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2017

June 24

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Pasighat to become Smart City

ITANAGAR, Jun 23: Pasighat town has been included in the list of 30 smart cities announced on Friday.

Urban Development and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister M Venkaiah Naidu announced the new list of smart cities at an event in the national capital.

Two Northeastern States cities Aizawl (Mizoram) and Gangtok (Sikkim) were also selected.

Announcing the new list, Naidu said that 45 cities contested for the 40 available Smart City slots but only 30 were selected to ensure their feasibility and workable plans.

The minister said that 20 more cities, including Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, will be contesting for the remaining 10 slots under the Smart City Mission.

An investment of Rs 57,393 crore has been proposed for development of these 30 cities. Of the planned expenditure, Rs 46,879 crore will be for core infrastructure and Rs 10,514 crore for technology-based solutions.

With this, the total investment approved under the smart city plans of 90 cities has gone up to Rs 1,91,155 crore, Naidu said.

Of the 30 cities announced on Friday, 26 have proposed affordable housing projects that benefit the urban poor, 26 cities will be taking up school and hospital projects, 29 will be taking up redesign and redevelopment of roads.

All 30 cities will put in place integrated command and control centres that enable coordination among various agencies for better service delivery and effective management of scarce resources such as water and power, Naidu said.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated the people of Pasighat in particular and Arunachal Pradesh in general after the oldest town of the state was included in the new list of 30 cities under the Centre's Smart City Mission.

"Now sky is the limit for Pasighat via the smart city mission. Let's join hands to make it one of the best smart cities of the country. "Let us also work diligently to enable Itanagar to make it to the prestigious list of 100 smart cities of the country," the Chief Minister said in a statement from New Delhi.

"Despite being left out in the previous listings, we did not lose hope. Our determination and our perseverance have finally paid off. I cannot find enough words to thank the East Siang district administration, Pasighat Municipal Council and the citizens of Pasighat in particular for pursuing with grit and finally getting a place in the Smart City list of the country," the Chief Minister said.

"Pasighat, if developed in a right way, can become a focal point for the government's Act East policy via the Northeast. The critical factors of infrastructure like roads, railways, waterways and airways are being developed and will soon become arteries of transportation and communication," he said.

State BJP President Tapir Gao also congratulated the people of the state and Pasighat in particular on the oldest city of the state being selected for development as a smart city.

He opined that with development of Pasighat as a smart city, the economic growth of eastern Arunachal Pradesh will see a new impetus and trajectory. This latest development once again vindicates the commitment of NDA government under the leadership Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards development of north-eastern region, Gao said.

In their congratulatory messages, local MLA and Parliamentary Secretary (Disaster Management) Kaling Moyong and PMC Chief Councilor Kaling Doruk have stated that it was a victory of citizens of Pasighat and Pasighat Municipal Council.

"Despite many hurdles, we could make it after a long drawn struggle," the leader duo said.

They further extended their gratitude to the Chief Minister and MoS Home Kiren Rijiju for their active cooperation at the State and Central level. They also acknowledged the role and untiring efforts of the East Siang Deputy Commissioner Tamiyo Tatak, MEO Ainstien Koyu, officers and officials of PMC and Smart City team members and consultant Voyant Solutions in particular and the citizens of Pasighat as a whole for the success.

MP Ninong Ering stated that Pasighat has all potentials to be Smart and we are elated on the prospects of getting our city developed as a smart city. We would get which would able to provide our youths more employment opportunities and ensure development in an accelerated manner, added Ering.

Under the Smart City Mission, the Centre provides Rs 500 crore to each city over a period of five years for implementing various projects.

Launched on June 15, 2015, the government proposes to develop 100 smart cities under the mission.

AOA blames state Govt for poor sports infrastructure

ITANAGAR, Jun 23: Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA) President Padi Richo has said that the State Government has done little for the development of games and sports in Arunachal Pradesh.

He accused the state government of showing an apathetic attitude towards sports sector in terms of fund provision and providing infrastructure.

"Whatever has been achieved so far, it is because of the various sports associations and sports bodies. Neither the Government nor the Sports Department has done anything remarkable for the development of games and sports in the State," the AOA President claimed, while addressing the International Olympic Day celebration by Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA) at Naharlagun on Friday.

Highlighting the numerous problems that are plaguing the sports sector, including lack of infrastructure, insufficient fund provision and lack of coaches and staff in the Sports Department, Richo alleged that the sports department has always been given the peanut.

"We have been demanding the government for a multipurpose stadium and an Olympic Bhawan since many years. But nothing has materialized so far," lamented the AOA President.

He urged the Parliamentary Secretary (Sports and Youth Affairs) Nyamar Karbak, who was also present on the occasion, to take up the proposals of AOA with the Chief Minister for early materialization.

Parliamentary Secretary Karbak admitted that there was lack of sports infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh as compared to other NE States, like Manpur, Mizoram and Sikkim.

