March 23

Arunachal Film Festival begins

CM assures support, proposes film development corporation

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: “We are late but not very late,” said Chief Minister Nabam Tuki inaugurating the first ever three-day Arunachal Film Festival here this evening at Siddhartha Hall.

The maiden film festival of the state is being organized by the Department of Information & Public Relation (IPR) with the support of the State Government. It is a novel initiative of the government to give a morale boost to the film fraternity, which despite being more than two decades old, has remained in the state of infancy due to lack of patronage both from the government as well as corporate sides.

Tuki, who has been pursuing with the Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to support the state government with resources for patronizing the film sector, assured that the maiden venture of ‘Arunachal Festival’ would be a regular annual event.

“Not only this will be a regular annual event but I assure that next year onwards cash awards would be instituted for film personalities of eminence to be selected through a process,” he announced to a big round of applause.

He said the conceptualization of a film festival has been long overdue. However, he said a beginning has been made and the Government will offer all out cooperation to the film fraternity in organizing the festival every year in a grand manner.

Encouraging all engaged in filmmaking, the Chief Minister urged them to look upon the government as their ‘guardian’.

“In order to promote filmmaking in the state, I suggest that a film development society or a corporation may be formed with a grant of sufficient corpus fund. This will encourage development of filmmaking and inspire talented indigenous artistes, directors and producers,” he said,

He directed the IPR department to chalk out modalities in this regard for a final decision by the Government.

Tuki also observed filmmaking as one of the best medium to promote tourism in the state.

“Filmmaking if seriously promoted will bear multiple benefits for us. Besides promoting tourism, it will be also a source of employment generation for our youths,” he pointed.

State Legislative Assembly Speaker Wangling Lowangdong, guest of honour on the occasion, termed films as mirror of the society that becomes catalysts of change.

Admitting the hard times faced by the film fraternity in absence of patronage and facilities, he requested the Chief Minister to consider their plight with sympathy. An important suggestion that the Speaker made was that the department of Tourism may promote and highlight in its campaigns places and spots ideal and feasible for outdoor shooting of films. He felt if the Tourism department highlighted such places, filmmakers from outside would venture into the state and subsequently generate revenue for the government as well as provide employment to the locals. The suggestion was fully endorsed by the Chief Minister.

Earlier, veteran filmmaker Taro Chatung, in his inimitable style, narrated the brief history of film production in the state and lamented the lack of patronage and facility in his career of 27 years in the field. He, however, expressed gratitude to the government for the maiden initiative, which he felt, would inspire and encourage filmmakers of the state who are struggling to find a foothold.

On the occasion several film personalities were felicitated for their achievements and contributions to film development in the state. In the producer category, Late ‘Rani’ Thansen Wangchadong and Late Kapney Wangsu were felicitated for sponsoring the film ‘Rashmi Rekha’, an Assamese film in 1974-75. Lowangdong, who happens to be the son of Late ‘Rani’ Thansen Wangchadong received the felicitation on behalf of his late mother. Ashok Kumar Jhuria was also felicitated for producing the film Sonam.

In the category of actors those felicitated were Nabam Tata, Dr Mrs Bengia Mala, T H Tayung, Late Leegang Tachang, Hage D Apa, Tai Tugung, Tashi Lhamu Bapu and Namge Tsering while Taro Chatung, Dorjee Khandu Thungon, Moji Riba and Ahsan Muzid were felicitated in the category of directors.

A documentary film on Late Leegang Tachang and the first film of the state ‘Mera Dharam, Meri Maa’ were screened during the occasion.

Meanwhile, Secretary IPR Indira Malo informed that the festival, initially a three-day event, would now continue for another two days, during which several documentaries and feature films produced, directed or acted by local artistes would be screened. (CMMC)

 

 

CBI arrests BRTF commander with cash

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: CBI ACB Guwahati Branch arrested Ram Milan, SE (Civil) FS, Commander 763, BRTF, Tawang in connection with CBI ACB Guwahati Br. Case No. RC.4 (A)/2013-GWH for possession of unaccounted cash of Rs.15 Lakhs and assets beyond known sources of income, according to PIB release from Guwahati.

Ram Milan, Commander BRTF, was detained from Guwahati Railway Station on Wednesday while he was travelling to New Delhi with cash of Rs. 15,03,000 for which he could not give any reasonable explanation, the release said. The Suspect officer is being forwarded to the Court of Spl. Judge, CBI, Guwahati after due formalities, the release added.

Brigadier Rohit Kapoor, Chief Engineer, Project Vartak based at Tezpur which is constructing Balipara to Tawang section of road when contacted by this daily informed that they are yet to get actual report from higher authorities and it is only through media that they are getting first hand information. He refused to dwell more on the issue.

 

 

APSCW constitutes fact-finding committee

AAPSU, ANSU demand arrest of rapist

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW), All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU), All Nyishi Students Union (ANSU) have condemned the heinous act of rape of a minor school girl at Bomi English School, Joram village and also demanded arrest of the persons involved in it.

Taking suo moto cognizance of the case U/S 16 (b) of the APSCW Act 2002, the APSCW has sought status report from the O.C and S.P concerned.

The Commission said that a two-member fact finding committee along with APWWS branch Yachuli has been constituted to enquire into the matter to unearth the truth. On the basis of the report of the fact finding committee, the Commission shall recommend to the Govt to initiate necessary action against the accused.  It is unconceivable that a school which is considered as the temple of learning has been in the news for reason other than the academic. The perpetrator of this barbaric act be booked under appropriate law at the earliest, the commission said.

