The Arunachal Times - Archives

The hydro-power potential of our State is estimated to be about 56,000 MW which is undoubtedly the highest for any State of the country. The State, the Govt has till date allotted almost 34,800 MW worth of hydro-power potential sites to various PSUs and other developers. The Department is trying to add 41.73 MW of additional capacity during 2009-10 through mini and micro-hydel projects and this will enhance the total installed capacity to almost 100 MW, he added.

The State Co-operative Apex Bank has introduced Kisan Credit Card to ensure timely availability of loan to the farmers for growing seasonal crops. ‘My Government is seized of the problem of State Co-operative Apex Bank and has initiated steps for its revival. The Government has so far invested Rs. 190.53. crores in the equity share with the Bank. The Bank has been able to regain the lost confidence of the people which emanates from the fact that 28,263 new accounts have been opened with fresh deposits of Rs. 3403.28 lakhs’, he added.

Centrally sponsored scheme like industrial growth centre (IGC) project at Niglok-Ngorlung in East Siang Dist. is being implemented for creating Industrial infrastructure in the State. The department has allotted 1 (one) acre of land for construction of cold storage and 30 acres has been earmarked for Bamboo Technology and Entrepreneurial Park.

The Govt. of India has recently granted reconnaissance permits and Petroleum Mining Lease and Petroleum Exploration license to various PSUs and other agencies. Recently, the State Govt. has approved the setting up of a 300 MW coal-based Thermal Power Project at Kharsang. The Department of Geology and mining has collected Rs. 270.14 crores as royalty till Feb. 2010.

While we embark on mega-infrastructure projects, it is our sacred duty to compensate for any loss of forest cover that may be associated with the project. We must also resolve to take steps for the protection of the Mithun and Hornbill. We should take steps to associate the term ‘mithun’ with Brand Arunachal and make efforts for propagation of this brand and spreading awareness about it outside Arunachal Pradesh also, he said.

It is my Government’s endeavour to promote tourism without disturbing the ecological and cultural balance of the State, he added.

Gohain Memorial: Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu taking part in the obituary reference of Late MP Chow Khamoon Gohain Namshum said that government would name one of the institutions in Capital Complex after the leader. Minister PHE Chowna Mein had urged the government to consider naming an institution after the former MP in recognition of his contribution to the state.

Earlier, the Speaker recalled the contribution of Late Gohain and termed him as a visionary leader.

Palin Fire Tragedy: In the wake of Palin fire tragedy, the government would soon come up with a policy on safety measures to be taken by schools and hostels run by the NGOs and private individuals. In a special reference today at the floor of the house the Chief Minister said that Palin like situation should never happen again and government would ensure that all schools and hostels are safe.

On Feb 10 in Palin in Kurung Kumey, ten minors were killed and 8 grievously injured when a hostel housing some 60 children caught fire. Private Member resolution: Bureaucrats came under fire from politicians today during a discussion on private member resolution. MLA Kamthok Lowang had moved the resolution for 100% job reservation for the indigenous people of the respective district against any vacant posts of Group B, C and D except the State Secretariat. The Chief Minister said that state government would look into the resolution while taking a dig at the government officials for appointment which are necessarily not according to rules. He however said that recruitment of group B officers is done at the state level, hence ruled out reservation at district level.

MLA Tani Loffa too was not happy at the recruitment of some of the officials. He said that even with district quotas, local people of the district were deprived as people from outside the district were being appointed.

MLA Laeta Umbrey while supporting the resolution called on the government to ensure that such incidences do not take places so that harmony is not disturbed.

Later, Lowang withdrew his resolution after the assurance from the Chief Minister that government would look into the demand.

In another resolution, MLA Punji Mara called for inclusion of Ramching, Chingring Moring, Dagam, Madir Gongne Dui, Ngba-1 and 2, Arma, Jami, Ngaba, Paktung, Tarba, Kaji, Bomdum, Kamba, Lingri, Haning, Badam, Puring, Doloripu, Pakba, Niumpu, Tachring, Riamuk under Payeng Cirlce of Upper Subansiir district.

