The Arunachal Times - Archives

Governor to discuss Dibang Valley crisis with Centre, DA calls for declaration of state of emergency

Staff Reporter

with inputs from DIPR

ANINI, June 24: Governor Gen JJ Singh assured to take up the issue of grim situation being faced by the people of Dibang Valley due to flash flood with the Prime Minister and National Disaster Management Authority for the appropriate relief to the affected people. He assured this during a visit to the district today.

While interacting with the public at Circuit House, Anini, Singh expressed his solidarity with people, who have been confronting the crisis like situation owing to indefinite road blockade caused by landslides triggered by heavy downpour since last four months.

Governor donated 66 categories of medicines, fruits, vegetables to the disaster stricken people of the district. He informed that medicines were contributed by Chief Executive Officer of Ranbaxy Company Malbinder Singh.

Parliamentary Secretary, Agriculture cum local MLA, Rajesh Tacho urged the state governor to impress upon the central government for establishment of one Army Brigade in Anini, which would help the district to usher in rapid economic development. Tacho further appealed the Governor to discuss with the Director General of Border Road Organizations (BRO) for early air lifting of bridge components, heavy machineries and other equipments to restore road connectivity at earliest.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner, Tayor Jempen said that the District Administration has been making all out efforts to mitigate the difficulties, but all has gone in vain as restoration works are badly hampered by the inclement weather.

Governor was apprised about the destruction of infrastructures and difficulties faced by the people of the district by DRRO Tana Tage.

Tage impressed upon Governor for urgent need of dedicated air effort to stage forward resources, like lifting of Bulldozers, bridge materials; etc at various locations so that work can be undertaken at multiple points and Road Connectivity is established at earliest.

Meanwhile, in a letter to the Chief Secretary, the Dibang valley district administration, has asked for declaration of the state of emergency in the district. The desperate call came after the district remains cut for nearly four months because of incessant rain. Despite government’s efforts, there is acute shortage of food and other essential commodities.

The DC Tayo Jampen said that panic has gripped the entire district due to the food crisis, thus resulting in the fleeing away of laborers, general public and govt. employees. The onset of monsoon is likely to result in even heavier rainfall. Despite all possible efforts having been made by the District Administration, the situation remains grim, he further said.

The main bridge over River Dri was washed out on April 13 following unprecedented rain and several patches of the Roing-Anini road were breached following landslides.

Due to torrential rainfall, new water bodies have come up at various locations cutting the entire road formations at various locations in between the Roing to Anini road.

The road connectivity from Etalin CO HQ to Malinye; Anini HQ to Mipi CO Hq and Anini HQ to Dambuine have also been completely snapped owing to heavy landslides caused by torrential rainfall.

The need of the hour is to press more additional relief sorties to this natural disaster affected zone for air lifting of essential items specifically, he said.

Chini-Ahfra and Awapani, the two Micro Hydels have also been damaged substantially, thereby disrupting the supply of electricity. All stocks of fuel (MS/HSD/KS) have also been completely exhausted which has resulted in the severe hampering of administrative works, he said.

On the other hand, in a letter received from the HQs, 48 BRTF, the restoration of the road connectivity is likely to take more time than expected, he informed.

Two dead in landslide, three circles snapped

ITANAGAR, June 24: Two people are reported dead and at least six injured because of a sudden landslide at Baki, Siyum Circle in Upper Subansiri at about midnight of June 23.

The dead body of 40 years Taba Baki has been recovered by the villagers while one Dadam Baki is still missing.

Eight houses are reported completely washed away while four houses are partially damaged.

Baki is 88 Km away from the Upper Subansiri Headquarters Daporijo and has some 400 houses including government quarters.

Two of the severely injured have been evacuated to Daporijo for treatment by NCP leader T G Baki.

Baki who rushed to the village after being informed of the tragedy while speaking to this daily said that search work and rescue work is being affected because of incessant rain.

He called on the state government and other well wishers to donate in cash and kind for the people affected by the landslide.

Because of the unprecedented land and mudslide, Nacho, Limeking and Taksing circles have been cut off, he informed.

Baki further called on the GREF to start immediate work on restoration of road.

The people of the village managed to build a log bridge as an alternate connection but it is unlikely to last long because of unpredictable rain.

Meanwhile, the Orphan Trust Society chairperson, Tapa Baki in a message urged the state government and relief and re-habitation department of the state to take necessary action as soon as possible for the early relief of the people.

He urged NGOs, pressure group, public leaders of the state to join hands to give relief to the people.

As Anini battles

Taba Ajum

ITANAGAR, June 24: Being part of the team that travelled to Anini along with Governor Gen. JJ Singh, it was quite an exhilarating experience to visit one of the most beautiful places of Arunachal which at the moment is crying for urgent attention.

Blessed with immense natural beauty, Anini is bestowed with enchanting natural flora and fauna. However, disaster struck the whole Dibang Valley district four month ago when roads were washed away due to incessant rainfall. Since then vibrant Dibang has turned into silent valley and people are virtually living on the edge. Essential commodities are hard to find and those available, cannot be afforded by poor people.