He said, the State Government would soon come with a policy that will enable the Government to create infrastructure and meet other needs and requirements.

"It is just six months since I assumed the office of Parliamentary Secretary (Sports). I would do everything possible to help develop games and sports in the state," Karbak assured.

Replying to a memorandum submitted by AOA Secretary General Abraham K Techi, Nyamar assured to take up the proposals with the Chief Minister and discuss it.

The Parliamentary Secretary urged the officials of his Department to maintain good cooperation among them.

Earlier, AOA Secretary General Abraham submitted a six-point memorandum to the Parliamentary Secretary proposing for construction an Olympic Bhawan, Multipurpose Indoor Stadium, annual grant-in-aid of Rs 50 lakh, creation of at least 100 posts of coaches for various sports disciplines, appointment of district sports officers in all the district, where DSOs have not been appointed yet, and enhancement of fund for the proposed State Olympic Games from current Rs. 1 crore to Rs.5 crore.

Karate, Taekwondo and Arm Sports demonstrations, classical dance (Bharatnatyam) by promising karate player Lipin Ete enthralled the audience.

AOA Treasurer Likha Tara also spoke on the occasion.

The celebration was attended by both the Directors of Youth Affairs and Sports, officials, president/secretary of all the state level sports associations and sportspersons.

Matin-Salman starrer Tubelight lights up Itanagar, Theatres booked till next week

[ Amar Sangno ]

ITANAGAR, Jun 23: Tubelight has lightened up Itanagar, the home town of child actor Matin Rey Tangu on its grand opening day, as both theaters Nationale (Naharlagun) and Digital Sky at Nirjuli are running houseful for all its shows.

Both the theatres are booked out till next weekend!

Salman Khan produced, directed and co-produced by Kabir Khan was officially released today across India and overseas. The family members and relatives of child actor Matin Rey organised a pre-release screening at Nationale Hall, which was attended by Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Chowna Mein and Parliamentary Secretaries.

Tubelight is a drama with Indo-China war of 1962 as the backdrop with a political statement of peace and people to people contact between neigbours to resolve differences. Tubelight is inspired by American film Little Boy, directed by Alejandro Monteverde.

Laxman Singh Bisht of Jagatpur under Kumaon region played by superstar Salman is slow-minded man, has a filial attachment with his younger brother Bharat (Sohail Khan).

The theme revolves around faith and peace and Gandhian philosophy of non-violence. It reflects power of faith, as in one scene Gandhi visits Laxman's school and tells him about the power of faith that lies in the heart.

Matin's appearance through the film has been entertaining and captivating. Matin plays the role of Gou, a chinese kid who migrated from Kolkata to Jagatpur along with his widowed mother Zhu Zhu (Lilling).

Friendship between Salman and Matin is heart-touching as Salman tries to protect Gou and his struggling mother from Narayan played by talented actor Mohammed Zeesan Ayyub.

Tubelight is a second attempt from Director Kabir Khan to send out peace message after Bhajrangi Bhaijan. This time Kabir attempted to evoke Hindi-Chini bhai bhai sentiment at a time when unfriendly air is hovering over China and India.

Bhajrangi Bhaijan Director has attempted to make political statement that war is not a solution rather dialogue and people to people contact should be encouraged for peaceful coexistence.

Apart from peace message, Tubelight also reflects on patriotism and racism.

With Matin's dialogue' Tu Se Jyada Mein Hindustani Hoon after shouting high decibel Bharat Mata Ki Jai slogan is a reaffirmation that in India there are other Indians too who look different from majority but they are as patriotic as any other Indian. On the other hand, Matin's words reflects the stereotyping and derogatory words like Chinki that is often hurled at people from Northeast.

Tubelight is a simple film with a straight forward story unlike Salman Khan's usual films.

The audience wouldn't get to see Bhai taking off his shirt and flaunting his body. However, the audience would love it at the end, because its a Salman Khan film.

DC calls for pragmatic approach to deal with drug addicts

TEZU, Jun 23: Lohit district deputy commissioner Danish Ashraf has called upon all the HOD's of the district to come together and take up collective responsibility to fight the menace of drug abuse in the district through pragmatic approach. He said this on Friday while chairing a meeting to discuss drug abuse problem in the district.

Saying that no compromise should be made to fight the menace of drug abuse and in order to discourage the addicts from illicit drug abuse,

Ashraf urged the HODs to sideline drug addicts from getting any work under various schemes of the Government. He added that during beneficiary selection and work order distribution, preference must be given to people who pledge to come out of the addiction and lead a healthy lifestyle.

