July 14

Labourers cry for salary

ITANAGAR, Jul 13: The labourers of Arunachal Pradesh Bamboo Development Resource Agency (APBDRA) are facing hardship as they cannot maintain their livelihood properly due to non-payment of their monthly salary.

While informing this, All Arunachal Pradesh Labour Union (APPLU), in a letter to the Chairman of APBDRA said that the labourers have not received their last six months payment due to which they have been facing financial hardship to manage their daily bread and butter.

It urged the Chairman to take necessary action for early release of salaries of the labourers.

 

Job advt. not as per RR

ITANAGAR, Jul 13: Claiming that the job reservation in the recently published advertisement for recruitment to the posts of UDCs and LDCs was not as per the Recruitment Rules, Arunachal Pradesh Congress Seve Dal Spokesperson, on behalf of the job seekers, has demanded the West Siang Deputy Commissioner to publish the advertisement afresh by making necessary rectification.

The Seva Dal Spokesperson while referring to the published advertisement figured out that three out of the five UDC posts were kept for general category candidates and two posts for APST candidates. In the LDC, the total four posts were divided equally among APST and General Category candidates, he said.

 

Chopper service questioned

ITANAGAR, Jul 13: The Class-I Registered Contractor Association of Arunachal Pradesh has condemned the service by Pawan Hans Helicopter Service claiming that its team was left behind at Guwahati Airport even after the tickets were booked on July 10 last for Naharlagun.

In its letter to the director civil aviation, it appealed for abolishing VIP quota system saying that the chopper was immediately called by the chief minister Nabam Tuki at Naharlagun helipad.

 

ACS welcomes govt. move on Stapled Visa

ITANAGAR, Jul 13: Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) has welcomed the move of the state government to raise the issue of controversial stapled visa in the floor of the Legislative Assembly.

It is a welcome move by the state government to raise the issue once again after 35 years, said ACS, which has been raising the issue of the stapled visa issued to people of Arunachal Pradesh by China, even in the national capital.

It is not just an issue of issuing stapled visa to our sportspersons to play in China, but a serious issue that involves the question of our identity, nationality and integrity, said ACS Chairman Patey Tayum.

The Society also urged the Opposition BJP to ponder upon the issue and take it seriously.

 

Orgs condemn attack on cops at Namsai

ITANAGAR/DAPORIJO, Jul 13: In what could be termed as a slap on the face of the state police, two sub inspectors (SI) were physically assaulted within the premises of Namsai Police Station by a group of miscreants on July 10.

According to sources, Sub-Inspectors Radha Soki and Michi Yanya were assaulted by miscreants in front of the OC at Namsai Police Station.

Meanwhile, All Tagin Youth Organisation (ATYO) and Apatani Youth Association (AYA) have condemned the physical attack on the sub-inspectors in strongest terms.

Alleging involvement of some local organisation in the incident, ATYO demanded the law enforcing authority to arrest the culprits involved in the incident immediately and award them exemplary punishment under appropriate section(s) of law.

In its press statement, AYA expressed surprise over assault on cops within the police station.

If a police officer can not ensure his/her safety even in the police station, how he/she could ensure safety and security of common people outside the police station, AYA said.

“It is a blatant violation of human rights”, AYA said, and demanded strong action against the miscreants.

Expressing doubt over the efficiency of the Namsai OC, AYA demanded that the case should be transferred to Itanagar Women Police Station for delivering justice to the victims. It also urged the higher authorities of the Police Department for early transfer of the police officers from Namsai to any other place  for their safety and security.

 

Relief sought

ITANAGAR, Jul 13: Informing that two MIBT houses of Nabam Laya at D-sector Nirjuli was burnt to ashes yesterday at 3pm and another rented house of Hibu Yaniu, contingency staff of AP Cooperative Apex Bank DMK branch was also burnt down, the Leporiang People Welfare Committee Capital Complex has appealed to the concern authority to provide relief to the victims.

Properties damaged in the fire accident of Laya are estimated to be Rs 27 lakhs, while for Yaniu it is Rs 3 lakhs, it claimed. Reason for the fire accident is not yet known, the committee informed. The committee further requested all the well wishers to help the two victims rebuild their houses.

