The Arunachal Times - Archives

Rain creates havoc in Tawang

TAWANG, June 30: The onset monsoon brings joys to the people as it provides succour from the scorching summer heat. It shows hope for the farmers as they believe that it would usher a good harvest. But the case is little different for the state like Arunachal Pradesh. The fright of monsoon first fell on Dibang Valley and Anjaw districts by disrupting the surface communication and cutting off the districts for last three months.

The incessant rain again played its foul role as it triggered a flashflood at Siyum under Upper Subansiri district taking two lives and injuring scores. The loss of property and live stocks has been estimated to lakhs.

The monsoon has now targeted Tawang, the famous tourist destination. The district in few days witnessed disruption of roads in numerous points, washing away of log bridges and porter tracks thereby making the far and remote circle headquarters cut off from rest of the world. Tawang – Lumla road has also witnessed numerous blockages in several points.

Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu who is here at Tawang to take stock of the situation, carried out spot visits to affected areas. Assuring all possible assistance, he has called for community efforts to restore the porter tracks and log bridges and has issued directives to the PWD and works departments to be in readiness to tackle such situations. He also directed the BRO to expedite the work of widening of roads and asked them to put their men and machine in place to clear the blockages so that the commuters have an easy passage.

Khandu called an emergency meeting of all the head of departments, Gaon Burahs, Panchayat Leaders, and prominent public leaders today at DCs office to discuss the course of action and also to know the qauntum of devastation. (PRO to CM)

Officers take stock of Rs 17.09 Bomdila water project

BOMDILA, June 30: In an effort to expedite the ongoing water supply project for Bomdila township under the Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources, the Secretary PHE & WS Tomi Ete along with project in-charges SE Toko Jyoti, EE Taba Teni, AE Likha Tekhi JE M.S Rathore and a host of other officials of the Bomdila PHE division, trekked the 45 km track taking two days, inspecting one of the longest water tapping source despite the inclement weather and tough terrain.

The project is being executed by the department at an estimated cost of Rs. 17.09 Crore which commenced during January 2005 last. Though the completion period is long overdue, Secretary Tomi Ete; keeping in view the difficult terrain and the harsh working conditions, expressed his satisfaction over the progress of work.

Spearheading the Total Sanitation Campaign, Secretary Ete also participated in the Information, Education and Communication ( IEC ) programme along with the Director for Communication & Capacity Development Unit (CCDU) A.N. Singh before and after the inspection of the project site. On 25th last, the duo joined the NGO titled Women Welfare Center ( WWC ) at Senge Panchayat and on 28th & 29th with Thukpen Welfare Society ; another NGO at Shergaon and Bhalukpong, imparting awareness on personal and environmental hygene to the rural mass. Beside other discussions on total sanitation, they impressed upon the rural populace to avoid open defecation; which is a potential pollutant and the store-house of various diseases.

Earlier in the morning, addressing the ADEOs, APOs BRCs and CRCs of the district on Mid-day Meal scheme in the meeting convened at the BRC building Bomdila, Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Tashi called upon the field functionaries to re-dedicate themselves and to play a pro-active role in re-awakening the somewhat sleepy educational scenario of the district. Constant mobility and motivation should be the catchword of the block and circle functionaries, he said. Over the usual political pressures and interferences, DC Tashi suggested the functionaries not to totally succumb to such pressures rather act in a balanced, logical and right manner abiding to the rules and regulations in force for the larger interest of the society. Concerned over the complaints received from various quarters regarding non-timely implementation of Mid-day Meal scheme and non-lifting of MDM rice, the DC assured of timely disbursement of the rice at the designated drop points from where the respective ADEOs need to ensure of its further lifting by the concerned Teacher in-charges without fail and also to make sure that cooked meal is provided to the children as per specifications.

Earlier, the DDSE B.N.Lendo, expressing his concern over certain lapses in connection with the Mid-day Meal scheme, made it ample clear that the ADEOs & APOs should strictly monitor the lifting of rice meant for Mid-day Meal which are to be drawn by the Teacher in-charges only. The rice meant for the MDM has already been drawn and kept in the buffer stock and necessary directives has been issued to the Co-operative lamps for its issuance, he informed. Referring to the conference of the DDSEs at Itanagar, he further informed that, the Right to Education ( RTE) has been made effective since first of April 2010 and Arunachal is under its fold. Awareness campaigns on Right to Education would be vigorously pursued in the district in a phase-wise manner involving all the village Education Committees ( VEC) and panchayat leaders. Anything which was not covered under SSA would be covered under RTE, he added.

Month long Blood Donation Campaign comes to an end

Blood Transportation Van flagged off

ITANAGAR, June 30: The month long Multimedia Blood Donation Campaign launched on June 1 from RK Mission Hospital under Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, came to end today with a Blood Donation Camp organized at General Hospital, Naharlagun.

A Blood Transportation Van given by National AIDS Control Organisation under the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India to APSACS was flagged off by the Parliamentary Secretary to mark the day.

Parliamentary Secretary Nido Pavitra setting an example for others donated one unit of blood for the needy patients at the General Hospital, Naharlagun. Under training firemen cadets from Police Training Centre, Banderdewa also donated 20 units of blood. The firemen whose duties include relief and rescue operation in the emergency situation had a firsthand experience of serving the people of the state voluntarily by donating blood today.

Pavitra, appreciated APSACS for organizing the month long blood donation campaign and emphasized that no person in the hospital should die just for the need of blood.

Chief Medical officer Dr. Moji Jini speaking on the occasion apprised the Parliamentary Secretary on some of the vital issues related to infrastructure development of the State Hospital, Naharlagun.

Dr. Emi Rumi Project Director APSACS spoke on the activities undertaken by APSACS during the month long campaign. He also assured the Chief Guest of proper utilization of the Blood Transportation Van which is first of its kind in the state.

All the Blood Donors who donated blood during the month long campaign were felicitated with Certificates and Mementos in the function.

Police rejects claims

ITANAGAR, June 30: City Police denied that the officers of Naharlagun Police Station manhandled Dr. Tana Talin Tara Medical Officer of PHC Leporiang. Reacting to news items published yesterday, Police said that Dr. Tana Talin Tara along with Tana Hari Tara and Tana Batang not only beat up the Rajesh Pandey at Naharlagun market but molested the maid as well. Rejecting the demands of termination of Officer Rana, City Police said that on June 20, the trio went to the shop of Rajesh Pandey at Naharlagun market and mercilessly assaulted him for not replacing a car damaged accidently by a Tata Mobile owned by Rajesh Pandey with a new vehicle.