The crisis has deepened to such an extent that Dibang Valley district will become shame of the state if authority do not help people there at the earliest. Though state government has been trying their best to offer every assistance, still more is needed to be done. It may take month before road connectivity is restored and in the meantime government has to make sure that people of Dibang Valley do not feel neglected. The present situation of district in a way is wake up call to the state government. In the past also many a times, far flung districts of state had faced similar problems during rainy days. But authority never seems to have learned any lesson out of such natural calamities.

While talking to this reporter, one local resident had few things to ask to the authority. It’s tough to understand why administration did not have any back up plan to counter such situation. Everybody knows that places like Anini always face danger of being cut off during rainy season when roads are washed away. Though we appreciate state government and our fellow Arunachalee for supporting us but we hope for more in this trying time, told one resident of the Anini.

He was right in pointing out the loopholes and authority should not dare to miss out his statement. Every year Arunachal receives heavy rainfall prior to and during monsoon season but do authority really takes any precautionary measures.

As monsoon is soon going to hit whole state, there may be many more Aninis waiting in the wing. Time has arrived to find out a solution to deal with such natural disasters in the near future. There is a need to have better coordination between local authorities and central agencies like Border Road Organization to avoid situation like Anini. In the meantime people of Anini will continue their fight for survival!

No comment if accomplishments hamper somebody’s interest: Dr Begi hits back

Kalam to visit NERIST

NIRJULI, June 24: NERIST director Dr Joram Begi today out rightly denied all the allegations leveled against him by Lok Sabha member Takam Sanjoy.

Addressing a press conference at the institute here, Dr Begi said it was neither his choice and nor was he fascinated with continuing in his post, though he had been appointed in an extraordinary situation by the state chief secretary (then chairman of the NERIST board of management) on September 24, 2008, “when the institute was in a chaotic situation and on the verge of collapse.”

Dr Begi, while denying that the NERIST was ever politicized, produced a letter he wrote on June 23 to Guwahati IIT director and NERIST BoM chairman Prof Gautam Barua, expressing his desire to quit as he was working 12 hours a day to do justice to the dual responsibility to his parent post as director of higher and technical department, which had many important projects like the NIT, colleges and polytechnics that require constant liaison with the Centre.

He requested to be relieved of his post on June 25 and also sought advice as to whom to hand over the charge. “I wished to continue till August 4 next, as former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has consented to visit the NERIST, he informed. Following the granting of deemed university status in 2005, the authority to run the NERIST was vested with the union human resources development ministry while Prof Barua was appointed NERIST BoM chairman and the state governor as the NERIST Society president.

Replying to the allegations, Dr Begi said all recruitments and promotions, right from faculty to group ‘D’ staff, have been done in strict adherence to UGC and AICT norms and the DPC though the representation of ST in NERIST was around 2 to 3% against the prescribed 45%, now increased to 5.2%.

Enlisting numerous achievements in 22 months with the support of all concerned which helped the NERIST to flourish as one of the best managed institutes in the NE, Dr Begi said not only has it received appreciation from IIT-Kharagpur and Jadavpur University, he also succeeded in defending its deemed university status before the MHRD’s Tandon Committee after 44 such universities were derecognized.

Despite being a non-technical man, he said he computerized the evaluation system to announce results before schedule; installed the local area networking in the entire campus; streamlined the faculty positions and revived the career advancing scheme to check exodus; conducted the first convocation which was attended by President Pratibha Patil in 2009; revised the syllabi after over 10 years; expanded academic programmes and infrastructure including construction of the entrance gate, a guest house and a student activity centre; and evicted encroachers. Dr Begi enumerated these in a nine-page write-up titled ‘A Retrospection’ on his completing a year as the NERIST director.

Though the state government has no role to play in the NERIST “I have no comment if such achievements hamper somebody’s interest”, he said in the presence of a host of the institute’s faculty members.

While appreciating the performance of the acting NERIST director, Nirjuli Contractors’ Welfare Association (NCWA) has urged the Chief Minister not to react against the director without valid reason.

It further said that many development activities have been achieved under his tenure as director within a short period of time.

Disease of Political Defection ‘Business’ is here to stay

Nani Bath

Defection has vitiated the political atmosphere creating tension and frustration. Besides, it adversely affected the highest democratic values and traditions. This is not conducive to the growth of democracy. Defection should not become a value in itself and become a part of our political life. In the larger interest of Arunachal Pradesh it is desirable that this unhealthy tradition of frequently changing sides does not receive encouragement.

R.N. Haldipur,

Lt. Governor (1979)

The Beginning

The then Lt. Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, R.N. Haldipur made the above statement in his Radio Broadcast to the people of Arunachal Pradesh, being unhappy with the turn of events following defections and re-defection among the members of nascent Legislative Assembly. It is interesting to note that the political leaders of this tiny tribal state knew the art of ‘manipulation’ even when the majority of its people were not politically conscious and were illiterate.