While condemning the rape incident AAPSU demanded arrest of the persons involved within 24 hours under non-bailable section of the law and give exemplary punishment.

Describing the incident unfortunate, AAPSU said that it would never tolerate such uncivilized and barbaric act. “It is an act beyond imagination and everybody should condemn such act to make our land a crime free and administration should deal with the criminals with iron  hand,” said Kamta Lapung, President, AAPSU.

Demanding details inquiry into the incident, AAPSU informed that the SP Ziro has assured them to book the culprits within short time and investigation is launched. As per police sources the rape victim is 10 years old only.

The All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) has also vehemently condemned alleged rape incident of Bomi English School, Joram Village. ANSU termed the alleged rape of a minor girl as unfortunate and shameful one. ANSU demanded the Lower Subansiri administration to immediately arrest the person involved in the incident and also demand for cancellation of the school license.

Further union appealed to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to conduct an investigation in all the private educational institution to find out such illegal activities.

 

 

Forester Jamoh becomes highest rubber planters

Prafulla Kaman

RUKSIN, Mar 22: At a time when rapid extension of rubber plantation in foothills of East Siang district attracts commercial horticulturists of the country and abroad, one Opang Jamoh, a forester of Ngorlung village under Ruksin circle is showing an example by achieving highest rubber plantation on Lekong hill site.

Jamoh started rubber cultivation at Lekong hill, at Ngorlung village outskirt two years back and now placed on top of the rubber planter list under Ruksin Rubber Station. He is growing improved variety rubber plant in 30 hectares (approx- 230 bighas) area on Lekong hill and bags the honour of “best rubber planter” under the field office.

Forester Jamoh also brought accolades  with highest production of vegetables and spices in Ruksin area. In spite of his busy office-bound duty, Jamoh finds out enough time to do various horticultural and showing instance of right use of time and labour. Verities of vegetables, spices and fruits produced in Jamoh’s garden are being supplied to Ruksin and Jonai (Assam) markets here. Jamoh, through his plantation/cultivation activities on Lekong hill is enriching green cover of on Lekong hill. The region with moderate climate and fertile soil supports luxuriant growth of improved variety rubber plants besides production of various leafy and fruit-vegetables, citrus fruits and rare medicinal herbs.

Officials of Rubber field office here said that forester Jamoh is the fist farmer in the area, who is cultivating RRIM-600 rubber stamp (improved variety) in large scale. He reportedly received inspiration from Ojing Aze, the first rubber planter of the belt. The estimated income of per hectare rubber garden at its yielding stage is amounted to Rs 4.00 lakh per annum.

It may recalled that the Rubber Board India (RBI), considering the rich potentiality of rubber cultivation in Sinag belt and its consequent economic prospect, is planning to establish a regional office in the area.  

 

 

APBRDA urges Centre for higher allocation of fund

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: Union Minister of State for Agriculture Charan Das Mahant has assured Yora Tagung, Vice Chairman, Arunachal Pradesh Bamboo Resource and Development Agency (APBRDA) to increase the allocation of National Bamboo Mission funds for Arunachal Pradesh from the next financial year. At a meeting with a delegation of officials led by Tagung at New Delhi today, the Union Minister was apprised about the lower allocation presently given to Arunachal in comparison to other states like Mizoram and Tripura.

Tagung mentioned that in spite of having the highest bamboo varieties in India which is spread over a vast geography; the NBM funds are inadequate to develop the sector.

The issue of gregarious bamboo flowering which has affected the agrarian economy in the non forest areas especially in 9 districts of the state was also discussed. Tagung explained in detail the after effects of gregarious flowering on human livelihoods as well as on livestock.

The Arunachal Bamboo Resources Development Agency has recently sought the assistance of central government to tackle bamboo flowering, famine combat scheme and regeneration-restocking by devising a long term action plan for the same. The Union Minister assured the full co-operation of his Ministry in this regard.

Tagung was accompanied by Dr. Ganguva Murtem, Sr. Scientist and Nodal Officer, APBRDA among others.

 

 

Training cum demonstration on usage of sustainable fishing technology

Correspondent

ROING, Mar 22:  A three-day sponsored training cum demonstration programme from Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Vizhag, Andra Pradesh on value added products and usage of sustainable fishing gear technologies was organized March 17-19 at Iduli and Jia Villages. The training was held in progressive fish farmers’ farms of Raju Linggi and Tongmen Perme.

The programme commenced with the welcome speech by D Dabi, Distrct Fisheries Development Officer (DFDO), Roing.

Dr Raghu Prakash, Senior Scientist, CIFT and resource person briefed participants about mandated activities of the CIFT as well as demonstrated different types of fishing nets and traps that was developed exclusively for local fish farmers /fisher women.

Dr LN Murthy, Senior Scientist, CIFT displayed equipments, posters and value added products developed by their esteemed organization before the farming community.

In his speech he spoke on the aspects in the recent emerging advances in development of  value added products , usage of  insulated  bags (CIFT Bags) for transportation of fresh fish in remote areas, modern trends in packaging  technology to pack value added products such as fish cutlets, fish pickle, fish wafers etc.

Dr TJ Ramesha, Programme Coordinator, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Lower Dibang Valley District briefed participants on mandated activities of the Farm science centre as well as present status and future prospectus for value addition in fish. He opined that taking up of value addition in fishery activity would become sustainable income generation source for SHGs as at present majority of them are not self sustainable.