The OC PS Naharlagun under the supervision of SDPO Naharlagun arrested them U/S 452/354/34 IPC for criminal trespass, physical assault on house owner and molestation of a maid servant and for taking law in their hands. The police has taken action as per law and the action of OC PS Naharlagun is justified as he took action to contain dadagiri in capital complex.

The Police further rejected the allegation of physical assault on Dr.Tana Talin and others by OC PS Naharlagun as baseless. They were medically examined by a medical Officer at General Hospital Naharlagun after their arrest and they were found physically and mentally fit before they were enlarged on bail by the JMFC Naharlagun next day, the report said.

RTI Awards Enters its Second Year

Nominations are invited for RTI Awards 2010. Instituted in 2009 by Public Cause Research Foundation, the awards seek to honor those who kept the flag of RTI high.

“It is an honor and an inspiration for those officers who are working for transparency within the system,” said Dr Lalit Narayan Mishra, winner of last year’s Best RTI officer award.

There are six awards in four categories – an Information Commissioner who enforced RTI Act strictly, two Public Information Officers, who provided correct and complete information according to law, and two citizens, who used RTI and created substantial public impact. A new category of awards has been added this year to honor one journalist who used RTI extensively in their reporting for highlighting public issues. A person can apply himself or can be recommended by someone else.

Among the Jury members are eminent personalities such as actor Aamir Khan, Chief Mentor of Infosys NR Narayana Murthy, Former Chief Justice of Supreme Court Justice JS Verma, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India JM Lyngdoh, Constitutional Expert and Senior Advocate Fali S Nariman, Padma Bhushan Awardee Mallika Sarabhai, Padma Shri and Dronacharya Award Awardee Pullela Gopichand, Author Madhu Trehan, Chairman of NDTV Dr. Pronnoy Roy, Editor and CEO of Dainik Jagran Sanjay Gupta.

Though there are two awards in citizens’ category, the jury last year was so overwhelmed with the work of all finalists that they decided to give awards to all 19 finalists. Likewise, they decided to honor all the three finalists in PIO category. Where would the money come from for so many winners? Narayana Murthy and Aamir Khan donated money on the spot for all additional winners.

Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission was adjudged the best information commission. It is the first commission to have issued arrest warrant against an erring PIO for violating commission’s orders. Nationally, only 38% of orders passed by various information commissions get complied with. Yet, no other commission invoked these powers against the erring officers.

Dr. Lalit Narayan Mishra won the Best PIO award. He provided complete and correct information to all appellants within the stipulated 30 days time. No appeal was filed against his decisions and 100% of the appellants reported satisfaction with the information provided by him.

“Though no one works for awards, however, such recognition strengthens the voice of the movement,” says Akhil Gogoi of Assam who won Best RTI citizen Award last year. He exposed leakages in Public Distribution System, which also resulted in suspension of many corrupt officers.

This year, an RTI Awards Committee (RAC) consisting of sixty-five eminent RTI Activists from almost all states has been set up. The committee would be responsible for monitoring the RTI Awards process as well as taking all decisions related to RTI Awards.

Nomination forms can be downloaded online from www.rtiawards.org. Last date for filing nominations is July 15, 2010.

Each award in Citizen, PIO and Journalist Categories consists of Rs. two lakh, a citation and a plaque.

Call for Nomination How to Apply?

Nominations invited for Best RTI Citizen, Best PIO and Best RTI Journalist categories

Nomination forms can be downloaded from www.rtiawards.org

For queries, call 9717460029

BJP demands strategic action plan for Dibang Valley and Anjaw, while MLA and APYC calls for declaration of emergency

ITANAGAR, June 30: Bharatiya Janata Party, Arunachal Pradesh has demanded state Government to expedite the restoration works in calamity hit Dibang Valley and Anjaw districts.

The party said that the state Govt needs rigorous approach and preparation of the strategic action plan to bring normalcy in both the districts.

There should be time bound action plan for infrastructure development, particularly road connectivity in these sensitive districts for the easy movement of the security personnel and mobilization of resources to the border villages, the party said.

Pointing out the pathetic situation of the flood- ravaged people of the districts, the party also demanded declaration of state of calamity and said that not only the people have been suffering, but the administration in these districts and other developmental activities were also held up for months together. Only engagement of BRO will not serve the purpose, there is an urgent need of the state Govt to put extra effort to persuade the Centre to extend all possible help for adequate relief and restoration works in the districts, the party said.

Parliamentary Secretary Rajesh Tacho is in Delhi to mobilize Director General of Border Road Organization and concerned Officers for immediate restoration of BRTF road and bridges from Roing to Anini which has been cut off from rest of the world since last four months due to continuous rain.

Since the restoration of the road and bridges will take long time, Rajesh Tacho has requested the concerned authorities to supply the essential commodities and medicines in time continuously to save the lives of many who are stuck in the land locked Anini.

Tacho has further requested the State Govt. to declare the Dibang Valley District as disaster affected area immediately and declare state of emergency as per the recommendation given by the Deputy Commissioner, Anini.

The Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress also appealed to the State Govt for declaration of state of emergency in Dibang Valley District and more ration sorties for the district.

Sireng bridge in danger !

ITANAGAR, June 30: The protection wall of the Sireng Steel bailey bridge on Pasighat-Pangin road near Rottung village in East Siang district collapsed due to heavy landslide on June 18. This was informed by the conscious citizen of Pangin, Taker Taloh with photographic evidence.

MLAs calls for improved law and order in Seppa

Seppa, June 30: The law and order problem and the steps to contain was the center of discussion at the district coordination meeting which was attended by MLAs, DC and all the HoDs of various department at Kameng hall Seppa, today.

Keeping in view the security of the citizen especially the govt. officials and the business community, the house resolved to give top priority to law and order problem citing that the development of the district cannot be possible unless a peaceful atmosphere prevails in the district.

The elected representative decided to turn down the approaches to bail out the criminals.

On the other hand, power supply figured in the meeting with representatives urging the department to improve the power supply in the township immediately.