The meeting was convened to discuss and chalk out action plan for observing 'International Day Against Drug Abuse And Illicit Drug Trafficking'. Earlier, State Nodal Officer for Narcotics, Oli Koyu, elaborated the importance of observing the day particularly in Lohit district and highlighted the role of each and every department in controlling and uprooting the menace from the core. The meeting was attended by all HoD's, Principal of various schools and NGO's among others. (DIPRO)

Junnu Pinggam crowned Miss Itanagar

From a correspondent

ITANAGAR, Jun 23: Junnu Pinggam, a B.A first year student of Dera Natung Government College, was crowned Miss Itanagar 2017 in the grand finale of the beauty pageant held at Indira Gandhi Park here on Wednesday night. She received a brand new Scooty along with cash prize of Rs 50,000.

Chakbi Lombi and Techi Mepung bagged the first and second runner-up titles respectively and received a cash prize of Rs 30,000 and Rs. 20,000 along with a gift hampers.

In total 19 girls were selected from the auditions to compete in the finals of Miss Itanagar 2017. An initiative of Itanagar Market Welfare Association (IMWA) with the themed "Say No to Child Labour", the event was managed by Aries Corps.

Women commission condemns murder, asks police to expedite investigation

ITANAGAR, Jun 23: The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) has vehemently condemned the alleged murder of 15-years-old girl at Dapo-Ziro road on Wednesday.

In a telephonic conversation with the Dapo SP, the Commission requested the law enforcing agency to nab the culprit(s) and expedite the investigation, so that justice may be delivered to the victim and her family.

Expressing deep sadness and anguish on the occurrence of such incident, the APSCW also said that the culprit should be given exemplary punishment. It extended deep condolence to the victim's family.

The Commission further seeks the status report of earlier Dumporijo rape case of a differently able minor girl in the year 2015. SP Daporijo informed the Commission that the culprit has absconded and his proper location could not be traced. Meanwhile, the APSCW requested all sections of the society to cooperate with law enforcing authority to nab the culprit, according to a release.

Replace traditional farming with modern system: Aboh urges farmers

KHONSA, Jun 23: Khonsa West MLA, Tirong Aboh has exhorted the farming community of the district to replace traditional farming system and take up cultivation of cash crops by adopting modern technology of agriculture besides, taking up horticulture, veterinary and fishery activities.

He was addressing a huge gathering of Chiefs, GBs, PRIs, students, progressive farmers of Dadam Circle and officers during a workshop on Progressive Farming and Preservation of Environment & Forest, jointly conducted by Elite Society of Dadam Area and departments of forest, agriculture, horticulture, veterinary and fishery at Kamlesh Joshi Outdoor Stadium, Dadam Circle, here on Thursday last.

Aboh also informed that funds have been earmarked under the department of Forest and Environment to take up schemes for planting of trees in his constituency on top priority while, a sum of Rs.18 lakh has been earmarked for rearing of 'Mithun' under Veterinary department for his constituency.

Later, the MLA distributed farming equipments to the progressive farmers and beneficiaries of different villages of Dadam area under fishery and agriculture departments. Aboh gave away cash award of Rs.10,000 from ESDA to national award winning progressive farmer Rtd. CRPF Sbdr Bewang Lowang, who is also Chief of Bera village. He also distributed 3000 fingerlings to 29 beneficiaries.

Speaking during the workshop as resource person, Deputy Director (Agriculture), Pangnyai Khoisia highlighted the various schemes under Agriculture department and advised the farmers to adopt new technologies of farming with the help of government schemes under the departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary and Fishery etc.

Divisional Forest Officer, Bitem Darang informed that the department of Environment & Forests is in the process of developing Forest Beat and implementing Forest related activities for development of area. Proposals for Compensatory Afforestation in degraded forest areas have been submitted for Dadam and Bera villages. 'This Compensatory Afforestation scheme is for a period of 10 years with job avenues in form of plantation watchers and plantation supervisors with provision for construction of accommodation for plantation watchers and various other activities, 'he added.

Chief of Dadam, Wanggo Lowang, DHO, Charo Lowang, DFDO, Paresh Bhattacharjee, Dr. Wangnok Homchha Lowang and Govt. Secondary School, Dadam Headmaster, Wangthian Hakhun also spoke on the occasion.

APCC calls for continuation of APCMUHIS

ITANAGAR, Jun 23: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has demanded revival of Chief Minister's Universal Health Insurance Scheme (APCMUHIS) which provides free medical treatment to the people in Government and Private Hospitals in cashless manner. The state Govt. must carry forward this unique scheme and increase enrolment of people in APCMUHIS especially those who are poor and needy. APCMUHIS was initiated under the leadership of former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki which benefitted lakhs of populations in terms of free treatment, stated APCC in a release.

Empanelled hospitals under APCMUHIS gave free treatment for surgery, discounts on hospitalization, and reimbursement on certain medical expenses.

