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July 22

Felix accuses Modi of being "silent" on China

Itanagar, Jul 21: A Parliamentary Secretary Bamang Felix accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of remaining "silent" when China welcomed him with a map of India without the state in it during his visit to Beijing in May.

"The Prime Minister silenced everybody but China silenced him by demonstrating India’s map without Arunachal during his visit to the country," Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Public Relation and Education, Bamang Felix, said while participating in the budget discussion in the Assembly. He also criticised the BJP members for not opposing it. "We were expecting that the Opposition leader Tamiyo Taga would take us ahead. But the party had tarnished Arunachal’s image by levelling wild allegations of Rs 900 crore embezzlement by the state government.

In response to Felix's charges, Taga said that whole of Arunachal Pradesh was included as part of China in that country's map and text books since 1949 but the Centre has been continuously protesting.

"For this problem, the Centre cannot snap relations with China," he added. PTI

 

Include women member in SPB: APWWS

ITANAGAR, Jul 21: Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) has reiterated its demand for inclusion of an eminent woman personality in the State Planning Board or Gender Expert in order to have inclusive and balanced planning /budgeting in the state.

The Apex women’s organisation further stated that though the state govt has been preparing gender budget since 2011-12, the society feels that convergence of various depth dealing with women related schemes is required so that maximum benefits are percolated down to every needy women.

The society appealed to the state govt to implement the recommendations of Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women presented to the legislative assembly on 7 July 2015.

President Gumri Ringu has called upon all the district branches and affiliated bodies of Society to remain vigilant and proactive so that welfare schemes are implemented.

 

Governor urges people to plant more trees

ITANAGAR, Jul 21: As part of the 66th Van Mahotsava, Governor JP Rajkowa planted a sapling of ‘Maha Neem’ and advised all to take care and nurture the plants they have planted during a plantation programme at Raj Bhawan here today.

Stating that human beings are encroaching and depleting the habitat of wild animals, the Governor appealed to the people to plant more trees for increasing the green cover in the state.

PCCF & Principal Secretary, Environment and Forests, Dr. Shashi Kumar also informed that the department has a target of planting 7 lakh plants, of which 5 lakh have been already planted. He further said that the Van Mahotsava began from Jul first week and will continue till August 15th.

Secretary to Governor Shurbir Singh, PCCF (wildlife and Biodiversity) Dr. Yogesh, Additional PCCFs M Rao and Dr. R Kemp and Conservator of Forest Hibu Doley along with officers and officials of Raj Bhawan took part in the celebration and planted Neem, Coconut and Black Berry (Jamun) saplings on the occasion. (PRO to Governor)

 

NABARD organises review meet with NGOs

ITANAGAR, Jul 21: A State Level Review Meeting of NABARD assisted projects for promotion of SHGs in Arunachal Pradesh was organised by NABARD’s Regional Office here today.

NABARD officials, including GM H.S Singh, DGMs Dinesh Raina and Binod Kumar, and Assistant Project Managers Kamal Roy and Nitya Mili, led the discussions on various issues relating to promotion and nurturing of SHGs in the State.

It was agreed that SHG movement is an affirmative action for addressing many of the social and economic constraints faced by the people of Arunachal Pradesh. However, in order to make the programme successful, various problems, especially those relating to credit linkage and higher cost of promotion due to difficult geographic conditions in the state, need to be addressed, they opined.

T. Thongdok, MD, Arunachal Pradesh State Co-operative Apex Bank Ltd., B Deory, Senior Manager, Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank also participated in the deliberations.

CEOs of 15 NGOs, namely Community Learning & Doing Centre, Manghi Welfare Society, National Youth Project, NN Charitable Society, Rural Development Society, Rural Development & Heritage Society, Women Development Centre, Young Mission Adventure Club, SARRA, Home Society, Athupopu Social Foundation, IDEA, Amik Matai Society, AMYAA and Mecha Welfare Society attended the programme.

 

WRC field damaged at Papu valley

SEPPA, Jul 21: Lumdung village of Papu Valley, 20 kms away from Seppa, was affected by the recent torrential rain and landslide wherein hectares of WRC field were damaged. The PRI members along with the ADO have inspected the affected fields.  

The cause of land slide is reported to be not dumping of soil at designated location by those executing the Trans Arunachal Highways as the earth cutting is going on at the upper sides of the hills of the affected paddy fields.

Yatik Natung, Anchal Chairperson of 10th Papu Valley has sought relief against the damaged paddy fields.

 

Animal birth control camp

ITANAGAR, Jul 21: Arunachal State Veterinary Council (ASVC) in collaboration with the department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary conducted a one-day refresher animal birth control camp for the field veterinarians at State Veterinary Hospital Naharlagun yesterday.

