March -
Rs.131.16 crore deficit budget for Arunachal
Itanagar, Mar 20: With major thrust in social sector and fiscal management, Arunachal
Pradesh Finance Minister Setong Sena today presented a 131.16 crore deficit budget
for the year 2010-
Presenting the budget document at the floor of the assembly, Sena disclosed that
the budget estimates of 2010-
The non-
“The net increase in non-
He said, the government is conscious of the need to increase tax and non-
The Finance Minister further disclosed that the state government was contemplating levying tax on property not only in the interest of equity but also revenue mobilization for the state.“We are initiating several measures over the years to check increase of debt liabilities. We are putting a statutory cap on our borrowings by enacting the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act and got up a Consolidated Sinking Fund (CSF) for redemption of debts of all kinds, when they mature or fall due for repayment at future dates”, he said.
The budget also encompassed introduction of Goods and Service Tax (GST) from April, 2011 with the intention to have uniformity in tax laws, procedures and rates throughout the country. “Introduction of GST will enable state governments to levy tax on services which is the fastest growing segment of our economy besides enabling business to claim input tax credit on taxes paid on both goods and services and will make them competitive”, he added.
He said, the 13th Finance Commission had committed to compensate the state for revenue
loss, if any, after implementation of GST.The other highlights of the budget includes
providing Rs 3.60 crore for implementation of centrally-
Special allocations were also made in the budget to strengthen law enforcement and public security and the first battalion of Arunachal Scouts would be raised next fiscal.He said, the state government would renovate 81 suspension bridge in a phased manner besides providing connectivity to remote villages under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and electricity to all villages under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutkaran Yojana (RGGVY).
“The state government will be providing Rs 24 crore over next five years and above
existing funds under plan, non-
One arrested in Trader’s murder case
ITANAGAR, Mar 20: One of the suspects in the murder of businessman Rajendra Choudhury has been nabbed while four others are still at large; Home Minister Tako Dabi informed the Legislative assembly today.
Dabi informed that one Rima Bodo (28 yrs) has been arrested recently and in police custody. Other fours suspects, namely Simi Killo (33 yrs.), Kiora Sono (32 yrs), Bado Sonu (22 yrs), Doba Tawe (29 yrs) all from East Kameng districts are absconding, Dabi said.
These revelations were made by the minister while responding to question raised by BJP leader Tamiyo Taga on growing security concern, particularly in Itanagar and Naharlagun which witnessed a murder and several decoity cases in the recent time.
Disagreeing with Taga’s allegation that the government has adopted a lackadaisical attitude in containing law and order situation, Dabi informed the house that his Ministry with ‘very very active’ police personnel led by DGP Vimla Mehra has adopted all possible measures to contain law and order situation as well as protect the life and property of its people.
Choudhury was killed on Tuesday morning by masked gunmen at his Lagun Hardware shop. The Capital was brought to a standstill for three day by the traders in protest against the killing. The city Police led by Hibu Tamang had assured that culprits would soon be booked.
Proceedings at Legislative assembly
ITANAGAR, Mar 20: Special Mention: Admitting communication bottleneck of Tali area under Kurung Kumey district, PWD Minister Nabam Tuki said that effort is on to connect this remote area with rest of the state through road communication.
Replying to a demand of Tali MLA Markio Tado that all the non-
Responding to Tani Loffa, who wished to know the present status of the on-
Inclusion of Tirap: Responding to a demand for inclusion of Tirap under tourism circuit by MLA Kamthok Lowang, the Tourism minister Jarbom Gamlin said that since Tirap district is identified as insurgency infested district clearance is needed in this regard from the centre. The state home department is taking up the issue with central home department on the issue, he informed.
Education: Replying to a question of Tamiyo Taga, Education Minister Bosiram Siram said that before the assembly election some teachers were appointed as headmaster on officiating basis and posted at interior schools in their own pay band and grade pay. The DPC would recruit post of HM, VP from the senior teacher and junior teachers. As soon as the DPC is held, the officiating headmasters’ posts would be filled up by regular HM and VPs, he informed. Nirjuli water supply: Public Health Engineering Minister Chowna Mein informed the house that the people of Nirjuli township can avail water facility with Rs.2000 as connection fee. He said while replying to a question of MLA Likha Saaya whether the Naharlagun water project was also meant for the residents of Nirjuli. Mein also blamed ever growing population as the main cause of water scarcity in Itanagar.
