July 07
Three bodies recovered from IAF chopper crash site
CM expresses deep shock and grief
ITANAGAR, Jul 6: The bodies of two Indian Air Force (IAF) officers and an Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBn) jawan were recovered from the spot where an IAF chopper crashed two days ago during flood rescue sorties, police said on Thursday.
Search is on for the fourth air force officer who was on board the chopper.
The police had initially said there were three people on board the helicopter-
It was later confirmed that an IRBn jawan was also with them to help evacuate people stranded in Sagalee and Dambuk following massive landslides caused by heavy rains.
The IRBn jawan was identified as Nada Umbing from Hija village of Lower Subansiri district, director general of police (DGP) Sandeep Goel said.
The search team comprised personnel from the state police, the National Disaster Response Force, the army and the IAF. They were assisted by a medical team, the DGP said.
The helicopter had taken off on Tuesday from Pilputu helipad near Sagalee in Papum
Pare district, around 30km from the Arunachal Pradesh capital. It lost contact with
the ground staff within minutes of take-
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has expressed deep shock and grief over the now confirmed crash of an IAF Advance Light Helicopter near here on Tuesday and all on board are feared dead.
In a statement today, the Chief Minister said that the confirmation of the tragic incident has come as a shocker to the people.
"The brave personnel were on a mission to rescue people stranded due to floods by airlifting them to safer locations. Hundreds of people rescued by IAF couldn't even thank enough when this tragedy struck like a bolt from nowhere. They are shattered by the news and mourn the death of their saviours," Khandu said.
He said it is a very sad moment for everyone that a rescue operation ended in such a tragedy and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.
Appreciating the search team including security and paramilitary forces, state police
and village volunteers for spotting the remains of the ill-
"People of Arunachal Pradesh and particularly those who were evacuated by IAF would
always remember these brave souls and remain ever-
Former Chief Minister and Sagalee MLA Nabam Tuki paid his tribute and condolences to the bereaved family members.
In a condolence message Tuki paid his heartfelt condolence at the loss of Air force pilot (Flying officers) and IRBN (state police) due to helicopter crash at Sopo Yuha near Hostalam between Toru and Yupia on July 4 while carrying out yeoman service for the state by evacuating the stranded passengers of East Kameng and Sagalee area who were stranded due to monsoon fury, landslide and blockage on Trans Arunachal Highway.
"Their loss is irreparable to the state and country. They died serving needy people and we shall remain indebted to them. It is unfortunate that helicopter crash brought tears to the families of many people," said Tuki. "I pray almighty god to bless the rest of family members at the hours of grief and sorrow," he added.
Tuki also thanked Papum Pare district administration , ADC Sagakee, CO Toru, SP Tumme Amo, DSP Neelam Nega, team of NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, IRBN, APP, IAF commandos and public of Kheel, Hostalam, Borum and Yupia for their active support in locating debris of chopper.
Lower Subansiri DA steps in to resolve NEEPCO & RMDC deadlock
ZIRO, Jul 6: Under the initiation of Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner, Kemo Lollen a meeting was convened in the DC office chamber on Thursday in connection with issues arising out of the agitation by RMDC (RHEP MoU Demand Committee) against NEEPCO.
DC Lollen reiterated the need to resolve all problems through dialogues and expressed hope that this meeting would diffuse the tension.
However he was disappointed by NEEPCO's delay in inviting the RHEP affected people's representatives to a discussion forum and letting the situation aggravate to the recent series of agitation by the affected people.
It's late than never, he added and expressed hope that this meeting will usher in positive results. We truly sympathize with the affected people and their rights should not be curtailed, he added and requested the NEEPCO representative from Shillong ED MR Jyrwa to form a committee to inspect the Relief and rehabilitation settlements and identify the problems faced by the people and expedite solutions by appraising them to the CMD NEEPCO.
He also mentioned that the CSR-
On learning that the recruitment notifications for group D and C were only issued to the employment exchange, he emphasised on the need to issue the advertisements to the local dailies of the state for better outreach and assured to take up this issue with the higher authorities.
Also NEEPCO should make more effort to absorb local employable persons in various groups. This will also help the state govt to address unemployment problem, he further added.