Twenty dogs were spayed and 25 castrated during the camp which was supervised by resource persons Dr Vijay Dutta and Dr J M Kachari, Associate Professors from Assam Agriculture University, Khanapara.

The camp was part of ASVC’s continuing effort to promote veterinary education under the Professional Efficiency Development Scheme aimed at improving the quality of veterinary services through efficient and effective diagnosis of diseases, said Dr Habung Taniya, Registrar ASVC.

Dr T Padung, Director, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary advised the veterinarians to update their knowledge as per the need of hour.

Dr T Taku, Deputy Director Animal Health, briefly touching the health care activities of the department said that department should take more and more skill up-gradation schemes and project to enhance the professional knowledge and competency of the veterinarians.

42 field veterinary officers from across the state participated in the camp.

 

ANAYA resents police inaction

ITANAGAR, Jul 21: All Namsai Area Youth Association (ANAYA) has resented inaction of Namsai Police on FIR lodged against one Radhe Soki of Namsai Police station.

According to an ANAYA release, a complaint was lodged by Tichanam Singkai at Namsai Police Station against Radhe Soki for allegedly assaulting and misbehaving with one Chow Kohana Chowpoo of Lathao village in front of the OC of Namsai Police Station. But no action on the FIR has been initiated by Namsai Police so far, it alleged.

Further, the complainant, in a letter, had informed the Judicial Magistrate, (First Class) Namsai District on police inaction on July 13 and urged the magistrate to direct Namsai Police to take necessary action on the FIR.  

It was informed that when Chow Kohana Chowpoo was asked to come to the police station to settle the matter of assault and misbehaviour, police allegedly assaulted Chowpoo and Chow Pintu Chowlik in the police station instead of settling the matter.

While Chow Kohana Chowpoo was arrested on July 11, one Ujjal Manpoong and his brother Kungnam Manpoong were also arrested without any reason on July 17, said ANAYA in a release.

The Association demanded Namsai Police to immediately take necessary action on the FIR lodged.

 

CRPF’s civic action prog

ITANAGAR, Jul 21: The 138 Bn Central Reserve Police Force organised a civic action programme on July 14 at Palin, Kara Daadi.

A total of 25 Solar Lanterns (LED), batteries along with panel and charger were distributed to the villagers of Palin area.

The function was presided by Ram Krishan, Commandant-138 Bn CRPF, Itanagar.

Deputy Commissioner, Kara Daadi District, Hubung Donyi, ADC Jaamin, Pisa Tatup, Gaon Buras of Palin area and officers and jawans of 138 Bn CRPF attended the programme.

 

West Siang Women against granting of Bail to habitual offender

AALO, Jul 21: Womenfolk of West Siang district have expressed serious concern on repeated crimes committed by one Martin Bagra and are against granting of bail to him this time for his barbaric domestic violence meted out to a girl.

The victim was brutally tortured in front of her family members and was found wrapped in a blanket in an unconscious state with injury marks all over her body at Sipu Colony residence.

Since Martin Bagra is a habitual criminal, granting of bail to the accused may lead to law and order problem, according to a release by West Siang Women.

Many NGOs, Student Union and Youth Associations of Aalo Township are also totally against the granting of bail to accused, the release added. DIPRO

 

SMC seeks stipend for students

ITANAGAR, Jul 21: The school management committee (SMC) of Govt. Middle School, Dokum under Lower Subansiri district has written to the Director of Elementary Education informing him that students of the school are deprived of stipend facility. They have appealed to the department to provide stipends to the students of Dokum Middle School.

 

Students seek stipend

ITANAGAR, Jul 21: Arunachal Students Union of Tamil Nadu (ASUT) has urged the department of Higher and Technical Education to release the stipends for the students studying in Tamil Nadu as soon as possible. Hundreds of students, mostly studying technical subjects are yet to get their stipends, union said.

 

Pakke-Kessang under Dengue grip, claims AEKSU & APPDSU

ITANAGAR, Jul 21: The All Kameng Students Union (AEKSU) has informed that fresh case of Dengue has been reported from Pakke-Kessang circle of East Kameng district. A minor who was undergoing treatment at Naharlagun hospital died due to Dengue, alleged the union.

The union has appealed to the East Kameng Deputy Commissioner as well as District Medical Officer to take preventive measures to stop the further outbreak of Dengue epidemic in the district.

Meanwhile, All Pakke Kessang Pijeriang Dissing Passo Seijosa Students Union has drawn the attention of Director Health Services towards the issue. Union has appealed to the DHS to urgently send medical team to the area to contain further spread of dengue.