Tourism: Regarding celebration of Siang River Festival at West Siang twice instead of celebrating it at Upper and East Siang through, Tourism Minister Jarbom Gamlin said that proposal should come from the district authority to organize the same at the two districts.
Lazu CHC: "Considering the high population of Lazu circle, the state govt has decided
to upgrade the Lazu PHC to CHC in the next financial year 2010-
He further informed that DMO office of Khonsa was temporarily functioning from DC’s office building since its inception as the department was not in a position to construct permanent DMO office at Khonsa due to financial constraint.
CO HQ Bari Basip: Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, while replying to a question regarding
creation of CO HQs at Bari Basip by MLA Kamthok Lowang, informed that creation of
circle headquarter at Bari-
NEEPCO: The chief minister further informed the house that the state govt is getting 12 pc free power from NEEPCO’s Ranganadi Hydroelectric Project, and a good portion of the annual revenue collection comes from RHEP project, he said. Providing 1 pc free power supply for the development of people living around the project site is a policy matter, the chief minister said while MLA Likha Saaya pleaded for the same in a starred question.
Compensatory afforestation: Replying to another question of MLA Jomin Tayeng, the CM acknowledged that services of four employees engaged in compensatory afforestation were terminated on completion of the scheme at Paya. As per the provision under the project, there was no provision for reengaging such employees.
Retirement age: The Union Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training on May 13, 1998 vide a memorandum has fixed 60 years as retirement age for central govt employees, Khandu informed the house while replying to a question of Tamiyo Taga that whether the Govt of India has extended retirement age from 56 years to 60 years. He also informed that as per cabinet meeting held on July 27, 1998, the present age of retirement at 58 years for state govt employees should continue.
Don’t buckle under Chinese pressure: Legislators
Itanagar, Mar 20: Even as the centre is ready to forgo Asian Development Bank’s funding for Arunachal, despite state government’s reluctance, at least two members of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative assembly today urged the Centre not to buckle to Chinese’s pressure. The Chinese have been objecting to the ADB funding in Arunachal. The centre had earlier said that it would manage its own resources to fund the six watershed projects with a total outlay of Rs 280 crore.
Taking part on motion of thanks on Governor's address, Laeta Umbrey said state government should talk to the Centre not to give away to the pressure of China.
Joining him was Nabam Rebia who insisted that centre should go ahead with the projects.
AOP: BJP MLA Tamiyo Taga asked the govt why there is no AOP in place. While taking part in the discussion, he said that govt must come up with a white paper on the issue.
AAPSU delighted with the passage of education bill
ITANAGAR, Mar 20: Welcoming the approval of the much-
Stating that the process of resurrecting the dismal education scenario of the state is long overdue, the APPSU president Takam Tatung in a release said education ministry has made a laudable new beginning with this bill.
Expressing its gratefulness to the government for conceding to one of its demand (Education Bill was one among the union Charter of Demand submitted to the state government earlier), the APPSU which also took part in the consultative meeting hoped that the bill will have scope for rectification and accommodating genuine needs and demand in the near future that will contribute in producing more healthy human resource.
The union while drawing the attention of the forest department with regards to honoring the “MITHUN” as state animal reiterated its earlier demand and urged the concern department to immediately issue a gazette notification in this regard. The apex students’ body of the state termed reported missing of children from Bana circle, East Kameng district in a foreign country like Nepal as “shocking and disturbing” and demanded through probe into the whole fiasco to unearth the truth behind the shoddy development, so that such happenings do not recur in future involving children.
The union called upon the state government to remain alert with the news of Assam government contemplating to establish Border outpost along our state boundary.
Teachers unhappy at ‘destructive criticism’
ITANAGAR, Mar 20: A day after legislators questioned the SSA in the state, All Arunachal Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers Association has hit back at the legislators for “destructive criticism”. The “deeply hurt” teachers said that instead of criticizing them, government should make healthy policies for quality education the state.
The teachers said that politicians should look within themselves as they are the ones who interfere during recruitment process resulting in recruitment of teachers who are not efficient. Alleging corruption, nepotism and interference during process of appointment, the teachers said that they should discuss these issues also at the assembly.
The teachers said that if it was not for the SSA, schools in most districts of Arunachal would be defunct as most of the regular teachers under the state government are concentrated in urban areas. It is the teachers under SSA who are working at interior areas of the state despite several hardships.
