July  - 13

• Voice against Lower Siang Hydel Project at Boleng meet
• Consultative meet on Chakma-Hajong issue held
• Guv advocates for harnessing state’s tourism potentials
• CoSAAP urges  district unit to call off proposed stir
• Media urged to sensitize people on MGNREGA
• NYC flays Govt for hiking room rent
• Six villages covered under SDP for school drop-outs
• Knapsack Sprayer distributed to farmers
• Sensitization programme on  agricultural marketing infrastructure
• Union for fact finding body

Voice against Lower Siang Hydel Project at Boleng meet

Azing Pertin

ITANAGAR, July 12: No Lower Siang Hydro Electric Project and marching forward for the Quit Siang Movement were the  firm  decisions that echoed through the Siang valley at the end of the day of  public interaction meeting held at Boleng on July 10.     

Around 500 from all the three Siang districts participated  in the meeting on the Lower Siang Hydro Electric Project organized by Adi Students Union as part of the Quit Siang Movement.

The day witnessed participants ranging from ZPMs, anchals, head gams (gaon burahs), youths to common villagers for whom sacrificing a single day during the busy agricultural season was sacrilege as the other members of the family toiled in the fields. Further, the courageous head gams and gams had attended and spoke out vocally against the project.                     

The blind man from Yeksi village led by his eight year old grand son coming to the meeting summed up the sentiments of the people of Siang valley. The blind grandfather had made the ordeal of around 20 kms despite the torrential rains to know what would happen to his land and beloved Siang. ‘Never before had the Adis been threatened by a force like this which could devour our land, water and livelihood’, rued a former panchayat leader from Geku. Our fore-fathers had faced the British successfully but now it is our very own leaders and government within the grips of Jaypee Company that is threatening our lands and rivers in the name of development, added another participant.  

‘What kind of development is this, if our lands and water are lost forever’, said Israel Perme, general secretary AdiSU  while addressing the meeting. Further, Perme appraising on the issues of labour influx and the related problems, categorically said, if the hydro project is allowed, we are welcoming the problems ourselves.

Complimenting the general secretary, AdiSU president Tapu Mibang said how and what right do the leaders have to call and direct people not to attend the meeting. Further, the day long meeting witnessed deliberations on various issues from ZPMs, anchal members, head gams from villages in Pangin-Boleng area, Komkar and Geku in Upper Siang district, Bogong Banggo president from Pasighat to former leaders from Logum Jini, and Jomlo Mobuk in West Siang district. Former AAPSU president, Tabin Taki, airing the common view put in that, ‘we will be responsible for our future generations for the loss of our lands which we cannot allow’.

NCP leaders Kaling Jerang of Pangin-Boleng and Karma Naksang of Menchuka also actively participated in the public interaction. Further, the knowledge of Rabindranath from River Basins organisation and Neeraj Vagholikar of Kalpavriksh sensitized the gathering on the various aspects of hydro power projects and their effects.

The Boleng meet has come at a time when the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) on River Valley Projects and Dams had given fresh Terms of Reference to the project proponent, Jaypee Associates for enhanced capacity from 2025 MW to 2700 MW for the Lower Siang Project on its latest meeting on May 30. According to the minutes of the meeting, the EAC has pointed out that, “There is no consistency in the data and figures mentioned in the project summary, Form I and executive summary of EIA report.   Most of the reply in Form I are not satisfactory.  The total land requirement, component wise in a tabulated form under various categories of land is not available in the documents.  As such it could not be followed whether there is change of total land requirement or not.”     

Earlier, Lower Siang HEP was accorded prior environmental clearance on 7th November, 2007 for 2025 MW. But, the Jaypee Associates had prepared EIA and EMP report for 2700 MW and submitted to State Pollution Control Board for public hearing.  The Ministry had objected for conducting public hearing for higher capacity.

The livelihood of the Adis, an ardent agriculturist community who treasure their land and water is at the crux of the issue as the Hydro Power juggernaut has engulfed the whole state in the name of power and development. Testing times have dawned for the simple and peace loving indigenous people of the state for whom Pundit Nehru’s vision and his anthropologist friend Verrier Elwin’s philosophy for NEFA don’t adhere anymore among its own leaders and at New Delhi.

