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2017

June 03

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Bamboo resources wasted in Arunachal: Pradhan

Every household to get LPG connection by 2019

NEW DELHI, Jun 2: Stating that 70 to 80% of bamboo resources in Arunachal Pradesh go to waste, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan assured support to tap the huge bamboo resources in the state.

The assurance came when Chief Minister Pema Khandu and MoS for Home Kiren Rijiju made a courtesy call on Pradhan Thursday evening.

The Union Minister informed that only 5% of bamboo resources of the state are used for paper production, while another 5% goes in manufacturing of furniture and other building materials.

He said that there is a high need to tap the abundant bamboo resources in a big way, which can change the economy of the rural masses.

It is pertinent to mention that the State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL), Assam for sourcing three lakh tons of bamboo per year from the state. It will soon process biofuel from bamboo abundantly found in the state.

He, however, suggested for establishing robust system for procurement of bamboo from the source to prevent seeping in of third party or middlemen.

The Union Minister informed that the ministry has come out with a Vision 2020 Document that includes an intense roadmap for the North East in oil and natural gas exploration, extension of production, distribution, research, etc. He requested both Khandu and Rijiju to go through the document and plan accordingly.

He proposed to hold a high level meeting in Arunachal Pradesh to harvest petroleum and natural gas resources and to augment revenue and employment generation in the state. Pradhan hinted at visiting the state in July next.

The Union Minister said every household in Arunachal Pradesh will be connected by LPG by the end of 2019 under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna (PMUY).

He requested the Chief Minister and MoS Home to launch the scheme in the state.

The Union Minister also discussed CSR activities of oil and natural gas PSUs in Arunachal Pradesh. To the request of the Chief Minister to extend and enhance CSR role in the state, he assured to check the present status and direct oil PSUs to do the needful.

Assembly Speaker Thongdok calls for strong ties between Assam and Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Jun 2: Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Tenzing Norbu Thongdok today called for cementing the age-old cultural ties between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh so that peaceful co-existence prevails among the people of both neighbouring states, especially those residing along inter-state boundary areas.

Attending the 5th Lummer Dai Award function here at Banquet Hall jointly organized by Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society and Assam Sahitya Sabha coinciding with the centenary celebration of the Sabha, Thongdok said, "I believe Assam Sahitya Sabha and Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society would bring better understanding and much better relations between both the states through their socio-cultural activities."

Describing Assam a 'Big Brother', the Speaker said, "Arunachal can't go ahead, can't develop until and unless Assam develops. We, Arunachalees, are equally concerned for development of Assam. Assam has to develop for Arunachal to follow suit," he said.

Further citing the inter-state ramifications concerning any big projects in the two states - be it industries, bridges, roads or hydropower project, the Speaker said, "We must have better understanding, better cooperation to stride on the path to development."

Hailing ASS for its wonderful contribution in the field of language and literature, Thongdok, meanwhile, appealed both the apex literary bodies of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to take the lead role towards translating the books on Assam-Arunachal cultural ties penned by prolific writers from both states,

into English language so as to propagate them to wider masses across the globe. In this regard, he vowed all-possible support, if looked-for, from his side as well as State Government's end towards materializing this 'mission'.

Earlier, Assam Sahitya Sabha vice president Prahlad Chandra Tasa flanked by APLS president Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi and the Arunachal Speaker handed over the Lummer Dai Bota to noted author, novelist and critic Dr Tilottoma Misra, retired professor of English, Dibrugarh University.

Instituted by the Assam Sahitya Sabha in 2009 in memory of 'Sahitya Surya' Lummer Dai, the prestigious award carries a citation, a plaque and a cash reward of Rs 25,000. Previous recipients of the award are: Swarna Bora (2009), Basanta Das (2011), Kengsam Kenglang (2013, posthumously) and Dilip Bora (2015).

In her acceptance speech, Dr Tilottoma Misra thanked the Sabha for choosing her for the prestigious award and conferring the same on her in the hometown of late novelist Lummer Dai.