Bills introduced: Minister of Education Bosiram Siram introduced Bills on the Arunachal Pradesh Education, Arunachal Pradesh College and other Institutions of Higher Education (Establishment & Regulation) and Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Technical Education.

Minister of Tax and Excise, Kalikho Pul introduced the Arunachal Pradesh Goods Tax (Amendment) Bill and the Arunachal Pradesh Entry Tax Bill while Minister of Cooperation Tanga Byaling introduced the Arunachal Pradesh Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2010).

Minister of Finance Setong Sena introduced the Arunachal Pradesh Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (Amendment) Bill while the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, Act no 2 of 1899, in its application to the State of Arunachal Pradesh Amendment Bill 2010 was introduced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jarbom Gamlin.

AAPSU stage dharna on the first day of Assembly

ITANAGAR, Mar 18: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union today staged peaceful dharna outside the State Legislative Assembly demanding renaming of Rajiv Gandhi University to Arunachal University.

About 200 students holding placards and banners raised slogan against the state legislators who arrived here to take part in the fifth legislative assembly session began today.

The protesters resented that in order to appease certain high command in Delhi, successive Congress led government had changed the name without grasping the sentiments of indigenous Arunachalee.

Meanwhile, AAPSU president Takam Tatung has urged all the alumni of the University who are in the helms of affairs to understand the sentiments behind their demand and express their solidarity.

“Arunachal University, now Rajiv Gandhi University, has produced many alumni. Some of them have become legislators and some administrators, they all should join together to express their resentment over the issue”, Tatung pleaded.

He lamented that our state is not devoid of great personalities who have contributed immensely in the nation building since British era. Tatung added that the union will continue with its agitation if its demand is not conceded while stating that the lone university represents the entire academia of the state.

AAPSU spokesperson Tobom Dai said that it was a symbolic protest and aimed at reminding the state government to take corrective measures on the onslaught of naming disorders and make a beginning in earnest for retrieving the original name.

Earlier, AAPSU general secretary Tujum Poyom was seen distributing handouts to morph up opinion from the legislators.

To ensure smooth conduct of the 5th Legislative Assembly, capital administration has issued 144 CrPC.

Independent Yachuli ADC office start functioning

ZIRO, Mar 18: A milestone has been achieved in the administrative history of Lower Subansiri district with the starting of the functioning of Independent Additional Deputy Commissioner’s Office of Yachuli.

To help the people realize their dream comes true, Yuwa Topu, EAC, who took over the charge of ADC, has started the functioning of the office at Panchayat Bhawan, near BDO’s office, Yachuli on Feb 1 last.

The new ADC office will look after issue of trading license, Gun license, inner line permit, Schedule Tribe Certificate, Permanent Resident Certificate, etc besides the regular general administration of the three circles.

It may be recalled that, the Circle Head quarter of Yachuli was upgraded to independent ADC headquarter by the state Govt. last year vide Notification No.DAD-21/90 dated 16th July 2009, as part of its policy to bring administration to the doorsteps of the people and in view of vigorous demand made by the locals of Yachuli, Yazali and Pistana Circles.

This was followed by inauguration of ADC office by then Jarbom Gamlin, then Home Minister on 22nd August last. In line, the Deputy Commissioner, Lower Subansiri Sadhana Deori , issued an order on 11th January last directing for early starting of the independent office at Yachuli and appointed the present incumbent to take over the charge. DIPRO

MDM on right track across the state: Taloh

ITANAGAR, Mar 18: Director of School Education T Taloh has said that mid day meals schemes is being implemented in the State as per the direction of Supreme Court of India with maintaining bodies at different levels.

He was responding to an AAPSU statement questioning implementation of Mid Day Meal in the state.