More interesting is the fact that no political leader of Arunachal Pradesh is permanently attached to a party as pragmatism, rather than ideology, dictates their political behaviour. A leader joins a party not because of its ideology or his commitment for that party but to contest elections so that he becomes a part of the government. Even the party workers, at any level, leave the party once their elected representatives decide so.

The year 1979 marked the beginning of intense game of political defection. The first defection politics started in the state just before the first Legislative Assembly election in 1978. Immediately after the formation of Janata Party Government in New Delhi, the state unit of Congress Party joined the Janata Party and fought 1978 elections as Janata candidates. It may be mentioned here that the two nominated members of Parliament joined the Congress party in 1972. In 1975, Pradesh Council was converted into Provisional Legislative Assembly with Council of Ministers, headed by Congress-I Chief Minister, P.K. Thungon.

Initially, it was the PPA which attempted to merge with Janata Party. The desire of the PPA to join Janata Party was communicated to the leadership of JP in Delhi. The Janata Party was in the state of dilemma as the Arunachal Pradesh Congress, who then was heading the government with P.K. Thungon as the Chief Minister also expressed its desire to merge with the party. George Fernandez was sent as an Observer by the Janata Party. Supporters of PPA were waiting at Naharlagun, interestingly, with the badges- PPA (J), J indicating Janata. The leaders of ‘PPA (J)’ had submitted a list of 19 PPA legislators, who were ready to merge with Janata Party. The then Chief Minister, P.K. Thungon ‘hijacked’ George Fernandez from Lilabari Airport and was taken straight to C.M’s bungalow because of which PPA leaders could not meet Fernandez, the Observer. George Fernandez was believed to have been influenced by P.K. Thungon to accept Congress instead of PPA into the Janata fold. A political leader from Siang belt believes that the very foundation of PPA in Arunachal Pradesh was actively influenced by Janata Party, the party that was heading the Government in New Delhi after defeating Congress(I).He has a reason to believe this as the word ‘People’ in PPA is English translation of a Hindi word ‘Janata’. There is an allegation that Bakin Pertin was donated Rs. Two Thousand and Five Hundred by Janata party at the time of formation of PPA.

The Janata Party was voted to power and P.K. Thongun was re-elected as the Chief Minister in 1978 election. The political game of defection and re-defection once again started with the breakdown of the Janata Ministry at the Centre. The Thongun Ministry, which remained in power for a brief period of one and half year was reduced to minority because 19 MLAs withdrew support to his government. The Janata Ministry resigned on the 6th September. Immediately thereafter, Shri Gegong Apang, the leader of a newly formed party, called Arunachal People Conference, submitted a list of 22 supporters to the Lt. Governor and staked his claim to form a new Government.

Gegong Apang could not manage to get himself elected as the leader of new political formation, since within less than 24 hours there were defections from his side to the United Peoples Party of Arunachal raising its strength to 20 in the house of 33. The UPPA was formed by enlarging the former PPA to include dissidents from other camps.

With the support of the defectors a UPPA government headed by Tomo Riba was allowed to be sworned on the 18th September. On the 30th October, some members of the ruling UPPA defected and joined the newly formed Congress (I). Gegong Apang, as the leader of the Congress (I) Party, submitted a list of 18 MLAs supporting him and staked his claim to form an alternate Ministry. On the 31st October, the then Chief Minister, Tomo Riba, in a letter suggested that with a view to putting an end to political instability, horse-trading and defections, the Assembly should be dissolved. Soon thereafter Riba tendered the resignation of the Council of Ministers. Meanwhile one MLA defected from Shri Gegong Apang’s camp to the UPPA. The Lt. Governor recommended imposition of Presidents’ rule and the Assembly was finally dissolved on November 1979.

The Recent Trends

The reported ‘desire’ of the recently elected legislators from PPA to ‘join’ Congress (I) has renewed the debate about the game of political defection in our state. Whatever the ‘expelled’ and ‘show-caused’ legislators may explain, it is not so difficult for the public to understand their game plan. After the defection of our ‘Dear Leader’, Kiren Rijiju to a party that he loved to hate, every Arunachalee, I am sure, is psychologically prepared to accept the ground reality, the reality being- no modern leader is born to suffer like Bakin Pertin and Tomo Riba.

Its not that the people of Arunachal Pradesh have not given chance to potential opposition leaders. In 2004 General elections, nine BJP legislators were elected, who were won over by the ruling Congress (I) almost easily. Seven legislators elected on Janata Dal tickets joined the Congress in 1991. A year after the lone opposition MLA, L. Wanglat of Janata Dal got merged into Congress (I). The two Janata Party members of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, in 1996, resigned from the primary membership of the party with an intention to join Apang-led ruling Congress (I).

Gegong Apang, the former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh remained as the undisputed leader and Congress (I) Chief Minister since 1980 till the formation of his ‘own’ party- the Arunachal Congress in 1996.

