July 18
NES academic excellence award-
ITANAGAR, July 17: The Nyishi Elite Society (NES) has conferred academic excellence
award-
Among the top ten toppers of the Arunachal Pradesh Joint Entrance Examination-
Congratulating the achievers, Parliamentary Secretary Urban Development, Town Planning
and Land Management cum MLA Techi Kaso exhorted the young achievers to keep up the
tempo on mission mode to achieve their goals in life. Kaso further advised them not
to be complacent and go disarray. The parliamentary secretary firmly stated that
the civil society must come out openly in guarding the interest of the community
and take tough stand against anti-
NES president Bengia Tolum in his address advised the academic achievers to live
up to the expectation of their parents and the community. The young generation should
be deep-
General Secretary, Tarh Tabin informed that the award to All India Secondary School
Examination toppers have been discontinued from last year. While congratulating the
academic achievers, he said, “It is a tribute to your parents, your elders and your
community”. He also gave a brief outline of the Nyishi-
Dr. Ligu Tacho, former President, NES and Chairman, Arunachal Pradesh Public Service
Commission, Likha Teji, APCS topper-
The Nyishi Elite Society further hoped that the members of the community shall come forward to support such initiatives in future to enable the organization to render effective community service in the days to come.
AYSU demands police post at Yachuli
ITANAGAR, July 17: The All Yachuli Students’ Union (AYSU) has expressed disappointment over the repeated robbery of Yachuli branch of Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank (APRB).
In a release, while referring to it as a bad example for the society, it called for immediate setting up of a police post at Yachuli and also appealed the APRB management for a special security guard to avoid such incident in future.
Further, hailing the Lower Subansiri police for cracking the case within no time with the help of the local public of Yachuli, it urged the law enforcing authority of the district to award severe and exemplary punishment to the culprits involved in the crime.
KKSU reiterates demand
ITANAGAR, July 17: The Kargu Kardi Students’ Union (KKSU) has yet again reiterated
its demand of release of ex-
In a release, it said that even the compensation to the other injured passengers have not been given yet.
It demanded termination of the driver of the ill fated bus claiming that the driver was drunk and that he was driving continuously without exchanging shifts.
While also saying that the bus was carrying a dead body in it, it sought enquiry into the conducts of the staffs of that particular bus so that such negligence is not repeated in future.
The union further condemned the assault of student leader Unti Umbrey and two others and demanded the Capital police to arrest all the culprits involved in the attack.
I-
ITANAGAR, July 17: A meeting in connection with celebration of Independence Day on 15th August, 2014 was held in the office of the Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner here today.
After a threadbare discussion, the meeting, attended among others by Banderdewa PTC Principal, Additional Superintendent of Police, administrative officers and head of offices of line and development departments, chalked out the programme for celebration of Independence Day, 2014.
Admission test
ITANAGAR, July 17: In view of the large number of applications received this year
for the courses offered by RGU’s Department of Mass Communication, the venue for
the Admission Test has been re-
News Impact
Vardhan announces fund, slew of sops for health sector in Arunachal
ITANAGAR, July 17: Expressing deep shock at the dismal health scenario of Arunachal Pradesh, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Secretary Lov Verma and additional secretary (NRHM) K C Tripathy on Wednesday committed a slew of programmes and other help to Health & Family Welfare Minister Kalikho Pul for rejuvenating the sector.
Though the state government headed by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has given top priority to health and education sectors, Pul in his indomitable style armed with huge statistics explained the crux of the chronic problem and inability to make the health delivery system effective.
Absence of basic services, like ration, health, education, water and power supply had forced the locals along international border of the strategic state to migrate to the urban areas leaving the areas unguarded, thus causing security concern as people from across the border could settle down in the no men’s land, Pul reasoned.