 

PIL against GoAP

ITANAGAR, Jul 21: A PIL has been filed with Gauhati High Court against the state government for alleged gross abuse of financial norms and misuse of public funds allocated by the GoI against various Centrally Sponsored Schemes and non-utilisation of items for the purpose for which fund was sanctioned during the period of 2011-15.

The court has admitted the PIL and directed the state government to file their affidavit in opposition.

 

Medical camps by Arun Jyoti

ITANAGAR, Jul 21: Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti recently conducted medical camps in Longding district wherein a total of 579 patients were treated in two camps and medicines distributed free of cost to them.

The first camp was conducted at Niaunu village on July 19 in collaboration with All Niaunu Student Association (ANSA) and the second camp was held at Govt. Middle School, Niausa.

A total of 150 long lasting medicated mosquito nets were also distributed to the villagers of Niaunu village during the camp by District Health Society (National Vector Borne Disease Control Program), Longding district.

DVBDC Program Officer, Dr. W.Wangsu was also present during the camp.

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News Impact

16 departments and 25 autonomous bodies’ default on UC submission

 

CAG Report

 

Correspondent

ITANAGAR, Jul 21: Months after Comptroller and Auditor General submitted its financial audit of Arunachal to the government; the report was finally tabled on the last day of 15 day budget session of the Legislative assembly today. Going by the report, there is not much to cheer about the financial management in the state as most departments have faulted. While there were debates on utilization certificates (UC)submission or the lack of it of, during 2013-14, 148 UCs for an aggregate amount of Rs 310.05 crore were outstanding, of which 139 UCs for an aggregate amount of Rs 256.97 crore for Grants-in-Aid paid up to 2012-13 were awaited. (See department-wise analysis). The Annual Accounts of 25 Autonomous Bodies/Authorities due up to 2012-13 have still not been-received by the Accountant General as on December 2014. They are Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board, Central School for Tibetans, Miao, District Rural development agencies of Along, Anini, Bomdila, Changlang, Daporijo, Khonsa, Pasighat, Tezu, Tawang, Yingkiong, Ziro, Donyi Polo Mission, Itanagar, Kendriya Vidyalayas of Along, Dirang, Kimin, Nirjuli, Tawang, Tenga Valley, Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science  and Technology, Ramakrishna Missions of  Along, Deomali, Khonsa and Ramakrishna Mission Hospital, Itanagar.

 

 

 

Many injured as JAC dharna turns violent, JAC chairman detained

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jul 21: The otherwise peaceful dharna by the Jan Andolan Committee (JAC) of state BJP unit turned violent today morning when large numbers of BJP supporters clashed with police personnel causing injury to many. The IRBN personnel had resorted to lathi charge to control the crowd.

The incident happened at D-sector road junction, Naharlagun and as many as five people, including two IRBN personnel and three BJP supporters, were grievously injured in the incident while four vehicles, two police buses, a van and a car were also damaged when people resorted to pelting stones.

The protesters were angry at the authorities for taking away JAC Chairman Tame Phassang while he was trying to enter the Legislative Assembly area. Phassang was detained for about two hours at Itanagar police station.

The JAC along with its supporters were supposed to stage a dharna outside the Legislative Assembly however they were not allowed to do so. The protesters then gathered at D-sector road junction.

The police had to fire a stun grenade to disperse the unruly protesters.  Speaking to media persons on the occasion, BJP state unit vice president Techi Necha condemned the incident saying that the intended peaceful dharna was dealt with brutally and said that it was done to suppress people’s voice. He further sought judicial enquiry into the matter.

 

 

School girl sexually assaulted at Dumporijo

APSCW, APWWS decries crime against women

Karda Natam

ITANAGAR/ DAPORIJO, Jul 21: A minor girl studying in class VI was allegedly raped on 8th July by three persons at a dense forest area adjoining forest gate, Dumporijo, Upper Subansiri.

The girl was allegedly brought back to Dumporijo town at around 9 pm and left naked in the middle of the road, informed All Dumporijo Women Group.

A case was registered in Dumporijo police station on 10th July and the police managed to nab two of the alleged rapists while the third person was caught a day later.

Women Wing of Topo Welfare Society and Women Group of Dumporijo alleged that despite their appeal to the authority concern not to grant bail to all the culprits, they have been granted bail on 17th July. The culprits are roaming free in the town, which shows the negligence of law enforcing authority and encouraging crime in the town, said a statement.

Further, many organisation and civil societies have come forward to condemn the heinous act and has appealed to the police to immediately re-arrest the alleged culprits and award exemplary punishment.

Organisations have threatened action if the three accused are not arrested at the earliest.

The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW), Itanagar is greatly perturbed by the reported case of rape of a differently-abled minor girl at Dumporijo and the attempted sexual assault of an elderly woman at Likabali and has strongly condemned the heinous crimes.