The Arunachal Congress government headed by Apang lasted for just two years. After the General elections in 1998 there was an inner party revolt leading to expulsion of five of his ministers. One of the expelled ministers, Mukut Mithi, split and formed Arunachal Congress (M) which was supported by 40 members of the Legislative Assembly. Subsequently AC (M) got merged with Congress (I) ahead of the 1999 elections and formed a Congress (I) government headed by Mukut Mithi.

The Congress (I) government in Arunachal Pradesh led by Mukut Mithi was reduced to a minority on July 27, 2003 when 34 legislators quit the party to join hands with former Chief Minister Gegong Apang and floated a new political platform, the United Democratic Front. The UDF formed the government with Apang as Chief Minister and UDF remained as a coalition partner of NDA at the Centre. Later, Chief Minister Gegong Apang joined the BJP, thus making Arumachal Pradesh the first state in the north-east to be ruled by the saffron party.

Gegong Apang sailed through the 2004 Parliamentary elections as the BJP Chief Minister. The party won both the Parliamentary seats. When the UPA government replaced NDA government at the Centre and when Arunachal Pradesh was getting into Assembly election mode, political colour of the state once again took sudden u-turn. The Congress readmitted the Chief Minister, Gegong Apang, and other members of the Bharatiya Janata Party into the party. Gegong Apang said that Madam Gandhi welcomed him to Congress and it was a ‘home coming’, to use his own words, for Apang and his party men.

The End?

One often wonders- is it the end of pure politics in Arunahal Pradesh? How long the Machiavellian politics will continue to exist? In spite of the existence of Tenth Schedule (Anti-defection) to the Constitution, there has been steady stream of defection politics, which will continue unless a new brand of politicians (backed by strong public support) emerges in the scene.

Government of Arunachal Pradesh may have good points in urging the GOI to facilitate expansion of Council of Ministers from existing 12 to 20. But political instability, because of defections, cannot be stopped by delimiting the size of Council of Ministers.

The most we can do at present is to remember the sacrifices of two of our great leaders- Bakin Pertin and Tomo Riba. The former did not become Chief Minister to give ‘political education to the people of Arunachal Pradesh’; and the later sacrificed Chief Minister’s chair as he wanted to end ‘corruption in the state’. He refused to manage Rs. ten thousand to be given to an MLA in order to save his Chair.

But unfortunately, political defection is institutionalized in the state and is treated as equivalent to a corporation. Business is normal and regular in any corporation. This gives us an impression that ‘Business’ of defection is here to stay for long. How long is the question to be answered by Generation Next. (Dr. Bath teaches in the Department of Political Science, Rajiv Gandhi University and can be contacted at nanibath@rediffmail. com.)

Deepak Kumar new Capital DC

ITANAGAR, June 24: Dr S B Deepak Kumar has taken over the charge of Deputy Commissioner Capital Complex yesterday from the outgoing DC Padmini Singla.

While addressing the administrative officers and staff of the capital, the newly posted DC Kumar asked them to maintain discipline and integrity in discharging their duties and render best service to the public. The officers and staff welcomed the new DC and assured to maintain working spirit.

Earlier, on June 22, the officers and staff of the Capital administration bade farewell to Singla in a function at state Guest House, Naharlagun. All the participants in the meeting including MLA Techi Kaso and City SP Hibu Tamang recalled her bold and tireless contributions for the welfare of the common people.

ZP meeting recommends action against absentee teachers

KOLORIANG, June 24: During the 11th Zilla Parishad meeting of Kurung Kumey District held at Koloriang on June 23 last, the PR leaders desired that action should be taken against all absentee teachers. It said action should be initiated against all teachers, irrespective of whether they are regular government employees or under SSA if they are not regular in their work. They called for “no work, no pay” policy and suspension or even termination of teachers to eradicate the chronic education problems. ZPM, Gangte Taring Bath who chaired the meeting said, focus should be on rural problems and appealed the PR members to cooperate with the implementing agencies to achieve the desired target.

Deputy Commissioner cum Chief Executive Officer of ZP Bidol Tayeng highlighted the administrative problems of the district, informed five circle HQs are without Circle Officer. He said that House Listing and House Census and National Population Register is being affected because of shortage of officers.

He further asked those who possess arms after death of license holders to deposit the arms or obtain fresh order for retaining the arm and cautioned not to use explosive materials for fishing or any other illegal purpose which may pose danger to the life and eco system.

Tayeng further said that role, value and importance of GBs are eroding as their number are more than the requirement specially in Abotani belt. He said that because of huge amount involved for paying honorarium, further appointment of GBs is banned.

ADC cum Member Secretary K. Dulom spoke on devolution of power to the PR institution and asked the ZP, being the Apex Planning body, to adopt resolutions, schemes and proposals. (DIPRO)

AP Organizations review National Policy for children

ITANAGAR, June 24: As the Government of India is reviewing the 1974 National Policy for Children and seeking recommendations from across the country, the Arunachal Citizens Rights, an Itanagar based rights group, in coordination with The Sentinel today held a consultation with activists, scholars and representative of civil society organizations.

