mar17 12

2017

March 12

Home

Huge win for BJP in UP, U'khand; Cong takes Punjab

LUCKNOW/CHANDI-GARH, Mar 11: The BJP today stormed back to power in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand securing landslide wins while the Congress achieved a similar feat in Punjab and emerged as the single largest party in Goa and Manipur which threw up a hung Assembly.

Anchored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah, the BJP juggernaut rolled on in UP and in the neighbouring state of Uttarakhand, bagging three-fourth majority. The popular Congress Chief Minister Harish Rawat lost both seats that he contested in the hill state.

The BJP is returning to power in the politically crucial state of UP after a gap of 15 years during which regional parties such as the SP and the BSP held sway.

As the Assembly elections in the five states turned into a virtual referendum on Modi's popularity and demonetisation, the BJP decimated the ruling SP, its alliance partner Congress and Mayawati's BSP in UP.

After a hiatus of 10 years, Congress led by former chief minister Capt. Amarinder Singh stormed to power in Punjab getting 77 seats, falling just one seat short of two-third majority.

It was a birthday present for Amarinder who turned 75 today as the Congress routed the SAD-BJP combine and dashed hopes of Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP, which was confident of sweeping the Assembly polls on its debut.

BJP leaders hailed the spectacular victories of BJP as a vindication of Modi's popularity and his pro-poor policies with some calling it a "tsunami".

Shah, who crafted and conducted the election strategy in UP, said the results have catapulted Modi to the stature of the "tallest leader" since independence.

"The only factor for the win is the performance of the Modi government," Shah told a press conference in Delhi. "The outcome has shown the faith the poor have reposed in Modi...

Even his political rivals will have to admit that he has emerged as the tallest leader in the country since independence," he said.

"This is the victory of the corruption-free rule and pro-poor policies under the leadership" of Modi, he tweeted earlier.

At the end of vote counting, the BJP bagged 312 seats on its own with a nearly 40 per cent vote share and with allies Apna Dal (Soneylal Patel) and Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) their strength goes up to 324 in a House of 403. The BJP had just 47 seats in the outgoing House.

The previous best showing by BJP in UP was in 1991, at the height of Ram Janam Bhoomi movement, when it got majority on its own winning 221 seats out of 425 in an undivided state.

The highest number of seats bagged by a single party in the UP assembly polls was in 1977 when Janata Party got 352 seats when Uttarakhand was part of the state.

BJP had not put forward any chief ministerial candidate in UP where it also did not put up any Muslim candidate.

The UP chief minister will be selected tomorrow by the BJP parliamentary board and the legislature party in the state.

The ruling SP whose campaign was steered by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on development agenda received a severe drubbing getting only 47 seats as against its previous tally of 224 while alliance partner Congress was reduced to single digits(7), down by 21 seats.

SP received a major jolt in Lucknow Cantt seat where its patron Mulayam Singh Yadav's daughter-in-law Aparna Yadav lost to BJP's Rita Bahujuna Joshi, who left Congress ahead of the elections.

BSP could garner only 19 seats in a huge slump from the previous tally of 80.

The results in UP and Uttarakhand set off celebrations in

Winning 77 of the 117 assembly seats, Congress stormed back to power in Punjab riding a strong anti-incumbency wave against the ruling SAD-BJP combine and warding off a spirited challenge by newcomer AAP.

The party put up its second best performance in the state. In the 1992 state elections, it had won 87 seats. With 77 MLAs it just one seat short of a two-third majority. The Congress had 46 seats in the outgoing House.

In addition, Congress also won the bypoll to the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat.

The SAD-BJP alliance finished at number three spot in the state polls, behind AAP, which emerged as the largest opposition party with 20 seats.

However, the number fell way short of Arvind Kejriwal's claim that AAP will win 100 seats.

The Prakash Singh Badal-led SAD won 15 seats, down from its earlier tally of 56 seats while ally BJP bagged three seats against the 12 it had won in 2012.

At a packed press conference in Chandigarh, a beaming Amarinder Singh, who was the Congress' chief ministerial face, hit out at the SAD claiming it had brought the state "down to its knees" and mocked Kejriwal, saying he was like a "summer storm that had come and gone".

In Uttarakhand, BJP bagged 56 out of 70 seats at stake in the state to storm to power reducing Congress to just 11 seats.

It is for the first time in the 16-year history of Uttarakhand that a party has emerged with an impressive tally like that recorded by the BJP.

BJP suffered reverses in Goa where its tally was reduced to 13 from 21 in the 40-member house as the poll results threw up a hung assembly where opposition Congress emerged the single largest party with 17 seats.

Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), Goa Forward and Independents won three each and NCP bagged one seat. The majority mark is 21 seats.

Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar bit the dust in Mandrem.

Four former Congress chief ministers - Digambar Kamat, Pratapsinh Rane, Ravi Naik and Luiznho Falerio - emerged victorious.