Taking suo-moto cognizance of the minor raped in Dumporijo and attempted sexual assault of an elderly woman at Likabali, the APSCW Chairperson spoke to the SP Daporijo and OC Likabali and enquired about the facts and status of the cases. The APSCW has appreciated the SP Daporijo and its department for expediting the investigation process. The APSCW further appealed to the Judiciary to expedite the trial and proceeding of such crimes of women and children related so that the justice is delivered to the victims and their families.

The main concern of the APSCW is that the offenders are also juvenile and the State has only one observation home at Pasighat for juveniles which is not accessible to other districts.

The APSCW requested the State Govt. to establish observation home for juveniles and shelter homes for the victims and destitute women in every districts as it expressed its concern about the safety and security of women. It requested all the stakeholders to be more proactive and vigilant in fighting such social menace.

Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society has demanded stringent action against those involved in the rape of the minor girl in Dumporijo and attempted rape of a woman in Likabali. While expressing concern at repeated crimes against girls and women, the Society has said that police and judiciary must step up to ensure that such incidents do not occur again.

All Galo Students’ Union (AGSU), Hirik Hiru Students’ Union (HHSU) & All Nyiko Students’ Welfare Association (ANSWA) while condemning the alleged rape attempt on an elderly woman by unknown person at Likabali recently has appealed to the authorities concern to book the culprit immediately and punish them as per provision of law.

Such incidents are not new in the area as we have already witnessed series of cases in recent past including the Garu rape and murder case, and molestation of school students by the teachers at Likabali, it said, while appealing law enforcing agency to act tough on such evil minded criminals. The organisations called on the police personnel to be more vigilant and proactive while discharging their duties.

The West Siang District Students Union has strongly condemned the sexual assault incident of Likabali in which an unknown person allegedly attempted to rape an elderly woman. Concerned over the repeated incident of sexual assaults in the district, the union has questioned the district administration.

Further they alleged that many non-APST people are entering into Likabali area without obtaining proper ILP. The union has appealed state government, particularly the home department to ensure that proper checking is done in the check gates located along the Assam-Arunachal boundary.

 

 

Assembly pass Budget 2015-2016 by voice vote

ITANAGAR,  Jul 21: Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly today passed the Budget 2015-2016 by voice vote after a two-day long discussion on July 20 and 21.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, who also holds finance portfolio, had presented a deficit budget with total revenue pegged at Rs 12,533.62 crore  in the Legislative Assembly on July 15 last.

Responding to the queries raised by Assembly members including Opposition member Tamiyo Taga during budget discussion, Tuki informed the house that the state Govt has given top priority in providing employment opportunities for the unemployment youths.  The Govt is committed to provide one lakh employment by the end of 12th Five Year Plan in various sectors including private  and public sector undertakings besides making avenues for self-employment.  He reiterated that a target of 30,000 job creation was kept for this year including self-employment generation towards fulfillment of the target of one lakh employment.

The Chief Minister said that the budget gave emphasis on social sector and proposed a tentative allocation of Rs 1941.19 crore which is 20 per cent more than last year's allocation.   Crucial sectors like health and education and women development have also  been given priority in the  budget, the  chief minister  added.

Pointing out the suggestions put forwarded by some members, Tuki  said the development is a continuous process and the state Govt  has kept fund provision to continue major infrastructure development projects. He informed that proposal has also been submitted to the Centre for improvement  of foothills area highway and the Centre in-principle  has agreed to provide fund.

Provision has also been kept in the budget for promotion  of indigenous dialects and  construction of cultural centres in every district in phase-wise manner, the  Chief Minister informed.

 Responding to the complaints of  some members against misuse of Chief Minister’s Universal Health Insurance Scheme (CMUHIS) allegedly by  some  empanelled  hospitals, Tuki  assured  that on-line system will be introduced   for smooth implementation of the scheme.

Informing that  the debt liabilities of the state has been reduced from Rs 5,382.36 crore to 2,500,  Tuki said the  state Govt has already requested  the  Centre to retain the SPA fund. The Govt had also asked the Niti Ayog and  Central Govt to  retain the special status to Arunachal Pradesh and other North Eastern states and  continue 90:10 funding pattern in crucial sectors. He requested the  legislators to take responsibility  for  implementation of  the  budget proposals in their respective constituency  in true spirit.  “Let us work as Team Arunachal for overall development of Arunachal  Pradesh,” he said.