Describing late Dai and Y D Thongchi as "twice-born" writers, she said both engaged in 'tragedy' writing as their literary creations (in Assamese language), though widely accepted in nook and corners of Assam were no longer understood by the people of their own state. She further described both of them as 'renaissance' writers for enriching the Assamese literature through their creative writings and called upon the young generation to carry forward their legacy

Dr Misra added, the foundation built by late Dai and Thongchi need to be emboldened with the translation of their literary creations into different languages, including English language, adding, that will be a real tribute to their hard work.

Padmashree awardee and recipient of 2nd Luminous LummerDai Award, Mamang Dai said the foundation of Assam-Arunachal relationships was quite strong and unbreakable but then it needs to be reinforced given the inter-state boundary row that comes to forefront time and again. We, as writers from both sides, need to look forward beyond the borders and put our sincere efforts towards bolstering the age-old ties between the two states, she added.

Among others, APLS president Thongchi and general secretary Batem Pertin, ASS vice president Prahlad Chandra Tasa, general secretary Dr Paramananda Rajbongshi and convenor Jadav Sharma also spoke on the occasion.

Lummer Dai's better half and editor of Echo of Arunachal, Nanni Dai and her son Mibom Dai was also present at the award function. Besides the APLS members, a large number of delegates from Assam including artists took part in the function.

Water supply disrupted

ITANAGAR, Jun 2: Water supply to Itanagar and its adjacent areas has been disrupted following a breach in the main pipeline connecting Poma water treatment plant near Poma village this morning.

Restoration work could take two to three days,the PHE department said, and appealed to the consumers to bear with the inconveniences caused to them.

Fire guts Govt. quarters in Nirjuli

ITANAGAR, Jun 2: Four SPT Type-II Government residential quarters at P Sector, Nirjuli were devastated in a fire that broke out in the wee hours of June 2.

All the household properties of the occupants, namely Tarh Nyakum, Gyamar Paro, Tadar Robin and Yowa Tabo were also destroyed in the fire, informed Nirjuli Market Welfare Committee (NMWC).

The committee alleged late arrival of fire tender from Naharlagun.

It said the extent of the damage could have been reduced had fire tender reached the spot quickly.

The market welfare committee and Deputy Chief Councilor of IMC Tarh Nachung strongly urged the state government for a fire tender at Nirjuli Police Station to fight any kind of future fire accident within the area.

Parliamentary Secretary cum Local MLA Techi Kaso and Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner Prince Dhawan visited the site of fire mishap at Nirjuli to assess the fire damages.

It is said that four families have been affected by the fire mishap. The cause of accident is under investigation.

Local MLA donated some amount as immediate relief to affected families, while DC Capital assured to provide relief materials after assessing ground reports and necessary formalities

Centre assures support for robust telecom connectivity in Arunachal

NEW DELHI, Jun 2: Union Minister of State for Communications (Independent), Manoj Sinha assured the Arunachal Pradesh Govt of his full support for a robust telecom connectivity in state informing that the central government has set the target of connecting over 2.5 lakh gram panchayats under the Bharat Netproject with the aim to provide 2-20 Mbps bandwidth to individual houses. The assurance came when Chief Minister Pema Khandu called on the Union Minister here on Friday.

Informing on steps being taken for improving mobile connectivity in Arunachal, the Union Minister said that BSNL will roll out 1893 mobile towers to provide 2G internet service and seamless mobile coverage across the state.

Earlier, Pema informed the Union Minister that the state government is emphasising on e-Governance and m-Governance, while apprising on the need for a robust backbone of Optical Fibre Connectivity (OFC) augmented with Microwave towers and VSATs. He said the urgency of having a good OFC network was necessitated for the GST to be implemented in the state. The existing IT network is not fully reliable, Pema said.

The Chief Minister further informed that 114 locations have been identified on priority with BSNL's Broadband, Internet Leased Line or VSAT for successful implementation of GST. However, 61 locations have neither BB nor ILL exchange nearby the towns and the remaining locations will also need augmentation, he added.

