The Arunachal Times - Archives

Science conference concludes with a call for better output in research and development

BOMDILA, Mar 4: The 41st Annual Conference of the Regional Science Association of India (RSAI) concluded here today with the valedictory address of Deputy Commissioner Swati Sharma.

Pointing out the scientific and technological innovations and advancement which create great impact in each and every sector of life, Sharma appealed the participants of the conference to dwell upon originality with pure dedication and sincerity for better output in research and development.

The 2-day conference was marked with presentation of 22 papers on Cooperation and Regional Development, Health Care Resources in Regional Perspectives, Urban Planning in Hill Areas, Liberalization, Economic Growth and Regional Inequalities and Emerging Challenges to Development of Hill Economic with special reference to North-East region. The postulates of different technical sessions formed the basis of report to be published in the proceedings of the organizations to impress upon the planners and executors of the development process at regional and national levels.

The day before, in the inaugural session, Grammy award nominee Geshe Nawang Tashi Bapu, Principal Central Institute of Himalayan Cultural Studies Dahung, emphasized upon a balanced development without generating any social unrest. The synergic approach adopted by him as a theological scholar to define development of regional economies on the basis of suitable blending, indigenous knowledge and resources with innovations in science and technology was really praiseworthy.

Dr. P. Nag, Director National Atlas Thematic Mapping Organization (NATMO) in his presidential address impressed upon the participants that holding the conference in a place like Bomdila, is a clear indication that the Regional Science Association of India (RSAI) is conscious of its core objectives which believes that any developmental initiative has to consider its spatial variations and regional specificities. He further reiterated that, for any development the use of national resources, economic investments, technological innovations and the institutional works are to be carried out within an ecologically balanced framework.

The Secretary Regional Science Association of India (RSAI) Dr. C.R. Pathak, while elaborating on the objectives of the association, appealed the delegates to go for disseminating knowledge by developing the tools and techniques of research on regional development and to encourage the application of the outcome of the research for regional development of the economically backward areas. Lauding the cultural richness and natural endowments of the state, Dr. Pathak exhorted the academicians to concentrate more on the hill economy of the state.

The local organizer Dr. H. Lasa, Principal Government College Bomdila opined that there should be close linkages between academicians, policy makers and executors for proper development of any region in which the regional resources should be optimally utilized as he reasoned that such deliberations in seminars and conferences very often do not form the part of policy and planning documents. DIPRO

Consultative meeting for Strategy Development

ITANAGAR, Mar 4: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Papum Pare, one of the key strategic partners of the North East Initiative programme launched by Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT), has organized one-day workshop cum consultative meeting on strategy development at Naharlagun yesterday. The stakeholders of agri and allied sectors including governmental, non-governmental and progressive individuals attended the workshop which intended to promote ideas with more clarity to develop an appropriate implementation strategy considering the regional diversity.

The thrust areas identified for discussion during the workshop included better land use for better agriculture, diversified on-farm and off-farm income generation, Natural Resource Management (NRM), Conservation of unique germ-plasm (esp. Mithun).

T. Taloh, Secretary AHD and Horticulture the chief guest of the workshop delivered key note address on the topic 'Opportunities and Challenges in Addressing Rural Livelihood issues in Arunachal Pradesh.’ He cautioned that we shouldn’t create high expectations amongst the intended beneficiaries. The plans must be a realistic one.

Various other resource persons which spokes on the occasion are T.D. Neekam (presentation on opportunities and challenges in agricultural sector), Egam Basar (presentation on opportunities and challenges in horticultural sector) and Dr. T. Heli (presentation on opportunities and challenges in livestock sector).

District heads of line departments and the resource persons from SRTT, Rajesh Thadani, D. Ratnao, Senti Mongla and Mr. D. Borah is also present during the programme. The workshop is very productive and an eye opener for the stakeholders involved in rural development works in Arunachal Pradesh for developing strategic plan for various programme in near future.

JNC selected as college with potential for excellence

PASIGHAT, Mar 04: The premier institution of the state, Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat, {b++} has been selected by the University Grants Commission, New Delhi, as a 'college with potential for excellence'. It is the only college in the entire Arunachal Pradesh to have got this honour and has the distinction of being one of the 300 such colleges to have been selected in the entire country. This college is striving for academic excellence and its results indicate its pursuance for excellence. The college has got this recognition after a rigorous process of academic examination.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Bosiram Siram extending his congratulation to the teaching community, staff and students of the college for their recent achievement, appreciated their working spirit and urged them to work hard and maintain the same working spirit to make the college a model college of the state.

