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2017

January 15

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Gadkari announces several new road projects for Arunachal

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jan 14: The Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highway Nitin Gadkari on Saturday announced to sanction fund for remaining stretch of Itanagar-Banderdewa 4 lane project and also declared four new state highways namely Akajan-Likabali-Bame (119 km), Margherita- Changlang (44 km), Paka Gongo-Gogamukh along the left bank of the River Subansiri(125 km) and Tezu to Chapakhowa via Sunpura (20 Km) as national highway.

Gadkari informed that tender process for the first phase of 4 lane project from Itanagar to Naharlagun has been put in motion and work will start by March 2017.

"The sanction for balance length including viaduct at Karsingsa will be considered in financial year 2017-18 and work will be started by October, 2017," he added.

Addressing a thunderous crowd at Borum, near Yupia, Gadkari also assured to fund east-west industrial corridor and frontier highway. "We will fund the industrial corridor but state government will have to provide land to us. As per as frontier highway is concerned, more studies have to be done to bring down cost and my ministry will take initiative soon," said minister MoRTH. He also declared that MoRTH office which was shifted out to Tezpur will soon be shifted back to Itanagar. He appealed to the people to shun compensation culture and sought support for the construction of roads.

"We are going to invest Rs 50 thousand crore worth road project in Arunachal in the next five years. We want to promote local contractors as much as possible. But for this, people of Arunachal will have to support us. Land acquisition and environment clearance is a big hindrance towards road construction in Arunachal," added Gadkari.

Union minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju asked the people to create healthy atmosphere for development of the state. "People should not threaten the officers and ask for work without following proper procedure. Proper tender process should be followed", he said.

The minister further asked the people of the state to avoid taking matters to court just because they don't get the work. Citizens should rise above politics when it is matter of development," said Rijiju.

MoS Home also appealed to the union government to give special status to Arunachal in regards to road construction. He also stated that population criteria should not be applied to Arunachal while sanctioning new road project. Further, Rijiju expressed serious concern over compensation issue and urged the people to refrain from claiming exorbitant compensation amount.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein submitted a memorandum to union minister Nitin Gadkari and sought centre's assistance for fast-tracking of road construction in Arunachal Pradesh. "Trans Arunachal Highway along with several other road projects being funded by centre will change face of the state. But more assistance is needed to truly develop the state. Even though Arunachal is the largest state in North East, the road density is lowest in the whole country," said deputy CM. Further he called upon the Ministry of Shipping to aid state government in improving inland waterways.

"Arunachal Pradesh is endowed with rich river systems located across the State. The Kameng, Subansiri, Siang, Lohit and the Tirap river system could be connected to the Brahmaputra River System for cheap transport of goods and materials to and from the State," he said while requesting the ministry to consider proposals of Inland Water Transport from the State Government. Chief Minister Pema Khandu also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier Gadkari dedicated 2 lane Papu-Yupia-Potin section of Trans Arunachal Highway and Hollongi-Itanagar 4 lane to the nation. National general secretary of BJP Kailash Vijayvargiya, MD, NHIDCL, Ananth Kumar, Chief Engineer, MoRTH NE region, VK Rajawat, BJP President Tapir Gao, Speaker TN Thongdok, UD minister Nabam Rebia, cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries, MLAs, Chief Secretary S Gamlin and a host of other guests attended the meeting.

Three new Ministers inducted in the State Cabinet

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jan 14: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday inducted Alo Libang (34 Tuting-Yingkiong Constituency), Bamang Felix (19 Nyapin Constituency) and Dr Mahesh Chai, (44 Tezu-Sunpura Constituency) into his council of ministry.

They replaced Takam Pario, Tanga Byaling and Rajesh Tacho who were dropped from the ministry after rebellion against the Chief Minister.

Governor of Arunachal Pradesh V. Shanmuganathan administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers at a function held at Darbar Hall, Raj Bhawan here.

Addressing the media persons on sideline of swearing in programe, BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav said, " BJP Central leaders have approved Pema Khandu led PPA legislators merger and elected him as BJP legislators party leader"

Madhav said that to formally acknowledge the merger and welcome Khandu led team to BJP, Union Minister for Road; Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari has come to witness the swearing in ceremony.

