June 29

News Impact

• IAF team airlifts 185 marooned citizens
• Siram assures improvement in drinking water supply in Pasighat
• Pema inaugurates circuit house, felicitates APPSC exam crackers
• Gora Tamar Memorial Football Tournament
• Tuki raps NHPC, questions intention of Subansiri Lower Project protestors
• Dept warns absentee teachers
• Lack of border management plagues Arunachal
• RGU declares results of undergrad courses
• DC holds coordination meet with HoDs

‘Lighting a billion lives’

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: 18 Assam Rifles at Vijaynagar (air maintained post) has assisted the energy and resources institute, (TERI) in implementing ‘Lighting a Billion Lives’ (LaBL) which aims at providing eco friendly and cheap renewable lighting source to villages which lack facility of electricity, in Mazgaon village of Vijaynagar circle Distt Changlang.  

An entrepreneur Kamal Chhetri, resident of Mazgaon village was appointed as LaBL Captain and was trained for running, establishing and monitoring the Solar Charging Station under the aegis of TERI.  

A total  of 50 Solar Lanterns along with equipment for establishing Solar Charging Station was distributed by Post Commander of 18 Assam Rifles.  

The implementation of the project took approximately four months including the period of preparation, training and implementation on ground.  The major challenge was the induction of the items of the project at Vijaynagar, the same was successfully completed through Assam Rifles air sorties to Vijaynagar in lots.  

The eco friendly lighting system will help students of village Mazgaon and will give opportunity for entrepreneurship at village  level to expand charging stations into multiservice centres such as mobile phone charging, TV battery charging, energy for computer and education.

 

DNWS reacts

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: Doimukh  Nyem Welfare Society (DNWS) today strongly reacted to the press statement of All Nanghi, Natung Moya and Tacho Welfare Society (ANNMTWS) and All Papu Valley Women Welfare Society (APVWWS).

Expressing surprise over the recent allegation of both the Societies that  the  wife of the alleged accused misled the DNWS  regarding the Doimukh  rape case, the DNWS   termed it as the comment of immature Societies. How could it be possible for a mother to tolerate immoral act of a father with his daughter, it questioned.  

Instead of seeking justice for a minor daughter, the Societies are standing behind an alleged rapist, the DNWS said while condemning the remarks of the both ANNMTWS and APVWWS as chauvinistic.

 

Toilet demanded

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: The Gram Panchayat Member of Bath/ Lorr village has written to Papum Pare DDSE demanding for toilet, bathroom facilities for students and teachers of govt middle school Lorputung. The panchayat stated that in absence of toilet facilities students and teaching community is facing serious problem.

 

AEKSU  apologizes

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: All East Kameng Students’ Union (AEKSU) has tendered apology to All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) for opposing the 24 hours bandh observed by the apex students body on May 18.

In an apology letter addressed to AAPSU president, the AEKSU  president  said “ It  is  our prior duty to comply with each and every decision of AAPSU. But unfortunately we committed a big mistake against the Apex student’ body during its last bandh call due to some communication gap.”  It promised not to repeat such mistake in future.

 

Students seek action against earth cutting

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: All Papum Poma Students Union (APPSU) has urged Papum Pare and Capital district administration to take strong action against those people who are indulged in illegal earth cutting along Gohpur Tinali to Poma village road. Union wanted to know whether these people have taken required permission to carry out earth cutting near the road side.

APPSU informed that people of Sangdupota circle is suffering due to frequent blockade of road caused by illegal earth cutting. While expressing resentment over such harassment, union urged administration to take strong action against people doing illegal earth cutting leading to blockade of road.

Union further informed that road between Itanagar to Basar Nallo has been badly damaged because of incessant rain and called on concern authorities to immediately repair the damaged road.

 

AAPSU upset at VC departure

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: While reacting to induction of former Vice Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University Prof David R Syiemlieh as member of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) said that it will greatly affect the progress of the university.

