jun17 29

2017

June 29

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Demand for integration of whole Naga-inhabited areas difficult: Liezietsu

KOHIMA, Jun 28: Nagaland Chief Minister Shrhozelie Liezietsu today said the demand for integration of the whole Naga-inhabited areas may be difficult at present.

The demand for integration of the whole Naga-inhabited areas may be difficult at present but coming together under the umbrella of the Naga People's Front (NPF) could be the first step to integrate the people emotionally and politically, Liezietsu said addressing a meeting of NPF Arunachal Pradesh state unit here.

The Chief Minister also said that the NPF party should be introduced not only to all the Naga inhabited areas but to all tribal areas in the region stating that this will be the first step towards integrating the tribal people of the region.

Liezietsu cited that after introducing NPF party to Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, Naga people living in the two states can now feel a sense of belongingness as one Naga family.

Advising the party leaders from Arunachal Pradesh to work hard, the CM said that the NPF must participate in the next Arunachal Pradesh government so as to address the developmental issues faced by the Naga people in that state.

He urged the Arunachal Pradesh NPF party leaders present at the meeting to take the torch of leadership and spread the good news of the NPF party to their state that only through NPF the voice of the Naga people can be heard in the government.

In Manipur, the NPF has four MLAs, he said and appealed that the Naga people of Arunachal must send their representative in the next formation of Arunachal government.

He reminded the gathering that in the event of the NPF party succeeding to gain entry in three Assemblies, the party would be recognised as a national party.

Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) chairman and former chief minister, TR Zeliang addressing the gathering said NPF party is the only platform which can speak and address the needs and aspirations of the Naga people.

He said that other Naga regional party such as recently-launched Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has been formed to confuse the Naga people, but it is only the NPF that recognised the whole of Naga-inhabited areas and work for the people.

Zeliang also stressed the need to learn the Nagamese language by fellow Nagas living outside Nagaland stating that it will the first step towards integrating our people. He expressed happiness that today s meeting could be conducted through the medium of Nagamese and said language is a great factor which unifies people.

He also urged upon the party leaders not to be afraid to reveal their identity as Nagas but to work tirelessly for the uplift of the party.

Minister for School Education Minister, Yitachu Minister for Rural Development CL John and Advisor to Chief Minister for DUDA and legislator in-charge of Arunachal Pradesh, N Thongwang also addressed the gathering. (PTI)

Rains devastate Bomdila

BOMDILA, Jun 28: Devastating rains have left a trail of destruction at Upper Gompa, APEDA Colony, Bank Colony in Bomdila and Sera and Pedung villages.

Landslides of varying magnitudes occurred at various sectors, posing threat to government establishments and residential areas.

A total of 36 households and establishments have been listed under vulnerable areas jointly by the administration and the Disaster Management office. A total of 11 families have also been evacuated to safer shelters as of date.

Of the essential services that were affected most, was drinking water supply and power supply. Although the power supply has been restored, the people of Bomdila still face acute shortage of drinking water.

Meanwhile, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Japu Deru inspected damages caused in various parts under Bomdila Township due to the incessant rainfall in the last few weeks on Wednesday.

Deru, who is also the local MLA, directed the EE PHED to restore the water supply line on war footing as unrest prevails, and suggested for procurement of departmental water tankers under the short term mitigation plan.

Acknowledging the magnitude of the landslides that had occurred and the probable chances of further erosions within the township during this monsoon, MLA Deru asked the DFO to make a detail survey of the affected areas and localities for mass plantation drive during the forthcoming Vanamahotsava. (DIPRO)

Two electrocuted in Bonia

LONGDING, Jun 28: Two people, a mother and daughter are reported to have died after being electrocuted in their jhum cultivation field at Bonia village under Pongchau circle in Longding on June 27.

According to a report, the dead have been identified as Ngapsa Sangam and her daughter Nyachat Sangam.

Late Nyachat was a student of class V.

The incident occurred at around 3:30 pm, while they were returning from the field.

Circle Officer Longhi Naam has already reached the spot after being informed of the incident.

Meanwhile, Nepha Wangsa of the AAPSU informed that the people of Bonia have expressed their anger at the department for failing to repair the electric lines in village.

Enhanced retirement age won't affect unemployed: CM

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that unemployed youths would not be affected by the government's decision to extend the retirement age to 60 from 58.

"We have done a lot of exercise before deciding to extend the retirement age of our employees. We are, therefore, aware of its implications on the employment front. We will create enough job opportunities in the government for our youths during these two years whether regular employees retire or not. In no way our youths will feel the impact of the decision to increase the retirement age," Khandu explained during a meeting with the former elected representatives of the state.

He informed that the government is taking a time period of six months, from 1st July to 31st December 2017 to undertake a massive and in-depth exercise within the government structure to normalize the impact of the decision and keep avenues open for educated unemployed youths.

The Chief Minister explained to the senior leaders that the government had to take the decision to maintain uniformity in retirement rules. He informed that one section of state government employees were already retiring at the age of 60, therefore, to maintain uniformity the state government took the decision to fix the retirement age at 60.

The delegation included W L Wanglat, Tsering Gyurme, Talo Mugli, M R Dodum, Nima Tsering, Tatar Kipa, J T Takam, Kito Sora, Anok Wangsa, Balo Raja, Gadam Ete, Nyato Rigia and several others.

A press statement further said that the issues pertaining to former MLAs would be duly discussed in the next Cabinet meeting.

Is the govt walking on a tightrope by enhancing retirement age?