Further, the Chief Minister requested for adequate manpower for RailTel, which is required in at least two per district, to monitor project work in every district.

Several villages affected in first wave of flood in Diyun

DIYUN, Jun 2: Several villages under Diyun Circle in Changlang district were affected by the first wave of flood caused by overflowing Noa Dihing River due to incessant rains.

The flood breached the embankment constructed by the local people recently sweeping away two houses in Dumpani village and submerging the Buddhist temple and the primary school, informed Arunachal Pradesh Chakma Students' Union (APCSU).

The Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) of Diyun Sabadam Tayang on Friday inspected the flood affected villages to take stock of the situation.

He appealed to all to remain alert and to take precautionary measures to deal with any emergency situation, including for rescue operation.

According to the union, the EAC has sent messages to the state government informing the current situation.

It informed that more than 200 people, who were rendered homeless in flood in April last year, are still living in temporary relief camps.

Verify authenticity of institutes: Directorate

ITANAGAR, Jun 2: Directorate of Higher & Technical Education, Itanagar has advised all stakeholders especially, students and their parents to verify the authenticity of universities/institutions before taking admission through the official websites of the statutory bodies which recognize/affiliate such institutions.

In a press statement on Friday, the Director, Dr. T Talom said that a number of students are taking admission in various institutions/universities within the country and abroad for pursuing higher studies in different fields, some of which are not recognized by appropriate statutory bodies notified for the purpose by central government.

'Such universities/institutions lure innocent students by issuing misleading advertisements in the various newspapers citing recognition/affiliations of some statutory bodies which may not be always correct, said Dr. Talom and cautioned against taking admission or pursuing studies in such universities/institutions as the degrees awarded by them may not be officially recognized.

Indian Human Microbiome Project launched in North East

ITANAGAR, Jun 2: Indian Human Microbiome Project has been launched in North East.

While launching the project, Prof. Dinabandhu Sahoo, Director of Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), a National Institute of Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of India, said, "With the increasing human population and urbanization as well as changing lifestyle and food habits, the people across the world are facing new challenges in terms of their health and new types of diseases. This will be a major global burden in terms of loss of productivity and increasing health costs in the coming years."

He said researchers and big companies around the world are looking for new drugs and pharmaceuticals to cure various diseases, investing billions of dollars.

"It has been found that the micro-organisms, mainly bacteria, which are present in our body can be very good sources of new drugs which can cure several kinds of diseases," said Prof Sahoo.

The human body is inhabited by 10 times more micro-organisms (mainly bacteria) than the total number of cells present in our own body. These microbes contribute 360 times more genes than humans' own genes, which play a key role in human physiology and development. The trillions of microbes in and on our body contribute for many aspects of our health, from digesting different foods and making essential vitamins and also help in boosting our immune system and protect us from different pathogens, said Sahoo.

Realising the importance of these micro-organisms, United States of America launched 'The Human Microbiome Project' (HMP) at a cost of $215 million.

A similar project was also launched in Europe. These efforts led to a strong foundation to understand the impact of the human microbiome on human health and disease which range from neonatal health, gastrointestinal disorders, Rheumatoid arthritis, diseases associated with skin, lung, liver, urogenital tract, neurological disorders, cancer to lifestyle associated diseases like obesity, diabetes, etc.

"India is a country with different ethnic groups living in different agro-climatic zones with different food habits and cultural practices. This puts India in a unique position for the mapping of the human microbiome. The mapping and understanding of the human microbiome in India, particularly, in North East India, which has over 220 ethnic groups living in very diverse topographies having diverse food habits, will have tremendous applications in understanding how micro-organisms affect human health and disease."

"The launching of the Indian Human Microbiome Project is likely to provide fertile grounds for discovery of new drugs, pharmaceuticals besides leading to a new understanding of the mutual relationship between humans and the associated micro-organisms," said Sahoo.

