The Arunachal Times - Archives

NERIST is the most sought after institute in NE: Governor

ITANAGAR, July 21: Chairing the 18th Annual General meeting of NERIST Society today at Nirjuli, Gen J.J. Singh (Retd.) lauded the role of the Institute in imparting quality education in Science and Technology and Management streams in North East region.

The governor said that NERSIT is a much sought after Institute of the North East region. He also lauded the initiatives taken up in terms of introducing new and path breaking programmes, successfully conducting number of seminars, workshops, community development programmes geared towards the academic growth and expansion activities of the Institute.

Gen Singh further said that we should aim at building NERIST as a national class institution and eventually a world class institution should be our ultimate goal.

On being informed that NERIST plans to launch B.Sc programme in the near future, Gen Singh termed it as an initiative in the right direction which would help meet the shortage of teaching manpower requirements of the state.

Gen Singh also noted the recommendations put forward by state government representative, Commissioner Education Hage Khoda, wherein it was pointed out that the state is facing shortage of Science and Mathematics Teachers.

With only two colleges of the state having B.Sc programme introducing the course in NERIST would go a long a way in meeting up shortage of science and mathematics teachers, Khoda informed.

The Governor appreciating the actions taken by NERIST authorities to combat menace of ragging asked the Anti-Ragging Committee of the Institute to constantly monitor, create awareness amongst students and parents about the menace.

It is a blessing that the menace of ragging has not been able to spread its roots in the tribal society of our state, he added.

Gen Singh also appreciated the contribution made by the members in the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the NERIST in the first Convocation Ceremony chaired by the President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil.

Member Dr. K K Dwivedi, Scientist ‘G’ Deptt of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, also former Vice Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University of the state suggested for more emphasis on research adding that in its Eleventh Plan Govt. of India has focused on rejuvenating science by strengthening B.Sc programme.

NERIST Director Joram Begi presenting the Annual Report highlighted the activities of the institute viz. introduction of new programmes, research and development activities, the successful conduct of its first Convocation graced by the President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil, infrastructure development, computer and networking facilities among other initiatives.

Begi also pointed out the shortage of faculty, the need for space for expansion plans of classrooms and laboratories, problems of encroachment, enhancement of intake capacity among other issues.

The members of the NERIST Society who attended the meeting were Anil Sarkar, Minister, Education, Govt. of Tripura, Prof. Gautam Barua, Director, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati & Chairman, NERIST Board of Management, and State Representatives Athili Kathipri, Additional Director (TE), Govt. of Nagaland, Pu Lalmuankima Sailo, Training and Placement Officer, Govt. of Mizoram and L.R. Sangma, Secretary, Education, Govt. of Meghalaya. (PRO to Governor)

Decentralisation of power

In an attempt to take administration to the doorsteps of its citizens, the state govt is on an “inauguration and foundation lay” spree. Many administrative centres been opened across the state to cater to the need of the people. In a state like Arunachal where lack of road communication continues to be major problem, bringing administrative centres closure to people is indeed commendable.

Opening these centres is however not the complete solution. Office Infrastructure and adequate numbers of support staff should also be in place.

For years together most of the times, we just see the foundation stone and names of those who inaugurated it prominently displayed.

Opening and upgrading administrative centres does not really serve its purpose if we have to be greeted with half constructed offices, absentee officers and support staff.

If lucky, we see an officer who doubles as peon, clerk and head of the department.

This is not a happy situation. Just opening and up grading administrative centres, as goodwill gesture and gift is not very attractive unless actually work is done from these centres.

Government should take an initiative to curb openings of more centres unless posts are created and infrastructure ready.

As a state dependent on taxpayers money from the rest of India, we need to cut down on expenditure wherever it is possible.

Every day we read about citizens asking for posting of officials and officers as absenteeism continue to plague the state. It would be too much to expect government officials to remain in their posting places in absence of necessary facilities.

Tirap model, in absence of requirement to run an office is a viable option. The administration literary takes administration to the people. Led by the DC and other heads of departments, they set up office for couple of days in different locations of the district. People not only get their work done but also feel reassured.