He also assured that CM and competent authority would be appraised. But until a solution is reached, there should be amicable environment for NEEPCO who serve under GoI guidelines and policies, DC added.
ED M R Jyrwa appreciated the idea that CSR should be routed through DA. He would
honour the effort but informed that the schemes should be applicable from FY 2018-
RMDC was represented by Secretary Tao Tana and Chairman Taba Techi. They explained the movement of Local Affected Population since 2008. The Committee also reiterated that the indifference by NEEPCO authorities despite numerous meetings has created the mistrust towards the Corporation. Previous resolutions haven't been honoured, and sense of deprivation has overtaken their hope, they alleged.
RMDC demanded that R&R should continue for development of affected area and people since efforts made in 1990s were inadequate. "The uprooted villages and rehabilitated settlements were not adequately supported.
Only CGI sheets were provided, few kutcha huts were prepared without water supply, electricity, drainage etc. There are lapses in recruitment policies, welfare measures like free electricity, providing healthcare and school. NEEPCO falsely made claim that 179 people were recruited from project affected area," stated committee.
The RMDC also demanded that the ED, NEEPCO Shillong, Jyrwa should appraise the CMD,
Secy (Power) to GoI and conduct a meeting before 24th July (4th phase), with CM,
CS, Commissioner (Power), affected MLAs -
The meeting was attended by SP Bomge Kamduk, CO Yazali Likha Radh, CO Yachuli Tana Yaho, NEEPCO Officials and RMDC committee members.(DIPRO)
Kovind reaches Arunachal to seek vote
ITANAGAR, Jul 6: Chief Minister Pema Khandu along with his team of cabinet colleagues
and Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju accorded a warm welcome
to NDA's Presidential candidate, Ram Nath Kovind here this morning. Kovind is on
a tour to North-
The State BJP Unit headed by its President Tapir Gao organized a meeting at state Banquet Hall here welcoming Kovind which was attended by all BJP legislators and party workers. Calling the visit of Kovind as 'historic', Chief Minister Pema Khandu said this is the first time in history of Arunachal Pradesh that a Presidential candidate has made a visit to the state prior to the election to Rashtrapati Bhawan.
"Earlier all the legislators from North-
He appreciated Ram Nath for taking pains to visit Arunachal despite the inclement weather and despite the fact that state's vote value in the electoral roll for the Presidential election is almost insignificant when compared to other big states. The Chief Minister expressed happiness that he along with his six legislators and Rijiju were privileged to have been the proposer in filing the nomination papers for Ram Nath.
He also expressed happiness that Presidential candidate chose to visit Arunachal
first among all North-
The Chief Minister assured full support of his 47 BJP and two independent legislators for NDA's Presidential Candidate in the election to be held on July 17. He thanked the state's 9 PPA legislators who have also extended their support to Ram Nath.
Ram Nath in his address to the legislators said he will stand above party affiliations once elected to the Presidential post and work for overall welfare of the people. Referring to Arunachal, he said the size of the state does not matter when it comes to welfare and development. "Arunachal is as important as any other states in India," he said.
Also speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Tomar talked about the life history and background of Ram Nath and his journey in the service of the country. National BJP Secretary Ram Madhav explained to the legislators on the procedures and rules regarding the voting for Presidential election.
Mein calls for augmenting trade & commerce linkages to ASEAN countries
NEW DELHI, Jul 6: Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein has laid emphasis on the development
of the famous Still Well Road to augment trade and commerce linkages through the
Pangsao-
The dialogue was organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with
ORF, FICCI, SAS, Singapore, SAEA Group Singapore, Economic Research Institute for
ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), Jakarta, Institute of strategic and international studios,
Malaysia, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, ICWA and ASEAN-
Political leaders, policy makers, senior officials, diplomats, business leaders,
think tanks and academicians from both participated in the discussions which was
themed 'ASEAN-
Earlier on July 4, the Ministerial Session hosted by Minister of External Affairs,
Sushma Swaraj saw the participation of Minister of State for External Affairs, Gen.