Scrutinizing the Policy, several observations were made and recommendations formulated by specifically focusing on the needs of Arunachal Pradesh as a backward state.

The first and foremost observation that came up for discussion was the specified age limit for the definition of a ‘child’. The Constitution of India has a ceiling of 14 years as the age to qualify for defining a ‘child’, which was debated. The members present in the consultation felt that in context of rural Arunachal the ceiling of age at 14 was inappropriate as more often than not, still in the villages children are late beginners especially in acquiring formal education. Therefore, they felt that confining the definition of ‘child’ to 14 years would deprive scores of children who begin their educational journey from the benefits of programmes and schemes that would be formulated and implemented on the basis of the National Policy for Children. In unison, the members felt the need to recommend for increasing the ceiling age to 17 years on the ground that at 18 one is eligible to vote and considered as mature enough. The age ceiling, on the other hand, has been increased by policy-makers from that of the 1974 mark. As even the newer J J Act sets the ceiling at 18, 17 years would be perfectly alright for the reviewed National Policy, the members observed.

In one of the clause of the Policy that states ‘Children shall be protected against neglect, cruelty and exploitation’ the members felt that it ought to be backed up by legal assistance. Hence, they recommended for inclusion of ‘a free legal assistance besides establishment of helplines in the districts for children to protect them against neglect, cruelty and exploitation’.

Other recommendations include establishment of at least two children’s homes in a state with facilities to provide special treatment, education, rehabilitation and care of children who are physically handicapped, emotionally disturbed or mentally retarded; strengthening existing programmes providing nutrition for infants in pre-school age along with nutrition for nursing and expectant mothers; inclusion of ‘emotional’ support under maintenance , education and training of orphan and destitute children, etc.

However, the recommendation is not exhaustive, informed ACR Chairperson Bamang Tago and invited suggestions and recommendations from all interested before June 30 next for the final draft that would be forwarded to the organization entrusted to review the Policy. All the draft recommendations from across the country would be reviewed in a country level meeting at New Delhi in July first week for finalization and submission to the Government of India.

Until the new dawn arrives

Dear Editor,

40.88% is the pass percentage of the students in CBSE and it seems like we have already forgotten the statistics or the importance of it. I strongly believe that a very strong percentage of our intelligent people does not have a clue about the school results statistics. 60% of the students who have appeared for CBSE examination in government school this year has failed to kick start their educational pursuit, which should be a reason enough for the whole state to mourn for a day at least. Nobody seems to care about the statistics which shows us, that, 60 out of 100 children has failed in their first step towards the Life’s First Most Important Mission, Higher Educational Pursuit. The state-educational-probability theorem says that next year the same performance will be repeated +/- 5% (at the least), if the figure move up to 80% next year the education department will have a reason to celebrate, but if it doesn’t let me offer my deepest condolence to the parents of the students who will fail in CBSE 2011. Let me remind them, close to 60% of the appearing students will not get the required percentage to qualify for next class, if no magic wand waves a spell of qualifying marks for every students of our school.

Our very intelligent people are more concern about various other things in the state and I don’t want to try and name what various other things, with no offence to anyone; I haven’t smelled a fresh scent of promoting world class education in to our societies. Our ethnic societies are well in a position to pay the school fees of their wards (and they are paying, some under RTE act) without much thought but the result of sending the students to schools is not what it should be.

Now the million dollar question is who and what is responsible for the miserable performance of the government school? Is it the conventional education system, is it the carefree students, is it the less informed parents, is it the geographical location of our schools, is it the education department of the state, is it the representatives of the school, is it the poor infrastructure of the schools,, is it the representatives of the local bodies, is it the political movements of the states, is it the irregular electricity supply, is it the kaccha houses, is it the weather or rain or rivers or jungles or is it the teachers? I consider teachers as a single factor and the rest factors as equally important. Teachers who are just teachers in the employee register but do not teach (or don’t know how to teach at all) are lot more responsible than anyone else in our society.