The teachers further called on the government to regularize their jobs and enhance the salary as well.
Why sanitation campaigns at all ?
Swati Sharma
Every time we conduct the ‘Sanitation and Cleanliness Campaigns’ in our District, I am constrained to think as to why we need them at all. Are we not aware of the fact that we need to keep our surroundings neat and clean? It is said that cleanliness is next to Godliness. If that is so, I wonder, would we ever be able call ourselves God fearing as long as we continue to dirty our neighbourhoods. Why do we need to depend on the District Administration to carry out such campaigns for us? Why don’t people understand that it is their duty to keep their environment clean? Why don’t we realize that one of our fundamental duties, as enshrined in the ‘Constitution of India’ is ‘to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures’?
I believe that reasons are manifold but we will consider the intertwined ones, not in order of priority or importance. These reasons are obvious yet often overlooked.
One, there are systemic and methodological difficulties. The Urban Development Department, primarily looking after the sanitation of the urban areas, is scarily short of staff. One can imagine the plight of the sanitation staff when one considers the fact that in the entire State of Arunachal Pradesh, the strength of this staff is a measly 400 (approx.). On an average, a District would be having 9 (approx.) staff members to do the sanitation job. Then, how can we depend on them for collection, carriage and disposal of the garbage?
Two, how we treat our precious environment is an indication of our habits, our concern towards cleanliness and our character. These all take shape right from our childhood, the formative years of our upbringing. Am I saying that parents are responsible for this shameful attitude of our children? Yes, I am, indeed. It is the duty of the parents to tell them candidly in their homes, where children’s character is formed and shaped, that the place is theirs and its cleanliness, their responsibility. How our children act when they are outside the comfortable, neat and clean cocoons of their homes, goes to show how they have been brought up by their parents. It certainly is a primer of the attention parents paid to build these habits and ultimately, character, in their children.
Three, the school environment also shapes our children’s minds. The way the academic staff behaves in the school premises leaves an indelible imprint on the young minds who perceive it as normal behaviour to dirty the surroundings. The school premises might be neat and clean but what about the surrounding areas?
Four, it is not a matter of shame to dirty our surroundings but a matter of pride to many of us. This distressing attitude forces me to conclude that we do not love our nation and respect our environment enough. And here lies the main issue when we think it is not our duty to generate less garbage or not our duty to put garbage in the dustbins or to regulate usage of plastic materials etc. harmful to the environment. The short term gains but long term losses will lead us nowhere. We may continue to blame the society for every evil including this careless attitude but we very conveniently forget that we form the society in which we live. Each of our actions determines our future and our children’s future. Our natural resources are dwindling because of the manner in which we use them. A visit to our localities quickly highlights the processes through which environmental degradation is happening. We complain about lack of clean water facilities to our areas but forget who created this situation. We waste water, dump garbage as per our convenience and spoil our environment. We need to come to terms with these complexities, their consequences and then move towards solutions.
It is not debatable that government functionaries have an obligation to fulfil i.e. to perform duty as per rules and they must do so. But, at the same time, if people too rise to the occasion and understand their responsibilities towards the environment, things would be different. We need to remove our blinkers imposed by conventional reasoning to our issues. Our concern towards our environment needs to be sharpened and must be visible in our actions. Our love for our birthplace, our District, our State must be seen not only on stage, in conferences, in seminars, in workshops, in forums but in our daily lives. Then only we can call ourselves God fearing in the true sense. That choice is ours.
(Swati Sharma, IAS, is Deputy Commissioner, West Kameng. She can be reached at swatish77@gmail.com.)
Arunachal DRDA Association calls on union minister
ITANAGAR, Mar 20: A 15-
Highlighting the grievances of DRDAs of the state, the delegation pleaded the union ministry to take up steps for absorption of DRDA borne staff in the state Govt.
MP Takam Sanjay, who guided the delegation apprised the Union RD minister about the financial position of the state and requested him to assure continues funding of DRDA Admin in the state to met the financial liabilities. The association appreciated the MP for his prompt initiation for pursuing the matter, according to a release.
Dr C.P Joshi has assured the delegates to look the matter from his perspectives and entrusted the MP to initiate the matter with the RD ministry to resolve the problem at an earliest.