Also as part of the programme technical folders entitled 'Anga Achaar (Fish Pickle)' developed in Mishmi language and ‘Engo (Fish) Cutlets’ in Adi languages were released on the occasion for the benefit of farming community.

The participants comprised of farmers, NGO representative, SHGs, Commodity Interest Groups and Fisheries Department Extension Personnel. A total of 50 farmers from different villages of the district actively participated in the skill based/practical oriented programme.

 

 

Training for women groups held

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: The Department of Tourism conducted a Training Programme for Women Groups of all section namely SHG’s, PRI’s and unemployed women. Participants were invited from different places where the Tourist faces accommodation shortages so as to encourage opening up of more homes stays to cater to the growing demand of accommodation.  

 The women were briefed about growing inflow of tourists and its importance, opening of Home stay, Eco Tourism and methods to make it more sustainable, Development micro Finance, Importance of Internet, travel formalities and legal formalities Gender Issues, Introduction to legislation to protect and safeguard women, Role of and involvement of community in  Promoting Tourism etc. The participants actively took part in the group discussion and imbibe.

The main objective of the training programme was to promote Home stay, rural tourism and Eco-Tourism with the participation of local community by using the local resources available in the area. Various resource persons from RGGP, NERIST and SRLM had imparted the training. Sanjiv Tirkey from SRLM was the lead resource person.  There were altogether 37 participants from Pasighat, Boleng, Yazali, Yupia, Sagalee, Poma, Daporijo and capital complex.

 While giving away the certificates in the Valedictory programme Sonam Chombay, Secretary Tourism called upon the participants coming from various districts to come forward and sought their active participation in taking tourism to a greater height. He emphasized that without the local supports, the department alone cannot promote tourism.

  Assistant director Bengia Manna Sonam exhorted the participant to train their neighbours and expand the Home stay avenues in their own community as well and encourage the local masses to try to have a better understanding about hospitality.  She urged them to take back the knowledge they achieved to their respective home district and requested the participants to act as a messenger to generate awareness about tourism in the Society as women are the torchbearer in a Society.   Amongst the trainees 20 participants have been selected for onward training on Home stay, Eco tourism and Rural Tourism to Sikkim (Namchi) who will tomorrow.

 

 

Workshop on Arunachal Pradesh Ecotourism Policy’

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: The GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, North East Unit  and Department t of Tourism, jointly organized a consultative workshop on “Arunachal Pradesh Ecotourism Policy”  here on March 21. The  goal of the workshop was to hold consultative discussion on the draft Arunachal Pradesh Ecotourism Policy developed under  GOI/UNDP project entitled “Biodiversity conservation through community based natural resource management in Arunachal Pradesh” of the GB Pant Institute, implemented partnering with WWF-India,  NERIST, SFRI and NCADMS.

Inaugurating the workshop  Parliamentary secretary, tourism, P D Sona viewed the ecotourism policy to be a tool for sustainable development of the state simultaneously conserving the extremely rich and unique biological and cultural  wealth of the State, where new floral and faunal species to science are being discovered and reported regularly.

Presiding over the inaugural session of the workshop Dr. N.N. Zhasa, PCCF (WL&BD), Government of Arunachal Pradesh remarked that the policy in place would systematize  conservation and livelihood promotion of the local communities. He enlightened the participants on the  seven cardinal principles of Ecotourism - (1) Involves travel to natural destinations, (2) minimizes impact, (3) builds environmental awareness, (4) provides direct financial benefits for conservation (5) provides financial benefits and empowerment for local people (6) respects local culture  and (7) supports human rights and democratic movements.

Sonam Chomaby, Secretary, Department of Tourism,  stated that a well developed Arunachal Pradesh Ecotourism Policy is very much required as it would ensure  conservation of biodiversity,  economically benefit the local communities and strengthen collaboration and cooperation between local communities, tour operators, government departments and other key players in the development and promotion of sustainable ecotourism in the state.

Dr. Prasanna K. Samal, Scientist Incharge of GB Pant Institute welcomed the participants to the workshop and appraised them on the efforts and achievements of the GOI/UNDP project.

During technical sessions of the workshop, presentations were made by experts on status and trends of ecotourism across the country and in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Seema Bhatt, New Delhi  shared her experiences of ecotourism models in practice in some other states  while Raj Basu from Help Tourism  shared his experiences of Namdapha National Park, Lohit valley, Dibang Valley and Pakke Tiger Reserves. Dr. Pijush K. Dutta, Sr. Coordinator, WWF-India gave a detailed presentation on various aspects of the draft Arunachal Pradesh Ecotourism Policy, i.e., its goal, objective, guiding principles, implementation strategy and intuitional mechanism, etc.

The draft was discussed threadbare by representatives from line departments like Environment & Forests, Tourism, Agriculture, Research and academic institutes like GBPIHED, NERIST, Rajiv Gandhi University, Sate Institute of Rural Development, and NGOs like NCADMS, and ecotourism experts like Seema Bhatt and Raj Basu.  Dr. RS Jayachandran and P Naveen Kumar from Dept. of Environment & Forests, P Game from Directorate of Agriculture, Buda and Gedo Eshi from Tourism, Dr. Jumyir Basar from AITS, S W Bagang from SIRD, Dr. G Pangging, Dr. P Gajural and P. Shiva from NERIST, M S Lodhi and Dr. SC Arya from GBPIHED, MIhin Dollo from NERCOMP, Shillong, T. Obin from NCADMS were other discussants.  The recommendations  emerged are being incorporated in the draft policy and a finalized ‘Arunachal Pradesh Ecotourism Policy’ will be submitted to the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh soon for further necessary action.

