jun15 25

2015

June 25

CM mourns Sister Nirmala’s demise

ITANAGAR, Jun 24: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has expressed grief over the demise of Sister Nirmala, Superior General of Missionaries of Charity, at Kolkata yesterday and extended his heartfelt condolences on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

In a message to the Missionaries of Charity today, Tuki said that Sister Nirmala, following on the footsteps of Mother Teresa, took the solemn vow to serve mankind and dedicated a lifetime of selfless service to the cause of the downtrodden and underprivileged.

“She pursued with determination and relentless courage the legacy of Mother after taking over as Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity and serving in that capacity for twelve long years”, Tuki said.

Extending his unstinted support to the Missionaries of Charity and praying for eternal peace of the pious soul, the Chief Minister added, “The story of Sister Nirmala’s life will continue to inspire us and remind us of our obligations to our fellow beings in this world and the need to imbibe her values for greater emancipation of the human race in all times”.

CoSAAP calls on CS on pay anomaly

ITANAGAR, Jun 24: A five-member team of Confederation of Service Association of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) lead by its President Pate Marik today called on Chief Secretary cum Chairman of High Level Standing Committee (HLSC) and apprised him of the grievances of employees of various departments due to pay anomaly.

After a patient hearing and discussion, the Chief Secretary, who also is the Development Commissioner (Finance) has assured the CoSAAP team to consider the genuine cases in the next HLSC meeting which has been examined by AR & Finance departments respectively.

The Chief Secretary also hinted at constituting a Permanent Pay Anomaly Committee to look into such cases in a perspective and time bound manner which the CoSAAP has appreciated.

CoSAAP appealed to the concern A.R & FD departments to examine the cases which have not yet been examined so that the anomalies do not persist in the next 7th Pay Commission.

NGO concerned over ‘hideous’ issues involving TAH

ITANAGAR, Jun 24: The Committee for Siang Basin Dialogue (CSDB) has expressed grave concern over some hideous issues involving construction of Trans Arunachal Highway (TAH) at Siang district like compensation, shifting of work execution to MoRTH from APPWD, the project under the local contractors, unregulated dumping, destruction of tress (forest) downstream of highway etc.

The NGO alleged that the GoI/GoAP has granted permission for destruction of vast forest areas and lands which could have been in future useful for horticultural avenues.

“The compensation is only for agro-horticultural avenues and the forest product is excluded in the compensation table,” it said.

“As per reliable sources, the Highway alignment is again under survey whereas the sanction of TAH was based on the Detail Project Report worked by PWD (Highway)”, the NGO said. It also questioned regarding grant of compensation amount of Rs Rs.4,65,70000 out of Rs. 6,15,00000 and delay in payment of compensation to the affected people.

The NGO, however, urged the executing agencies to expedite the TAH construction work at the earliest.

Traffic advisory

ITANAGAR, Jun 24: Road communication between Itanagar and Naharlagun remained disrupted for the fourth day today following washing away of a culvert near Him petrol pump, Papu Nallah.

Light passenger vehicles and two wheelers traveling from Itanagar to Naharlagun and vice versa have been diverted through Jully road until the restoration work of the culvert is completed, informed City SP Seju P Kuruvilla.

Movement of all types of heavy, medium and goods vehicles on Jully road have been prohibited during day time from 8 am to 8 pm. Movement of these vehicles will be allowed on Jully road between 8 pm and 8 am only, the SP said. Further, all vehicular and pedestrian movement through the dangerously posed Karsingsa block point on national highway have been prohibited. Travelers are advised to use Gumto-Harmuty route until the restoration work is completed, the SP added.

TACS felicitates meritorious students, achiever

ITANAGAR, Jun 24: Tadar Abu Charitable Society (TACS) has felicitated eight meritorious students belonging to the society, who excelled in Class X and XII examinations, at a function organized at Naharlagun on June 21. The Society also felicitated Tadar Meena on her promotion as Joint Secretary, State Legislative Assembly.

The society wished all the best and bright future to the students. TACS’s founding Chairman Tadar Mangku and Secretary Tadar Kama also attended the function and motivated the students to focus on their studies for a bright future.

All the members of Abu Tadar family and well wishers attended the function.