Gone are the days when villagers voluntarily built offices and houses for government officers and staff without waiting for the government to come to their rescue.

We do not do it anymore unless we have a bill to submit to the government for reimbursement of the human resources and the material.

Central leaders assure development

ITANAGAR, July 21: A delegation of senior Congress and panchayat leaders of Upper Siang District led by former state chief minister Gegong Apang called on several ministers and senior party Congress leaders at New Delhi.

The team comprising DCC president cum Zilla Parishad Chairperson Dunggoli Libang, 34 Tuting-Yingkiong BCC president Kammut Nijo and Anchal chairperson Dechen Jabo met the AICC president Sonia Gandhi and submitted a memorandum to her.

They also met Defense minister A K Anthony, political secretary to AICC president Ahmed Patel and MoS for Parliamentary Affairs cum AICC general secretary, in-charge Arunachal Pradesh V Narayanswamy.

The delegation had a detailed discussion on various developmental issues regarding the district and also apprised them on party activities in the district.

The ministers and senior party leaders assured the team to provide help on various developmental issues especially in the border areas of the district.

They also met Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu at Arunachal Bhawan in New Delhi and discussed on all important developmental and political issues of the district.

DMO & medical team make assessment of malaria outbreaks

TEZU, July 21: In response to reported deaths due to malaria at Piyong Circle under lohit district, the District Medical Officer along with team of Doctors made all-out assessments and found no official record on malarial death at Piyong PHC and Namsai CHC.

There is malaria out breaks in and around Piyong Circle and steps have been taken to contain it.

AMO T Gadi and T P Tara MTS were deputed to camp there from for mass collection of blood sample July 2 to July 6 last.

270 blood slides were collected out of which 71 numbers were found PF positive. While visiting the area the DMO has instructed medical team of Piyong PHC to speedup the DDT spray despite communication problems.

Additional spry pump are being intensified and fogging operation has been started in Piyong Circle from July 18.

The Doctors are alerted to check all patients in diarrhea. Patients suffering from malaria are being treated.

Dr. S Taipodia and Dr. D Ronya along with paramedical staffs who visited Chisi and Wingko villages informed that there was no report of death in these villages. DIPRO

GSU calls on CM

ITANAGAR, July 21: Galo Students' Union (GSU) met Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu at his office this morning and apprised him of the burning problems confronted by the Galo populace in particular and Arunachal Pradesh as a whole.

The union said that the chief minister while responding to its eleven points memorandum assured to redress the genuine demands.

The chief minister further assured to extend financial support for infrastructure development of Donyi Polo Govt. College, Kamki in this financial year, the union said. On subsidiary check-gate at Likabali, Khandu advised the union to take-up the matter with Home minister.

PIL (Public Interest Litigation) has been filed by Arunachal Government against Assam Administration for setting up of Police Training Centre at Likabali, Kahndu said.

The union informed that chief minister said that the state government will be submitting one point memorandum to the Central Government on construction of Pakarijo to Gogamukh NEC road.

The union said that Khandu assured to create Lower Siang District after Assembly Election. He also assured to establish Govt. College at Upper Subansiri District very soon.

The union will be meeting local MLAs to discuss various issues related to the development of the Galo community in particular and Arunachal Pradesh as a whole.

State Council of Child Welfare

ITANAGAR July 21: In the 10th meeting of the Executive Committee of the Indian Council of Child Welfare (ICCW), on July 21 at its headquarters in New Delhi, approved the ICCW-Creche Committee of Arunachal Pradesh to become the State Council of Child Welfare of Arunachal Pradesh.

Jarjum Ete, Chairperson of the Creche Committee who is also EC Member of the ICCW thanked the house and in her presentation informed that 35 creche centers in different districts are functioning in the state in its first year through NGOs and Panchayats.

She further informed that many more were being demanded.

But with the government of India's proposal to withdraw the scheme from ICCW due to wrongs done by other agencies would be a setback to the yeomen service.

Nominations for Bravery Award for children are being invited from authorized bodies by the ICCW.

Act decisively, AAPSU to Govt

ITANAGAR, July 21: All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) expressed serious concern over the border imbroglio that has occurred in Kanubari circle of Tirap District.