Arunachal Pradesh (Formerly NEFA), a cent percent tribal state, witnessed development
during union territory period till 1987. After attaining statehood development became
a mirage for its zero revenue base and poor funding on population criteria while
the Centre turning a blind eye even after the 1962 debacle, Pul said and wondered
should the people living in inaccessible and far-
Distressed to know that the state had only 544 health sub-
On being told that the state was unable to meet health criteria prescribed by the Indian Public Health Standard (IPHS), the infant mortality rate (IMR), maternity mortality rate (MMR) and total fertility rate (TFR) for inadequate manpower, lack of fund, equipments and vehicles, Verma and Tripathy dittoed the minister’s assurance to extend help if the state government meets the conditions and pay prescribed state matching share.
Commitment: * Rs 33 crore (state’s 2014-
Expressing his satisfaction at the overwhelming response, Pul disclosed that the union minister has accepted his invitation to visit the state leading a high level delegation soon to see the ground realities for himself.
CM seeks Centre’s support for early construction of Greenfield airport
NEW DELHI, July 17: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki this evening called on Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju at New Delhi and appealed for sanctioning of the Greenfield Airport at Hollongi to enable the start of construction activities in the current financial year.
The CM while expressing the commitment of the State Government to enhance air connectivity in the state briefed Raju about the urgency of the proposed Greenfield Airport, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of which has already been prepared by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
CMD of AAI Alok Sinha, who was present in the meeting, informed the CM that AAI has already sought necessary budgetary provisions for the Greenfield Airport to facilitate its early sanction. Sinha also mentioned that he is in regular touch with the State Government to finalize the modalities at an early date.
In view of the increasing air traffic from the State to different parts of the country, CM Tuki appealed for increasing the frequency of commercial flights to Lilabari Airport in Lakhimpur which is within the vicinity of the State capital.
“Till such time the Greenfield Airport is operational, as a stop gap arrangement increased flights to Lilabari would benefit the commuters from the State,” he emphasized.
Among other issues, they also discussed the status of Airports at Tezu and Pasighat, which are at different stages of implementation. Secretary Civil Aviation Ashok Lavasa was also present in the meeting.
Earlier in the day, the CM called on Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Sports & Youth Affairs, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Sarbananda Sonowal and sought his support towards overall youth development in the state.
In a detailed discussion with the Union Minister, Tuki outlined his vision for sports development in the State and especially focused on creation of sports infrastructure right from the block to district levels. “In view of the budding talent in various sports, it is my priority to provide adequate infrastructure for all sports lovers in the state. Our Vision 2030 for Sports and Youth Affairs embodies the collective dreams and aspirations of the youth of the state and I will ensure that we achieve all round excellence at all levels,” Tuki asserted.
Sonowal acknowledged the achievements of different sports persons of the state and assured that he would fully support the State Government to develop state of the art sports infrastructure and other ancillary support.
They also discussed ways to expand the scope of the ongoing Skill Development programmes in the state. Sonowal assured that adequate attention would be given to establish Skill Development Centres (SDCs) in the state and lauded the CM for initiating the Job Mela events for the benefit of the local youth.
DC pays unannounced visit to fair price shops
ROING, July 17: With an effort to streamline the PDS system in Lower Dibang Valley District, Deputy Commissioner Shiv Kumar made a surprise inspection of Fair Price Shops (FPS) in and around the Roing township.
During his inspection, the Deputy Commissioner accompanied by Sanjay Taram, Town Magistrate and Rabo Ratan, DF&CSO gone through the stock & sale register of PDS items. As per the Stock & Sale Register of FPS, all the PDS items have been sold to the Ration Card Holders where as RC Holders complaints of not getting PDS item on regular basis are often received, DC said. He asked the DF&CSO to randomly write down at least ten names of Ration Card Holders from the FPS Sale Register for further verification. He cautioned that if any mismatched are found then stringent action would be initiated against the FPS.