 

 

Free coaching classes for students of Tirap begins

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: The Tirap District Career Counseling Cell(TDCC) in association with Jnana Prabodhini, Pune is conducting a 15-day free coaching classes for Engineering and JEE main  examinations which was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Dr Sachin Shinde at Khonsa higher secondary school auditorium yester day amidst large gathering.

Speaking on the occasion, Shinde told the aspiring science students that the coming 14 days will be very important for them because the expert faculties from Pune will teach them the intricacies of facing entrance examinations and urged them to take the crash coaching classes seriously.  He said that Tirap students will have to work doubly hard as they are going to compete against those students of the country who are in advantageous position and asked the students to take maximum benefit out of the free coaching classes. It is worth-mentioning that TDCCC has been one of the pet subjects for the DC ever since his joining in the district and he is leaving no stone unturned to see that it is result-oriented. He is taking a keen interest in the functioning of the TDCCC and guiding the members using all his experiences and resources available.

Resource person Uday Limaye in his introductory speech said that while teaching the students they would learn more about the district. He said that breaking the fear of facing entrance examination was of paramount importance and said that he and his team would try to motivate and guide the aspiring students. DIO Ajay Singh who is one of the active members of the TDCCC in his speech said that the TDCCC has two wings, one is Engineering and Medical and the other is government jobs preparation cell. While thanking the Deputy Commissioner for his initiative, Singh said that so far with the help of the 117 Infantry Brigade, 26 Madras Regiment  and 14 Rajput Rifles conducted pre-recruitment trainings,  resulting in qualification of 57 youths for facing Indian Army  interview. He further said that the TDCCC in co-ordination with CO, 36 CRPF conducted pre-recruitment rally in which 40 boys and girls of the district had cleared physical examination test in central armed forces.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Vice Principal of government higher secondary school, Khonsa appreciated the Deputy Commissioner for his innovative initiative which would go a long way in shaping the career of the students. It may be mentioned here that the TDCCC is being run under Capacity Building Scheme of Border Area Development Programme. The other three resource persons are Sugat Dabholkar, Shreejeet Kunjir and Divyangana Kakade.

 

 

NHPC Subansiri Lower Project  conducts workshop on CSR

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: Subansari Lower Project of NHPC Limited organized a one-day Workshop on “CSR in PSU’s: Caring the Expectation of the Stakeholders” at Guwahati yesterday. Officials from different projects of North East region, Siliguri region and Loktak Power Station participated in the workshop.

Director-development from “Smile Foundation, New Delhi, a Non-Profit Organization  deliberated on the issue at length. Dr. Bhupen  Sharmah of OKD Institute of Social Change & Development, Guwahati also spoke on the problems of North East Region. Purnima from another   Guwahati based NGO “Aaranyak” also gave presentation on the occasion. The programme was focused on empowerment of people and creating employability through Skill Development.

Among others Rakesh, Executive Director, Subansiri Lower Project and D. S. Chauhan, General Manager (HR) along with other senior officials of the project. D. S. Chauhan focused on the provisions of new CSR guidelines and procedures for implement. Rakesh, ED, SLP emphasized on sustainable development and creating employability to bring about positive change in the quality of lives of the local people through Corporate Social Responsibility.

 

 

Govt decision for Lower Siang district creation hailed

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Mar 22: The common people of Nari-Koyu constituency have expressed their joy over state government decision for creation of Lower Siang district, which was their long-pending demand.

The state government, during its recent assembly session has passed the district re-organization bill and finalized creation of Lower Siang district.

The public leaders of Nari-Koyu, in a press communiqué said that creation of the new district will be convenience for the common people and it would accelerate the socio-economic development of the area besides creating employment avenues. The leaders hail the Chief Minister and other local MLAs for their bold initiative of creation of the new district to fulfill their long-felt needs.

Nari-Seren Anchal ZPM Kenyom Dabii observes that creation of the new district will not only bring administrative facilities but it will strengthen cordial relationship of the people with Assam counterpart.

Recalling the sense of unity and brotherhood cherished by the Adis and Galos during creation of 36th Nari-Koyu constituency, ZPM Dabii appealed the people to continue their age-old unity and brotherhood for the shake of all round development in Lower Siang district.

The people of Nari-Koyu are standing on their demand to set up headquarter of the new district at Likabali and later to shift it to Siki Rima between Nari-Koyu and Likabali.

 

 

Light that goes off after mere gust of wind

Amar Sangno

Once my foreign friend said, “Your town is small but amazing..! I really want to spend months here but power supply is so pathetic, even gadgets cannot work properly”. True to his remark, our capital city power supply is truly pathetic; as over the last couple of days, the entire capital complex has been witnessing frequent power failure which forces the town dwellers to reeling under darkness.  Left with no choice, the murmuring citizens are running for candles and in fact candles are being bought like hot cake in the market.

It is reported that poorly managed power areas in Itanagar are - Chimpu and Gohpur and some parts of Ganga Market area, where people almost left their hopes to see the improvement of power supply.  And at Naharlagun, Industry Gate and Damsite areas are reportedly worst one in compare to other parts of the city.