Ultimatum served

ITANAGAR, Jul 13: The All Arunachal Contractors’ Welfare Association Lower Subansiri district unit has appealed for renovating the damaged highway of the district saying that it causes risk for the vehicular movements. It gave ultimatum to the DC in this regard.

Also requesting to implement work under Arunachal Pradesh Base Entrepreneurs Act 2015, it stated of resortin to democratic movement if its demand were not fulfilled within 15 days.

 

Panchayat opposed to APPDSU office building

ITANAGAR, Jul 13: The PRI leaders, Gaon Burahs and public of 16th Tigdo Panchayat under Doimukh circle has expressed its opposition to the establishing of All Papum Pare District Students’ Union (APPDSU’s) office building at Yupia.

In its complaint letter served to the DC, it appealed that apart from government office buildings, no organisation including student unions should be allowed to set up their building at Yupia and said that it would not only influence other organisations to do the same but will also encourage people to encroach the land donated for establishment of the district headquarter by the local inhabitants.

Further saying that if the allotment for setting up of the APPDSU is to be granted, first priority should be given to the native people of the panchayat as the land was taken away from them in the pretext of giving employment.

 

Candle making training by SMILE

ITANAGAR, Jul 13: Indo Global Social Service Society (SMILE) conducted two candle making training programmes at Nyokum Lapang IGSSS unit office, here recently.

The programme aimed at helping individuals acquire the knowledge and skills required for occupational exploration and career planning.

The resource persons Yomjum Yomgam, Chairman, Young Mission Adventure Club and his team conducted both theory and practical sessions on candle making and raw materials required for it.

The training programme conducted in two batches wherein 24 participants from Itanagar and Nahralgun attended.

 

Back-to-back training workshops begins at DIET

ITANAGAR, Jul 13: A three day training workshop on “Developing awareness towards environment, with reference to Arunachal Pradesh” began at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Naharlagun today.

The workshop, with an intake capacity for 30 participants is targeted at regular teachers and is intended to help them appreciate the linkages between concerns of environment and the teaching-learning process. Recognising reckless human behaviour as the main cause of environmental degradation, the workshop will generate awareness on how teachers can contribute towards a better understanding on issues of sustainable development of the environment.

The workshop has been organised in spite of the heavy land erosion in and around the DIET campus, which has even disrupted its approach road. It is heartening that a large number of teachers from various schools have enrolled for the course.

The current workshop will be followed by training on “Preparation of low cost maps and charts from locally available materials” from 16th to 18th July that will build capacity of teachers in effective use of teaching aids.

 

AWs sensitised on Childline Helpline services

ITANAGAR, Jul 13: Childline Itanagar, in a meeting at DBYC Vivek Vihar today, sensitised the Angawadi workers on its helpline (1098) services, child rights and to work in collaboration with the Childline for the greater interest of the children in need of care and protection.

The Centre Coordinator of Childline Itanagar, Jangphun Tangjang shared the various issues related child under the age group of 0-18 years and also briefed on Right To Education (RTE) Act. Tangjang exhorted the workers to ensure that every child in need of care and protection are not deprived from their rights.

 

Mother’s Vision conducts Social Service

AALO, Jul 13: In its continued effort to develop the sense of cleanliness among the vegetable and meat sellers, the members of Mother Vision organised its second cleanliness drive at Daily Market and Meat Shed located in the heart of Aalo town today.

Heaps of garbage laying scattered in the market places were disposed after collecting them and blocked drains were cleared by the members of the NGO.

The vegetables and meat sellers, who are responsible for accumulation dirt and garbage despite repeated reminders to keep the surrounding clean, were forced to take part in the social service. The businessmen and shopkeepers were also cautioned to keep their surrounding clean and put dustbins in front of their premises. DIPRO

News Impact

Arunachal Pradesh State Road (Regulation & Development) Bill referred to committee

ITANAGAR, Jul 13: The Assembly today referred the Arunachal Pradesh State Road (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2015 to a committee to re-examine its clauses.