Dr Shekhar C Mande, Director, National Centre for Cell Sciences (NCCS), Pune, which is also a National Institute of Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India, is quite excited about the collaborative project with IBSD, which, according to him, will unravel new scientific information on various aspects of North East.

Dr. Yogesh S. Shouche, Senior Micorbiologist, NCCS Pune and Dr. Kanury V. S. Rao, Head, Drug Discovery Research Centre (DDRC), Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, which is also a National Institute of DBT, Govt of India, were the other dignitaries present in the launching program.

Former CHF, Pasighat student cracks Civil Services Exam

Reporter

PASIGHAT, Jun 2: Henuka Rai, a former student of College of Horticulture & Forestry, Pasighat has cleared the prestigious Civil Service Examination-2016 conducted by UPSC. Her national ranking is 931.

She did BSc from College of Horticulture and Forestry, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh and completed her master degree from the same institution in Floriculture and Landscaping. She has bagged gold medal in both graduation and post graduation.

Meanwhile, Dr. AK Pandey, Dean of CHF, Pasighat congratulated and wished her a bright future.

Lohit ATMA chalks out action plan

TEZU, Jun 2: The Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) in Lohit reviewed activities and chalked out strategic action plan in its second governing body (GB) meeting held in the DC's conference hall here on Friday.

Deputy Commissioner cum Chairman of ATMA governing body, Danish Ashraf, while presiding over the meeting,expressed his concern over the large number of opium cultivators and addicts in the district. He stressed on the need to focus on the opium farmers.

Showing interest on the constitution of working groups at district level by ATMA managing committee, at block level by block technology team (BTT) and at village level by farmer's friend (FF) for implementation of ATMA activities, he said that,if executed well, ATMA activities can become a very effective instrument for opium free campaign of the district.

He further urged the ATMA team to cooperate with the District Administration in order to eradicate the opium menace.

Earlier, DDA cum PD ATMA, A. Pao enlightened the members about the aims and objective of the programme. This was followed by a brief power-point presentation by A. Gamre, ADO who reviewed the ATMA activities.

After thorough discussion and suggestions from all the governing body members, a resolution to give focus on opium affected farmers was passed unanimously for the current year.

The meeting was attended, among others, by all the GB ATMA members including DDA, DHO, DVO, ZPC and representatives of NGOs. (DIPRO)

Awareness campaign on GST held

PASIGHAT, Jun 2: A day-long awareness campaign on Goods and Service Tax (GST) for various stakeholders was organized jointly by the Commissionerate of Central Excise and Service Tax(CE & ST), Guwahati and department of Tax & Excise, Arunachal Govt, here on Friday.

Addressing the participants as resource person, Pasighat ADC Taddo Borang said that GST aims at bringing more transparency and simplifying the procedures in tax payment. He urged upon them to acquaint themselves with the procedures, which will help in migration to the new tax regime.

Earlier, Assistant Commissioner from Commissionerate of Central Excise & Service (CE & ST), Jitesh Kr. Jain, said that GST Mobile app and helpline will help clear various queries and concerns of stakeholders. He also informed about various users-friendly features saying that doing away with multiple taxations will simplify the tax process under GST. With less human interference, technology driven GST will promote transparency, he added.

Giving an overview of the various means of tax payment, Superintendent, CE & ST, Tezpur, SS Joshi, said that GST aims at simplification of tax system. He further said that consumer states like Arunachal Pradesh will highly be benefitted with implementation of GST.

Superintendent of Tax & Excise, Kingman Komut also called upon the business community and all financial institutions to avail window period of June 1 to 15 for migration of existing tax payers to GST. For further queries anyone can visit the Tax office during working hours, Komut added.

North Lakhimpur Range CE & ST Inspector, Deepak Mili also spoke on the occasion.

Besides the Tax & Excise officers, representatives from financial institutions like LIC and business community attended the campaign. DIPRO

LMCA team conducts checking drive

ITANAGAR, Jun 2: The mobile team of Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs (LMCA) led by its controller Hoktum Ori carried out a checking drive to check malpractices by shopkeepers and traders in Nirjuli, Naharlagun and Doimukh on Friday and found several irregularities.