Due to some antisocial elements the brunt is being faced by innocent Arunachalees as they have to bear the economic blockade.

The union called upon the state government to act decisively rather then issuing press statement to bring immediate solution.

The boundary problem in Kanubari circle is not new as the area had witnessed school building demolition by Assam government official last year, the union said.

AAPSU further said that this time the problem is created by a third party to poster enmity between the people of Assam and Arunachal.

The union further pointed out another disturbing and arbitrarily act on part of Assam government that has occurred in Likabali subdivision under West Siang District where the Mopin ground and its surrounding area of the local people have been forcefully usurp by the personals of Assam battalion for the erection of their Police training camp which needs to be strongly pursued by the state government.

The union said that if the state government does not pull up its socks, AAPSU would be compelled to hit the street in order to protest the hesitant act on part of the state government to protect the life and property of people of the state and its territorial integrity.

Meanwhile, the union has appointed present president RGUSU Chera Tamak, Rido Pana and Duyu Nama as Speaker Federal Assembly, Deputy Speaker Federal assembly and Secy. Federal Assembly respectively while Tobom Dai has been appointed as AAPSU spokesperson.

In-service teachers’ training

ITANAGAR July 21: The in-service teachers training programme under SSA which was organized by the SSA Zilla Mission, Lower Subasiri district in collaboration with DIET Yachuli was inaugurated by Ziro EAC M R Chakravoty on July 19 last.

Chakravorty stressed on the importance and responsibilities of teachers in building a strong nation. He described elaborately on the in-service teachers training under SSA programme being organized for improvement of skill, knowledge, attitude, aptitude in order to instill and renew the professional knowledge of teacher for effective handling of class room situation in the context of contemporary educational scenario and for the achievement of universal quality elementary education.

Yachuli DIET lecturers Umesh Mishra and R S Bist along with district SSA coordinator Tao Marry also spoke on the occasion.

Will Nekam make it to China World C’ships?

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR July 21: Talum Moya Nekam, of Moya village under Upper Subansiri has been selected to participate and represent India in the 6th World Shito-Ryu karate Do Championship at Beijing, China from August 18 to 25 next.

However, his chance in participating and representing the country at the world championship is in doubt.

This would be the second time in a row that Nekam may just miss the opportunity to win a medal for the country and for his home state.

He was selected to represent the country in the 19th World Karate-Do Championship at Japan (Tokyo) in 2008. He could not make it to the championship.

A black 1st Dan holder, Nekam is an excellent karateka but lacks financial support. With the world championship round the corner and no financial support or sponsor as yet it looks as if Nekam will miss this opportunity too.

This player instead of focusing his time on practice is running from pillar to post in search of sponsorship though his present financial requirement is less then a lakh.

If he was a national level player from another state, finance would not have been a problem.

How many international and national players can Arunachal Pradesh boast about? Countable I believe. The numbers will not exceed ten. How is it that sponsoring or finding financial support becomes a hercules task for the players?

The state government must realize that we do well in individual sports. Take Everester Tapi Mra, weightlifter Yukar Sibi and badminton player Laa Talar. Theses players have succeeded and made a name for themselves in their respective individual sport.

We do hope that the state government takes up the responsibility to fund Nekam’s trip to China immediately and allow this karateka to participate in the world championship.

Talum Moya Nekam’s achievements :

Won 2 gold medals in the 6th All India Shito-Ryu Karate Do-Championship in 2006.

Won 1 silver in the 21st AIKF National Karate-Do Championships in 2007.

Participated in the 5th Shito-Ryu Karate Do World Championship in Tokyo, Japan in 2006. He also won numerous medals in the north east and state level championships since 2006.

Arunachal reels under scorching heat

Itanagar, Jul 21: Arunachal Pradesh, a rain-fed state in the Northeastern region, has recorded deficit rainfall of above 20 per cent this monsoon.

Many parts of this Himalayan state are experiencing drought-like situation with the nature-dependent farmers incurring huge losses.

Local Met office sources said the mercury level hovered around 37 to 38 degrees Celsius, five degrees above normal, forcing the denizens to stay indoors during daytime.

