March 20

Arunachal Tourism shines

NEW DELHI, Mar 19: Justifying the maxim – Good deeds never go unrewarded – President Pranab Mukherjee yesterday conferred National Tourism Award-2011-12 in recognition of excellence and salutation of the nation to institutions and individuals, including Arunachal Pradesh tourism department for taking the ‘Incredible India’ to newer heights.

Secretary Tourism Sonam Chombay and director A K Singh received the national honours - Best State: Clean India campaign and Special Prize for innovative use of Information Technology for promotion of tourism - for the GoAP from the President in presence of Union Tourism Minister (Independent change) K Chiranjeevi.

Mukharjee called for promoting tourism while strictly adhering to cleanliness to ensure a Swatch Bharat. He said tourism could earn huge revenue while generating direct and indirect jobs supplementing the GoI efforts in tackling growing unemployment problem.

It may be recalled that the department of tourism had taken the Campaign Clean Arunachal to all the districts to sensitise and educate all stakeholders including the youth, NGOs, Villagers, hoteliers and tour operators about the importance of cleanliness and its impact on health, not only of the tourists but also the locals. An attractive jingle sung by two popular bands of India was used to involve the youth in this campaign.

Five categories of awards are on-going endeavours of the Ministry of Tourism to diversify the tourism products of the country by developing and promoting new niche segments, so as to attract different categories of tourists with diverse interests and to promote India as a year-round destination, Chiranjeevi said while congratulating the awardees.

Andhra Pradesh bagged the Best State/UT Comprehensive Development of Tourism award, Andhra’s Warangal city won the Best Heritage City Award - Amritsar Heritage Walk and Delhi Heritage Walk was declared the joint winners of the Best Heritage Walk Award.

It may be recalled that after Arunachal Pradesh was adjudged as the 4th Best Region by Lonely Planet, BBC’s globally circulated magazine in 2012, the state was voted the ‘Favourite Upcoming Destination’ by Outlook Traveller readers, an outcome of a survey conducted in 2012 by IPSOS poll of readers through the magazine and its website in January last.

The survey was an authoritative benchmark of consumer preferences in travel and tourism across 18 categories including hotels, airlines, and holiday destinations.

Arunachal’s unique culture, cuisines, art and handicrafts had turned the cynosure of all eyes, particularly among 100 international delegates from three SAARC and 10 ASEAN countries at India’s first three-day International Tourism Mart at Guwahati in January last.

Chiranjeevi, in his inaugural address, had said, “NE is being promoted as one of the most leading 365-day tourism destinations of India. The ITM if succeeds would be a regular feature.”

Union tourism secretary Parvez Dewan had all praises for Arunachal while expressing the hope that the ITM might increase the foreign tourists to the NE region by 20%. India received 66 lakh foreign tourists, including NE’s share of 59,000, during 2011, he disclosed.

 

 

Govt will ensure equal share of dev. in all constituencies: FM

Budget -2013-14 approved

Itanagar, Mar 19: Arunachal Pradesh Finance Minister Chowna Mein today assured giving due attention to all constituencies of the state equally and said the state government would provide additional allocation to each constituency on need-based priority if necessary, for overall development of the state.

Responding to suggestions and pleas put forward by various members during budget discussion, Mein said that all proposals announced in last year budget were going effectively, while many new innovative schemes were incorporated in the 2013-14 budget with major stress on girl education and agri-horti sector.

"A silent revolution is going-on in  agri-horticulture sector of the  state with a sense of competition among the farmers," he said.

Thrust on various other sectors were given in the budget which would contribute to economic development of the state. Mein said.

Along with agriculture and horticulture, rubber and tea should go in parallel as the development mantra for the state, he added.

Referring to the education sector, Mein said the state government attached priority on the education sector and is working out modalities to get cent per cent achievement in implementation of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, a central flagship programme introduced in the state during 2003.

"The state government this year has released an amount of 68.42 crore as state's matching share for providing salary to the teachers under SSA," he informed while highlighting the speedy growth of the education sector in the state.

Pointing at the hydro power potentials of the state, the minister said once all the projects were commissioned, the state would witness a sea change in the developmental front.

Mein also advocated for a change in the planning process in tune with the changing scenario.

Taking part in the discussion, Education Minister Bosiram Siram highlighted various problems faced by the department in providing salary to SSA teachers.

Agriculture, Horticulture and Dairy Development Minister Setong Sena while appreciating Mein said that the budget was designed to cater to the needs of the farming community.

BJP MLA Tamiyo Taga alleged that there was no serious effort by the government to generate revenue, while Congress member J K Panggeng suggested putting a check on revenue pilferage by sensitizing all departments.

Trinamool Congress member Laeta Umbrey while insisting to generate state's own resources suggested the government to facilitate private sector for creating jobs in the state.  Among others former Finance Minister Kalikho Pul,  P D Sona, Bamang Felix and  Tani Loffa  also participated in the budget discussion.

The House later adopted the 2013-14 Budget which was placed in the assembly on March 16 last, by voice votes.