The ten-member committee headed by Deputy Speaker T N Thongdok was asked by Speaker Nabam Rebia to submit its report within three months.

The bill, tabled in the House on July 7th last by PWD Minister Gojen Gadi, was aimed at consolidating laws related to scientific planning and development of road network and connectivity, systematic regulation of road development by giving impetus to safe custody and maintenance of assets in the state for all round economic development and welfare of the people.

Rebia, while announcing the state government's proposal of referring the bill to the committee for re-examining the clauses particularly, compensation payment and specification of Right of Way (RoW), while constructing highways, said the people were only interested on compensation rather than development and urged the members to find ways to educate the people.

All members cutting across party lines welcomed the bill and suggested for dropping the clause of compensation.

Taking part in the discussion, Leader of Opposition Tamiyo Taga (BJP) said there should be specification of categories of roads to be executed by various agencies.

Senior BJP leader Japu Deru, while citing an example of a project where compensation claim exceeded Rs one lakh crore against the sanctioned amount of Rs 400 crore, said responsibility should be fixed on departmental officials to create awareness among the people.

Stating that compensation has prompted unwanted constructions, Congress member Phosum Khimhun suggested for providing it to the genuine persons.

Social Welfare minister Wanglin Lowangdong said roads, vital for the state from the security point of view, were limited till 1952. "Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh gifted the Trans Arunachal Highway," Lowangdong said adding, the bill should be specific for highways.

Stating that lack of good roads in the state deter outside investors, Independent MLA Paknga Bage said focus should be on district roads too and roads should be improved to boost agri-horti sector.  While Congress member Nikh Kamin suggested for distinct specification to all categories of road, Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Mama Natung said state's huge potentials were not known to outside world for want of good roads.

"People are interested in crores of compensation package which has turned into a disease. If this continues, the road projects will be limping in future," Congress MLA Gabriel Denang Wangsu added.

The House was adjourned for the day after the Speaker announced the government's proposal to constitute the committee. PTI

 

 

Panel to decide on engineering wings in non-engineering depts.

Question hour

ITANAGAR, Jul 13: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today informed the Legislative Assembly that a cabinet sub-committee  was constituted to relook into the need of creating engineering wings in non-engineering departments or to create a separate infrastructure development department.

Responding to a supplementary raised by MLA Wangki Lowang during question hour, Tuki said three non-engineering departments, namely, Sports and Youth Affairs, Education and Tourism have created their own engineering wings. Admitting that there is no guideline or criteria for creation of such engineering wings for non-engineering departments, the chief minister informed the house that such arrangements are made purely on the basis of workload of civil works as the aforesaid departments are getting huge work under centrally sponsored and state plan schemes.

"Earlier, PWD executed such schemes as deposit works and used to take the works as secondary causing delay for, which engineering wings are created", the Chief Minister  further informed.

Responding to a supplementary from MLA Tage Taki on proposal for modalities for such a department like infrastructure development, Tuki said the committee would submit its report during the current session of the Assembly.

In a supplementary, Gabriel D Wangsu also raised question over maintenance and functioning of such engineering wings of departments after its creation.

Speaker Nabam Rebia, while appreciating the Govt move to re-examine the need of engineering wings, suggested restriction on creation of engineering wings. “We are unnecessarily having so many engineering work departments within departments,” he observed. Creation of RWD division: The State Govt did not receive any proposal from authorities concerned for creation of Rural Works Division at Dumporijo in current financial year, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki informed the house.Responding to a supplementary of MLA Paknga Bage, Chief Minister further said that the state Govt will see the requirement of such division in future depending upon the work load. Earlier, Bage in his supplementary told that a total of 15 projects are coming up in Upper Subansiri. Therefore, RWD division in the district is necessary to look into the project works.

While responding to a supplementary from Gabriel D Wangsu, Chief Minister said that Govt will consider the proposal for creation of RWD division in newly created Longding district.