Advocacy meeting held

ITANAGAR, Jun 24: The Indo Global Social Service Society (SMILE) conducted an advocacy/ linkages/ networking meeting with government departments at Nyikum Lapang here today.

Speaking on the occasion, Young Mission Adventure Club chairperson Yongjum Yonglam stressed the need to encourage youths to become experts in a particular field to help them become self-reliant. He also suggested the youths to remain in contact with various stakeholders who can provide them with the required support and guidance. While briefing about his organization, ‘Young Mission Adventure Club’ which specializes in adventure activities like; mountaineering, rock climbing, para-gliding, Yonglam further advised the youths to keep away from drugs to become successful in life.

Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan’s Dilwar Hussain also attended the meeting as a resource person.

Vermi-composing: a means of soil fertility management

ITANAGAR, Jun 24: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Basar, West Siang conducted a training programme on vermi-composting as a means for maintaining soil health and fertility at Regi village.

The KVK team led by Programme Coordinator in-charge Dr K Suraj Singh explained procedures of laying HDPE Vermi bed and different processes for successful production in details. He stressed the importance of vermi-compost for sustainable production of crops with the application of vermin-compost. He suggested the participants for taking up vermi-composting as a means of income generation and assured them of further technical guidance as and when required. A hands on demonstration was conducted by releasing earthworm in the vermin bed.

The participants were of the view that establishment of a vermi-composting unit will be a good step for sustainable soil fertility management for enhanced production and productivity of crops.

Social service conducted

ITANAGAR, Jun 24: The All Lorr Bath Youth Association (ALBYA) organised a social service at Govt Middle School, Lorputung today. During the daylong drive, the association teachers and students of the school cleaned the premises of the school and whitewashed the school building.

Church celebrates silver jubilee

PASIGHAT, Jun 24: Hundreds of believers took part in the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Balek Baptist Church with religious fervour here today.

The celebrations themed ‘For freedom that Christ has set us free, Gal:5:1’, began with the unveiling of the silver jubilee monument by Adi Baptist Council (ABC) residential missionary Rev. N Nyamo Kikon in presence of ABCA senior executive secretary Rev. Tasing Taloh, MLA Kaling Moyong and Pasighat ZPC.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Moyong called upon the Christian community to become torch bearers of the society and work towards upliftment of the younger generation. Pastor Obang Jamoh and Church Secretary Taying Komut and Pasighat ZPC also spoke on the occasion.

Later, colorful cultural shows were organised by the ABC youths to mark the occasion.

DRDA association writes to CM

ITANAGAR, Jun 24: The All India DRDA Staff Welfare Association state unit has demanded that all the existing DRDAs and their employees be absorbed with the establishment of Zilla Parishad under Panchayati Raj Department. It wrote to the Chief Minister in this regard.

It stated that if it is delayed furthermore the association would resort to democratic movement.

It is worth mentioning here that as decided by the ministry of rural development, GoI, a minute of meeting was held at the chief secretary’s office chamber last year wherein it was decided that DRDA employees would be merged with the establishment of Zilla Parishad under Panchayati Raj department and a note would be placed before the cabinet for approval.

ANYA demands re-tendering

ITANAGAR, Jun 24: All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) demanded the NEEPCO authority in Yazali to immediately cancel the NIT (No. 04/2014-15 Dated 10/02/2015, Yazali) conducted earlier for “disposal of steel scrap from the central store of Ranganadi HE Plant” and conduct fresh tender for the same work.

ANYA in a release alleged that the tendering authority did not follow the guidelines of CPWD Work Manual while conducting the tender for the above mentioned work, thereby completely violating the prescribed norms.

It said that a representation in this regard was submitted to the tendering authority on June 12 for immediate cancellation of the agreement for the said work and conduction of a fresh tender for the same work. But the tendering authority did respond to the demands of the association, the release said.

Again on June 17, a delegation of ANYA met the NEEPCO authority and requested for re-tendering of the same by making some necessary correction/rectification in the NIT. But this time too, the authority remained adamant and stick to their earlier ‘illegal’ decision, the release said.

The association asked the tendering authority of NEEPCO to fulfill its demands before June 26, otherwise, the association will have no other options but to launch democratic means of protest, including bandh call, for fulfillment of the demand, the release added.

NEEPCO takes up road restoration work at Upper Siang

YINGKIONG, Jun 24: The North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) with help of a local social worker has started road restoration work near Komkar, about 24 km from Yingkiong, the district headquarters of Upper Siang.

