March -
Govt take loan to pay employees arrear
Khandu acts tough on ADB funding
NAHARLAGUN, Mar 11: The govt has taken an interest free loan of Rs 300 Cr to pay arrears to its employees. More than 80,000 state govt employees would get 15 months arrear soon amounting to Rs 317 cr. This was informed by the Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu at a press conference today at his official residence.
In August last year, Finance Department issued order for immediate release of 15 months arrears of 6th Central Pay Commission for State Govt. employees. The remaining 15 months arrears were assured to be provided in the current financial year itself which the government did today.
Khandu said that the govt managed the interest free loan payable in 20 years from the centre for the interest of its employees as the state does not have adequate resources of its own.
ADB funding: Taking a tough stand, the Chief Minister said that centre should take the funds from Asian Development Bank for Watershed Management Scheme in Arunachal while adding that funding of the project by others against the earlier proposal would send a wrong message. Chinese govt had objected to the ADB’s funding in Arunachal that led to a verbal war between India and China. Khandu informed that he met the Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee recently and conveyed his government’s stand.
Press Building: The chief minister further assured to grant Rs 4 lacs for renovation of Press Club Building.
Rajiv Gandhi University: The Chief Minister further said that a committee comprising of Education Minister, MLA and Parliamentary Secretary Nabum Ribya, and MLA Techi Kacho has been formed to look into the Rajiv Gandhi University imbroglio. The Central University has been a centre of controversy after the Vice Chancellor was manhandled followed by bandh which saw the VC’s official vehicles and a bus damaged by agitating students. He said that culprits would be booked as per the law of the land.
Price Raise: When his attention was drawn to escalating price of essential items in the capital region, the Chief Minister said that he would issue necessary instruction to the administration for a uniform and affordable rate. He further said that necessary instruction would be issued to the district administration for monitoring on distribution and pricing of LPG. He further called on the Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and various Bazar committees to chalk out a uniform price of essential commodities.
Unemployed Engineers: The Chief Minister further said that some 200 unemployed engineers
would be given jobs by the power proponents soon. He said that modalities are being
worked out to ensure employment of engineers. Responding to a question on alleged
irregularities in recruitment of engineers in Urban Development department, the Chief
Minister said that he would is not aware of the problem. The Chief Minister had earlier
called on the departments to streamline recruitment process to avoid variance. The
Unemployed Arun-
CM dubs anti power project movement as Anti Arunachal
ITANAGAR Mar 11: The Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu said that Arunachal’s future lies in the harnessing hydro power potential and those protesting against the development of power in the state are anti Arunachal. People of the state need to realize it, he said and termed the recent agitation in Pasighat against construction of 1600 MW Lower Siang as politically motivated. He said that those 47 families to be affected would be properly compensated.
Meanwhile taking a U turn Orat Panyang, erstwhile president of the Lower Siang Project Affected Peoples Action Committee (LSPAPAC) and one of the most vocal opponents of power projects in Siang belt in a letter to Chief Minister said that “your pro people stance has made us realize that our future lies in the commissioning of power project which can generate huge employment avenues in the state”.
He further added that he will head “Project Affected Land Owner Committee which would be a pro dam committee”. His demands include adequate compensation for Ponpik Adi ancestral Bat Cave and other infrastructure development apart from creation of jobs, basic amenities.
PRO to CM adds: While responding to a plea for compensation package put forward by Lower Siang Project Affected Peoples Action Committee (LSPAPAC), Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu reiterated governments sincerity in implementation of states Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy 2008 which provides wide ranging benefits to the project affected families.
Our R R Policy is supposed to be the best in the country having wider prospective than the National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy 2007, Khandu informed. Utmost care have been taken in the MoU and MoAs with the power developers to create all required infrastructure in the resettlement area and provide the basic amenities like education, health centres under Corporate Social Responsibilities, he added. Apart from the compensation for the loss of land, the project affected families shall get free power from the power developer and the state government as well, Khandu informed, reports PRO to CM.
Tea cultivation for social-
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: Emphasizing on the need of systematic, scientific and sustainable
development of tea in Arunachal Pradesh, Trade and Commerce Director Tokong Pertin
said that tea could be a remedy for all socio-
Attending a meeting of Arunachal Small Tea Growers’ Association (ASTGA) at Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok today, Pertin said that morale of tea cultivators of the state was high after the present state Governor had shown his keen interest to take up the tea matter for speedy development of tea department. He also exhorted people to go for rubber cultivation.