Congratulating the newly inducted ministers in Khandu led BJP government, the BJP National General Secretary stated that under Pema Khandu's leadership, Arunachal Pradesh will have stable and development oriented government with full support from the centre and as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi".

Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister for Road, Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of State (Home) Kiren Rijiju, Speaker of State Legislative Assembly Er. TN Thongdok, State Cabinet Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries and host of dignitaries attended the event.

Angry youths ransack BJP President's Office

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jan 14: A group of angry youths ransacked the office of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President Tapir Gao's office on Saturday afternoon, few hours after the expansion of the Pema Khandu cabinet.

Sources informed that miscreants barged into Gao's office, ransacked the room, damaging TV set and furniture. Gao, who reportedly was in the office during the incident was unharmed. A complaint has been lodged with Itanagar Police Station against miscreants.

Confirming the incident, police added that matter registered under U/S 448/427/34 IPC is under investigation.

However, Gao denied that the incident took place. He asked the media not to report the incident.

Sources say that supporters of a ministerial contender, upset at his non induction, took out their anger at the BJP office.

TAH's Papu-Yupia-Potin road opened

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jan 14: With the formal inauguration of Papu-Yupia-Potin section of Trans Arunachal Highway and Hollongi-Itanagar 4 lane, the PWD highway has achieved a major milestone. Papu-Yupia-Potin section is the first project in western Arunachal under Trans Arunachal Highway to be dedicated to the nation.

The project which was started in the year 2010 has faced many obstacles.

Hyderabad based SRK Company had won the tender but left the project mid way. In 2012, the Naharlagun based TK Engineering group was handed over the project and it completed the work in 2015. However, due to various reasons the project could not be inaugurated earlier. While talking to this daily, Chief Engineer Highway Bora Ete expressed satisfaction over the completion of project.

"This was really a difficult project to execute. We faced multiple problems but somehow managed to complete it. Papu-Yupia, Yupia-Hoj, Hoj-Potin and Itanagar-Hollongi were the first batch of projects to be sanctioned, awarded and started. I feel delighted to see inauguration of these projects," said CE Ete.

Pema attacks Congress and PPA

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jan 14: In his first public rally after joining BJP, from the People's Party of Arunachal, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday attacked the Congress and PPA alleging them of creating political instability in the state.

He said both the parties did not allow him to function independently and tried to dictate terms.

"The high command culture in Congress made it very difficult for us to function. Suspension orders of MLAs were served from Delhi without informing the local leaders. We joined the regional party, PPA with the hope that they will allow us to work without disturbing us. But they also started issuing suspension orders without any merit," said Khandu.

Turning philosophical, Khandu said that whatever happens in life is for good and that the political instability of last two year has been a blessing in disguise for the state.

"Finally, we are in BJP which is a very good party. We are hopeful that with the support of central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Arunachal will achieve tremendous development in days to come," added Khandu.

He also declared that his government will not tolerate any kind of corruption and vowed to take strong action against anyone involved in it.

CoSAAP, APCSOA decries AAPSU for compelling senior officer to apologize

ITANAGAR, Jan 14: The Confederation of Service Associations of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) and Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service Officers' Associations (APCSOA) have vehemently decried the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) for compelling a senior bureaucrat of the state, Nyabin Ete, serving as Director (Art & Culture) to apologize publicly under duress.

Terming it as a dastardly act on the part of the student organization, the apex employees' organization in a release on Saturday stated that students should learn to respect the official chair and elderly citizen of the society. Dictating a government official for the sake of vanity at their whims is condemnable, it stated and appealed to the concern authority to take suo moto action in the matter.

Giving an account of the whole incident, the Associations claimed that on Jan 8, AAPSU Convener Tatung Taga along with a companion came to the private residence of Ete in Itanagar at about 10 am for some official work. But Ete refused to entertain them at his residence saying that it was Sunday and official works should be discussed in the office only which angered them and they started scolding him using unparliamentarily words.

They later left the house after threatening him with dire consequences.