Road communication to Yingkiong from Geku and Katan area remained cut off since June 19 due to blockage near Komkar caused by massive landslides.

Local social worker Onyok Tekseng has provided his two earth movers for clearing the blockade and debris along a 300m stretch on the road.

The restoration work is expected to complete within a week. DIPRO

Micro hydel project at Patuk restored

KOLORIANG, Jun 24: The Mini-Micro Hydel at Patuk under Parsi Parlo circle which was damaged due to incessant rains has been repaired recently and started generating power. The micro hydel project supplies electricity to nearby villages and Patuk ADC headquarters.

The cost of maintenance was provided by the local MLA from his MLALAD. DIPRO

Society request posting of teachers

ITANAGAR, Jun 24: The Ramle Banggo Welfare Society has requested posting of teachers in the Ramle Banggo area claiming that various schools of the area are facing acute shortage of teachers.

It wrote a letter to the Director of School Education in this regard.

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---- Editorial ----

Welcome move

The recent signing of motor vehicles pact with Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal by government of India is a landmark step. The pact will change the dynamics of south-east Asia in years to come. Once implemented, under this agreement seamless transit of passenger and cargo vehicles will take place. The agreement was signed on 15th of this month by the Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari with his Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepalese counterparts in a meeting at Thimpu, Bhutan.

The agreement will not only reduce transport costs but also foster development of multi-modal transport and transit facilities. The move will also enable increased connectivity and promotion of greater trade between the four countries. As per the agreement, the four SAARC countries will carry out a six-month work plan from July for the implementation of the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement. Government of India should explore possibilities of similar agreement with China, Myanmar and Thailand. Arunachal which shares international boundary with China and Myanmar will get immense benefit from such pact.

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---- Readers Forum ----

Quality food and restaurants

Dear Editor,

The twin city of Itanagar and Naharlagun is growing at a considerably fast pace. From being a sleepy Administrative Capital City, it is ever expanding in all directions to accommodate the increasing number of citizens of the state as well as from other parts of India looking for opportunities and to avail the various facilities afforded. Among this leisure is an important part in the life of the people residing at Itanagar and Naharlagun, like everywhere else, to be able to enjoy life fully. Among the limited avenues for leisure available in this twin city, food in the form of restaurants mushrooming in every corner is one of the more common facilities available. I too tend to try out new places from time to time to satisfy as well as surprise my taste buds. However to my utter disappointment two very well known restaurants in Naharlagun, which I would not like to name this time served rotten food items, which I politely point out to them. But it is a surprise that if I could notice the foul smell after the food has been prepared with a variety of ingredient and fried with oil how can the person preparing it not have noticed the foul smell. These incidents have left my mind with a great deal of doubt regarding the quality of food being provided in the various restaurants. Along with it, the current controversy about Maggi and the report regarding the quality of street food in Delhi, eating out seems presents itself with grave danger. However as they say fortune favours the brave, I feel I have to be brave and continue to press forward looking for new food and restaurants. However I believe the restaurants should self regulate the quality of food provided to its customers which I believe is in their own interest. And maybe the Government should also, to a certain extent try to inspect the kitchen of the various licensees to ensure quality of food being prepared and served.

And I hope I don’t have to pay for rotten food next time. I wish the restaurant owner from Naharlagun are reading this and be more careful with their quality next time.

Yours

A.S.W.Zimik

A Food enthusiast

Itanagar

Wine shops and Arunachal

Dear Editor,

Its rather irritating to see so many wine shops cropping up in every nooks and corners in every part of arunachal Pradesh. I wonder why so called welfare societies and organisation do nothing regarding this. Addiction to alcohol is more common than addiction to narcotics as it is more easily available and as it is legalised. Also more than 80 percent crimes are done under influence of alcohol. Giving out more wine shop licence indicates that the government endorses alcohol intake by its citizen.

A whole young generation is being wasted and degenerated because of readily available beer cans and bottles which are so easy to carry unlike olden days. we talk so much about developing resources of Arunachal but the most important resource of all, that is human resource is getting overlooked in the process. Hope genuine organisation which does not covet for political mileage takes up this genuine issue. If Arunachal can’t be declared a dry state at least there should be limitation regarding numbers of wine shops and also and drinking age should be fixed.