Earlier, Opposition BJP leader Tamiyo Taga, while claiming that the State Govt is over-burdened with huge outstanding financial liabilities, said financial discipline and good governance is very essential for proper implementation of the budget. He urged   the Chief Minister to keep fund provision under plan budget to carry out the  schemes  being implemented under the  Special Plan Assistance. Giving stress on tea cultivation in the state,  the Opposition leader  said that  the Tea Board of India will not provide compensation to the  state tea growers unless and until the  growers obtain environment and  forest clearance from the Centre. He urged the Govt to find alternative ways to help the tea growers in case of loss in tea cultivation due to natural calamities.

While participating in the budget discussion, MLA Japu Deru urged the Govt to give more emphasis on infrastructure development in education sector.

Describing the budget as pro-people, MLA Lombo Tayeng urged the Chief Minister to continue the SPA fund allocation. Tayeng also urged the Govt to find out ways and means to create marketing facilities  for agricultural produces.

Terming the  budget realistic, MLA Bamang Felix  urged the opposition leaders to  work together as team Arunachal, while  Dr Mohesh Chai requested the Chief Minister  to give more importance in health sector and keep fund provision to tackle Dengue.

Likha Saaya, Gabriel D Wangsu, Laisom Simai, Kameng Dolo, Paknga Bage, Wanglam Sawin, Nyamar Karbak, Khumsi Sidisow, Nikh Kamin,  Tapak Taku, Jambey Tashi, Honchum Ngandam, Karya Bagang, Techi Kaso, Mutchu Mithi and Mama Natung  also participated in the budget discussion.  

Later the Speaker adjourned the  Assembly sine die.

 

 

BSNL assures better mobile service

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jul 21: Come September, the Capital Complex dwellers will experience a far better mobile and data services as the process for enhancing the capacity of mobile network with higher capacity new mobile equipment is going on.

The existing Ericsson mobile equipment is being replaced with high capacity ZTE equipment due to which customers are experiencing call drops, mute calls, one way space etc, in few particular and isolated areas, said GM, BSNL, Arunachal Pradesh Dilip Siram. He said that more BTSs (Base Trans-receiver Station) are being installed within Capital Complex to further enhance the mobile network. This will handle calls efficiently and ensure congestion free and call drop free service, he said, adding that the process is expected to be completed by September this year.

He said that capacity of 3G mobile data service has been increased from current 6 mbps to 21 mbps in Capital Complex, Pasighat, Aalo and Bomdila.

Siram admitted that there was some problem in mobile network a week ago. But we are trying our best to provide best services.

Siram informed that land acquisition process for installation of additional tower to provide better and congestion free mobile service within Capital Complex, including E-Sector area, is under process and will be completed soon. On being asked as to why some areas in Capital Complex are experiencing poor mobile network, JTO Bhaskar Doley told that two out of three mobile towers at Secretariat remained functionless due to some technical fault which would be rectified very soon.

Replying to poor downloading/browsing broadband data services, Doley informed that it may be due to cable damage in Guwahati-Kolkata portion of OFC route as the construction of highway is going on at that portion.

Data consumption in Capital Complex has improved 2.3 times after installation of ZTE equipment, he added

Meanwhile, Siram said that BSNL is striving to bring remotest areas of the state under its network coverage. He said that mobile service in Seppa will be improved after introduction of microwave system which will be done within July-August. Network problem in Pangin was due to cable damage/cut due to ongoing national highway construction, he said.

It may be mentioned here that customers of BSNL mobile service in Capital Complex have been experiencing frequent call drops, call breaks up, mute call etc. in the past several few months causing headache for all.

 

 

Pasighat to intensify drive against dengue as cases rise

PASIGHAT, Jul 21: Of the 1026 suspected cases, 281 cases of Dengue have been detected so far in Pasighat, informed the East Siang East Siang Deputy Commissioner Nidhi Srivastava today as the administration committed to intensify drive against Dengue.

She said this at a meeting with the doctors, PRI leaders and representatives of Pasighat Market Association on intensified drive against Dengue.

Reviewing the situation and measures taken to control Dengue, Srivastava said that administration has issued instructions to the officials to intensify measures for prevention and control of mosquito breeding and teams of para-medical staffs have already been deployed for proper fogging and spraying in affected areas.

The DC also directed the health officials to prepare suitable long-term plan in this regard along with immediate and emergency measures.

DC Srivastava added that the recent rain has caused severe water-logging due to construction activity and inadequate sewerage facilities have become breeding grounds for the deadly Aedes mosquito that causes Dengue. Administration is all set to conduct house to house survey as well as awareness soon, she said.