Apart from humiliating defeat of Parsekar, who lost by over 7,000 votes, six ministers of BJP also fell by the wayside.

The verdict would give smaller parties like newly formed Goa Forward and MGP with a role in ministry formation.

The poor showing of the BJP, which had won 21 seats last time, is also seen as a setback for Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who had led the campaign from the front, fuelling speculation he may return to his home state as chief minister.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which hit the state with a big fanfare, drew a blank.

Congress sources said that as the single largest party, it would stake claim to form the next government and was confident of getting support from independents and others.

Shortly after the results were out, Parrikar said that the BJP remains in the race for forming the government.

"It is a fractured mandate. We are awaiting the response of smaller parties," he told reporters in Panaji.

Like in Goa, it was a hung House in Manipur with ruling Congress bagging 28 out of the total 60 seats and BJP getting 21.

Congress, which had won 42 seats in the 2012 assembly poll, suffered a jolt as it managed to capture only 28 seats this time but is in the race for government formation as it emerged as a single largest party.

BJP, on the other hand, took a giant leap forward capturing 21 seats as the party had none in the outgoing House.

BJP's vote share of 36 per cent is higher than 34.7 per cent secured by Congress.

Three-time Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh romped home from Thoubal constituency defeating his nearest BJP rival L Basanta Singh by 10,400 votes.

Human rights activist Irom Sharmila who had contested against Ibobi Singh, secured only 90 votes and was relegated to the fourth position.

Manipur PCC President T N Haokip said that his party would form the next government with the help of "like-minded secular and regional parties. PTI

CM, BJP celebrate victory

ITANAGAR, Mar 11: The state unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with Chief Minister Pema Khandu celebrated the victory of the party in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and also the performance in Manipur and Goa Assembly elections.

Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah over the landslide victory, Pema said the common people have reciprocated to the 'good governance' and the 'people friendly' programmes and policies of the BJP Government in the Centre.

"The clear mandate in those states proves that the people of the country have full faith on your leadership," Pema wrote in his congratulatory letter.

"The PM's farsighted vision, plans and policies which benefitted millions of citizens across the country have been well accepted by the common people who through their votes chose BJP to govern these states" Pema said.

He also lauded the efforts put in by Party President Amit Shah under whose guidance and strategies the BJP could achieve this great milestone.

State BJP president Tapir Gao also congratulated Prime Minister Modi and BJP President Shah for the electoral victories. He attributed the election victories to good governance and policies of Modi Government and asserted that it is a clear reflection of Prime Minister Modi's pro-poor policies and anti-corruption measures including demonetization and zero tolerance to terrorism.

The victory celebration was also joined by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Power, Industries, Textiles & Co-operation Minister Tamiyo Taga, Education Minister Honchun Ngandam, PHED Minister Bamang Felix, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development Minister and Dr. Mohesh Chai, senior party leaders, workers and office bearers of various Morchas.

Parents of Divyangjan come together to create more awareness on mental impairment

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Mar 11: There has been in general, very little awareness regarding autism, cerebral palsy and multiple impairment amongst our people which make it a real challenge for people with disabilities to have access to their rights and become part of the mainstream.

An attempt has been made to bring their issues and challenges to the forefront by Arunachal Pradesh Parents Association for Disabled (APPAD), an NGO which had organized a two-day regional meet of parents of Divyangjan at the Administrative Training Institute, Naharlagun from Mar 10 to 11. Held in the state for the first time, the meet focused on addressing the various requirements of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (PWIDDs) of the state and placing it before the state and central authorities.

Simal Ranje, General Secretary of APPAD rued on the shortage of medical fraternity in the primary health centers in the state. He has informed that there are no rehabilitation centers in the state to take care of the PWIDDs. 'The state government urgently needs to appoint special educators, speech and occupational therapists, clinical psychologists, physiotherapists etc', he said, adding that early intervention and rehabilitation can go a long way in improving the life of children with disabilities.

'Moreover, unlike other North East states, people in Arunachal are not aware of the various PWIDD inclusive centrally sponsored schemes like NIHM, MGREGA, NRLM, besides loans and hence could not avail these', he stated and stressed on the need for proper implementation of Chief Minister's Disability Scheme and grant of ex-gratia for the benefit of PWIDD.

Earlier, while speaking during the valedictory programme of the two-day meet on Saturday, North East Zonal Secretary, PARIVAAR, Akum Ezung lauded the state government's recent move to increase the disability pension to Rs 1000 and urged the GoAP to establish units of all the national level disability specific institutions soon to address all kinds of disability-related issues.

The regional parents meet saw the participation of resource persons, like Ravi Prakash from NIEPIDD, Secunderabad, N Sengupta, Vice President (NE) PARIVAAR, Akum Ezung North East Zonal Secretary, PARIVAAR from Nagaland, B Wankhar of PARIVAAR from Shillong, representatives from NAPAD Nagaland and Lisa Beypi from Shishu Sarothi, Guwahati, who discussed on topics like special education for person with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, its early intervention, besides policies, schemes and rights for PWIDDs.

