The Arunachal Times - Archives

Arunachal snubs NHPC yet again, while Centre appoints pro large dam Rakesh Nath as EAC chair

Correspondent

ITANAGAR, June 23: The government of Arunachal has yet again snubbed NHPC. This time, the public sector company lost out to a private player as the government decided to allot the 2,000 MW Subansiri Upper HEP to KSK Energy Ventures Limited (KSKEVL) for implementing the project on build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) basis.

A source informed that Arunachal Pradesh has already executed a memorandum of agreement with the Hyderabad-based private power project developer.

The KSK Energy Ventures Limited has practically nil experience when it comes to big projects in power sector.

KSK Energy Ventures Limited, a BSE& NSE listed Indian subsidiary and was established in 2001 to “capitalize on the emerging opportunities in the Indian power sector and focus on developing, operating and maintaining power projects”.

KSK currently has three hydel power plants (aggregating 1045 MW) under planning stage in Arunachal which includes 120 MW Dibbin Hydro Power Private Limited run-of-the-river hydro electric power (HEP) project envisaged on Bichom River in West Kameng and 600 MW Kameng Dam on Kameng River in East Kameng.

Earlier, in October 2009, Arunachal allotted the 1,600 MW Subansiri Middle HEP to a joint venture formed by Hydro Power Development Corporation of Arunachal Pradesh Limited and Jindal Power Limited.

Despite bagging the contract for preparing detailed project reports (DPR) for all the three Subansiri HEPs, NHPC is left with the execution rights for only the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower HEP.

Hence, the state government's decision to allocate the HEPs to private companies, especially when NHPC is ready to complete DPRs has obviously not gone well with the NHPC.

What is interesting to note is that the projects have been held up for some time, at least in the papers, since the Ministry of Environment and Forests had declined to provide stage-II clearance, on the basis of the conditions imposed by the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), which directed that no dams should be constructed upstream of the Subansiri river in the future. However Supreme Court came as a savior to the government and the power developers as it overturned the decision.

On the other, the over enthusiastic central government has appointed former Central Electricity Authority ( CEA) chairperson Rakesh Nath as the new Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) chairperson. A notification to this effect was issued on June 14. Till last month, he was the president of the Indian National Committee of International Commission on Large Dams ( INCOLD), an organisation engaged in promoting big dams.

In a letter to the Jairam Ramesh, Environmentalists have slammed the government for appointing Rakesh Nath.

"Nath is the chairman of the national committee of the International Commission on Large Dams (INCOLD), which is a rabidly pro-large dam organization, essentially working as a lobby mechanism for large dams," says a letter, dated June 19th, written to the environment minister by 23 organizations.

"Since the EAC is designed to understand and evaluate environmental and social impacts of large dams and also look at 'no-dam' option.... its chairman needs to be a person with a far more balanced and independent approach on the large-scale impacts of hydro power and river valley projects," says the letter.

Interestingly, Jairam Ramesh had granted a similar request by environmentalists soon after becoming minister in June 2009, which resulted in the resignation of P. Abraham as the chairperson of the EAC.

What speaks a lot about the Ministry is the fact that Nath is the third person to be appointed as chairman of the EAC in the last two years!

Meanwhile, the EAC for environmental appraisal of river valley and hydro-electric projects is slated for June 30 under the new chairman.

AAPSU accuse govt of being soft on refugee and non-indigenous population

ITANAGAR, June 23: The laxity of the consecutive state governments in checking the contagious influx of non– Arunachalees in the state and claiming scheduled tribe status since the inception of Arunachal Pradesh is glaring. With the increasing population, the Chakmas, Hajongs, Tibetans, Bhutanese and Nepalis from outside the nation and Deoris, Mishings, etc from other state have permanently entered into Arunachal Pradesh and the government let in the flow unchecked. Now, some of the migrants having taken ST status legally or illegitimately are threatening the very existence of the indigenous people, said AAPSU in a release.

All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union president Takam Tatung said that ninety Tibetan families of Shyo village in Tawang who had entered into the state before 1962 were given ST status in 1996-97 by the state government. The move could have been political expediency of the then state government at the cost of indigenous people, said Tatung.