In fact the power supply at Itanagar often goes off after mere ‘gust of wind’ and slight ‘gurgle of clouds’ in the sky and comes back after hours, sometime after days.  And the most peculiar nature of power supply is it’s  unpredictable in nature, as it can goes off, while doctors operating the patient in Operation Theater, house wives are serving dinner on dining table and students solving the mathematics & physics equations, party goers on the dance floor and petrol pump attendants refilling the fuel. It is so unpredictable it often makes noisy DJ pub funny in the middle of the songs.

The erratic power supply also hit hard the denizens particularly students and competitive examination aspirants who are preparing die hard for the upcoming examination. Needless to say how the business community is going through the agony whose business is solely depends on power. Like cold drinks and beverage bottle are lying hot in refrigerators’ shelves attracts no buyers at all. “I did not sell cold drinks for the last three days, as there is no power supply” said a shopkeeper at Chandranagar (Itanagar).

Not only the common citizens are suffering, the government departments are also suffering from the poorly managed power, the works in offices are standstill particularly during the peak hour of financial year ending.

However, another peculiar thing of the power (electrical) department is that they do not compromise in door to door service or home delivery of their electricity bill.  No matter, how much power the consumers receive, but the outstanding bill will remain the same. It makes people wonder whether meter reader ever reads the meter box.

Our state capital which supposed to get 24x7 uninterrupted power supply in every household especially after numerous power developers came with big projects in the state whose intake capacity is to supply power to entire South Asian region. It makes people wonder what would be the situation in Itanagar, if it hit by Hurricane Katrina ?

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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GWS welcomes creation of new Siang districts

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: The Galo Welfare Society (GWS) has welcomed the decision of the State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for creation of the Lower Siang and Siang Districts from the erstwhile undivided Siang.

However, the GWS has expressed concern about the traditional boundaries which might be affected while curving out the Siang District from the West Siang District along the eastern banks of Yomgo River.

The creation of new Siang District must take care of the existing boundaries being owned by the people since generations beyond the eastern boundaries along the river Yomgo, prior to issue of the notification of the Siang District and others, the GWS opined. Further they added the "Adi Rike" (Jhumland) and Community Forests owned by the Galo community should be settled cohesively while the district boundary of villages and areas are being notified.

 

 

‘Complete the renovation’

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: The All Lower Subansiri Youth Association strongly demanded the hydro power development department to complete the renovation and repairing of incomplete Mai Power House Phase-I&II which association claimed that work had been undertaken on agreement between hydro power department and a Kolkata based company.  In a release association said that local people are facing problem due to incompletion of the works.

 

 

Tezu DTO collects over Rs 1 cr revenue

ITANAGAR, Mar 22:  In a major boost to the state exchequer, Lohit district transport office, Tezu, has collected a whopping amount of Rs 1, 11,51, 631only from motor vehicle tax fees before the end of financial year. This is the highest revenue collected from the motor vehicle sector of Lohit district, DTO said in a release.

 

 

Awareness on maternal health

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: An Awareness campaign on Maternal Health was conducted at Kakoi by the District Health Society Yupia on 21st march. Large numbers of public including GB, Panchayat leaders and students participate during a day long programme.

In his keynote address Dr. Kipa Tuglik DRCHO Yupia explained the aims and objective of the programme. He also create awareness about the  child’s immunization , VHSC, Health  and Hygiene ARSH, Malaria and HIV/AIDS to the public and open quiz competition also conducted and winners are awarded with cash prize.  DRCHO also highlighted the school health programme.

Kenny Doji (DEE) made the participants aware about the benefits of JSY and Janani Shishu Suraksha karyakaran for pregnant women. Gyamar Sikap,  ASM, Kakoi also spoke  on the occasion and demanded posting of one ANM to Kakoi sub-¬centre.

 

 

Teachers’ training prog

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: The in-service teachers training for untrained  regular teachers of Science, Mathes and Language has been successfully conducted by DIET, Yachuli Lower Subansiri district with effect from 9th March to 17th March at DIET Yachuli. The said training programme was inaugurated by Tarh Tuglo, DDSE-cum-ex office principal DIET Yachuli.

 

 

DLRC meeting held

YINGKIONG, Mar 22: District Consultative Committee/District Level Review Committee (DLRC) meeting of the banking institutions comprising SBI, APSCAB, APRB of Yingkiong, Tuting, Jengging, Mariyang and Geku of Upper Siang District and relevant departments/offices- DRDA, Industry, Horticulture, ICDS, Agriculture etc. was held in the conference hall of the office of the deputy commissioner under the chairmanship of L. Borang, DC, Upper Siang today. The meeting was organized by Chief Manager LB (Lead Bank) the convenor of the DLRC. The members discussed, reviewed the main points were - financial inclusion, opening of bank accounts, performance under annual credit plan- 2012-13, performance of Govt. sponsored schemes such as PMEGP, SGSY, WCC etc. matters related to RBI, CD ration of the district and its improvements. Having learnt the fact about the CD ratio of the banks in Upper Siang District and the achievement under the Annual credit plan for 2012-13 the Deputy Commissioner Borang expressed dissatisfaction over the poor performance to bank authorities and requested for wider awareness campaign to the public of the rural areas. The meeting was attended by PD, DHO, DAO, BDOs, DD (ICDS), BMs of the respective banks. DIPRO

 

 

RBWSY members renovate Gandhi hanging bridge

YINGKIONG, Mar 22: Seeing the worn out condition of Gandhi Hanging Bridge over the mighty Siang river which connects the villages located on the right bank of river under Jengging, Migging and Tuting circles of Upper Siang District, the Rotgo Banggo Welfare Society, Yingkiong under the guidance of its president Anom Apang conducted social service at the Gandhi Bridge point and repaired and restored it to good condition yesterday.