Yours,

Paris T Angu, Aalo

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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

News Impact

Bailey bridge to be constructed at Papu Nallah

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jun 24: Road communication between Itanagar and Naharlagun remained disrupted for the fourth day today following washing away of a culvert near Him petrol pump, Papu Nallah.The department of Highway (PWD) is constructing a bailey bridge near Him Petrol Pump, Papu Nallah to tackle the current traffic congestion in the Capital Complex. This was informed by Highway Naharlagun Division EE Khoda Gyati this evening. The portion of the existing culvert which was washed away by the recent floods following the heavy rain has forced the authority to divert heavy vehicles via Jully road. The EE Highways further revealed that the bailey bridge would be used temporarily to mitigate traffic woes till the completion of a concrete culvert bridge at the site. Around three months will be taken to construct the new culvert bridge. The restoration works are in full swing after the culvert caved in.

APST introduces Sumo service at Gensi

ITANAGAR, Jun 24: In a bid to boost rural communication and transportation, Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Department has today introduced Tata Sumo service at Gensi in West Siang district. The service was flagged off by Parliamentary Secretary for State Transport Service Jomde Kena in presence of General Manager Abu Tayeng and Circle Officer T. Ronya, ZPM K. Nyigyor along with staffs. With this APST has now two Sumo services operating in Arunachal Pradesh, the other one being Roing to Anini, providing a cheaper rate than the Private Sumo services.

The Sumo service will connect Siberite circle 65 kms off Gensi. APST in a release stated that introduction of Sumo service at Gensi would bring huge relief to the public as the transport department provides cheaper means of public transport. Flagging off the service, Parliamentary Secretary cum local MLA Jomde Kena said that the Sumo service had remained a long-pending demand of the people at Gensi area. He appealed to the public to cooperate and help the state transport service to run it properly. Kena had assured to introduce Sumo service in 2014 soon after taking charge as the Parliamentary Secretary of the APST.

Terming the event a path-breaking one in providing transport to remote areas, APST General Manager Abu Tayeng divulged that APST is changing its policy and going for Sumos and smaller vehicles. In his representation, ZPM Gensi pleaded the APST to replace the old bus with a new one for the present Gensi-Likabali bus, a release added.

Meet on ISO certification at Capital DC’s office

ITANAGAR, Jun 24: Itanagar Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner Mige Kamki said that ISO (International Organization for Standardization) was necessary to improve the working efficiency for effective delivery of services and fast addressing of public grievances. He said this during a meeting for the process of getting ISO certified in his chamber with the representative of British Certifications Inc. Management Systems (BCIMS) Pvt. Ltd Bijan Singha, auditor, who is in charge of the North East region.

BCIMS is responsible for conducting the assessments and providing certification in accordance with the current issue of BCI Management Systems Certifications Scheme Regulation to Quality Management System. The Auditor would asses and submit a report to BCIMS based on which certification would be provided.

The DC asked the officers to cooperate and provide all kind of assistance required so that the office fulfils all the criteria for certification. He also urged all to adapt to such policy of transparency and accountability and maintain proper etiquette in dealing with the public.

He informed that the certification with the objective of the best official setup would be the first in the entire northeast region which would setup an example for others to follow.

Singha pointed out few drawbacks that he observed and suggested measures for improving them which would help the office become ISO complacent. Later, Singha visited every office under the DC Capital Complex and interacted with the officers to gather brief knowledge about the functioning of the office which would help him present the final report to the BCIMS.

Present in the meeting, among others, were EAC Tame Yajum, EAC M Padung Doke, CO Aying Perme, DIO T Kumar, LRSO TTitus, AMDO T Ekke and FO(DM) D Thinley. DIPRO

Over 200 benefitted from health camp

AALO, Jun 24: A total of 217 patients benefitted from a day-long free health camp being jointly organised under IMR reduction programme by the Health department in collaboration with the All Aalo Youth Welfare Association, a local NGO at Kombo-II (Tarsu Mobuk) village here on Saturday.

A team of medical officers led by West Siang DMO Dr. Marbom Basar attended to the patients and collected blood slides during the camp.

Addressing the villagers, Dr. Basar emphasised on the importance of health and hygiene, proper sanitation and gave useful tips on safe drinking water. ASHA facilitator Jombi Diyum also demonstrated hand washing techniques to the villagers.