The union has nothing against his appointment but fails to understand the logic behind such a development which will bring nothing positive to the single institute of higher learning in the state which was emerging out from the many controversies that had docked it previously, it said.  The RGU which was mired in many unpleasant incidents in the past was experiencing bit of orderliness under the Prof Syiemlieh, the union said as it condemned the negligent attitude of the state government for not nurturing the lone higher institute of learning.

The apex students’ body of the state also called upon the state government to expedite the construction of Trans Arunachal highway without any further delay. The slow pace in construction of the much hype mega project at the ground level is a cause of great worry. The callous attitude of people from Center who are in the helm of affairs overlooking the project is also not helping the matter as well; hence the state government should pull up those responsible for the slow progress, the Union said in a release.

 

Kamnoi Mamai passes away

Naharlagun, June 28: The officials of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, here today expressed shock and grief over the untimely demise of former Deputy Director of IPR, Late Kamnoi Mamai, who died on 24th June last at his Rangkatu residence, Changlang after a prolonged illness. Director, IPR, Lekhi Phuntso, who was associated with him for long in the department while leading the officials in paying homage to the departed soul said he was a very fine, polite and kind hearted gentleman. At his demise we have lost a good friend, he added.  The officials observed two minutes silence  and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and  also   conveyed deeps sense of condolence to the bereaved family.

Born to Lt. Khamu Mamai, on March 29, 1949, late Mamai, joined as District Information and Public Relations Officer (DIPRO) on September, 1, 1973, got promoted to the post of Deputy Director, on May 7, 1999 and retired on superannuation on March 31, 2007.

He is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons. His last rite was performed on June 26 last at his native place Changlang.

 

Ziro police nab lifters

ITANAGAR, June 28: In a major breakthrough, the police team of Ziro led by its OC Tab Techi, busted a gang of  lifters operating at Hapoli township and recovered seven gas cylinders, four TV sets and others properties from their possession.

As many as seven persons of the gang have also been arrested by the police team. The team also arrested Suraj Pradhan from Yazali in connection wit Ziro PS case, who attempted to commit theft from the SBI ATM boot by breaking cash vault and digital lock of the ATM Machine at Hapoli market earlier this month.

IAF team airlifts 185 marooned citizens

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: An Indian Air Force team rescued 185 marooned villagers from Bijoypur I and III today. Additional deputy commissioner K Riba,  WRD Executive Engineer BK Karki and Kishore Kumar Chakma assisted the IAF team, which came in a Chopper, in safely airlifting all the stranded villagers to the relief camp.

Changlang Deputy Commissioner Opak Gao was constantly monitoring the situation from Bordumsa and Bijoypur.

Meanwhile, ADC Riba, who has pulled up his sleeve to work out the post flood management strategies like control of gastro intestinal diseases etc, informed that the Noa Dehing river has started to recede gradually. Medical team has been positioned round the clock in the relief camp to look after the sick flood victims with sufficient medicines, he informed.

The Dharmapur area of Kharsang circle remained cut off from rest of the world. There have been reports of extensive damages to flood control structures, he added. Meanwhile rains over the past couple of days and the devastating rainfall on June 20 midnight have caused flashflood and landslide at many locations of Tuting sub-division washing away roads of Tuting town. Torrential rains-triggered landslide and flashflood swept almost all corners of the sub-division damaging public and private properties. Surface communication between Migging and Gelling village is completely cut off.

The torrential rains has caused extensive damages to Sipo and Sikut hydel project and water supply etc. To the worst, it completely swept away the farm lands of the sub-division.

Even thought departmental men and machineries are making all possible efforts to restore the damaged road, incessant rains is giving them a tough challenge. The restoration work may take many days.

However, with the initiatives of  Tuting ADC, social services are being conducted by the Govt. staff, Meenakshi Hydro Power Private Ltd. and public for the temporary restoration of water and electricity supply.

PTI adds: Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today demanded the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram to depute a central team to the state to assess the damage caused by flood, sources here said.

The flood, caused by incessant rain, damaged roads and property in several districts.