He however said that if there is improper implementation anywhere, AAPSU submit its grievances for further disciplinary action against defaulters.

The Director further said that “amount of rice allotted to districts are strictly as per the district plan unless there is inadequate allocation from Govt. of India while the rice allotted are maintained and supervised by a district maintaining committee under the Chairmanship of respective DC and DDSE as nodal officer as per enrolment of beneficiaries. Management of serving cooked MDM is entrusted to school management committee/village education committee where as there is ample scope of involvement of PRI members of the locality, he added.

Air Marshal Nohwar calls on CM

ITANAGAR, Mar 18: Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command Air Marshal K K Nohwar gave a courtesy call to the state chief minister Dorjee Khandu in his Niti Vihar office this afternoon. This is Nohwar’s first visit to the state after he took over the charge of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, IAF with effect from Jan 1 last.

Khandu while referring to the 8 ALGs being handed over to Defence said that the IAF and Army has to ensure that the ALGs are open for civil usage also. On Khandu’s plea the Air Marshal assured that the IAF would be always ready to help lifting of essential commodities for the civilians living in the front areas. The Air Marshal who had earlier landed the state capital after visiting Pasighat, Tuting, Mechuka, Kaying, Vijayanagar and Walong, acknowledged the Chief Minister about the encroachments by people in ALGs of Pasighat and Along and urged him to take necessary action. Khandu assured Nohwar of a sooner action on the matter.

The meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary Tabom Bam, Principal Secretary to CM Yeshi Tsering and Civil Aviation Commissioner Hage Khoda. PRO to CM

Of festivals and merriments

Obang Tayeng

Celebrating the spirit of Nature

Among several promotional festivals of the state, the most typical one is the Namdapha Eco-cultural Festival which is annually conducted at Miao. Primarily an initiative of the local inhabitants and a few government officials, the festival was celebrated for the fifth time in row this year with a twin objective of promoting the rich local culture and conserving the ecology, especially the Namdapha National Park.

Miao, the beautiful sub-divisional headquarters of Changlang District, is blessed by Nature with bounty of mineral as well as forest and wildlife resources. Namchik Open Cash Mining (coal mining field) and Geo Enpro Kharsang Oil Field have the potential to transform the local economy while Namdapha National Park can hoist Miao to the world tourism map with its tiger and other wildlife resources.

There are a few hiccups though. Unless properly regulated, the mining of coal may wipe out the surrounding greenery by razing the green hills to the pith. Similarly the preservation of the park, according to many, is a big challenge with numerous encroachers and poachers threatening its very existence.

This is precisely what the organizers are trying to underline through the festival. Sethai Sena, the Organizing President said, “Our motto is receiving recognition from government about our endeavor of preserving the unique ecology.” Sena and his co-organisers deserve appreciation as well as support in their effort.

The most dangerous animal

Namdapha Tiger Project exhibition stall, put up in the festival, drew visitors for its display of information and pictures on the National Park. Along with various shows, the organizers made an appeal on a screen which read:

Save tiger, save wildlife

For our future generations.

The most dangerous animal on this planet.

To have a glimpse, please turn over.

(Next screen)

Man is the most dangerous animal on this planet.

-Due to his indulgence in poaching, hunting, destruction of habitat, encroachment of forests, the population of tigers is dwindling fast.

Conservation of tigers is our collective responsibility. Looking forward to the active support of one and all for saving our wild tigers for our own survival.

The other side of festivals

Festivals, besides promoting our culture and places, also relieve and entertain us. However, while providing entertainment, these festivals also serve as drinking platforms, especially for the teenagers with its mushrooming ‘ethnic food stalls.’ It is common sight to see teenagers, both boys and girls--not to talk of the elders—making beeline for such stalls as evening sets in. Drinking brawls and fracas follow, driving organizers to tizzy frequently.

Can we limit such stalls? Yes and No! Can we ban these stalls? This may result in an empty festival ground. Can we regulate them? Perhaps, with joint effort of organizers and conscious citizens, for a soberer, more focused celebration!