Shifting of electrical utilities: Responding to a supplementary from MLA Tumke Bagra, Power Minister Tanga Byaling informed the house that the power department has received a total deposit of Rs 701.49 lakhs from GREF (44 BRTF) against the works for shifting of electrical utilities for construction of the double lane road from Aalo to Reying in West Siang district. He further informed that shifting work between Aalo to Keak is in progress and Keak to Reying has been completed. The minister also assured to strictly monitor the work progress.

Fund for flood prone zone: PWD department was allotted only Rs. 5 crore for restoration of flood damage, informed PWD Minister Gojen Gadi. Giving details of zonal-wise distribution of flood damages restoration fund during 2014-15, the Minister also assured to allocate fund  rationally and transparent manner in future.

Later responding to the supplementaries from MLAs  Nikh Kamin and Tage Taki, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki informed the house that flood damages restoration funds are allotted as per the flood damage report prepared by the district authority and department concerned. He further said normal disaster relief funds are distributed equally and there is district level and state level disaster management authority to look into it.  However, the Chief Minister assured for distribution of flood damage restoration fund in a transparent manner in near future.  

Calling attention motion: Responding to calling attention motion raised by MLA Honchun Ngandam, PWD Minister Gojen Gadi informed the house that despite heavy rainfall which affected the road works more than 45 per cent of the Trans-Arunachal Highway between Londging and Khonsa has been completed.  Admitting delay in works for three months, the Minister further informed that notice has been served to the contractor and work resumed on 9th of this month. At present there is no problem, he said. Earlier, Honchun Ngandam demanded enquiry into the delay in road maintenance.

 

Quotes of the day

1. Flood damage restoration fund ko rationalisation karke distribution karneka koi formula nehi hein. Janata ka pass wrong message ja rahi hein: Tage Taki

2. Koi bhi department business allocation ka bina nehi chalta : CM

3. When we prepare a bill we should have to have  vision to avoid departmental tussle: Tamyio Taga

4. It will tantamount to opening Pandora's box: Wagling Lowangdong while referring to compensation during discussion on state road bill.

5. Compensation has been a very interesting thing in our society: Gabriel D Wangsu

 

 

A ray of hope for many: APCMUHIS

[ Taba Ajum ]

ITANAGAR, Jul 13: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki who also holds finance portfolio will present state budget on the floor of assembly on 15th July. People have high expectations that he will announce many new welfare and developmental schemes.

Ever since Tuki assumed office he has announced series of welfare schemes. Some of the schemes failed due to bureaucratic hurdles and others due to lack of proper implementation. However despite some criticism, of all the welfare schemes, the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Ministers Universal Health Insurance Scheme (APCMUHIS) has turned out to be the most beneficial one for the general public. As per this scheme, government provides cashless medical and surgical treatment to all sections of the people including APL & BPL.

The scheme provides coverage up to Rs.2.00 lacs per annum per family on floater system. The annual premium is paid on behalf of the beneficiaries by the State Government to the Insurer, New India Assurance co. Ltd. The Insurer has engaged a third party administrator, Dedicated Healthcare Services (TPA) Pvt. Ltd. based in Mumbai to implement the scheme in various empanelled hospitals across the country. The enrolment of bonafide residents of Arunachal Pradesh (beneficiaries) started on 1st May 2014 and as on 3rd April 2015, the total enrollment count is about 2,25,128 families against projected 2,61,614 families as per 2011 census. As on 29th June 2015, a total of 4170 people have benefited from this scheme with 6,624 reported claims for treatment of various diseases in Govt. and private hospitals empanelled under this scheme.