Besides, education scenario, situation of the health department, construction of Mortuary, dumping ground, the maintenance of Bana and Hari Bridge, lacunae in PDS were discussed at length.

Minister for WRD, Atum Welly informed that he had talked with Home Minister for posting of additional force to contain the present law and order situation in the district. He further asked all HoDs to prepare the AOP on the need basis after proper consultation with the PRI leaders and the representatives of all the constituencies.

Parliamentary Secretary for forest and environment, Kumar Waii stressed for better law and order problem and advocated that stern action should be taken against those trying to create law and order problem.

Tani Loffa suggested that SP write to the higher authority for the posting of additional force in the district by taking the reference of the resolution of coordination meeting. He also asked Gammon Indian company to widen the road for another 2 meters from the existing width of the road.

Karya Bagang urged the gammon India and GMR Companies to clarify about the status of Seppa to Chayang Tajo road. In the education sectors, she stressed for the termination of the absentee teachers saying the career and the lives of so many students are in the hand’s of teachers.

She also pressed for the establishment of PWD division in Chayang Tajo.

Tapuk Taku asked EE PWD to prepare the DPR for the construction of remaining length of road of the township. He assured that he along with all the MLAs would pursue with the govt for fund.

Meanwhile, The District level meeting on Multi-sectoral development plan (MSDP) for minority concentrated district for the East Kameng district was held under the chairmanship of DC, Tope Bam at kameng Hall today in Presence of all the elected representatives.

In his power point presentation, District Planning Officer, Vijay Sonam informed that the scheme commissioned under the ministry of minority affairs aims at improving the socio-economic parameters of basic amenities for improving the quality of life of the people and reducing imbalances in the MCDs and to reduce imbalances and speed up development during the Eleventh Five Year Plan.

Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development, Guwahati was assigned to carry out the survey for four states of the NE- Assam, Arunachal, Meghalaya and Manipur. In Arunachal East Kameng, Lower Subansiri, Changlang, Tirap, Tawang, West Kameng and Papumpare are have been selected for the scheme.(DIPRO)

Maintain balance between development and environment

Dear Editor,

Indian Constitution is perhaps one of the rare Constitutions in the world which contains specific provisions relating to environment protection. It puts duty on the State as well as citizen to protect and improve the environment. The judicial grammar of interpretation has made the right to live in healthy environment as sanctum sanctorum of human rights. Now it is considered as an integral part of right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Article 32 and 226 of the Constitution empower the Supreme Court and the High court to issue directions, orders or writ including writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warrantor and certiorari. The writs of mandamus, certiorari and prohibition are generally resorted to environmental matters.

The Indian judiciary has made an extensive use of these constitutional provisions and developed a new "environmental jurisprudence" of India. In India, most of environmental matter has been brought before the judiciary through "Public Interest Litigation" (PIL). Out of all the legal remedies available for the protection of environment, the remedy under the Constitution is preferred, because of its relative speed, simplicity and cheapness.

The Supreme Court while developing a new environmental jurisprudence has held that the powers of the Supreme Court under Article 32 are not restricted and it could award damages in PIL or writ petition in those cases where there has been any harm or damage to the environment due to pollution. In addition to damages, the person guilty of causing pollution can also be held liable to pay exemplary damages so that it may act as deterrent for others not to cause pollution in any manner. The said approach of Supreme Court is based on polluter pays principle. Recently the Supreme Court has imposed exemplary damages on multinational companies such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi for damaging the ecology in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir by painting advertisements on the rocks. The Supreme Court directed the companies to remove the advertisements without further polluting the environments.

The protection of environment is a global issue and it is not an isolated problem of any particular area or nation. It is a basic right of all to live in a healthy environment. However, the fundamental question before us today is whether we can allow the destruction of the environment leading to the destruction of all living creatures including human beings on this planet. The answer is obviously No.

In fact, there has to be a proper balance between the development and environment so that both can co-exist without affecting each others.

Yours,

Tate Mize

Boleng, East Siang

NERIST is everybody’s affair

Dear Editor,

This is in response to “do not interfere in NERIST affair “published in your daily on June 25. In this regard, I would like to suggest that NERIST is not a property of any association or individual. It belongs to Arunachal Pradesh and the entire North East of the country.

So if any thing goes wrong in the institute will not only hamper our state but also North East and the nation which shall not be tolerated by every individual or the good citizen of the country. If Honorable MP finds something wrong in the NERIST administration, his queries should be welcomed and studied. Not as a representative of state, but also as a law maker of the nation, he has every right to raise queries and fight for the welfare of any Institutions. But it seems there is no any respect for our leaders in the state as seen in various comments made in your daily.

Moreover, the NERIST matter has no become breakfast news item as many are coming up in of support and opposition.

Therefore, I suggest that the State or the Central Govt. or any Organization may recommend a high profile investigation to find out the truth.

Yours,

John Sonam,

Nabam Naga

Itanagar, (on email)

Let Arunachalee be our identity

Dear Editor,

In response to "Arunachalee" sounds so rustic and crude”, published in Readers' Forum of your daily, I want to express a few words that Arunachal Pradesh has some 25 Major tribes with a number of sub-tribes/groups each having distinctive tradition, culture, customs and language. On the other hand, Meghalaya has three major tribes namely Khasi,Garo and Jaintias. So, apparently it becomes easy for them to use specific term for themselves. Other than that Manipur use word Manipuris,Nagaland use word Nagas, Mizoram use word Mizos, Tripura use Tripuris, Assam use Assamese and so on. So,I don't think the word "Arunachalee" is rustic or crude in any way. On the other hand this word is uniting all of our people irrespective of what tribes we belong. After all, united we stand, divided we fall!! A concerned Arunachalee

Dear Editor,

We need to have a common term Arunachalee as it includes all tribes of the Arunachal Pradesh.

Arunachalee is a word which unify different tribes of Arunachal and it should not sound offensive and derogatory. Let us not classify ourselves to community, caste, sub-caste, instead let us unify ourselves and show to the rest of India and the world that we Arunachalee are one.

Yours,

Taka Zirdo

CHC Chowkham

We need regular teachers in schools

Dear Editor,

It is a matter of great concern that since last many years no single regular teacher has been posted in Govt. Secondary School Parsi-Parlo, Govt. Middle School, Nyokuriang, Govt. Middle School, Pado, and Govt. I V School Pachangriang under Parsi Parlo circle.