Meanwhile, the APPAD has already submitted a memorandum to Parliamentary Secretary for UD, Housing and Town Planning, ULB & PWD, Techi Kaso seeking early establishment of special schools for special children (CP, MR, Down's syndrome etc) in the Capital Complex and all district headquarters of the state, creation of special job opportunities, skill development for parents and relaxation to the parents, family members of APWIDD in the field of entrepreneurship, supply and contract works, providing one care giver for each and every PWIDD from the state government, immediate implementation of RPD Act 2016 in the state, district and block level, appointment and posting of special educators, speech and occupational therapists, clinical psychologists, physiotherapists etc by forming the rehabilitation centers in all district headquarters, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech therapist at Toko rehabilitation center at A sector Naharlagun, financial support for minor special children PWIDDs to support education, health and livelihood, provision of separate arrangement at hospital/ OPD/ ward for assessment, early intervention, counseling, etc for PWIDD at Tomo Riba State Hospital and Ramakrishna Mission Hospital, and also at all the district hospitals of the state.

RGU's Arunachal Panorama Festival begins

ITANAGAR, Mar 11: The Arunachal Panorama Festival, celebrated to promote and showcase the rich traditions and cultures of the tribes of the state began at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) on Saturday.

The celebration started with amber lighting by Minister for Urban Development and Town Planning Nabam Rebia, followed by Wancho drum beats that rent the air.

A mega dance was performed showcasing a panoramic view of vivid colours of Arunachal Pradesh.

Vice Chancellor Professor Tamo Mibang, in his message, stressed the importance of the event to create awareness among the young students of the need to preserve and showcase rich culture and traditions of people of the state.

Earlier, President of Rajiv Gandhi University Students Union Tania Tagia submitted a memorandum to Minister Rebia for installation of street lights and improving arterial roads within the university campus.

Free and compulsory school education for all

Flights Of Fantasy

Group Captain M Panging VM (Retd)

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world"

- Nelson Mandela

A few years back, India became one of 135 countries to make education a fundamental right of every child when The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 came into force on 1 April, 2010.

As per this Act, all children between 6 to 14 years are to be provided 'Free and Compulsory Education'. This roughly corresponds to students of Class I to Class VIII. 'Free education' means that no child, other than a child who has been admitted by his or her parents to a school which is not supported by the appropriate government, shall be liable to pay any kind of fee or charges or expenses which may prevent him or her from pursuing and completing elementary education.

'Compulsory education' casts an obligation on the appropriate government and local authorities to provide and ensure admission, attendance and completion of elementary education. As per the Act, the share of funds between centre and states for providing this free and compulsory education from class I to class VIII was laid down as 90 to 10 for North Eastern states.

In addition, the national programme of Mid-Day Meal in schools was launched in 1995 and is supposed to cover all children studying in classes I to VIII in government, government-aided and local body schools, National Child Labour Projects schools and schools supported under SSA.

As per the Census figures of 2011, the literacy rate of Arunachal Pradesh is 66.95 percent (73.69 % for males and 59.57 % for females). As per these figures, Arunachal Pradesh figures amongst the bottom three states of India and last among all states of North East India.

There are over 1500 schools in Arunachal Pradesh, including higher secondary schools, high schools, middle schools, primary schools and pre primary schools.

As per estimates, there are about 80,000 students studying in classes IX to XII in the state. Free education to these students amounts to one set of school uniform, one set of books and no tuition/ admission/ exam fees. A rough calculation works out to an additional expenditure of about Rs 10 crores every year. Since students from class I to class VIII are already being provided free education under the The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, with additional expenditure of Rs 10 crores, the state will ensure free education to all school students of the state.

Many other states have implemented free education for all school students. One example is Sikkim. Sikkim has successfully implemented free education up to college level in the entire state!

Since there are complaints of students forced to pay different types of fees despite The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 and defects in the Mid Day Meal scheme with reports of erratic supply and leakage, one innovative way may be is to directly transfer the funds to students accounts via the Direct Transfer Method.

There cannot be a better gift to our children and grand children more valuable than free and quality education. Do we want to dream for Arunachal where all children and youth are educated? To quote Confucius:-"If your plan is for a year, plant rice. If your plan is for a decade, plant trees. If your plan is for a lifetime, educate children."

Smart classes in schools from June

ITANAGAR, Mar 11: The Department of Education has entered into an agreement with EdCIL India Limited, New Delhi for starting smart classes in schools of Arunachal Pradesh from 2017-18 onwards.

The Agreement was signed among three parties, namely EdCIL India Limited, the Department of Education and Department of IT.