“The matter of declaring scheduled tribe to a foreigner does not come under the ambit of state government. How come 90 families of Tibetan were given STs is a big question mark. Their STs should be immediately revoked”, he added.

He further cited an example of one Boken Pao from Mishing community of Assam who is working in Arunachal Pradesh under Department of Forest and Environment as Assistant Conservator of Forest under APST quota.

The then state government had formed a high power committee under the chairmanship of Lombo Tayeng in 2006 on whether to grant ST status to the Mishings residing in the state, but the findings and recommendations of the committee were never made public, he said.

According to a government directive of March 3, 2005, sixteen major tribes and sub-tribes have been recognised as scheduled tribe of the state and clearly notified according to the Supreme Court ruling of February 2, 2001 that Deoris and Mishings are not STs of Arunachal Pradesh. Further, the apex court had made it clear that a person belonging to a scheduled tribe in one state cannot ipso facto claim the same status in another state unless his/her tribe is declared to be a scheduled tribe in relation to that state under Article 342(1). But negating the order, the DC East Siang had issued ST certificate to one Pao as Adi on August 25, 2006.

According to documents available with the AAPSU, Pao is a Mishing from Jonai and had joined the Arunachal Pradesh government service as a Range Forest Officer on May 7 1987. Subsequently, he was promoted to Assistant Conservator of Forest vide order no. FOR.176/EA/98/Pt-1/4425-525 on February 22 2007.

On the other hand, while reacting to the clarification given by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Miao on the clamping of 144 CrPC on June 18th which has prevented the indigenous Singpho community to construct houses at their rightful land the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union has said that its appalling our people are always at the receiving end and the matter is compounded due to the slack attitude of the state government in pursuing legal procedure to the refugee issue.

“Court had passed the judgment in favour of Thuing Singpho as the legal owner of the land in M-pen now the administration has tried to prevent the lawful owner from constructing her house on the ground of maintaining status quo on 17th of June to the Singpho community which was actually issued on 7th June. In all these days, the status quo notice was kept away from the knowledge from the aggrieved owner and the community” said AAPSU president Takam Tatung. He added that the administration should have made it known to the contesting party to avoid the complicacies and resentments that have erupted out of it.

CM calls on Army to maintain strategic infrastructure

ITANAGAR June 23: The Chief minister has said that Army should also make use of the defense fund for repair and maintenance of strategic porter tracks, foot suspension bridges and log bridges in the border area which is equally used both by the army as well as the local people.

The Chief Minister said this during a meeting with Maj. General R N Singh, GOC 56 Infantry Division who called on him at his Niti Vihar office this morning.

The helipads and other infrastructure built by the Army should also be allowed to be used by the civilians, Khandu said.

The meeting covered various issues pertaining to security, Arunachal Scouts, civic actions and land requirement for raising 2 division of Army in the state.

Khandu while advocating for hundred cent percent reservations of Arunachal Youths in the recruitment of Arunachal Scouts, advised the Army to conduct the recruitment rally considering the landscape and climatic conditions to accommodate all deserving candidates.

The GOC assured Khandu to consider his proposal and urged the Chief Minister to expedite the land acquisition cases to which he assured all possible assistance from his end.

The meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary Tabom Bam. (PRO TO CM)

Tax and Excise dept goes global, CCTV at BFC, Banderdewa

ITANAGAR, June 23: CCTV camera installed at BFC, Banderdewa has been made operational from today which has also been linked with the website of the Tax & Excise department, “http://arun-taxexcise.nic.in/” and would be available online 24X7.

The new website was inaugurated by the Minister Tax & Excise, RWD, and Law Kalikho Pul.

Minister has urged all concerned including the tax payers for active co-operation by paying tax on time to increase revenue collection as this will lead to greater plan allocation for the State. He further appealed each and every one to make full use of this website so that they can access information directly online instead of seeking information under RTI Act. He further stressed all officers to work as a team with dedication and sincerity.

Secretary (Tax & Excise) Amit Singla, who is leaving for Delhi after 5 years in Arunachal, highlighted the reforms undertaken by the department. He informed that the department has already collected around Rs. 140 crores in the last financial year. The procedures of TDS have also been reformed and the notification to this effect has been issued. Further, the work executing agencies have been asked to keep the provision of Value Added Tax (VAT) component in the estimates and deposit the tax collected. The department is going to implement e-payment of taxes through internet banking within a short time.