We have submitted a good number of memorandum demanding the authorities concerned for posting of regular teachers but not a single regular teacher has been posted yet.

Therefore, we once again appeal the authorities concerned to post regular teachers to the said schools so as to mitigate the problem being faced by the students' community.

Yours,

Sangha Tagik

ZPM, 10th Parsi Parlo

Kurung Kumey

Overpriced BSNL products

Dear Editor,

We are regular consumers of BSNL since many years but one thing really upset us. Its products are too costly and over charged, such as the TOP UP having MRP 25, 55, 110, 220 are sold @ 30, 60, 120, 230 respectively and RECHARGE CARD of 180, 225, 281, are sold @ 200, 230, 300 respectively by the retailers. These retailers are plundering the public money.

Hence, the authorities of BSNL are requested to look into the matter.

Yours,

Chiging L Takar,

Koj Kapa, Itanagar.

Adi Kebang and Agriculture finds a place in France

PARIS/ FRANCE, June 30: A research article on “Traditional Knowledge, Innovation Systems and Democracy for Sustainable Agriculture: A Case Study on Adi Tribes of Eastern Himalayas of North-East India” was presented by Dr. R. Saravanan, Associate Professor (Communication) & In-Charge, School of Social Sciences, College of Post Graduate Studies, Central Agricultural University during the International Symposium on “Innovation and Sustainable Development in Agriculture and Food”, Montpellier, France, which stated on from June 28.

Six hundred scientists from 65 countries participated in the symposium. During the symposium, a book on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs): Global Experiments, Innovations and Experiences written by Dr. R. Saravanan was also launched.

The international symposium was organized by the CIRAD (Centre for International Agronomic Research and Development), French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) & Montpellier SupAgro- Farm University, France.

The article on Adi Kebang and agriculture systems got much attention and appreciation among the international scientists, because global attention on natural resources management and environmental protection issues are getting an utmost priority during last few years. Worldwide scientists, policy makers, environmentalists and opinion leaders are trying to address the issues in all the possible ways. However, ever increasing population and demand for the increased food production depletes the natural resources at faster rate. Further, modernisation and urbanisation process leads to adverse environmental problems. In contrast to the present global scenario, the Adi tribal community of Arunachal Pradesh silently conserve the natural resources and maintain the biodiversity and achieving sustainable agriculture by their traditional ecological knowledge, collective decision making process and local democratic institutions like Kebang.

The presentation had drawn clear inference on Adi communities’ traditional knowledge, innovations and their democracy in regulating sustainable agriculture, natural resources management and biodiversity conservation. Adi farmers cropping systems are based on rich indigenous ecological knowledge gained over the generations. The field preparation, choosing of crop varieties and season of sowing, intercultural operations, organic soil nutrient management, soil and water conservation techniques, ecological pest and diseases control measures, harvest and storage methods showcase their rich traditional knowledge on sustainable agriculture and natural resources management techniques. The case study very specifically laid emphasis on Adi tribe’s traditional ecological cultivation and management techniques on major cultivated crops such as; rice and maize, citrus group of fruits, pineapple, etc. Crucial decision on farming, water management and fallow period are regulated by strong democratic system called “Kebang”, Adi tribe’s traditional village council. During the presentation he also stated that the Adi’s mixed crop orchards and traditional homestead agro-forestry (Bari/ Kitchen garden) which demonstrates well developed indigenous systems and emphasises productivity and sustainability with the optimum utilisation of available land and other natural resources. A multitude of crops presenting a multi-tier canopy configuration makes balanced utilisation of environmental resources. Apart from traditional ecological knowledge and local democratic institutions, people’s belief, taboos and customs facilitates the sustainable farming and protects the environment. Further, he noted that the continuing traditional food habits of Adi community necessities bio-diversity conservation of large number of wild vegetables.

There is something amiss in RTI Act

ITANAGAR, June 30: 22 Information Commissioners from across the country will retire in the next few months. Out of them, 11 are Chief Information Commissioners.

So many posts will fall vacant. What should be the process of their appointment? The law is silent on that. Barring prescribing the composition of a selection committee (consisting of PM, Leader of Opposition and one Cabinet Minister), the law does not lay down the procedure that this committee should follow to invite names and process them.

Documents obtained under RTI from DOPT and PMO reveal how intense lobbying takes place before every appointment to the posts of Central Information Commissioners.

Ravi Shankar Singh is a journalist with The Tribune. His name was recommended by none other than Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Chief Minister of Haryana himself through a personal letter written to the Prime Minister. Hooda writes – “He is well known to me for the last more than twenty years. … I would be highly obliged if you kindly consider his name for the post of Deputy Information Commission in the Central Information Commission.”

Ravi Shankar’s name was also recommended by Kumari Selja, Minister of State and MPs Naveen Jindal and Dr Karan Singh.

Likewise, 7 MPs recommended the name of Dr Krishna Kabir Anthony.

Interestingly, neither Ravi Shankar nor Dr Anthony’s names were even put up to the selection committee, which comprises of Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition and a Cabinet Minister.

Before every set of appointments, the word spreads around. Several people either apply themselves or are recommended by others. Recommendations are found to have been made by very influential people including Chief Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, MPs, Supreme Court Bar Council etc.

The names for selection are put up to selection committee through an agenda note. The agenda note is prepared by DOPT. However, none of these recommendations or applications was ever put up to the selection committee.

Interestingly, the names which made it to agenda note and who were finally selected, never applied nor were they ever recommended by anyone, according to records provided by DOPT and PMO.

For instance, in August 2008, the selection committee cleared the names of four people in its meeting on 27th August 2008, namely Annapurna Dixit, M L Sharma, S N Mishra and Shailesh Gandhi. Before this meeting, the following applications/recommendations were received by the PMO and DOPT:

However, the agenda note prepared by DOPT did not contain any of these names. The agenda note was prepared by S K Sarkar, the then Joint Secretary in DOPT. He included the name of his own boss S N Mishra (the then DOPT Secretary), and the names of Mrs Annapurna Dixit, Ashok K Mohapatra, R B Shreekumar, M L Sharma and Shailesh Gandhi. Whereas Shailesh Gandhi’s name was proposed by several RTI activists through an open letter to the Government, but where did other names come from? According to records, none of them applied for these posts, nor were their names recommended by anyone. This means that something is happening outside the files. Who called up these people and asked them for their CVs? Why were only these people contacted?