[ Amar Sangno ]

ITANAGAR, Jun 29: Ever since Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced the extension of the retirement age of regular state government employees from existing 58 to 60 years, heated debate over the decision is on in full swing -for and against the motion.

With the apex students' body of the state, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union, already against the motion, unemployed youths are openly criticising it.

Their one-point reasoning is that the decision will block creation of vacancies. True!

Interestingly, and perhaps surprisingly, a section of state government employees are not happy either.

For a layman, the announcement of the decision made by the CMO on June 25 last should have been welcomed overwhelmingly by regular state government employees, if one went by the 'long struggle' put-in by their umbrella organization, Confederation of Service Associations of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP). Instead, they are on a 'Pen Down' strike.

As per the state government decision, the two-year extension will be effective only from 1st January, 2018. It is no rocket science to fathom that those employees, who are scheduled to retire from service by 31st December, 2017 are the disgruntled lot and would not like to lose out on the advantage their junior compatriots will enjoy.

Figuratively, the state government is sandwiched between the devil and the deep sea. In such a scenario, one does pity the state government. It cannot overlook the demands of its employees; neither can it be blind to the concerns of the unemployed youths. There is also no middle-path, or is there?

Going in depth into the government's decision, which commoners seldom do, one can realize that Chief Minister Pema Khandu has come up with a mature middle-path.

He has agreed to the long-pending demand of the employees, while keeping in mind its implications on job opportunities for the unemployed.

It is said, Arunachal Pradesh is among the best paying governments in the country. It does so at par with the central government and in the process spends around 60 percent of whatever meagre monetary resources it has.

The fact cannot be denied that the government has to care for its employees, and also for the rest of the citizens, who incidentally form the majority.

The extension of retirement age was coming as there were already employees in the government who were retiring at the age of 60. In order to do away with the differential treatment, the government had to take the CoSAAP's demand seriously and roll out with the extension one day or the other.

The only concern was its implication on unemployment as no vacancy will occur for two years (period of extension) till the existing employees start to retire at 60.The only other alternate would be to create new or additional posts, which many think the government will not opt for.

On the contrary, highly placed sources informed that the government is studying all scopes to create additional posts to accommodate unemployed youths to fill the gap created due to the two years.

In other words, educated unemployed youths will not be deprived of the opportunity to compete and get employed in the government on merit merely because regular employees will not be retiring for two years.

Further, making the extension of age effective from 1st January, 2018, the government has made itself available with a buffer of six months (1st July to 31st Dec 2017). Official sources say that during this buffer period, approximately 300 employees will retire.

At least a section of educated unemployed can fill up these vacancies, easing a small burden off the government. A move well thought by Pema.

While the welfare of its employees is a prime responsibility of the government, it needs to be understood that abrupt plugging of job opportunities for two years will give rise to a serious social imbalance.

It is a welcome step that the government has committed to create additional posts to keep the job flow continuous as good number of youths will become over-aged by the time vacancies due to retirement start coming. The government is duty-bound to provide equal (if not more) number of job opportunities as would have been if all employees were to retire at 58.

The government now must avail this six-month buffer period to develop a mechanism to overcome the sudden blockade of vacancies by retirement at various levels though an exhaustive exercise invoking innovative methods. For no reason whatsoever, job vacancies in the government must run dry.

Meanwhile, state government employees need to understand its government, for if they cannot, no one can; and make little adjustments here and there in general interest of the state. On the other hand, youths too need to comprehend the sentiment of the employees and the ways and means of the government. After all, the government is something not thrust upon us but something we seek for ourselves.

Hopefully the debate ends here….but will it?

Ease learning difficulties of tribal students: Ngandam

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: Education Minister Honchun Ngandam has appealed to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to develop contextualized text books at the elementary level to ease the learning difficulties of the tribal students of the state.

The minister made this appeal while participating in the 54th General Council Meeting of the NCERT at NDMC Convention Centre, New Delhi on Tuesday.

Ngandam also called for special in-service teachers' training drive, especially for Science and Mathematics teachers.

The education ministers, education secretaries and academic representatives from different states also highlighted the problems being faced in the school education in their respective states.

Review of NCERT school syllabus, digitization of education, recruitment of only trained teachers, improvisation of mode and quality of in-service teachers' training were some of the highlights of the meeting.

Earlier, presiding over the meeting, Union HRD Minister, Prakash Javedekar highlighted various problems and issues of school education and the recent government initiatives to address them.

Among others, NCERT and SEAL officials also attended the meeting.

AAPSU opposes govt decision to enhance retirement age

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) has said that it opposes the enhancement of retirement age from 58 to 60.

The Union in a meeting held in Itanagar has called upon the state government to have a rethink over what it terms "arbitrary and regressive decision" that will affect the employment opportunities of thousands of unemployed youth in the state.

The AAPSU further said there was need to recruit youngsters who are better equipped with computer education.

The Union further said that the NOC system adopted by the state government should be continued without any modifications "as it is an open secret that most of the government quarters are being encroached or illegally occupied by the government officials or staffs, political leaders, public leaders, businessmen".

It further said that the government should immediately publish a white paper on the government land encroached illegally by government officers or staffs, political leaders and public leaders.

The AAPSU further accused the Confederation of Service Associations of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) of misguiding the state governments' employees to go for pen down strike and causing hardship to the common people.

It also said that CoSAAP is dictating the government.

The organization should rethink over its demands and think for the younger generation who are lingering on in life without employment after completion of various educational qualifications, the Union said.

The Union has further called on the Directorate of Tribal Affairs to release stipends and scholarships within the stipulated time in July.