The team found 11 irregularities, like smearing or smudging on labels of packaged commodities, non-declaration of Maximum Retail Price (MRP), imported commodities, including chutney packets. The items were seized by the team.

The team also inspected various petrol depots and checked petrol and diesel dispensers.

Importantly, Parliamentary Secretary (LMCA) Laisam Simai accompanied the team and monitored the entire checking drive.

He asked the Department to conduct such inspection in regular intervals throughout the State to check unfair trade practices as well as protect the consumers’ interest.

US military searches for missing WW-II personnel in Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Jun 2: A team from the US defence department has carried out a search operation in Arunachal Pradesh to look for American military personnel who went missing during World War II.

The US Department of Defence's Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency (DPAA) conducted field activities in Arunachal Pradesh from November 1 to December 14 last year in search of US personnel who went missing in World War II, mostly as a result of air crashes.

"The DPAA team recovered evidence that was subsequently examined by a Joint Forensic Review Committee comprising both DPAA and Anthropological Survey of India members," the US Embassy said in a release here.

On December 7, the committee had recommended that the remains and material evidence recovered be transported to a DPAA laboratory for further analysis.

"In June 2017, DPAA personnel will escort the evidence from Kolkata to the US laboratory in Honolulu, Hawaii, for analysis," said the release.

Anshu’s Everest summit record unique: CM

NEW DELHI, Jun 2: Chief Minister Pema Khandu said climber Anshu Jamsenpa's Mount Everest summit record was rare.

"You have brought a good name to our state and made it popular worldwide. The feat you have achieved is unique," Pema said when Jamsenpa called on him in New Delhi on Friday.

Jamsenpa set the world record becoming the first woman climber to reach the top of Mt Everest twice within five days. She is also the first Indian woman to reach the top of Mt Everest for the fifth time.

While congratulating Anshu for her rare feat, Pema offered to extend all possible from the state government to promote mountaineers from the state.

Anshu was accompanied by her husband and president of All Arunachal Pradesh Mountaineering and Adventure Sports Association, Tsering Wangey and editor of a national Hindi daily, DK Chauhan.

DC urges young & left out voters to get themselves registered

ITANAGAR, Jun 2: Targeting special focus on enrolment of eligible young electors particularly in the age group of 18-19 years extendable to 21 years an IEC special drive was initiated on Thursday at Hayuliang under Anjaw District. In an information generation meeting, the District Election Officer Mamata Riba called upon the young coming of age and left out voters to avail special drive scheduled from July1 onwards to get themselves register as voters. She also called upon the political parties to update status of Booth level Agents so that the special drive goes of smoothly.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Hayuliang cum ERO Kego Jillen informed that beside existing modes of submission of Form-6 there will be Door to Door visit of BLO's access through mobile app service and NCCS can also be availed.

Meanwhile the District Contact Centre has been setup at Hayuliang and Hawai so that logistic problem faced because of location of ERO's Office at Hayuliang and DEO's Office at Hawai does not hinder the process of disseminating information and redressing grievances.

Objection to PADC's demand not bereft of any reason: AAPSU

ITANAGAR, Jun 2: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU), in a release said its opposition to the demand of Patkai Autonomous District Council (PADC) to grant ADCfor Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution was not bereft of any reason.

Stating that the Article 371 (A) is a special provision granted to the State of Nagaland as a partial fulfillment of the 1960 agreement that created the state in 1963, AAPSU expressed dismay at the demand made by the PADC for an ADC in line with the Nagaland Statehood Bill.

It is a serious matter which needs to ponder upon and cannot be just wished away, AAPSU said.

"Clause (a) of the Article 371 (A) states, "No Act of Parliament in respect of religious or social practices of the Nagas (sub-clause-i), Naga customary law and procedure (sub-clause-ii),administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law (sub-clause-iii) and ownership and transfer of land and its resources (sub-clause-iv) shall apply to the state of Nagaland unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland by a resolution so decides, AAPSU said.