Miao Times

If you have reservations about feasibility of running newspapers from small places such as Miao, visit this township to quash such apprehensions. Started by Pisi Zauing, a tall local Singpho youth, the four-page weekly, ‘Miao Times’ has created ripples in rural journalism despite its limited infrastructure.

Pisi Zauing, who is also its editor, informed 1800 copies are printed at Tinsukia and are sold out regularly. Public response is positive including support of local government agencies which advertise in his paper.

May the humble yet promising Miao Times grow from strength to strength, carrying times of the area to far and wide.

Fencing wall of Solung ground erected

PASIGHAT, Mar 18: Deputy Commissioner O Panyang inaugurated a newly constructed RCC fencing wall of Solung ground, Pasighat yesterday.

The 284 Mtrs. long surrounding RCC wall of Solung ground constructed by the PWD Pasighat at Rs ten lakhs was funded by the Rajya Sabha MP Mukut Mithi from his MPLAD fund.

On the occasion, the CSFCC souvenir (magazine) ‘ARSI’ was also released.

Speaking on the occasion, Panyang appreciated construction department for proper utilization of MPLAD fund and appealed the members to take care of plantation and flowering inside the complex to make the ground beautiful, clean and hygienic. He also urged the literary committee of CSFCC for timely publication of ARSI on public interest.

The CSFCC President Ojong Yomso, Secretary Okop Tamin and Chairman Publicity Onyok Pertin on behalf of CSFCC thanked Mithi for his contribution.

Anini to be joined by two-lane highways soon: BRO

Bishnu Rana

ROING, Mar 18: Anini located at the border district of Dibang valley is yet to have proper road connectivity in spite of its approach road that poised through high altitude, Mihao wild life sanctuary, snowfall point at Mayudia, number of sinking and slide points due to loose rocky mountains and hills.

The BRO has been facing tough time to give a permanent shape of this 22-km Anini-Roing road due to difficult terrain. “Our manpower is engaged around the day to restore the road link during blockade despite shortage of man power that we are facing, said the one of the BRO officials.

However, with the new alignment of two-lane road to Anini through Chidu, Alopa, Munli, along the left bank of Dibang River, the Anini will find a good and durable connectivity with short duration of time coverage.

The Special Accelerated Road Development Programme-NE (SARDP-NE) two-lane highway will start from Meka through Roing Bazaar with take off point at Kebali village reducing 40 Km of distance at an estimated cost of Rs 600 Crores. According to BRO sources, this re-alignment road will also compensate 20 Km submergence road occurred due to 40 Km back water reservoir created under the 3000 MW Dibang Multi-Purpose Project.

DPR is in process and likely to be completed within two month. However, it may take another three months for approval from the Ministry of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

“The re-alignment double lane-road if developed could be far better than the existing road. After approval of the DPR from ministry concerned the work will start. It may take five years to complete the road project. The road is strategically given priority on defense point of view with more deployment of forces at this border district in recent days to come”, reveal Kuldeep Raj OC 62 RCC.

The highways will also having 3 numbers of bridges namely, Eri, Ethun and Kri and with limited average U-turn curve easing better speed for vehicular movement, he adds.

He is also hopeful that after completion of the road, socio-economic development of the entire Dibang region will get a boost.

When asked about the deprived of Hunli-Sub division, the OC said that the re-alignment road will also has provision to connect Hunli, however the existing road will be abandoned following non-existence of human settlement in between the Roing to Hunli road except at 28 KM.

“The proposed two-lane re-alignment road if executed accelerate the pace of development in the region”, hopes one of the resident of Anini.

Resentment

ITANAGAR, Mar 18: All Nyishi Youth Association Capital Complex Unit (ANYACCU) has expressed strong resentment against city police for their failure to nab the killer of late Ratan Shanti, a class VI student who was murdered by unknown miscreant on 25th December 2009. They further alleged that Naharlagun police officials are not co-operating with parents of late Shanti.

