The Arunachal Times - Archives

Gadi emphasizes on marketing infrastructure for local products

Seminar on Agro-Horti and Minor Forest Products

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: Arunachal Pradesh State Cooperative Union in collaboration with National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI), New Delhi organised a State Level Cooperative Seminar yesterday at APSCU Conference Hall on “Marketing of Agro-Horti and Minor Forest Products in context of Arunachal Pradesh and its scope, prospect and problems”.

Chief Guest and Parliamentary Secretary (Tourism) Gojen Gadi, emphasized the need of developing marketing infrastructure and network particularly for economic upliftment of producers.

Our state is producing varieties of Agro-Horti product and the state is rich enough in minor forest product but the farmers do not get the remunerative price due to lack of marketing infrastructure and network in the state, he said while highlighting the minor forest products of the state.

Appreciating the initiative taken by the A. P. State Cooperative Union for organizing such seminar, he suggested involvement Panchayat leaders in such type of seminar /workshop in future to make it more fruitful and effective as because they are directly in touch with grass-root level people.

He further taking concerned over depending syndrome said ‘our people should not depend on import for their day to day needs from neighboring state rather we should try our best to produce it by ourselves. Adding that the cooperative department/organization may make out plan and programme to extend all possible help and support to the producers by co-ordinating with other concerned Department.

He also advised the young generation/unemployed educated youth of the state to involve in the marketing of local produces instead of looking for government job as this marketing activity of local produces till now remained unexplored and have a bright future, he added.

Earlier, S. C. Nath Principal-cum-In-charge, Chief Executive Officer highlighted the function of A. P. State Coop. Union and importance of the Seminar. A. P. State Commission for Women Vice-Chairperson Mepong Tadar Bage, Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) Nandini Paliwal and Principal, ICM Guwahati H.N. Singh also addressed the seminar as Guest of Honour and Special Invitees respectively.

Dr. L.R. Bhuyan, Systematic Botanist, State Forest Research Institute (SFRI), T. Tatung Dy. Director Horticulture and K. Hinda, Marketing Officer, Agriculture attended the seminar as Resource Persons.

B. Gammeng, Jt. RCS, Prof. R. M. Pant, HOC (CSM), NERIST, H.N. Singh, Principal, Institute of Cooperative Management (ICM) and T. Bage, Administrator, A. P. Consumers Coop. Federation Ltd. participated in the seminar as Penal of Judges.

A.T. Kulo, Chairman, A.P. State Coop. Union appreciated the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and RCS for cooperation and also thanked to all the Resource Person for their lively deliberation.

He assured to take up the matter at the State and National Level to short out the problem of marketing of Agro-Horti and Minor Forest Product of Arunachal Pradesh on the basis of the recommendations of Penal of Judges.

Education is the permanent investment in society: Siram

AALO, Mar 6: Education is the permanent and greatest investment in society, said Bosiram Siram, Education Minister while addressing the public at a function at Darka General Ground on March 4.

While reiterating on the need to impart quality education, Siram appealed the teaching community to treat and teach each and every students as their own sons and daughters. He informed that Education Bills would be introduced for well-being of education sector. He added that NCERT books shall be made available instead of going for procuring books from private company. Responding to the public memorandum, Siram informed that Pobdi Middle School already was upgraded to Secondary School and assured for posting of regular Head Master at newly upgraded secondary school, Darka which was inaugurated by him on the day. Talking of school infrastructure, he said the fund provision this time is under constraints for payment of 15 months arrears to all the Govt. employees.

It was a thanks giving victory function of Gadam Ete for winning in the Assembly Election, 2009 as MLA for the second time and subsequent elevation to Parliamentary secretary, Civil Aviation.

Gadam Ete while summing up the latest development works and initiatives under his constituency appealed the HODs to check and instruct their field staffs for rendering services to the people and also cautioned the GBs to discharge their responsibilities rather than playing politics.

He urged each and every one to teach their children in the right direction and inculcate a sense of doing creative activities. DIPRO

State NCP for early solution of boundary row

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Arunachal Pradesh today urged the state Govt to take effective measures for solution to decades-old Assam-Arunachal boundary at the earliest.

While appreciating the initiative of the state Govt for constituting a boundary study committee, the state NCP in its state level meeting said that the committee be empowered with required facilities to liaise with the Assam counterpart on behalf of Arunachal Govt to resolve all issues pertaining to typical boundary problems.