The Act of Parliament in Article 371 (A) is solely for the state of Nagaland and the demand made by PADC to grant ADC covering the three districts under the Act undermining the spirit of one Arunachal Pradesh smacks political instigation and hidden agenda of some certain people with vested interest," the apex students' body of the state opined.

"AAPSU does not hold any grudge towards the genuine demand for an Autonomous District Council as envisioned by people of Tirap-Changlang-Longding (TCL) under the Sixth Schedule without aligning with Statehood Bill of another state'; but AAPSU will continue to oppose the demand tooth and nail till PADC is sticking to its demand to grant ADC under Article 371(A) of the Constitution," the release added.

Complete students Aadhar enrolment soon: DDSE

ITANAGAR, Jun 2: Papum Pare Deputy Director School Education (DDSE), ST Zara has directed all concern officials to complete the process of Aadhar card enrolment of students within the time frame given by the government. He also directed them to engage NGOs, if necessary to complete the students'Aadhar cards enrolment process by appointing a BEO, BRCC and CRCC as nodal officers.

He was addressing the district-level coordination meeting of education department at his office chamber at Yupia on Friday last. Zara also stressed upon timely submission of data of Mid-Day-Meal, SSA and RMSA to the government as when sought and directed the reopening of all schools in the district as per the Directorate of Academic Calendars. He further directed the BEOs, BRCC and CRCC to keep strict vigil and submit a report to the DDSE, Yupia if any school fails to comply with the order.

State BJP starts Modi-fest celebration

ITANAGAR, Jun 2: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Arunachal Pradesh has launched celebration of Modi-Fest marking three year's completion of Modi Government at the Centre at Indira Gandhi Park here on Friday.

The programe was inaugurated by Water Resource Development Minister, Kamlung Mossang and Parliamentary Secretary Techi Kaso in presence of IMC Chief Councilor, Kipa Kaku and state BJP President Tapir Gao.

The celebration of Modi-Fest aims to highlight deliverances of major welfare schemes launched in last three years of Modi led NDA government and its achievements and impact on common people.

Assam Governor visits Namsai & Lohit districts

NAMSAI, Jun 2: The Governor of Assam Banwarilal Purohit concluded his two days tour to Namsai and Lohit district on Thursday evening. He reached Namsai on Wednesday last and visited places like Bramhakund, Kongmu Kham (Golden Pagoda), Tengapani to offer floral tribute and prayer to the statue of Lord Buddha. Interacting with the monks of the monastery, Governor expressed his immense pleasure over the sanctity and cleanliness of the Pagoda.

He expressed his willingness to revisit the site in the days to come. Earlier, on arrival to Namsai district the Governor was received by Deputy Commissioner, R. Sharma and his team of district officials. Parliamentary Secretary, Planning, Personnel, AR& Training, Chau Zingnu Namchoom was also present on the occasion.

India lost third journalist to assailants this year

GUWAHATI, Jun 2: Journalists' Forum Assam (JFA) expressed shock and serious concern over the murder of three journalists in five months in the country and reiterated its old demand for a comprehensive national action plan to safeguard the scribes and ensure justice to the victims.

The third case of assassination of journalists has been reported from Madhya Pradesh, where Kamlesh Jain was shot dead in his office at Pipliyamandi locality of Mandsaur district on the evening of May 31.

Kamlesh, 42, was rushed to a nearby hospital, where the attending doctors declared him brought dead.

According to the police on duty, two miscreants entered into Kamlesh's office and one of them shot him. The police have reportedly detained two individuals suspecting their role in the crime.

Engaged with an Indore-based Hindi daily, the journalist exposed few local people involved in illegal liquor trade with a number roadside Dhabas (restaurant) and he even invited threats from them few days back with dire consequences.