Later that day, Ete dared to highlight the incident through a social network platform condemning the incident. On Jan 9, AAPSU President, Hawa Bagang contacted him and said they will visit him in his office the next day to settle the issue.

But, on Jan 10, about 70-80 students gheraod the Directorate of Art & Culture at about 3 pm along with some relatives of so called AAPSU Convener. The group gheraod his office and snatched his mobile phone and crushed his spectacles without. In the meantime, they started abusing him with all kind of filthy words in his office chamber and did not allow other office staff to intervene. Then, they forced him to write an apology letter under their dictation, which he rejected as he had done nothing wrong. But he was mentally tortured and intimidated so much that he was compelled to prostrate in front of them, the organizations informed. He was forced to succumb to their dictate as he was completely outnumbered and intimidated. He finally relented out of compulsion and signed the letter as dictated by them. That letter was circulated to media houses for publication with a photograph they uploaded from Facebook page of Ete, the organizations informed.

However, CoSAAP and APCSOA have not filed an FIR or submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary following Nyabin Ete's decision to forgive the boys for their first mistake, the release further added.

DU students conduct clean drive at Itanagar

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jan 14: With theme, "A step towards clean Itanagar" the former students of Delhi University from Arunachal conducted a clean drive on Saturday morning at Ganga market here.

Various organisations such as All Nyishi Students Union (ANSU) United Charity, I Love Arunachal, Hope Foundation, Arunachal Got Talent and Itanagar Hawkers Association joined the drive.

Parliamentary Secretaries Passang Dorjee Sona, Jambey Tashi, Zignoo Namchoom, Phurpa Tsering and Tawang MLA Tsering Tashi,

Secretary to CM Sonam Chombay and Councilors Kipa Takum, Lisi Yapu and Gora Lotak were among others who participated during the clean drive.

Encouraging the participants to maintain cleanliness, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism PD Sona termed the drive symbolic to inspire and create awareness among the people. Sona added that regular effort is needed to keep the city clean and urged the citizens to continue the mission with great zeal. Clean drive organiser Gumjum Haider said that aim of conducting the event was to generate social awareness to denizens of the Capital. Haider added that Itanagar has been ranked as third dirtiest city among the cities in India in Swachh Sarvekshan last year. "Therefore, it is time for all of us to own up the responsibility together and join hands to remove the 'humiliating tag", the former NESO GS said.

Thousands take holy dip in Parashuram Kund Mela

PARASHURAM KUND, Jan 14: On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, thousands of devotees from all across the country were seen taking the holy dip at Parashuram Kund Mela at Wakro, Lohit district. According to the myths, it is believed that sage Parashuram had visited the kund to meditate and wash off his sins. Likewise devotees consider it auspicious to take bath on Makar Sankranti and start life anew.

The district administration was in full swing to provide round the clock magisterial duty and prevent any possible law and order problems. DC Lohit Danish Ashraf, SDO (S) G Hazarika, EAC Wakro cum Mela officer Dakto Riba and CO Une Pertin made continued checks on the arrangements to ensure proper delivery of duties.

A marked feature of this year's Mela was the improvisation of the lighting system and increase in number of toilets for the public. The disaster management team was also in place to tackle any untoward incidents. Dustbins were installed by DUDA in multiple places to facilitate proper disposal of garbage.

Numbers of stalls were found selling religious knick knacks increasing the charm of the place. The pilgrims were also fed free of cost in Langars and mess put up by philanthropists.

The DC further directed the assembled police personnel, paramilitary, medical team, volunteers and other government functionaries to perform their duties properly.

Around 25,000 people visited the Kund and approximately 1500 vehicles were registered for entry on the first day. The Mela will continue till the last week of January.

DC advises students to be diligent and sincere

KIMIN, Jan 14: Papumpare Deputy Commissioner, Tai Kaye asked the children to get inspiration from the lives of great men like Swami Vivekananda and be diligent and sincere towards whatever they do.

He was speaking during the inaugural programme of the two-day long Annual School Festival 2016-17, organized by the Vivek Kiran Project, a joint initiative by the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas Arunachal Pradesh Trust and the Tata Trusts, Mumbai at the Higher Secondary School here on Thursday last.