Never the less, considering the dire need of APCMUHIS and its popularity, especially among the poor and deprived section of the people, former CM Nabam Tuki announced to increase the financial limit of the scheme from 2 lakhs to 3 lakhs per family per year in 2014. However the present Pema Khandu led Govt. discontinued the scheme and neither announced any alternative to it, the APCC alleged. Such reluctance and laid-back attitude of the State Govt. has jeopardised the pro- people schemes of the State and augmented the suffering of the common mass, the APCC added while calling for continuation of the said scheme for the benefit of the people in State.

Police arrests one person

TEZU, Jun 23: The Tezu and Sunpura police in a joint effort have arrested one Chopo Mega of Koronu Village under Lower Dibang Valley District from Sunpura on Thursday for allegedly possessing drug substances. In a release Lohit police informed that after receiving information that one person was selling contraband drugs in and around Tezu township area, police team lead by OC PS Tezu accompanied by staffs and magistrate immediately rushed to the suspected places but he managed to escape from the spot.

Further it was informed that the said person fled from Tezu towards Sunpura in his car (Tata Nano). The police chased his vehicle and also informed OC PS Sunpura. After hectic search, the vehicle was spotted by Sunpura Police team at Hatiduba village. Both the police team cordoned the area and nabbed the accused.

During the body search police informed that eleven plastic pouches containing pink colour powdery substances suspected to be contraband Brown Sugar and an electronic weighting machine has been recovered from his possession. The recovered suspected contraband drugs weighting 50 grams approx and the weighting machine including his vehicle Tana Nano has been seized by police. Police has registered case under NDPS Act and investigation has started.

50th Central Dree football tournament

DSC will lock horn with SLSC in final

ZIRO, Jun 23: Diibo Sports Club (DSC) will lock horn with last year's defending champion Sojang Lapang Sports Club (SLSC) in final match of the Golden Jubilee Central Dree Football Tournament on June 26.

SLSC defeated Hari Sports Club (HSC) in first semi final match played today at Govt. Hr. Sec. School Ziro ground by 2-0. The score tally was 0-0 in a keenly contested match in first half but in second half SLSC's team captain Mihin Pullo opened an account for his club in 48th minute while Tage Tali scored one more goals in 72nd minute which made almost confirms to win. Despite hard struggle, HSC could not reduce the score tally till end of the match.

Player of the match award went to Tage Tali of SLSC.

The second semi final match was played between Diibo Sports Club (DSC) and All Hija Sports Association-A (AHSA-A) which turned out to be most exciting match ever played in this tournament.

In 24th minute of the match when the ball was sent toward AHSA-A's goal end by a DSC's player was missed hold by the goal keeper which slipped down to ground. Giving no time for the goal keeper, Koj Tarung managed to net the ball to record 1-0 score. But Pura Byai of AHSA-A equalized the score tally to 1-1 in 88th minute and the match ended with 1-1.

The Match Commissioners granted 20 minutes additional time. Four minutes from the additional time kick off, DSC got a corner kick. Corner shoot ball was netted with head by Tamo Taro to lead the score to 2-1 for DSC. Thereafter, neither of the team could score any goal and match ended with 2-1.

Leegang Bungung, team captain of DSC, was declared player of the match

Hari Sports Club and All Hija Sports Association-A will play tomorrow for third place of the tournament.

DLSC holds meet for effective implementation of IDCF & Dulari Kanya scheme

YUPIA, Jun 23: The 1st District Level Steering Committee (DLSC) meeting to discuss the effective implementation of Intensive Diarrhoea Control Forthnight (IDCF) and implementation of Dulari Kanya Scheme in Papum Pare district was conducted at ZPC conference hall today.

Presiding over the meeting, Deputy Commissioner, Tai Kaye has called upon the medical officers to reach out to poorest of the poor people in the villages of the district to provide the benefit of the programmes being implemented by the health department.

Highlighting the various health hazards occurred during monsoon period he also urged upon the health department to take special precautions and to work sincerely in close coordination with line departments especially PHED, WRD, DDSE, ICDS etc during the IDCF programme which will be starting from July 3. Every single children below 5 years of age must be covered under the programme to ensure no death from diarrhoea. Calling the Dulari Kanya Scheme of the govt as landmark scheme for empowerment of girl child he asked the DD ( ICDS) and all Medical Officers to do more awareness on benefits of all Govt flagships schemes.

In her address, Dr Tasso Kampu exhorted the Medical Officers in-charges and other staffs to make the IDCF programme successful by involving all blocks level officers and officials, teachers, PRIs leaders, community workers like ASHAs, Aganwadi workers. She also promised to cooperate with the concern department in implementing the Dulari Kanya scheme in the district.

Earlier, Deputy Director ICDS, Dani Yami gave a presentation on implementation of Dulari Kanya schemes. Dr. Jomnya Ado, DRCHO also gave presentation on review of micro plan of IDCF for strengthening and identification of thrust areas. Ado informed that previous achievements of the district is 93% and target of the current year is to achieve 100% success in the programme.