While talking to this daily, Dr. Nabam Peter, Monitoring &Evaluation Officer of APCMUHIS, informed that so far state government has paid premium amount of Rs. 8, 19, 48,282.00 to the Insurer. “The total premium payable to the Insurance Company if smart cards of all reported enrollment is distributed is Rs. 17,08,72,152.00. Therefore, verification of card distributed is presently going on in all districts. New enrollment is likely to commence once premium calculation for the current year is completed”, said Dr Peter. Further he added, “The scheme has received much appreciation and many states has started developing similar scheme for its people. Meghalaya will be launching similar scheme very soon. This scheme is unique in the sense that it covers all bonafide residents of the state irrespective of age, economic or employment status or existence of any pre-existing medical or surgical conditions”. On being questioned by this reporter, he has admitted existence of few manageable glitches such as lack of awareness and IT related issues. Citing an example, he told, “A 9 years old girl diagnosed with aplastic anaemia requiring bone marrow transplant was taken to Indraprastha Apollo, New Delhi. She was included in the family picture in the card but her name was missing in the biometric data embedded in the card. She could not receive the benefits of APCMUHIS and succumbed to her illness”. He expressed regret that such things happened. However, he has exuded confidence in overcoming these glitches and conveyed that authorities are contemplating of engaging PRI leaders/NGOs to create awareness on benefits and the processes involved in availing the benefits. Any scheme of such enormity and impact will take time to refine and meet its entire objective.

The beneficiary of Papum Pare district which includes Capital Complex region has made maximum use of APCMUHIS followed by East Siang, West Kameng and West Siang. Till now 4,170 beneficiaries have made use of this scheme with 6, 624 claims in total of which 4509 claims have already been settled by the Insurance Company. The reported amount of all claims availed by beneficiaries is Rs. 14, 59, 32, 246.00 and till now Insurance Company has settled Rs. 10, 51, 40, 163.  

However, some beneficiaries complaint that lack of coordination between health department which is the nodal implementing agency and insurance company often creates trouble. There are others who are worried about how state government will continue to support this scheme in the wake of difficult financial situation. One can only hope that Chief Minister Nabam Tuki gives top priority to APCMUHIS as this is one of the few schemes which has manage to impact life of poor people in true sense.

 

 

AAPSU seeks release of Assistant Professors/ Teachers on deputation

ITANAGAR, Jul 13: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) led by general secretary Biru Nasi today met the secretary Planning and the director Higher and Technical Education and apprised the secretary about the deteriorating education scenario in the state due to shortage of teachers and professors.

He also submitted a memorandum to the secretary planning asking the department to immediately release the assistant professors who are on deputation in the department in various posts.  

 The Union claimed that most of the teachers and professors are sent on deputation to other departments much against the interest of the students while the department of planning, despite repeated requests by the education department to release those who have completed their term of 3 years of service, have not released them yet.

While strongly condemning the education department’s letter asking the government to either absorb the deputed officers or release them as it is, the Union termed it as unacceptable saying that it will discourage the moral of other teachers and assistant professors who are performing their duties with sincerity. It further urged the department to conduct competitive exams to curb the shortage of teachers and professors in the state.

 

 

Auditions for Arunachal Idol 2015  from Aug

Staff reporter

ITANAGAR, Jul 13: Auditions for the new season of Arunachal Idol-2015, a singing talent hunt competition will begin from the last week of August, informed the show’s organising committee today.    

 Addressing media persons at the Press Club here, organising vice-chairman Tana Disem said that the talent competition organised under the aegis of Arunachal Orphan Care Society will begin with zonal–wise audition rounds which will be held at Ziro, Aalo, Pasighat, Tezu, Bomdila and Itanagar wherein, a total of 250 singers will be selected.

On the lines of the popular Indian Idol show, the Arunachal Idol will have eight competitive rounds with the mega auditions to be held at Itanagar in which a team of judges will select a total of 17 participants for pre-elimination round, informed Disem. He further said that the organising committee will also sponsor the top five contestants selected during the mega audition for special six months music course at Indian Idol Academy in Guwahati to further hone their talents.   

The winner of the Arunachal Idol-2015 will get a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakhs along with a contract for a video album by the Arunachal Feature Film Production Pvt. Ltd while, the 1st runners up will be awarded cash prize of Rs. 2 lakhs. The remaining top third, fourth and fifth laces will be awarded consolation prizes, gift hampers along with certificates. Explaining on the motto behind organising the competition, chairman, Nyishi Art and Culture Welfare Society, Bengia Tabb said that the state has immense potential in the field of dance and music but lack the much-needed facilities and training. The committee through the competition is trying to give the local talents a platform to showcase their talent and help them achieve excellence.