The DC accentuated the need of molding the life of the children with great human values inculcated in them. 'An educated person is recognized everywhere with respect and great admiration', he opined and asked the children to study hard to bring about positive changes in their life.

The function was attended by the Deputy Commandant and various other officers from the 10th ITBP Kimin, the Sub Divisional Officer, Kimin, J Padung, NSS Program officer Govt. Higher Secondary Kimin, David Koyu, Executive Officer, Tadar Yassuk and Coordinator Vivek Kiran Sanjay Karkare, representatives of Tata Trust, headmasters, teachers and hundreds of children from 10 different government schools.

The Vivek Kiran project launched in 2015, has been working to strengthen formal education in the Kimin Circle with 14 government schools and 26 anganwadis in its purview. The project helps the schools by conducting training programmes for teachers, supplying teaching learning materials to the schools, conducting field visits for the students, printing and supplying different learning materials and helping the children of the angawadis with various nutritional items and study materials.

The two days festival was culminated with the Govt. Secondary School Kakoi, Govt. Middle School Upper Jumi and Govt. Higher Secondary School Kimin winning trophies for overall performance.

Seminar on football referee development held

ITANAGAR, Jan 14: A seminar on football referee development and structure, organized by Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) was held on January 14 in Naharlagun.

Col (Retired) Gautam Kar who is the Director of Referees, All India Football Federation (AIFF) New Delhi encouraged the participants to take up referring as a profession.

He further advised the APFA to get the best facility out of AIFF and restructure the system to get quality referees in the state by getting registered with the parent body immediately. He assured the technical support including periodical training for the stakeholders. Further, he appreciated huge turn- out of DSOs, Secretaries(DFA) coaches, senior players, referees and many aspirant referees including women in the seminar.

Vice Chairman of Sports Authority of Arunachal (SAA) cum Senior Vice Chairman APFA, Gechi Doke appealed all the aspirants youths to take up the profession with dedication and discipline. Sh., Councilor cum Vice Chairman APFA, Kipa Takum, DSO cum Chairman, Referee APFA, Nada Apa also spoke on the occasion.

Secretary, APFA, Ajay Kipa highlighted notable achievements made by the Association including achievement by Ms Techi Amin (u-16), who represented the country.

Further, he also informed that grassroots coaching camp for 6yrs to 14 yrs(boys & girls) will be conducted in selected district headquarters very shortly which will be supervised by experts from AIFF, New Delhi.

Once upon a time in Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat

[ Dr. Hage Tabyo ]

Anything that is yet not seen, but is heard of with some amount of intrigue, however small or big it may be or any new place that is heard of, yet unseen or unexplored - always evokes an instant interest to everybody particularly, among the youth who are ever full of curiosity, high energy and enthusiasm. Jawaharlal Nehru College at Pasighat in East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh was one such place, once upon a time for the young men, as we used to hear a lot about the place but never had been there before. It was the first hand opportunity for all young and ever inquisitive bands of newly passed higher secondary school students who were qualified to seek a college admission during the mid-seventies and the periods just before and after it.

J.N. College, Pasighat was conspicuously the lone institute of higher learning at the time for the entire state of Arunachal Pradesh having been established in the year of 1964 ( then NEFA ) which was at the time affiliated to Gauhati University. The premier college started its academic functioning initially in the old barracks of the Assam Rifles Camp at a place located adjacent to the West bank of the Siang river in Pasighat from the 3rd July 1964; and was later on shifted to its present site on the beautiful Hill top in the year 1967.

J. N. College Pasighat was then obviously the centre of attraction and epicentre of congregation for all college going young boys and girls of NEFA (although at the time number of girls was very few) and also for all important academic as well as cultural events of the state for entire five districts of Arunachal Pradesh. Only a very few at the time, the NEFA students studied elsewhere like at Shillong, Gauhati or others those pursuing technical, law courses etc. which were beyond the purview of courses that were offered at the JNCP.