ATNS adds: The representatives of the Arunachal unit of the Association had also met state R D minister during November last year and demanded him to act promptly to release the committed 10 percent of state share liabilities against the DRDA salary fund. It also urged the Govt to absorb DRDA borne employees in the government. The minister reportedly assured to take up the issue with appropriate level.
ITANAGAR, Mar 20: Unemployed Arunachalee Engineer’s Association (UAEA) has taken serious exception to continuation of six illegally appointed AUPO in urban development department. In a press release issued UAEA asked PWD and UD Minister Nabam Tuki to prove his statement of “clean and transparent” that he is claiming to be maintaining in his ministry by getting rid of all illegally appointed people from his department.
Further the UAEA said that if appointment orders of these six illegally appointed AUPO’s are not cancelled by April 8, UAEA will launch massive agitation together with other unemployed associations of state.
UAEA has also urged government to immediately employ those long awaited expert appointees of PMU and PIU under Jawahar Nehru Nation Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) who is still jobless after being recruited last year. They also called up on all political parties to discuss various grievances being faced by unemployed youths of the state in the ongoing assembly session.
It is time to stop present system of illegal recruitment followed by various departments which deprives opportunities to rightful candidates and for this political leaders have to show the way, UAEA added.
NCP calls for better law and order
ITANAGAR, Mar 20: Nationalist Congress Party has called on state govt to improve “deteriorating law and order problem” in Doimukh area. The Government’s lackadaisical attitude to the security of the residents and their property and the general deterioration of law and order in the area is grossly deplorable, it said.
It demand effectively gearing up of the security mechanism in Doimukh by deploying
more security personnel there and see that the law and order is strictly enforced
in Doimukh. Block NCP further suggested that there should be time-
Had there been any complain regarding the occupying of the land by the present owner,
the legal course has been taken by them instead of acting as the demolishing squad,
the party said. The party wanted to know whether there any conspiracy between the
law breakers and some influential high-
It further called on the Government engage the vibrant youth of Doimukh so that they get an opportunity to get involved in constructive and productive activity.
It further said that the family of NCP State President Ngurang Pinch is being targeted presumably for his and his party’s vehement protest against the acute deterioration of law and order situation in Doimukh.
It further said that a dwelling house belonging to Ngurang Yapar, constructed on a piece of allotted land has been razed to ground in the broad daylight on March 19.
Doimukh Police, when contacted said that an FIR has been registered and one person involved has already been arrested.
Meet to enhance coordination between RNTCP and NACP
ROING, Mar 20: The first meeting of the District Collaboration Committee (DCC) formed under the guidelines of National Framework for Joint HIV/TB Collaboration activities was held under the chairmanship of Y W Ringu, Deputy Commissioner, Roing in her office chamber yesterday.
Dr A. Yirang, District Medical Officer cum Vice Chairman cum Nodal Officer has informed
that active TB disease is the commonest disease that found amongst HIV-
Dr S J Mitapo, District TB Officer cum Member Secretary has highlighted the aims and objectives of forming the Collaboration Committee which are to establish a mechanisms for coordination between RNTCP and NACP at National, state and district levels to reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by Tuberculosis in people living with HIV/AIDS and also to decrease the impact of HIV in tuberculosis patients.
The committee should organize training for programme officials and field staffs on TB/HIV, establish cross referral mechanism for TB patients to NACP & ICTC for counseling and HIV infected TB patients for additional care and support for HIV disease. He also informed that the committee would ensure the smooth implementation and regular review of TB/HIV Collaborative activities and the committee should meet on quarterly basis.
Dr Yirang has also placed before the house for formation of a District Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) in the district to ensure that minimum quality health services are provided to the people of the district specially in regards to Sterilization Services.
Dr M. Basar, DRCHO has informed that the District Quality Assurance Committee would monitor the quality of sterilization services provided at static health centres like Govt hospitals, private clinics and health camps organized by govt. or NGOs.
Dr Ista Pulu, Gynaecologist cum Medical Superintendent, District Hospital also spoke on the occasion and pointed out the lack of requisite medical facilities in the district hospital.
The house decided to propose the govt for posting of an empanelled vasectomy surgeon
and a anaesthetist to meet the required composition of the district QAC or to empanel
one of the local doctor of the district after obtaining required training. Basu Perme,
Ex-
APPDSU sticks to its NIT demand at Jote
ITANAGAR, Mar 20: After a brief lull, the All Papum Pare District Students’ Union (APPDSU) yet again reiterated that the proposed National Institute of Technology (NIT) be established at Jote in Capital Complex.
