The Arunachal Times - Archives

Chief Minister should respect freedom of expression: ACR

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu’s statement that anti dam protesters are anti Arunachal have evoked strong reaction from Arunachal Citizen’s Right. So long as the anti-dam protests are democratic and voiced within the ambit of constitutional democracy – the freedom of right to ex-pression and freedom of right to live - no Constitutional authority has the right to call them anti-State or anti-government. In today’s democracy, the State and its government is bound by its best practices to listen to the voices of its people and not ignore them. After all the government is of the people, by the people and for the people, it said.

In a press statement on Thursday, Chief Minister had said that anti-dam protestors are anti-Arunachalee and politically motivated.

Chief Minister should accept and listen to the anti-dam protests in that spirit of democratic and consensual decision making, said its Chairman Bamang Tago in a statement.

Respecting protests and listening to them is the hallmark of democracy; protests within the tribal society indicate lack of consensus in decision making.

Arunachal Pradesh, today, is a nascent state, trying to move cautiously towards the path of growth and development that would bring real and both qualitative and quantitative change in the lives and livelihood of the tribes and indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh. Therefore, development planning, governance and decision making cannot be imposed from the top by a handful of people in the government and the bureaucracy, he added.

Today, the world over, the international community and country governments have come forward to protect and conserve our world’s forests to halt rapid change in climate and emission of carbon; where as in Arunachal Pradesh with one of the highest forest cover and pristine forests and biodiversity hotspots, is looking towards a specter of destruction of thousands of hectares of community managed forests and biodiversity with the proposal of more than 100 large hydro projects coming in, Tago said.

Prices of essential commodities fixed

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: In a laudable move, city administration today fixed the prices of essential market commodities which would be circulated very soon. The rates have been fixed after a threadbare discussion with representatives from Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industry and various market welfare committees, said an official release.

Enforcement committees for each market headed by the concerned administrative officer with police and representatives of market welfare committees have been constituted for strict enforcement of the fixed rate. They will visit the market to ensure that the commodities are sold as per the approved rates. Violators would be fined, the release said and also appealed to the consumers to lodge complaint in case of violation of the fixed rates by any vendor or trader.

It is worth mentioning here that soaring prices of essential commodities in the markets of twin capital city of Itanagar and Naharlagun in the recent times has hard hit the poor and middle class and it became a burning issue for all the city dwellers.

The Chief Minister yesterday had said that there has to be uniform prices of essential commodities that was affordable for all.

NCP demands action against Home Minister

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Nationalist Congress Party has demanded action from the government against Home Minister Tako Dabi for his alleged anti people activities. In a resolution submitted to the Governor Gen J J Singh,the party said that Home Minister has discriminated the people based on political affiliations.

The party’s Nari- Koyu unit further alleged that Home Minister made inflammatory speeches and threatened jail terms to those who opposed his candidature during the recent election and threats of discharging Gaon Burahs from their jobs.

The party while demanding resignation of the Home Minister added that proceedings should be initiated against him for violation of constitutional norms and misuse of public property.

The party further alleged that Home Minister is missing the services of the Police department by using them to carry out activities which do not come under their ambit.

The party further gave 15 days time to the government to initiate action.

RGUSU gives VC a week’s time to leave campus

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Rajiv Gandhi University Students Union has given seven days time to the Vice Chancellor Prof. K.C Belliappa, to leave the campus. The students said that students have tolerated “acts of nepotism, favoritism and negligence of duty for the last 3 years” and that time has come to all this to end. The students alleged that his inability to execute time bound project has left crores of developmental funds unutilized in the last three years.

The students further alleged that there were instances of nepotism and favoritism in appointments of faculty members.

The Union claimed that HRD Ministry and state government is indirectly insisting that the present VC may be allowed to complete five year terms.

The Union further said that meeting with the committee formed by the state govt to discuss the imbroglio have not resulted in a positive solution.