Among others, Dr. Kengo Ori, Aalo DFWO Dr. Narang Yam, obstetrics and gynaecologist Dr. Gemmi Angu, pediatrician Dr. Gebi Loya, dental surgeon Yomto Lollen, ANM School principal Meena Koje, senior nurse Jomngam Padu, L/T DVBDCP Edo Ete and MO Dr. Iba Ado besides, HGBs and PRI members attended the camp. (DIPRO)

Meeting for streamlining of PDS held

ROING, Jun 24: The Quarterly District Level Vigilance and Monitoring cum Advisory Committee Meeting for review, streamlining and effective functioning of PDS activation in the district was held in the office chamber of Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner here today.

Chairing the meeting, DC Shiv Kumar, instructed to constitute a board with ADC Dambuk as chairman and CO Dambuk, Paglam and Sub Inspector, Food and Civil Supply Dambuk as members to make a detail enquiry into the non-receipt of PDS Rice from February 2014 to October 2014 as reported in some local dailies and to submit the report within 15 days. He further directed the District Food & Civil Supply Officer to write to the Director of Food and Civil Supply, GoAP for additional allocation of 250 quintals of Rice as monsoon stock for Dambuk Sub-Division saying that the present allocation of Rice to the whole district is very meager due to which only 18 kgs of Rice are given per ration card per month against the prescribed quantity of 35 kgs per ration card holder.

The house also resolved to write to the govt. for drawing of PDS Rice against Dambuk-Paglam from FCI Depot Pasighat instead of Roing FCI Depot as it has to be again carried back via Sadiya–Dholla Ghat during rainy season. The house cited that if the PDS Rice is drawn from Pasighat FCI Depot for Dambuk-Paglam, it will be more convenient for transportation and the rice can be transported even in rainy season from Pasighat.

The house also made it mandatory for the carriage contractor and the FPS Owner to produce challan at the time of arrival of PDS Rice and let it be verified by the respective administrative officers before distribution to the public. It was also resolved that the DF&CSO must give a copy of FPS wise monthly sub-allocation of Rice to the PRI Leaders too for monitoring. The house further resolved to write to the govt. to increase the Rice allocation to the district replacing Wheat allocation citing that there is almost no consumer for wheat.

The DC once again directed the Manager, FCI Depot Roing to submit monthly report of PDS Rice received and disbursed to the office of DC Roing. He further directed DF&CSO to furnish data of monthly allotment and FPS wise sub-allocation to all the PRI members for the last one year within three days. He also asked the Food and Civil Supply Department to conduct awareness drive of National Food Security Act circle wise in the district.

Earlier, Rabo Ratan, DF&CSO while furnishing the monthly allotment and FPS wise sub-allocation since February 2014 informed that all the FPS in the district has been allotted Rice every month and data reveals that carriage contractor has been sending PDS Rice every month to all the FPS including monsoon stock.

The DF&CSO further informed that the govt has extended the last date for opening of Ration Card under National Food Security Act – 2013 to July 31next and appealed all who have not applied yet to apply before the last date. Out of 53986 total targeted population in the district, only 29386 population has been covered as on date, he informed.

ZPC Sipi Elapra Linggi, SP Rajneesh Gupta and Anchal Chairpersons Raja Linggi, Rajen Mickrow and Maman Ratan, besides administrative officers and other members were present in the meeting. (DIPRO)

Union declares 12 hrs chakka bandh

KHONSA, Jun 24: The United Ranglamja Students’ Union (URSU) along with the district unit of the All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation has declared 12hrs chakka bandh in the district from June 26 next from (5 am to 5pm) to protest against the deplorable condition of the township roads.

While expressing concern over the poor road condition both the organizations further demanded blacklisting of M/S JKM company, which is currently engaged in constructing the Trans-Arunachal Highway between Khonsa-Longding and handing over construction work on the road to BRO, immediate construction of township road, permanent allotment of a parking lot besides, immediate construction of urinals at Khonsa public transport stand.

IB warns of possible terror attack on Rijiju

NEW DELHI, Jun 24: A possible terror attack could take place against Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, alerted Intelligence Bureau (IB) today.

As per the IB alerts, North-East militants are likely planning to carry out an attack on Rijiju.