The meeting discussed on various issues related to tea and adopted few resolutions which included encouragement for producing organic tea, conversion of jhum land into tea garden, formation of SHGs, recruitment of tea trained cadres etc. and decided to meet the chief minister and governor to pursue the matters.
The nomenclature of the association has also been changed to Arunachal Small Tea Growers’ Association from the present Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Tea Planters and Growers’ Association.
Correspondent
ROING, Mar 11: Acting on a tip off, the Roing Police has busted a racket of bike lifters which have been reportedly operating in the township.
The police also arrested Sobul Dey (37), Jigang Singh (17) and Kaling Libang (13) involved in the racket and booked them under IPC 379/34. However two local boys from Tezu are still absconding, the OC of the Roing police revealed.
According to PS sources, Sobul Dey is professional bike lifter, whereas Kaling Libang and Jigang Singh were caught red handed beyond Shantipur check gate while dealing with customers to sell the stolen bike with no registration number.
“The crimes were committed in organized way. The bike lifters steal the bike from
Roing and sell at Tezu and vice-
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: The Peoples' Party of Arunachal appreciated the State Government for taking initiative for enacting Education Bill in the State. However, the party urged the Education Minister to circulate the copy of the draft bill to all concerned before tabling the bill in the Assembly. The Bill should be very contextual and relevant to the social setup and the present times and it should not be simply a carbon copy of any States in India, the party said.
The party also appreciates the UPA Government for getting Women's Reservation Bill passed in the Rajya Sabha. This is first major step to empower the women in the country, its general secretary Dr Ashan Riddi said.
BJP launch yet another protest rally against price rise
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: The Bharatiya Janata party, Arunachal Pradesh today organized a massive protest rally against the soaring price rise from Dumporijo to Daporijo in Upper Subansiri district.
Public meetings and Sadak Sabha were held at Bazarline in Dumporijo, Gandhi Market & New Market area at Daporijo as part of the programme where the people of all walks of life joined.
The party’s district President, Lompak Paksok, Panchayat leaders, senior party leaders and leaders of civil society organization and senior citizens addressed the rallies, meetings and demanded immediate roll back of the prices of petroleum products and the state government to break its silence.
The public also openly expressed their anger on the UPA government for not taking any step to curb down the prices despite their commitment during elections, state BJP general secretary in a release said while claiming that the public also lambasted state government for scarcity of PDS items in the state.
A signature campaign against the price rise was also organized by the party in the occasion with mass support from the public, the release said.
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: Vahan, one of the pet projects of Ministry of Transport, government of India launched at Khonsa on 2nd Feb’10, is in full swing and customers are enjoying the fruit of it. Vahan, launched as a part of e governance in the district, is presently attached with JanSuvidha.
It may be mentioned here that Vahan will give real time tax and permit fee calculation,
digital records of all types of vehicles and laminated-
Karya Bagang honoured on Intl Women’s Day
SEPPA, Mar 11: Chayang Tajo MLA Karya Bagang was honoured as a woman achiever at
an International Women’s Day celebration function at Seppa on March 8 last. Arunachal
Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) in collaboration with the Chayang Mission,
a local NGO also organized a one-
From the first Lady MLA Nyari Welley till date, East Kameng has produced highest number of woman MLAs which indeed is a sign of women empowerment, elated Bagang said and asked the people to continue their support for women leadership in greater interest of the region. The guest of honour of the programme, Bagang also called upon the women to come forward to avail the rights and opportunities enshrined in the constitution.
Chief Guest Tadar Mepung urged the woman panchayat leaders to shoulder the responsibility for development of the region. Both man and woman should work together to bring an end to atrocity against woman, she added. Emphasizing in girl education, she also highlighted on Domestic Violence Act.
Many other resource persons including advocate Nama Dodum and advocate Sunday Linfa, ADC M Kamki, Pakke Kessang CDPO Taw Paneer, Tani Loffa also spoke on the occasion.
AR bike rally to promote peace in NE
Madhurjya Doley
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: A motorcycle rally of Assam Rifles (AR) which arrived at the state capital from Guwahati yesterday evening was flagged off by Home Minister Tako Dabi at IG Park here this morning.
This rally is one of many events organized by Director General of Assam Rifles to mark AR’s 175th raising day. The rally team comprises of one officer in the rank of captain and 33 Jawans, including Kishan Mech from Arunachal Pradesh.