DC also asked the DF&CSO to fix the prices of Essential Commodities in the Roing market in order to check the burgeoning prices in the open market. The Deputy Commissioner also inspected the S K Oil Retailer. He was dismay to find that no proper store was maintained by the Retailer for stocking of the S K Oil. He further cautioned them to suspend their Retail Licence if no proper separate store for stocking of S K Oil are made and also warned that if any illegal selling of S K Oil is found in the open market without valid licence, then necessary action would be taken against the defaulter as per the law.
Earlier, Kumar also inspected the FCI Base Depot at Roing. He asked the Depot Incharge to immediately submit the lifting report of the PDS item by the Wholesale Nominee after his lifting to DC office so that further distribution of the PDS item can be monitored in time. He further suggested to sale the Wheat to the Hostels instead of letting them to rot in the godown if there is limited consumption by the Ration Card Holders. He also asked them to keep the Depot clean and hygiene.
Later, the team inspected the Border Facilitation Centre at Shantipur Gate where
he asked the Inspector, Tax & Excise to check any kind of revenue leakage and also
to ensure that the entry tax & VAT are correctly collected after thorough checking
of the goods imported. He also directed the Town Magistrate to make surprise checking
of the vehicles at Meka Tri-
AAPSU condemns attack on student leader
ITANAGAR, July 17: All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) today strongly condemned the barbaric attack on Unti Umbrey, former AIMSU president at his rented house here on July 11 last.
Questioning the state home department for its delay in nabbing the culprits despite ‘enough evidence like CCTV, eyewitness and other materials’, the AAPSU demanded the state government for immediate arrest of all the accused involved in the case and deliver justice to the victims. “Fortunately the victims in the attack are alive and they also know most of the attackers then why the government fails to arrest the culprits, it further questioned. “There should not be a space for such criminals in the society”, AAPSU said adding such ugly crime can be done by spineless people who do not have a sense of humanity and they deserve punishment as per law.
Strongly criticizing the state Govt, particularly the ministry of home affairs, for its alleged failure to manage security system in the Capital Complex in particular and the state as a whole, the AAPSU in a release said “People in the state are living with fear psychosis and have lost faith in the state government.” Claiming that the home minister Tanga Byaling has failed to provide sense of security to the people, the AAPSU further said that HM should resign from his job for the betterment of people.
Emphasizing the need of promoting and maintaining the communal harmony, AAPSU said
the Apex student body would give top priority on communal harmony as it is very important
for peaceful co-
Meanwhile, while condemning the attack on Unti Umbrey, AdiSU also questioned the delay in nabbing the attackers. AdiSU appealed all concerned not to give communal colour in this regards because no community or organisation endorse crimes. “We want culprits behind the bar as early as possible, it said.
ITANAGAR, July 17: While welcoming the resignation of Neiphio Rio from the post of NERPF convenor, the PPA clarified that the setback faced by the Forum consisting of 10 regional parties of North East States in recently concluded State and Parliament Elections is primarily due to lack of cohesion and communication gap amongst the constituents of NERPF.
Stating that the support extended to NDA in the Lok Sabha election by NERPF Convener at Dimapur in March 27, 2014 was a unilateral decision and the consent of PPA was not taken, Tsering Naksang, the Party General Secretary reminded Rio that the original resolution adopted by NERPF at Guwahati convention was to maintain equal distance from both Congress and the BJP and further that the Regional Parties would not work against the interest of each other in both Parliament and Assembly Elections. However, in contrast to such a resolution, the NERPF Chief allowed NPF to contest against PPA candidates in many seats in Patkai region as well as far of locations like the 33 Menchuka Assembly Constituency in West Siang district. Therefore, to blame PPA of violating NERPF spirit is untrue and at best can be seen as the political requirement on the part of Rio.