 

 

Siram assures improvement in drinking water supply in Pasighat

PASIGHAT, Jun 28: A visible change in the supply of potable water will be brought within the next few months, asserted Education Minister Bosiram Siram while conducting a field visit of various water supply sources and reservoirs at Pasighat today. Accompanied by engineers of PHED and local leaders, Siram inspected the water reservoirs, pumps at Forest Colony, Craft center, DEMHSS, IGJHSS, Upper and Lower Baskota and Jarku village. He also visited the Pane-Korong and instructed the PHED authority to submit a scheme for best utilization of the flowing water and construction of swimming pool and amusement park to beautify the area.

Admitting the limitation of PHED in supplying potable water to different areas of the township at present, Siram said that supply of sufficient drinking water to every nook and corner in the densely populated town like Pasighat is a very difficult task at this moment. But efforts will be made for immediate improvement of the situation by the government with proper planning and strategies, assured Siram. He sought the co-operation and co-ordination of the citizens to successfully carry out the tasks.

He stated the population is increasing day by day and after few years the requirement will be more than double of what it is today. Siram stressed for judicious use of water and appealed to the people to help the government in saving all the water sources so as to improve the supply of drinking water in the township. He instructed the EE (PHED) and his subordinates to work in war footing to redress the grievances of the public. DIPRO

 

 

Pema inaugurates circuit house, felicitates APPSC exam crackers

Jang, Jun 28 : RWD & Tourism Minister Pema Khandu today inaugurated the newly constructed Circuit House at Jang.

Construction of  the circuit house was conceived by former CM late Dorjee Khandu and the building, with six rooms including two VIP suites was constructed  by the PWD Jang division.

Interacting with the people present on the occasion, the Minister expressed his satisfaction over the exquisite furnishing as well as the quality of work maintained by the executing agency. He further viewed that the Circuit House will considerably ease the accommodation shortage at Jang  and advised department for its  proper maintenance as a valuable asset of the sub-division.

 Jang ADC Duly Kamduk, AE PWD Jang T. Rongradu, other departmental officers of Jang sub-division, PR leaders and large number of public were present on the occasion.

Pema, thereafter attended the inaugural function of the 3 days district level training programme on Panchayat Mahila evum Yuva Shakti Abhiyan, organised by the SIRD for the Mukto Assembly Constituency  at Indoor stadium Jang from June 28-30.

Addressing the trainees Pema appealed them to avail the opportunity to know their powers and functions and  their role in implementing the plans and policies of Govt. in the grassroots level. He was optimistic that the PR leaders will highly benefit from the training.

The Minister felicitated Tsering Pentsom, Nima Phuntsok and Tashi Lungthan, all from Jang, who cracked the recently held APPSC Examination with gifts and cash award of Rs. 10,000 each.

Congratulating the candidates, Pema described them as an inspiration for younger generation and urged the PR leaders to pay adequate attention to education of children vis-a-vis welfare of teachers posted in remote villages.

Speaking on Tourism sector, the Minister announced to adopt "Shyaro village" under the Village Tourism scheme during this financial year. He advocated for responsive and responsible tourism to reap the maximum benefits from tourism prospect of the district.

Earlier on June 27, Pema convened a Civil - Army co-ordination meeting in the conference hall of ADC's Office at Jang. Brig. R. Kundra, Commander 40 Brigade and his team of officers attended from Army's side while ADC Jang Duly Kamduk and all the Circle Officers under the sub-division alongwith PR leaders, GBs and village elders composed the civil side.

Contentious issues pertaining to land acquisition by Army were discussed at length. ADC Kamduk explained in details the areas under army occupation including those under adverse occupation of army and status of actions initiated by the Civil administration in regularising such occupation.

Brig. R. Kundra, while convincing the villagers of the requirement of the land for national security, assured full co-operation to the villagers and civil administration in the matter.