VK Singh; Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal; Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief
Minister of Arunachal Pradesh; Home Minister of Nagaland; Deputy Prime Minister &
Minister, of Foreign Affairs, Vietnam, Pham Binh Minh; Union Minister, Ministry of
the Office of the State Counsellor, Myanmar, U Kyaw Tint Swe and Deputy Secretary-
During the 9th Delhi Dialogue, discussions were held on topics titled; Waters of
Asia: Cultural, Social and Political Ties along International economic trends and
their impact on India and ASEAN; India-
The Academic Session, featured discussions on the following themes: Regional Geopolitics:
Great Power Politics in the Asia-
The concluding plenary titled-
The members discussed that North Eastern states would form a land bridge to ASEAN
region. The take ways for next 25 years of India -
APCC terms govt.'s decision cancelling JE interview as immature
ITANAGAR, Jul 6: Terming the state government's decision to cancel the proposed interview of Junior Engineers of RWD and making recruitment against the same through Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission as immature, the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has demanded clarification from the GoAP.
APCC Spokesperson, Hina Camder Tok in a release on Thursday, questioned the reason behind the GoAP's hasty decision saying that if it doubted the department's credibility to conduct the examination then why it allow advertising the vacant post in the first place.
'Chief Minister Pema Khandu's interference into the functioning of his Cabinet colleagues which led to cancellation of the interview has literally exposed not only his dictatorial attitude but also the sheer lack of collective responsibility of the Cabinet', the APCC said and demanded the government to hold the interview of Junior Engineers of Rural Works and UD departments as per schedule.
The APCC further said that the welfare government should know that thousands of unemployed engineers are crossing the prescribed age limit owing to delaying tactics adopted by BJP government on the pretext of streamlining the appointment system.
Meanwhile, the APCC deeply mourned the death of all those who lost their lives in the recent helicopter crash between Sagalee and Naharlagun.
RGUSU sets up admission help desk at university campus
RONO HILLS, July 6: Going by the philosophy of "students helping students," the Rajiv Gandhi University Students' Union (RGU) has set up a Help Desk center here in it's varsity campus to guide students and parents regarding general academic enquiries.
The UGC results are yet to be declared and still the Help Desk is seeing a big rush of applicants from all over Arunachal Pradesh and neigbhouring states every day, said a RGUSU release.
RGUSU general secretary, Prem Taba informed that the help desk with experienced counselors has received a positive response from the students. "Despite the bad road we are expecting as many as 200 students every day," he said. The last date for prospectus and receipt of application is July 14 and the RGUCET will be conducted from July 20 to 25. The online system has also been made functional since last year, he informed.
"We witnessed a heavy rush of students at the help center since day one. Since morning we have been holding continuous counseling sessions," said Raju Tamang, one of the counselors in the Help Desk.
The counselors include senior Post Graduate students like Jumi Jini, Donye Natung, Jinam Tayang and Tatey Tayem from various departments of the University, along with Dr Philip Modi, Associate Professor, Commerce Department as coordinator, the release said.
Maintain transparency regarding the real reasons behind helicopter crashes: GAF
ITANAGAR, Jul 6: Green Arunachal Foundation (GAF) has expressed concern over the silence of both the state and the central governments about the frequent helicopter crashes in the state and urged the governments to maintain transparency regarding the real reasons behind the crashes in the state.
GAF Chairman, Takam Tatung in a release on Thursday further said that the void claims of the central government and the Indian Air Force about possessing high tech surveillance systems for search operations and relief expeditions were ridiculous for not a single helicopter crash has been located. 'Only porters and locals have been able to locate the crash sites and remains till date', Tatung added and questioned the central as well as the state government on the loss of precious lives, especially those of the pilots and crew members who were prized assets of the country.
'It is surprising that not even a single report of helicopter crash in the state has been shared or made public by the government till date. The government has failed the people by concealing the findings about the helicopter crashes. There has been no report on the black boxes of the helicopters thus crashed which is believed to give a lead to the reason of the crash', he stated.
Petrol depot employees attacked in Namsai
NAMSAI, Jul 6: The employees of Namsai's lone petrol depot, Arunachal Trade & Agencies were attacked by five unidentified miscreants on July 5 at around 5.40 PM.