The department has also strengthened the Enforcement activities by installing CCTV camera and Weigh Bridge and all these exercise will definitely yield more revenue and may even touch Rs. 200 crores in 2010-11. The CCTV camera coverage may also help the Police department to track the movement of the vehicles.

He also thanked Jyotish Rai of NIC, Itanagar for developing the website and further, informed that the tax department is going to be computerized under Mission Mode Project, the software for which is being developed by the NIC, Karnataka for the State to facilitate the dealers with online e-registration, e-return, e-issuance of statutory forms, e-refund etc. The Excise and Societies branch of the department is also computerized and the software for which is developed by NIC, Arunachal Pradesh.

A new lease of life for a boy

ITANAGAR, June 23: A life of the orphan child being brought up in the Mother’s Home, Ziro was saved with timely treatment, thanks to the Achukuru Welfare Society, which has been running the Mothers Home since 2005.

Mobya Tana, 13, was suffering from ear related ailment since his childhood. However, the ear disease swelled up later and spread to the brain. Within no time, Talyang Shanti, the chairperson of the Society took the patient to Hapoli Hospital, after more than a fortnight treatment; the patient was evacuated to R K Mission Hospital, Itanagar on May 27 for further treatment.

With the initiative of Shanti, R K Mission authority offered free of cost special care to the patient. However, since the disease spread to the brain, the doctors referred the patient to Guwahati.

Shanti did not lose her heart, without losing time, the Mothers’ Home mother proceed to Guwahati.

After little more than 20 days, the child came around and here too the hospital authorities did the surgery almost free of cost, except expenditure on medicines.

Shanti is now all praises for Hinyo-Mobya Lapang Fund, well-wishers and relatives for providing some fund for the treatment of the child. She also extended gratefulness to authorities of Hapoli hospital, R K Mission and doctors of GMC with who’s help child got a fresh lease of life.

It may be mentioned here that the Mothers’ Home is taking care of the 8 mentally retarded persons in addition to 8 other destitute.

State finance dept launches its website

ITANAGAR, June 23: State Development Commission (finance) Vijay Kumar Dev has launched the website of the finance department in a simple function here today.

The occasion was attended by outgoing special finance secretary Amit Singla, Food and Civil Supplies director Deepak Kumar, under secretary P Aich, under secretary Dani Pyaro, NIC scientist Jyotish Roy, and other officers of the finance department.

The website www.arunachalfin.nic.in not only provides details of the information about finance department at secretariat level but also about the three directorates of accounts, treasuries, audit, pensions and small savings besides link to website of finance departments of other states. The finance department has also implement computerised file tracking system in concurrence branch of finance department.

According to official release, the project to computerise all treasuries is also under implementation and delegation to financial powers to other departments and strengthening of accounting and auditing system across the departments have also been undertaken.

The release further said that under the guidance of Finance Minister Setong Sena and support of the all departments, the financial team of Vijay Kumar Dev and Amit Singla has introduced various administrative reform.

‘Law should be equal for all’

ITANAGAR, June 23: AAPSU has said that law should be equal for all. Citing examples of frequent government action against students’ community, the Union urged government to enforce the law equally to all section of the society and the citizens.

The Union however appreciated the Deputy Commissioner, Lower Subansiri District for filling an FIR against the student community for extortion from the members of the business community of Ziro-Hapoli area.

AAPSU said that few months back the government has issued price list of all commodities to all the business communities in the state capital. However, the business communities over looked the order and continue to sell the commodities at much higher while the government is happy being a mute spectator.

It further said that despite ban on lottery, housie by the government, the concerned authority could not stop it from flourishing in the state capital.

APPSU further said that despite the students unions complain against land encroachment in government land at Doimukh few days back, the concerned authority failed to initiate action against the encroacher. However, when the union dismantled the house after giving prior notice, then the authority issued arrest warrant order against the students community.

Taking account of all such incidences, the union strongly appealed to the state government to stop such practice particularly against the student community. It further said that to highlight the discriminatory practices, union would go on agitation in July unless govt rectifies it ways.