Waste depository at every sector or colony: Governor

ITANAGAR, Mar 4: Taking another step forward in the series of activities towards, ‘Clean and Green Arunachal,’ Governor Gen JJ Singh suggested for setting up of depository, like that of scrap outlets in every sector or colony, so that people can deposit segregated glass, metal and plastic items, such as bottles, poly bags etc. at the depository counters in return for some cash at fixed rates.

Such practice, segregation of metals, glass and biodegradable wastes in different colour bags at home, which is popular in developed countries, if inculcate in the denizens will sure to bring welcome change, he said while attending a PowerPoint presentation on ‘Clean and Green Environment’ by Col PS Binder of 4 Corps, Tezpur at Raj Bhavan recently.

Governor asked the Capital Complex Deputy Commission Padmini Singla to explore the possibility and also on colour bags for different waste materials.

“We have to change mindset of the people and make them realize their responsibilities towards environment. Let us be an example for other States in the clean environmental preservation programme”, exhorted Gen Singh.

This should be one of the important agenda of Deputy Commissioners’ conference, Governor added.

Taking part in the discussion, Singla apprised the Governor on the initiatives of the Capital Complex administration, State Government directives and also of those by NGOs and concerned citizens.

Earlier, with the help of PowerPoint presentation, Col Bindra said, by banning of polythene or by burying or burning it, problem is not over.

Equating problems of polythene with terrorism, Col Bindra pointed 80% of pollution is due to burning of polythene and it is 5000 times more dangerous then cigarettes. Citing rates of waste papers, plastic bottle, old newspapers in the market, he added, we can earn from garbage every morning. No need to throw in ‘Open Dustbins.’

Col Bindra, who is carrying out campaigns as an initiation of Army at Tezpur involving, NGOs, School Children and others said, people should be made aware of marketing avenues of the non-biodegradable materials through advertisement. It is a common practice for beer bottles and in the same line, plastic water bottles and other materials should also be recycles. Like scrap buyers, there should be shops or counters at every colony, properly regulated by civil administration to receive these waste materials. PRO to Governor

‘Arogya’ Mela at IG Park from March 17

NAHARLAGUN, Mar 4: The Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India in collaboration with the state Health Department, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh is organizing the “AROGYA” Exhibition cum Mela from March 17 to 20 next at Indira Gandhi Park, Itanagar.

Propagation about Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani and Homeo-pathy systems of treatment along with Allopathic system (General Modern Medicine) would be the part of the 4 day-long exhibition. There will be clinics of all Ayush systems of medicine and people can utilize that opportunity besides the exhibition, according to an information from DHS. DIPR

ALSU reiterates demand for law college

ITANAGAR, Mar 4: Arunachal Law Students’ Union (ALSU) has reiterated its demand for establishment of Govt law college in the state at the earliest.

The state Govt has already decided to establish law college in the state, but there is no such law college structure till date, it resented.

Informing that the NHPC has agreed to sanction a sum of Rs 17 crore for establishment of a Govt Law College during signing of memorandum with the state Govt for Subansiri Lower project, the union said state Govt should begin official proceeding for early construction/establishment of the college as approved in 2009.

Consultative meet discuss development issues

Tawang, Mar 4: Under the chairmanship of the Addl. Deputy Commissioner, Lobsang Phunchu incharge DC, District Consultative Committee Meeting was held in the office chamber of the Deputy Commissioner, Tawang district today.

The meeting was organized by the State Bank of India, Tawang Branch in coordination with O. Dutta Choudhury, Lead District Manager, Tawang District (SBI).

All the line departments, the DRDA, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Horticulture, and Fishery attended the meeting. In addition, the managers of sub-branches of Jang and Lumla were present in the meeting.

The ADC appealed the Bank members to take up schemes according to the climatic condition of the area. Since the climatic condition of Mukto is suitable for livestock, one provide schemes for Yak-rearing, etc., and in the lower belt horticulture and agriculture be encouraged, he said.

Choudhury apprised the house about the overall Credit Deposit Ratio of the district which is just 7.62 % whereas the minimum CDR should be at least 40%. Therefore, the main concern of the meeting was to discuss with the line departments present and come out with an alternative like forming a sub-committee that could give suggestions in improving the CD Ratio of the district. However, the idea was drop until the next review meeting.