The rally which was flagged off earlier by Minister of State for Home Affairs Mullapally Ramachandran in Delhi on March two, began its main journey from Guwahati and arrived in Itanagar yesterday. It will cover all the important places in all the states of the North East in order to spread the message of peace, goodwill and brotherhood amongst the people of the region.
HQ 25 sector Assam Rifles coordinated the flagging off ceremony and conduct of the rally in Arunachal Pradesh.
The rally will culminate in Shillong on March 28 where Meghalaya Governor will flag in the team.
The rally is sponsored by Hero Honda, a leading motorcycle manufacturer of the country.
Association resents food crisis
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: All Kurung Kumey District Fair Price Shop Welfare Association (AKKDFPSWA)
has urged state government to look into the serious matter of food crisis looming
large over the district with lapse in supply of rice under APL, BPL, and AAY for
the month of January. Association has sought clarification whether the Food Corporation
of India (FCI) or whole sale nominee-
Papum Pare farmers’ eye agar plantation
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: A group of 20 farmers from Papum Pare district led by horticulture development officer (HDO) Joram Bath has conducted a exposure visit to the North East region’s biggest Agar plantation garden in Salbari , Nagaon, Assam yesterday to gain knowledge about the agar plantation. The farmers also interacted with the agar garden owner Aminul Islam Bakshi. While briefing about the importance and scope of agar cultivation in Assam and Arunachal, Aminul demonstrated the technique of agar oil extraction before the visiting farmers.
According to Aminul, an expert on agar plantation, Arunachal soil under sub-
The exposure visit was sponsored under the National Mission of Medical Plant scheme.
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: The Arunachal branch of NABARD recently published a brochure on
its promotional-
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: Directorate of tourism, government of Arunachal Pradesh is organizing one day skill development/skill up gradation programme on travel and tourism at Rajiv Gandhi Polytechnic, Itanagar on Friday.
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: The 1st general body meeting of Itanagar Market Welfare Association will be held on 14th of this month at Akashdeep complex to discuss various issues like law and order problem, beautification of capital, price hike and numerous other issues. Meeting will be attended by local MLA Techi Kaso as chief guest, capital deputy commissioner Padmini Singla as guest of honor. Also numerous other officers including superintendent of police, capital complex, Hibu Tamang will be present as special invitees.
Further IMWA has requested all shopkeepers to close shutters for day and attend the meeting.
Tips to the farmer on “Commercial Poultry Farming” at ICAR Basar
BASAR, Mar 11: Under the sponsorship of NABARD, Regional office, Itanagar, a three days training cum exposure visit on “Scientific Pig Farming” was conducted at KVK West Siang, ICAR, Basar under Capacity Building for Adoption of Technology (CAT).
All together 25 farmers of different villages of West Siang, Upper Subansiri and Papum Pare District participated in the training.
Dr. R. Bhagawati, Joint Director, ICAR, Basar highlighted the importance of commercial poultry farming in the recent year. Dr. Moloy Sarmah Baruah, SMS, Animal Science and the training coordinator gave maximum emphasis on commercialization of backyard poultry with improved verities to meet up the requirements of chickens of this region.
He also elaborated on care and management of backyard poultry and broiler chickens, various preventive measures against diseases.
Dr V. Chaudary, Scientist, Agronomy emphasized on formulation of feeds with locally available materials while Pranabjyoti Sarma, SMS, Horticulture described the techniques of integrated farming system with special reference to poultry.
Mr. M. Kanwat, SMS, Agril. Extension highlighted on importance of formation of “Self Help Group” and importance of Krishin Credit Card (KCC). During the training the farmers were taken to the poultry unit of ICAR Basar centre as a part of exposure visit.
PASIGHAT, Mar11: A one-
Assistant Professor Dr P.Raja said that mushroom can be cultivated through out the year in East Siang. He further said that bringing wild edible mushroom into commercial cultivation can provide substantial contributions towards food security and rural development in areas with limited income generating possibilities.
Matey advocates cooperation
ITANAGAR: Department of Tirap and Changlang Affairs chairman Yumsem Matey urged the panchayat leaders and the executing agencies to coordinate with the administrative departments for proper implementation of developmental projects in the area. He said this after a two week long tour of Tirap and Changlang districts. The tour was aimed at monitoring various schemes implemented by numerous agencies under department of Tirap and Changlang.
‘Reopen Palin school, appeal panchayat leaders
ITANAGAR: A group of three panchayat leaders today appealed the Govt, parents and general public of Kurung Kumey district to take initiative for reopening of the Palin Don Bosco school, which has remained closed since the hostel fire incident.