The society contributed voluntary services for the greater interest of the public of the Upper Siang as the said bridge would continue to be used till the completion of the on-going steel suspension bridge at the same point.

The Deputy Commissioner L. Borang lauded the commendable work done by the RBWSY and encouraged and appealed all such voluntary organizations, NGOs to contribute such valuable service to the public as a whole. DIPRO

 

 

DPE/DEE workshop for teachers held

AALO, March 22: More than 70 teachers from different schools of West Siang district attended six days workshop training of Diploma in Primary/Elementary Education at Roman Hall Govt. Hr. Secondary School, here in a befitting manner on March 21.

T N Prasad, lecturer DRC Kamki, the Programme Co-ordinator of IGNOU highlighted various courses/training undertaken by IGNOU while Gemar Karga, District Pedagogy Co-ordinator SSA, West Siang district, SRP Yadev, N. Pandey and Shambhu Singh, lecturer DRC Kamki were speakers on the occasion as resource persons.

Tome Doke Lendo, DDSE Aalo advised the trainees to utilize their knowledge and wisdom gained from training for class room teaching to get good result. He also informed them that every categories of teacher must be trained within 2015 without which their pay increments and jobs will be at stake in future. The B Ed/Diploma in Elementary Education is important for their professional career. Teachers should abstain themselves from alcoholism and other vices to preserve the age-old sanctity of Guru in their behavioral approach. DIPRO

 

 

Daporijo celebrates cultural week to promote harmony and peace

DAPORIJO, Mar 22: Representatives from the three major tribes residing in the Upper Subansiri district came together at the Singik Hall, Daporijo to celebrate the Cultural Week from March 22 to 23. The celebration, a government initiative under the Department of Art and Culture, was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Gejum Ete, DACO T. Dupit and Govt officers and officials.

Such celebrations are necessary as it paves a way for the preservation of our culture, stated Gejum Ete while addressing the gathering. He added that with changes going on all around us, changes in our traditional dresses, dances and songs too were taking place but cautioned that such changes should not make it unrecognizable.

DACO Dupit also spoke on the occasion informing all present on the aims and objectives of the celebration. He said that it was a means to bring all communities together and create peace and harmony amongst all.

The celebration was marked by singing of traditional songs and dancing to traditional rhythms. DIPRO

 

 

Upper Siang ZP donates computers to schools

YINGKIONG, Mar 22: The Upper Siang Zilla Parishad donated 10 units of computer sets to various schools in  the district recently.  Out of the ten, six number of computer set donated to VKV school, Yingkiong, 2 unit each to JNV and Kendriya Vidhalaya school of Geku and Tuting respectively. In a simple but very impressive function the Deputy Commissioner L. Borang opened the newly installed computer six units at VKV school, Yingkiong on Friday last in presence of D. Libang, ZPC, teachers, parents and school children.  

In his speech the Zilla Parishad Chairperson D. Libang said it was first of its kind in Arunachal Pradesh and hoped that knowledge of computer and technology is basic to students and therefore, he asked the teacher and students to utilize its services.

The Deputy Commissioner L. Borang lauded the teaching learning activities of the VKV organization as a voluntary and govt. aided educational institutions in the country. Now a days computer application is felt very much necessary in all aspects of life and today's education should be computer knowledge-based education and education in any form without computer knowledge and application is found to be handicapped, Borang added.

Among others M. Lonchung, ZPM, Tuting-Migging and T. Pertin, SDO, DPO, public leader Bading Teng, Tasik Pangkam and others attended the function. DIPRO

 

 

Keep ordinary citizen out of clashes: NSU

ITANAGAR, Mar 22: The Nocte Students’ Union has condemned the recent assault on health officials of Soha PHC run by Karuna Trust and subsequent exchanges of fire between the security personnel and the NSCN (IM) cadres at the heart of the village. While expressing its solidarity towards the general public of Soha village and officials affected, union appealed to both the factions of NSCN and also to the security personnel to avoid such clash in and around public dwellings as it is a known fact that such incidents affects the general public more than anyone else. They get sandwiched between their helplessness and impending consequences of the fight for no fault of theirs.

The union further appealed to the various factions of NSCN to avoid assaulting of govt. employees whose valuable services is extremely necessary for the upliftment and development of the society especially in the rural areas. The recent assault on health officials of Soha PHC has brought back the apprehension of the PHC going non-functional again like in 90’s due to similar assault on health and other officials, the NSU stated. The security personnel also need to restrain themselves from blaming the poor and already insecure villagers for not informing the presence of the outfits, the reason well understood by everyone including them, the union added.

 

Holy Rosary Church inaugurated at Changlang

CHANGLANG, Mar 22: The newly constructed ‘Holy Rosary Church’ at Laktong Changlang was inaugurated and blessed by Rev. P.K. George, Bishop of Miao Diocese on 21st March last in presence of large number of gathering. To mark the auspicious occasion a holy Mass was also held.