One dead in road accident

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: One person died this morning after a collision between a Maruti Alto car and KTM Duke Bike at Zero Point Tiniali area.

According to police sources, one youth identified as Tai Tanu, who was riding the bike, succumbed to his injuries at RK Mission Hospital, while the pillion rider received injuries and is currently under treatment.

The accident took place at around 5.30 AM.

In another accident, near Battalion headquarter at Chimpu on Tuesday a Mahindra Bolero Pick-Up collided with a scooter.

Law and order deteriorating: APCC

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has raised serious concern over the growing crime rate in the state in the recent past and accused the state government for failing to maintain law and order situation.

The continuous reports of heinous crimes, like rape, murder and abduction from various parts of the state only indicates a break down in law and order, stated the APCC in a release.

Claiming that law and order situation in the state had deteriorated to unprecedented level, jeopardizing the life and property of common people, the APCC said there was also rise in crime against women at an alarming rate.

The Itanagar Police Station has registered 120 cases of crime against women in 2016. The number in 2014 was 103, informed the party.

The APCC demanded deployment of more police personnel in all strategic locations and procurement of vehicles for police control room to tackle the situation effectively.

The APCC strongly urged the state government to bring law to control, failing which, the party demanded that the Chief Minister step down on moral grounds.

Social activist Payi Gyadi also expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation and even dared to inform the Prime Minister that the once peaceful state was in danger of turning into another Syria.

In his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a copy of which was provided to this daily, Gyadi highlighted few high incidents of crimes in the state capital and elsewhere in the state, adding that these cases are going to die a natural death without any tangible results.

Governor Acharya visits Raga

RAGA, Jun 28: As the first Governor from the state to visit Raga, Governor P B Acharya, in an interaction with government officials on Tuesday, called upon them to sponsor children from poorer section of the society in their educational process.

Continuing his effort to reach out to the people in the interior areas of the state, the Governor met government officials and the public of Raga at Raga Circuit House, and also visited schools on the way.

Interacting with the officials, the Governor said that educational empowerment should be used to uplift the poor and downtrodden. He appealed to them to create awareness on central sponsored schemes amongst the masses and assist them in availing the benefits.

Recalling his association with the people of the area and Arunachal Pradesh since 1966,

the Governor said that the people of the state are the sentinels of the nation and spirit of patriotism is in their blood.

He appealed to the people, particularly the graduating students and youth to explore innovative ideas to harness the natural gifts of the state. He advised them not to depend on the government for their every need but to find ways and means to address it. "Make individual contributions towards any government project to have the sense of ownership", he added, before urging upon the people to stand against corruption.

Welcoming the Governor to Raga, local MLA and Parliamentary Secretary for Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Tamar Murtem said that it is a historical occasion for the place and people will always remember the visit in times to come.

Murtem briefed the Governor of the development activities, potential and challenges of Raga area.

Swachh Bharat Mission ambassador, Nido Tama requested the Governor for his initiative in expediting the process of creation of proposed Kamala District. He also highlighted the challenges of the people of the area, and assured his commitment towards clean India.

Meanwhile, the Governor, who is on a four days-tour to Lower and Upper Subansiri districts, reached Daporijo on Wednesday.

Immediately after arriving at the district headquarters, the Governor had a meeting with the district officials. While interacting with them, the Governor exhorted the government officials to go out of their comfort zone to address the challenges of the needy and downtrodden.

The Governor reiterated his deep concern about implementation of mid-day meals, distribution of ration items to the beneficiaries and existence of corruption. He stressed for strict monitoring of implementation of the schemes in the right spirit.

The Governor, who came to Daporijo by road, said that roads are the lifeline for development. Efforts must be there to improve the road communication for all round development of the district, the Governor underscored.

Bio-Resource Development Mission in Arunachal: Mein

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein said that the state government is contemplating on creating Arunachal Pradesh Bio-Resource Development Mission in the state that would steer ahead the bio-resource development activities in a mission mode.

He also said that the proposal for establishment of North East Bio-Resource Centre would be taken up with the Government of India to establish the centre in Arunachal Pradesh as the state is very rich in bio-resource.

He said this during a meeting with the officials of state Horticulture Research & Development Institute, North East Foundation, an NGO and Yes Bank on Wednesday.

He said that the people of the state should take up livelihood activities under agriculture and allied sectors for long term and viable economic benefits.

He further sought the advisory and consultancy support of North East Foundation and Yes Bank in the field of Geographical Indication Registration, marketing, branding and promotion of the indigenous crops of the state, which would largely benefit the farming community.

Egam Basar, Head SHRDI informed that the research institute is engaged in development of location-specific technology suiting to the state agro-ecological conditions, and on conservation and development of cultivation technology for local and indigenous vegetables and medicinal plants.

He highlighted the action plan of the SHRDI as per the budget allocation in this year and informed that the institute will concentrate its activities in developing quality planting materials for the farmers of the state.

He informed that Arunachal Pradesh is one of the world bio-diversity hotspots with many rare and valuable medicinal plants native to it. He further highlighted on the activities that can be taken up by the state Bio-Resource Centre in the fields of bio-resource protection, exploration, propagation and its production for economic benefits of farmer.

CEO North East Foundation Bhanu Pratap Singh and Yes Bank Senior Vice President, Pradeep Shrivastava and Assistant Vice-President, Ravi Roy also gave their views on the occasion.

Paklu Taipodia to represent Indian

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: The Indian Bodybuilding Federation (IBBF) has selected Paklu Taipodia for the Senior Asia and World Bodybuilding Championship, which will be held in South Korea in August and Mongolia in October 2017.