Jarkar Gamlin calls for united efforts for promotion of sports

AALO, June 23: MLA Jarkar Gamlin has called upon the new team of the District Sports Authority (DSA) to work unitedly for betterment of the sports activities in West Siang.

He was addressing a meeting organised to select new executives of the DSA at DC’s conference hall on June 11.

He also recalled the performance of outgoing DSA secretary Kengam Ete and his team who had organised day and night football match for the first time during Tadar Tang Memorial football tournament. Gamlin, who is also chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Board (KBIV) was optimistic about better performance of the new selected DSA body.

Among others members, Kenjum Riba has been selected as secretary of the DSA for 2011-2014. DIPRO

An Open letter to CM

Dear Editor,

As discussed with you in Delhi on 15th June 2010, this is to bring to your notice that the state administration who was party to the placement of Director. Higher Education, Government of Arunachal Pradesh as Director Incharge of NERIST as an interim arrangement nearly 2 years ago has been keeping silent on the functioning of this lone premier and dream Institute of Late Rajiv Gandhi. This Institute was established through North East Council (NEC) in 1986 and was taken over in 1994 by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. In the wake of long leave availed by Dr. Kalyan Kumar the then Director of NERIST in 2007-2008, such an interim arrangement was made. However, it should have been made only for 1 or 2 months. Such Institute should not be run by a non-technical man for an indefinite period. Very interestingly the order of such interim In-charge was issued by the Chief Secretary Government of Arunachal Pradesh by virtue of being Chairman of Board of Management (BOM) which it seems has been made validate till now. Again on 16th May 2009, he was stripped of the charge due to his alleged involvement during Lok Sabha Elections. However, he continues with that capacity in such sensitive and technical post of such Institute of repute.

There have been alleged reports of large scale corruption and maladministration in the Institution with undue advantage and favoritism in recruitment of various professional, technical and non-technical jobs for members of a particular family. This has damaged the reputation of the Institute which had earned a name for itself in the entire North East Region. Moreover, the silent stance of the State Administration for too long would not pay much dividends in rebuilding this premier Institute.

Lot of activities are yet to be accomplished in pushing the higher education sectors in Arunachal Pradesh. Many colleges are yet to boost for infrastructural development. For this purpose, the Director of Higher Education had been bifurcated from Directorate of School Education to give a face lift to the Higher Education Sectors in the State. The State Government according to sources have also established number of colleges recently in few district but it seems these colleges are also a non starter. The work load of Higher Education has also increased manifold which requires dedication and sincerity. Moreover, the department of Higher Education and NERIST are two establishments of diverse activities.

I would like to urge upon your good office to intervene and keep the Ministry of Human Resource Development abreast of the problems of the Institute at Nirjuli. How can a technical Institute of high repute be manned by a non-technical laymen? Should the State Administration who has housed this Institute for 8 North-Eastern States be responsible for a silent stance? For the interest and well being of the Institute, I had apprised Ministry of Human Resource Development vide D.O. LS/TS-KS/HRD/10 dated March 28, 2010, D.O. No. MP/LS-TS/01/2009 dated 4/12/2009 addressed to MOS, Ministry of HRD and D.O No. LS/TS-36/2 dated June 17, 2010 to immediately make interim arrangement by appointing Deans/Senior Professors as In-charge Director (according to guidelines of Ministry of Human Resource Development) . This has been supplemented by the report of UGC Expert Committee submitted on 9th September 2009 wherein they have clearly indicated positioning of regular Director for the Institute. This issue has been brought to the notice of Secretary, Human Resource Development New Delhi, several times. The reports of irregularities of appointment of technical and non technical staff in the Institute have been questioned and for this, a high profile investigation may also be mounted in future in case remedial measures are not taken at the earliest.

I would therefore request you to clear the position of State Government with Ministry of Human Resource Development for appointment of Director In-charge of NERIST amongst Deans/Professors from the Institute till a full fledge Director is put in position.

I am writing this letter considering the seriousness of the situation in NERIST as this Institute is not for Arunachal Pradesh alone but for entire North Eastern Region and the whole Nation.