The umbrella vendors in Arunachal's capital city meanwhile, had reasons to smile, not because it was the monsoon season, but the scorching heat, which came to them as a blessing in disguise. They are earning in leaps and bounds by selling umbrellas this season.

''We had a bumper sale of umbrellas this season,'' commented Prem Ji, the shopkeeper at Ganga Market here. Although as a seasonal business, sale of umbrellas picked up during monsoon season but this year the sale had increased due to the unbearable heat, he reasoned.

''I have already sold above 200 pieces within this month only,'' Jagannath Sahoo, an umbrella dealer in Naharlogun, said.

''I have never experienced such hot and humid climate in Arunachal before. Earlier, during summer the climate was pleasant but during the last couple of years the temperature in the state increased considerably,'' commented an official residing in the capital since 1965.

Meanwhile, Anita Mazumdar, a middle-aged housewife, who could not bear the heat owing to her health, said she preferred spending her time in an air-conditioned mall rather than staying at home to avoid the scorching heat.

''I go to the mall after sending my husband and children to their office and school respectively in order to escape the heat,'' she added. UNI

DPVB to participate in Annual IPSC Football Tourney

ITANAGAR, Jul 21: A sixteen-member football team from Donyi Polo Vidya Bhawan (DPVB) guided by two teachers left here on July 18 for Rajasthan to participate in the Annual Indian Public School Conference (IPSC) Football Tournament’09 to be held at Birla Public School, Pilani from July 22 to 26.

DPVB, being a member of the prestigious IPSC, has been sending its students for various co-curricular events like sports, culture, literary activities etc. to different parts of the country organized by IPSC with the main objective of all round development of the children, according to a DPVB release.

CCFC beat DFC, enter semifinals

NAHARLAGUN, Jul 21: Capital Complex Football Club (CCFC) beat Doimukh Football Club 4-0 to enter the semifinals of the Tai Nikam Memorial Football tournament at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here today.

Kipa Takum opened the account for CCFC with a well judged kick from outside the ‘D’ box in 15 minutes. Takum added another goal in the 50 minutes and completed his hat-trick with another spectacular goal in 74 minutes.

Takio Johny scored the fourth goal for CCFC in the dying moment of the match.

Biki Bapu was shown yellow card in the 52 min.

Today’s match

BTFC v/s Dolphin Mishing.

One dies in fire accident

ITANAGAR: A seven years old boy Bunia Natam died of fire accident, his mother ASM Yagam Natam also received severe burn injuries and is under treatment at District Hospital, Daporijo, when a massive fire broke out at around 3 am on July 20 at Lower Sigin Colony, Daporijo.

Altogether, 17 houses along with properties have been gutted down in the said fire accident.

Book release

ITANAGAR: Former Union Cabinet Minister and Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma will release a book on ‘Electoral Politics in Arunachal Pradesh’ authored by Rajiv Gandhi University, Department of Political Science Reader Dr. Nani Bath at the university Conference Hall on July 24 next. This will be followed by an interaction with students and teachers.

Resignations

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Janata Dal (U) State president Kardu Taipodia resigned from from the post and active membership form the party.

Choekhor Duechen

ITANAGAR: The Itanagar Buddhist Cultural Society will celebrate Choekhor Duechen at Siddhartha Vihar on July 25.

The day long celebration shall be comprised of offering and prayers.

Meanwhile, the society organized a social service at Sidharta Vihar, Itanagar on July 19.

NSS Training

ITANAGAR: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, government of Arunachal Pradesh is organizing three days training conference on 66 round national sample survey (NSS) at conference hall of the Directorate from July 22-24.

U-16 State Level Football Tournaments

ITANAGAR: Ist Dera Natung Under-16 State Level Football Tournament will be held at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun from August 21- 30 last.

The team consisting of over age of three players or more will be automatically disqualified from the tournament and no TA/DA reimbursement shall be entertained to such team.

Extended

ITANAGAR: The last date for submission of application for admission to various Post-graduate and other courses of Rajiv Gandhi University for the session 2009-10 has been extended to 28 July.