Speaking on the occasion, Bishop said despite the number of Church, Temple, Mosque and other religious institutes are growing day by day, the people’s feeling of human quality and spirituality is not growing, rather drifting away. He asked the people to think deeply for better existence of humanity, peace, progress and to lead a clean spiritual life. Further he said, Longding, Tirap, Changlang and Lohit districts are facing widespread drug abuse, which resulting in physical, social and moral degradation of the general population and poor socio-economic condition of the people.

“The youths are the driving force of social change through”, the Bishop said and appealed one and all to extend cooperation to the district administration and church for peace, progress and development.

Father, Shoby Simon, the parish priest of Changlang, expressed his happiness and thanks to all the fathers, sisters, brothers who came from various places to show their solidarity towards church and for peace, prosperity development in general.

Other highlights of the event were mass social service, cultural show in the evening where R. P. Singh, Superintendent of Police Changlang, lighted the lamp in presence of the Bishop and hosts of dignitaries and public. DIPRO

 

 

Correction

The Toll Free Telephone number published in a front page news item  of this daily on March 22 regarding implementation of  Mid-Day meal scheme should have been read as 1800-345-3604 instead of 1880-345-3604 which is a typical error.

 

 

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

Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector - E, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh - 791111, India

All rights reserved.

News Impact

• Arunachal Film Festival begins
• CBI arrests BRTF commander with cash
• APSCW constitutes fact-finding committee
• Forester Jamoh becomes highest rubber planters
• APBRDA urges Centre for higher allocation of fund
• Training cum demonstration on usage of sustainable fishing technology
• Training for women groups held
• Workshop on Arunachal Pradesh Ecotourism Policy’
• Free coaching classes for students of Tirap begins
• NHPC Subansiri Lower Project  conducts workshop on CSR
• Govt decision for Lower Siang district creation hailed
• Light that goes off after mere gust of wind

Save Lobi colony road

Dear Editor,

Through the columns of your esteemed news paper, I wish to highlight the problem of Lobi and Subansiri colony of Itanagar. This year govt of Arunachal Pradesh took so many steps to develop road condition in our state capital by providing two lane road systems and approach road to every sector and colony but as per my view Lobi people have been deprived of such development. Still the road condition of Lobi is in poor condition. The lone approach road which connects Lobi people to the NH 52 which is through via state museum is in bad condition. Due to non maintenance, the said road is only for name sake. Because of soil erosion, major part of road has been washed away. As per interaction with the Lobi development committee we have come to know that they are still waiting for mercy from state govt and they are protecting the said road from some vested person who is trying to occupy the road for construction of house. It is happening because state govt never look back after constructing the said stretch of road 20 years ago. If govt and department did not take step immediately it may be too late may and said road will disappear from its path as the population increases day by day and people want to grab land to sustain in these capital. Through this letter we are trying to let concern authority hear our voice. So before it too late we urge planning department to immediately place scheme for renovation of road with drainage system for the above mention road for the welfare of the people.

Yours,

Bengia Nachung,

President,

Capital Youth Organization

 

 

 

Amicable solution needed in regards to Lower Siang district

Dear Editor,

The creation of four districts in Arunachal Pradesh under the leadership of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki is laudable. The Adi Students Union (AdiSU) believes that the creation of district shall envisage rapid growth of infrastructure and human resource development in the particular areas and state as whole.

The Arunachal Pradesh District Re-organisation Bill 2013 fulfilled aspiration of people in first place who sought for the same since last many years. AdiSU also appeal the government to look out for amicable solution to resolve the Lower Siang issue with immediate effect so that no one is deprive of this developmental package. Referring to the press statement given by Ramle Banggo Welfare Society, AdiSU opines that anger and emotion should be kept aside when you go for welfare of mankind as a whole. The press statement given by RBWS was provocative in communal base line having communal overtone words and sentences. AdiSU appeal the said organisation to refrain from immature words and activities for the sake of maintaining communal harmony. Since from the beginning, in all official letters and press statement AdiSU and ABK had clarified that the organisations duo don’t object to the formation of Lower Siang district, but there are people who want to stick in present East Siang, and the land whose owners do not want their land to be spared. On behalf Adi people, AdiSU extent thankfulness to all the legislators for creation of Siang District, especially to MLA Tamiyo Taga and Minister Tapang Taloh for their untiring efforts and CM Nabam Tuki for fulfilling his commitment within one year. It is the precious gift of CM to the Siang Dwellers.

Yours,

Obuk Gao

General Secretary AdiSU

 

 

 

We deserve chance

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily I would like to highlight the grievances of Mathematics and Geography students of Govt. colleges of Arunachal Pradesh. Our college examinations are going to be held in the month of April, 2013 and it will stretch up to 16th May, 2013, the last paper being that of Mathematics and Geography. According to the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission, the APPSCCE, Prelims 2013 will be tentatively held in the month of April-May. Our concern is that if the commission conducts the said examination during our college examination, a large number of students would be unable to appear in APPSCCE Prelims, 2013 because the candidates are required to appear in the said exam in their respective districts (Centre) according to the commission. Since there are many students who are studying outside their respective districts, it is my earnest request to the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission to conduct the APPSCCE Prelims, 2013, keeping in mind the aforesaid problem of large number of students of Govt. colleges of the state. Since it is a State Civil Service exam, we do hope that the students studying in the govt, colleges of the state deserve a chance to appear in the said exam.