The meeting further urged the state Govt to strengthen the Assam-Arunachal border department with appointment of permanent independent DC and SP like that of Assam to deal with the border problems.

The party further suggested the state Govt to issue land possession certificates to indigenous tribal land holders in boundary areas.

While supporting the eight-point demands of the Unemployed Arunachali Engineering Association (UAEA), the party said that the state Govt should intervene and issue proper directive to all the Govt departments and private sectors to follow the RR rules.

Employers urged to follow labour Acts

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: Parliamentary secretary, Land Management, labour and Employment, Padi Richo has appealed to the principal employers whose establishments, offices, organizations are covered under the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 and the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 to extend their cooperation to the state Labour department in its efforts to protects interests of unorganized contract and migrant labour through effective enforcement of the Acts.

It has been observed that a large number of Government offices, departments particularly represented by executive engineers have neither so far obtained the requisite registration certificates from the Labour Commissioner for their offices, divisions nor the contractors working under them have obtained licenses for executing contract work, Richo said in a statement.

He said the state Govt through its Labour and Employment Department has notified the Labour Commissioner, Naharlagun as Registering Officer and the Licensing Officer under the aforesaid Acts. The State govt has also made it mandatory that no principal employer whose establishment, office, organization is covered under the Acts shall execute work without having a registration certificate, he added.

Workshop on Medicinal plant

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: Department of Horticulture Government of Arunachal Pradesh and Ayurveda Regional Research Institute (ARRI) Itanagar have jointly organized a one-day Training workshop on Medicinal plants in the Conference hall of ARRI here.

Altogether, 12 District and Circle level SDHO/ HDO participated in the workshop sponsored by National Medicinal Plants Board, Department of AYUSH, union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest Deputy Director, Department of Horticulture T Tatung urged the participants to gain the technical benefit of cultivation of medicinal plants from the training.

In the technical session Dr. S.P. Singh, Scientist, State Forest Research Institute, Itanagar has given details of techniques involved in the cultivation of Aquillaria agalocha (Agaru). Nursery techniques and plantation methodology was discussed in detail by all participants of training.

Assistant Director incharge of Ayurveda Regional Research Institute Itanagar Dr. Rama Shankar has given emphasis on cultivation of Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegha), Aloe vera (Ghritakumari), Emblica officiraalis (Amlaki), Piper longum (Pippali), Rauvooia serpentina (Sarpagandha) and Saraca asoka (Ashoka). Gestation period, market scenario of all the drugs processing was also discussed during his presentation.

Later, they visited Medicinal Plants Garden at Ayurveda Regional Research Institute as part of their practical training.

Meanwhile the authority of the Ayurveda institute distributed some planting materials for their home kitchen garden free of cost.

Soaring vegetable prices hard-hit Itanagarians

Madhurjya Doley

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: No respite. The soaring price of essential commodities has hard-hit the people of Itanagar township in the recent times. The skyrocketing prices of all the essential commodities, especially vegetables, have become a cause for distress, particularly for the poor and middle class.

With prices of essential commodities doubling in every passing months, households have had to cut corners to make two ends meet.

Who is to blame for this?

Recently, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar had asked the state governments to do more to control the rise of prices of all essential commodities. He appealed to the state governments to take the issue of price rise very seriously to protect the interest of the common people. Were the directives of the union ministry taken seriously? Seemingly not.

Encouraging local farmers to grow more vegetables could go a long way in checking vegetable prices. For this, the govt. must adopt a humble agriculture policy to reap the benefit. It would also help avoid state’s dependency of such commodities on other states, like Assam.

It should also be kept in mind that the ‘conducive agro-climatic condition’ of the state must not be confined in deliberation in meetings and seminars only.

This reporter observed that almost all the vegetable items are being sold at more than double prices (see table) in the markets of Itanagar compared to the prices prevailing in Hurmutty and Banderdewa on the ground of lame excuses of additional costs like transportation etc.

“If the government was sincere, then such fake price rise could easily be checked. Vegetable markets in Itanagar are imposing exorbitant prices on customers against their all items only to make hefty profit,” said a housewife.