EdCIL is a PSU of the Government of India under MHRD. They use 'K-Yan' projector with inbuilt study materials in animated forms for teaching and supplementing conventional classroom teachings.

The scheme will be taken up under Chief Minister's "Adhunik Shiksha Yojana", for which Rs 30 crore has been earmarked for the financial year 2017-18.

When implemented, technicians of EdCIL will visit all the district headquarters and impart trainings to teachers.

During the first phase, the project is proposed to be implemented in all the 100 higher secondary schools and 182 secondary schools in the state.

Further, the project will also be taken up in selected 153 middle schools and 202 primary schools, covering the entire state. The remaining middle schools and primary schools will be covered in a phase wise manner during 2018-19 and 2019-20.

The first phase of the project is proposed to be implemented from June 2017.

In the second and third phases of the programme, schools located in interior areas will be covered and provided with solar battery backup facility.

PMC to introduce electric crematorium

PASIGHAT, Mar 11: The Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) and WAPCOS, Ltd, a Government of India Undertaking, Gurgaon have reached to an agreement for installation of electric-cum-gas fired crematorium at the burial-cum-cremation ground in the town.

An agreement was signed between Municipal Executive Officer (MEO) A Koyu and WAPCOS Chief Engineer (Civil Design), A K Gahlot, in the presence of Chief Councillor Kaling Doruk, Deputy Chief Councillor Kaling Darang and WAPCOS Consultant Gaurav Sinha at the PMC office on Thursday.

A joint team of WAPCOS and the PMC also visited the burial cum cremation ground on the same day for finalization of the area for installation of the crematorium. During his visit, Chief Engineer Gahlot informed that the project would take a maximum of five months to be made functional.

MEO Koyu said that the electric crematorium would reduce pollution and lessen the financial burden of poor people who purchase wood for performing last rites of the deceased. People residing close to traditional crematorium were more vulnerable to health hazards, he said, adding that modern crematoriums would protect the environment.

Chief Councillor Doruk opined that installation of electric crematorium was the lone solution for multiple problems related to cremation.

While extending his gratitude to the government for sanctioning necessary funds for the crematorium, he asserted that combined efforts of the elected representatives and officials of PMC have finally yielded dividends. (DIPRO)

Forest Festival gets underway at Kombo Pomte

AALO, Mar 11: The 4th edition of the two-day Forest Festival got underway with wide range of activities at Kombo Pomte Village on Saturday.

Commander, Aalo Military Station Brigadier J S Budhwar was all praise for the Forest Department for organizing the annual forest festival to create awareness on importance of preserving forests and the environment among the locals.

He called upon people to conserve forest and plant tress by adopting the principle of 'each one plant one' to maintain greenery in the state. Also discouraging the use of plastic and polythene, he said, 'Polythene not only litters the surrounding but also causes health hazards'.

Nyali Ete, former DFO Aalo, and Special Secretary RD and Panchayati Raj expressed his happiness that the idea conceived by him to organise Forest Festival at Aalo way back in 2014 to create forest and environment consciousness among the people with a handful of workers and forest officials has reached such a height today. He urged the department, PRI, GBs and locals to continue their support and cooperation to keep it going in the future too.

Spelling out the aims and objectives of organising the festival, DFO Aalo Abhinab Kumar said that the event was an endeavour towards creating forest and environment-friendly atmosphere by directly coming in close contact with the local people. He said that the state, which had 80 percent of forest cover, has gradually come down to 61 percent, which is a major cause of concern. He advocated for massive tree plantation drive to maintain forest cover.

The Department of Forest, Textile and Handicraft, APWWS, Galo Ane and locals of Kombo also put up exhibition stalls on forest seedlings, art and crafts, traditional wears and local food items on the occasion. (DIPRO)

The spirit of three ‘C’

[ Dr. Hage Tabyo ]

First - 'C': To keep oneself 'Cool'.

"Anyone can become angry - that is easy, but to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way - that is not easy", taught the renowned Greek philosopher, Aristotle.

With all the stress and pressure in our lives, it is easy to lose our cool at the slightest of irritations, or with the mildest of provocations. While we are rushing home from work at the end of another exhausting day, we scream at the slow paced moving driver on the road in front of us, who apparently has all the time in the world, not making our way, or while we shop at the grocery store, we get annoyed with the shopkeeper who makes delays in delivery of goods when we are in search of the ingredients for the night's dinner menu. Or, while we are taking a tea break at the office canteen, we yell at the mobile retail vendor who has the nerve to interrupt us in an attempt to sell us his latest head load wares.