Organising chairman Mallo Attu, creative incharge Tumi Riba, general secretary Galo Welfare Society Mokir Ori, organising secretary Teli Tadab Camdir and programme co-ordinator Momar Ori were also present.

 

 

XIIPKIF for early upgradation of EAC Hqs to ADC HQs

ITANAGAR, Jul 13: The XII-Pakke-Kessang Intellectual Forum (XIIPKIF) in a memorandum to the Chief Minister has demanded for early upgradation of the Pakke-Kessang EAC headquarters to ADC (Ind.) HQs to pave way for creation of Pakke-Kessang District.

The demand was raised after the Chief Minister on July 9 had reportedly assured a delegation of the District Demand Committee to upgrade the EAC HQs to ADC (Ind) as a first step towards creation of the new district as demanded by the Committee.

Pakke-Kessang is the oldest administrative circle HQ of East Kameng district created in 1966 and subsequently, it was upgraded to the EAC HQ in 2004. This oldest EAC administrative HQ comprises of three circles, namely, Peijirang, Pakke Kessang and Passa with one sanctioned CD Block, the memorandum informed.

The public of these three circles have to face lots of hardship in their official works, like obtaining PRC, ST certificates and various other important documents. To get all these work done, they have to go to district HQ, Seppa in East Kameng, said the Forum. It urged the Chief Minister to notify the upgradation of Pakke-Kessang EAC HQ to ADC (Ind) at the earliest for administrative convenience.

The Forum also demanded the Chief Minister for early notification of the PWD Division at Seijosa.

The state government has already given formal administrative approval for the creation of PWD Division at Seijosa sub-division in view of the ever increasing workload in the 12th Pakke-Kessang, claimed the Forum.

“It is needless to say that the area is witnessing fast development after the declaration of Seijosa-Pakke-Kessang Road as State Highway and proposed “Industrial Corridor” touching foothills of Bhairavkund, Bhalukpung, Seijosa to Ruksin. All these vital roads will definitely bring in rapid growth and development in the area. Most importantly, PSI Road under NEC has also been sanctioned which requires full-fledged administrative machineries for its successful completion, the memorandum said.

Establishment of the Division will also ease the problems of the people of Pakke-Kessang from travelling to Seppa for official works and there will be no problem, if PWD Division is established at Seijosa, the Forum said and urged for early creation of the PWD sub-Division at Seijosa by issuing notification as assured to the delegation on July 9.

 

 

Annual budget of Upper Siang DRDA approved

YINGKIONG, Jul 13: The annual DRDA (Admn.) budget for the session 2015-16 was approved in the 21st Governing Body Meeting of Upper Siang here today.

Yingkiong ZPM Bading Teng ZPM, who presided over the meeting held in the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner in absence of the ZPM Chairperson Apel Modi, appealed to all the PRI members and Block Development Officers and other executing departments to strictly follow and adhere to the guidelines and rules of all central Rural Development Programmes.

The ZPM urged both officers and PRI members to go hand in hand to make developmental schemes successful.

He also emphasised of the need to announce all the completed and uncompleted schemes in written and circulate it to the PRI members for better knowledge and necessary follow up actions.

Hengo Basar, PD, Upper Siang DRDA read out the achievement reports of the RD programme of the year 2014-15.

The Deputy Commissioner-cum-CEO Remo Kamki in his brief speech appealed to all BDOs, PRI members for proper monitoring of all schemes. Completion certificate against any schemes or project should be issued only after being satisfied with the work executed, he said.

He further suggested that all the schemes should be routed through the grassroots level particularly through the Gram Sabha meeting.

Kamki also suggested for judicious distribution of schemes under IAY in the district.

Meanwhile, the DC informed that a magisterial level enquiry has been initiated on collapse of the RCC Bridge over Sinyan River.

All the BDOs presented Draft Annual Action Plan (AAP) for the year 2015-16 for their respective jurisdictions, like Mariyang, Yingkiong, Jengging, Geku, Katan, Tuting, Singa, Gelling, Payindem.