Highlighting the excellent Civil-Army relation, Pema advocated for implementation of more Civil Welfare Schemes by the army  in the field of education and health care. He also appealed Brig. Kundra to impart pre-recruitment training to qualified youths of the area for ensuring entry of local youths in Army to which the Brigadier happily agreed. The Minister thanked all the participants for reaching to a positive conclusion and ending the discussion on a healthy note.

The same day, Pema visited RWD work site for construction of cultural heritage site at place called India gate near Shyaro village.

The Minister also inspected the ongoing PMGSY road from Jang to Thingbu. The road passes along some of the steep rock cliff where formation of the road is chiselled out manually over kilometres at stretch.

The EE RWD Tawang  who accompanied the Minister explained the ever looming danger to life of the labourers, who dared to work on the site.

 

 

Gora Tamar Memorial Football Tournament

East Kameng FC thrash Emchi FC 7-0

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: East Kameng FC, riding on Gela Tall’s brilliant hat-trick, thrashed Emchi FC 7-0 in their first league level match of the first Gora Tamar Memorial State Level Football Tournament at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun today. Tall scored in 19th, 49th and 52nd minutes to become first to complete a hattrick in the on-going tournament.

The East Kameng team shot into lead 12 minutes into the match through goal from Atam Bagang. Pritam Manfi and Wan Tallang scored a goal each in 15th and 38th minutes before Bagang netted his second goal in 64 minutes to complete 7-0 drubbing of Emchi FC.

The second match of the day was played between Biri Brothers FC and Barapani FC in which the former trounced the latter by 4-1 goals.

Biri Rajiv, Biri Sonia, Biri Tama and Biri Tama scored a goal each for Biri Brothers while the consolation goal for the Barapani FC was scored by Tagio Raju in 42nd minutes.

Arunachal United FC defeated  Laa Punglu 2-0 in the third and last match of the day. Vijay Kino and Dry were the scorers.

Tayar Brothers FC would meet Karsingsa FC in tomorrow’s first match at 12 noon while the second match would be played between Sagalee SC and Nyokum Lapang FC at 1.45 pm. Game Zone United FC would lock horns with Tali Pipsorang SC in the last match of the day tomorrow at 3.30 pm.

 

 

Tuki raps NHPC, questions intention of Subansiri Lower Project protestors

NEW DELHI, Jun 28: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today urged the officials of National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) Ltd. to amend the proposed policies for Recruitment, Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of its ongoing Power projects in Arunachal Pradesh. Of late, NHPC has been into troubled waters with resistance emanating from various cross sections of the society against its projects in the state. The ambitious Subansiri Lower and the Dibang Multi-Purpose projects are more or less stalled due to stiff resistance from the people.  

Attending a high level review meeting with NHPC officials here this afternoon, Tuki took detailed stock of the status of the Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project (HEP), Tawang-I HEP, Tawang II HEP and the Dibang Multipurpose HEP Projects.

“There is a communication gap between the power developers and the people. People of Arunachal are very simple. If they are properly made aware of the advantages of the projects including security of the local communities,  they would never oppose,” Tuki observed while hinting at the lackadaisical attitude of the executing agencies in taking the people, especially those affected by the projects, into confidence and winning their faith.

While almost all construction works on the Subansiri Lower Project has been stopped, the Dibang project is facing hiccups at the Public Hearing stage.

The Chief Minister said he has full faith in PSU’s such as NHPC and NEEPCO and expressed hope that they would always work towards safeguarding the greater public concerns. He also suggested that besides implementing power projects in the state, the PSUs should chip in creation of infrastructure as and where necessary. In this regard, he Sought NHPC’s initiative to build tunnels on roads in Anini area that would help cut-short the distance.

“You have the expertise in constructing huge tunnels. Why don’t you use it and help us in construction of road infrastructure?” he urged.