There is a gap, a void in the system which is yet to be filled with concern for better performance of the students. I have observed that there is a practice going on, a custom which is being followed without analyzing the possible outcome. A vacancy for teachers are announced (or created), candidates appear for interview and the custom begins (of Schedule Tribe candidates) - communications are made to local representatives, MLA’s, Ministers, high ranking government officials from education department / non-education department, civil bodies , everybody mentioned here gets involved in the recruitment of a teacher. Generally a candidate who has voted for a non ruling party has got himself ten times less chance to clear the interview in comparison to his/her counterpart who has supported and voted for the ruling party. Now if I may ask, the candidate who has been recruited (or picked to be recruited) to become one of the most responsible person in influencing our younger generation, will he/she be able to accept the responsibility of a teacher, one of the most challenging profession of all time. Does he or she possess the necessary skill to become a good teacher? I strongly believe that in the recruitment and selection process there ought to be a contemporary practical testing of teaching skill, communication skill and psychology / morale testing of a teacher. Teachers should be tested on the presentation skills on board, teaching skills on board or off board, but our traditional interview does not include any of these which could bring huge prize in the future for the school who has been fortunate to get that teacher. Teachers are to teach and when they don’t, students get themselves a mark sheet which reminds them of an education system in the rural Arunachal Pradesh. When an un-deserving candidate gets recruited the binary of the people who have helped him/her to get that post is endless. Now if I may ask one more time – who is the sufferer when an unprofessional candidates gets recruited? If I am to answer this almost all of us who have helped that candidate to be recruited are going to suffer, for, it will be reflected in the students’ performance in the future. We can never or should never blame the students who have not qualified for the next class in their CBSE exams but we ourselves deserve more blaming for the poor performance of the students. We have not been able to help the students by recruiting the best of the teachers, starting from the primary level, so no point blaming but focus on our roles and responsibilities. Students when they are young are like raw clay, our teachers and our society plays the most important role in shaping their attitudes towards education and life. So if we improve the environment of the students of primary level we are hopeful to get better results from them in the secondary examination, and teachers have got a responsibility to do. If this thesis is practical then at least for the next five years we are not hoping to see more than 80% pass percentage in secondary examination. A teacher should never be appointed in discussions with the legislative representatives and our super rich political leaders should never encourage a single soul to become a teacher if the candidate is not fit for the job.

Un-skilled teachers are just a single cause and there could be many more who is not helping the students of our rural schools in the performance of secondary examination. This year, for example majority students of higher secondary (arts) has failed in political science and if I am not wrong most of the teachers of Political Science in our schools are Schedule Tribes appointed by the higher education department. Who is responsible for all the bad things that are happening to our school performance? I am just a silent and a common observer who will never be able to raise his voice against the atrocities being carried out in the name of education, but can pray for the changes to come, a good positive change in the future.

Whoever and whatever is the cause, we all, each individual of our state, every father and mother, every village, every town, every district is the loser. It’s not just the students who have failed but we the entire society, we the representatives of government offices, we the representatives of the people, we the super-rich political leaders of the state, we the innocent people of Arunachal Pradesh has failed in the First Step of higher educational pursuit. We are responsible so we should suffer until a new dawn when education in Arunachal Pradesh will see a new day.

Yours,

Jobomchang Mengu

Bogong, Pasighat,

(on email)

‘Do not interfere in NERIST affair’

Dear Editor,

The employees of NERIST are extremely shocked to read the open letter against the present Director NERIST issued by M.P. Takam Sanjay. The NERIST fraternity is aggrieved by political interference to this premier institute without any ground reality. As per as this institute is concerned there is no irregularities as alleged by the MP. Such baseless allegation is unbecoming and highly condemnable. NERIST fraternity is very much surprised that an MP of Arunachal Pradesh is trying to destabilize smooth functioning of the institute.

The NERIST fraternity are infact thankfull to the Govt. of A.P for extending help to NERIST by allowing Dr Joram Begi to take over as Director additional charge when NERIST was in turmoil.

Under Dr. Joram Begi as Director NERIST, the institute has seen following developmental activities in short span of 1½ years time which could not be achieved during last 20 years.

After joining as director, NERIST, Dr. Joram Begi successfully implemented all the requirements of the newly established deemed to be university and maintained the status in all fronts and academic requirements etc. and successfully defended the deemed university status in front of UGC expert team enquiry committee from 07th to 10th September’2009 and on 19th August’2009 in New Delhi.

Under Dr. Joram Begi as Director NERIST, 1st Convocation was held on 1st April ‘2009, which could not conducted by earlier successive Directors and was pending for long. Her Excellency the President of India, Smti Pratibha Devisingh Patil was the Chief Guest and delivered the convocation address. The next convocation is also scheduled to be held on 4th August’2010 and the former President of India. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has consented to be the Chief Guest for the coming Convocation.

Rationalization of Faculty structure of all the Departments was done for the 1st time in NERIST history

Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) for faculty were implemented after five years gap, as well as recruitment of regular faculty. DPC for staffs were done after nearly 20 years gap and promotions were given to both technical and ministerial staffs.

Silver jubilee Celebration was held on March 4, 2009 with General (Retd.) J.J. Singh , His Excellency the Governer of Arunachal Pradesh as Chief Guest.

The silver jubilee hall with 1500 seating capacity has been awarded to NPCC for execution.

Annual general Meeting of NERIST Society which should be convened atleast once in a year but was pending for last 4 years was convened on 21st July’2009 and 22nd June’2010

Steel bridge over river Nirjuli and VIP guest House which was lying half Constructed for so many years have been completed and inaugurated 22nd June’2010 by General (Retd.) J.J. Singh , His Excellency the Governer of Arunachal Pradesh

Internal roads which were in dilapidated condition were re-carpeted.

Flood damage of Boundary Wall, roads, Culverts which were damaged due to devastating flood in June, 2008 which created security problems were re constructed.