Besides vegetables prices of meat and fish have also touched the roof. The cost of Mug Dal has almost doubled to Rs 100 per kg and Sajina (vegetable) costs a whopping Rs 120-240 a kilo, she added.

Meanwhile, another sane citizen and journalist Taba Ajum said “ As it is the end of the financial year our authorities seem to be focussed on clearing bills only, rather than taking time to check and control price rise.”

More than often it is seen that affluent people in Itanagar generally do not ask for prices which has encouraged the unscrupulous vendors to charge high price. We must change this attitude and be conscious on such matters.

Further, we are also equally responsible for such price rise as we usually do not give interest on such matters. Hence, it is high time for every sane citizen to come forward and protest against such unprecedented price rise to safeguard the interest of poor and common people.

Items Banderdewa/Hurmutty Itanagar

Price/kg Price/kg

1. Tomato Rs. 8 Rs 15-20

2. Chilly Rs. 50 Rs. 80-100

3. Brinjal Rs 8 Rs. 20

4. Papaya Rs. 8 Rs. 20-40

5. Cabbage Rs. 3-5 Rs. 10-15

6. Bin Rs. 15 Rs. 30-40

7. Cucumber Rs. 16 Rs. 30

8. Cauliflower Rs. 10 Rs. 15-20

9. Garlic Rs. 60-80 Rs. 80-150

10. Onion Rs. 20 Rs. 25-30

11. Squash Rs. 15 Rs. 20-30

12. Carrot Rs. 15 Rs.20

13. Radish Rs. 5-8 Rs. 15

14. Sajina N/A Rs. 120-240

RGUSU to continue stir

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: Rajiv Gandhi University Students’ Union (RGUSU) has decided to observe 48-hour university campus bandh from March 8 to 9 evening as a part of its proposed phase-wise agitation demanding fulfillment of its 13-point memorandum.

The decision was taken by the RGUSU executives in its meeting yesterday after having a threadbare discussion on the response given by the university authority on its demands. Dissatisfied with the reply of the authority, the meeting said the union had urged upon the authority to fulfill its demands as a whole within stipulated period of time, not in a phase-wise manner.

SHCWC demands essential service from Govt

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: Sangrik Hapa Colony Welfare Committee (SHCWC) has discussed the various problems being faced by the colony people in a meeting here today. While discussing road connectivity to sector road, problem of electricity, water supply, the committee resolved that the colony members should come out and contribute for construction of link road between Sangrik Hapa Colony -I to Sangrik Hapa Colony-II. However, it decided to approach Govt for proper electrification of the colony besides solution to water supply problem.

Meanwhile, the Committee has been reconstituted with Bake Charu (Peter), Tatung Sekh and Sangha Posi as its president, vice president and general secretary.

AR imparts vocational traning to youths in Tirap

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: On the occasion of its 175th anniversary, 19 Assam Rifles has initiated a series of vocational training programmes to impart skills to the youth of the Tirap district. 19 Assam Rifles has been relentlessly working towards development of various areas of Tirap. Their focus is especially on the youths who often face hurdles like unemployment and lack of education.

This time the unit identified nine boys from different parts of the district including Pongchau, Longding and Lapnan. The selected boys were given training for duration of one month in handling and driving of vehicles in Battalion Headquarters of 19 Assam Rifles at Khonsa town. The training was imparted by qualified instructors of the unit with the help of training equipment/ vehicles available.

After completion of the driving training, the unit carried out the driving test in conjunction with district transport officer, Khonsa and facilitated issue of driving license to these boys.

The boys expressed their gratitude to 19 Assam Rifles for giving them this opportunity, as they can now be employed as drivers and can earn their livelihood. Winning hearts and minds of locals have been one of the primary focus areas of the unit in Tirap and this action reflects humane face of Assam Rifles in particular and the Security Forces in general.

AEKSU demands solution to various problems

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: All East Kameng Students’ Union (AEKSU) has urged the authorities concerned to post doctors in various community health Centres and Primary Health Centres in the district.

The union in a release claimed that the people of rural areas in the district are facing innumerable health related problems due to lack of doctors in PHCs and CHC. It further said that the target of National Rural Health Mission will be achieved only when the health centres in rural areas will be boost of sufficient doctors to take care the rural people.

Alleging that the PWD store cum garage, Seppa division have been totally encroached, the union demanded the concerned department to find a amicable solution to the problem.