Geographically, although Siang district being the nearest and the only the next adjacent district among five districts of Arunachal from Subansiri (my home district), yet it took at least two full days and three different modes of transport to travel and cover a journey from Ziro in Subansiri dist. to Pasighat at that time. To start the first leg of journey from Ziro was to find a doz jeep (1950/60 model medium size rickety vehicle little bigger than a jeep, but smaller than a truck) or a truck that was available at the time for passengers to travel down to the plains of North Lakhimpur (the nearest Assam town facilitating easier and further communication) to proceed up to Pasighat town.

Soon on reaching North Lakhimpur in the afternoon, the first day mandatory stopover at the town's most popular hotel of the time- Joya Hotel was inevitable. In the early hour of the following morning, around 4 a.m., we had to board a concurrent train, Arunachal Express for the further journey up to Murkongselek Railway station, the last rail head point of Indian Railways Tract that existed at the North bank of the Brahmaputra river of Assam. There was until that time no surface- road communication link existed beyond Silapathar town except that only rail link; hence train journey was the only single option to reach to the destination. Disembarking there from at noon time at Murkongselek junction near Jonai town, which was the eastern most Lakhimpur district town of Assam, the next thing was to catch up a line passenger bus that was standing ready at the interstate boundary point at Jonai town just opposite the inner-line entrance gate at Ruksin, a small but beautiful hamlet town with an attractive welcome gate erected with a native fervour. From there the bus would take us up to Pasighat town, about 40 k.m. from Ruksin by afternoon.

By reaching Pasighat town, the travel to the penultimate destination was culminated with getting down at daily market place of the town. There the next thing for us was to catch up a rickshaw ( then the only means to reach JNCP campus, now of course, taxis or autos are available) to reach up to the college hostel campus, about three and half Km from the Pasighat market towards the North. The college Academic & Administrative building is situated further up on a beautiful sylvan setting, semi-elliptical Hill top overlooking the Mighty Siang River on its Eastern side. The hostel & the main college campus have an interconnecting semi-circular motor able link road about a Km apart while for a short-cut foot-march, there exists steep cement pavement steps of nearly a hundred steps.

JNC, Pasighat, the premier academic pride of Arunachal Pradesh has its unique and beautiful logo that still symbolise its originality and perfection. The magnificent logo of the JN College represents a selected portion of a Shloka from the Brihaddranyaka Upanishad(I.III.28) [ Asato ma sadgamya tamaso ma jyotirgamaya mrtyormaamritangamaya] meaning : Lead me from all that is untrue & unreal to what is true & real. Lead me from darkness to light; ignorance to knowledge. Lead me from death to immortality.

The five stars inside the elliptical rings symbolise the five original administrative divisions of the erstwhile NEFA (Arunachal Pradesh). The fruit laden tree in the centre reflects the effervescence of knowledge from the cradle of learning amidst the greenery of the campus.

I feel nostalgic recollecting the memorable days we spent in the JNC Campus amidst our revered and beloved college faculties of 1975/76. The College Principal of the period being, Boluram Chakravarty. English Professor/Lecturer : - Joseph Sir, Sharan Sir, Nath Sir, Sridharan sir. Physics : Dutta Sir, Carpenter Sir. Chemistry Lecturer: Joshi Sir, Laljee Singh Sir. Botany: Chakravarty Sir. Zoology : Bhuyan Sir. Hindi: Uma Devi M'am. History: Kakaty Sir, Tai Nyori Sir, Potik Potom Sir. Pol. Science: Onyok Rome Sir.

The JNC alumni of those memorable years of the session '75 &'76 batches were: From Siang: Tako Dabi, Kangir Jamoh, Lijum Ronya, Mamang Dai, Tamiyo Taga, Ninong Ering, Tadik Chije, Tahung Mize, Libi Yongam, Novin Payeng, Tapang Taloh(Ex-Educ.Director), Talem Tapok, Dr. Mitum Boje, Bodong Yirang, Bolung Siram, Osi Langkam, Tatung Padung. From Subansiri Distr.: Dr. Joram Begi, Nani Mali, Nabum Atum, Hage Khoda, Bengia Tolum, Hage Kojeen, Khoda Ruja, Hage Batt, Hage Khoda Shalla, Dr. Tage Tada, Dr. Hage Tam, Hage Lasa, Tako Take, Er. Liagi Miri, Hibu Dolley, Daklo Nidak, Tarin Dakpe, Tapen Sigia, Dusu Shra & myself. From: Tirap : Hijam Ponglaham, Wangnia Pongte, Newolai Tingkhatra, Tinghap Taiju, Kamtu Mamai, W. Tikhak, Somlang Handique, Komoli Mosang, Komlang Mosang, A.S. Singpho. From: Lohit: Mukut Mithi, Jati Pulu, Kupreso Krong, Nakul Chai, Chow Anika Mein, Dr Alok Yirang, C.K.Gohain, Ganesh Deori, Kayang Pertin etc. These were the alumni which I could vividly or faintly remember fondly. Some of my friends' name must have escaped from my memory for which I would beg apology.