Meanwhile, expressing grave concern over the stalemate in execution of the Subansiri Lower Project due to opposition from Assam  base anti-dam groups, the Chief Minister reiterated his doubts over the intentions of the protestors  particularly KMSS and said they were trying to hijack the development agenda of UPA in which power has been given highest priority. “Floods are being modulated besides other benefits coming from the projects. I have no problems and rather happy if a neighbouring state benefits. The anti-dam elements have been routinely holding economic blockades which are causing a lot of hardship to the populace of Arunachal Pradesh. Who will take responsibility of the sky rocketing prices of essential commodities in the wake of economic blockades,” Tuki said and sought an early solution to the problems. On his part, he assured the State Government would address all pending issues at its end at the earliest.

To a request made by NHPC for carrying on basin studies the CM observed that basin studies are time consuming and should not be done separately. They should be simultaneously carried out with the project works, he added.

Earlier, NHPC CMD A.L Srivastava made a detailed presentation on the status of the power projects in the state and answered various queries in the Interactive Session.

The meeting was attended by Member of Parliament Ninong Ering, Speaker W Lowangdong, Minister Komlung Mossang, Parliamentary Secretary, Nabam Rebia, Deputy Speaker Jomde Kena, MLAs Laeta Umbrey, Ralom Borang and Alo Libang, Political Secretary to CM Bamang Tago, Chief Secretary Y Tsering, Principal Secretary (Power) H K Paliwal, Development Commissioner Ramesh Negi and others.

 

 

Dept warns absentee teachers

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: East Kameng Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE) urged Block Education Officers (BEOs), Block Resource Center Coordinators (BRCCs) and Cluster Resource Center Coordinators (CRCCs) of the district to remain present in their respective place of posting and cautioned that taking leave by any teacher without prior approval of the department head would be viewed seriously.

Since BEOs are responsible for ensuring teachers and other non teaching staff’s availability at their place of posting in their respective block, they should conduct regular inspection of schools in order to check teachers’ absenteeism, DDSE Kata Rangmo said in a coordination cum review meeting at Seppa on June 22. The DDSE urged the teachers, BEOs, BRCCs and CRCCs to discharge their assigned duties sincerely and maintain a team spirit to work for improving the education scenario in the district.

The joining report as well as leave applications or any type of complaints should come through proper channel, he said and suggested the BEOs to maintain leave account registers.

Highlighting about CCE and Mid-day Meal programmes, the DDSE informed that training programme for BEOs, BRCCs, CRCCs for implementation of CCE programme will be organized by Pedagogy Coordinator to get themselves well acquainted with these programmes.

Claiming that some teachers are habitual absentee, Block Education Officer (Establishment) Ashing Lamgu emphasised on regular inspection of schools and timely submission of teachers’ performance and joining reports to the higher authority by the field functionaries to check the menace. He suggested the field functionaries to be active and sincere in discharging their duties.

BEO Midday Meal AN Jha, BEO and in-charge SA Nanu Khan stressed on the need of furnishing accurate data in the QPR for which he urged all the BEOs to furnish the list of students and required cook cum helpers in details by July 5 enabling his office to submit the first QPR in time.

Jha also gave emphasis on maintaining proper records of MDM at school, block and district levels.

IED Coordinator Kacha Tajo highlighted the activities being under taken by him on IED programme. He requested the field functionaries to cooperate him in collection of list of disabled children.

Zaro Lingfa, DPC RMSA stressed on the need of school mapping under SSA and collection of accurate data on teachers, students’ enrolments and building position like availability of classrooms and teachers quarters etc.

The meeting resolved among others to maintain accuracy in data collection in regards to students enrolments, teachers posted and building position, proper strategy for 100% school inspection, wide publicity for implementation of CCE and Mid Day Meal scheme, to complete the school mapping of all schools at elementary level, ensuring presence of all BEOs, BRCCs &CRCCs at their respective places of posting by July one.

The meeting was attended among others by BEO (Aca.) and BEOs of Pakke Kessang, Chayang Tajo, Pipu, Seijusa, Bameng, BRCCs of Seppa, Chayang Tajo, Pipu,  Bana,  Bameng, all CRCCs of the district and JE (SSA).