NABARD workshop on Commodity Trading

Call for farmer friendly policy

Madhurjya Doley

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organized a state level workshop for the farmers and NGOs of Arunachal Pradesh to create awareness on Commodity Trading (Market) at SIRD conference here hall today. Many speakers advocated for farmer friendly policy.

Briefing about the key issue, NABARD General Manager BG Mukhopa-dhyaya said the workshop mainly aimed at sentisizing the farmers on commodity exchanges and trading, educating them on nitty-gritty of trading and marketing and basic information on credit and marketing facilities. He lamented that farmers of Arunachal Pradesh are not getting or given the right information in regards to the facilities being extended to them by the government. He also rued the lack of crop insurance schemes in Arunachal Pradesh. “We must protect the interest of the farmers to meet the expectations,” he said, adding that NABARD with the ‘farmer first’ motto is striving hard to promote the cause of farmers. Mukhopadhyaya said that

“Commodity Markets are markets where raw products are exchanged. These raw commodities are traded on regulated commodities exchanges in which they are bought and sold in standardized contracts.” According to him priority areas for farming sector are credit, technology, and market. He expressed the hope that with the launching of electronic commodity exchange programme lots of farmers would get benefits.

While giving an overall scenario of agriculture sector in the state, Agriculture Director T Basar said a fundamental shift of policy is the need of the hour to bring a change and for being self-sufficient in food. He said that pro-farmer initiatives should come from the top level. Expressing resentment over inactiveness of the existing agriculture market boards at state and district levels, Basar advocated for immediate revamping of the boards to make them efficient and farmer-friendly.

Taking a dig at leading banks, Basar said that farmers had to toil hard to avail banks loan while some influential parties are availing the benefit on easy way. He urged bankers to look into the matter and help deserving farmers in getting loans on merit.

Meanwhile, Basar urged farmers to avail the benefits from the Krishi Vikash Kendras (KVKs) functioning in the state to enhance agricultural productivity by way of availing and getting training facilities and other informations related to agriculture.

Samsuddin Laskar, Managing Director, Arunachal Pradesh Co-operative Marketing Federation briefed about his department’s effort to convert Arunachal Pradesh from consumer state to a producing state and transformation of technology from laboratory to land.

APCMF Deputy General Manager A.K. Pasharji and Associate Director of SIRD Rakesh Srivastava also participated in the programme. (with input from DIPR)

ATA places grievances, welcome move to revamp education sector

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Assuring cooperation to the state Education Minister to revamp education sector and welcoming move to enact Education Bill, the Arunachal Teachers’ Association (ATA) has appealed the minister to redress the genuine grievances of the teachers.

In a memorandum to the Education Minister, the Association said the cabinet decision taken on Aug 7, 2009 be modified for 50 per cent promotional scope for in-service AT(A), 25 per cent direct recruitment by APPSC and 25 from among JTs of SSA.

Reminding the earlier representations made during 2009, the Association said that there should be guest houses/transit camps for teachers at each district headquarters.

It demanded that separate directorate of adult education for the better promotional scope of the DAEOs be created besides doing justice to the seniors while appointing HM or VP and regularization of SSA teachers in the state.

Magistrate submits report on Palin

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: A Magisterial Enquiry constituted by the State Govt. for probing into the incident of fire accident at a private hostel at Palin on February 10 has submitted its report to the government today.

10 minor children were burnt to death and another 6 seriously injured, including the hostel owner and the hostel warden. DC, Papum Pare Bidol Tayeng and Principal, PTC, Banderdewa Chukhu Apa was ordered to conduct the enquiry. During the enquiry, the Enquiry Officers have examined all possibilities of the fire due to accident or arson. The Enquiry Officers have examined number of witnesses including the survivors, parents of the victims, the hostel owner, the warden, servants, public, local administration and Police at Palin, Itanagar and in Assam, said a release by Tayeng.

Reservation for women will ensure greater participation: Tuki

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Speaking at the All India Congress Committee meeting in Delhi today, president of Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee Nabum Tuki has said that passing of Women’s Reservation Bill in the Rajya Sabha was a historic moment and will ensure greater participation of women at all level. He appreciated the Congress govt for paving way for reservation of seats for women in Assembly and Parliament after municipalities and Panchayat. The people of Arunachal Pradesh in general and the Congress Party in particular are whole heartedly behind you in support of this Bill, he added.