Chambang ZPM Gora Tugung, Palin anchal chairperson Dugi Dipung and Taring Bath in
a joint press release said that more than 620 children will lose their academic year
without annual examination if the school is not re-
ZP chair express satisfaction
ITANAGAR: Papum Pare Zilla Parishad cum DRDA chairperson Nabam Aka has expressed satisfaction over the passing of Women’s Bill in Rajya Sabha recently. Now the women of the country will shoulder the responsibility in country’s development activities with more representation in highest bodies of the country and the states, she said and lauded the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other political parties, their MPs for their collective efforts to get the bill passed.
APPDSU’s resentment
ITANAGAR: All Papum Pare District Students’ Union (APPDSU) expressed surprise while they discover the menace of absenteeism in state Capital too. Such absenteeism was off and on reported from the backward and interior areas.
In a release, APPDSU president Nabam John alleged some officers are performing their duties from their own residences instead of presenting themselves in office. Common people are losing their valuable times in search of officers for minor works, it said.
Such practices may encourage corruption, the APPDSU said and appealed the officers to perform their duty at office for the benefit of common people.
The union further alleged that some officers are awarding work to some contractors without following the procedure and Govt norms. Such practices should stop, it said.
Appointment
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: Nabam Rana has been elected as new general secretary of Arunachal Tribal Student’s Union.
Chairman Vigilance cell, Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has appointed Mayong Maio as chairman of Changlang district vigilance cell.
Dance institute
ITANAGAR, Mar 11: Kradhadhi Dance Club (KDC) in a meeting today unanimously decided to open a dancing institute in Itanagar where lessons for all kinds of dances would be taught.
The meeting also reshuffled the executive body of KDC and appointed Dolang Tako and Khoda Daniel as chairman and secretary for smooth functioning.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
NHPC should help rather than bully
Dear Editor,
This is in response to an article written by General Manager of Dibang Multipurpose Project, which was published on March 8.
When he says that confidence is extremely important for progress, I seriously don’t understand why not even a single village has been taken into confidence since the very work is going on for 7 years?
Sad on behalf of General Manager Dibang Multipurpose Project stating students of Roing are ignorant towards professional life. If he is so interested to find students of Roing thinking of their professional life why not NHPC come up with technical college or even a simple college before Dam is constructed. It could have meant first mode of development.
Constitution has provided right to minorities free from being exploited. Herein what I find is that you are giving ample of opportunities but at the expense of local people. Where is the question of eradicating unemployment when there are no proper criteria that fit the local people, and demand of highly technical expert is always on front? Ours is a society just got into mainstream lately. Development is regarded but it should have a process which will take care of local upliftment. You can’t make a crying baby happy by jiggling water balloon all the time. Ours is also a dream to do away with social evils, to get better quality education and upon all safeguard the inherited traditional values. Problem is not of constructing a Dam but winning the trust of people living around where the Dam is supposed to be constructed. Purpose is valid but real intention is dimming. This is why young intellectual minds are angry. Why not office bearers of NHPC, instead of talking to only few minded people, go visit those villages and get connected with villagers and find out the truth what they really want. Imposing Development cannot overcome the ignorance of people.
You talk about competition among nation in terms of economic progress. When you can think globally why not act locally? This would have been easier job to do. With growing environment I too have learnt that development is essential but keeping in view that maximum benefit should be driven out for real cause. Issue is serious, it shouldn’t confine within the sphere of verbal assurance rather NHPC should come up with helping attitude than bullying the sentiments of local people repeatedly.
Yours,
Arjun Mepo
Rajiv Gandhi University (On email)
Aalo roads need attention
Dear Editor
It is the great concern for the people of Aalo town that the road conditions of the town is deteriorating day by day and no body including district administration seems to be bothered about it.
The conditions become pathetic during rainy seasons due to accumulation of water and mud. The road becomes unfit for driving of any vehicle. some of the road surface is invisible due to water logging. The road approaching the emergency gate of district hospital is almost like a dirty fish pond and patient in emergency may drown while crossing the road. The market place where we buy our consumables items like raw vegetables and fish are practically not approachable due to water and slippery mud. The vegetables are contaminated with dirty water and mud. The condition is worsened by the people disposing all sorts of waste products in the market. There are high chance of every body infected with water borne diseases.