 

 

Lack of border management plagues Arunachal

Ojing Tayeng

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: The Arunachal-Assam interstate boundary issue continues to be headache for the Arunachalee people living along the border areas and the state government.

There are claims and counter claims of land encroachment along  boundary areas  as the inter-state boundary is not properly demarcated even after formation of Arunachal Pradesh as a state.

One may find it ridiculous that a state like Arunachal Pradesh was formed without any concrete inter-state boundary.

Had the pioneers of separate union territory (state) and Assam government drawn the boundary line at that point of time, the pains of the people living along the boundary would have been lesser.

The misdeeds of that point of time have resulted in frequent eviction drive, ravaging of many lives and properties in boundary areas today.

Few months back, a minister from Assam had claimed that 15,000 hectares of Assam's land have been encroached by Arunachal Pradesh alone out of 80,000 encroached hectares of Assam’s land by neighbouring states.

And recently at North Lakhimpur, the minister again warned that Assam will not 'tolerate' any encroachment on its land by neighbouring states. He directed the concerned district authorities to evict all encroachments.

Besides these, Assam government has decided to set up nine border outposts in Lakhimpur district along the 158 km border with Arunachal Pradesh with road facilities.

They chalked out Rs 40 crore projects to develop its border with neighboring states and constant efforts are also being made by Assam forest departments to evict the encroachers.

These entire steps were taken up by Assam government following alleged land encroachment reports from the people of Assam residing in border areas.

On the other hand, developmental  activities  of the Arunachal government  along inter-state boundary  area  are  going on a snail’s pace despite alleged encroachment of Arunachal land.

It is worth mentioning that, many villagers of Depi-Debing area of East Siang District had left their villages in recent past following forceful occupation of their WRC land by people from neighboring state.

The same trend of encroachment tactics seems to be still continued in the boundary areas. If such situation continues, Arunachal will lose its vast areas of land and  the land  scape of the state will be reduced to hills and mountains only.

It is a shame on the part of state government that it  could not make it public how much land  inside Arunachal territory has been encroached by Assam. Even the government could not find out any concrete solution in this issue except few verbal peace talks to conciliate the victims.

People of the state have witnessed frequent eviction drives by Assam officials ignoring their peace talk and status-quo agreement between Arunachal and Assam governments leaving peace loving people of both the states under constant fear.

The Arunachal government should gear up its interstate boundary activities and also work out concrete modalities to solve the boundary row before it goes from bad to worse.

 

 

RGU declares results of undergrad courses

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Rono Hills has declared the results of its undergraduate courses (BA-II, BA-III, BSc-III, B.Com-III), the examinations for which were conducted in April/May, ’ 12.

A total of 1363 students appeared in BA II (Honours) course of which 573 candidates passed the examination taking the total pass percentage to 42.99 .

In BA II (Pass) course, out of 2653, only 996 could make it through with pass percentage of a paltry 41.17.

In BA III (Pass) Course, of the total 1777 candidates, 726 passed their examinations making the pass percentage 41.06 while 252 candidates are eligible for compartment. In BA III honours course, of the 848 candidates 700 passed the exams.

In B.Sc III (Pass) Course, of the total 86 candidates, 67 passed their exams taking the total pass percentage to 77.91.

B.Sc (honours) course gave a better result with 67 making it through of the total 74.

In B.Com (Pass) Course, of the total 147 candidates, 95 passed while 16 are eligible for compartment examinations.  In B.Com (Honours) Course, out of total 102 candidates, 90 passed their exams.

RGU’s Deputy Registrar (Examination) Dr. Nani T.Jose informed that candidates willing to apply for revaluation may do so after 15 days on receipt of marksheets while revaluation will be entertained only for failed candidates.

The results are also available at University website: www.rgu.ac.in.

 

 

DC holds coordination meet with HoDs

PASIGHAT, Jun 28: East Siang Deputy Commissioner RK Mishra today urged all the HoDs of the district not to leave station without prior approval of the higher authority.