So far five MLAs of PPA voting to Congress candidate in recently concluded Rajya
Sabha election is concerned, the PPA had already issued strictures to its legislators
for not maintaining equal distance and further adhering to Party directives without
dilution in future. Submitting the clarification letter addressed to Atul Bora Co-
“While it might have been convenient and easy for NPF which has DAN Govt in state
of Nagaland to extend unconditional support to NDA at the Centre, the situation
in Arunachal which has complete domination of the Congress on one hand and step-
Naksang further stated that “omission of DAN leader and convenor of NERPF Rio and the leader of National People’s Party PA Sangma from the Modi led Cabinet is most unfortunate and speaks volume of the BJP’s step mother treatment towards the aspirations of the People of the North East India.”
Coordination meeting on disaster management
YUPIA, July 17: A District Level Coordination meeting was convened at DC’s office here yesterday to get timely assistance from the Defense Forces and Central Para Military Forces (CPMF) in the matter of disaster management, relief, law & order problem and to deal with insurgency problems (if takes place) in the district. The meeting also discussed issues related to acquisition of land for defence forces and other general issues.
Addressing the meeting, DC Tai Kaye informed that on July 11 last a meeting was convened by Chief Minister in which CM insisted to give priority for land allotment to the police force and CPMFs in the state.
DC instructed ITBP to help district administration to deal with any disaster in the district and to maintain properly the Govt. accommodation provided to them by DA. The DC also requested to recruit local youths of Arunachal in ITBP and keep high alert in the bordering areas.
Responding to DC, the Commandant H Nauriyal, 31st ITBP Yupia agreed to give full support in all fronts. Dy. Commandant 10th Bn ITBP Kimin also informed that the land for ITBP firing range at Kimin has been surveyed and requested for notification of the same. He also informed that they are having crisis management team to deal with disasters during any occasion.
Dy. SP Yupia Keni Bagra present in the meeting informed that State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is readily available at Police HQ to deal with disaster. Dy. SP also requested to provide land allotment for an A class Police Station at Yupia. ADC, Yupia, DDMO, officers of 31st Bn ITBP, Yupia, 10th Bn ITBP, Kimin and other staffs attended the meeting. DIPRO
East Siang DC holds meeting with PPWC on power scenario
PASIGHAT, July 17: East Siang Deputy Commissioner Nidhi Srivastava held a meeting with Okom Yosung, President, Pasighat People Welfare Committee (PPWC) and its Secretary in presence of G. Doji SE(Power), Denong Tamuk Chief Councilor of PMC), Kaling Dai, ZPC, Aken Jonkey, EE (Highway) and others regarding the power scenario in the district.
Addressing the members, Nidhi said that the departmental officers and staffs are doing their best with their limited resources to battle the power crisis. She informed that the matter has already been discussed with concern authority especially regarding extension of agreement for drawal of power from Jonai to Pasighat. She wanted more responsibility and dedication from the officers with inter departmental coordination. She appealed all to approach the Govt. for early redressal and not to resort to agitations which will benefit none.
Denong Tamuk and Kaling Dai supported the extension of the agreement to supply power via Jonai. The Govt should be pursued to allot fund for completion of remaining works of the 132KV line. They advocated that the checking of illegal power tapping should be intensified. All support and cooperation to take up the matter with the Govt. will be lent, they assured. G. Doji, SE (Power) presented the overall power supply status and physical progress of the 132KV line tower from Aalo to Pasighat. The Mechanism of drawal of power from outside the state was highlighted by the SE. Doji informed that the CE (power ) has communicated to the Chief General Manager, Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd .for extension of agreement for power drawal from Jonai to Pasighat. Status reports of Rina, Sille and Yembung hydels were also highlighted by him.
Okom Yosung and Oyin Moyong informed that despite repeated assurances by the Govt. there has not been any significant improvement in the construction of 132 KV line. They wanted to know the reason for delay in completion of the project and why it was not handed over to Power Grid. They enquired about the status of the enquiry report and action taken by the Govt. The Govt. should place fund for the purpose in the AOP and ensure transparency by fixing responsibility on the officers, they said. Frequent meeting of the Monitoring Committee will be of great help they opined. If they get positive response from the Govt, then they will stall the proposed agitations they assured and appealed the DC to highlight their grievances. The Deputy Commissioner, assured to highlight their grievances to the Govt. DIPRO
Zilla Sainik Board meeting held
ZIRO, July 17: A meeting of Zilla Sainik Board of Lower Subansiri District was held at the office chamber of Additional Deputy Commissioner here yesterday.