According to an FIR filed by the petrol depot owner, five drunk men came in a white
car, bearing registration number AS-
A CCTV footage of the petrol depot shows two men attacking a worker of the petrol depot, while the others are seen getting into an argument with the staff at the payment counter.
In this regard, an FIR has been lodged at the Namsai Police Station and a copy of the CCTV footage has also been provided to the police for necessary investigation.
Results declared
ITANAGAR, Jul 6: The results of B. Com. Annual and semester examinations held in
the month of April / May 2017 are declared on Thursday, informed a RGU release. Results
are under subject to modification or correction in the result sheet and mark-
DC visits road blocked site
ANJAW, Jul 6: The Anjaw Deputy Commissioner, Mamta Riba along with team of officials
on Wednesday visited road blockade site at Hayuliang-
It has been confirmed from public that although the BRTF JCBs have been clearing site, massive boulders and rubble again had come down owing to rains. Assessment of food position was also done. DC Riba informed that Minister Mahesh Chai along with local MLA Dasanglu Pul is constantly in touch with district administration.
While at Hayuliang sub division Additional Deputy Commissioner Hayuliang Kego Jilen
and concerned Circle Officer A. Ratan are constantly monitoring situation and overseeing
construction of alternative porter track at Hayulang -
Work progress in Lower Dibang Valley reviewed
ROING, Jul 6: Lower Dibang Valley Additional Deputy Commissioner, Chestha Yadav on Thursday called upon the officers of all the line departments in the district for proper monitoring of all undergoing project works and submission of status reports on time. The ADC said this during a monthly coordination meeting of heads of departmental officers in the district held to review the work progress under various line departments.
While enquiring on the status of power supply, she directed the power department to restore all defunct street light in the township area. Considering the substantial increase of tourists in the district, she also stressed on maintaining cleanliness of Deopani River and adjoining areas and directed DUDA to display penalty provision of new Sanitation Law at prominent places.
The ADC further emphasized on providing counseling and guidance to the students, especially for those students pursuing higher studies.
Informing that a programme called "back to school" shall be started at various schools, she said under the programme all the administrative officers and interested HoDs will be divided into groups and they will visit schools to provide counseling and guidance to the students and take feedback from time to time.
Various issues pertaining to Sanitation bylaws, land encroachment, new digital electricity
billing system, introduction of smart classes in schools, awareness programme on
implementation of schemes for girl child under ICDS, infrastructure developments
activities under-
The meeting was attended by all heads of department of the district. DIPRO
Birth anniversary of Dalai Lama celebrated
DC calls for environment protection
BOMDILA, Jul 6: The 82nd Birth Anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was celebrated in various monasteries of West Kameng district on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion at Thubchog Gatseling Monastery (Lower Gompa), Bomdila, Deputy Commissioner Sonal Swaroop exhorted the people, young and old alike, to earnestly conserve and nurture Mother Nature.
'The gift and real tribute that one can pay to HH the Dalai Lama on his joyous birthday would be, by protecting and preserving the environment' she said.
Referring to the recent visits of Karmapa and HH the Dalai Lama to the district where they had, among others, emphasized on protection and preservation of nature for existence of mankind, DC Sonal reiterated that, the visits of the world spiritual leaders to the Mon area would be truly fruitful, if the people religiously follow what has been asked for.
Rampant deforestation, illegal earth cutting and haphazard constructions have also been the reasons for the recent landslides and other calamities in the district, she adding corrective measures have to be taken forthwith.
Earlier in the morning, the daylong birthday celebration of HH the Dalai Lama started with the ceremonial Sangsol and Serkyem offering in the monastery followed by reception of the portrait of Dalai Lama from the Tibetan Welfare Office with the laid down religious procedure and practices. A parikrama was also made around the Bomdila Township with the portrait.
Buddhist prayer flags were hoisted in the monastery and the national anthems of India and Tibet were sung. The monks of Lower and Upper Gompa chanted Tsemay Yonten (World peace prayer) and then offered the Mandala.
Devotional performances and various Tibetan, Monpa and Bhutanese cultural programmes in honor Dalai Lama; the Ocean of Knowledge, marked the daylong celebration.