The assembly also approved the supplementary demands for grants for 2012-13 and demands for grants for 2013-14 and passed the Arunachal Pradesh Appropriation (No 1) Bill 2013 (Supplementary Demands) and Arunachal Pradesh Appropriation (No2) Bill 2013 (Budget Estimates) which was placed in the assembly by Mein today, by voice votes. PTI

 

 

Arunachal submits project proposals for central fund

Itanagar, Mar 19: After Chinas objection to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded flood control project in Arunachal Pradesh, the state government has submitted proposals to the Centre to provide fund from its internal resources, Water Resources Development Minister Newlai Tingkhatra informed the assembly today.

Responding to a supplementary from Trinamool Congress member Laeta Umbrey during Question Hour, Tingkhatra said that as the ADB loan did not materialise, a change in the project was unavoidable to incorporate additional areas where the facility was needed more and infrastructure.

He gave a list of projects and estimates of expenditure in different river basins of the state.

The state government and the Centre engaged the ADB to explore investment opportunities on integrated flood & riverbank erosion management (IFREM) in Arunachal during 2006, he said.

After completing its survey and technical investigation during 2009, the ADB had wrapped up its findings and submitted a final report.

Though the final report was submitted to the Centre during 2010 but because of international implications funding the ADB funding did not materialise, the minister said adding, fresh proposals were submitted incorporating other areas and infrastructure.

While highlighting the precarious condition of Roing in Lower Dibang Valley district, the worst-hit area during the last flood by Sibo-Korong river, he demanded adequate fund as estimated by ADB to the tune of Rs 49.19 crore and subsequently revised to Rs 64 crore. PTI

 

 

Arunachal losing revenue due to tax pilferage

Itanagar, Mar 19:  Arunachal Pradesh was losing a huge chunk of money as revenue due to tax pilferage by under-declaration of goods by transporters in 17 Border Facilitation Counters (BFCs) in various districts of the state, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today said.

While responding to a question raised by BJP MLA Tangor Tapak, Tuki, who also holds the Tax and Excise portfolio said that due to non-installation of electronic weighing bridges and CCTV cameras, revenue leakages were taking place in all the BFCs.

Tax pilferage has always been a serious issue which cannot be detected without any means and machines to monitor or ascertain the actual weight of the goods. To check such leakage of revenue, the department has created an enforcement wing, to visit the BFCs from time to time, Tuki said.

The chief minister said that the department has also installed electronic weighing bridges at BFCs at Kimin, Dirak, Hukanjuri and Kharsang and CCTV cameras along with dedicated broadband connectivity had been sanctioned for the BFCs at Gumto, Ruksin, Dirak, Hukanjuri, Kharsang, Kimin, Hollongi, Banderdewa and Bhalukpong during 2011-12 in the projects under Special Plan Assistance (SPA) of 2010-11 with a total estimated amount of Rs 171.1 lakh.

The proposal for installation of electronic weighing bridges at BFCs at Ruskin, Likabali, Sunpura and Namchik has already been approved in the projects under SPA of 2011-12 with a total estimated amount of Rs 118.80 lakh which is to be implemented during 2012-13, the chief minister said.

He said that an approximate amount of Rs 28 lakh would be required for installation of CCTV cameras in the BFCs at Sunpura, Santipur, Namchik, Keroi, Kanubari, Deomali and Namdang.

 

 

Lohit Youth Libraries team participates in Intl. Conference on English Language Teacher Educators at Hyderabad

HYDERABAD, Mar 19: ‘English Language education in the country can no more ignore India’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity and traditions. And these need to be woven into the ELT policies in the country if we have to give our young generation a strong mooring in English language, to prepare them for the challenges of the 21st century. Our varied mother-languages and bi-lingual and multilingual abilities are not obstacles, but will only strengthen the English language learning skills of our students.’  This, in brief, was the unanimous message voiced by language experts from both within India and abroad, at the just concluded the 3rd International Conference on English Language Teacher Education in a Diverse Environment at Hyderabad on March 18, 2013.

In what is called the largest English language conference in the world, about 1200 delegates, including renowned scholars from several countries across Asia, Europe, America and Africa came together to discuss, review and share experiences, to reinforce the English language teaching practices, that can empower millions of youth struggling to master the language. It would establish and build a network of English language teacher educators providing a forum for professional development.

To bring honour and credit to Arunachal Pradesh was a 3-member team from the Lohit Youth Libraries, discussing and voicing the great concerns regarding the challenges of English education in Arunachal schools, and exploring possible models and ideas that could bring in rays of hope to all stake-holders -- our teachers, students, parents and policy-makers.

The Conference, organized jointly by the British Council, EFLU, English Language Teachers Association of India (ELTAI) and supported by OUP, CUP, Trinity College of London and others was inaugurated by Rob Lynes, Minister of Cultural Affairs, British Council, India. He said the challenge before us is to ensure that English is not a barrier but a social tool for inclusive education to reach the most differently abled and marginalized groups. Sunaina Singh, Vice-Chancellor of the English & Foreign Languages University (EFLU, the erstwhile CIEFL), quoting Mark Twain, said the challenge before us is ‘how we would like our youth to be led by English language learning two decades ahead.’