Water Supply of the institute which was damaged by the flood were repaired as well as three new Bore wells were constructed which made drinking water supply sufficient for the Institute.

The Welcome gate of the Institute which was lying half constructed for years was fully Constructed which made NERIST main entry very elegant.

There were revision of Syllabi as per requirement to meet latest science & technology Developments.

New Academic Programmes like M.sc, Ph.D etc in all Departments were introduced.

Internet connections were provided to the hostels for the students and Kendriya Vidayalaya of NERIST. The connection was upgraded from 2Mbps to 16 Mbps.

NERIST once again became active in organizing seminars /Conferences /Workshops after a long gap. Since October, 2008 to June 2009 the institute had organized as many as 50 numbers of such programmes inviting Experts from different parts of the country including abroad.

OEMR Computerized Evaluation of NERIST Entrance Examination (NEE) was introduced for the first time under Dr. Joram Begi’s initiation which helped in providing quick results.

The number of students has increased from 1195 in academic session 2008-09 to 1359 in the current session which is the largest so far.

This year up to March 10 an amount of Rs.2,51,77,845/= has been received from different sponsored research projects by the institute against last year figure of Rs. 1,07,38,376/=.

The latest achievement is of having Video Conferencing facility in the institute as well as CCTV, Wi-fi in the whole campus and High Must Electrification.

In view of above, the Board of Management of NERIST, in its 65th Meeting under agenda No. 65.6 approved by the MHRD, Govt. of India, decided that Dr. Joram Begi should continue as Director, NERIST till regular Director is appointed. Any twisting of said decision of Govt. of India will not be tolerated by the NERIST Fraternity.

Therefore, we the Employees of NERIST highly condemned the letter of the Hon’ble MP against seasoned Academic Administrator, Director and we request political Leaders and others not to interfere in the peaceful academic atmosphere in NERIST.

The interference from outsider/political leaders will disturb the peaceful academic atmosphere of institute which will not be tolerated by the NERIST fraternity and will invite strong resistance from the all employees of NERIST in the democratic means including Dharna, Strike etc.

We may be forced to adopt democratic means to protest against such unqualified interference to the highest level.

Yours,

Mai Ranjit

President, NAEWA

Y.T. Camdir

Vice President NAEWA

O.P. Shiji

President, NTSU

S.T. Tara

Secretary, NTSU

K. Adhikari

Secretary, NEU

ANSU’s demand reasonable

Dear Editor,

I do appreciate the All Nyishi Students Union (ANSU) particularly its president for raising the issues related to student community. It has urged the Govt for enhancement of stipend, also demanded separate head in the education department for disbursement of students’ stipend on time.

I also request other apex student bodies to highlights the problems of the students. It is really encouraging for students when students’ body like ANSU pointed out various problems being faced by the students.

We believe that ANSU will continue its initiatives for the well-being of students in coordination with other apex student body. We feel proud when our leaders goes on right way

Yours,

Gollo Tango

Midpu-I, Doimukh

Please don’t blow horn

Dear Editor,

During my school days, I read that the Hospital and School should be 100m away from Highway and should in Horn Free Zone.

But it is just the opposite in our State.

Take an example of Emergency/Casualty Wing of State Hospital Naharlagun which is just attached to the NH52A. It is supposed to be a Horn Free Zone but still blowing Horn while on that road is a norm.

Many patients come for treatment at the State Hospital Naharlagun with varied problems. In such a place and situation, the authorities should not permit the blowing of horn by the vehicles.

Hence, the traffic authorities are requested to put "No Horn" sign board in front of Hospital and School and impose fine on those who violate the rule/order.

Yours

Koj Kapa,

Chandranagar

Students to raise Tibetan issue

Itanagar June 24: The All Upper Siang District Students Union resolved to raise the issue of Tibetan refugee procuring Schedule Tribe certificate & PRC in Tuting Sub division of the District in the forthcoming Federal Assembly of AAPSU at Ziro in Lower Subansiri district.

Meanwhile in its executive body on June 20 last at Yingkiong the union has elevated its vice president (protocol) Katon Boko as the Union president for a period of 6 months, in accordance with the Union’s constitution. Further, the Union has strongly condemned the gruesome murder of one Miti Perme at Katan village under Mariyang circle and appealed the administration to immediately book the culprit involved in the heinous crime.

ALSSU flays extortion charges

ITANAGAR, June 24: All Lower Subansiri Students’ Union (ALSSU) has denied extortion from the members of the business community of Ziro.

ALSSU, Chamber of Commerce and Industries and Bazar Welfare Committee Ziro/ Hapoli in presence of AYSU, ARASU and ASU representatives in a joint meeting today discussed the reported extortion and subsequent filing of FIR against students body as published in a section of daily, said ALSSU president Khoda Laring in a release. After detailed discussion, Laring said, it was clarified that the union was not involved in any extortion activities in Ziro/ Hapoli.