He further informed that 125th Centenary celebration of Congress Foundation Day has been started already in Arunachal Pradesh and as per the directives have decided to organize meetings, seminars in all the District He further added that Congress Bhawan would come up in all Districts of Arunachal Pradesh within two years time. Construction committee has been constituted in five Districts, he added.

IWD celebrated at Rayuk

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Recently International Women’s Day (IWD) was celebrated in Rayuk village of Palin circle in Kurung Kumey District. It was jointly organized by Arunachal Citizens Right (ACR) together with Palin based NGO Ringtey Denney Society (RDS) and Naharlagun based Action Aid Society Arunachal (AASA). The main objective of celebrating this event in one of the remotest area of state was to bring awareness and promote rights of the women and to encourage the rural mass. It is worth mentioning that the residents of this village are Purioks or better known as Sulungs who for decades has been living under subjugation because of the prevalence and dominance of the age old tradition and customary practices.

The three NGO’s decided to celebrate the day with a difference by creating awareness among both women and man. While speaking on the occasion Ribbi Riba from ACR told the gathering to be united and assertive while demanding the rights provided to them under the Indian Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Rima Labia from Ringtey Denney Society stressed on the importance of education in modern world. According to her the root cause of all evil’s are illiteracy and poverty, she exhorted on the people to educate their children. She also promised to sponsor the education of a girl child from Rayuk village apart from the two boy’s she been providing free education for the last three years.

AASA participant Joy Padi has also stressed for the need of forming an effective Self Help Group (SHG) to mitigate the problem of poverty. She also assured villagers of initiating a training of mushroom cultivation for income generation for sustainable development of the people who are mainly dependent on hunting and farming on a very small scale.

ABK bans hunting and fishing

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Adi Bane Kebang has decided to impose total ban on any type of fishing and hunting in Adi belt. It also decided to restrict fishing during breeding periods.

The Kebang further concerned over decreasing numbers of birds and animal in the Adi belt decided to impose ban on hunting of birds and animal during normal time. It shall be open only in festival period of the society for a maximum period of 15 days only. Appealing the community to abide by the decision, ABK said defaulters will be reported to the district administration for action under appropriate provisions of law. However traditional fishing and hunting has been exempted from the Kebang’s decision.

Governor calls for alternative farming practice, protection of mithun

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Appreciating the concreted effort of officials of District Administration and Department of Environment and Forest and Gaon Burahs in preventing forest fire in nearby hills of Capital Complex, Governor Arunachal Pradesh Gen J J Singh has said that the initiatives taken is very important step towards preservation and propagation of precious natural vegetation. He said this while interacting with public leaders, Goan Burahs, Panchayat leaders and officials of Environment and Forest Department at Raj Bhavan here.

Realizing the importance of Jhuming amongst the agrarian community as means of livelihood, Gen Singh proposed for some kind of schemes to discourage the farmers against the practice.

It is the duty of forest, horticulture, veterinary and animal husbandry and agriculture department to ensure that farmers practicing Jhumming have some means of sustainable livelihood and do not suffer, Gen Singh pointed. He also asked the forest department to ensure that every student in the State plants one plant a year.

While suggesting some sustainable alternative means , Governor urged upon them to take up horticultural farming, medicinal plants and organic tea. As long time measure on the patches leftover after Jhuming, he went on suggesting for planting of new variety of teak, which gets matured in thirty years time, after Jhumming.

While appreciating the proposal suggested by the public leaders and goan burahs for preservation of environment in the State by highlighting the importance of Mithun, Governor agreed to take up in line of ‘Save Tiger, Save Forest’. Showing enthusiasm on the proposal, Governor assured to take up the matter with the Prime Minister as a pilot project. It is a national asset and care should be taken as it is found only in this part of the world, he said.