The trials for the selection were held at Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.

Aalo -Tato road restored

AALO, Jun 28: The road connectivity to Tato from Aalo has been restored on June 27. The stretch of Kaying-Tato road was damaged owing to heavy rainfall in Tato circle on June 26. The BRTF, which is entirely responsible for maintenance of Kaying-Tato road, was able to restore it the next day by employing heavy machineries. (DIPRO)

Orgs demand prompt investigation into alleged murder

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: The East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organization (EKSWCO) has in a release on Wednesday vehemently condemned the alleged murder of Papung Nayu at a city hotel on June 24 last, and urged the Home Department to speed up investigation and award exemplary punishment to the culprits involved in the crime.

Appealing to all like-minded people of the civil society not to give the incident communal color as criminals have no caste, tribe or creed, the EKSWCO urged all to raise their voices against such heinous crimes.

It further urged the district administration to enforce strict rules to streamline the timing of various restaurants and bars in the Capital Complex.

Further, the All Pipu Gyawepurang Youth Welfare Association and Voice of North-East have in separate letters to the Superintendent of Police, Itanagar sought immediate arrest of all the accused involved in the alleged murder of late Papung Nayu, register a case under IPC 302 and award stringent punishment as per the law within a week.

The All Pipu Chayang Tajo Gawe Purang Sawa Students' Union has also in a letter addressed to the Commissioner Home strongly appealed to the concerned department to initiate early action to book the culprits involved in the alleged murder within a week.

It has also threatened to launch democratic action if the concerned department fails to take action against the culprits soon.

The All East Kameng District Students' Union also strongly sought free and fair investigation into the alleged murder and demanded stringent punishment for the culprits involved.

Rebia unhappy at the condition of Hollongi Tourist Resort

HOLLONGI, Jun 28: Urban Development Minister, Nabam Rebia has expressed displeasure over the dilapidated condition of the Tourist Resort at Hollongi, which was constructed way back in 2006-07.

Inspecting the Tourist Resort, Rebia termed it as wastage of public property. "It is very sad to see such important asset lying unused and unattended to by the department," the Minister said, and directed the Papum Pare District Tourism Officer to immediately start the renovation work from the first week of July.

However, DTO Tater Mize apprised the minister that the Tourist Resort has not been formally handed over to Tourism Department till date by the executing agency, RWD. Mize further informed that he had also highlighted the condition of the resort during the recent tourism conference.

Rebia also visited the Tourist Information Centre and Welcome Gate at Doimukh and directed the DTO to make the Tourism Information Centre functional and to renovate and beautify the gate of Doimukh.

Later, Rebia visited Primary Health Centre, Hollongi with DMO Dr Tasso Kampu. The centre is temporary functioning in the Forest Department building.

Informing the Minister of the present condition of the PHC, Dr Kampu said that it is functioning like a sub-centre and is over staffed. She requested the Minister to help find a suitable place to shift the PHC as its present location is not easily approachable by the patients.

Rebia requested the Forest Department to let the PHC function till further arrangements are made, as the health centre is very important for the people. He also asked the DMO to rationalise the strength of staff in the health facility and ensure that all health facilities are functioning smoothly. (DIPRO)

Governor inaugurates 5 days farmers training

DAPORIJO, Jun 28: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh P B Acharya on Wednesday inaugurated a five-day farmers training programme at Ligu Village, near Daporijo.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor exhorted the villagers to avail maximum benefit out of the programme and strive towards financial empowerment through entrepreneurship.

The Governor urged upon the villagers to ensure education for their children and said that Arunachal Pradesh can prosper if education is given highest priority by the parents. At the same time, he pointed that educated people and achievers must also contribute towards their villages.

Central Institute of Horticulture, Medzephena, Nagaland, along with Department of Horticulture, Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with Murmenrijo Welfare Consumers Cooperative Society are organising the training programme for farmers especially women self help groups.

The programme aims to train the participants on value addition methods for horticultural products, such as king chilli. It also will train them on preparation of aloe-vera soap.

Shisarenla Aier, Training Coordinator, Central Institute of Horticulture, Medzephena, Nagaland and Senti Langcha, Horticulture Development Officer, Government of Nagaland are conducting the training.

DC holds meeting to streamline functioning of APWB

SEPPA, Jun 28: In a bid to streamline the functioning of newly constituted Autonomous Puroik Welfare Board (APWB) in the district, East Kameng Deputy Commissioner Rajeev Takuk on Wednesday convened a coordination meeting with the representatives of Puroik community, APWB members and HoDs.

During the meeting, various aspects to improve socio-economic condition of the community were discussed.

In order to avail benefits of all welfare schemes of the government, the DC advised the representatives of the community to play pro-active role in generating awareness among the community and sought cooperation from all stakeholders in this regard.

Informing that an office room with adequate staff has been provided for smooth functioning of APWB in the district, the DC directed the Labour & Employment Officer (LEO) to submit a detailed report on numbers of bonded labour released as of date, disbursement of compensation to liberated labour, current status of Arunadaya Colony meant especially for Puroik community, and all documents and correspondences made so far pertaining to the community.

He further directed the LEO to register Puroik labourers to avail insurance benefits.

On the employment front, the DC informed that necessary circular has been already issued to all concerned, for forwarding of names of eligible unemployed Puroik youth, if any, for enabling placement under various departments as per vacancy.