“All officers should have the sense of responsibility and try to redress the public grievances with sincerity,” Mishra said in coordination meeting for proper implementation of social projects and schemes held  in  his conference hall today. He cautioned that unannounced checking would be conducted to ensure their attendance.

Emphasizing on maintaining transparency in their dealings, the Deputy Commissioner suggested the officers and officials to use the latest technologies in security and communication related matters. He advised them to construct all the buildings as per norms and pre-condition to avert any mishap. He sought proper inter-departmental coordination so that all the works are completed smoothly to gain public confidence.

He sought cooperation from all to check illegal encroachment of government lands. All officers have to take the responsibility to inform the District Administration whereever any encroachment takes place, he said.

Giving emphasis on disaster management preparedness, the Deputy Commissioner assured to arrange training with mock drill where he wanted all to participate. He also stressed on health and hygiene and suggested the department concerned to conduct sanitation drive in the township. Mishra also emphasized on concrete action for improvement of water supply and electricity. He suggested to explore avenues for tapping wind and solar power also.

The DC appreciated the works done in wild-life, agriculture, horticulture sectors and appealed all to set a target and try to achieve it. He asked executing agencies of various centrally sponsored schemes to maintain norms and guidelines and efforts should be made to complete the schemes in time to the satisfaction of the public. DIPRO

Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector - E, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh - 791111, India

All rights reserved.

Sangma versus Mukherjee

Dear Editor,

There arises no question about P.A.Sangma's merit, experience, deeds, qualities and personality. Also we fondly remember his efficiency and popularity as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Though I am an ardent supporter of Pranab Mukherjee and would be extremely delighted if he succeeds in entering Raisina Hills, still I used to hold utmost respect for Sangma and was also of the belief that he had every qualities expected from a candidate contesting the Presidential elections.

But it was indeed shocking to witness how unlike the dignified Mukherjee, Sangma himself came to the forefront to beat his own trumpet, that too by exploiting the sentiments of religion and tribe! What was the need for it when there exists innumerable admirers of Sangma who would have rooted for him by banking on his merits and qualities alone? Perhaps he got influenced by the suicidal trend in the fractured Indian society where every step is being presently taken by eyeing different vote banks!

Sangma, after being nominated as the BJP-backed candidate for Presidentship, holds every authority to ask for votes from the Electoral College by visiting different states. But the manner in which he is spewing venom towards Pranab Mukherjee has not only tarnished the image of Sangma to the extreme, he has also diluted the dignity of Presidential elections.

Perhaps the history of independent India has never witnessed such cheap antics from a candidate vying for Presidentship. How can he accuse Mukherjee alone for the economic slowdown in the country? Is Mukherjee the Prime Minister or the be-all and end-all of Government? Though  there exists different Ministers holding different portfolios, but each and every Government decision or step remains the collective responsibility of the Union Cabinet including the Prime Minister. Moreover, perhaps no nation exists in the globe which has remained absolutely unaffected by the recession in recent years. And can Sangma name a single Finance Minister during whose tenure India's economic picture was the "envy of the world"?

In his zeal to become President by hook or by crook, it seems that Sangma is fast losing all sense of logic.

But at the end of the day the fact remains that one's performance as a Cabinet Minister, Chief Minister, MP or MLA is completely irrelevant when the question concerns eligibility for President ship. The candidate for President ship needs to be a person of sharp acumen and intellect and also should be knowledgeable of Constitutional norms. He should be honest and enjoy wide popularity cutting across political spectrum. And Pranab Mukherjee fully fits the bill in this respect. Instead of making a fool of himself by taking resort to rhetoric, take potshots at the stalwart named Pranab Mukherjee or provide moral support to the religious fanatics who have blood in their hands; P.A.Sangma should instead put emphasis on his own personal achievements, traits and what could he offer to the nation as its President. His duty as the Presidential candidate ends right there and thereafter he should just wait for the verdict, which should be accepted with utmost dignity.