Several questions arise. Firstly, how were the people like Ravi Shankar Singh, Sudhanshu Ranjan and Dr Krishna Kabir Anthony found unfit and not even put up to selection committee? Who did their assessment and on what basis? Who decided that these names should not be put up to the selection committee?

The agenda note is prepared by DOPT. Obviously someone in DOPT decided to reject these names. Does DOPT have these powers under RTI Act to reject names? No. DOPT merely acts as secretariat to the selection committee. It neither has the powers to reject anyone nor select anyone.

Next question is - how did the bio-datas of S N Mishra, Annapurna Dixit, Ashok Mohapatra, R B Shreekumar and M L Sharma make it to the file? How did these names make it to agenda note? How was it decided to include these names and not others?

It is surprising that the names recommended by MPs, Chief Ministers and Cabinet Ministers are not even put up to the selection committee. But some other names make it to agenda note.

Interestingly, S N Mishra was the then DOPT Secretary. All this was happening under his nose. He shamelessly includes his own name in the agenda note and excludes those of others.

It appears that the DOPT has become de-facto selection committee and selection committee provided in the law has been reduced to an endorsement committee. The selection committee merely endorses the names put up to it.

In its first meeting on 5th October 2005, 5 names were put up to selection committee and it cleared all the five names. In its next meeting on 27th August 2008, six names were put up and it cleared four of them. In the next meeting on 6th April 2009, only one name was put up and the same was cleared. In the meeting on 25th August 2009, four names were put up and it selected two of them. DOPT, by rejecting all names and presenting a very short list of names, creates a situation of fait accompli for the selection committee, wherein the committee almost endorses what is presented to them.

For instance, Omita Paul, who is known to be quite close to Pranab Mukherjee and has worked with him for many years, was working as Advisor to him before last Parliamentary elections. After the announcement of elections, the selection committee met specially on 6.4.09 to clear her name for the post of Information Commissioner. Only one name was presented to the selection committee and the committee cleared that name.

Interestingly, this was done in violation of model code of conduct. Though the Joint Secretary, in his notings, warned his seniors that model code of conduct was in operation and permission from Election Commission would be required, however, the permission was never sought. One wonders what was the hurry for appointing her? Omita joined on 13th May. Interestingly, as soon as UPA came to power, Omita resigned within a month on 26th June and went back and joined Pranab Mukherjee again.

What emerges from all this is that DOPT has become de facto selection or rejection committee. It rejects the names of all those who either apply or are recommended by others. It then prepares its own list of names (sources of which are unknown) and includes in this list, the names of its own bosses. The selection committee provided in RTI Act has been reduced to an endorsement committee of DOPT.

What does the law say? The law prescribes a selection committee consisting of the PM, Leader of Opposition and one Cabinet Minister. Then it says that the incumbent should be a person of eminence in public life with wide knowledge and experience in law, science and technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media or administration and governance. He should not be a Member of Parliament or Member of any Legislature or hold any other office of profit or connected with any political party or carrying on any business or pursuing any profession.

The law does not provide for any procedure how nominations would be invited and how would they be processed. DOPT had a duty to make rules under section 27 of RTI Act to lay down procedures. However, DOPT has not made any rules so far.

Union for modification of upper age limit

ITANAGAR, June 30: After the Malaria Eradication Employee Association (MEEA), the All Arunachal Pradesh Government Departmental Labours Union came out with similar opinion demanding modification of upper age limit for the candidates aspiring for combine competitive examinations under Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission.

Supporting its demand, the union advocated that as per UPSC norms upper age limit is 30 years and with 5 five years relaxation it becomes 35 and it has been done so for the benefit of the schedule tribe and OBC students. It demanded that henceforth APPSC should modify the upper age limit to 30 in conformity with UPSC for the benefit of large number of students in state.

AAPSA teachers’ effectiveness training held

Ziro, June 30: The All Arunachal Private Schools’ Association in collaboration with the Private Schools Association of Ziro organized a one day motivational training programme for the teachers of the private schools of Ziro and Hapoli. In all 130 teachers from 24 private schools of the Ziro valley participated in the one day training. Speaking at the inaugural function, Mallo Yam Gollo, DDSE, Ziro congratulated AAPSA for organizing the training and wished such programmes be conducted in the future as well. She exhorted all the private schools to collaborate with the efforts of the education department to better the quality of education in the state. She asked all to take good care of safety and cleanliness which is noteworthy among the private schools. In response to the speech of the DDSE, Fr. Cyriac, resource person of the training programme, clarified the issue of uniform holidays for all schools in the state. The inability of the schools of Ziro, Mechuka, Bomdila and Tawang to close schools in the summer months as the season is best suited for classes was brought to the attention of the DDSE during the function.

The DDSE also gave away the AAPSA 2010 class X best students’ awards to Sherin Lisa Antony and Tage Ani of Blue Pine School, Ziro who have scored over all 10 grade points and A1 for all subjects. Earlier, Rubu Tadii, Secretary Private Schools Association of Ziro spoke welcoming the chief guest, the participants and the resource person. The training based on the theme “Teaching Job to Educating Mission” was well appreciated by all the participants and everyone expressed the desire to have many more such programmes. In the meantime AAPSA will be organizing training on CCE for the private school teachers of the State at different locations in a phased manner.

Negotiations for settlement

ITANAGAR, June 30: ZPM, Ubu Anchal segment Hoksum Ori informed that June 23 incident at Nikte Secondary School would be resolved peacefully though negotiations and that a peace committee has been formed. The school was in news for wrong reasons, following arrest of five students after they attacked the house of the headmaster for allegedly confiscating mobile phones and tearing down the partitions of the hostel. She further informed that boy’s hostel has been closed down indefinitely.

PR leaders cry foul

ITANAGAR, June 30: A group of ZPMs, AS chairpersons, FPS holders, beneficiaries and others of Tali, Pipsorang, Sarli, Damin, Parsi-Parlo and Chambang in Kurung Kumey district, in a representation to the chief secretary requested him to direct the authority concerned to release the backlog of sub-allocation of BPL and AAY commodities to the FPS’ of the said circles.