Chairing the meeting, in-
Nima Drema while highlighting on various welfare schemes available for ex-
Informing availability of financial assistance for NOK in the form of Demise Grant from Army Central Welfare Fund, she requested living ESM to inform their nearest NOK to avail the same.
Tilling Tadi, General Secretary, Ex-
Stating that they have no alternative source of income otherwise than their meager
amount of pension, he also desired that re-
Expressing unhappiness over the delay in delivery of official letters to Ex-
While asking for a plot of land for construction of Sainik Aram Ghar, he requested concern authority for give special preference to ESM in land allotment as most of them don not have land in township areas.
He further informed that though SBI, Ziro branch has provided a special counter for pension related transactions but it is only for first seven days of the month i.e. 1st to 7th, due to which some of our colleague could not draw their monthly pension.
The concession on LPC fee as provided in army’s guideline should be passed to ESM for which he requested DLRSO to obtain the guideline from the state government. He also desired that the concern authority obtain guidelines related to provisioning quota for ESM’s ward in recruitment process/ format for applying Defense auction vehicles/ format for PM scholarship/ purnivas /guideline of ESM etc. from RSB/KSB.
Talking about financial assistance to Ex-
Referring to a shed that was allotted to ESM a few years back under ESM quota at Gandhi Market, Hapoli to sell their auctioned dresses but was taken back later on by the Panchayat leaders, he requested ZSB to take up the matter.
Taking note of the points from ex-
Changlang North MLA seeks cooperation, assures all-
CHANGLANG, July 17: “Welfare of the downtrodden and needy people should be the prime focus of our effort”, said Changlang North MLA Tesam Pongte while interacting with the officers and officials of PHE department, Rural Development Agency, PWD, RWD, WRD, Electricity, Veterinary, Industry, Textile and Handicraft, treasury, Museum, Library, Forest and transport service, Changlang. The MLA was visiting the offices at the district headquarters in order to take stock of the prevailing status of offices.
“I am determined to bring positive changes in my district at all levels in terms
of better health facility, better education system, more employment opportunity,
social security, infrastructure, etc and for that I need your co-
Terming all the departments as media of development he urged them all to take up their responsibilities with utmost sincerity while assuring them to render his every possible help. He insisted that development should take place in reality instead of in papers only.
Pongte also visited the office of Superintendent of Police, Changlang where he had a candid discussion with the SP on prevailing law and order situation. He was assured by the SP, Vijay Kumar for dedication and excellent service from his department to ensure peace and tranquility in the district. Pongte also visited the Central Jail, Changlang and took stock of the facilities being extended to the prisoners. He interacted with the prisoners and gave motivational speech to change their mindset to return to mainstream and live a normal life. He also interacted with the jail authorities and discussed their grievances.
The MLA also visited Govt Middle School-
The departments also placed their grievance which he averred to find out an appropriate solution. AE, WRSD, Changlang requested the MLA for shifting of his whole office in a safer area which is endangered and may slide down at any time. DIPRO
Kipa Kaha appointed APCSD chief organizer
NEW DELHI, July 17: Kipa Kaha has been appointed as the new Chief Organizer of Arunachal Pradesh Congress Seva Dal (APCSD) with immediate effect after Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi approved his appointment at New Delhi today. The appointment was confirmed and communicated to APCC President Padi Richo by All India Congress Seva Dal Chief Organiser Mahendra Joshi.
