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2017

March 19

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ATMs run out of cash, nervousness ripples across

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Mar 18: Even before the official financial year begins, the Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) in Itanagar are reportedly running out of cash.

The cash shortage partially hit all ATMs, including the State Bank of India (SBI) in and around Itanagar since Friday. The SBI alone has more than 30 ATMs in the Capital Complex.

Men and women could be seen in queues for hours to withdraw their cash in the limited ATMs which were dispensing cash, while ATMs near Legi Complex and Ganga were reportedly out of cash within a few minutes or were already empty.

"Only few booths near SBI Itanagar are dispensing cash", said a customer who was in queue.

It is reported that shortage of cash in SBI banks and ATMs has partially affected the common people, especially commuters and medical patients. Normal business activities are also said to have been affected by the cash crisis as there are many shops that do not have cashless transaction facilities. A similar situation is reportedly being faced by the customers in Naharlagun, Nirjuli and Banderdewa. It is also reported that the cash crisis may last for another week.

On being asked by this daily, Assistant General Manager of SBI Itanagar branch, Dilip Kumar Datta confirmed the cash shortage in the SBI. The Assistant General Manager further informed that despite repeated requests for cash and notes sent to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the RBI is unable to fulfill the demand for cash.

He feared that the situation may worsen in rural areas if the RBI is unable to deliver the cash on time.

'For all the ATMs in Capital Complex alone, rupees five crore it required at a time' disclosed the Assistant General Manager.

Datta further divulged that RBI Guwahati had asked them to collect some amount of cash from the Guwahati branch as part of temporary arrangement with conditions to manage the security themselves.

'The SBI Itanagar had to turn down the proposal as the security protocol says that the RBI has to manage and provide security for safe transportation of the cash', informed the Assistant General Manager.

Reportedly, ever since the Government of India announced demonetization on November 2016, the RBI is facing a cash crisis.

ATA assures indefinite end to future agitation

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Mar 18: Following assurances that the state government would address the demands placed by the Arunachal Teachers' Association (ATA), the ATA, along with members of its affiliates- All Arunachal Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan Teachers' Association (AASSATA) and RMSA on Saturday assured of ending all proposed future agitations indefinitely.

The declaration which was made significant by virtue of its glaring absence on 'terms and conditions,' as compared to their earlier stance was spelt out in a press conference at Arunachal Press Club by ATA Vice President C K Yab.

Earlier, in a meeting on March 5 last, the agitating teachers' association of the state and the GoAP had arrived at an agreement to discuss on the reports of a three member committee that had been constituted to examine the joint demands of ATA and AASSATA.

The Association informed that the meeting, which was presided over by Minister of Education, Honchun Ngandam, along with all the concerned authorities, including Parliamentary Secretary Pani Taram and Education Secretary and Special Secretary duo of Bidol Tayeng and Mitali Namchoom respectively, besides representatives of ATA and AASSATA, carefully went through each of the 13- point demands of the teacher's community along with the Committee recommendations and subsequently reached to an agreement.

Some of the significant agreements were on the issue of BEO RR, which the government informed the Association, were 'being reviewed' and under 'active consideration.' The authorities concerned also informed that Group 'B' gazetted status for PGT has already been notified.

Other significant agreements include enhancement of salaries of RMSA TGT at par with SSA TGT (from April next) and release of pending salaries of all teachers working under SSA, RMSA and KGBV. Various other demands are either under examinations/ recommendations or awaiting decisions from other related departments such as the Finance.

ATA president Tarh Yaku and her general secretary Tania Hakom, AASSATA president Tagru Kasa and RMSA president Taba Billow also lauded the March 5 meeting outcome and the initiative taken by Education Minister Ngandam in finding an 'amicable solution' to their problems.

Expressing hope that the agreement would go a long way in boosting the morale of the teachers' community of the state, the Association members also appealed to their fellow teachers to uphold their duties towards society and meet the expectations of the government in uplifting the education scenario of the state.