Yours,

Takam Sanjoy

MP, Lok Sabha

Electoral reforms need of the hour

Dear Editor,

The feature (“Halt India’s poll merry-go-round, June 22) was a nice read. It was a timely commentary on the true contemporary political scenario of our country. A bleak one at that, though. There can be hardly any dissenting opinion on this pathetic impasse. I am not an authority on the subject but as a lay person I have some points to make. Adopting presidential system may not be feasible, at least in the near future. Our public can’t be compared with the public from a developed country like USA. Social indices of our countrymen are likely to be heavily skewed unfavourably vis-a-vis US public. In this scenario electing a true leader as president would be like searching a needle from a haystack. As a short term measure I think the election funding should be strictly monitored and if needed drastic policy change may be considered to stop vote buying. Criminals should be barred from contesting elections. Uniform education policy should be adopted throughout the country and not even a single child should be left out unlettered. It will not be an outright solution but it might be a big leap in that direction. Nonetheless, raising such a serious issue in the public domain is a commendable effort.

Yours,

John (on email)

Appreciable efforts

Dear Editor,

Apropos to News item “11 Months Free Typewriting and Shorthand Course Training" published on June 23rd, it is appraisable that the Sub Regional Employment Officer, CGC for SC/ST under the Sponsorship of Ministry of Labour and Employment, Govt. of India is going to organize the training.

Such free training / coaching will immensely help underprivileged and economically backward SC/ST unemployed youth. After getting such training / coaching they can manage at least manage their livelihood. Hence, the bona fide SC/ST candidate should avail such an opportunities thoroughly.

Yours,

Kopo Koj On email

Repair or get ready with boats!

Dear Editor,

I would like to bring to the notice of authorities concerned on the miserable condition of Sumo Stand Ganga, Itanagar. It pains me to see the deteriorated condition of the Stand as it sodden throughout rainy days and even in bright sunny days. If something is not done soon, a time will come when commuters have to use boat to get on & get off the vehicles from the Sumo Stand.

Hence, the authorities concerned and the Maxicap association are requested to look into the matter and take immediate steps to renovate the Stand as early as possible.

Yours

Koj Kapa,

Itanagar (on email)

Make the roads safer

Dear Editor,

Because of improper Road Traffic signal & system in Itanagar & Naharlagun Zone, road mishaps are occurring almost on a regular basis. Being the capital city of Arunachal, Itanagar should be atleast equipped with high quality traffic signals. The responsibility goes to Arunachal Govt as well.

Without any proper driving skills & driving schools, government provides driving licenses. Due to this negligence innocent people are dying every day. Who is responsible?

In my view Govt. should establish High quality traffic signal & system, there should be high penalty for those who break traffic rules. I would really appreciates if Govt. establish Good traffic signals in every rush & crowded zone of Itanagar & Naharlagun.

Yours,

A Citizen

VIP road needs attention

Dear Editor,

The so-called VIP road from Bank Tinali to Niti Vihar needs proper attention from the authorities. The road is going from bad to worse as there is no proper drainage system. Moreover, whenever there is a heavy shower, the muddy water from road side directly enters the private residences due to lack of proper drain.

The beauty of any state lies on proper road maintenance and proper drainage system. Therefore, I, appeal the state Govt to maintain footpath, drainage system of the VIP road at the earliest.

Yours,

Munwang Khimhun

Itanagar.

Bagra: first Arunachalee to get Ph. D in Zoology

Itanagar, June 23: Kenjum Bagra, son of Gumken Bagra and Yabi Bagra of Doji village, West Siang district has been awarded Ph.D in Zoology in the topic entitled, "Studies on some biological features and habitat ecology of a cyprinid fish under genus Semiplotus (Bleeker) in Sipu river, West Siang district Arunachal Pradesh", by Rajiv Gandhi University. Dr. Bagra is the first Arunachalee to get Ph.D in Zoology from RGU. Semiplotus is a regionally important wild food fish with very little information which is also endangered in the state. Dr. Bagra in his thesis unfolded all the important biological and habitat parameters of the fish in detail. Now the fish has got the attention of National organisation like ICAR for its future conservation, domestication and propagation. He completed his Ph.D. under the supervision of Dr. D.N. Das, Associate Professor, RGU and his degree will be conferred at the next convocation of the University.