All Medical Officers Incharges of health facilities, Staffs and representatives from line departments attended the meeting. DIPRO

SUMAA demands recruitment against sanctioned posts

ITANAGAR, Jun 23: The Students United Movement of All Arunachal (SUMAA) has demanded the State Government to conduct recruitment against all the sanctioned posts in State Police Department.

In a release, SUMAA stated that the State Government had sanctioned 2200 posts of various categories in the Police Department since 2014-15, but no recruitment has been made so far against the sanctioned posts. Further, 548 more posts were sanctioned by the government during October 2016 and April 2017, SUMAA informed.

Highlighting the growing unemployment problem of the state, SUMAA strongly appealed to the Chief Minister to give top priority to the recruitment of the sanctioned posts without any further delay.

"This will not only meet the requirement of police personnel in the department, but also solve unemployment problem to a great extent," said the students union. It stated that the state produces more than 10,000 graduates every year.

A team of SUMAA led by its president Tagru Tame also met the Director General of Police and enquired the causes of delay in recruitment of sanctioned posts of Police. According to the union more than 2000 posts of police are still lying vacant in the department.

SUMAA also demanded Principal Secretary (Home) Satya Gopal to play proactive role in the recruitment of Police personnel adhering to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Rule.

"We appeal to Principal Secretary (Home) to strictly adhere to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Rule and act as per the 7th Pay Commission order with full implementation of 80:20: recruitment ratio for APST and general category candidates," SUMAA said.

Alleging slow movement of files in the Home and Finance Department, the students' union also urged the Principal Secretary to speed up the process for direct recruitment of police.

Meanwhile, SUMAA appealed to the youths of Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts to join in the police force by grabbing the 379 sanctioned posts of which direct recruitment will be held for 200 posts.

Kanubari young entrepreneurs conduct exposure visit

ITANAGAR, Jun 23: Under the initiative of Kanubari MLA Gabriel D. Wangsu a group of more than 50 young and educated entrepreneurs from Kanubari conducted a two-day exposure trip to various organic farms in Assam and to the Papum Pare Eco-Tourism Park on Wednesday and Thursday.

During an interactive session at Pabhoi Greens, Biswanath Chariali, Assam on Wednesday, renowned farmer Neelam Dutta spoke at length on various aspects of agricultural activities especially on organic farming and fishery. He also advocated use of seeds of various indigenous crops for its taste and flavor which, according to him, would help the farmers of the region in the long run. Fishery activities too has vast market in the region, he observed, while calling for preservation of local species of fish. Vermicompost and bio-pesticides were other areas which he touched upon and urged the youths to opt for pisciculture also.

Later, the team accompanied by MLA Gabriel D. Wangsu visited Konyoka multi-purpose organic agriculture farm and interacted with Sootea MLA Padma Hazarika of Sonitpur district. Padma Hazarika is making efforts to generate employment opportunities for hundreds of educated unemployed youths of his constituency by engaging them in agriculture, pisciculture and dairy farming. During the visit to the Konyoka multi-purpose organic farm, the team was informed about how a large patch of barren land was converted into lush green farm land for large scale farming of various organic crops.

The next day the team visited the Papum Pare Eco-Tourism Park and the state seed farm at Sonajuli, Papum Pare district. Er. TN Tara of the Papum Pare Eco-Tourism Park guided the entrepreneurs throughout the area and briefed them about agricultural and horticulture activities. He underscored the need to go for mixed cropping to make the best use of the farm area while also stressing on organic farming.

During pre and post trip sessions, the Kanubari MLA, enlightened the young entrepreneurs about new innovations and technologies in agriculture sector and urged them to help find gainful employment for the unemployed youths of the society. He also assured to help them to boost growth in agriculture and all other allied sectors.

DC calls for maximum dissemination of information about CSS

PANGIN, Jun 23: Siang Deputy Commissioner, Rahul Singh has directed all departments to ensure maximum outreach and information dissemination about governmental schemes so that the general public can avail maximum benefit of both state and centrally sponsored schemes.

The DC was addressing a coordination meeting with all HoDs held here on Friday to discuss issues like the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes by various departments, status of Aadhar enrolment, opening of bank accounts and linking of accounts with Aadhar, the status of developmental activities being undertaken by various departments and other issues pertaining to the district.

He also discussed the modalities of the various schemes that were launched by the CM in the recent budget like Chief Minister's Adarsh Gram Yojana, Chief Minister's Krishi Rin Yojana, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Bunkar Yojana, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Swayalamban Yojana and Chief Minister's District Innovation and Challenge Fund.

Earlier, the DC sought detailed status of Subbung Hydel Project and Yembung Hydel Project and directed the Hydropower and Power departments for close coordination inorder to achieve optimum utilisation of the power generated.

While seeking detailed information about implementation of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana in the district, he directed Power department to make all out efforts to achieve speedy and complete electrification of villages in the district within the targeted time.