The problem with losing your temper on a daily basis is that it becomes a habit. And like most habits, a time arrives when it becomes second nature. Personal relationships start unraveling, business partnerships begin to fall apart and your credibility decreases as you become known as a 'hot headed' or 'a loose cannon'. Effective people are consistent and in many ways, predictable. Tough times call for cool people and they are always cool and calm when pressure is on. Keeping your cool in a moment of crisis can save you years of pain and anguish. Hurtful words unleashed in a single minute of anger have led to many broken relationships. Words are like arrows, once released, they are impossible to retrieve. So one should choose one's with care. Keeping cool could not only lower your blood pressure level and minimize probable heart attacks, but also increase the overall health of physical and social environment. "Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and help them become what they are capable of being" said the famous German poet, Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe. These are wise words to live by.

Second 'C': to 'Connect' with nature and plant trees.

We live in an age of seemingly limitless information. You may imagine: the weekday's edition of the Hindustan Times newspaper contains more information than the average person was exposed to during an entire lifetime in the eighteenth century Indian life. Over these few years, I have experienced and found that spending time alone in natural surroundings in a forest connects me to the larger universe around me and restores my spirit in this hurried age.

After a busy week or a month of engagements in office or elsewhere with maddening associations with people, the simple act of sitting in a wooded park or forest-land and listening to the wind move through the leaves fills me with a sense of quiet and peace. My priorities become clearer, my obligations seem less pressing and my mind grows still. There is an absolute tone of peace of mind at the moment. Communing with nature is also an excellent way to unlock your creativity and generate new ideas as I sense. Isaac Newton formulated the Laws of Gravity while relaxing under an apple tree one day. Likewise, Swiss Designer George De Mestral developed Velcro after examining the burdock burrs that clung to his dog while he was hiking in the mountains. Natural surroundings serve to stifle the endless chatter that fills our minds so that our true brilliance can be liberated.

And while you spend time enjoying nature, observe your surroundings with deep concentration. Study the complexities of a flower or the way the wind current moves in a sparkling stream. Take your shoes off and feel the grass under your feet. Give silent thanks that you have the privilege of enjoying these special gifts of nature. Many people do not have that privilege, especially those who're urbanites. As Mahatma Gandhi observed, "when I admire the wonder of a sunset or a beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator".

According to ancient eastern thinking, to live a fulfilling life, you must do three things: have a son, write a book and plant a tree. By doing so, the thinking goes, you will have three legacies that will live on long after you die.

While there are clearly many more elements of a happy and complete life (I would add the joy of having a daughter too to the list), the idea of planting a tree is an excellent one. Watching a tree grow from a small sapling into a tall oak will keep you connected with the daily passage of time and the cycles of nature. Just as the tree grows and matures, so too will you be able to mark your personal passages and growth as a human being.

Third - 'C': 'Carry a book with you, always.

I think, it is an ideal way of a habit which I for one use to make for a long time since, to keep and carry a good book in your kit wherever you go- always. It is one of the simplest yet useful ways of time management strategies you can follow to go anywhere with a book inside your travel bag. At any moment of stopgap eventuality, while others waiting in the line are complaining, you will be growing and feeding your mind with a rich diet of ideas found in great books - irrespective of whether may be that from novels, quotation books or history.

"So long as you live, keep learning how to live", noted the Roman philosopher Seneca. Yet most people, especially among today's youth never read more than a handful of books after they complete their formal schooling or college curricula. In these times of rapid change, ideas are the commodity of success in life. All it takes is one idea from the right book to reshape your character or transform your relationships or revolutionize your life. A good book can change the way you live as the philosopher - Henry David Thorean observed in 'Walden' - "There are probably words addressed to our condition exactly, which if we could really hear and understand, would be more salutary than the morning or the spring to our lives, and possibly put a new aspect on the face of things for us. How many a man has dated a new era of his life from reading a book. The book exists for us perchance which will explain our miracles and reveal new ones".

How high you will rise in your life will be determined not by how hard you work or how much you amass wealth, but by how well you think. As Robin Sharma of 'The monk who sold his Ferrari fame says in his leadership speeches. "The greatest leaders in this new economy will be the greatest thinkers". And the person you will be five years from now will come down to two primary influences: books you read, and people you associate with.

Deep reading allows you to connect with the world's most creative, intelligent and inspiring people, 24 hours a day. Aristotle, Emerson, Gandhi, Thoreau, Dorothea Brandi, and many more of the wisest of the men and women who graced our planet today are just waiting to share their knowledge with you through their books. Why would not you seize such an opportunity as often you could? If you have not read them today, you have not really lived today. And knowing how to read but failing to do so puts you in exactly the same position as the person who cannot read but wants to. (The writer is former Director of Health & Family Welfare, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar)

No shortage of essential items in Ruksin

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Mar 11: There has been no disruption of vehicular movement along the National Highway-52 in Dhemaji district because of the ongoing movement by All Assam Students' Union (AASU), supported by various other organizations in Assam, following the recent Silapathar incident.

"Neither the movement of commercial vehicle transporting food items, nor passenger vehicles of Arunachal Pradesh were ever disrupted along the highway since the incident happened," told Takam Mising Porin Kebang President Naresh Kumbang to this daily over telephone on Saturday.