The Union further urged the state Govt to ensure total construction of NEC-sponsored Seppa-Chayangtajo road. Instead of construction of whole 81-km road, four km of the road has been left unconstructed; the union alleged and demanded construction of whole road as per DPR with proper monitoring.

NCP takes step to revamp party

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: Following the direction of the party high command, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state unit today in its state level meeting discussed the strategy to strengthen the party in the grass root level in the state.

After threadbare discussion with the state and district level party leaders, the NCP state unit president Ngurang Pinch announced the list of state NCP office bearers which was approved by the party high command earlier.

The meeting also resolved to revamp the party and accordingly various measures were taken including reconstitution of district/block level committees, holding of quarterly review meeting of party activities, constitution of grass root level committee etc.

The party also recommended some of the state party leaders for inclusion in the national level party committees or councils and also appointed Kara Gambo and K Chithan as president of Papum Pare and Changlang district NCP units respectively.

Land owners’ body formed

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: Banderdewa Kundakuwa Land Owners Committee was formed recently with Kipa Hima as chairman to protect the legitimate rights of the actual land owners of the above mentioned area.

Meanwhile, the committee urged the administration stop issuing land allotment against those lands which are in possession of the local people of the above mentioned areas for the last several years.

Army organizes football and volleyball tournaments

ITANAGAR, Mar 6: 26 Maratha Light Infantry of Dah Division organised Sub- Division Level Football and Volleyball tournament for the youths of Sunpura village under Sadiya Sub Division from February 18 to 27 last.

The tournament was inaugurated by Colonel P Pant, Officiating Commander, 82 Mountain Brigade and concluded with a spectacular football final match between Sunpura HS School and Chapakhowa Town Club and Volleyball final match between Adarsha Shishu Niketan Sunpura and Gohain Gaon Pradiptra Club followed by prize distribution ceremony.

Best teams of Sadiya Sub Division of Tinsukia district in Assam participated in the volleyball and football tournament. The participating teams were Sunpura High School Sunpura, Ambikapur High School, Sunpura Adarsha Shiksha Niketan , Amar Dhan Ram Adarsha High School Sunpura, Ujani Sadiya Higher Secondary School Sadiya, Chapakahowa town club, Sauji Youth Club, Gohain Gaon Pradiptra club Kundil, Nolakhimpathar and Deorigaon, Sunpura Youth Club Sadiya Sub Division.

The Commanding Officer 26 Maratha Light Infantry said that the Army plans to organize more projects in the future which will contribute towards the social and financial upliftment of the Sadiya Sub Division. He assured full cooperation by the Army to locals in creating peaceful and conducive environment in the area and exhorted locals to help Army in achieving its endeavour.

The closing ceremony was marked by display of cultural programmes by children of various schools of Sadiya Sub Division.

Prizes were distributed by Colonel P Pant Officiating Commander, 82 Mountain Brigade to winners and runners-up. The prizes included individual cash prizes, certificates and individual cups for winners and runners-up teams. The sports equipment bought for the tournament was handed over to the Sunpura High School by Colonel P Pant at the end of prize distribution ceremony.

National seminar

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies, Rajiv Gandhi University in collaboration with ICSSR (NERC), Shillong and ICPR, Shillong is organizing two day national seminar on ‘Feminization of Culture’ on 8th and 9th of this month in the RGU campus.

Book miscreants: CoSAAP

ITANAGAR: Confederation of Service Associations of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) condemned the ransacking of private residence and damaging of property of its District President and Papum Pare DDSE on March 5 last.

It appealed the authority to immediately arrest the culprits and give exemplary punishment as per the provision of laws.

Karateka lauded

ITANAGAR: Upper Subansiri Galo Students’ Union (USGSU) lauded Yomken Noshi of Kambu village under West Siang district for being selected as one of the members representing Arunachal Pradesh in All India Karate Federation Championship scheduled to begin at Chennai from March 26.

Yomken had participated in 5th Shito-Ryu-Karate Do World Championship in Tokyo, Japan in 2006 and achieved Sho-Dan and Ni Dan in 2007.

The students union hoped that she would win more laurels for the state in coming days and appealed to all well wishers and Galo Welfare Society to encourage the talented martial art exponent to realize her dreams