Most of the concern citizens blame district administration for the sorry state of the town. Two years was abuzz with developmental works, cleanliness drive, town beautifications and many other innovative programes under the able guidance of the then DC Huzar Lollen IAS. However in the recent past the condition of the town seems to be going towards a different direction.
With the monsoon seasons not very far, the District authority needs to take serious note of it and do something for the road and floods situations of the town.
The political leaders, civil societies, student union, NGOs and all concern should come forward and do some thing for this pathetic condition of the town before it is too late. Let’s make this town a better place to live for all.
Yours,
Dr Jego Ori
RIMS, Imphal on e mail
Keep the dreams alive
Dear Editor,
Being one of the alumni of the erstwhile Arunachal University, my heart bleeds at the ugly incidents that are going around in the RG University Campus (Former Arunachal University). Firstly, it was the intrusion of some miscreants into the campus who had beaten up the VC black and blue and secondly, now the students who are supposed to be the protector of the VC have taken the same path as of the miscreants. We believe that the university is the highest institution of learning and all best of ideas emanate from the campus paving way for the other people to emulate. But sadly, it's the other way round. What should not have happened is happening. If we go by the daily report, the campus does not seem to what we have left behind. The atmosphere was somewhat very different then what is being perceived now. I long for my university days but when I look at the sorry state of affairs, I feel happy that at least I am not associated with the university in any capacity.
What concern me more is that in spite of all these infernos, we as alumnus are staying in our own cocoon. Still worse is that the State Govt. remains a silent spectator to the issue. Still there is time for the state govt. and all other stakeholders of the university to intervene and bring a logical conclusion to the burning issue of the university. All those involve in manhandling of VC and those responsible far damages caused to the university properties, whether that be students or general public should not be spared. As far the allegation and counter allegation of issue that led to various ugly incidents is concerned, the state govt. is requested to intervene and refer the matter to CBI or Special Investigation team to unearth the truth. The guilty person should be rewarded with exemplary punishment.
To my student's friends, I requests them to take the matter in a positive way. As expected from elite members of the student's community, they should sit across the table and sort out the differences with the university authorities. Each penny counts and takes a lot of time and money to build infrastructures. On one hand we demand for creation of infrastructure and on the other hand, we are demolishing it. Both the task is quite contrary to each other.
At the same time, I also would like to request the university authorities to examine the demands of the students. Possible action should be initiated without any fear or favor. All possible efforts should be made to resolve the issue within the four wall of the university campus. It is a matter of shame that what is being cooked inside the university kitchen is let to known to the public. The students, employees, and authorities of the university should stand united to fight all adversity. If stand united, no force in the world would have dared to manhandle the Vice Chancellor of the university. I request all and sundry to shun campus politics and to give their heart and soul to build the campus to a model university as was once dreamed by alumni and former administrators.
Yours etc,
Vijay Sonam
(An alumnus of Arunachal University of 1996 M.Phil batch
and currently working as District Planning Officer, East Kameng)
Follow recruitment rules
Dear Editor,
As per the guidelines, the departments are to make direct recruitment not more than five per cent of the vacancies in the Group ‘B’ ‘C’ and ‘D’ posts among the meritorious sports persons belonging to APST. But these guidelines have been violated during the recruitment held on January 6 in fire service department.
Meritorious sports persons who had bagged medals in regional, national and international level sports events were left out. Moreover out of the three posts under sports quota, one post has been reportedly diverted to general category which is not acceptable as per guidelines.
We expect the fire service department follow the fair conduct of recruitment held
recently for sub-
Yours,
Tagru Magung
Sports secretary
Arunachal Law
Students’ Union
Plight of a civil service aspirant
Dear Editor,
While filing up the form for the APPSC Mains examination, I came across a column which asks the students to submit their graduation certificate and mark sheet along with the form.
I am graduating student, yet to appear final examination, on the other hand last date of submission of the form is March 25.
What am I to do now?
In the first advertisement before the prelim, the commission stated that even students appearing their final year may apply for the Prelim Examination and has to produce the proof of his graduation during the main examination failing which his/her candidature shall be disqualified.
The first problem here is that the Commission has not realized the fact that the timing of the Mains Examination is such that no graduating student will be able to produce his/her proof of graduation before the deadline i.e. 25th March 2010. Infact, no university, anywhere in India, completes its annual exams during this time of the year which includes our state's own Rajiv Gandhi University exams which are scheduled from April 2nd week.
Therefore, I request the Commission to look into the matter and come out with a solution for the graduating students.
Yours,
Padi Tapa
APCS aspirant