When asked about the reports of essential items falling short in some places like Ruksin in East Siang district due to frequent bandh calls in Assam after the incident, the TMPK leader said, "There should not be shortage of essential items since vehicular movement was never disrupted along the highway until today."

He said that there was a bandh call in Dhemaji district on Saturday, which ended in the evening.

The TMPK leader, however, did not deny the problems faced by people of Silapathar area, including nearby Likabali in Arunachal Pradesh because of continued curfew clamp down after the incident and burning down of few shops/ business establishments in Silapathar by miscreants.

He appealed to all sections of the society not to resort to violence and solve the crisis peacefully.

Youths asked to take up entrepreneurial projects on solar energy

ITANAGAR, Mar 11: Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner Prince Dhawan has advised the youth to take up entrepreneurial projects in the field of solar energy, which presented tremendous opportunity for a state with a pristine nature.

The DC was addressing the participants on the second day of the three days "Solar Awareness Training Programme", with the topic "Off-grid Roof Top Solar Technology" at a city hotel here on Friday.

According to the DC, "If Arunachal is to rise with the sun, then it needs to tap solar energy." He also announced to fund a street lighting project for the stretch of road from Naharlagun to Itanagar and instructed the Arunachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (APEDA) to submit a proposal as soon as possible for the purpose.

Speaking on the occasion, APEDA Director, Engineer Marki Loya listed various activities of the Agency in the field of solar, hydro and biomass energy generation. He also informed the participants of the Net Metering project to be launched soon. Consumers could adopt solar power generation under the project at homes that come with subsidy from the government.

The programme is being organized by the APEDA and implemented by the National Institute of Solar Energy, based in Gurgaon and sponsored by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Engineers of various government departments, NGOs and youth of the state are attending the training programme.

Bank performance in Papum Pare reviewed

YUPIA, Mar 11: The District Level Review and Consultative Meeting of Papum Pare district quarter end December 2016 were held at the DC's Conference hall on Friday.

Interacting with the bankers, Deputy Commissioner Tai Kaye asked them to implement the Government of India flagship programmes like MUDRA, Stand up India, PMEGP, Jan Dhan Yojana and other important schemes proactively.

He also requested the banks to provide the list of beneficiaries of government schemes under Papum Pare district so that he could monitor the performance of the banks and also to upload the ongoing schemes on its portal on periodic intervals. He also asked banks to make provisions for online submission of applications of beneficiaries in any schemes.

Earlier, Chief Manager Lead Bank Itanagar, J Singh placed the reports of performance of banks in the house of quarter end December 2016. He also requested all bankers to prepare data with photographs of running units of loan sanctioned under Stand up India for Papum Pare district.

Meanwhile, representatives from all banks apprised the DC about the bank business and their financial achievements.

The DLRC meeting is quarterly conducted by the SLBC, Itanagar to review the performance of banks in the district. (DIPRO)

Arunachal Tourism Dept takes part in 'Destination North East'

CHANDIGARH, Mar 11: The state Tourism Department, under the guidance of RTO New Delhi, Adong Moyong, along with tour operators based in New Delhi participated in 'Destination North East', organized by the Union Ministry of Development of North East Region (DoNER) from March 6 to 8 at Chandigarh.

The event showcased various features of the North East region in order to attract investments in tourism, skill development, horticulture and floriculture, medicinal plants, bamboo development, culture and heritage and above all organic farming.

The objective of 'Destination North East' was to showcase North East states as potential destinations for tourism and also aimed at bridging the gap between the rest of India and the north-eastern region by creating awareness about the region. Cultural events were also a part of the festival with emphasis on North-east folk music and dance.

The three days event was inaugurated by DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, and MP Kirron Kher.

Late Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy 2017

APC beats CM XI

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Mar 11: Arunachal Press Club (APC) XI edged past Chief Minister XI in a friendly football match played to mark the launching of the state level football and volleyball tournaments for Late Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy 2017 at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium on Saturday.

APC XI beat Chief Minister's XI 3-0 (5-2) via penalty shootout after both the teams played out a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

For APC, Duru Soki, Dogin Randa and Mathew Balo converted their penalty shots.

Skipper Pema Khandu, Pani Taram, Mohesh Chai took the first three spot kicks for CM's XI but failed to convert.

While Dr Chai's shot hit the upper bar, the CM and Taram's shots rested in the goalkeeper Kalley Cheda's glove straight.

Earlier, CM's XI took an early lead with goal from Likha Saaya in sixth minute which was equalized by APC-XI in 15th minute through goal from Joram Aka Bai.

Gumnya Karbak scored the second goal for CM-XI in 60th minutes.

It was hard luck for APC-XI as striker Sonam Tabri Dada missed a golden opportunity to equalize when he failed to convert a penalty kick in 65th minutes.