Yours,

Kajal Chatterjee,

Kolkata

 

 

Where is our cash prize?

Dear Editor,

I would like to bring to the notice of the  Ministry of Public Health Engineering and also the government of Arunachal Pradesh that Kaimai Gram Panchayat under Khonsa Block of Tirap district was awarded the NIRMAL GRAM PURASKAR on attaining full Sanitation Coverage in Households, Schools, Anganwadis, etc. and for outstanding contribution in promotion of Rural Sanitation from the President of India in the year 2009. The award comprises of a certificate, a trophy and a cash amount of Rs.5000/- .

However, the cash amount has not received till date. This fact has been brought time and again to the notice of the department but to no avail.

Now, the Kaimai Gram Panchayat would like to know whether other gram panchayats who were given the same award have received their respective cash amount or not. If they have received theirs, where is the money meant for our gram panchayat? Whether it has been sent to the concerned department at Khonsa or not? And if it is already with the department at Khonsa, the EE(PHED) may be asked to give the money immediately to our panchayat.

Yours,

Necha Wangsu, ASM

Kaimai Gram Panchayat

 

 

Give a serious thought

Dear Editor,

What is the logic behind keeping with the temporary capital Itanagar when there is no room for development?  Every year, due to incessant rainfall, roads get washed away; there is almost no area for extension of the capital complex. It is expensive to continue with Itanagar as capital. The state government repeats the same expenses every year. It is effecting the potential growth and development of the entire state.

38 years before, it was declared as a temporary capital and since then the government has been working on various developmental projects but with not much outcome. It’s time to give a serious thought over and choose a permanent capital.

The age old tradition of the working system of the government especially Arunachal Pradesh should be reformed and changed. Even a snake sheds off its old skin!

The interest of the people of the state is of much greater importance, and with a developed capital, better transportation and communication, better efficient administration, a better future of Arunachal will be a dream come true.

Yours,

John, Guwahati

 

 

Learn from them

Dear Editor,

I am a regular reader of your esteemed daily and enjoy reading all the contents as it gives us local, regional and important national & international news. While going through the publication dated 27th June at page 5, an interesting caption appeared with the headline "Girl students in Manipur asked not to wear uniform above knees" as dictated by six students bodies.

The organizations also advised students to avoid using mobile phones in schools and colleges and banned sale of intoxicating substances at academic institutions.

It is a welcome move by the students which the student’s organizations in our state should also learn and adopt in our state, instead of involving themselves in administrative and political issues unnecessarily wasting valuable time.

Yours,

A Well wisher

 

 

Prevention is better than cure

Dear Editor,

It’s really weird and disgusting to see our Government departments working enthusiastically only in the dying hours. I mean to say is that they could have worked on the highways earlier, i.e. in the months of February-April, but no they would just like to go for repairing when the whole road is going to collapse. I think the well educated bureaucrats and ministers should know that prevention is better than cure".

Yours,

Arunachalee Citizen

Itanagar

 

 

 

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

Ray of hope

A new Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey report released by the Central Statistics Organization shows significant improvements in the lives of Afghani women and children. The Afghanistan MICS is a national survey by the CSO, with the support of UNICEF, providing data on a range of indicators to enable the assessment of the situation of women and children in the country, including child mortality, nutrition, child health, water and sanitation, reproductive health, child development, education, child protection, and HIV/AIDS.  The Survey is a Government’s effort to monitor progress towards key goals like the Millennium Development Goals.

However, experts admit that progress has come more slowly in many areas, such as in women’s literacy, vaccination coverage, early childbearing and gender parity in education. There are findings of concern in the area of child protection, such as in the prevalence of child labour in Afghanistan, low school attendance among orphans, and high rates of violence against children, including severe physical punishment used for discipline.

According to survey, much more needs to be done to support the health and wellbeing of Afghan women and children in order to meet the Afghanistan’s MDGs on time. Careful analysis of the data found in the survey would  help the planners in more targeted interventions to remove disparity in the society.