Taking stock of power supply situation in various areas from the sub-divisional administrative officers, he urged them to be pro-active and work for greater coordination among the concerned departments.

The DC also took update on the status of water supply from the PHE department. Stressing on the need for proper filtration right at the source and the need for water treatment plants, he directed the department to work towards this objective while ensuring his complete support.

Emphasising on the need to improve power and water supply in schools, he directed the Education Department to compulsorily consult with the other concerned departments for selection of suitable locations for building schools.

Seeking status of the implementation of Krishi Sinchai Yojana, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, National Mission on Horticulture etc from the Horticulture Department.

The DC also sought the Aadhar Enrolment status from the concerned admin Officers-Cum-Enrolment Agencies and directed them to furnish all details including identification of left out population and the percentage of coverage in their respective jurisdiction within a week while urging them to actively work towards maximum enrolment before the targeted deadline of June 30. (DIPRO)

Ruksin people support alcohol distillery unit at Niglok IGC

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Jun 23: The PRI members and public leaders of Ruksin block have reiterated their demand for early installation of 'Alcohol Distillery Plant' and other industrial units in Industrial Growth Centre (IGC), Niglok in East Siang district before the visiting Commissioner of Industries, Tahang Taggu on Friday.

During his visit Tahang Taggu met PRI members, Gaon Burahs, public leaders of Ruksin block along with the land donors and reviewed the prevailing situation of the IGC for setting up of the industrial units. Taggu also collected public opinion regarding installation of the proposed alcohol distillery unit in the IGC.

The participants in the meeting assured their full support and protection of the alcohol factory at Niglok, and pressed the Commissioner not to shift the factory to other location. They also requested him to initiate steps for early installation of the distillery plant along with other production units in the IGC.

The leaders and gaon burahs in the meeting lamented that WASE of Pasighat are unknowingly opposing the government's move for installation of the alcohol factory at Niglok, but their demand is not at all accepted by the local people. Terming the move "illogical" and "unjustified", the leaders warned the woman activists not to act against economic development of their area.

The meeting later constituted a 'Convener Committee' including public leader Tamat Jonnom as Chief Convener and Ruksin Anchal Chairperson Aruni Jamoh as Co-convener. The committee would convene more public meeting to discuss the industrial issues and form full pledged committee for protection of the industry.

Chief Convener Tamat Jonnom, who is the president of East Siang District BJP, said that almost all villagers under Ruksin block are supporting the grain based alcohol factory.

It may be recalled that State's Industry Minister, Tamiyo Taga visited the IGC during last month and recommended installation of a distillery plant/unit therein. He had also addressed a public meeting at IGC premise and told the local people that he was all set to install production units in the IGC.

Doimukh to get first class police station

DOIMUKH, Jun 23: Parliamentary secretary for home and education Pani Taram on Friday visited Doimukh police station which was recently deluged by the flood water. Accompanied by the Papum Pare SP Tumme Amo, Taram took stock of the situation and discussed all issues concerning Doimukh PS with the officials.

Parliamentary Secretary Home informed that government has already taken a decision to construct first class police station at Doimukh and fund of Rs two crore has been kept in this regard. The tender process got delayed due to change of construction agency from Police Housing to RWD, added Taram. He did acknowledge that Doimukh PS needs urgent upgradation.

He also said capital city will be covered by a city surveillance system and a proposal in this regard has been sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) government of India. Regarding none functioning of Kakoi and Mengio Police Stations, Taram said that there is acute shortage of manpower. He said govt is aware of problem and is recruiting police personnel in phased manned. He also said that he will take up the matter of posting of police personnel at Kakoi as it is located in Arunachal- Assam boundary. DSP Neelam Nega, OC Padi Payang and other staffs of Doimukh PS were present during the visit of parliamentary secretary.

Army distributes solar lights to villagers

ITANAGAR, Jun 23: The Subansiri Brigade of Spearhead Division of Army has distributed Solar Powered Lamps to over 400 households of Taksing, Redi, Limeking and Gelemo villages of Limeking circle in Upper Subansiri district. The Solar Powered Lamps were provided by a Mumbai based NGO 'Eco Solutions'.

General Officer Commanding of the Spearhead Division presented the first set of solar lights to the villagers in Gelemo village. The local populace expressed their gratitude to the Army for this timely initiative which has helped illuminate the dark valleys of Limeking circle.

The General Officer also interacted with the villagers and assured them of the Army's comprehensive development initiative in the remote areas.

It may be mentioned here that absence of electricity in these villages coupled with lack of road connectivity causes extreme hardships to the villagers.

Basic computer application training prog concludes

ITANAGAR, Jun 23: In all 13 members of various registered Cooperative Societies of Papum Pare district underwent a 10 day-long training programme on basic computer application, jointly organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Cooperative Training Centre, Naharlagun and National Council of Cooperative Training (NCCT), New Delhi, which concluded at the Arunachal Pradesh Cooperative Training Centre (APCTC), Naharl-agun here on Jun 23.