AAPHWS to approach Govt for unemployment allowance

ITANAGAR, June 23: All Arunachal Pradesh Handicapped Welfare Society (AAPHWS) has unanimously decided to approach the state Govt for unemployment allowances to educated handicapped, pensions for senior handicapped citizens and widows.

These decisions were taken in a general body meeting of the AAPHWS held at Naharlagun on June 19 last.

While adopting various other resolutions for the welfare of the handicapped persons, the meeting also decided to follow up the pending cases relating to implementation of the job reservation quota for handicapped, construction of barrier free Govt building and offices, allotment of supply and contract works to its members.

The meeting further decided to approach Govt for construction of the handicapped colony near Banderdewa and fund for construction of school for the children with disabilities at Papu Nallah soon.

The new executive body of the Society was also formed with Tami Taniang as chairman, Hilling Gagung, Vice Chairman, Jomo Sikki, secretary general.

CO at Gangte circle demanded

ITANAGAR, June 23: Anchal Samiti Member (ASM) of Rai Raiga Anchal Segment Choki Tatung has urged the state Govt for posting of circle officer at Gangte circle at the earliest.

In a letter to state chief secretary, the ASM resented that the people of the circle have been facing lots of administrative problems in absence of CO for last many months. The CO was transferred before the assembly election, but no officer was posted yet to look into problems of the people, he said.

Health camps by ACSUM

ITANAGAR, Jun 23: In view of the poor medical facilities in various remote areas of Tawang district, the Arunachal Capital Students Union of Monpa’s (ACSUM) has decide to organize medical cum health awareness campaign at Mago-Thingbu, Khet and Dudunghur circles under Tawang district from the second week of July.

Basic knowledge on health and hygiene, first aids etc. would be imparted to the villagers during the campaign. Many doctors, including Specialists are expected to attend.

Felicitations of toppers

ITANAGAR, June 23: The school managing committee of the Govt Secondary school, Pitapool, Lower Subansiri district has felicitated the 1st batch of the school who have successfully cleared the CBSE class X board examination 2010. Among the successful students, Taba Yatup (64%) and Taba Yag (62%) were rewarded with Rs 5000 and 2500 respectively as a token of encouragement. The committee also donated a Oxford Dictionary each to all 1st batch pass out of the school.

Meanwhile, the committee announced a reward of Rs 10,000 each for those students who will secure 80 per cent and above marks from the next academic year.

Lok Adalat disposes 21 criminal cases

ITANAGAR: Altogether 21 criminal cases were disposed off in a three-Day Lok Adalat conducted by Upper Subansiri District Legal Service authority at Singik Hall, Daporijo from June 15 to 17 last.

Besides the member secretary and EAC (Jud) Duyu Ribya, other members including Police Inspector T Riram, Tadu Bayor, advocate, Netro Riba and Talum Babla took part in the proceedings.

Next sitting of the Lok Adalat will be held in August.

Earlier, Ribya highlighting the importance of the Lok Adalat, urged the litigants to avail the opportunities being provided by these Adalats as alternative dispute resolution mechanism within shortest time. Describing the Lok Adalat as people’s court, he also called upon the litigants to be sincere and honest while bringing a matter to this Forum, according to an official release.

Vishal P Nabum appointed as CM’s Advisor

ITANAGAR: Vishal P Nabam has been appointed as advisor to chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh. Vishal who is currently holding the post of spokesman, Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee, has been in active politics since early days of his life. In the initial year he was actively involved with various student bodies like AAPSU and ANSU.

In the past he also hold important portfolios like member of monitoring and motivating team under dept of HRD, govt. of India, specially looking after education and employment generation of North-East. In his capacity as member, he has helped various NGOs to start many social oriented programmes. Vishal is also known for supporting cultural activities and is well known social activist.

MDVSU for relief package

ITANAGAR: Middle Dibang Valley Students’ Union (MDVSU) has demanded the NHPC authorities, district administration and state Govt as a whole to implement at least 40 per cent of the relief and rehabilitation package prior to the public hearing on DMP.

While discussing its demand for assessment of ground realities of project affected people, the union claimed that as per the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, national RR Policy -2007 and Arunachal Pradesh State Relief and Rehabilitation policy 2008, the project affected people are entitled to provide RR package prior to the public hearing.