Born to Late Kipa Hanu and Kipa Sampuk at Nyapin in 1976, Kaha has been one of the most loyal and active workers in the frontal wings of the Indian National Congress including the Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress (APYC) and APCSD. He is also a well known social activist and sports organizer associated with various social causes.
He has been the Vice Chairman of the State Unit of Congress Seva Dal for the past
four years. In a political career spanning over more than one and a half decades,
Kaha served in various organizational posts including Vice President APYC (2005-
While expressing his gratitude to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Vice President
Rahul Gandhi for giving him important responsibility, Kaha said “I am a firm believer
in the ideology of the Congress and would work towards strengthening the Party in
Arunachal in the coming days. Congress has always been in the hearts of the people
of the state and I will work in close co-
Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, APCC Chief Padi Richo, AICC General Secretary Luizinho Faleiro, APYC President Nyamar Karbak were among a host of others who congratulated Kaha and offered their best wishes to him.
5th edition of Naba Ita Pulu Memorial Cup Football Tournament begins on July 19
Correspondent
ROING, July 17: The fifth edition of the Naba Ita Pulu Memorial Cup Football Tournament will be held here from 19th July 2014 to 14th August 2014.
This was revealed by Anjite Menjo, General Secretary, District Football Federation (DFF).
A total twenty teams are participating in this year's football tournament. The tournament for the first time will be held under the aegis of DFF, an organization formed in January this year.
DFF was formed along with the District Olympic Association (DOA) led by its President Ambra Mena to actively promote and nurture the talents in sports field.
This year's tournament will see the emergence of the first ever registered football
club in the district -
"We will be selecting 8 best players for RUFC in this tournament. Rest will be selected from Tezu and Anini," informed Menjo. "With formation of RUFC, it will be the first non Itanagar football team to play in Arunachal Football League to be held later this year," he added.
The tournament will be inaugurated by the Chief Guest Shiv Kumar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Roing. He will be accompanied by the Guest of Honour Matheim Linggi, member, State Information Commission.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
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Take step to resolve the conflict
An Israeli official said on Thursday the Jewish state had agreed a ceasefire with Hamas that will begin at 3.00am GMT on Friday, but the Islamist movement said it had "no information" on a deal. The potential breakthrough came as a major confrontation between Israel and Hamas militants entered its tenth day, with fighting so far claiming 231 lives in Gaza and one in Israel in the worst fighting in and around the enclave in five years.
A fragile five-
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Reinstall principles of transparency, accountability, justice and rule of law
Dear Editor,
Montesquieu, the famed medieval French Jurist and Political Philosopher, once said
“the deterioration of every Government begins with the decay of the principles on
which it was founded”. Transparency, accounta-
It is, therefore, not surprising that the younger generation tend to emulate the elders and bend laws and take it into their own hands. Zenith of all these are the student unions and various breeds of associations that has dotted the entire map of Arunachal Pradesh.
Uniquely, the political contours of Arunachal are drawn by pyramid of ‘babus’ and
top-
Don’t blame the politicians alone. In most of the cases, the real culprits are these
‘babus’, especially the technocrats who are incharge of on-
The demand by various associations, unions and bodies for transparency in transfer and posting of public servants, which are only growing day by day, is a matter that the Government has to seriously ponder upon and initiate actions in right earnest.
However, people should also realize that no one would like to be the modern day Julius Caesar, who was killed by a bunch of Senators who feared that Caesar was taking away their power and influence. Therefore, people’s awareness, support to the elected representatives and resilience not to fall prey to the conspiracies and pressures of these ‘babus’, are key to reinstalling principles of transparency, accountability, justice and rule of law. This would also give the Government in power the courage and political will to take up the cleaning up job for the welfare of the people. But leaders who are not motivated to serve the people should be shown the way to the highway.
The contractors and entrepreneurs of Arunachal live in a symbiotic relation with these ‘babus’ and are equally responsible for the prevailing conditions in Arunachal. I guess, the lesser said the better. But in this war for power and ranks, I only see victory for the people and an opportunity for the Government to implement its policies guided by the democratic principles and values of good governance, and free itself of the unholy nexus of these ‘babus’ and ‘CONEtractors’.