I still remember that popular Hindi film of the time, Sholay was running in town cinema halls all over Assam and metro towns of India like a forest fire and its audio dialogue was being played at Ama Hotel of the Pasighat Market through a tape recorder where we used to stroll down and take our evening tea and listen the recorder play. The popular local hit songs of those days were - Moge Doji's 'Takar tesi…' & Jomnya Siram's few Adi numbers. The popular evening walk sites for college boys were- P I Line, Mirmir village lanes etc. The mesmerizing JNC football players were Tatung Padung, Chow Anika Mein, Ojing Dai etc. The emerging popular local entrepreneurs of Pasighat town in those days were Kabang Borang & Tagoli Jamoh. The upcoming enterprising, young and popular public leader was Bakin Pertin. Established non-local businessmen since pre-independence days at Pasighat town were- Bindeswar Singh, Buvaneswar Singh, Raghu & Bhula Singh, Kashiram, Tiwari etc. Few other centres of attraction in and around Pasighat were the Legendary Sibokorong River and seasonal changing of its bridge(the bridge is now a day's made permanent), Ranaghat boat bank, Leprosy colony, Pasighat daily market, Ama Hotel, Oiram ghat( Ferry ghat at the bank of Brahmaputra River in Assam).

It has been a good forty two years since we had spent our golden years of JNC days in 1975-76, amidst love, respect and camaraderie inside its beautiful campus. Since then, much water has flown through Ranaghat Bank in the Great Siang River. Many changes have occurred by all magnitudes in shapes and sizes of the college but the memory of yesteryears still lingers. We all feel proud to be the blessed products of the prodigious centre of learning called Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat. My salutation to my dear college, JNCP! (The writer is Retired Director, Family Welfare, GoAP)

AVYS to continue its humanitarian mission

ITANAGAR, Jan 14: Over 200 volunteers of Arunachal Vivekananda Yuva Shakti (AVYS) during a meet along Dikrong river near here on Saturday reiterated their commitment to continue their humanitarian mission.

Reminding that the young energetic 350 AVYS volunteers have so far facilitated donation of 37,856 units voluntarily, saved about over 20,000 lives including 1,657 on calls from hospitals that earned Union Health Minister-NACO Award of Excellence-2016 for Arunachal Govt, its founder chairman Ramesh Jeke exhorted all to take a vow to save life by donating blood.

Terming the donors as living god, AVYS adviser Pradeep Kumar invited all to join National Youth Project, the national NGO that has spread into 64 nations because of the Gandhian principles of its chairman Dr S N Subba Rao. He informed that Jeke has been chosen for NYP National Youth Award-2017 in recognition of his commitment to donate blood 39 times voluntarily to the thunderous applause of the gathering.

The noted blood donors felicitated on the occasion included Taring Dakme (19 times each), Tai Tabu, Elang Bharat, Chou N Tamung & Nibi Nyori (18 times each), Bengia & Marge Kamki (8 times each), Nabam Taro & Guchi Yanag (6 times each), Michel Gida & Bamang Tungi (5 times each), Dakme Takum & Lobsang Khandu (4 times each), Hage Anka (rare group AB+) & Kapu Yapu (3 times each), Jamin Bagang & Menuka Kadu (2 times each). Singer Minam Goi performed during the occasion.

Governor extends Magh Bihu and Pongal greetings

ITANAGAR, Jan 14: Arunachal Pradesh Governor of V Shanmuganathan has greeted the people of the state the Assam and Tamil Nadu, serving in the state.

