.

Pointing out other activities of the Govt like hydro power development, the party question “If the Govt of India is really concerned about the security of people of Arunachal, why it has not consulted State Govt and its people before envisioning Arunachal to be the power house of the nation.  Why the Congress led UPA Govt entered more than 230 secret MOAs without the knowledge of the land owners on the ground.” According to Umbrey, all the lip services that the people of the state are getting at present are because of the incomparable development initiatives by China on their side of the LOC.

Had there been a regional Govt in the state and regional MPs in Parliament for at least a decade, Arunachal today would have been the most developed state in the country, the party said.

Appealing the educated youths and intellectuals of the state to realize the Center’s policy of making Arunachal ‘a Bombay mixture’ to weaken the Chinese claim of Arunachalees, Umbrey asserted that it is only the PPA that can withstand the Centers policy of “detribalization and marginalization”. The new Delhi’s policy of converting Arunachal as dumping ground for Chakmas, Hazongs, ex-armymen and Tibetan settlement camps etc speaks volumes, asserted Umbrey.

 

 

Tuki distributes CM’s Talent Award to CBSE toppers

PASIGHAT, Jan 23: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today distributed Laptops to nine CBSE toppers in a small but impressive felicitation function held here at Pasighat Airport.

Speaking on the occasion, Tuki said all the students who secured 60% or above in class X & XII CBSE exam in the state during 2011-12 and 2012-13 (irrespective of government and private schools) are eligible for the awards.

As per official sources, till today the concerned department has prepared a list of sixty five eligible candidates for CM’s Talent Award in the district. Rs. 10,000 has already been credited in their respective bank accounts and laptops would be handed over to the achievers soon.

Education Minister Bosiram Siram, UMoS Ninong Ering, DC Nidhi Srivastava, ZPC Kaling Dai, Chief Councilor Denong Tamuk and host of officers and leaders were present on the occasion. DIPRO

 

 

Arunachal Agri Expo begins at Pasighat

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Jan 23: Arunachal Agri Expo-2014 organized by the College of Horticulture and Forestry (CHF), Pasighat began here today. The expo mainly aims at encouraging the people on agriculture and allied sectors.

The first day of the expo drew huge crowd, who have got a lot of excitements with various exhibitions showcasing the rich potentialities of agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors in the hilly state.

Central Agricultural University (CAU) Chancellor Prof. RB Singh, vice chancellor JN Puri. ICAR governing body member Sudhir Bhargav and other dignitaries were present during the inaugural function.

Exhibition of medicinal plants, improved vegetables, citrus fruits, improve rice varieties, maintenance of fish ponds, Mouling organic tea and crop pest are some special attractions of the agricultural expo.

The chancellor earlier inaugurated newly built ‘Agriculture Technology Information Centre’ and ‘Krishi Vigyan Kendra’ building inside the CHF campus.

The inaugural programme was followed by “Scientists- Farmer inaction”, where the experts explained the progressive farmers about preventive and remedial measures of plant disease caused by various micro-organisms. The experts also guided the farmers on fertilizer management and pest control measures.

According to information, as many as 400 progressive farmers from seven districts, including East Siang, West Siang, Upper Siang and Capital district Papumpare are participating in the expo. Of them, three have been selected for “Special Agriculture Award” for adopting scientific techniques in their agricultural practices.

 

 

Dress rehearsal of R Day parade

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: Arunachal Pradesh contingent performed full dress rehearsal of the Republic Day parade along with other selected states in New Delhi today.

Arunachal Pradesh is selected one of the states for the tableau march for the Republic Day parade and the 10-member state team led by art expert Dhrubo Bhattacharjee and two others from IPR department Hage Habung and Roto Tadi has been camping in the national capital for the last two weeks. Deputy Resident Commissioner K N. Damo is the coordinator.

Arunachal Pradesh’s tableau is themed on the ‘Aji Lhamu’ dance of the Monpa and Sherdukpen tribe—a prominent folk dance of the Buddhist community performed to ward off the evil spirits during bridge construction.

Only 18 tableaus from 13 states and five UTs were selected for the Republic Day parade after several rounds of screening were held. Each differently themed tableau will showcase India’s strength in different areas.

Besides Arunachal two other Northeastern states, namely Assam and Meghalaya too have been selected. While Assam will showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage through Bhupen Hazarika, thereby paying a tribute to the legend, Meghalaya will have Arecanut--a popular cash crop vital for its economy, as its theme.

A tough screening was held to select the representative states and after many such rounds,

Apart from the tableau, Rikham Pada dance of the Nyishi community and Arunachal Band Group from Tezu have also been selected for the Republic Day.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki contributed few amounts to the Arunachal teams as token of love and encouragement yesterday.

 

 

Arunachal municipal councilors take part in national workshop

ITANAGAR, Jan 23: A team of municipal bodies from Arunachal Pradesh led by IMC Chief Councillor Higio Aruni attended the National Workshop on Mountain Cities, 2014 at Mussoorie held on January 19 and 20.

The workshop, an initiative of Dr. RS Tolia, CPP, Doon University, PD Rai, MP, New Delhi, F Jaiswal and others, mainly focused on redressing the problems and issues faced by the mountain cities of India.

Some vital issues such as disaster management, poverty alleviation, employment programmes, regional balance, restructuring of CSS and development disabilities, urban development, responsibilities of the states, JnNURM, policy interventions and priorities, Ministry of DoNER and Infrastructure Development, Finance Commission, Mountain Eco-System, Himalayan Eco-System, climate change, Deficit Grant etc were discussed in length during the workshop.

The Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh, where most of its towns are located in the hilly areas would benefit a lot from the process of planning and development, Chief Councillor Aruni said.

The team included Tagom Doming, Councillor and ESC, Pasighat Municipal Council, Likha Suraj, Town Planner, Department of Town Planning and ULB and Tayer Tache, Deputy Director, UD & Housing Department.

Similar workshop was held earlier at Kohima, Nagaland and Shillong, Meghalaya under the initiative of ‘Indian Mountain Initiative.’

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2012

Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector - E, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh - 791111, India

All rights reserved.

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---- Readers Forum ----

 

Don’t keep us hanging

Dear Editor,

I on behalf of all the beneficiaries of the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), 2013 of Upper Subansiri District, Daporijo would like to express the grievances of beneficiaries.

We are the most unlucky and unfortunate educated youth in the society who despite being unemployed are facing lot of difficulties even in receiving PMEGP loan, even after the selection and other official processes are over. 4 months has passed since we completed training for availing loan under this scheme which was conducted only after beneficiaries contributed Rs. 1000/- each to the industry department, Daporijo. But the bank (SBI) authorities are still delaying in giving money to the beneficiaries.

Whereas, the waiting list candidates are now undergoing training, the selected candidates are still waiting for the bank to release money.

As per the guidelines of the KVIC/KVIB and instructions of the SBI, Daporijo, we have completed all the formalities step by step taking time in between each process. But the dealing agencies (State Bank of India and the Industry Department) are lingering the process one after another. The earlier beneficiaries of the same scheme told us that it is the dealing agencies, especially the Bank (SBI) which is responsible for the delay. They informed that earlier, such long processes were not needed.

As per the instruction, we have also deposited a sum of Rs. 33,000/- which is 5% of the total amount which the each beneficiary is getting as PMEGP loan. We took loan from others on interest basis to pay our share. We have also arranged rent room for establishment of our proposed business since the time when bank instructed us to do so. Now the rent of room and the interests on the money we have taken on loan from others to deposit in the bank are increasing month by month but the money which we are supposed to get after completion of training and other processes are getting delayed. Now, who will bear the burden of room rent and interest on loaned money. Such expenses are not included in the project cost of the PMEGP loan scheme. This is like adding salt on the wound.

We have already borne the problems of unemployment, poverty and hunger; please do not worsen our situations.

So, I request the dealing authorities, especially the SBI, Daporijo to please expedite process as soon as possible so that we can start our proposed business sooner.

Yours,

Tamin Nalo,

A beneficiary of PMEGP

Daporijo.

 

 

 

Mushrooming of union

Dear Editor,

I am an avid reader of your reputed daily and being a regular reader I have observed that almost two-third of the local news items talks about the Unions. This union demanded that, this union was formed; this union clarified that and so on. It seems like apart from these UNIONS there is nothing else to talk about in this state. No doubt the very principle behind the formation of the union is welfare of a certain section of the society and to safe guard their rights and privileges but the rampant increase in the number of unions and its interference in the daily affairs of life diminish its importance and raises questions and concerns over its credibility.

Numerous unions are mushrooming everywhere. Now it is hard to ascertain what union represents whom. Who is the real representative of a particular section of the society? In naming the unions also these people uses every ways of permutation and computation possible from the available 26 alphabets of English. A slight misplacing of a word or letter would mean a different union. Now the very meaning of union has changed. Earlier it was collectivity but now it refers individuality. For every individual there exists a union. Breaching its code of function these unions has started interfering into personal affairs of people deviating from its real motto and the people are approaching them for every trivial activity.

This present trend of unionism is alarming for the development of any civilized society. The union should understand that they have a responsibility. While working for their interest group they should keep in mind that the welfare of the other sections of the society and the development of the society as a whole must not be hampered. Last but not the least in response to the recent news items where unions have stood up claiming and counter claiming in support of their members I would like to say that the law of the land is above all and in some cases the unions must adhere themselves within the frame work of the law and must restrain themselves from interfering and let the law of the land takes its course of action.

Yours,

Ukong Perme

 

 

Now reward for sincerity

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily I on behalf of all the contractual staffs working under the umbrella of Integrated Disease Surveillance Project(IDSP) would like to request secretary and Director, Health and family welfare Government of Arunachal Pradesh to release the pending salary for the last 3(Three) months immediately. The delay in disbursement of salary has created lots of problem to the poor staffs especially those who are serving in rural areas.

Even after serving dedicatedly and carrying out our duties sincerely, we are fighting hard to get our hard earned salaries timely. As such, I sincerely request and appeal the concern authority to look into the grievances and disburse the said salary to the needful staffs as early as possible.

Yours,

Tana Tadh

Epidemilogist

Niti Vihar, 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

---- Editorial ----

 

Holding of simultaneous election will benefit state

Rumours are flying thick and fast that Arunachal will witness simultaneous assembly and parliament election this time. The Bharatiya Janata Party Arunachal Pradesh unit yesterday claimed that ruling Congress government has written to election commission of India(ECI) for holding of two election together in one go. The opposition party has bitterly opposed the move and has written to ECI rebutting any such move. Party claimed it will burdened election commission official as entire manpower of the commission will be divided on two sides and thus it will affect the electioneering process.

However many observers believes that infact holding of simultaneous election will only benefit state. Everyone is aware that at the moment state is going through worst financial crisis. Due to poor financial condition the government of Arunachal may not be in a position to held assembly and parliament election separately. Therefore government stands to save crores of money by holding election together.  The state government should call all party meeting in this regard and try to forge unanimous voice.