ANYACCU has condemned the killing of businessman Rajendra Choudhary. They requested state government to review law and order situation in capital complex and take necessary steps to make capital safer.

Women awareness prog conducted

ITANAGAR, Mar 18: Banyum Abu Welfare Society recently organized awareness generation program for women about their rights at Sakiang village under Mengio circle on March 16 last. This program sponsored by central social welfare board and implemented by Arunachal Pradesh State Social Welfare Board was great success.

Rikam Nabam, headmaster govt. secondary school, Sakiang and Uma Saha Pader, Headmistress Banyum Abu English School were the resource persons for the day. Both the speakers highlighted issues related to uplift women in our society.

SMO’s death condoled

ITANAGAR, Mar 18: Death of Dr. Ravi Kipa, senior medical officer (SMO) of state health department in a bus accident at Digboi town has shocked the civil society and health department. Dr. Ravi, who was SMO of Kharsang PHC, was well known throughout the state for his work towards drug de-addiction in Changlang district.

All officers and staff members of directorate of health service (DHS), Naharlagun assembled in the DHS office to mourn death of late Dr. Ravi Kipa by observing two minute silence and praying for his soul.

Meanwhile Kipa Brother’s Forum (KBF) has also condoled untimely death Dr. Ravi and expressed their heartfelt condolences to bereaved family members. KBF termed his death as great loss to state and hope government would duly compensate the family of late Dr. Ravi. Arunachal Pradesh Doctor’s Association has also mourned the death of Dr. Ravi Kipa.

Meanwhile, Kipa Brother’s Forum (KBF) has also expressed sadness over death of late Kipa Halley who was working as peon in the office of executive engineer, PWD, Naharlagun.

Workshop suggests core group on agriculture sector

BASAR, Mar 18: State Agriculture Director T Basar has called for coordinated efforts between Krishi Vigyan Kendras, ICAR and the line departments for overall development, particulary agriculture sector of Arunachal Pradesh.

Basar was addressing the awareness workshop on issues of agricultural development and role of KVK in Arunachal Pradesh held at ICAR, Arunachal centre, Basar on March 16 last.

Presiding over the workshop, he stressed on utilization of various Govt schemes on better way through KVKs and ICAR. He also requested the media to give right coverage to agricultural activities and also asked the Doordarshan to take responsibility for disseminating agricultural technologies to the interior places of the state.

Dr. R. Bhagawati, Joint Director of Basar ICAR during his presentation on “Issues of Agricultural development and role of KVK in Arunachal Pradesh” stressed the importance of producing quality seeds and planting material as it is the most important critical input for increasing the farm income.

He also stressed on the establishment of state variety release committee and seed certification agency in the state. Farm mechanization, conserving natural resources and setting up of agricultural universities are the need of the hour, he said.

He also delivered on “Concept of Integrated AAS involving all the service providers” in which he stressed the importance of KVK in taking the agromet advisories to the farmers of respective districts and the rural farmers should get benefit from the agro advisory services, weather forecast to increase the farm yield.

Dr A K Gogoi, Zonal Project Director (Zone III), Meghalaya, emphasized on water preservation. Water is so precious that virtual water trade will become reality in the near future, he said. Coordination, convergence and competitiveness are the keys for holistic development for agriculture and allied sectors, he added.

A.K. Pasrija, Deputy General Manager, NABARD Itanagar delivered the topics “Farmer first and what needs to be done differently”. He briefed the dignitaries about the different activities of NABARD and how best NABARD can help the KVKs in the way of sponsoring different programmes for the well being of farming community. He explained about the micro finance system, rural credit, farmers development oriented innovative schemes.

Dr. P. Suresh Kumar, Scientist (Horticulture) delivered the presentation on “Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers Right Act and its impact on agricultural development” and he briefly described about the registration of farmers variety and its importance. He stressed protecting the traditional farmers varieties and giving benefit to the farmers is very important.