 

 

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Consultative meet on Chakma-Hajong issue held

ITANAGAR, July 12: The consultative meeting on Chakma-Hajong issue with the theme ‘46 years on enduring for a solution’ has been organised by All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) at Banquet Hall today. The meeting was called on to get opinions and suggestions from the concerned people, leaders and social activists on the right way to tackle the burning issue of Chakma and Hajong in the state.

PPA President  Kameng Ringu, Dominic Tadar of  BJP, Gumjum Haider, General Secretary NESO, Bamang Tago, Social Activist, Arunachal Citizens’ Right, Ajing Apang, Adi Bane Kebang, and Vijay Sonam, NES Secretary were also present on the occasion.

Bamang Tago gave a power-point presentation on the history and historical documents passed to the government on the early Chakma-Hajong and local inhabitants of the state. Tago while showing the statistical data on rapid population growth of Chakma-Hajong said their population will exceed the tribal inhabitants of the state in next few years. The people of Arunachal Pradesh have been ignored by the central government.

Ajing Apang said ‘People of Lohit, Tirap and Changlang are concerned, but rest are not bothered about the issue, and if no proper initiative is taken then the entire state is demoralized. The affected people must come forward first and then we will support them, there is a need of active participation by Arunachalees and AAPSU should work co-operatively with government in this issue.

One of the victim of Chakma aggression at M’Pen, Changlang, Thueng Singpho, widow and mother of three daughters said ‘her 60 acre land of which she has LPC, has been encroached by the Chakmas on 2008, however she lodged complaint to ADC Miao, and filed her case at High Court (HC) Arunachal Bench where HC gave decision in my favour and ordered ADC, Miao to evict the Chakmas from the land. The Chakmas has violated the order, they made houses and beat up the workers,  Chakmas filed a case on HC Guwahati branch to challenge the order and status quo was imposed on her. This has been repeated till this year, due to it, the HC ordered ADC, Miao to conduct hearing and that too was in my favour and still the Chakmas have not evicted. They have attacked us, and whenever I went to police to go to my land, they always complained that they have no vehicle to go and I have to go manage vehicle from them.

But I will fight till my last breathe, Singpho said adding I am unable to go to my own land and the Chakmas are enjoying and earning from my land.

Dominic Tadar said the AAPSU must be specific to their initiation and not surrender their faith.  The Union must take initiative to stop e-rolls of the Chakma and Hajongs, he added. They also must be pushed back them to their confined blocks. The confined blocks of each area must be identified, he said and advised AAPSU to re-connect with the former Union leaders and seek their help.

 

Guv advocates for harnessing state’s tourism potentials

ITANAGAR, July 12:  State Governor Gen J.J Singh has strongly advocated for development of tourism potentials of the state through creating upgraded tourism amenities within and outside the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

In a meeting with the Parliamentary Secretary Tourism Gajen Gadi and Secretary Tourism Bandana Deori at Raj Bhawan here this evening, the Governor called for upgradation of the state government tourism counters at Kolkata and Gauhati Airports with good interior decoration of tribal texture and designs and updated technology, so that it reflects the true image of the state. He also called for setting up of functional office in the counters with equipments like fax, computer etc.

Expressing his concern over the existing condition of the state counters, Gen Singh directed the department of Tourism to take drastic action towards creating infrastructures with proficient staffs to manage the offices for promotion of tourism in the state. Giving much emphasis to improve the present set up of the counter at Gauhati, he stated that this would facilitate the people outside the state including visitors to get a glance of the stunning beauty, the treasure house of exotic flora and fauna and the rich tribal heritage of the state.

Gen Singh, while emphasizing on promotion of tourism at Ganga lake site called for beautification and modernization of the existing structures to change the entire get up of the lake site through involving research students in designing brochures and pamphlets for the lake, besides procuring latest technically specified adventure equipments like inflatable rafts, motor boats, professional quality life jackets, helmets etc. He further stressed on inviting school children for adventure at Ganga Lake so that they can motivate their parents, teachers and relatives and help in promoting the site as tourism spot.

Informing that an international rafting competition is being organized by the Sports Authority of India in the state in few months time, the Governor who will be the chief patron of the event directed the Secretary tourism to liase with the Authority to make it an annual event to bring the state in the map of adventure tourism.