Stung by the goal, indomitable APC XI stepped up attack and finally found the equalizer through midfielder Dogin Randa few minutes before the final hooter.

The CM-XI was led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu and APC-XI was captained by APC President Chopa Cheda.

The match was organised by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs.

The Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy on Football and Volleyball for Men and Women 2016-17, earlier known as the Chief Minister's Trophy on Football and Volleyball for Men and Women, was renamed after Ashoka Chakra awardee Dada by Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

Earlier, before declaring the tournament open, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that since Dada was enthusiastic about sports since his childhood, renaming the tournament was an appropriate way to not only appreciate Dada's sacrifice for the nation, but also to encourage youths to take inspiration from the martyred hero and take up sports sincerely.

On the occasion, the documentary titled 'Dada- the warrior hero', released by the ADGPI of the Indian Army, showing glimpses of Dada's life in the army leading up to his martyrdom, was also screened on the occasion.

Havildar Hangpan Dada was martyred while combating terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir on May 27, 2016. He was awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime military decoration on August 2016 for his bravery.

Also attending the programme, Dada's maternal uncle L Wanglet and nephew Sunny Bangsia were felicitated by the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister. Appreciating the state government for its gesture of recognising the sacrifice of Dada by naming the state level tournament after the martyred soul, Wanglet extended love and regards of Dada's wife Chasen Lowang, their family and the Nocte community.

Wanglet also appreciated the Indian Army for taking care of its fallen heroes.

Sports & Youth Affairs Parliamentary Secretary Nyamar Karbak also spoke on the occasion.

Pedung Archery Tournament held

ITANAGAR, Mar 11: Pedung Archery Club and LMG Archery Club won the men’s and women’s championship titles respectively in the 4th Pedung Archery Tournament which was held at Shastra Seema Bal (SSB) Ground, Pedung from February 27 to March 10.

Pedung Archery Club beat Sa-Dawa in the men's final by six points. The winner scored 156 points.

Taw Tsering won both the 'Man of the Match' and 'Man of the Tournament' titles.

In women's category, LMG Archery Club beat Family Line Archery Cub.

Dorjee Eton of LMG Archery Club, who scored 361 points, was adjudged the “Women of the Tournament” while Nyomba was adjudged as the "Female of the Match" (37 Points).

Master Chotu with 152 points won the boys under-15 title defeating Master Kenas (145 points). The winner and runners up were given Rs. 2000 and Rs.1000 respectively.

The winner in men's category was awarded cash prize of Rs. 50,000 while the runners up was given Rs. 25,000.

The winner in women's category was awarded Rs.20,000 and the runners up was given Rs.10,000.

There were also prizes for individual title winners.

Deputy Inspector General, SSB, Sector Hqr Tezpur Sonam Yuton,

Principal of Govt. College Bomdila Sangja Khandu and AWKSU president Minda Longthen attended the closing function.

Lok Adalat

BOMDILA, Mar 11: The Lok Adalat held in the Additional District & Session Court, Bomdila on Saturday settled six criminal cases out of 22, while 10 pending motor vehicle cases were also disposed and Rs 19,100 realized.

Further, nine cases related to bank were fixed and four settled, with recovery of Rs 14,63,709.

TAH assessment complete for Bopi- Daporijo

DAPORIJO, Mar 11: The much cherished dream of the people of Upper Subansiri district for better road connectivity is taking shape as the Trans-Arunachal Highway (TAH) Reassessment Committee, under the initiative of Deputy Commissioner A K Singh has finally completed the physical verification of road stretch from Bopi to Daporijo recently.

This also means completion of verification of a total length of 116 Km TAH Road under Upper Subansiri district.

The TAH committee received overwhelming response from the TAH affected people during physical re-verification as a result of which the committee could complete the verification process on time.

The payment of land compensation for the stretch from Bopi to Daporijo, which was started on March 7, was completed on March 11, barring few. Payment of the few left out is expected to be completed at the earliest.

The road would be handed over to PWD, Highway Department for early execution of construction work.

It is expected that same support and cooperation will be extended by the citizen of Upper Subansiri during the construction of TAH. (DIPRO)

Bandh deferred

Ziro, Mar 11: In a press release, the All Lower Subansiri Youth Association stated that its proposed 24 hours Lower Subansiri district bandh on March 15, 2017 has been deferred to March 17, 2017, keeping in view the examinations of class XII students and Myoko Festival of the Apatani community. Also, the 24 hours bandh has been reduced to 12 hours, a release stated.

TRAI conducts consumer outreach programme

ITANAGAR, Mar 11: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) conducted a "Consumer Outreach Programme", which is an initiative by TRAI to protect interests of telecom consumers.

Attending the programme, Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner Prince Dhawan lauded TRAI's endeavour to conduct the programme in the eastern most state of the country. He assured all help from the district administration for any activity conducted by TRAI and emphasized on setting discernible goals to gauge the outcomes of such programmes.