Instructing the BDOs to furnish information regarding job card holders from the community, the DC directed them to issue job cards to eligible Puroiks under MGNREGS on priority. He further directed the officers to exercise special provision ensuring selection of Puroik youths for skill development training under Pradhan Mantri Kausal Vikas Yojana.

Informing that the district administration is conceptualizing a plan for resettlement and rehabilitation of the Puroik community, Tatkuk asked the PO of APEDA to submit proposal for solar lighting in Puroik villages. He further instructed the PD (DRDA) to submit list of Puroik households to identify beneficiaries under IAY and PMAY. He also instructed the EE (PHE&WSD) and DD (UD & Housing) to give special preference to the community during implementation of SBM (G) and SBM (U) respectively.

CO (PA) Laxmi Dodum, DF&CSO Chuku Jirjo, ADI Nondo Doka, representatives of Puroik community and other HoDs also took part in the discussion and suggested various measures for improvement and all-round development of the community. (DIPRO)

Tourism infrastructure in West Siang in ruins

AALO, Jun 28: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has drawn the attention of the state government towards few tourism projects in Basar, Tirbin and Dari under West Siang district, some of which are reportedly lying defunct or in incomplete stages.

In a complaint letter to the Chief Secretary, the APCC stated that many completed projects have started to degenerate even before they were made functional, and some were occupied by individuals without any authorization.

The projects in questions were the Tourist Lodge at Tirbin, tourist infrastructure at Sikar Lake (Tirbin), park, angling and picnic spot in the confluence of Sie and Rime rivers at Esi Rite, development of rural tourism at Dake village, park, angling and picnic spot at Basar, construction and development of white water rafting facility at Tai.

"The tourist lodge of Tirbin was inaugurated by then Chief Minister Nabam Tuki many years back, but it has not been handed over to the government yet", the letter said.

The party also did not rule out corruption in many of the projects, which have not been completed even after expiry of the target period.

The APCC urged the Chief Secretary to depute a team of officials from the concern district and senior officials of the Tourism Department, to be accompanied by local PRI leaders for a joint inspection of the projects in question.

Bandh postponed

ZIRO, Jun 28: The All Lower Subansiri Youth Association (ALYSA) has in a release on Wednesday informed that it has postponed its proposed Lower Subansiri district bandh called for June 30, following the assurance of the In-charge of Arunachal Pradesh, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Regional Office, Tezpur to deposit compensation amount for payment to the land affected people of Lower Subansiri for construction of Potin to Bopi road under TAH within July 14 next.

The Association further stated that it will launch the bandh call on July 15 next in case its demand is not met with within stipulated time.

IDCF coordination committee meetings across state

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: With the Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) approaching, coordination committee meetings were held at various districts across the state on Wednesday.

In the capital, Nodal Officer of Maternal & Child Health under NHM, Tana Natung appraised the house about implementation of the IDCF, which will be observed from July 3 to 15 next across the state.

During the fortnight, ORS sachets and 14 dispersible zinc sulphate tablets shall be distributed for free to all children under five years across the state with an aim to attain zero diarrhoeal deaths among these children.

Awareness on importance of maintaining personal hygiene and sanitation, along with benefits of breastfeeding and childhood nutrition will also be conducted at schools and anganwadi centers, besides house-to-house visit by all ASHAs during the fortnight.

In his address, NHM Mission Director, P N Thungon informed that Arunachal Pradesh with 98 percent under-five children ORS coverage in 2016-17, was the second best performing state, only after Sikkim at the national level.

He stressed upon convergence of all stakeholder departments, including Health and Family Welfare, Women & Child Development, Education, Panchayati Raj, Municipality, Public Health Engineering, besides government media, Doordarshan Kendra, All India Radio and others to make IDCF a grand success.

The meeting was chaired by Health & Family Welfare Commissioner, Kaling Tayeng, and attended by various government officials.

At Namsai, Deputy Commissioner R K Sharma reviewed the physical and financial activities under NHM, undertaken in the current fiscal during a District Health Society, Namsai conducted meeting of governing body-cum- IDCF at the DC's conference hall on Tuesday last.

The DC also reviewed the implementation of IDCF from July 3 to 15 next.

He emphasized on the need to give priority to health sector and proper implementation of all centrally sponsored schemes in the district. Sharma also requested all members to extend full cooperation to the Health Department to fight against diseases in the district vulnerable to various ailments.

DRCHO, Dr Pill Dipen highlighted the physical and financial performance of all the activities under NHM for the financial year 2016-17 through a PowerPoint presentation.

All the governing body members of DHS Namsai, steering committee members of IDCF and all the MOs in-charge of District Hospital, CHCs and PHCs with their dealing assistant and DPMU staffs of the DHS attended the meeting.

At Aalo, the District Task Force in its meeting held under the chairmanship of EAC (Judicial), Liyi Bagra on Wednesday decided to implement the IDCF in all health centres, schools and anganwadi centres of West Siang district, with primary focus on primary schools and anganwadis. Hand washing demonstration will also be carried out in all primary and middle schools by the health workers and RBSK mobile health teams during the IDCF 2017.

The District Administration will give specific instructions to all line administrative officers of the district for their active participation, close monitoring and supervision in their respective administrative jurisdiction.

West Siang DPM (NHM), Yomto Lollen also explained about the IDCF- 2017 in detail.

At Pangin, Deputy Commissioner Rahul Singh directed all stakeholders to proactively take up the implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission and disseminate the information regarding health and hygiene to the public. Numerous directives were also given to the Education and Medical departments regarding the activities to be taken up during the programme from July 3 to 15.