The valedictory address was delivered by Paul Sellers, Director, British Council, South India, who complimented the large network of teacher-groups from SSA Maharashtra, Kerala, Bihar, Assam as well as from Greece, Middle East, Pakistan & Africa, for working with British Council to improve English language standards in their respective areas. He reiterated the message that we need to accept Diversity in language learning.

In a speech Prof Paul Gunashekar, Dean ELE, EFLU, appealed to the participants, especially young scholars, to strive to practise the ideas learnt from the conference and come back again to share their experiences with others. “Come and slog a year or two studying in EFLU” he exhorted young students, an appeal that could be surely relevant for Arunachal’s post-graduate students.

Main keynote speakers included Prof. B. Kumaravadivelu, San Jose State University, USA, Dr. Penny Ur, UK, Gary Anderson, Cambridge University Press, Edrian Holliday, Christ Church University, UK, Manique Gunesekera, University of Kelaniya, Lanka and  Prof Amritavalli, EFLU. Of special appeal to university and college educators of all subjects alike was Gunesekera’s very interesting talk on ‘English skills for Employability in the 21st century’. Equally absorbing was the panel discussion “language for development” attended by reputed scholars and chaired by Philip Powell-Davies, which stressed the vital importance of local languages in strengthening English education among the masses. The panel unanimously pointed out that unless the linguistic skills of the young children in their mother-languages are strengthened in the early schooling, a strong foundation in English education cannot be brought out. In addition there were several parallel group discussions and presentations on various issues and experiments related to language teaching and education.

The Lohit Youth Libraries (LYL), represented by Rejum Potom, teacher, Wakro, P. Sreedevi, library activist and the Coordinator, Lohit Youth Libraries, received warm responses from many scholars and participants. Talking to the Coordinator, Dr. Debanjan Chakravarti, Head, English Partnerships, British Council, East India, heartily applauded the reading promotion activties of the youth Libraries and assured to extend the support of British Council to strengthen the reading movement. Prof Amol Padwad, veteran leader of ELTAI, and Nivedita Bedadur of Azim Premji Foundation, offered their full support to any initiative to strengthen teacher education programmes in Arunachal.

As the Conference concluded, one hopes that our leaders too would respond to the great challenges before Arunachali youth in mastering English for their future needs. This is the minimal assurance that can be given to the common citizen of the state that his child would not be marginalized in the world in the coming decades.

The Lohit Library team expressed their sincere gratitude to Finance Minister Chowna Mein and MLA Tezu Karikho Kri for their patronage and support.  

 

 

Depletion in forest cover causes concern

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Mar 19: The growing strain on forest wealth including timber, boulder and hunting of wild animals, has posed a grave threat to the Gutin Reserve Forest (RF). Frequent out-breaking of forest fire is posing serious threat to the wildlife and greenery in the RF and its adjoining areas.

Territorial forest has sustained a severe blow with the growing requirement of timber in construction-related activities, but with little heed being paid to the protective and aesthetic aspects of forest, productive aspects of forests is being exploited to the detriment of ecological balance.

Report has revealed that Gutin RF under Pasighat territorial forest division is facing brunt of forest fire and excessive felling of trees for timber by the villagers and jhum cultivation by villagers of nearby villages, which is posing serious threat to its existence. In the recent past, forest fire destroyed green cover at Debing portion of the RF, collapsed terrestrial ecosystem in a vast area. The forest fire spread due to villagers setting fire for jhum cultivation engulfed thousands hectare rubber plantation near Gutin RF.

It is worth mentioning that a section of local villagers are claiming private land ownership (Morang) in Debing portion of Gutin RF and even selling some parts of forest land to other individuals. The forest department, despite observing free encroachment of land in Gutin RF, has yet taken any rigid steps against the encroachers.

In a similar manner, the Poba RF at Ruksin town outskirt has come under tremendous pressure following alleged cavalier attitude of the authorities concerned towards its protection. Taking advantage of the loophole of the forest officials, smugglers are reportedly having a field day in this RFs. The alleged nexus of some forest range officer with the illicit traders have made the task easier for the smugglers to carry out the illegal activities during the night hours.

“Smugglers allegedly in league with some unscrupulous Forest officials are involved in this destructive mission,” said some conscious citizens here adding that all the felled logs are either supplied to other places or chopped in local saw mills illegally operating under the very nose of the forest range offices.

Poba, which was declared a reserve forest by a gazette notification in 1924 and 1934 (with extension of 988 hectares) boasts of many species of valuable trees, rare and endangered animals and ornamental plants, besides medicinal herbs. Larger area of the RF falls in Dhemaji forest division of Assam as the NH-52 is passing amidst it.