Addressing the valedictory function, APCTC Principal, Techi Kaku highlighted the importance of computers and its application in day to day life with emphasis on cooperative sector enterprise. He further urged the trainees to make the best use of the training and share the knowledge to other members of Cooperative Societies.

Disaster preparedness meeting held

YINGKIONG, Jun 23: A meeting to review the disaster preparedness of Upper Siang district keeping in view the prevailing monsoon season was held on Friday. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Remo Kamki. Action plan and strategies required to deal with any type of disaster by ensuring proper stocking & management of food grains, medicines, drinking water, power supply, communication etc were discussed in the meeting.

DC Remo Kamki directed all the head of offices of the district to prepare in advance to minimize and do away with expected damages along with submission of assessment report on vulnerable areas by WRD department for issuance of executive order from DC. He also directed them to prepare departmental contingency plan reflecting manpower and inventories. He asked the SDO (T) to improve the landline services with broadband installation.

DDMO T Tashi briefed on the status of functioning of control room, incidence response system, evacuation, search & rescue team, identification of safe centre's etc. (DIPRO)

Cleanliness drive held

ITANAGAR, Jun 23: Volunteers under the banner of All Dikalmukh Youth Association (ADYA) led by its President Lomjum Bojir and General Secretary Gungte Phassang conducted a cleanliness drive from Dikalmukh IV School to Borgao road in Assam here recently.

Kimin CHC facing shortage of doctors

KIMIN, Jun 23: Kimin Anchal Samity Chairperson, Takio Yanu Tarh has drawn the attention of the Director Health and Family Welfare Department towards the problems being faced by the people owing to the shortage of doctors at Kimin Community Health Center (CHC) and sought early posting of adequate doctors at the CHC.

In a press release on Friday, the Anchal Samity Chairperson stated that the CHC is one of the important health centers of the area which has a population of around 10,000. 'At present the center has only three doctors comprising of a MBBS, BDS and Ayush doctor', Tarh claimed adding that as per Indian Public Health Standard (IPHS), a CHC should have one General duty Medical Officer (GDMO), medicine specialist, child specialist, gynecologist and a dental surgeon along with operation facility.

She further claimed that patients are often referred to RKMH and General Hospitals for even minor illness, compelling poor patients to go to private hospitals in Itanagar and Naharlagun.

Hundreds benefit from free medical camp at Nguri village

ITANAGAR, Jun 23: Over 600 patients benefitted from a medical camp-cum-social awareness program being organized by the Akom Welfare Society (AWS) at Nguri village on Saturday last.

A medical team headed by DSO (IDSP)-cum-DPO (NCD), Dr. Tape Dakpe and MO, District Hospital Daporijo, Dr. Ronald Dakpe along with technical staffs screened patients for various ailments like diabetes, blood pressure, Hbs and so on. Medicines and first aid materials were also distributed among the villagers free of cost.

Many patients from neighbouring villages like, Dakpe, Gapak, Game, Dango and Daknyo also attended the medical camp.

Earlier, the AWS team headed by its President, Tadam Ligu and General Secretary, Ruchu Niji also conducted a social and educational awareness program at Gaa Village, Boashimla under Lower Subansiri district on Jun 13 and 14 last, with Tapu Gapak, Retired DC Tarin Dakpe, Chikom ZPM Yukpo Baja and others as resource persons.

Coordination meeting reviews progress of works

HAWAI, Jun 23: A coordination meeting was convened by the District Panchayat Development Officer, Anjaw district in the Conference Hall of Zilla Parishad Office here on Thursday last to discuss on the progress made in various works under the purview of the Panchayati Raj Institution including the Gram Panchayat Development Plan and its related activities.

It was attended by Anjaw Zilla Parishad Chairperson, H Tawsik, Hayuliang-Goiliang ZPM, Abrey Manyu, Chaglagam ZPM Khrelosa Talyo, Hawai-Walong Anchal Samiti Chairperson Chainumlu Khamblai, Chaglagam Anchal Samiti Chairperson Chonyu Tindya, Anjaw DPDO B Tawsik and others.

During the meeting, the members had a detailed discussion on the difficulties faced in the working process of PRI and lapses in the timely formulation of plans and programs. It was decided that all stakeholders would strive hard to conduct timely and systematic Gram Sabha in all the Gram Panchayats and draw out realistic plans and programs.

Earlier , DPDO, B Tawsik briefed the house about the works that are under the purview of the PRI and requested the PRI members to utilize their position for the developmental and welfare activities of the people while, ZPC, H Tawsik requested all the PRI members and the employees to put extra efforts to revitalize the PRI activities. (DIPRO)

---- Editorial ----

Fast track green field airport project

The long felt need of the people of Arunachal to have air connectivity is soon going to be fulfilled. The commercial flight from Pasighat ALG is expected to start from first week of September onwards. There are also plan to start civilian air service from Ziro ALG and government is reportedly working towards it. The Arunachal's first civilian airport which is coming up at Tezu is also expected to start operation by end of this year. The start of air service in the state will immensely help tourism, agriculture, floriculture and horticulture activities in the state..