The meeting was attended by DMO Dr Rachel Darung, DRCHO Dr T Mize, DDSE T Tatak, CDPO Omang Taloh and PHE EE S Pertin, among others.

New fitness centre opens up

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Wednesday inaugurated Waii International Fitness Centre, which claims to be an international standard gym amid huge gathering here at Abo-Tani Colony.

It is one of the largest gyms in the state, spread in a carpet area of 3328 sq ft at the seventh floor of a commercial building located in Abo-Tani Colony, which would cater to the demands of fitness enthusiasts of the Capital Complex.

Coordinator of the fitness center, Soni Waii informed that most of the machines and equipment have been imported from Taiwan. "We also have international standard trainer, Azad Basfore, who is an experienced trainer of Gold's Gym of Panipath (Haryana), while several other experienced and assistant trainers will impart training to the members. The members will receive relaxation in terms of concession of 15 percent for three months, 30 percent for six month and 40 percent for one year," said the coordinator.

Home & RWD Minister Kumar Waii, law makers Gum Tayeng, Tatung Jamoh, Chau Zingnu Namchoom, Paknga Bage, high ranking civil and police officers were present on the occasion.

Training on Gram Panchayat Development Plan

NAMSAI, Jun 28: A district level training programme on "Gram Panchayat Development Plan" under My Village my Development Plan was conducted by SIRD at Namsai on Wednesday.

Addressing the participants, Deputy Commissioner R K Sharma said that integrated planning for Gram Panchayats covering all sectoral departments is the need of the hour for the development of rural areas.

He further informed that Namsai district has developed the perspective plan and annual plan for the implementation of 14th Finance Commission basic grants. However, it requires the consolidation and further vetting of District Planning Committees, he added.

"It is mandatory for the Gram Panchayats to conduct Gram Sabhas", the DC said and stressed on need-based plans to be formulated at Gram Panchayat level .

He informed that the state government has recently approved Rs 50 crores for Anchal Samities and Zilla Parishads, which are to be implemented by remaining two tiers on need base, and stressed on the conduct of social audit to maintain accountability of the Panchayat bodies.

Namsai ZPC Chow Kyasing Munglang gave emphasis on integrated planning in Zilla Parishad and strict monitoring of the schemes by Panchayat bodies under 14th FC Grants.

SIRD DD Dr Narayan Sahoo, who is also course director of the programme, presented the tools and techniques of the participatory planning in Gram Panchayat level with reference to My Village My Development guidelines, 2015.

Similar training programmes of three days each are underway at Lekang, Upper Lekang, Ningroo, and Chongkham Anchal Samities.

Participate in MVMDP planning to ensure realistic development: Ete

AALO, Jun 28: Special Secretary Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Nyali Ete urged all the departments in the district to participate in planning by converging their plan in 'My Village, My Development Plan' (MVMDP) to ensure realistic development of the state.

He was addressing a day-long brainstorming session on participatory planning under MVMDP conducted by Department of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and SIRD, in collaboration with the district administration on Tuesday last.

In his deliberations on Concept and Process of Convergent GPDP-My Village My Development Plan initiative in context of Arunachal Pradesh, he emphasized on participatory planning process, such as household survey, PRA and conducting gram sabhas to identify the actual need and aspirations of the people and approval thereof for holistic development of the villages.

Gram Panchayat Development Committee is to lead these activities at Gram Panchayat level as formation of GPDC is pre-requisite for preparation of GPDP. MVMDP. A guideline for convergent planning at Gram Panchayat level needs to be followed by PRIs and line departments to avoid duplicities of schemes and invest the saved resources in meaningful way, he informed.

"GPDP-MVMDP of each Gram Panchayat is to assimilate at District Planning Committee through Anchal Samiti for vetting of the process, link with district vision and approval of plan for implementation. Efforts are to integrate this MVMDP with state plan for proper flow of funds and strengthening of the holistic planning process in the state", he added.

Zilla Parishad Chairperson of 8-West Siang, Yaman Bagra urged the state government to clearly demarcate the areas of work between panchayats and MLAs for smooth functioning of offices and its works. She urged for transfer of funds to Zilla Parishads for purchase of need-based office equipment and computers for Panchayat offices for timely completion of work.

ADC-cum-District Panchayat Development Officer, Swetika Sachan endorsed the participatory planning process starting with Gram Sabha for environment generation to carry out the survey, PRA and for maximum participation in consecutive Gram Sabhas to prepare the wish list and finalize the GPDP at the end.

Deputy Director-cum-SNO (RGSA), L K Kabak explained the importance of Situation Analysis Reports, which is the basis for identification of need based schemes by GPDC, while Gori-III GPC, Yaga Ango explained the participatory planning steps taken at Gori-III under MVMDP that leads to four years GPDP-MVMDP, that is, 2016-17 to 2019-20.

Zilla Parishad Member, Tumpe Ete, ZPC, DPDO, HoDs, ZPMs, ASC, ASMs and functionaries of PRIs also attended the meeting. (DIPRO)

Counselling for medical and dental seats as per NEET UG-2017

ITANAGAR, Jun 28: The Director of Medical Education, Training & Research has informed that counseling for medical and dental seats shall be held as per NEET UG-2017.

The counseling/selection committee will be set up shortly, following which, the Committee would select candidates as per merit list of NEET, provided by the Directorate General of Health Services, GoI New Delhi. The date, time and venue of counseling will be notified in due course, added the Director.

MLA visits hospital

Daporijo, Jun 28: Dumporijo MLA Paknga Bage visited Daporijo District Hospital, where he distributed food and clothes to the patients admitted in the hospital recently.