 

 

Simen river is not ‘boundary’ for Adis and Galos

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Mar 19: The Simen river (popularly known as Ego Korong), which demarcates Nari-Seren (Ramle Banggo) and Dipa (Jigo Banggo) area is not the boundary of ancestral land between Adis and Galos as claimed by the leaders of Adi Bane Kebang (ABK) and other organizations. The leaders’ view is either due to lack of their historical knowledge or for political gain. This statement was made by a Nari-Seren Anchal Block ZPM Kenyom Dabii. Dabii in a written statement said that demand for creation of Lower Siang district has been made with a view of socio-economic development of the area  near the vulnerable state boundary and to maintain peaceful coexistence with the people of neighbouring Assam.

Referring historical records, Dabii stated that late Bochi Doye, a member of Doye clan resided at Seren village near present Sime River way back in 1848. Later his descendent Tasak Doye and Tasen Doye and several other Galo citizens served the society as Gam (Gaon Burah) under the Political Officer of then Abor Hill district at Pasighat in pre-independent period. It proves that the Galos have been dwelling in Ramle Banggo area since time immemorial maintaining peaceful coexistence with Adis, Mishings and other communities.

Dabii recalled that territorial boundary was made in the past on individual or social base. So, the concept of demarcation of boundaries between Adis and Galos is wrong and baseless.

According to ZPM Dabii, the former Deputy Commissioners of East Siang and West Siang district submitted their feasibility reports in their best intellectual calibers considering deliverance of effective administration to rule the people particularly the Nari-Koyu and Likabali bordering to Assam.

 

 

LAMPS’s Hardware Shopping Centre inaugurated

From Yachang Tacho

ZIRO, Mar 19: Much to the relief of people of Lower Subansiri district, the Hardware Shopping Centre, an extended part of Subansiri Large Sized Multipurpose Co-operative Society Ltd. (LAMPS), Old Ziro has been formally inaugurated by Lower Subansiri deputy commissioner, Taru Talo in present of R D Thongun, Jt. RCS, Naharlagun on March 17.

The Subansiri LAMPS, Ziro which once flourished as a cooperative Society until nineties was lying defunct. After formation of a new Board of Director last year with Koj Tara as the chairman, has persuaded Govt. from pillar to post to revive the decade long defunct LAMPS. The new BoD, as reported, held series of meetings to bring back the past glory of LAMPS. Finally, with the help of State Co-operative Apex Bank and department of Cooperation, GoAP, the Shopping Centre of it has been revived. Now, the LAMPS has to deal both hardware and PDS items.

In the inaugural function, the BoD to LAMPS has submitted separate memorandums to Lower Subansiri deputy commissioner, RCS Naharlagun and to MD Apex Bank seeking their further support for taking up many more activities of the LAMPS.

The DFCSO, DRCS, bank officials, other dignitaries and shareholders of the LAMPS were attended the function.

In a separate communiqué, Koj Tara, chairman to BoD has conveyed his gratitude to all his team members, district administration, DRCS officers and officials and senior citizens for extending moral and physical support towards successful reviving of the decade long defunct LAMPS. The LAMPS will never look back and will go ahead for the benefit of people of Lower Subansiri District, he added.

 

 

Cabinet clears revised Food Security Bill

NEW DELHI, Mar 19: The government on Tuesday approved the revised Food Security Bill to provide for uniform 5 kg of foodgrains per month per person at a highly subsidised price of Rs 1-3 per kg to two-thirds of the country's population.

However, about 2.43 crore poorest of the poor families covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) scheme under PDS would get legal entitlement to 35 kg of foodgrain per family per month.

"Revised Food Bill has been cleared. We will try to bring the amendments to the Food Bill in Parliament before Friday," food minister K V Thomas told reporters here after the Cabinet meeting.

The extra burden on the food subsidy would be about Rs 20,000 crore from the current level, while foodgrains requirement is expected to be 61.23 million tonnes, he added.

"Uniform prices of Rs 3, 2 and 1 per kg for rice, wheat and coarse grains, respectively, will be applicable to all eligible beneficiaries. The prices would be revised after three years from the implementation of the Act," he said.

In the original Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2011, beneficiaries were divided into priority and general households. Priority households were entitled to 7 kg of rice, wheat and coarse grains per person per month at Rs 3, Rs 2 and Re 1 per kg respectively. At least 3 kg for 'general' households at 50 per cent of support price.

The amendments to the Bill have been done in line with the Parliamentary Standing Committee report that suggested doing away with dividing beneficiaries into two categories. The panel had advocated uniform monthly entitlement of 5 kg grain per person at uniform price. Earlier, sources had said that more than 55 amendments have been proposed to the Bill.

Under the current public distribution system (PDS), BPL and AAY families get 35kg of foodgrains per month, while the allocations for APL families range between 15kg to 35kg.