To commemorate the celebration, C/X & XII toppers of the government schools under Bomdila Township were felicitated by the Birthday celebration committee. A mass plantation drive was also announced for coming Saturday at Power house and Shanti Deva Vidyalaya, Upper Gompa, which have been identified as landslide prone areas.
Among others, DIG SSB sector Hqr Bomdila, Sudhir Kumar was present in the celebration.
The birth anniversary of His Holiness was also celebrated at Dirang, Rupa and Tenzing Gaon. DIPRO
Dree celebrated in Namsai and Aalo
ITANAGAR, Jul 6: The Dree Festival was celebrated with enthusiasm at Namsai on Wednesday.
In his address, Deputy Commissioner, R K Sharma appreciated the Apatani community
for preservation of age-
Namsai ZPC, C K Mounglang also appreciated the Apatani community for maintaining discipline in every aspect of life. Fish cum paddy cultivation in Ziro valley is famous in Asia, he pointed out. The ZPC also requested to the Apatani people residing in Namsai district to maintain same spirit in all respect.
Day long progammme was attracted by colourful dance presented
Cultural troupes from different communities including Khamti, Singpho, Adi, Galo, Nyishi, Apatani and Adivashi presented cultural programme on the occasion.
Earlier, the festival started with unfurling of Dree flag by R K Sharma. The celebration was organized by Dree Festival Committee, Namsai district.
The members of Apatani community residing in Aalo also celebrated Dree festival with much pomp and gaiety at Gumin Kiin on Jul 5 last.
Dree Festival Committee, Aalo Vice President, Khoda Ado hoisted the festival flag which was followed by Dree anthem.
Greeting the people on the occasion, Ado said that the Dree is an agricultural festival celebrated for bumper harvest, peace and prosperity of the people. 'The essence of all festivals is alike as it is celebrated for the wellbeing of mankind and it gives us a platform to showcase our rich culture and heritage', he added. Ado also read out the Dree mythology.
DFC Aalo General Secretary, Habung Tada also spoke on the occasion.
Group dance by Upper Hikar Gumin Cultural Troupe, Power House Cultural Troupe, Apatani Ladies Group Dance were the other highlights of the programme.
State BJP celebrates birth anniversary of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee
ITANAGAR, Jul 6: The 116th birth anniversary of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, was observed by BJP Arunachal Pradesh here on Thursday at party office with full reverence and solemnity.
To commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Mukherjee, Swaach Bharat Abhiyan and tree plantation was carried out. Tree saplings were planted at Arunadoya Government Higher Secondary School by State BJP President Tapir Gao, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, ministers, MLAs and party workers.
The keynote address on the occasion was delivered by Minister Education Honchun Ngandam. While speaking on the life and work of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, he highlighted the various achievements of Dr. Mukherjee and his contribution to Indian politics. The principal resource person of the occasion Tai Tagak, Advisor to Chief Minister and former State BJP President, in his speech termed Dr. Murkherjee as 'Tiger of Bengal' and a lifelong nationalist who fought for nationalism and gave up his life fighting for integration of India. He also delved into the history of BJP and gave an overview of the different phases of BJP from Jana Sangh to Bharatiya Janata Party. In his presidential remark BJP President Tapir Gao described life of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee as a philosophy that provides an alternative approach to politics and governance from Peruvian doctrines.
Assembly session prorogued
ITANAGAR, Jul 6: Arunachal Pradesh Governor, in exercise of the power conferred
by the sub-
NSCN(R) cadre apprehended
KOHIMA, Jul 6: Acting on a specific intelligence input about presence of one cadre trying to terrorize and attempting extortion, the Longding Battalion launched an operation in Mintong village of Longding district on Wednesday evening and apprehended a Self Styled Private of NSCN(R) Chawang Wangsa along with a pistol and ammunition. During interrogation he admitted allegiance to NSCN(R). (PIB defence)
Union urges parents, students to get information from DHTE before seeking admission to any institute
ITANAGAR, Jul 6: Arunachal Students' Union Uttarakhand (ASUU) has in a release on Thursday, urged parents of students to get prior information from the Directorate of Higher and Technical Education before getting their wards admitted to colleges or institutes of higher learning as there are many fake institutes running in the country.