During the visit, Bage inspected the hospital and assured to extend all support required.

He also met the DMO and discussed various challenges and shortages being faced by the hospital authority.

Remote Khimyang circle gets APST Services

CHANGLANG, Jun 28: Parliamentary Secretary Hydro-power Phosum Khimhun flagged off two new APSTS vehicles from Changlang, connecting remote Khimyang circle on Wednesday.

Dedicating the Sumo service under the APSTS to the people of Khimyang circle, the Parliamentary Secretary informed the gathering that realizing the hardships suffered by the villagers in travelling from Khimyang to Changlang district headquarters for various needs, bus service was also introduced earlier but owing to the bad road condition, the department had to discontinue the service.

Earlier, Senior Station Superintendent, N Songhting requested the Parliamentary Secretary for his support in establishing APSTS ticket counter at Khimyang and posting of drivers at Changlang district under APSTS Department.

Changlang Deputy Commissioner, Wayong Khimhun, along with PRI members and HoDs of Changlang were present on the occasion. (DIPRO)

DC underscores PMC role

PASIGHAT, Jun 28: East Siang DC, Tamiyo Tatak in his first coordination meeting with the PMC has underscored its vital roles in maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation in Pasighat Municipal area.

Pointing out the need for systematization of collection and disposal of garbage and wastes in all the sectors, the DC asked for monitoring and supervision of the deployment of sanitary staff and garbage vehicles for regular collection.

While the market area, which is the heart of the township, needs to be kept clean and hygienic, he asked the Municipal authorities to fix responsibility for garbage disposal with the vegetable vendors and other stakeholders.

The meeting also took up various issues for improving better amenities and sanitation services, including regulation of prices of essential commodities and vegetable produces.

Among others, MEO Ainstein Koyu, Member Secretary Tani Taloh, engineers and others officers and sanitary staff of the PMC attended the coordination meeting. (DIPRO)

Fish farmers training starts

ZIRO, Jun 28: Two day training programme for fish farmers was inaugurated by DHO Komri Murtem at Regional High Altitude Fish Seed Farm at Tarin on Wednesday.

DHO Murtem exhorted the farmers to avail the opportunity to learn about accurate fish farming, which can become a sustainable economic activity.

He highlighted the 'Stand Up India' scheme initiated by the Government of India to encourage entrepreneurs, and advised trainee farmers to avail loans under the scheme to develop fisheries that would supplement the demand outside Ziro.

Resource persons N K Purkayastha, FO, Mudang Ranka and HK Hazarika, AFOs and Subject Matter Specialist from KVK are providing training on fish pond farm construction, pre and post stocking measures, food and feeding habits of different species and fish pathology.

More than 20 farmers from Raga, Ziro, Yachuli and Yazali are attending the training programme. (DIPRO)

Taram flags of ambulance for CTDH

KOLORIANG, Jun 28: Parliamentary Secretary Home and Education Pani Taram on Wednesday flagged off multi-facility ambulance for Chera Talo District Hospital (CTDH), Koloriang at the office premise of the Education Directorate.

Addressing the HoDs of Kurung Kumey, Taram said that the multi speciality ambulance which has been donated by the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd under its CSR scheme, with the initiative of Union Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju, is for the interest of the people of the state.

He also directed the Hospital Superintendent to maintain the vehicle for proper usage.

---- Editorial ----

A good move

The Union Cabinet took a historic decision on Wednesday to start the process of privatizing debt-ridden public carrier Air India. Cabinet has given its in-principle approval for the disinvestment of Maharaja. Finance minister Arun Jaitley made the announcement and informed that a group will be set up to finalize modalities and details of disinvestment including the quantum of stake sale. Air India has become burden on the government. Though it is suppose to be earning revenues for the government, over the year Air India has only created liabilities. The airline reportedly has a debt of more than 52,000 crore rupees and is surviving on a 30,000 crore rupees bailout package extended by the previous UPA government in 2012. In January this year Air India was listed as the third worst performing airline in the world in a survey by US based flight data firm FlightStats.

Several factors have contributed to poor performance of Air India. As per DGCA report in 2016 it lagged every other domestic airline in on-time performance at the country's four busy airports and also it topped the list of receiving maximum complaints from the passengers. Politicians have also contributed to the poor performance of Air India by using it at their own property and interrupting its operation as their whims and fancies. One can only hope that disinvestment process is carried out properly while taking care of the employees. The decision to privatize is expected to meet strong resistant from employees union of Air India. Therefore government will have to carefully handle the whole process.

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---- Readers Forum ----

NPA crisis and Farmers’ woes

Dear Editor,

The menaces of mounting bad loans or Non Performing Assets (NPA) of banks have accumulated catastrophic affect to our GDP resulting slowing credit flow to industry. Our country needs stable and sound banking system for a healthy growth of an economy. A loan account becomes sub-standard and called NPA, if a borrower does not pay three instalments continuously. The big corporate defaulters often escaped easily from regulator’s scanner despite clarion call by lenders. They have diverted loans taken for specific purposes by using regulatory backlash. And the plight of small farmers is India’s bitter seeds. The massive crop failure and farmers’ suicide afflict in the low rainfall region of southern/central India. Both Govt and lenders should come forward to obviate farmers’ need to look at the heaven every session. India’s agriculture sector contributes 16% of GDP but it is a pity that its produces are even sold below minimum support price (MSP). The rural distress in difficult situations often prompts states to offer relief to reduction or complete waiver of loans. But it is a debate for long term effectiveness.