Currently, rice is supplied to AAY families at Rs 3/kg, BPL families at Rs 5.65/kg and APL families at Rs 8.30/kg. Wheat is sold at Rs 2/kg to AAY families, while BPL gets wheat at Rs 4.15/kg and APL at Rs 6.10/kg.  PTI

Cash reward stands

 

The cash reward of Rs 10 lakhs announced by the Arunachal Pradesh Police for giving information or clue leading to arrest of the assailant/s of Tongam Rina, Associate Editor of The Arunachal Times still stands. The identity of the informer/s will be kept secret.  The informer/s may contact Capital SP at tele. numbers : 09436040006

 

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Unidentified body found

ITANAGAR, Mar 19: An unidentified male body was found from Niti Vihar area this morning. According to the capital police sources, the nearby resident discovered the body and immediately informed the police. Post mortem was done at Arunachal State Hospital, Naharlagun and body, aged below 25 years, has been kept at RKM hospital morgue.

Police further informed that the body was beyond recognition and is believed to be of non-APST’s. However, his clothes were intact. The Itanagar police requested the citizens, who are wanting more information about the death person,  to contact them.

 

National seminar

ITANAGAR, Mar 19: The Department of Education, Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh, is organizing a two days National Seminar on “Teacher Education in Contemporary Society” on 21st  and 22nd March.

Many resource persons from various parts of the country will deliberate to assure and ensure the quality of Teacher Education.  Dr. Raj Bharadwaj, (Retired) from American Institute of Indian Studies, New Delhi will deliver Key Note address  in the seminar to be presided over by  Professor K. C. Kapoor, the Vice Chancellor  in-charge.

 

Roing EO centre looted

ROING, Mar 19: The District Emergency Operation Centre, (DEOC) Roing was robbed off by unidentified miscreants on March 17 night, informed A Perme, DDMO. The thieves had entered the Centre by breaking the main door lock of the office probably taking advantage of the stormy night. The Office Laptop, a portable iron and concrete cutting saw machine provided by the Directorate of Disaster Management was taken away by the thieves/burglars, he informed.

A case has been registered at Roing Police Station under IPC 1860 Section 457/380  the next day and investigation launched. DIPRO

 

Awareness camp under National Mission on Food Processing

DAPORIJO, Mar 19: The Upper Subansiri District Industrial Centre (DIC) has conducted a one-day awareness camp under the National Mission on Food Processing at DIC conference hall, Daporijo today.  More than 44 beneficiaries from various circles participated in the camp.

Addressing the participants, Daporijo DDI Tuli Basar highlighted the details guidelines of National Mission on Food Processing. HDO Rumro Sorum  spoke about various scope of establishing food processing units like Juice making and pickle making units with available local row materials. Daporijo SVO Dr. D. Murtem delivered lectures on preservation of meats, other food processing related to the milk, etc, while Yompe Ado, ADO, Hq imparted knowledge on preservation of Maize, Millet, wheat and other  agricultural products.  

G. Ete, ADC, Daporijo gave emphasis on creating a true entrepreneurial atmosphere in the district in particular and the state as a whole. He also enlightened the participants about the Govt subsidy schemes for aspiring entrepreneurs.  At the end of the camp, Ete distributed certificates to all the participants.

Earlier on March 15, the DIC Daporijo also conducted an entrepreneurship development programmes (EDPs) under Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme.  

Addressing the inaugural session of the programme, DDI Tuli Basar highlighted the importance of training under EDP. Altogether 32 entrepreneurs have participated in it and the resource persons were Minte Siga, Assistant Controller Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs, Jumni Ligu, Labour  and Employment Officer, H. Pegu, Branch Manager, SBI, Daporijo.

 

Re-demarcate buffer zone: APPDSSU

ITANAGAR, Mar 19: The drawing of  demarcation line in densely forest area is always been remain tough task for the forest department, as All Pakke-Kessang Pijerang Dissing-Passo Seijosa Students Union(APPDSSU) today claimed that forest department has drawn demarcation line for buffer zone  under Pakke-Kessang administrative jurisdiction without public consent. In its representation to the principal chief conservator of forest, union lodged strong protest by terming the inclusion of many villages under buffer zone as gross violation. It demanded the authority to re-demarcate the buffer zone area which it said be excluded Suchung, Dissing Passo and some parts of Seijosa. Union also demanded for public hearing on declaration of buffer zone while adding that department should take public conscience.

EDP for women

YINGKIONG Mar 19:  A five-day entrepreneurship development programme (EDP) for women under gender budget being organized by the District Industries Centre, Upper Siang got under way. Altogether 25 trainees attended the training programe which would be ended on 23 March. Attending the inaugural function Dunggoli Libang,Chairperson Zila Parishad Member  suggested the trainees to avail the benefit of the training programe. He further added that people of area should choose cottage industries and village industries for their livelihood. Dy. Director of Industries Marme Kato Loya highlighted the aims and objectives of the training programe. She also emphasized woman be the role model as entrepreneur.  Among others present in the meeting were Tuting ZPM Mukut, Longchung, Mekem Nopi, President Women Welfare Society Yingkiong and Oma Pertin Secretary Women Welfare Society (DIPRO).