They further said that District Supply department is not allocating the BPL and AAY commodities to the circles since February last, even after being advised by the F&CS parliamentary secretary in April to immediately allocate the commodities to the FPS.

ATA district unit-APPDSU adopt resolutions for improvement of education scenario

ITANAGAR, June 30: Arunachal Teachers’ Association, Papum Pare unit and Papum Pare District Students’ Union (APPDSU) in a joint meeting at Doimukh yesterday discussed the measures for improvement of education in the district and need for equal distribution of teachers in interior areas of the district. The meeting was also attended by the representatives from Doimukh, Papum Poma and Kimin students’ unions.

The meeting observed that the teachers who are serving more than five years in the capital district must be transferred out and posted in interior areas of the district. However, the ATA district unit president Teli Hakap highlighted the circumstances which lead to excess teachers in the capital district and under which circumstances some teachers are compelled to stay in Capital.

Hakap further observed that maximum numbers of teachers in Capital are ladies and the infrastructure in interior schools of the district is not enough to accommodate these lady teachers. Moreover, enrolment of the students in Capital is higher than that of the circles, he pointed out.

However, after threadbare discussion, the meeting resolved that APPDSU will take up the issue of phase-wise rotation of transfer and posting from primacy to higher secondary level in addition to the issues of boundary demarcation of the schools and timely supply of the textbooks and infrastructure development in all schools of the district.

The meeting further resolved that eight number of Govt science and Maths teachers posted in a private school will be called back and posted in Govt school whenever need be arise and there should be separate fund for SSA teachers’ salary during vacation period which would be disbursed before reopening of new academic session to facilitate the teachers to joint their respective places.

Awareness on common diseases of fowls

ZIRO, June 30: Diko Kombu Society, Hija organized an awareness programme on ‘Ranikhet’ -- a common disease of domestic fowls (chicken) -- in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ziro at Hija village recently.

Dr. Parimita Dutta, programme assistant, (V&AH), KVK suggested the participants about the technical methods of tackling the disease.

Resource persons from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Dr. Pushpendra Saroj, SMS (Agri-Extn), Bipul Kakoti, SMS (Fishery), Jummar Basar, SMS (Horti.) and Yuva Nunu, SMS (Agronomy) also spoke about the disease and its preventive measures.

Senior Agriculture Field Assistant, Taku Pilia, while representing the department of Agriculture, Ziro tipped the participants about preventive measures and symptoms of the disease.

Later, the KVK team administered vaccine to the chickens free of cost.

Dr. MC Debnath, Programme Coordinator, KVK assured the participants of such awareness programme in future too with the help of NGOs.

DKS’s coordinator Kime Takhii emphasized on the importance of conducting such awareness programme.

Over 150 persons from different NGOs, SHGs etc. took part in the awareness programme, according to Diko Kombu Society release.

NABARD supports for setting up of micro-enterprises

ITANAGAR, June 30: In an effort to generate self-employment avenues for the educated unemployed youth in the State, NABARD Arunachal Pradesh Regional Office has sanctioned four Incentive Based Rural Entrepreneurship Development Programmes to Oju Welfare Association for training of 100 educated unemployed youth for setting up enterprises. The sponsorship is partly for meeting training cost and for incentives to the NGO based on the setting up of new units by the trainees through bank loan or self-finance within a period of two years from the completion of the training.

The areas for entrepreneurship development are: - cutting & tailoring, jute crafts, cloth bag making, soft toy making. The trainings will be conducted in Kimin, Itanagar and Naharlagun.

The trainees will be selected by a Project Monitoring Committee (PMIC) to be constituted by the Implementing Agency with Deputy Commissioner of the District or his/her representative, officials from line departments like Labour and employment, Textiles & Handicrafts Industries, and Banks, NABARD and NGO as its members. The selection will be from the of list of registered educated unemployed youth with Labour and Employment Department, Government of Arunachal.

The NGO will liaison with District Administration and line departments officials like Industries, Labour and Employment, Extension Officer (Credit), apart from banks operating in the area for successful implementation of the programmes and guide the trainees in preparation of projects, availing bank-loans for setting up units.

On submission of the details of new units set up by the trainees after the training, the incentives will be released to the NGO by NABARD.

Along with these programmes, NABARD RO has also sanctioned a Skill Development Programme on beauty culture for 25 rural women and SHG members for livelihood promotion to be implemented by the same NGO.

NABARD will encourage similar initiatives in other districts also.

Measles Catch-up campaign in Arunachal Pradesh

By Dr D Padung

Measles is a leading cause of childhood mortality, and the reduction of child mortality is a key millennium development goal. Measles outbreak data in states with outbreak surveillance reveals that around 90% of the measles cases are in the age group of <10 years. In Indian published literatures, the median case fatality ratio (CFR) of measles was found to 1.63%. Deaths from measles occur mainly due to complications of measles. Infants and young children, especially those who are malnourished, are at highest risk of dying. With the introduction of measles vaccine in UIP, the disease burden has reduced but a lot needs to be done for further reducing the disease burden. The national coverage for measles vaccine is only 69% (DLHS 3). At 85% vaccine efficacy, this means 41% (10.3 million) children are susceptible to Measles. The current measles coverage at 9 months in Arunachal Pradesh is about 65%.

Reducing Measles Disease Burden

One of the key interventions to decrease U5MR and accelerate achievement of MDG4 is to strengthen measles control activities. The global goal for Measles control is to reduce measles deaths 90% by 2010 compared to the estimated number in 2000. The immunization Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE-2008) and WHO, currently recommend that two doses of measles vaccine should be the included in all national immunization programmes including India. As of 2008, 192 of 193 Member States of WHO provide 2 doses of measles vaccine in their national immunization programmes, India being the only exception.

Recommended Strategies

The Recommended key strategies for measles mortality reduction include high coverage of measles 1st dose, Sensitive laboratory supported surveillance, appropriate case management including administration of vitamin A, 2nd opportunity for measles. There are 2 ways of providing 2nd opportunity like Routine 2nd dose of measles and Supplementary Immunization Activity (SIA) for measles especially in Arunachal Pradesh. Supplementary Immunization Activity (SIA) covering children between the ages of 9 months to < 10 years need to be carried out since the measles (MCV1) coverage in Arunachal Pradesh is less than 80%..