In his message, the Governor expressed hope that the festivity ushers in amity amongst the people, peace, prosperity and bumper harvest in the state. (PRO to Governor)

West Kameng DA conduct pre-test for CBSE students

BOMDILA, Jan 14: Striving for a better performance in the coming CBSE examination, West Kameng district administration under the guidance DC Sonal Swaroop scheduled the Pre-Test examinations which concluded on Saturday.

Various officers and officials including i/c ADC (hq), C.Os, EE (Power), DDA, EE (WRD), DDI, DIPRO, Horticulturist, DF&CSO, EE (PWD) and DIO were engaged to deliver motivational talks and also to perform as Invigilators during the Pre-test.

Dismayed over the results of Class-X and XII of the district during 2015-16 where the pass percentage of a particular GHSS was 9.82% and 19.5% for that of a Secondary school, DC Sonal Swaroop made it her priority to visit the schools of the district unannounced to keep tab on the teaching - learning process. She has also started mass rationalization of the transfer and postings of the teachers in the district.

NABARD launches 20 farmers' clubs in Miao Sub-Division

CHANGLANG, Jan 14: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has recently launched 20 `farmers' clubs' in Miao Sub-Division of Changlang district which were sanctioned to Seva Kendra, Miao for promoting the farmers' clubs.

Explaining about the main objective of establishing farmers' clubs, NABARD District Development Manager, Kamal Roy said that the clubs should work with each other along with other groups to develop appropriate technologies and solutions to the problems of the farming sector.

Each club is expected to have a savings bank account. NABARD supports farmers clubs for a period of 3 years with grant assistance for exposure visits,

training through experts, encouraging progressive farming methods etc. For this purpose, NABARD allocates Rs. 10,000 per farmers' club annually for 3 years. To continue their functioning after the period of 3 years, these farmers clubs are encouraged to start their own small savings which could be used for day to day expenses and on-lending among themselves in times of need. While NABARD provides need-based assistance for the formation and maintenance of each club for the first three years, the sponsor agencies are expected to support after that, Roy informed.

He further advised the farmers clubs to hold meetings and pool savings every month and use these savings for internal lending, spread the message of repayment ethics, look for value addition to their produce and eventually aim at having their own 'Producer Company'.

290 patients register on the first day of eye camp at Daporijo

[ Karda Natam ]

DAPORIJO, Jan 14: Altogether 290 patients registered themselves at the eye screening and surgical camp which began at District hospital here on Saturday-the first day of the three days camp. It is being organized by Reri Welfare Society in collaboration with RK Mission hospital.

Speaking on the occasion, SP Taru Gusar briefed appealed participants to help police department in keeping the town crime free.

Environmental awareness campaign

ITANAGAR, Jan 14: Riika Riibla Welfare Society (RRWS) organized an environmental awareness campaign at Ompoli village under Toru Circle of Papum Pare district with the theme 'No to Wild Meat and Go Green' recently.

Also touching on Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan campaign, the villagers were appealed to keep their surroundings clean.

President Neelam Nyedo stressed on doing away with Jhum cultivation.

General Secretary speaking on value of the land said that it will act as feeder for future economic resource.

The programme was attended by all the senior members from Kurung Kumey, East Kameng, Lower Subansiri, Kra Daadi and Papum Pare districts. (DIPRO)

RCCN Aalo to award 3 best sectors of Aalo

AALO, Jan 14: RCCN Director Liduk Ete along with penal of five judges consisting of Degam Ete, Deba Loya, Kirdo Ete, Tumto Ete and Gijum Tali visited various colonies of Aalo township to assess cleanliness on Saturday. 29 out of the 34 Colonies were inspected to work out the final list of three best sectors.

RCCN Aalo is also taking up mantle of clean Aalo programme by instituting Annual Cash Award along with trophies and certificates to the three most beautiful sectors/colony of Aalo. It also promotes programme like 'Chale Goan Ki Aur' to link people and development projects being undertaken in the far flung areas of the district and annually felicitates meritorious students of interior most Monigong circles. (DIPRO)

2015

2016