 

Citrus rejuvenation prog

PASIGHAT,  Mar 19: Citrus is considered as the major fruit crop in East Siang district.  But the citrus farmers are now going through a severe financial losses due to serious problem of “Citrus decline” in the district.

Keeping in view the seriousness of the problem in the district, East Siang Krishi Vigyan Kendra, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agriculture University, Pasighat organized a training cum demonstration programme on Citrus Rejuvenation at Renging village.

Toge Riba, SMS Plant Protection, demonstrated the techniques for rejuvenation of old and declined Citrus orchard i.e. pruning of old and unproductive branches, removal of mosses and Loranthus, trunk painting with Bordeaux mixture and basin method of fertilization.

During demonstration and discussion session Riba also explained the farmers that quick decline in citrus is also attributed by nutrient, pest and diseases and also poor management of orchard by the farmers. He also elaborately explained about common insect pests, diseases and orchard management practices for the citrus. The programme was organized at the orchard of Tamak Tamuk, Gaon Bura Renging village. Altogether 35 farmers participated in the programme. The programme was sponsored by Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) East Siang.

 

MMJ road reopens after restoration of  bailey bridge

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Mar 19: The public work department recently restructured Bailey bridge over Ngorlung river along Mirem-Mikong-Jonai (MMJ) road. With the restoration of bailey bridge the  road remains open for vehicular movement.

The bridge was caved in on the night of June 23 last year due to plying of overloaded truck. It was remained un-repaired for several months causing immense problem for the villagers as it is the vital life-line for Ngorlung, Niglok, Mikong and Mirem villages under Ruksin circle.

The president of Legong Banggo Students Union Johny Modi and other student community members have expressed their gratitude to PWD officials for their team spirit and efforts put in  carrying out renovation works. They also appreciated local MLA Tangor Tapak for his initiatives for reconstruction of the Bailey bridge. An amount of Rs 45 lakh was estimated against reconstruction of the bridge.

 

Formation of numerous new organizations concerns AAPSU

ITANAGAR, Mar 19:  The Central executives body meeting of the AAPSU held here yesterday with  its president Kamta Lapung on the chair  adopted  resolution  against collection of donation by unknown persons in the name of AAPSU. Such person will face stern action from the union. It is a major threat against the integrity of AAPSU and it also defame the image of state apex students’ organization and their contribution of last many decades, AAPSU stated.

 Further expressing concern over formation of numerous organizations using the words ‘Arunachal’ and ‘Students’, AAPSU said they are being formed purely for individual interest or to mislead the society. This type of organizations has neither proper vision nor they have mandate from students’ community. Their sole objective is for individual development,  AAPSU said adding  there is no place for forming such organization since the student’s community has mandated AAPSU as apex body for last half century.

“All the students’ organization in the state is federal body of AAPSU and they are abiding the AAPSU constitution. But now-a-days it is observed that everyday a new organization is formed and declares bandh call which indicates that they are doing it for their individual benefits. Such activity  carries no meaningful contribution for society and also curtails public peace and tranquility in the state particularly in state capital,” AAPSU said.

AAPSU urged all the well-wishers, intellectuals, businessmen, politician and bureaucrats to stay away from such cheap organizations and said that union will never co-operate their movement too.

 

 

 

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248 days have passed. The culprits involved in the July 15 attack on The Arunachal Times associate editor Tongam Rina are still at large. 

Save land for the future

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily, I would like to express the views in connection with the Govt land encroachment which took place at Pakke Kessang circle. As per the present trend, the Govt land encroachers are mostly people from intellectual/bureaucratic background. Being a student's activist some time we protest demanding for eviction of the illegal land encroacher but it goes in vain due to weakness and inefficiency of our system. Thus my point is that if the intellectuals occupy the Govt land then how we would protect/check further encroachment of the common people. We are demanding for creation of Pakke Kessang district and in the future we will need land for future infrastructure development. Therefore land encroachment should not be allowed in the area.

Yours’

Nabam Bodha

AGS (APPDSSU),

Pakke Kessang

 

 

Please do proper investigation

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily, I, as one of the applicant who took part in the lottery draw for the selection of beneficiaries under “Mukhya Mantri Paryatan Vikash Yojana” which was conducted on 14th March 2013 at DC Office Daporijo, really appreciate the Chairman, members and Member Secretary for holding the selection in fair and transparent manners in presence of the candidates. But on behalf of all the unlucky candidates of category under Diploma in Travel Tourism and Hotel Management, I would like to inform and request DC Daporijo and all the board members of draw that some of selected beneficiary of this scheme are the employee of Govt or Semi Government Organisation. The most important question is how they could get unemployment certificate and how they managed to participate in the draw. It is already mentioned in the eligibility criteria that applicant must not be employed under any Govt or Semi Govt organization.

So, I on behalf of deserving candidates would like to request the concern authority to take strict action against those beneficiaries who are already employed and immediately cancel their selection by proper investigation.