Various poverty alleviation schemes like the schemes on special programmes such as the SGSY, PMEGP, KVIC, SHGs, Kishan Cash Credit, Agriculture Cash Credit, etc and improvement of credit deposit ratio, annual credit plan and its implementation, and other related subjects were also discussed.

Project Director, DRDA requested the Lead Branch Manager to open up new bank branches in the Mukto-Bongleng, Zemithang-Dudunghar, and Kitpi Blocks of the district for the convenience of the bank customers as well as for the bank and its employees. He also requested the concerned bank managers present to relax some norms and extent some level of supports for opening up of accounts of NREGA beneficiaries. To which the managers promptly agreed. Therefore, it was suggested by the house that a sub-committee should be formed, with the ADCs of the respective blocks as its chairperson and the BDOs as its convener, which would also, consists of the Branch Manager of the Bank and the some elected representatives PRI.

Earlier yesterday in the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner, Tawang, the Addl. Deputy Commissioner, Tawang inaugurated a 3-day functional training program through SIRD under the Management Institution System.

Deputy Director, SIRD, Rakesh Srivastava and PD, DRDA, Karma Leki were also present in the inaugural function. DIPRO

‘Nagalim’ a greater threat than Chinese claims: AIPU

ITANAGAR, Mar 4: The ‘Greater Nagalim’ demand by the NSCN (IM) is a greater threat to Arunachal’s territorial integrity compared to the oft-repeated Chinese claims over the state, Arunachal Indigenous People’s Union (AIPU) observed today.

In a release, the union viewed the ‘Nagalim’ issue seriously in the backdrop of the ongoing peace talks at New Delhi between the Centre and NSCN (IM) leaders.

“The Naga leaders are adamant on their demand for a greater Nagaland that encompasses territories of several North Eastern states including Arunachal’s Tirap and Changlang districts (which facing threat of insurgency) and going by the attitude of New Delhi, it is a matter of greater concern for the indigenous tribes of the state than that of the Chin’s claims over the state,” the Union pointed out.

Asserting that the Indo-China border problem is a very old one with no solution in sight, it said making a hue and cry over the China issue will only help strengthen the Chinese stand.

Instead of taking up the Chinese claims, it suggested the state government as well as All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) to focus on chronic domestic problems, particularly the Naga talks.

On the refugee imbroglio, it said while the ‘Nagalim’ issue is a threat to the territorial integrity of the state, the refugee issue is a threat to the demographic profile of the state inhabited by the indigenous tribes.

It claimed that several Tibetans, Chakma and Hajong refugees because of their cultural and physical affinity with the local tribes are being provided with ST status and other benefits. These refugees would outnumber the indigenous population in the long run, if preventive steps are not taken soon, it apprehended. UNI

ATA wishes free and fair CBSE exams

TANAGAR, Mar 4: Arunachal Teacher’S Association(ATA), Papum Pare unit appealed all the district students’ unions and all concerned administration to supervise the ensuing CBSE examination for peaceful, free and fair conduct.

It further appealed all the students to maintain the free and fair examination.

Nyokum Yullo

ITANAGAR, Mar 4: Nyokum Yullo was celebrated at Chambang in a befitting manner on Feb 26 last.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest Zilla Parishad member Tark Talo appealed the Nyishi community to take active part in the Nyokum Yullo celebration in order to preserve the traditional custom of the community.

The chief guest donated an amount of Rs. 50,000 to the organizing committee and announced some amount for construction of Nyokum Pandal at Chambang.

Guest of honour Palin Employees Welfare Association Er. Rido Allo urged the parents to teach Nyishi language to their children in order to preserve own language. He donated an amount of Rs 20,000 to the organising committee.

Meanwhile, the Committee appreciated MLA Takam Tagar and well wishers for their financial and moral support.

New Admin block building office inaugurated

PASIGHAT, Mar 4: The newly constructed Administrative Block building was inaugurated recently by retired DDHS Dr. B.C. Sarma on March 1 last.

Later, Sarma appealed one and all to serve the society with devotion and donated an amount of Rs. 10,000 to the hospital management committee for the welfare of the needy and poor patients in his farewell function.

Check illegal tree felling: APPDSU

ITANAGAR, Mar 4: While appreciating the initiatives taken by the capital complex administration for banning jhum cultivation within the capital area All Papum Pare District Student’s Union (APPDSU) has urged upon the authorities concerned to take action against those involved in illegal felling of trees.