But unfortunately there is not much progress in the Green Field airport project. After being entangled in legal complicacy for years, there is finally glimmer of hope. Recently high court disposed off a PIL related to Hollongi airport. This was last legal hurdle which acted like stumbling block in the coming up of airport. The technical experts have already made it clear that Hollongi is better site than Karsingsa. Now that court also has cleared the way for Hollongi, its time everyone come together and supports this project. People should remember that the proposed airport will serve the need of every Arunachalees. Individual greed should not create obstacle in the developmental process. The interest of state is above that of personal interest. State government should fast-track the process of construction of green field airport in Itanagar. Enough time has been lost and its time govt show real intent and take necessary action.

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---- Readers Forum ----

Cricket-a fair game or a farce

Dear Editor,

Any sports are for recreation, for the inner rejuvenation. It is intended to add joy and happiness to life. It is also intended to help build a sense of friendliness, to make everyone cheery. This automatically increases the warmth of kinship. The sporty audience who enjoy the event should feel they are de-stressed and have become bouncy, not at all belligerent and hateful. Of course, every sport contributes to increase our efficiency as it lubricates the mind, and considerably helps us to be focused on a job we do. But these days, particularly by watching the never-ending cricket matches, we notice that the surge of negativity overwhelms many of us.

True, the cricket audience in India has for decades been so worked up by the media that a good many have become excessively obsessed with this game. Obsession with particular sense objects is itself harmful. Needless to say, in favor of the cricket many others exciting outdoor games have been deliberately undermined. 90-minute brisk and lively football game is unjustifiably overshadowed. Just imagine how countless fans, particularly our youths, are wasting their precious times of their lives being only glued to TV’s screen to watch overstretched cricket matches. Maybe over 80% of their minds are taken over by the “chitchat” and the attachment to the ceaseless cricket. One game ends and immediately another begins! Have they not adversely affected the academic pursuit or carriers of the millions of our youths? For many crazy fans everything is relegated to backburner during the cricket season. I, being an erstwhile cricket fanatic, consider myself as one of the addicted victims which I realized pretty late. It only fills me now with loads of remorse that what I gathered over the decades from this game are bubbles of nothing. It rather literally kept me far away from the realities of life and family obligation et al.

Very funnily, if one’s son gets sick or fails in the exam he will not definitely break the window panes in fury but when India loses the cricket match he might break the TV set into pieces, or rush for the binge drinking or get into a scuffle! Yes, you drink more and get high when India wins, and you also drink more and go wobbly when India loses! I guess, this a win-win game for you.

Excessive idling away of the precious time will certainly hit back at us later. Naturally, our inner being and situation demand from us more realistic and pragmatic engagements and perseverance so we are capable of facing the life’s misfortune and challenges head on.

The recent India-Pak match witnessed bouts of crazy hysteria and violence where some people smashed the TV sets, pelted stones, shouted the slogans of Moordabad/Jindabad. Is this what we should expect after a cricket match? Cruelty, enmity should not be the vocabulary of any sporty activities. No sports should be instrumental in making the audience into a frenzied mob! But due to addictive Cricket, a good many have become abnormal to a certain degree. Has BCCI ever kept an account how many sane persons become insane and act violently and sometimes become brutally hurtful to the people around? Alas, this body which can’t even "control" the cricket management how could it control the audience who are already overdosed with the hooking game?

Here is another bane of the cricket. One can’t overlook how the flood of money is ceaselessly gushed into this particular game, and how the corrupt practices find their best expression here? The secret nexus between the “bookies and cricket players” is no joke? How can the audience tolerate when the integrity of the game and the players are doubtful. Well, how many such unholy ties between the bookie and players and other felonies should break out to bring us to sense that we are well into the false game of illusion where our “faith” is merrily crushed into powder? The players whom we adore and call oh dear icons, are trading their own souls for petty money behind the pitch. I think no one disagrees that boom-boom farts of IPL stink to high heaven which its cheerleaders can’t suppress.

No wonder, the media often touts Virat Kohli as a role model for the youth and many fans highly idolize him. But soon after India lost the match to Pakistan some of his ardent admirers cracked in a rage. I think it is never a fair game!

Yours,

Salil Gewali,

Shillong

Stealing the show

Dear Editor,

The first and foremost task of a coach is to have a bonding with the team. How much a coach is game to become the immediate family of the Team along with its head is more important than his reputations as a player. A coach must win the trust of Team India captain as well as other members of the Team. A coach like a parent should let the players get all the attention and enjoy their success from the sidelines without trying to steal the show.

Yours,

Sujit De, Kolkata

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---Editor