Strategic plan for SIAs

The SIAs to be conducted in a phase-wise manner to be completed in the 11th 5 year plan by 2012. The first phase will cover 40 districts in 14 states by September 2010 where 1 district (East Siang) from Arunachal Pradesh is included. In the second phase in April 2011, the remaining districts in Arunachal Pradesh will be covered. ,

What is Measles SIA?

It is one of the most cost-effective child health interventions, proven extremely effective in rapidly reducing measles mortality rates. The ongoing routine immunization services at the same time should be strengthened. This is also an opportunity for increasing community awareness of the importance of routine immunization. Further, this is an occasion to build capacity to improve cold chain and logistic capacity, and strengthen local partnership and collaboration among various stakeholders. The primary purpose is to reach children who have been missed by routine services.

Catch-up SIA

To target all children aged 9 months to 10 years with a goal to eliminate susceptibility to measles in the general population. This is to be followed up by targeting all children born since the last SIA every 2-4 years in order to eliminate any measles susceptibility that has developed in recent birth cohorts.

(Dr Padung is State Nodal Officer, NRHM)

When Ane becomes mama and Apa is papa

Apatani language movement

By. Nani Kojin

The situation of Apatani Language and its sustenance reached to such extent that movement short of an initiative is needed for its preservation by means of speaking and literary activities. The main target group of this movement is the new generation Apatanees so that our Apatani language flourishes in the future.

The steady declines in the use of our mother-tongue Apatani by the Apatanees have been observed since the last few years. As of now, it is seen that more than 80% of our young generation, irrespective of whether they live in urban or rural areas, are unable or hardly able to communicate in their own mother tongue. I have visited various villages in the home land of Apatani, Ziro, and other places where the Apatanees dwell. It has come upon me that my own mother-tongue, the Apatani language, is in a dying stage; that it is now becoming an endangered language.

The most regrettable part of it is that many parents, knowingly or unknowingly, are imparting distorted use of the language to their unsuspecting children. For example, ‘Ane’ means mother, ‘Aba’ means father, ‘Ayo’ means grand mother and ‘Ato’ means grand father in Apatani language. Instead of these, many parents now-a-days teach their children that ‘Mummy/Mama’ means mother, ‘Ane’ means grand mother, ‘Papa/daddy’ means father and ‘Aba’ means grand father! As a result, the very loving and affectionate words ‘Ato’ and ‘Ayo’ go unused or missing from the vocabulary of most of the young generation.

Indeed, the plight of our mother tongue pains me and hounds my mind all the time so much that I feel compelled to do something for its preservation for the sake of our future generations. The decline of our mother tongue started at a fast pace and within the last one or two generations. Interestingly, it had happened within half a century after education started in the Apatani valley in the early 1950s. I belong to the first generation of educated people from the valley. If this trend goes unchecked, the grand children or the great grandchildren of my generation will neither be able to communicate in Apatani language nor understand it as our children can not speak the language. In other words, during our life time our grand and great grand children will surely blame us for not teaching them our mother tongue, if not they laugh at us when we speak with them in Apatani language. The saying goes: better late than never!

Therefore, I have made a humble beginning towards this by discussing the matter with a number of families that have small children. In the opinion of the participants of these discussions the factors mainly responsible for the non-use of the language by the present generation children are:

1. Employing non-Apatani ‘ayas’ to look after children.

2. Having non-Apatani neighbors and friends around the children.

3. Having children from tender age live in hostels where Apatani is not spoken.

4. Families residing in non-Apatani settlement areas etc.

My observation and experience tell me that although the above four factors may have contributed to the present situation, they are not the main causes for it. The main reason for children not using Apatani language for conversations lies with parents, particularly with mothers who normally spend the maximum time with children for one reason or the other.

No environment or force can stop children from speaking in their mother-tongue if parents speak with them regularly in mother tongue from birth to at least till them reach class-V in school or are 10 years old irrespective of their response. Parents tend to switch over from mother tongue to the language of the children’s choice when they fail to get a satisfying response for their queries in mother tongue. Such acts of giving up the mother tongue and following the language of children’s choice for the sake of eliciting a satisfying response from them greatly contribute to discouraging children from communicating in their mother tongue.

My reasons for disagreeing with above four reasons are:

1. There are children who can speak good Apatani language in spite of them having lived in boarding schools where no one spoke Apatani right from Nursery classes/ from the age of 3 or 4. It was possible because their parents, especially mothers, spoke with them regularly in Apatani when they came home on vacations.

2. There are Apatani families residing in other states where their children are born and brought up. These children, however, are able to speak good Apatani language as the language is constantly used at home among the family.

3. There are many non-Apatani people, including children, who have learned to speak the Apatani language well. But many Apatani children do not speak the language because they are fond of speaking in other languages. They overlook the language without any valid reason, if not then willfully neglect it. Perhaps, communicating in any language other than one’s mother tongue is considered a ‘fashion’ by the children. I am not against any particular language. But it has become a necessity to stand up for our mother tongue. You and I can not be passive onlookers when our mother-tongue is dying in front of our own eyes, can we? We all know that learning many languages gives a person more advantages in this modern world, particularly our big brothers languages. So, one may learn as many languages as possible. But it should not be at the cost of our own mother- tongue.

Suggestions:

1. Parents should talk in Apatani language to their children right from infancy to at least till they can speak the language properly.

2. Try to speak in Apatani to Apatani speakers unless it is necessary to speak in another language.

3. We should not mind if non-Apatani people speak our language.

4. Apatani language has been introduced as third language at least in Government schools in Ziro valley. If possible, private schools may also introduce Apatani as third language. Management of all the schools and educational institutions, both government and private, may encourage popularization of the language by showing keen interest in it.

5. Organize activities in Apatani such as essay writing, debate and short story witting competition etc. using Roman script as our language does not have its own script. These activities should not be left only to the educational institutions alone. NGOs and other such voluntary organizations also should take up such activities.

6. Every Apatani family should take a pledge that they would enable their children to know and speak the Apatani language. By doing so the parents will make their children feel proud of being an Apatani. Knowing one’s own mother tongue is essential as well as it is beautiful.

Since it is an initiative as trendsetter, we welcome right from an individual to organization to join with the mission or initiate different method which one feel better. As it has no time frame, movement has to go on and on generation to come.