Dy. Chief Councilor Kaling Darang and ZPC Kaling Dai assured the house to extend cooperation to the administration and health department. Darang informed that PMC would conduct three days consecutive massive social service from July 23 next in the township under Swachh Bharat Mission to ensure source reduction and one vehicle would be provided to health department for fogging purpose. State Epidemiologist Dr. L Jampa and SPO (NVBDCP) Dr. A Yirang lauded the efforts of DMO East Siang for good management and action taken on source deduction and Behavior Change Communication.

Earlier, DMO Dr. M Perme and Microbiologist Dr. B Apum presented the detail report on scenario and precautionary measures taken.

Meanwhile, initiated by Municipal Executive Officer (MEO) Deepak Shinde, a consultative meeting on awareness generation and preventive measures was held in Pasighat.

Analysing the current situation, Chief Councilor Denong Tamuk stated that awareness campaign including cleanliness drives must be initiated by councilors.  

While seeking suggestions to improve the strategies for better prevention, control and treatment of dengue, the MEO asserted that integrated vector management approach needs to be practiced educating and empowering communities.

Dr. M Perme, DMO informed the house that dengue has become endemic in Pasighat and the administration is giving its level best to deal with it in all possible manner. Although it is not usually fatal but is an extremely serious disease, he said while adding that Pasighat General Hospital has been provided all necessary medication for the treatment of the patients and with the help of PMC situation could be tackled easily.

DVBDCPO Dr. T Talom said that due to non-cooperation of residents in town area, desired effects of fogging could not be achieved. However Talom assured that schedule of fogging exercise would be shared with PMC.

Finally, it was decided that PMC shall conduct social service and awareness generation about Dengue for consecutive three days in all wards from 23rd July next. DIPRO

 

 

Ering suggest for ensuring proper implementation of nutrition prog

ITANAGAR, Jul 21: Member of Parliament Ninong Ering suggested the Parliamentarians for increasing funding, up-gradation of sub-health centers to provide around-the-clock services and ensuring proper implementation of nutrition programmes in tribal areas for improving the nutrition of tribal children.

Participating in a round-table meeting of Parliamentarians Group for Children (PGC) to address issues related to tribal nutrition at New Delhi today, Ering suggested for conducting special Gram Sabhas biannually on nutrition for improving mal-nourished tribal children or special drive should be conducted in tribal villages which have never been visited.

“We need to look at ways of intensifying our efforts towards this issue, to ensure that the marginalised communities are not deprived of nutrition”, he said.

We need to deliberate on how to prioritise the issue of tribal nutrition in our constituencies, in our states and our country. We need to think of ways in which we, as parliamentarians, can address these issues,” he added.

He opined that all the members of the Parliamentarians Group for Children should work together towards addressing these issues and raising awareness regarding tribal nutrition in India.

 

 

Governor calls for preservation of cultural heritage

ITANAGAR, Jul 21: Arunachal Pradesh Governor JP Rajkhowa has called upon the intellectuals and literary societies of the state to preserve, promote and expand the assets of the society especially, cultural heritage, handloom and handicraft expertise and languages.

He said this while interacting with the members of the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) led by its president State Chief Information Commissioner and Sahitya Academy Awardee, YD Thongchi who called on him at Raj Bhawan here today.

Sharing his experiences from the recent Dree Festival celebration, the Governor said that each and every tribe of the state has many dance forms and songs and stressed that it is the duty of every member of the society and community to ensure that it is not lost. He expressed happiness over seeing young children taking part along with ladies in the cultural programme and termed it as a positive sign.

Expressing his concern over the younger generations’ indifference towards learning their mother tongues, the Governor advised the APLS to promote and popularise indigenous languages amongst the youth.

While reiterating his concern over the drug menace in the state, the Governor called upon the literary society to take initiative in educating the people on its negative impact in the society particularly, the youth.

The Governor also lauded the joint efforts of the APLS and Assam Sahitya Sabha in reinforcing the age-old good neighbour’s relationship during periods of inter-state disturbance.

He further emphasised early establishment of a Film Institute which will provide large number of employment and boost tourism. (PRO to Governor)

 

 

Former Arunachal CM PK Thungon, 3 others convicted

New Delhi, Jul 21: Former Union Minister P K Thungon and three others were today convicted by a Delhi court in connection with a cheating and corruption case lodged by CBI 17 years back, after which they were taken into custody.

Special CBI Judge Ajay Kumar Jain held 69-year-old Thungon and others guilty of offences under Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) read with 419 (cheating by personation), 420 (cheating), 467 (forgery of valuable security), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating) and 471 (using as genuine a forged document) of IPC and under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The court ordered that Thungon, who was the then Minister of State, Ministry of Urban Affairs and Employment and three other convicts -- Tali AO, C Sangit and Mahesh Maheshwari -- be taken into custody and fixed the matter for arguments on quantum of sentence on July 27.