Yours’

T. Lusi

Doporijo

 

 

Chimpu facing water problem

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw kind attention to the deep slumber Public Health Engineering Department ,that people of Chimpu area are facing acute shortage of water since last 1 year due to damage caused by construction  of 4 lane NH52 road from Chimpu to Hollongi.

The residents of Chimpu area are compelled to use contaminated water from nearby streams/rivers. There are every chances of being infected with water borne like diseases like Hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, acute gastroenteritis and many more diseases. The water coming from dumping zone is very dangerous to health of both human and animal’s consumption. It carries not only disease agents but also carry carcinogenic/toxic materials. Most of the villagers are migrants and living below poverty line (BPL) and can’t afford to dig tube well. The concern department should ensure water connection before monsoon season arrives.

Yours’

Dr Sorang Taben

Village Chimpu III.

 

 

Genuine demand should be heard

Dear Editor,

The demand made by various Adi unions to exclude Adi villages from the proposed Lower Siang District is genuine and it will be a wise decision by the government if they understand the sentiments of the people of these areas. The social factor should not be ignored in making political decisions. The forceful inclusion of these villages may severely disturb the peace and harmony in these areas. Further, the vast region and areas located between Basar and Likabali are more backward and remote than the said villages of East Siang district.

Hence, I appeal the government to consider the establishment of Lower Siang district headquarter either at Basar or at any other suitable place between Basar and Likabali such as Daring, Rilu, Garu, Gensi or Siji.

Yours’

Bomjar Basar

Basar

 

Chauvinism of government

Dear Editor,

Before I start, I would like to say that I hold highest respect for our Governor, and I really do not doubt his credibility and efficiency.  With all due respect, I doubt the growth report on agri-horticulture sector presented by him on the first day of assembly. I think it is mostly based on paper works, not on real terms.  Because, if there’s a growth in this sector then how come the prices of foods, vegetables, meats and fruits in the market is sky-rocketing.  It clearly implies that these items were brought from outside the states. If we see practically, our agri-horticulture economy is totally dependent on the other states, especially Assam.  Forget about the other economic sectors which lie in negative radar. Our agro-economy is totally at the mercy of Assam. If someday Assamese fix the price of Potato at Rs. 500 per kg, we have to accept it. Because I don’t think eating bundle of notes will ease our hunger. We are not a self-sufficient economy. And I think, suppose by some reason, if food supplies have been cut-off for a year only to our state, majority of our population will starve. Marasmus and Kwashiorkor would prevail in the state!  Hats off to the farmers of West Kameng and East Siang for boosting our agro-horti economy to some extent, which also needs due channelization. Many vocational or workshops on agri-horticulture sectors are proclaimed to be executed by administration. But they are mere formality to execute the scheme, to put it into paperwork.  I wonder how people can learn the things just in 2-3 months with just theories without any practical assignments and experimentation on field.  Really want to train a people for self employment; administration needs to train him for 1-2 years with complete practical guidance.

Iappreciate Government’s  decision that govt. will implement Agriculture Mechanization Programme, open Agriculture Shopping mall, will intensify cash cropping, double cropping and cold storage facilities. Hopefully, these programmes will be implemented with utmost sincerity.

My other concern is that why govt. is not making any strategy regarding ILPs as railways are going to come to state soon. Many cases of issuing PRC/ST to Non-APST are also being reported from across the state. I think its most important issue. Outsider especially Bangladeshi immigrants are real threat to our state. Issuing them ST/PRC is like hitting own leg with axe. ST/PRC/ILP is our IMMUNITY against them, if in future they try to prevail upon us it will help to check them. If we are selling them ST/PRC then we are selling them our immunity. I totally disdain those people who are engaged in this business, they are cheap and a person without self respect. They are traitor of state. And may be the traitor of the country. Because, if in future our state gets infected by them then trust me! We will be left with no other option then to waiting for state to collapse. I am not against outsider other than these Illegal immigrants, as we are growing state we need the help and support of intellectual from outside to build our state, I welcome them.  But no ST/PRC to non APST. I appreciate TATO and DUGE for highlighting the issue in greater detail. It shows short-sightedness of Govt. by not taking any action-plan on it.

My last concern is that whether administration goes through the “Readers Forum” column or we are just wasting the ink of our pen. I request the press to give maximum coverage to the issues which are really serious and authentic. God bless Aruncahal not from outsider but from loopholes of …………………

Yours’

Pappu Baza ,

Daporijo

 

 

Result of the meeting with CM

Dear Editor,

The All Papum Pare District Students’ Union (APPDSU) after having round table discussion with the hon’ble CM, State of Arunachal Pradesh on 14thMarch 2013 on its charter of demands and in the larger interest of the students appearing examination on the said date had to defer the 12 hrs capital bandh on 15th March 2012. The hon’ble CM opined that the creation of new district out of Papum Pare District is inevitable in the long run at the same informed the union that in this winter State Assembly Session the proposed creation of new district will be not put up this time in the Assembly Session. Further, CM assured that he shall discuss more with the union in details in this subject in the 1st week of April 2013.