The Chamber of Commerce and Bazaar Welfare Committee also did not receive any complaint of extortion from shop keepers, the release further claimed and added that it was an attempt to create misunderstanding between business bodies and students.

Bam inspects private schools in Seppa town, stress on cleanliness

Seppa, June 24: East Kameng District Deputy Commissioner, Tope Bam today inspected all the private schools and semi-government schools in the township.

Accompanied by district planning officer, Vijay Sonam, district adult education officer, Kata Rangmo, Principal, Govt. Hr Sec. School, Seppa, DIPRO and host of officers, Bam inspected Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Seppa, private run holy family school, Seppa, citizenship English school, Seppa, and VKV, KGGVB, Ojju mission School and DIET all in new Wessang.

While interacting with the teachers and sudents during his visit the DC said called upon the teachers to do their duties sincerely and punctually. Bam further said, teachers must serve the society by imparting a good education to the students, despite various problems like accommodation, and other basic necessities.

Emphasizing the needs of the service of the teachers from outside the state, Bam said that the non local teachers had contributed lot in the making of Arunachal societies and are deep rooted in teaching profession in the state. The DC, however, asked the school authorities to properly verify the identity of a person who wants to offer service as teachers from outside the state.

The DC was impressed with the way of functioning of the holy family school, but he was not satisfied with the Citizenship English School for its unhygienic and poor management. After inspecting the hostel and the class rooms, he asked the teachers and the principal of the school to run the school with its basic minimum requirement.

It was also found that the school was not registered till now. The DC directed the principal to get registered the school as early as possible, else the appropriate action may be taken against the school.

After that the DC visited to DIET Wessang and discussed with the faculties about the needs and assured all kind of possible help if needed from the district administration side.

Meanwhile, he also made surprise visit to Seppa Police station and asked all the officers and the police personnel to be sincere and alert in their duties in order to contain the criminal activities in the district. He also warns absentee police personnel of stern action.

Ziro set to host AAPSU Federal meet

ITANAGAR, June 24: Ziro Valley is all set to host Federal assembly meet of All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) starting from 26th of this month. The three day meet being held at Ziro will be attended by students from across the state including district student unions and many student bodies based in metropolitan cities.

Meanwhile Chera Tamak, Federal Speaker of AAPSU, informed that only those federal members will be allowed to take part in the proceeding that is entitled under AAPSU constitution.

Further he hoped that this assembly will have healthy discussion on issues which is cause of concern to student communities and state in large. There are major issues like education sector, refugee problem which need to be discussed at length. Also this meet would help to develop better communication between various district and community base student bodies of state, expressed Tamak. Federal assembly of AAPSU is held every year.

Hong Dree football semis on Jul 27

ITANAGAR, June 24: Sambu Club (SC) will play against Tadi Par Club (TPC) in the first semifinal while Nako Club (NC) will take on Nichi Niitii Club (NNC) in the second semifinals of Hong Dree Football Tournament on June 27.

Earlier, SC and NC entered semifinal defeating Miring Mani Diko Shushi Club and Young Street Club respectively while NNC and TPC reached last four beating Bullo Takhe Club (BTC) and Nako Club respectively.

The final will be held on July five.

Five more appointed as advisors to CM

ITANAGAR: Even as the state struggle to cope with the pre monsoon rains, there is rainfall of another kind with appointment of five high profile Congress workers as Advisors to Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu.

In a congratulatory note, Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee informed that APCC Vice President Padi Hinda, General Secretary T C Tok, Spokesperson Vishal P Nabam, Chief Organizer Arunachal Pradesh Congress Seva Dal, Taki Taba and Vice chairperson APRGPRS A K Techi has been appointed as advisors to the Chief Minister.

The party said that appointments are source of encouragement and morale boaster for party workers who have been dedicatedly working for the greater interest of the party at various levels. It further hoped that the new appointees would cooperate with the government in formulating developmental polices suitable at the grassroots level.

Training on Neonatal Care

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Medical Council under the aegis of National Rural Health Mission Arunachal Pradesh is organizing two days training Neonatal Care from June 25 at Conference Hall, Directorate of Health Services, Naharlagun. The participants will be Tutors/ Staff Nurses from entire State of Arunachal Pradesh

Mission Director, National Rural Health Mission Talem Tapok would be the Chief Guest.

Kameng beauty pageant

ITANAGAR, June 24: Kameng Art and Culture Preservation Society (KACPS) had decided to organise the first ever Kameng beauty pageant 2010 on Aug 15 next.

An organising committee was also formed with Sonam Tenzing, Karma Tsering and Passang Dingla as chairman, vice chairman and secretary general for smooth conduct of the beauty contest.

E-Nyayik welcomed

ITANAGAR, June 24: Papum Pare District Bar Association has welcomed the move of Habung Lampung, circle officer cum judicial magistrate first class for initiating E-Nyayik in the district and state as a whole. Association feels that this internet based justice system will bring new changes in the judicial system of Arunachal. Association further hopes that this noble initiative will speed up the judicial system and will help to restore faith of common citizens on judiciary.