Discussion on adventure tourism project at Jote-Poma village also figured in the meeting and laid stress on setting up of neat, hygienic and eco friendly traditional design structures in the model project. PRO to Governor

 

CoSAAP urges  district unit to call off proposed stir

ITANAGAR, July 12: The Confederation of Service Association of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP)  has urged the upon the  agitating employees of Dibang Valley to call off their proposed mass casual leave on July 14 and 15 immediately.

Reacting  to the reported mass casual leave proposed by the  Dibang Valley unit of the confederation, CoSAAP president N L Togu informed that  the  Confederation  already  appraised  the Chief Secretary of the situation  being faced by the employees of the calamity hit districts twice and the  CS responded positively.       The state Govt approved 19 ration sorties, ration commodities are being  dropped and   the  district administration and department concerned have also been directed by the Govt for regular monitoring of the  situation, the CoSAAP said.   

Clarifying that the CoSAAP Dibang unit did not consult the CEC CoSAAP nor did they take permission for taking such step, the confederation said mass casual leave  will badly hamper the relief works in the calamity hit district.

 

Media urged to sensitize people on MGNREGA

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, July 12: RD and PR Commissioner Tape Bagra today emphasized the need to sensitize people about Centre’s ambitious flagship programme Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) formerly known as National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA).

Attending the inaugural day of the three days Orientation-cum-awareness training programme on MGNREGA at SIRD conference hall here today as chief guest, Bagra said that mediapersons, both print and electronic, Bar Council and Government Lawyers can play a crucial role in this direction. In his impressive speech, he also highlighted Centre’s various other flagship programmes so far launched for the welfare of poor people.

Later, during the training session, resource persons from Ministry of Rural Development, VK Sharma and Rakesh Srivastava and Deputy Director (admn) cum coordinator State level task force on training under MGNREGA, K. Loyi explained in details about the Act, its aims and objectives, how the Act came into being etc. through their impressive speech and power-point presentations. They also clarified some doubts and questions raised by the participants during interaction session.

“The main aim of MGNREGA is to enhance the livelihood security of people in rural areas by guaranteeing hundred days of wage-employment in a  year to a rural household, who volunteer to do unskilled manual work at the statutory minimum wage of Rs.100 per day.”

“All adult members of rural households willing to do unskilled manual work have the right to demand wage employment for 100 days per household.”

“They have to submit application mentioning their name, age and address with a photo to the Gram Panchayat. The Panchayat registers households after verification and issues a job card. The job card contains the details of the adult member enrolled and his/her photo. A registered person can submit an application for work in writing either to the panchayat or to Programme Officer. The panchayat/programme officer accepts the valid application and issues a dated receipt of application. A letter providing employment will be sent to the applicant and also displayed at the panchayat office. If employment under the scheme is not provided within fifteen days of receipt of the application daily unemployment allowance will be paid to the applicant. No discrimination between men and women is allowed under the Act.” Therefore, men and women must be paid the same wage.

The activities, which can be taken up under MGNREGA, include water conservation and harvesting, afforestation, irrigation canals including micro and minor irrigation works, renovation of traditional water bodies including desilting of tanks, flood control and protection works, rural connectivity to provide all-weather access and any other work which may be notified by the central government in consultation with the state government.

In Arunachal Pradesh, all the 16 districts are covered under the scheme.

The Act, which was enacted by legislation on August 25, 2005, was renamed as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act on October two, 2009.

The three-day training is being attended by local mediapersons and government lawyers.

 

NYC flays Govt for hiking room rent

ITANAGAR, July 12: Nationalist Youth Congress (NYC) has flayed the state government for hiking the room rents of Arunachal Bhawan at New Delhi.

NYC National General Secretary, in-charge North East Mongol Yomso in a release claimed that room charge at Arunachal Bhawan in New Delhi has been increased to Rs.2500 per day for common people from the existing Rs 1500 and Rs 700 for MLA, Ministers and other officials from the existing Rs 300.

According to Yomso, the ill motive behind increasing the room charge is to avoid common public and facilitate the richer and wealthier groups to stay there freely. The NYC National General Secretary has demanded the state government to immediately minimize the already hiked room charge.  Meanwhile, the NYC from North East and other states are attending the ‘National Workshop on Youth’ being organized by central NYC Committee at Constitution Club, New Delhi. NCP chief Sharad Pawar will inaugurate the programme on July 23, Yomso informed.