Taking part in the discussion, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) J.L. Singh informed that to arrest Jhuming, a proposal is on the pipeline termed as ‘Agro-Horti-Forestry’ scheme, which is been prepared to compensate the effected people. Highlighting on it, Singh said, it will be a joint effort by the departments and the effected people, wherein highland will be used for aforestation programme and the lowland for terrace cultivation, such as wet rice cultivation. Earlier, with the help of PowerPoint presentation, Lala Techi explained in detail on the proposal ‘Save Mithun’ and the socio-economic importance of Mithun in Arunachalees communities. Due to Jhuming, unregulated extraction of forest resources, human settlement, forest fire, urbanization and change in land use pattern, the Mithun habitat is getting destroyed, he said.

President Arunachal Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Techi advocated for demarcation of areas locally called ‘Lura’ under the project, with proper fencing.

Papum Pare Krishi Vigyan Kendra Programme Coordinator Dr. Taba Heli highlighted propagation of Mithuns and other initiatives in the Mithun Farms, Sagalee with it’s Sub-centre at Lichi. Dr. Taba informed that an average Mithun dam yields 1.5 litres milk and it is equivalent to 3 litres milk of a cross-bred cow. Deputy Chief Wild Life Warden, C.Loma and Borum Anchal Samiti Chairperson Gyamar Jeri also spoke on the occasion. (PRO, Raj Bhavan)

Govt lauded on employees arrear

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: The Confederation of Service Association of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) expressed its gratefulness to state Govt for honouring its demand by releasing 15 months arrear to the state Govt employees despite financial constraint.

The Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu yesterday announced the decision of the state Govt to release remaining 15 months arrear for the period of April 1,2007 to June 30, 2008 to the employees within this fiscal.

The financial benefit would immensely boost the morale of the state Govt employees resulting in good governance in the state, the CoSAAP said and appealed the employees to reciprocate by working dedicatedly and sincerely.

Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Congress Congress (APCC) and Arunachal Pradesh Secretariat Employees Association (APSEA) also extended sincere thanks to the CM Dorjee Khandu led-Govt for releasing final phase of 15 month arrear in cash within this fiscal.

Exhorting the Govt employees to cooperate with the Govt and discharge their duties sincerely and with dedication, the APCC also thanked UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Finance Minister for extending interest free loan of Rs 300 crore for implementation of 6th Pay Commission recommendation in state.

“Demarcate Govt land under Nari Sub-division”

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Nari-Seren Anchal Block ZPM Kenyom Dabi has appealed the parliamentary secretary, land management to take steps for demarcation and notification of Govt land of the Nari and Telam townships which were donated by the people for infrastructure development.

Although the preliminary notification of the Nari township, which is the ADC Hqr, was made in 1979, final notification is yet to be made due to administration hurdle, the ZMP said while adding that the map of Telam township was also made in 1984, but no initiative at sight for notification of the township area.

Nari sub-division in East Siang district being located in sensitive boundary area bordering Dhemaji district, the demarcation and notification of Koyu EAC Hqs, New-Seren CO Hqs, Kora Co Hqs, and land of middle, primary schools, football fields and grave yard is necessary for proper infrastructure development, the ZMP said.

Union calls for posting of DC

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Koloriang Damin Parsi-Parlo and Sarli Students’ Union (KDPSSU) has criticized the absenteeism of Kurung Kumey DC and urged government to post a new DC to set things move.

It further claimed that development process has been retarded significantly in the area due to absence of a good administrator.

It has further has demanded replacement of the present OC of Koloriang Police Station by a new one for his alleged failure to discharge duty properly.

The union alleged that the OC has miserably failed to discharge his duty and people are not satisfied with him. It also urged the higher police authority to deploy more personnel at the police station to maintain law and order situation smoothly.

ATSU calls for satellite township at Yachuli

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Arunachal Tribal Students’ Union (ATSU) has demanded immediate extension of the capital complex satellite township to Yachuli.