"Kamlesh Jain is the third scribe victim this year till date after Hari Prakash and Brajesh Kumar Singh. They pursued critical & courageous journalism and paid heavy prices. Now the question is, how many journalists have to die to convince the Union government to adopt a specific protection law for the media persons," stated JFA president Rupam Barua and Secretary Nava Thakuria.

Ziro & Yachuli MLAs holds coordination meeting with HoDs

ZIRO, Jun 2: A coordination meeting of all the HoDs and the MLAs of Ziro-Hapoli, Er. Tage Taki and Yachuli, Likha Saaya was held here on Friday in the DC's conference hall. Chairing the meeting Deputy Commissioner, Kemo Lollen lauded the efforts of the MLAs in unitedly initiating an interactive session with all the HoDs.

"This should be an opportunity to identify grey areas and issues and develop a better communication rapport between the officers and the elected representatives to propel the development process in the district. Such meetings will also facilitate development of a strong monitoring system," he said.

Er. Tage Taki while addressing the officers called for a strong coordination between the legislatures and the executives. "We are here to brainstorm and assimilate constructive suggestions to avoid any hurdles in the developmental process and not to scrutiny your schemes and projects," he said.

While lamenting the haphazard infrastructural construction he said," Any infrastructure constructions within the district should be initiated only after getting a nod from the District Administration and in the knowledge of the elected representatives. Such short-sighted constructions have led to creation of infrastructures which is inaccessible and unfit for use".

He further directed the Deputy Commissioner to issue a standing order in this regard prohibiting construction of any infrastructures without the permission and approval of the district administration.

Yachuli MLA Likha Saaya while addressing the officers said that need based schemes and projects should be implemented with proper planning. While taking a dig on the poor quality approach road of Yachuli Government College, he directed the concerned executing agency to look into the matter immediately.

Terming the absenteeism of field level staffs of agriculture and horticulture department as a chronic issue Saaya said, "the present government under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu has been giving lot of emphasis on Agri- Horti sector as an employment generating sector in order to improve the living condition of the rural lot. But the staff's assigned to train and impart knowledge on latest farming techniques are always absent from their duties. Such practices should be stopped. Non performing AFAs and HFAs should be forewarned and then replaced."

Later in an interactive session between the MLAs and the HoDs, all the HoDs presented the latest updates on the projects executed by them. Departments like RWD, PWD, Power, Agriculture, Horticulture, PHED, Urban Development, Forest, Education, Tourism, Art and Culture, Veterinary, DRDA etc gave presentations on project implementation.

It was unanimously decided in the meeting that all the departments will route all the projects including private projects mandatorily through the respective elected representatives and the District Administration. DIPRO

---- Editorial ----

Big blow to Paris climate deal

The fight against global warming received major jolt on Thursday as President Donald Trump announced that he was pulling out US from the landmark Paris climate agreement. The announcement has dealt a major blow to worldwide efforts to combat global warming. It has also distanced US from its closest allies abroad. Scientists say Earth is likely to reach more dangerous levels of warming sooner as a result of the president's decision because America's pollution contributes so much to rising temperatures. Calculations suggest withdrawal could result in emissions of up to 3 billion tons of additional carbon dioxide a year - enough to melt ice sheets faster, raise seas higher and trigger more extreme weather.

By abandoning the world's chief effort to slow the tide of planetary warming, Trump was fulfilling a top campaign pledge after weeks of building up suspense over his decision. The White House indicated it would follow the lengthy exit process outlined in the deal. That means the US would remain in the agreement, at least formally, for another three-and-a-half years, ensuring the issue remains alive in the next presidential election. Under former President Barack Obama, the U.S. had agreed under the accord to reduce polluting emissions by more than a quarter below 2005 levels by 2025. But the national targets are voluntary, leaving room for the U.S. and the nearly 200 other countries in the agreement to alter their commitments. The leaders of France, Germany and Italy joined to "note with regret" the Trump decision and express doubts about any change in the accord.

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---- Readers Forum ----

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