India’s stress assets swell nearing 10 lakh crore. Vijay Mallya packed his bags, purchased a flight ticket and fled to London. This would have been difficult in China. The country has toughened restrictions on 60 lakh bank defaulters, barring them from travelling by flights to high speed trains, getting loans and credit cards or even promotions. Can India think about rule changes and strict regulations? The biggest hindrance of effective operation of Indian lenders’ got choked by ballooning of NPA. To crack down on loan defaulters cabinet clear new ordinance to speed up NPA resolution process for time bound winding up of companies and recovery of secured loans. Amendment of banking regulation act will empower RBI to take action against defaulter under bankruptcy code. RBI recently identified 50 big corporate defaulters amounting 25% of gross NPA and is planning to issue directions to banks to file for insolvency proceedings. The banks are to be given more powers to deal with acquired liquidity during post-demonetisation. Earlier bank took years to recover the assets under SARFAESI Act of 2002. But now it is amended in 2016. RBI also opened loan restructuring scheme to check the menace of NPAs.

If thing continues then both NPAs as well as restructured loans of banks may stand at 10% of Gross NPA. And PSU banks are the worst hit. They reported sharp fall on denting profits. Already Rs 1.14 lakh crore of bad loans had been written off by state-owned banks between 2013 and 2015. High provisioning figures further eat away from their profits. The gravity of the problem is so worst that finance ministry and RBI may consider setting up a ‘bad bank’ to deal with. There may be one time settlement for big defaulters leading to write off for NPAs. In the same time pushing more lending to Agriculture sectors, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will promote start-ups and entrepreneurship programme towards keeping the Indian economy upbeat and then India will flourish. Investing in programme like watershed project might bring oasis in the low rainfall region that would bring cheers to rural economy and both farmers and banks reap a good harvest.

Yours,

Kamal Baruah

Guwahati

Conduct DPCs on time

Dear Editor,

With reference to the news item captioned, “DPC clears promotion of APCS officers”, published in your esteemed daily on June 14, I would like to lay down few lines for the kind attention of our Chief Minister and also other concerned authorities.

Due to non conduct of DPCs timely and rampant prevalence of officiating and functional promotions, lot of sincere and genuine officers and officials have been victimized, leading to the degradation in work culture. This is particularly true for all the engineering departments, education department and RD department. As per service rules, officiating and functional promotions are just a stop gap arrangement, and a regular promotion, duly recommended by the DPCs should be effected within 6 months of any officiating/functional promotions. However, there are instances in various departments of Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, especially the above mentioned departments, where officers and officials are working under officiating/functional promotion for say 9 – 10 years. Also, due to this system of officiating / functional promotion, many a time juniors are promoted before their seniors, thus creating total chaos in the work culture.

The bold directives by the then Governor of Arunachal Pradesh K. P. Rajkhowa during the President Rule in the state to do away with all officiating and functional appointments, and to conduct immediate DPCs for all departments, was a ray of hope for all the sincere and honest officials of Arunachal Pradesh.

Although many officiating and functional promotees were reverted back to their original posts during the PR, but proper DPCs could not be conducted during that tenure due to the briefness in PR in the state. How people longed for PR to last longer was a testimony to the fact that how chaotic our working environment has become. PR was bringing some ray of hope for restoring some semblance in the governance system of the state. And I think it would be the only President’s Rule in any state of India, where general public loved and appreciated it. Fortunately, then Chief Minister Kalikho Pul also continued with the stand to do away with all officiating and functional appointments, and to conduct DPCs timely. And now, it is really heartening that the present Chief Minister Pema Khandu is also maintaining with the same stand to conduct DPCs timely.

However, even after issuance of directives after directives to conduct DPCs timely by the successive governments, it is really painful to observe that the various departments are blatantly defying the same with all impunity. Recent promotion of APCS officers through properly conducted DPC is praiseworthy and should be emulated by all other departments. But then, DPCs for APCS officers were relatively quite regular and systematic even before these series of directives started. So, I find nothing new to rejoice upon nor would I accept it as an achievement of government directive. It is the departments such education department, RD department, all the engineering departments that are defying the directives and are unable to conduct DPCs timely. A white paper on timely conduction of DPCs for all the departments of Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh would be worth examining.

Out of curiosity, I went around enquiring the causes of such defiance by various departments.

Initially, I thought that it is the almighty vested interests of this state that is holding back this routine exercise of DPCs, but upon deeper inquest it was revealed that although some vested interests do lobby for continuation of officiating and functional promotions, but non conduction of DPCs to a great extent was also due to inability and inefficiency of clerical staff and other officials responsible for conducting DPCs. DPCs in some departments have not been conducted for so many years, that they are now totally unable to conduct the same.

Hence, through this esteemed daily, I would like to request our young and enthusiastic Chief Minister to seek action taken reports on its directives to conduct DPCs timely from all the departments. Responsibilities should be fixed and necessary action taken for defying the repeated government orders and directives, lest it becomes a paper tiger and its directives a mere rhetoric. If any department is really incompetent to conduct DPCs, then it may be out sourced batch wise to other experienced departments such as Personnel Deptt., etc. And the competency to conduct routine DPCs should certainly be taken into account while writing the ACRs/APARs of the officials responsible for the conduct of DPCs, for it is the ultimate public service of other serving government employees.

I would like to conclude here by paraphrasing the statement of our own Chief Minister Pema Khandu, “Timely promotion is not only beneficial for the employees but also very crucial as it boosts the morale of the promoted employees to work with more sincerity and dedication.”

Yours,

O. Lego, Itanagar

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---Editor