"Accordingly, P K Thungon, Tali AO, C Sangit and Mahesh Maheshwari, are convicted and sent to judicial custody," it said. All the convicts were present in the court.

According to CBI, in pursuance to the proposal of the Government of Nagaland, the then Planning Commission had sanctioned an amount of Rs two crore for the renovation and upgradation of minor irrigation projects for Nagaland and the money was to be released in two instalments of Rs one crore each.

The agency said that pursuant to the sanction of first instalment of Rs one crore by the plan body, the money was kept in civil deposit by the Nagaland government and on the request of Joint Director of Irrigation and Flood Control, orders were placed for purchase of "sausage wire" of Rs 50 lakh.

CBI said that Tali AO submitted a bill of Rs 29,99,295 and he had requested that a demand draft of Rs 10 lakh should be prepared in favour of one Thanu Thungan and another demand draft of Rs 15 lakh in favour of K Konngon Konyak.

The agency further said that Mezakrol, who was the then Joint Director of Irrigation and Flood Control, got these demand drafts issued.

It said that demand draft of Rs 9,98,500 issued in favour of Thanu Thungan was deposited on April 25, 1994 at Daryaganj branch of Vijaya Bank here in an account which was opened by Mahesh Maheshwari.

The agency had said that Maheshwari had impersonated himself as Thanu Thungan and an amount of Rs eight lakh was transferred to another account of the same branch of the bank which was allegedly opened by P K Thungon in the name of Prem Kumar.

It said that an amount of Rs 1,98,000 was withdrawn by self cheque from the account opened in the name of Prem Kumar.

The agency further said that demand draft of Rs six lakh and Rs eight lakh respectively were deposited in another account in May 1994 which was opened by Bandang Wapang dishonestly and fraudulently in connivance with C Sangit who had impersonated as T Mao who was his son. PTI

 

 

Traders booked for violation of Legal Metrology Act

ITANAGAR, Jul 21: A team of Naharlagun unit of Legal Metrology Department recently conducted an unannounced checking at Nirjuli market areas and booked few traders and shopkeepers for violation of various provisions under Legal Metrology Act and Rules.

During the checking drive, the team found the traders selling packaged commodities containing utensils at exorbitant rates beyond Maximum Retail Price (MRP). Further, retail dealers of mobile recharge coupons were found selling coupons by smudging company printed prices with intention to manipulate prices and to earn un-due profits in violation of Standards of Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.

Besides, a few cases of irregularities were booked for using unverified weights and measures by the traders during commercial transactions, which attract penal section under Legal Metrology Act, 2009.

The Department of Legal Metrology & Consumer Affairs is carrying out extensive publicity campaign to educate common citizens, consumers in general so that aggrieved consumers can lodge complaints to the nearest Office of the Department of Legal Metrology & Consumer Affairs, or to the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum (District Forum) for complaints involving financial limit upto Rs. 20 Lakh or to the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (State Commission) for complaints with financial involvement above Rs. 20 Lakh up to Rs. 1 crore.

The Department appealed every responsible citizen to come forward with their grievances and lodge complaints to the nearest Consumer Forum and to play role of a conscious consumer in asserting their legitimate rights as enshrined by the Constitution.

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---- Editorial ----

 

Greediness is biggest obstacle to development

Though late, finally government seems to have realized their mistake and is gearing up to take tough action against those carrying out illegal construction activities along the proposed Trans-Arunachal Highway (TAH) to claim compensation.  Major part of work under TAH project in the western sector has stopped due to compensation issues. The government of India is refusing to fund large part of Potin to Pangin section of TAH due to inflated compensation claims.

The project has remained stalled for the last few years owing to compensation related problem. Now state government has set up a committee headed by Belatee Pertin, Commissioner (Land Management) to review the whole matter and further make remedial recommendation.  Deputy Commissioners of Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey and West Siang have been issued direction to complete the new land acquisition process by July 31st this year. Further government’s decision to compensate only those structures which were constructed prior to notification for the land acquisition will act as a deterrent.  The citizens also need to co-operate the authorities. Often we cry foul about bad road conditions but ourselves are creating hurdle in the construction of Trans-Arunachal highway. The greediness of Arunachalee citizen is posing serious threat to the major infrastructure projects of the state.

 

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---- Readers Forum ----

 

 

True Indians will never let the communal fanatics to succeed in their dangerous mission

Dear Editor,

This is in response to the news report “By 2020, India will be Hindu nation, world by 2030 : Ashok Singhal”(July 19).