The state Govt is trying to de-
Therefore, without getting confused over the site of the NIT, the Govt should direct the authorities concerned to go with the proposed NIT at Jote where the villagers are ready to donate their agricultural land for this noble cause, the union said.
The locals are willing to donate their agricultural land without claiming compensation
for establishment of the said institutions in Jote which is well connected with
all means of communication. The establishment of proposed airport and on-
Take census operation seriously: DC
ROING, Mar 20: Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner cum principal census officer has asked the officers in charges to take the census operation seriously.
In her inaugural address in the first District Level Population Census Training held in the Anchal Samity Hall here yesterday, she said there should be no any leniency in the census as the data created in the census would be the basis for further planning, grants and funding for the next ten years in the district.
Census Officers in charges of various sub-
Stating that the 15th Census of the country has a very long vision with de-
She also called upon the officers to properly monitor the work done by the Enumerator to ensure that correct and accurate data are collected without any overlapping, as they will be held answerable for any errors, if found later.
The house listing by the enumerators must be completed by May 8 next, she said and asked the enumerators to maintain the secrecy of data collected during Census Operation as per the Census Act 1948 and Rules 1990. The Information’s collected are confidential and do not come under public domain or RTI Act, she revealed.
However, the DC clarified that the information under National Population Register would come under Public domain. She exhorted the trainee officers to get themselves clear every doubt and participate in the training actively.
Lod Gambo, SDO(SADAR) cum District Census Officer in his welcome address has highlighted the importance of the Census. He also exhorted to collect accurate data without any error and to achieve the target within the stipulated time. M. Tato, EAC cum Census Charge Officer also spoke on the occasion.
The resource persons from Director of Census Operation, Shillong, R K Manisana,
Statistical Investigator (SI) Grade-
PASIGHAT, Mar 20: Education Minister Bosiram Siram, MLA Ralom Borang have consented to be chief guest and guest of honour with Simon Taiko and President Galo Welfare Society Jarjum Ete as special guests of honour in the central Mopin celebration at Pasighat on April 5.
ITANAGAR, Mar 20: Lingdum Manong has been elected as secretary of first parish council of Holy Trinity Parish Banderdewa.
ITANAGAR, Mar 20: Galo Students’ Union appreciating the West Siang District Students’ Union for initiating Gutka free drive in the district, appealed the general public and traders to cooperate with the student organization.
The Union also thanked the ASP Aalo for deploying police personnel in the Gutka free driveat Aalo market.
ITANAGAR, Mar 20: A four-
O.N. Bansal, Senior Consultant and Advisor NIRD, Hyderabad and Assistant Director SIRD, Rakesh Srivastava acted as the resource persons.
Earlier the Project Director, DRDA, Lohit M. Tatum in his inaugural address exhorted the participants to take full benefit of the training and clear the concepts and hurdles faced by the groups in the successful implementation and conduct of Self Help Groups with special reference.
AESDSU conduct social service, demand judicial enquiry
PASIGHAT, Mar 20: All East Siang District Students’ Union conducted social service at fire incident site Jarku, Pasighat and also distributed utensils and 50 kg of rice each to the victims of the fire incident.
It appealed the authority concerned to compensate the lost materials of the two families.
Meanwhile, the union demanding judicial enquiry over the negligence of officials alleged that the fire contender reached the spot lately with empty water tank. Such type of negligence of fire service in the district head quarter is a matter of concern, it said.
Plantation prog
ITANAGAR: A plantation program was conducted at NSS Unit of government College, Yachuli at its permanent site today. Around 200 saplings were planted which will be adopted by faculty members and NSS volunteers for its upkeep and nourishment. The College Principal Dr N T Rikam has appreciated Range Officer Yachuli for the successful conduct of the program.
HS School excels
ITANAGAR: Higher Secondary School Naharlagun has excelled at the 4th International Level Science Talent Search examination which was conducted to mark the International year of Astronomy. The school got the best at the national level while ten of its students secured rankings for their outstanding performance.
Principal of the school T Tatan got an award for his commendable performance in organizing the examination while Senior Teacher Chemistry M Islam was placed the best science guide.
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