ATSU, in a memorandum submitted to chief minister stated that despite of laying the foundation stone to extend the capital complex satellite township and office of the director inspector general of police at Yachuli in 1999 for the western divisional commissioner during the tenure of Mukut Mithi as chief minister, satellite township status to Yachuli has not been effected till date. It appealed to the chief minister to initiate and start working to extend the capital complex satellite township for Yachuhli.

The memorandum further demanded empowerment of the newly created boundary commission for settling Assam -Arunachal boundary disputes, a clear cut policy and constitution of monitoring and vigilance committee on ILP involving administration, police and civil society.

EDP in Lohit

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: National Youth Project of Arunachal Pradesh in collaboration with Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (Guwahati) organised one day Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme & 15 days Entrepreneurship Development Programme at Dadunjona II under Lathao Circle of Lohit District. The programme was sponsored by Khadi & Village Industries Commission, Itanagar. At least 20 trainees were selected from the Awareness Camp for the 25 days EDP.

Association calls for reopening of school

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Palin Area Youth Welfare Association (PAYWA) extended its support to the Panchayat leaders of Palin Chambang, Yangte, Gangte, Tarak-Langdi circle regarding immediate disbursement of compensation to the deceased and bereaved family members of the Palin fire incident.

It further appealed the public of Palin area and victims Parents to cooperate with the Don Bosco school authority for immediate re-opening of the school.

Training on quality planting materials and nursery management

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: A 3 days training cum demonstration programme on “Quality Planting Materials and Nursery Management” was organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra West Kameng, Dirang, during March 10-12 at Khamkar village, West Kameng sponsored by NABARD, Itanagar.

Sixty delegates including state department official, resource persons, invitees, KVK officials and farmers of the Khamkar area participated in the programe.

Programme Coordinator (PC) of KVK West Kameng, Dirang Dr. N. D. Singh, , briefed the roles and functions of the KVK especially in the fields of Front Line Demonstration, On-Farm Trial and training programme on agriculture and its allied sector in West Kameng district.

He also requested all the line Departments to cooperate with the KVK for the development of the District farmers.

Inaugurating the programme as Chief Guest, Dr. K.K Baruah, Director of National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang, West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh, encouraged the farmers to adopt the integrated farming system for additional income generation.

Speaking as guest of honour, N. Phoichulpa, DHO, West Kameng District, Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh, stated that lack of good planting materials, marketing and transportation problem of horticultural produce and economic poor condition of local farmer are the bottle neck in commercial cultivation of horticultural crops in the region.

DHO, HDO, PC, Arvind Pratap SMS (Agronomy), Miss Toktel Boko SMS (Plant Protection) and others were the resource persons at the technical session.

Eye camp at Daporijo

Daporijo, Mar 12: The District Health Society of Upper Subansiri conducted a 5 days Mega Eye Camp at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Dumporijo from March 4. 43(forty three) patients were operated upon and a huge number of general eye patients also benefited during the eye camp The camp was organized under the initiative of the DMO Dr. J. M. Boge and Medical Superintendent Dr. T. Taki.

The camp was inaugurated by T. Bodung, EAC Dumporijo who drew the attention of the public on the need to take advantage of such camps and also gave his full cooperation during the camp period.

The DMO explained to the people the importance and benefit of eye camps for 3 (three) consecutive times.

The visiting team included Dr. K. K. Deb, State Programme Officer, Dr. D. Grayu, eye specialist (District Hospital, Ziro) and their team were welcomed and also thanked by Dr. T. Taki. An appeal for conducting more such Eye Camps in the near future for the benefit of the masses was also made. (DIPRO)

FPS appreciates Tassar

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: All Kurung Kumey District FPS Welfare Association appreciated the Parliamentary Secretary food and civil supply Lokam Tassar for assuring to establish separate FCI depot at Koloriang and Palin in the next financial year.

‘Fill up vacant posts’

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: All Arunachal Pradesh Unemployed Graduate Youth Association has appealed all the departments to begin recruitment process to fill up the vacant posts especially the ‘B’, ‘C’ & ‘D’ category posts during this fiscal and also appealed the Govt to create new posts to absorb unemployed youths.