However, people need to be equally careful in order to avoid creation of a Frankenstein’s
monster out of these merchant guilds who would try to grab too much power in the
hands, given the fact that they are, as for now, over-
Not all babus, contractors and politicians are the same as has been stated in this article. Respect continues for the torchbearers of democratic principles.
Yours,
Sam Tage
IP University, Delhi
Budget has belied the expectations of Scheduled Caste and Tribes
Dear Editor,
Arun Jaitley’s budget for 2014-
The recent Union budget for 2014-
The Union Budget 2014-
The funds earmarked under SCSP and TSP should have projects and interventions meant
exclusively for SCs and STs. However, this year the SCSP and TSP have to bear the
burden of partly funding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
(MNREGS), a wage-
So, when we deduct the amount allocated to MNREGS from the SCSP then the total allocation decreases to Rs 43,208.08 crore, which is 7.51 percent; similarly, when we deduct the amount from the TSP, the amount reduces to Rs 26,714.96 crore, which is 4.64 percent.
The budget has a shortfall of Rs 49,941 crore to the SCSP and Rs 20,435.04 crore to the TSP, while last year the shortfall stood at Rs 48,401 crore to the SCSP and Rs 20,938 crore to the TSP. The budget is no different from earlier exercises so far as Dalits and Adivasis/ Scheduled Tribes are concerned.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has made an allocation of Rs 82,935crore for the ‘welfare’ of SCs and STs, who together constitute more than 25 per cent of India’s population. The overall economic development of the Dalits and Adivasis/ scheduled Tribes is expected to be taken care of by this outlay, but it is not a fair share.
The common thread running through all the Budgets tabled since independence is the exclusion of Dalits Scheduled Tribes and Adivasis, and the Union Government failing to make population proportionate allocation for the SCs and STs. The budget has bypassed the development needs of the vulnerable Indigenous communities.
It will have a damaging impact on SCs and STs as the underlying assumption is that it is ‘fair’ and reasonable to expect all Indians to share equally the burden of budget cuts and increased costs.
The NDA manifesto promised concrete actions for SCs and STs by boosting education, housing, health, skill development, entrepreneurship, poverty eradication, efficient utilization of development funds with special focus on the girl child.
However, the budget has ignored certain schemes meant for Dalit and Adivasi and Scheduled Tribes girls, especially in education.
For instance, the National Scheme for Incentive to Girl Child for Secondary Education, schemes for construction and running of girls’ hostels.
Conceptualized in the 1970s by the Planning Commission, the two plans, SCSP and TSP are aimed at channeling Plan funds for the development of SCs and STs, in accordance with the proportion of SCs and STs in the total population. But even after three decades since these strategies were introduced, a scrutiny of the budgetary resources earmarked for SCs and STs raises serious concerns.
Besides diversion of funds, the other reasons for the SCSP/TSP failure are inadequate allocation of funds proportionate to the SC/ST population, poor identification of schemes and faulty service delivery system.
Yours
Rita Taku,
Chairperson, Arunachal Citizens’ Right
Mind the entrance
Dear Editor,
I want to draw the kind attention of the department responsible for keeping the city clean. I am not even sure which department is looking after or supposed to look after the cleanliness of the city.
There is no need to say more about the inefficiency of departments as the dirt in the city itself is a reflection of how much is being done.
Even if dustbins are emptied once a day, the situation would not be so bad.
One particular area that is an eyesore is the entrance to the Rama Krishna Mission Hospital.
The dirt and smell afflicts already suffering patients and caretakers.
It is for sure that dirt is not emanating from the hospital itself.
It is an earnest request to the authorities to make an effort to keep the entrance of the hospital clean.
Let us not forget that hospital has been rendering a commen-
Yours,
A citizen