It has further requested concerned department to stop illegal selling of timber which, they said, is openly going in market. APPDSU has also requested all senior citizens, NGO’s, young students and educated youth to work towards saving environment and understand the danger of global warming.

Assam Rifle recruitment rally at Pasighat

PASIGHAT, Mar 4: The four days long Assam Rifle recruitment rally for 118 posts of GDS (general duty soldier), Electrician, Clerks etc has been started at the general parade ground Pasighat today.

On the first day of the rally, altogether 47 youths of different parts of Arunachal Pradesh have participated, the AR sources reported.

According to the officer in-charge, Col. H.B. Gramopadhye, the physical and medical tests are compulsory for all participants and being conducted on March 4-6 and after qualifying the said tests they will have to attend a written test on March 7 next.

A merit list will be prepared and forwarded to the DGAR (Director General, Assam Rifle) Shillong for scrutiny and final marking and all the finalists will be appointed by the office of the DGAR Shillong.

The Col. Gramopadhye along with five top rank officers, eight JCOs and forty Jawans with the help of local administration and officers is conducting the recruitment rally.

The officer incharge also informed that there will one more six days long rally immediately from May 5-10 next at Charduar, Assam. The interested youths of Arunachal Pradesh may participate submitting their applications in the AR Camp Office (at the general ground, Pasighat) on or before 7th March. The general candidates have to enclose a bank draft amounting Rs. 50/- with their applications, while for SC & ST candidates are exempted.

Awareness meet on forest fire

ITANAGAR, Mar 4: An awareness meeting on prevention of forest fire and control mechanism was held at Anchal Samity Hall, Doimukh on Mar 2 last. Large number of panchayat leaders, Gaon Burahs and members of village forest management committee and forest officials took part in the meeting organized by the Range Forest officer Doimukh under Banderdewa Forest division.

Speaking on the occasion, Banderdewa DFO Tasso Sira while explaining the consequence of the forest fire which lead to global warming, environmental pollution and destruction of flora and fauna, said the rampant destruction of forest on planet earth will lead to extinction of human being. He called upon one and all to cooperate with the department and administration to fight against the menace of the forest fire to save our earth.

The district administration has already issued prohibitory order banning forest fire, illegal hunting, fishing and use of poison in the river in the Papum Pare district, informed Doimukh CO J Bomjen. He called upon the Gaon Burahs and Panchayat leaders to check any crime and illegalities in village panchayat level. The villagers should stop jhum cultivation and instead adopt the rubber cultivation, he added.

Dyputy chief warden, wildlife Chukhu Loma said that every individual of the villages should shoulder responsibility to protect and preserve forest and stop haunting animals. The Govt agencies are formulating rules and guidelines, but it is people who have to take responsibility for proper implementation of rules in greater interest, he said.

Doimukh ZPM Tana Bado suggested that in addition to obeying the departmental rules, villagers should draw fire line before setting the jhum land on fire.

Doimukh ASM chairman Nabam Vijay while emphasizing the need to protect forest, he said that big trees within the area of jhum land should not be chopped off.

All Arunachal Pradesh Gaon Burah Welfare Association president Nabam Epo also spoke on the occasion. He said, we are now bearing the brunt of global warming, polluted environment due to our injustice to forests in the past. He called upon the gaon burahs to play a pivotal role in protecting the forest and scenic beauty of the land for prosperity of mankind.

VFMC chairman Taba Son, Gaon Burahs and panchayat leaders spoke on the occasion, according to a release.

Agri. training prog.

ITANAGAR, Mar 4: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) of Maro from Upper Subansiri district organized training cum demonstration programme for women groups on agricultural practices that contribute in food security and sustainability on the 4th of this month at Daporijo.

Nani Yampi, Subject Matter Specialist informed the participants about ‘Biofertilizers for legumes & non-legumes’ and ‘Control of Rhizome-rot and Bacterial wilt by Biofor-PF-2’. Also method of seed & seedling treatment with bio-fertilizers was demonstrated during the day. The participants were also given training and demonstration of Potato chips preparation on home scale basis. Another resource person Dr. Bina Saikia, SMS (A.H & Vety.) delivered a presentation on ‘Rabbitry-a profit enterprise’ and discussed about scientific pig rearing and disease related to animals.