After a possible threat assessment from the Intelligence Bureau, Rijiju's security has been enhanced. The minister is currently having Z-category security.

The development comes in the backdrop of Indian Army's operation to strike at hideouts of Northeast militants along the border with Myanmar.

The Indian Army operation was in retaliation to the June 4 ambush by Northeast militants in Manipur's Chandel district in which 18 soldiers of 6 Dogra Regiment were killed. (Agencies)

Modi Govt. attempting to destabilise Cong. ruled Govts in NE; Congress

NEW DELHI, Jun 24: Congress today alleged that the Modi government was attempting to destabilise the party's governments in the northeast with Union minister Kiren Rijiju "involved" in the exercise which is being "directly monitored" by BJP chief Amit Shah.

"It is a very very grave situation. MLAs are being threatened by terrorist outfits to switch over to the BJP thereby destabilising the governments... Home Ministry is involved. Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju is involved," party General Secretary V Narainsamy told reporters.

Addressing the AICC briefing along with senior spokesman Ajay Maken, he alleged that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was talking of high moral values and cooperative federalism on the one hand, on the other "Amit Shah is indulging in disturbing duly-elected Congress governments in the northeast".

There are nine states ruled by the Congress including five in the northeast - Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and Meghalaya. PTI

PM to launch 3 mega schemes for transforming urban India

New Delhi, Jun 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set tomorrow to launch three mega flagship schemes aimed at transforming urban India, including the much talked about Smart Cities proposal, with a whopping Rs 4 lakh crore kitty having been lined up for the projects.

Modi will release implementation guidelines for three projects -- 100 Smart Cities, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) for 500 cities and Housing-For-All by 2022 in urban areas.

He will also unveil the logo of the housing mission, which has his personal touch in the finalisation of its design.

The operational guidelines for each of the three projects -- which lay the ground rules and framework for implementation -- were formulated after extensive, almost year-long consultations with states, Union Territories and urban local bodies.

The Prime Minister has been involved in the formulation of the three mega urban initiatives involving a central grant of about Rs 4 lakh crore.

He was given regular presentations by the Urban Development and Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation ministries and would issue instructions for making them more workable, said sources in the UD Ministry.

While the Smart City and AMRUT projects will draw Rs 48,000 crore and Rs 50,000 crore, respectively, in central grants over five years, Housing-for-All by 2022 will see the government spend about Rs 3 lakh crore in the next seven years as it aims to construct 2 crore affordable houses in urban areas for slum dwellers and people from economically-weaker sections and low income groups.

Under the housing scheme, interest subsidy of 6.5 per cent on housing loans with tenure up to 15 years will be provided to EWS and low income groups, giving them a benefit of about Rs 2.3 lakh each.

Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said the three projects will herald a new urban era. "The journey for team India begins tomorrow," he said.

States and local bodies will play a key role in the execution of these schemes, the minister said, adding that there will also be a lot of scope for private participation. "Effective management of growing urbanisation is a major challenge towards the making of resurgent India. Resource management is a major challenge and our government sees an opportunity in this," he told reporters here.

The Smart City project seeks to enhance quality of life in 100 selected cities with 24 hour water and power supply, world class transportation system, better education and recreational facilities, e-governance and environment-friendly atmosphere, among others. The Smart City project will be based on PPP model, Naidu said.

AMRUT seeks to ensure basic infrastructure for 500 cities with a population of above one lakh. Ensuring water supply to each household, sewer connections, sanitation and solid waste management, provision for roads and public transportation beside implementation of reforms in urban governance would be the focus under the scheme.

Naidu said that AMRUT cities are tomorrow's Smart Cities.

He also said that the simultaneous launch of three missions reflects the government's integrated approach towards urban transformation.

While urban population is set to rise by more than 400 million people to touch 814 million by 2050, India faces a mass urbanisation challenge even as many of its biggest cities are already bursting at the seams.

The government, through these schemes, is looking to bring about a transformation of urban India with the critical goal of making the country an economic hub.

The unveiling of the criteria and guidelines for the three schemes by Modi tomorrow will be followed by a two-day workshop in which over 1,000 mayors, municipal heads, state ministers and chief secretaries will take part.

Representatives of embassies, which have shown an interest about their countries' participation in these projects, will also take part in the workshop, Naidu said. PTI

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