All the programme coordinators of each KVK are requested to make an extensive exploration for collection of local farmers variety and to prepare descriptor, observing those varieties & registration proposal be prepared in coordination with ICAR, Basar on priority basis. Programme coordinators from different KVKs presented their salient activities in the forum.

Lastly the members gave their suggestions and recommendations for agricultural development of the state through KVKs and proposed to form a core group under Director of Agriculture, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh to prepare drafts on policy issues for further action. Next group workshop be arranged within six months.

Among others Scientists and SMS of ICAR Basar, officers from different line departments along with progressive farmers, farm women and entrepreneurs of the district attended the programme.

Cong Seva Dal convention

ITANAGAR, Mar 18: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Seva Dal will attend one day national level convention of All India Congress Seva Dal on 29th March at Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi.

EDP on biotechnology

ITANAGAR, Mar 18: Four days long Entrepreneurship Development Programme on Biotechnology under the sponsorship of Department of Biotechnology, Government of India is underway at Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre, Indira Gandhi Park, Itanagar from yesterday.

The prgramme is being organized by Biotech Consortium India Limited, New Delhi in association with Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science & Technology, Itanagar.

Speaking on the inaugural day as chief guest Director cum Member Secretary, Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science & Technology Kemo Lollen stressed that awareness, interest, involvement and participation of all stakeholders is functional for growth of biotechnology in Arunachal Pradesh.

He emphasized that biotechnology-based programmes in the areas of cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants, biofuels, production of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides, organic farming, aquaculture, apiculture, mushroom cultivation, vermicomposting, floriculture, orchid culture, poultry and livestock fanning etc. would be very much viable and suited for benefit of the people of Arunachal Pradesh for developing entrepreneurial ventures in consideration of the richness of biodiversity and wide ranging agro-climatic variation the state provides.

Manager, BCIL Dr. Shiv Kant Shukla, highlighted the aim and objectives of the programme and the scopes for development entrepreneurial ventures based on Biotechnology in Arunachal Pradesh. Scientist-'C', APSCS&T Dr. Debajit Mahanta also spoke on the occasion.

During this four days long programme resource persons, experts from outside institutes from Chennai, New Delhi and business houses dealing with biotechnology will deliver lectures, demonstration on aspects like Marketing Management, Human Resource Management, Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Biotechnology & GoI Initiatives to promote Biotech Entrepreneurship, Micropropagation. Biofertiiizers and Biopest-icides, Orchid Culture, Herbal Extracts, Enzymes and Biofuels.

Dr. N N Sharma, Dean, Assam Management Institute, Guwahati, Dr. Debajit Mahanta, Scientist -'C'. Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science & Technology, Itanagar, Sayed Md. Mashfuqulla, Project Associate, BCIL and host of participants from various institutes of the capital complex, research scholars, students, prospective entrepreneurs NGO representatives attended the inaugural day.

World TB Day

ITANAGAR: District Health Society (RNTCP) in collaboration with State Health Society (RNTCP) is observing the World TB Day on March 24 at Vivekananda Hall, RK Mission, Itanagar.

Meanwhile, Health and Family Welfare Minister Tanga Byaling has consented to attend the programme as chief guest.

Rectify pay structure of asstt. teachers (A)

ITANAGAR: The central executive committee (CEC) of the Arunachal Teachers Association (ATA) has appealed the education minister to rectify the existing pay structure of the ATs(A).

Since the implementation of the 5th Pay Commission Recommendation, the ATs (A) have been deprived of their pay scale in full. As a result, the ATs(A) are facing the problem of pay structure under the 6th CPC, said the ATA delegation including representatives of the assistant teachers of different district who called on the education minister yesterday.

The representation also advocated that 50 per cent of the JT posts should be filled up by the senior AT (A), according to a ATA release.