Yours,

K. Ninung

 

 

 

Be aware of fraud calls

Dear Editor,

In today's world, it is not surprising to know how some people would go to any length to extract money from others. There are many instances that we come across every day. I would like to share with you all one such instance, of which I almost became a victim myself.

Many of you may have received phone calls (or may be not) or SMS's from various anonymous numbers. They call on the pretext of being a customer care executive of such and such service providers. They would inform you of having won a lucky lottery and the prize money which would vary from a Bike to an LCD or Fridge etc. They would ask for your personal details like location and address and at the same time provide you with a bank account number where you would be asked to deposit a certain amount, upon which the prize would be delivered at your doorstep. Citizens, please beware of such fraudulent calls. They are nothing but a very well organised group of frauds, who dupes innocent people of their hard earned money.

As mentioned, I almost got duped myself, that is, until I called the customer care of the service provider, of which the caller claimed to have been a representative of. That is when I found out the call was routed from Bihar/Jharkand, contrary to the info given to me who said they were calling from Itanagar/guwahati head office.

Yours,

Nee,

Itanagar

 

 

 

Siang district-A new dawn of hope for people of Siang

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily I on behalf of the Siang District Reorganization Intellectual Forum (SDRIF) would like to extend our profound pleasure to Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for his extraordinary solidarity with the people of Siang since his induction as the Chief Minister. He has further demonstrated his generosity to the people by bringing Siang District Reorganization Bill and getting it passed in the state legislative assembly. This historic event has won the heart of all the people of the Siang belt. The aspiration for separate district by the people of Siang belt which comprises of 9 circles of East and West Siang District viz Pangin, Boleng, Riga Rebo-Perging, Kebang, Rumgong, Jomlo-Mobuk, Kaying and Payum is a three decade old issue. Nabam Tuki led government has finally understood the genuineness of the issue and fulfilled the long cherished dream of the people of Siang belt. Therefore, on this momentous occasion, on behalf of the people of the newly created Siang District, the SDRIF expresses deep gratitude to the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and his Cabinet colleagues and all members of the Legislative Assembly. People of Siang belt shall eternally remember Nabam Tuki and Tapang Taloh Minister Industry, Handloom& Handicraft for their epoch making contribution by gifting a new Siang district to the people of Siang belt. The people of Siang belt are extremely proud of them and gratefully acknowledge their fervour and zeal in making the long cherish aspiration of the people come true. In the same vein, the SDRIF highly appreciate the persistent and indefatigable efforts of the MLA Tamiyo Taga, in making the dream of the people Siang belt come true. All these leaders shall be eternally remembered as the heroes of the Siang district.

Yours

Tayi Taggu

President,

(SDRIF), Itanagar

 

 

 

Mob cannot decide who is guilt

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily I would like to highlight some facts regarding the Longding Rape Incident as reported in your newspaper. I would like to state that my son is suffering from acute kidney failure because of the assault by the mob. If indeed my son had raped the girl why didn't  they allowed my son to have medical test inspite of his repeated request. About allegation of him mixing her drinks with intoxicants, why didn’t' the authorities send her urine and blood samples to Dibrugarh to be tested for any intoxicant substance. If they had sent it we could have got clear picture by now. Weeks have passed but assaulters have not been arrested. This clearly sends a signal to the whole of Arunachal Pradesh that the rules framed by the mob are greater than the laws of the land. In a democratic set up, laws are a set of rules to be interpreted by the courts. No individual organisation or mob is above the law. Who gave them the authority to take the law into their own hands?

I hope the administration arrests the assaulters of my son and if my son is guilty of rape then he may be punished as per the laws of the land but if my son is not guilty then the assaulters would have to give my son their kidneys. I also appeal to all woman organisations to kindly separate the facts from fiction while issuing press releases.

Yours,

Sane Megu, Roing

(Mother of Alleged Accused)

Urgent action needed for people

with MDR-TB

On the World Tuberculosis Day, which is observed globally on 24th of March, Médecins Sans Frontières calls for urgent action to ensure tuberculosis ends as a disease.

If measures to tackle multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) are not significantly stepped up, including addressing barriers that prevent both research into better drug combinations and treatment scale up, MDR-TB rates will continue to increase worldwide and a historic opportunity to improve abysmal cure rates will have been squandered, medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/ Doctors Without Borders warned.

Two new drugs effective against MDR-TB should be used to make treatment much shorter, more effective and less toxic. This demand is among others made by people living with the disease and MSF medical staff from around the world in a public manifesto launched this week.

MSF projects in India are seeing increasing numbers of people with MDR-TB, with drug resistance found not only among patients who have previously failed TB treatment but also in patients newly diagnosed with TB – a clear sign that MDR-TB is being transmitted in its own right.

Left untreated, the infectious disease is lethal. Even with appropriate diagnosis treatment today puts people through two years of excruciating side effects, including psychosis, deafness, numbness and constant nausea, with painful daily injections for up to eight months. Barely half of people get cured.

India does not yet have enough prequalified laboratories to conduct the drug-sensitivity testing needed to scale up diagnosis of MDR-TB. Diagnosis in the private and public sector is often incomplete, leading to inappropriate treatment and spreading resistance.

India, Russia and China account for nearly 60 per cent of the global MDR-TB case burden. Yet in 2011, less than one in five of an estimated 630,000 people with MDR-TB had been able to get the treatment they needed. With two new drugs available, high burden countries like India must scale up efforts to diagnose and treat MDR-TB now, so that robust programmes are in place once the new drugs are introduced.