As a Hindu by birth, I am extremely delighted and thrilled by such prospect! My religion will lord over this whole nation and ultimately the globe as well!  That means along with Hindu-raj, Ram-rajya will also get established at last and the country and the world will get relieved from all types of discrimination, hunger, poverty, illiteracy, war and what not! Not a drop of blood, but sheer rivers of honey and milk will flow throughout the society!  We, the Indians, will have to wait for mere 5 years, the international community will find heaven in the earth itself after a decade and half! 

But will Singhal kindly enlighten the minds of silly folks like us how such magic can be achieved within such a short period? Will the saffron brigade amend the Constitution of India and all countries to make it a Hindu nation? Or will the self-declared “Indian nationalists” forcibly convert the Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, Jews, Parsis and people of other religious denomination to Hindus by might of sword and trishul (trident)? Or the non-Hindus of the whole country and globe will at last understand the absolute “bankruptness” of their respective religions and voluntarily embrace Hinduism by drawing inspiration from the supreme “liberal” and “tolerant” mindset and philosophy of the likes of Singhal? 

It is a matter of utmost shame that instead of solving the innumerable problems that plague the whole society, the Ashok Singhals are atrociously engaged in professing rabid Hindutva. Will their Hindu nation provide food to the countless little souls who go to “sleep” with pangs of hunger in their stomachs? Will their Ram-rajya extricate the vulnerable souls from the deadly fang of child labour or prostitution? Will Hindutva guarantee clothing, housing, medicines, education and justice to all? Indeed the heads of all Hindus hang in shame by witnessing the muscle-flexing in the name of the religion professed by the great souls like Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi who never tried to impose Hindutva upon anyone. Rather the trio used to accord highest respect to all religions and persons of the globe.

When will the Singhals and the saffron brigade arrive at the realisation that India or the world is not the paternal property of the Hindus? They simply hold no moral, democratic, legal or Constitutional right to impose Hindutva upon the society. They hold no authority to paint the heterogeneous multi-religious diverse fabric named India and the world in a singular Hindutva colour. 

What next, Mr.Singhal? Making India a Hindi-speaking nation by 2025 and the world by 2035 ! Indeed these chauvinist parochial proponents of that narrow divisive communal exclusive concept named ‘Hindi-Hindu-Hindustan’ are simply a misfit in this secular democratic multi-lingual multi-religious nation. When will they learn to appreciate the real essence of India ie heterogeneity and Unity in Diversity? 

However the only consolation remains that despite utmost effort to Hindu-ise the society;  the true broad-minded Indians, irrespective of religious affiliation, will never let the communal fanatics to succeed in their dangerous mission. But a matter of regret still remains because the communal antics of the Singhals certainly give rise to hatred, intolerance and bad blood between communities. Also it gives a very bad name to the Hindu religion as well. 

Despite rhetoric of Hindutva, innumerable Hindus kill their own daughters and sisters to save the “honour” of the family for their “sin” of marrying another Hindu itself, but of a different caste vintage! In the name of casteism, Hindus have tortured their own fellow religious groups since centuries and it still continues unabated. Bengali and Hindi-speaking Hindus get beaten up, taunted or abused by the followers of their own religion in Bihar and Maharashtra respectively! Oh, what a brilliant specimen of “Hindu brotherhood”! Instead of dreaming of establishing a Hindu empire throughout India and the world; the Singhals would render a great service to Hinduism if they devote precious time, energy and resource towards unification of the whole community and eradication of casteism, “honour killings” and all other ills plaguing the religion. 

Yours,

Kajal Chatterjee,

Kolkata

 

 

High cut off mark

Dear Editor,

Yesterday when I was running for an errand at Vivek Vihar, Itanagar, I met a group of young boys. No doubt they were there for taking admission in DN College. Just out of curiosity, I asked them whether they got admission. No, said one boy from the group to my utter surprise. They told me that to qualify for college admission, one should secure 55% in +2 and that the colleges are not giving admission to the student who have secured less than that.

Why 55% instead of 45% for APST student.

As everybody knows that a backward state like Arunachal Pradesh can’t produce good number of students who secures 55% in +2. Not many students secure above 60%.

Our students are not ready for such high cut off % for college admission. Many students will be deprived of college education if the cut off percentage is not reduced. For the children of rich people, they can get admission in private colleges in other state. What about the children from the poor family backgrounds? What will they do after +2? Is there any separate program for those students?

Yours,

Durga Cheda

Itanagar

 

 

Postpone interview

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, I would like to bring into the notice of concern authorities of NERIST that the date set for interview for the post of Assistant Professors clash with the date of ongoing APPSCC Exam (mains).  

So I would like to request the concern authority of NERIST to postpone its interview date to any day after 25th July of 2015, as APPSCE (mains) ends on that day.

Your remedial steps regarding the date of interview would mean world to all aggrieved candidates.

Yours,

A candidate

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All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.        

----Editor