The All Papum Pare District Students’ Union (APPDSU) congratulates all the District Students Unions (DSUs) & Branch Students Unions (BSUs) of the DSUs who have earlier participated in the movement against the order & notification issued by the Commissioner, Land Management, dated 30th April 2012 & 24thMay 2012 to regularize the Govt. land under occupation of private individuals, State and Central Govt. establishment. The fact of the story is when the union had a round table discussion on 14th March 2013 the CM has supplied a copy of the order passed No.LF-102/2010/9345 date 16thOct. 2012 where it was clearly mentioned that the cabinet has not taken decision to regularize all the private unauthorized occupants of Govt. land in various districts. The district administration needs to examine the private individual occupants of govt. land on case to case basis and if such occupants are found free from all encroachments/disturbance from the Govt. premises, such case be recommended to Govt. for regularization/allotment and realize land revenues as per the Govt. guidelines for land premium and annual lease rent.

Further, the CM has agreed that the cabinet decision was wrongly interpreted in the notification issued by the Commissioner Land Management, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh. The union doubts that in gap between 5 months -notification issued by Commissioner, Land Management on 24th May 2012 and the Corrigendum issued by the Secretary (Land Management), Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh file No. LF-102/2010/9345 date 16th October 2012 there might have been chance of issuance of land allotment from the DC office by some individuals manipulating or taking advantage of the earlier notification issued by the Commissioner, Land management, which the respective DSUs and concern activists pursuing the illegal encroachment issues on Public Premises should check in their respective Deputy Commissioner Office. The Union urges the state print media for the publication of the said Corrigendum to pass information to the general public of the state & to all concerns.

The Union had demanded for membership in the JHPC, since Papum Pare District is also one of the affected districts. The CM has suggested the union to discuss with the AAPSU in this regard. The union urged all the affected DSUs and to all concerns to check & balance the submission of reports by the JHPC to the state govt. as the reports should not go in favour of issuing PRCs to the Non-APSTs settling in the state. Regarding the union’s demand for proper demarcation of jurisdiction between the Deputy Commissioner, Capital Complex, Itanagar and the Deputy Commissioner, Yupia Papum Pare District, the CM assured to discuss with the union in this regard in the 1st week of April 2013 to sort out the administrative inconvenience faced by the people residing in the capital complex as well by the indigenous people of the Papum Pare district residing in the capital complex jurisdiction.

The union reminded the CM that the sole purpose of creation of the Deputy Commissioner, Capital Complex, Itanagar was to maintain Law and Order and protocol issues to make the capital a crime free zone and for administrative convenience but today it has been diverted from its sole objective. But there is overlapping distribution of administrative powers and non-distribution of proper jurisdiction between the Deputy Commissioner, Capital Complex, Itanagar & the Deputy Commissioner, Yupia, Papum Pare district is rather creating lots of inconvenience to the capital dwellers.

On last point demand of the union for one LRSO in the Papum Pare District the CM has suggested not to interfere in the revenue collection matter of the government. The Union has inform the  CM that because of the absence of the specific jurisdiction between the LRSO, Capital Complex Itanagar & LRSO, Yupia, Papum Pare District applicants applying for land allotment & PRCs are facing lots of harassment which he assured to discuss later in the 1stweek of April 2013. Further, the CM has asked the All Papum Pare District Students’ Union to bring any other matter of the district for discussion in 1stweek of April 2013.

Yours,  

Nabam Tado

Vice-President

(APPDSU)

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A call for consensus

 

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged participants of the United Nations Final Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) to conclude work by 28 March on a comprehensive instrument that would establish standards for international trade in conventional weapons. “You are not here to initiate new negotiations. You are here to strengthen and conclude the work that has been done in earnest since the beginning of the ATT process in 2006,” Ban told representatives from 193 Member States in his opening remarks to the conference in New York. Now is the time for the focus and political will to negotiate the final details and arrive at a consensus outcome during the nine-day conference, Ban said.  “That is the clear message of the General Assembly when it decided that this is the Final United Nations Conference on the ATT.”

The last negotiations on the ATT ended in July of last year without agreement. Disappointed, Ban described it as a “setback” but also noted that States had reached considerable common ground that can be built on.

Armed violence, he noted, kills more than half a million people each year, including 66,000 women and girls.

In addition, between 2000 and 2010, almost 800 humanitarian workers were killed in armed attacks and another 689 injured, according to the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs.

“We owe this landmark UN treaty to those who have fallen victim to armed conflict and violence, to all the children deprived of a better future, and to all those risking their lives to build peace and make this a better world,” Ban said.

Some 2,000 representatives of Governments, international and regional organizations and civil society have gathered at UN Headquarters to take part in the negotiations and related events.

According to the conference’s website, the proposed treaty will not interfere with the domestic arms trade and the way a country regulates civilian possession; ban, or prohibit the export of, any type of weapons; impair States’ legitimate right to self-defence; or lower arms regulation standards in countries where these are already at a high level.