The programme was conducted to create awareness among telecom and broadcasting consumers and stakeholders about TRAI's initiative. It aims to educate consumers and take feedback. A total of 317 outreach programmes have been conducted in the last two years and 96 programmes have been planned for 2016-17.

The programme was also attended by service providers, vendors, consumers and government officers. The TRAI team was led by TRAI Joint Advisor Jayant Kole and TRAI Senior Research Officer Abhijit Basak.

Ering funded dere inaugurated at Tarak Village

PASIGHAT, Mar 11: A newly constructed dere (community hall) at Tarak village, 20 KM away from Pangin was inaugurated by Head Gaon Burah, Tate Jerang, in presence of MP Ninong Ering and SP D Jini on March 9.

Constructed at a cost of Rs 25 lakh by the RWD, the dere was funded by Ering from his MPLAD fund.

Speaking on the occasion, MP Ering advised the villagers to take proper care of the community hall. While greeting the people on the auspicious occasion of Aran Festival, he assured to take up the headquarter issue with state Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Power and Industries Minister Tamiyo Taga and local MLA Tapang Taloh.

Stressing on maintaining peace and harmony for socio-economic development, the MP appealed to the people to be cooperative to solve the issues amicably through discussions.

Responding to public grievances, he also assured to take up compensation related issues of Trans-Arunachal Highway project on priority with the appropriate authorities. (DIPRO)

Disaster management cum preparedness awareness prog

SEIJOSA, Mar 11: An awareness programme on disaster management was conducted by the Sub-Divisional Administration led by ADC Seijosa Kento Riba at Government Middle School A2, Seijosa on Saturday.

During the daylong programme, the expert team led by the ADC demonstrated basics of rescue operation, first aid and safety measures that could help one during disasters like earthquake, flood, landslides and fire.

The team explained about the precautions to be taken during heavy rain and flood and elaborated about the use of improvised methods during disaster from locally available resources.

Apart from demonstration on disaster management, the team also explained about disaster preparedness and safety tips to reduce the extent of damage.

School children, government officials, teaching staff and public from different walks of life of the area were present in the programme.

NSS camp

DOIMUKH, Mar 11: The National Service Scheme (NSS) of Government College, Doimukh conducted two days special camp at Lekhi Village near NEEPCO Hydel Project under Doimukh circle on March 10 and 11.

On the first day, 50 NSS volunteers conducted a social service at the lone Government Primary School, which saw the participation of villagers, teachers, school management committee members, GPMs, GBs, professors and principal of Government College, Doimukh.

On the second day, the volunteers conducted maintenance work, including white washing, fixing broken windows and verandah.

State gold medal awardee Nabam Taram passes away

ITANAGAR, Mar 11: State gold medal awardee and Head Gaon Burah (HGB) of Nimte Village Nabam Taram passed away on Saturday morning after a brief illness at Doimukh.

Taram was honoured by the state government with gold medal in 1996 for his invaluable contribution towards society in the field of horticulture, agriculture and social reforms.

He served the society initially as a government employee at the BDO's office, Sagalee in the early 60s. He then left the government job and became a successful farmer.

He was a pioneer in the field of horticulture in the entire Doimukh Sagalee Sub-division. He also taught and encouraged people to cultivate orange, pineapple, pears etc.

Taram went on to become a public leader and served the people in the capacity of GPM, ASM, HGB, GB and PI. He also fought for eradication of social evils, like child marriage, forced marriage and superstition.

Born sometime in 1942-43, he left behind his two wives and 11 children.

He was fondly called "Baba" by everybody.

His last rites will be performed at his native village Nimte, Sagalee on March 12 last.

Meanwhile, family members, relatives and well wishers prayed to the almighty for eternal peace of his departed soul.

KVK training

Deomali, Mar 11: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Tirap organized an awareness programme on Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Right Act, 2001 in the Community Hall, Deomali on March 10.

Scientists from RARS, AAU, North Lakhimpur attended the programme as resource persons and explained the provisions under the Act to the farmers.

Altogether, 110 farmers of Deomali Sub-division attended the programme.

Earlier, Deomali ADC B Puroik attended the inaugural function of the programme, which was sponsored by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Right Authority, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.

Workshop on troubleshooting

ITANAGAR, Mar 11: An AICTE-NEQIP sponsored three days workshop on troubleshooting and maintenance of personal computer commenced at Rajiv Gandhi Government Polytechnic, Itanagar.

The workshop, conducted by the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering was inaugurated by Principal (in-charge) Dr J P Pandey.

Dr Pandey spoke about importance of such workshop and advised the participants to learn as much as possible from it as it would come handy to them, while Lecturer (EEE) Bengia Taday also spoke on the importance of such workshops for the students.

Lecturer EEE Department Migom Libang is the co-ordinator and Joram Kaku, an emerging entrepreneur is the resource person.