The Union claimed that most of the institutes show fake rankings and facilities through advertisements. 'Brokers are paid for getting as many students for different colleges and hence they manipulate young students through misleading advertisements', stated ASUU president, Giogi Ramga and offered the Union's help to the parents and students in getting information regarding colleges and institutes in Uttarakhand.
Investigation sought into shooting incident
ITANAGAR, Jul 6: Strongly condemning the Jul 2 incident wherein one Tama Haging suffered a bullet injury during a broad day light shooting by an angry driver at Ganga Sumo Counter, Itanagar Market, the Cherom Chera Welfare Society (CCWS) has in a letter to the Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner sought thorough investigation into the incident.
The Society, while demanding exemplary punishment for the culprit said that his bail should be denied. CCWS also lauded the capital district administration and the Itanagar Police for their prompt action in nabbing the culprit and demanded for free and fair investigation into the case.
Meeting on successful implementation of IDC Fortnight held
CHANGLANG, Jul 6: With an objective of zero deaths due to childhood diarrhea and reduction of malnutrition across the district, the District Level Steering Committee, under the Chairmanship of SDO, Changlang, Nampang Wangjen, convened a meeting on successful implementation of Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight here at DC's Conference hall, today.
Stating that the monsoon season has already set in, the SDO urged the Medical Officers to implement the program immediately in their respective jurisdiction adding that poor performance by any MO would be viewed seriously. He suggested them to involve concern administrative officers to ensure that no child is deprived of the vaccination. He also advocated for framing proper planning and strategy before launching the programme through meetings with ASHAs and other stalk holders.
Earlier, DRCHO, Changlang, Dr Tope Yomcha giving presentation on the activities to be carried out in the fortnight for prevention and control of deaths due to diarrhea, requested the District Administration and stalk holders to mobilize teachers, students, AWWs, etc to take part in the program actively. He informed the house that universal coverage with ORS can avert 93% of death due to diarrhea.
Earlier, DMO Changlang, Dr Karrik Basar in his keynote address informed that the cases of diarrhea are more likely during monsoon season and children below 5 years of age are more vulnerable.
Medical Superintendent Dr H Tangjang suggested the Health Department to provide information on various health programmes by detailing a Doctor to any meeting held with the message.
DDSE Changlang, Hartum Loyi assured to communicate directions to all BLOs, Teachers and students for extending full cooperation while DD, ICDS Ms H Bangsia assured to mobolise the AWWs.
The meeting was attended by MO incharge of various Health facilities of the district and other stake holders.
RBSU demands infrastructural overhaul of schools in Koyu-
KOYU, Jul 6: The students' organisation of Nari-
The demand was raised after a team of RBSU led by its President Goli Doye embarked on an 'Educational Tour' of the schools within the two circles, which according to Doye, was the first phase of the second tour after a similar tour in August last year.
According to the union, all the schools including the lone Higher Secondary for the two circles at Koyu are in dilapidated conditions. The schools have no proper boundaries, sufficient teachers' quarters, toilets and drinking water facilities and no electricity connection in the schools and hostels, the union said.
Due to lack of boundary walls, the school building turned into a cowshed for stray animals during the rainy season and the vacation period, the union added.
The RBSU team further said that the schools, particularly the Koyu Higher Secondary is facing shortage of Geography, Mathematic, and Hindi teachers besides shortage of prescribed textbooks for the students.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
-
All rights reserved.
-
Talks have to start yielding result
The standoff between India and China at Sikkim is escalating to a dangerous level.
China has upped the ante and said that "the atmosphere is not right" for a formal
or bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi
Jinping when they gather for the G20 summit in Hamburg. Tension erupted last month
when India opposed China's attempt to extend a border road through a plateau known
as Doklam in India and Donglang in China. The plateau, which lies at a junction between
China, the north-
Since this confrontation began last month, each side has reinforced its troops and
called on the other to back down. Tension is growing with each passing days. Chinese
media has been going belligerent and raking up anti-
___________________
-
High fees demanded by open schools
Dear Editor,
Through your daily esteem, I would like to draw the kind attention of education department regarding the corruption being practiced in name of open schooling.