Anchal Chairpersons Yanggo Tayeng, Oni Boko, Tuting-Migging ZPM Nyokgon Nitik, EE (RWD) D. Sitek and others participated in the miscellaneous discussion. DIPRO

 

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---- Editorial ----

 

Take punitive measure

In a welcome relief, expert from the ONGC has finally managed to control the blow out of gas from well no. 60 of the Kharsang Oil Field in Changlang district. Starting from June 30 afternoon methane gas began to leak from one of the wells of the Kharsang oil field. The leakage created panic and local people staged protest against GenEnpro, the company which is running Kharsang Oil Field. Strangely political parties as well as civil society bodies who are normally very vocal about issues are maintaining stoic silence over this whole incident.

Gas leakage is a very issue as it might affect the lives of the thousands of people. It may not have immediate effect but in the long run chances of hazardous effect cannot be ruled out. Till now state government has not initiated any step against GenEnpro for the incident. However, they did constitute a state level committee under the Geology and Mining department. The committee recommended  state government to review extension of lease period of Kharsang Oil Field in Changlang district to GenEpro Pvt Ltd for its failure to deal with exigencies and crisis. Further they also sought compensation of Rs 100 crore against the company for causing serious damage to the environment and the local villagers. As of now, state government has not acted up on the recommendation of the committee. But they definitely need to take some tough action against GenEpro.

 

___________________

 

---- Readers Forum ----

 

 

Create Khemli district

Dear Editor,

Taking privileges through your esteemed dailies, I would like to remind Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh on the proposed creation of Khemli District with its head quarter at Raga which is long pending cherished demand of the people of the area but it  seems their hopes are being dashed.

In this regards, our people have elected many representatives to raise voice for creation of Khemli district in the state legislative assembly but they have failed to highlight the long pending demand.

As per state Re-organization Act and criteria for creation of new district, our constituency has more than enough in terms of pollution, geographical area and have unique constituency as some portion comes under Upper Subansiri district and some portion in Lower Subansiri district.

It is an injustice meted out to us compared to other newly created district, which did not full fill the requirement in terms of pollution, geographical area. 

Now days, creation of new district is purely political and with vested interest but as per common perception, it is for welfare of state as well as economic  development of area, education, and people’s convenience.

In this 15 days state assembly session, I appeal the state govt to kindly pass a bill in favour for creation of Khemli district.

Yours,

Temi Pabo

Dollungmukh

 

 

Vyapam Scam

Dear Editor,

The Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board (MPPEB), popularly known by its Hindi acronym “Vyapam’’ (Vyavsayik Pariksha Mandal), our equivalent of the Arunachal Pradesh public service commission (APPSC)  and Arunachal Pradesh Joint Entrance Examination (APJEE) is a government body responsible for conducting several entrance examinations for recruitment to government jobs and for admission to education institution in the state. The scam involve a collusion of undeserving candidates who bribed politicians and MPPEB officials through middlemen to get high ranks in these entrance test had been reported since mid-1990s and the first FIR was filed in 2000.

However until 2009 such cases were not thought to be part of an organized ring. When major complaints surfaced in the pre-medical test (PMT) IN 2009,state government established a committee to investigate the matter. The committee released its report in 2011 and over a hundred people were arrested by the police. The sheer scale of the scam came to light in 2013 when the Indore police arrested 20 people who had come to impersonate candidate for PMT 2009.The interrogation of these people led to the  arrest of Jagdish Sagar, the leader of an organized racket involved in the scam.

The Madhya Pradesh state government established a Special Task Force(STF)  on 26th August 2013.Subsquently interrogation and arrest uncovered the involvement of several politicians, bureaucrats, MPPEB officials, racket leaders, middlemen, candidates and their parents in the scam.

By June 2015 more than 2000 people have been arrested in connection with the scam. These included the state’ ex-education minister Laxmikant Sharma ,ex-personal secretary of Chief Minister  Shivraj Chauhan and over a hundred politicians. However this came to media limelight when TV journalist died  in a mysterious circumstance when he was interviewing one of the parents of the witness who also died last year.

The total count of people who lost their lives because of VYAPAM has reached 48.