Preservation of the mother tongue has become a necessity not only for the Apatani people but also for the people of all the other community/tribes of our state. So, I wish, there would be more an individual or organization coming up in other parts of the state to initiate the job.

Lastly, I do sincerely appeal to all our brothers and sisters to join hands with us so that together we can make a humble effort to preserve our endangered mother tongue before it is too late so that our future generations may not blame us.

It may be mentioned here that with the death of last member of Boro and Boa, two Greater Andamanese tribes, their culture, languages, history and wisdom also vanished. Apatani language may face the same fate soon.

Further, experts say that as many as 196 languages in India are on the threshold of extinction today. According to a UNESCO source, the world loses one language in every 14 days. This means, in less than 100 years the human civilization will be bereft of more than half of its 7,000 languages!

“Preserve your language to preserve your culture”

and

“Preserve your culture to preserve your identity”

(The author is chairman of Nani Sala Foundation)

Increase quota of APL rice in Lower Subansiri district: Assn.

ITANAGAR, June 30: The Lower Subansiri district Fair Price Shop Dealers Welfare Association (ALSDFPSDWA) has appealed the state Govt to increase the allotment of APL rice as per requirement in the district.

In a representation to the Food and Civil Supplies Minister, the Association justifying its demands said that against the requirement 4961 quintal of rice for the existing 14,175 ration card holders ( 35 kg each), the Govt makes allotment of only 1700 quintal APL rice in a month(4.8kg each only), which is insufficient for the consumers.

The Govt has increased the APL rice allotment in some district from February last, but Lower Subansiri with highest population in the state had not been taken into consideration, the Association regretted. 80 per cent of the district is still dependent on PDS rice only, it added.

SIDBI 12th general meeting held at Lucknow

ITANAGAR, Jun 30: The 12th Annual general meeting of the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) was held at Lucknow on June 30.

Presiding over the meeting, SIDBI chairman and managing director R M Malla highlighted the role of SIDBI as the pirincipal finanfial institution for the MSME sector. It was informed that SIDBI recorded its highest ever sanctions (Rs. 35,521 crore) and disbursements (Rs. 31,918 crore) during financial year 2009-10, with substantial increase in its indirect as well as direct lending, according to an official release.

SIDBI’s passion for financial inclusion reflected in its micro finance assistance increasingly by 35 per cent to Rs. 2,670 crore and micro finance outstanding crossing the Rs. 3000 crore mark for the first time to reach to Rs. 3,812 crore as on March 31, 2010, with a substantial increase of 78 per cent. The Bank’s Micro Finance support through about 150 partner MFIs has benefited more than 340 lakh persons, mostly women in the rural sector.

The total assets of the Bank has recorded sizable increase of 21 per cent to Rs. 41,885 crore as on March 31,2010.

Net NPAs of SIDBI as a percentage of its net outstanding stood at 0.18 per cent as on March 31,210, reflecting strong monitoring, persistent follow-up and timely action by the Bank as also adequate provisioning.

The total income of the Bank for 2009-10 also showed an impressive growth of 21 per cent and reached an all time highest figure of Rs. 3,207 crore.

The profits of SIDBI also recorded sizeable increase by more than 41% to Rs. 421 crore. Earnings per share recorded improvement to Rs. 9.36.

The AGM, after approving the accounts of SIDBI and other agenda items, approved the payment of highest ever dividend of 25% for FY 2009-10.

Malla further said that SIDBI is committed to provide sustainable financing to the MSME sector for improving energy efficiency, environment protection and social standards. For this, SIDBI has contracted various lines of credit from the World Bank Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan, KFW, Germany and French Development Agency (AFD), France. The meeting was attended by most of its directors and almost all the shareholders of SIDBI.

Recognizing SIDBI’s commitment towards its Corporate Social Responsibility, Amity University, Noida has also honored CMD, SIDBI with the “Amity Corporate Excellence Award for Corporates Social Responsibility’ during 2009-10, the release said.

Committee opposes Subansiri Middle Project

ITANAGAR: Describing the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed between the state government and Jindal Power Ltd. for construction of 1600 MW Subansiri Middle Project near Tamin village under Lower Subansiri district "a secret strategy to kill our people," the Subansiri Middle Power Project Local Implementation Committee (SuMPPLIC), in a meeting, vowed to thwart Govt.’s attempt at any cost in order to safeguard the interest of the affected people.

The meeting held threadbare discussion on various negative effects of huge dam and also criticized the government for not holding consultation with the villagers before signing the MoA.

The meeting was attended by panchayat and public leaders from project affected areas like Raga, Kumporijo of Lower Subansiri and Tarak Langdi, Gangte and Tali circles of Kurung Kumey district and field expert.

Re-consider school uniform

ITANAGAR: All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) appealed to the department of School Education to re-consider the order of the department regarding school uniform in the entire state.

It suggested the department to implement the order from next academic session instead of this academic session, as many students have already prepared their school dress before the commencement of this year’s session and issuance of government order.

Dree

ITANAGAR: MLA Markio Tado and former MLA Nani Ribia would attend Dree festival celebration at Hong village, Lower Subansiri District on July 5 as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour.

VEC reconstituted

ITANAGAR, June 30: The 7-member Village Education Committee of the Govt Primary School, Donyi-Dokum has been reconstituted with Lindum Tayang, chairman, N Essi, member secretary in a meeting held here today.

Solung committee

ITANAGAR, June 30: Gandhi Darang, Pok Kening and Okiam Siram have been selected as president, vice president and General Secretary of Solung Festival Celebration Committee, Guwahati 2010.

FPS assoc. demands

ITANAGAR, June 30: All East Kameng Fair Price Shop Welfare Association (AEKFPSWA), in a memorandum, has demanded the WRD & Civil Aviation Minister for increasing the monthly allocation of APL rise quota from present 2300 quintals to 5000 quintals to meet the requirement.

The association claimed that presently there are 17,2111 APL card holders in the district and each family is entitled for 30 kg of rice. As such, the total requirement is 5,160 quintals.

The association further appealed to the minister not to issue fresh FPS licence in the district.

Felicitations

ITANAGAR, June 30: Joram Welfare Society President Joram Dopum and ADC in-charge, Yachuli Yowa Topu have consented to attend the felicitation programme at Talo Village on July 10.

The programme is organised by All Talo Welfare Society and sponsored by Talo Literary and Cultural Society.