The National Institute of Open Schooling, an autonomous institute under the MHRD Govt of India has been set up to cater to the education needs of school dropouts, working adults and socially disadvantaged section upto secondary and senior secondary level. Open school is the sole hope for many to acquire required qualification for higher studies.
This same has been made money making process by few government schools where open school admission is permissible. When it come to admission there is no proper guideline regarding date of admission, intake capacity of student n the fees structure which give free hand to the teachers to manipulate the students.
When I came to know the fees as high as Rs 4200 for admission without a money receipt, I was compel to inquire about it and to my surprise, the fees was three time higher than prescribed in prospectus. The open school prospectus is available online which is not made available to the students who are seeking admission hence this open the Pandora box for malpractice.
To know more about this malpractice, I met another two open school teachers who gave me two different fees structure for same course. And when I mentioned about the prospectus and fees prescribed in it, one of them replied "prospectus se kuch nehi hota hai, teacher janta hai kitna fees hai".
This proved that open school admission serve as money making factory for them by fixing fees at their whims. The open school teachers are mercilessly looting the poor and innocent student taking advantages of their ignorance.
Therefore, I earnestly request the education department to kindly regulate the admission procedure and fees structure of open school through respective DDSE as per prescribed in prospectus.
Yours,
Prey tayem
Naharlagun
Roads and policy
Dear Editor,
A road or highway is the backbone of that regions’ prosperity. Uneven, bumpy and improper road not only leads to the heavy loss to the vehicle but also provides chances to the notorious people to do their 'deeds'.
Road repairing at twin -
Moreover, there is no coordination between different departments of Government, once a road is just repaired, the other department 'rise to the occasion' and start digging the same for their departmental purpose very soon.
This is the high time for us realising we belong to the third world, where many of us live hand to mouth, can't afford losing our revenue, generated from our bones in the form of taxes, like that.
My mere suggestion to the top bureaucrats of the Districts is to call a general meeting of all the departments of the district before a road is repaired and get consensus that there would be no excavation or digging after the road is repaired for the next ten years at least. Proper supervision must be ensured. And above all, honesty is the best policy.
Yours,
Byabang Noah Dui,
Itanagar
The Ranganadi Hydro Electric Project
Dear Editor,
The 405 MW Ranganadi Hydro Electric Project was allotted to NEEPCO with high expectation of preferential employment to the project affected people and the local people of the project area. While unemployed graduate and diploma engineers, graduates and other professionals are available in large numbers from among the project affected and local youth of Yazali, NEEPCO in its 35 years of construction and operation of the project has not appointed a single Junior Engineer or Engineer or any officer level in NEEPCO from the Project area of Yazali, with the exception of small numbers in lower levels.
Why this denial of appointments to project affected people when the Land Acquisition Act 2013 mandates one job for every project affected family? The fact is 1.746 employees per MW or 707 employees for the 405 MW Ranganadi Project is sanctioned under the National Electricity Policy 2016. Presently only 200 employees are posted. Why not appoint the balance 507 employees from local youth of Yazali and the State. NEEPCO has sanctioned manpower of 4500 employees, which has been reduced to 2000 employees due to retirements and only slightly increased due to backlog recruitment of people with disabilities, SC, OBC etc.
Under National Hydro Policy of 2008, an amount equal to 1 (one) % of total generation is to be sanctioned for Local Area development. Why this denial when NEEPCO earns an average income of Rs. 450 Crores per year and the gross profit is 150 Crores per year on average. The National Electricity Policy 2016 and 2012 as well as the National Hydro Policy of 2008 of the Govt of India are available on the internet.
In 2016, the top officials of NEEPCO rush to Assam Thermal Project near Tinsukia because the local students union demanded conduct of interview tests in local language and more posts. Again these student leaders were invited, transported and hosted in luxury hotels at Shillong with sightseeing tours thrown in.
NEEPCO, however appears to think that in Ranganadi and Arunachal, CRPF and IRB are the solution and no discussion is needed. Perhaps NEEPCO needs to rethink its policy and attitude seriously. Should every rightful and just benefit be given only by bandhs and dharnas? Basic to development of hydro power in Arunachal Pradesh lies in giving all project affected people their just and legitimate benefits.
Yours,
Victor Lupang,
Delhi
___________________
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.
-