 

Six villages covered under SDP for school drop-outs

ITANAGAR, July 12: The AMYAA ( an NGO) with the support from NABARD Regional Office, Itanagar   is organizing 3 days each of Skill Development Programme (SDP) for School Drop-outs in 25 villages under Khagam CD Block, Miao of Changlang District.

The  programme covered already Neotan, Nayang, New Khamlang, Longtom-I, Upper Injan and Old Plon villages so far and a total of 180 School Drop-outs has benefitted from the programme.

All the 180 beneficiaries were well enthused by the organizing agency and they were oriented and motivated on various options of developing their skills.

Making the beneficiaries understand the off and on season for traditional occupation was articulated all throughout the programmes. Thus, in this programme the off season was given greater focus. The beneficiaries (school drop-outs) were helped to refocus their attitude and interest towards developing their choice of skills by engaging themselves in various micro-enterprises. One of the important components of this programme was the exhaustive assessment of the resources available in each villages and the possibility of turning these raw materials (resources) into valuable assets.

SDP being organized for the first time in all the villages, the organizing agency received not only appreciation for the initiative taken but request for more awareness and training programmes in the rural villages.

 

Knapsack Sprayer distributed to farmers

ITANAGAR, July 12:  The Krishi Vigyan Kendra  Tawang has organized a training programme on the  use of spraying chemicals in vegetable garden. As many as 15 farmers were trained on the method of spraying and  knapsack sprayer tools were distributed to beneficiaries.

Pijush Kanti Biswas SMS (Horticulture), KVK Tawang  demonstrated the method of spraying chemicals, while Dr.Deepanjali Deori, Programme Co-ordinator discussed on the Integrated Pest Management (IPM).   C.K.Singh SMS (Agronomy) also spoke.

 

Sensitization programme on  agricultural marketing infrastructure

ITANAGAR,  July 12:  A one-day sensitization programme on-“Scheme for development / strengthening of agricultural marketing  infrastructure, grading and standardization was held at Bomdila on July 9. The programme organised by NABARD Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd. (Nabcons) in collaboration with National Institute of Agriculture Marketting (NIAM), Ministry of Agriculture ,Govt. of India was inaugurated by  West Kameng DC Rinchin Tashi  in presence of Govt officers, PR leaders and local entrepreneurs.

Speaking on the occasion the DC  said the district having mixed climatic conditions and geographical structure  possesses huge potential in carrying out varied range of farming activities. He further assured to review the role and functions of APMC in the district and requested NABARD for its cooperation in carrying out pro-farmer activities in the district. He directed the financial institutions to be more responsive while tackling the works pertaining to farmers. He further instructed banks to conduct routine meeting in the district to implement various activities relating to agriculture and horticulture. He also invited NGOs in the district to come forward  to carry out schemes which would compete rest of the world in its quality.

Speaking on the occasion Megu,Dy. Director, Agriculture, requested the D.C to regulate the rates of agriculture and horticulture products  in the district so that the local farmers could reap maximum benefits.

NABARD deputy general manager AK Pasrija invited the concerned departmental heads of Agriculture, Veterinary, Horticulture and KVK along with local farmers to highlight impeding problems in farming in the region and marketing of the products.

DAO cum APMC, secretary,West kameng told that the area has huge potential for vegetable farming and in the recent past the volume of vegetable marketing touched almost rupees three crores. DHO,West Kameng on the other hand pointed out that the district is one of the leading producer of Kiwi fruit in the entire country but it still lacks proper marketing. Few local farmers speaking on the occasion pointed out that lack of infra-structure like cold storage, transport subsidy,etc leads to “distress selling ‘ of their agri  and  horti products at relatively cheaper prices. DIPRO in charge.

 

Union for fact finding body

ITANAGAR, July 12: Apatani Students Union (ASU) has sought the intervention of All Lower Subansiri Students Union (ALSSU) in solving the controversy regarding establishment of the proposed Polytechnic College.

ASU called upon ALSSU to constitute a fact finding committee immediately to  resolve the polytechnic issue at the earliest.