Several aspiring job seekers and actual deserving candidates have been  frustrated by the sheer money power involved in the recruiting process, year after year. Nepotism is rife but investigations into allegation of corruption in the MPSC have been shoddy and half hearted.

Arunachal must learn lessons from the VYAPAM scam.

Yours,

Jaida Singhi

Member,

Kra-Dadii Club

 

 

Immortalise Bakin Pertin

Dear Editor,

We love to call ourselves Arunachalees, but we did not give the name Arunachal Pradesh ourselves. It was given to us. Even the much beneficent system of the Inner Liner Regulation was not indigenously comprehended and formulated rather granted to us from outside.  

In the history of North-East India, while indigenous political parties were growing in every state- The Naga Peoples’ Front in Nagaland, Asom Gana Parishad in Assam, the Mizo National Front in Mizoram, Sikkim Democratic Front in Sikkim to address the more intimate problems and aspirations of the people of respective states, the people of Arunachal had none at that time. It was during such circumstances that the state’s first and only regional political party was formed in 1977- The peoples’ party of Arunachal, keeping in conformity with the principles of greater democratic participation and democratic decentralization. The great son of Arunachal, Late Bakin Pertin, the founding father and the first president of the party. His contributions to the development and welfare of the state is not just confined to the formation of an opposition political party in the State Assembly. Ever since his student days he dedicated his life for the welfare of the people and society till his death in January 1996. He had been the founder General Secretary of the then NEFA Students Union (1958-67), the forerunner of the AAPSU. He always fought for equality, justice, poverty elevation and emancipation of Women. It was he who for the first time initiated election through secret ballots at a time when his contemporary contestants were directly nominated/ elected unopposed.  It is really amazing that in an age when most of our people were unable to comprehend the changing current political and economic developmental scenario in the world around, he was endeavoring hard to form an opposition political party system in the state for the first time to preserve and promote the spirit of equality and fraternity and concept of the principles of democratic decentralization and greater participation a practical shape in the state polity. He was the first elected member of Lok Sabha in March 1977 from Arunachal East. Unlike most North easterner MPs who seemed to be always the mute spectator in Parliament, Late Bakin Pertin time and again raised his voice for a proper democratic and erection of boundary pillars along the Assam-Arunachal boundary to prevent encroachment and inter-state disputes. As a legislator and opposition leader he always acted for social and economic progress, elevation of poor and downtrodden. He always fought for the protection of the territorial integrity of the state and never supported granting of citizenship to the refugees. In an increasingly materialistic world when our ordinary people are resorting to all means to have their ways, Late Bakin Pertin conducted his political mission in Arunachal with utmost honesty, selfless and dedication for the greater interest of the people. His legacy is still physically visible in the form of the AAPSU and PPA; among several others of his remarkable contributions.

People from all corners of the state still cherish him for his conduct and commendable deeds. It is imperative on the part of the responsible state authorities that renaming of Govt. Institutions, roads etc. should be done after proper investigation, analysis and assessment of the merits and sole legacy of the personality concerned and also after obtaining public opinion and their support. Otherwise a great injustice is being committed not only against the individual concerned but also against the public where some of the most selfless and meritorious leader are left unattended, not honored. One among them is Late Bakin Pertin, the great visionary leader, one of the founding fathers of modern Arunachal. Perhaps this reckless attitude of the people in power of the state were best described by Late Pertin himself when he remarked in his Assembly Speech “ Arunachal is a land of kushi-kushi”. It is to remind the public authorities that becoming MP, MLA or Minister shouldn’t be a “certificate” or criteria in renaming of government institutions. The concerned authority or the public as a whole should see the real sacrifice, selfless services and dedication, and contribution on the educative value system in the long run and it should be the major criteria concerning selection of names in renaming govt. institutions and roads. I appeal, pursue, pray to the authority in power and function to rename government institutions and roads in the state’s twin capital after Late Bakin Pertin. He was an extraordinary orator, a great political thinker and philosophical statesman, the state Arunachal Pradesh has ever produced among his contemporary politicians of the state.

Yours,

Dite Pertin

Itanagar

 

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----Editor