Bharta Scout & guide shines

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: State Head Quarter Bharat Scouts and Guides Arunachal Pradesh appreciated the 48 members West Siang Scouts and Guides along with 4 others for winning grade A in the Pageant show, state exhibition, integration and Grade B in other 8 activities in the north east mini jamboree meet held at Tenhril, Mizoram recently.

Frontians in Japan

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Frontier School, Ziro nominated Bapu Kabak and Leegang Unsheen, Class X students for Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youth Proramme Phase –III 2010 which is scheduled to commence from the May 19 in Japan.

Chess tourney

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: West Siang District Chess Association has decided to conduct a district level Chess tournament at Aalo from April 17 to 20 next. The top four finishers would be awarded cash prizes along with trophies. Further, the winners will represent the district in the state level competition, according to All Arunachal Pradesh Chess Association release.

River rafting by army

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: In order to reach out to the local people of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam besides meeting the challenges, a 27-member expedition team of the 5 Engineer Regiment of Dah division led by Captain Rahul Singh is all set to raft down the four major rivers of the North East, namely, mighty Siyom, Siang, Lohit & Brahmaputra covering a total distance of 800 km.

The month-long expedition will have two legs one being the white water and another powered rafting. The expedition is being conducted under the aegis of Army’s Dah Division by Col Vivek Jaswal, Commanding Officer, 5 Engineer Regiment.

This expedition would encourage locals to indulge in similar adventure activities besides promoting tourism in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Delhi Mopin

ITANAGAR: Minister for social justice and Empowerment Mukul Wasnik and BJP MP Varun Gandhi would be the chief guest and guest of honour respectively at Delhi Mopin Celebration 2010, according to an information received from Tali Gongo, president of the celebration Committee.

Wanted man arrested

ITANAGAR: One Madan Tanti was apprehended along with two weapons and 250 grams of ganja by 26 Maratha LI and state police on March 10 during a joint operation. It is further learnt that apprehended cadre was involved in extortion in and around Mahadevpur and Dumshi area and wanted in various cases registered in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

RGU results

ITANAGAR: Rajiv Gandhi University has declared the results of M.A. in Hindi, English and Geography (Semester I), and History and Economics (Semster II) Examination which was held in December.

City bus service

ITANAGAR: The Aru-nachal Pradesh State Transport has extended JNNURM city bus services to Naharlagun- Itanagar-Holongi route with effect from today. The service will be available from 5.30 am to 7 PM.

Correction

In a news item under the heading ‘Govt take loan to pay arrear’ Pranab Mukherjee’s designation was given as Foreign Minister instead of Finance Minister. Inadvertant error is regreted. - Editor.

Appointment

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee has appointed its secretary Kenyom Dabi as acting president of the East Siang District Congress Committee till completion of party organization election.

Techi Lombu has been appointed as General Secretary Nationalist Congress Party Papum Pare District Unit.

Condolence

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: All Papum Pare District Gaon Bura Welfare Association deeply mourned the sudden demise of Nabam Ragi, GB of Rose village Doimukh circle.

Among others, he is survived 9 sons and 9 daughters.

His contribution to the society and the GBs system would be remembered. Meanwhile, a memorial service will be carried out at Nonpu village on March 13, release said.

All Yachuli Students’ Union (AYSU) and Ziro-II Collegians Coordination Committee Itanagar mourned the premature death of Toko Ona who succumbed to her injuries in a city hospital after a tragic road accident in Bank Tinali here recently.

Late Ona was a B A 1st year student of Dera Natung Govt College and had completed her draughtsmen in Civil from Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Tabarijo, Upper Subansiri district.

Both the organizations pray for eternal peace of the departed soul and bestow enough strength to bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.

Congratulations

ITANAGAR, Mar 12: Tamin Elite Society has congratulated Jeli Kayi Tamin for having qualified for the final round of Indian Idol audition to be held on 23rd of this month at Mumbai.