Meanwhile, ASU appealed to the authorities concerned to keep up the very motto of doing away with regional infrastructure development imbalances.

The union, however, said that the Ziro Valley desires immediate establishment of Polytechnic College for there is hardly any developmental schemes initiated by the Govt. in the valley.

 

 

Ban on sale of local beverage

ITANAGAR: East Kameng Deputy Commissioner Tope Bam has  imposed ban on sale of local Apong/Roksi in Seppa township. The order prohibits manufacture, distillation, possession and sale of local wines Apong/Roksi in Seppa Township and its nearby areas with immediate effect.  The order further directed  the law enforcing authorities to enforce the prohibitory order with immediate effect and to seize the utensils which are used for preparation of Roksi and Apong.  

The prohibitory order No. JUD/78/2010 dtd. 9th July,2010 was issued  after the common citizens of Seppa Township have complained that large numbers of criminal activities are being committed in Seppa township under intoxication of local wines.  DIPRO

 

Recruitment Rally

NAHALAGUN: Indian Army is going to conduct Army recruitment rally for youths of all districts of Arunachal Pradesh at General Ground Bhalukpong, West Kameng from  July 21 to 25. Interested candidates may visit IPR Office, Yupia for further information.  The copies of Advertisement Posters of the same have also been distributed to all administrative centres and educational institutions of Papum Pare District for wide circulation, reports DIPRO Yupia.

 

Carrying of lethal   weapons banned

ITANAGAR: Kurung Kumey District Magistrate Bidol Tayeng has banned carrying of sharp weapons like Dao, Knives, Spears and other unauthorized weapons in and around the Koloriang township for a period of six months from July 8 last.

Further, the DC directed to the government employees like ALCs, Department labours requiring carrying of Daos to apply for exemption to the authority.

The decision was taken to prevent crimes in the area. It also been reported that certain anti-social elements are roaming in Koloriang township during night hours carrying lethal weapons and Daos, report added. DIPRO

 

Felicitation

ITANAGAR, July12: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthy Parishad has organized a felicitation programme at DN College, Itanagar today.

Above 100 students of capital complex, who secured above 60% marks in the class X and XII CBSE exam were felicitated on the occasion.

The Chief Guest and social activist Cherum Bokum and Guest of Honour Dr. RB Tripathy HOD Political Science, DNG College, Itanagar advised the students to dedicate in their study and become  good citizen of the state and the country.

Eleven schools of capital complex, teachers and guardians attended the programme.

 

Interim committee constituted

ITANAGAR, July 12: East Demsite Welfare Committee, Naharlagun in a meeting has desolved its existing welfare committee and an interim committee has been formed with Cherom Bokom, Kipa Tasung and Kipa Simi as Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary for holding the election of the committee.

 

Society demands timely completion of project

ITANAGAR, July 12: Sree Abu Welfare Society, Kurung Kumey District appealed to the PHED Department, Palin Sub-Division to complete the Drinking water pipe line connection project at Yadap village within the stipulated time.

It also appealed to the local MLA to look into the matter and take necessary step for immediate completion of the project.

 

Union satisfied with cooperation

ITANAGAR, July 12: All Papum Pare District Students’ Union appreciated the Deputy Commissioner cum District Project Director SSA District Mission Papum Pare District and Deputy Director of School Education for their cooperation for successful implementation of the Phase-I teachers drive within Papum Pare District.

The union further expressed hope that the concerned officers would cooperate with the union for successful completion for the 2nd Phase of the teachers drive.

The Union  said that there should no  interference in the transfer and posting of teachers so that the students of interior circles of the district could avail best education for their bright future.

 

Condolences

ITANAGAR, July 12: Baam Bokam Welfare Association condoled the demise of Bijoy Bulo ATA, Town Middle School Daporijo, who died on July 11 at his Daporijo resident.

He joined the government service in 1998 and served in various schools in Upper Subansiri and West Siang Districts.

He is survived by four sons and seven daughters.

The Members of the association prayed almighty god for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

 

Appointments

ITANAGAR, July 12: Tagru Taru, Dagang Taja and Tagru Tatup have been selected as President, Vice Ptresident and General Secretary of Niomi Bango Village Development Committee.