Ngurang Tazap passes away

Governor, CM, orgs mourns demise

ITANAGAR, Mar 18: Former PWD Deputy Minister Ngurang Tazap passed away in the early hours of March 18 at a Guwahati-based hospital after prolonged illness.

Born on 8 May, 1959, he has left behind two wives, three sons and a daughter.

His last rite will be held on March 20 at his residence in Amba Village, Doimukh.

Tazap started his early education from the Seva Ashram, North Lakhimpur and went on to complete his graduation from Government Degree College, Itanagar.

Later, he joined politics during 1985-86 and served the Congress party in various capacities. Subsequently, he was elected as Zilla Parishad Member in 1987 in the then undivided Kimin, Doimukh, Balijan, Itanagar Anchal Samiti.

In 1990, he was elected as first MLA of 14th Doimukh Assembly Constituency when the State Assembly seats were raised to 60 members and became the Deputy Minister, RWD & PWD under Gegong Apang's Cabinet.

He pioneered the creation of Papum Pare district in the year 1992-93, bifurcating it from Lower Subansiri district.

After losing the legislative election in 1999, he gave up his political career and started propagating the message of God by establishing Christ Ministry of Missionaries with various churches throughout the country.

Governor of Arunachal Pradesh P B Acharya condoled the sudden demise of former Deputy Minister Tazap and joined the people of Arunachal Pradesh in praying to the Almighty God to give the bereaved family enough strength and courage to bear the irreparable loss.

The Governor also offered his prayer for eternal peace of the departed soul.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju also mourned the death of Tazap.

In a condolence message, Rijiju said "I am deeply shocked and grieved to hear about the sad demise of Ngurang Tazap, a social activist and a dynamic politician. He was a multi-faceted personality, who worked for the people of Arunachal Pradesh as a law-maker and a Minister.

"I convey my sincere condolences to the bereaved members of the family and pray to God to rest his soul in peace."

Chief Minister Pema Khandu has mourned the demise of veteran politician Tazap. In a condolence message to late Tazap's wife, Ngurang Reena, Khandu shared the grief of losing one of the pioneers of political history of Arunachal Pradesh and asserted that his contributions as a political representative, a minister and a social worker will be remembered by the people forever.

Khandu paid tribute to the former leader and called him a champion of the poor who worked for their welfare as Deputy Minister of RWD as well as PWD during 1990-95.

Hailing from a remote village - Rupung of the then undivided Lower Subansiri district, he played an active role in carving out a new district now called Papum Pare. He was also instrumental in coining the name 'Papum Pare' after the names of the two important rivers Papum and Pare.

'His contribution in establishing Yupia as the headquarters of the new district will also be remembered by the people,' Khandu added and prayed to Lord Buddha to bestow strength on the bereaved family members to bear the irreparable loss.

Former MLA and younger brother of late Tazap, Ngurang Pinch said that people of Papum Pare will never forget his selfless contribution and initiation of road communication, rural electrification, establishment of primary health centres, purgation of schools, irrigation facilities for farmers, rural drinking water facilities. Besides, he also incessantly advocated for the peaceful co-existence of people living along the Assam and Arunachal boundary, he added.

Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee President, Takam Sanjoy has also deeply mourned Tazap's demise. He also visited the late leader's residence in Doimukh and paid his tributes.

Sanjoy also condoled the death of Nabam Taram, state gold medalist and former Panchayat leader and HGB Nimte Village, Sagalee division, who breathed his last on March 11 last after a brief illness.

He further prayed to the almighty for the eternal peace of the departed souls and to bestow enough strength to the bereaved families.

Former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki deeply mourned the untimely demise of Tazap and termed late Tazap a unique leader, who always sincerely worked for the masses with commitment. 'His death has caused an irreparable loss for the state, Papum Pare district in particular. He will always be remembered for his invaluable contributions to the society', Tuki said, while conveying his condolences to the bereaved family members.

The Arunachal Students Union, Shillong (ASUS) and Dopum Welfare Society also mourned the demise of the former Minister.

The fruits of development seen today in Papum Pare district are Tazap's initiatives which cannot be forgotten, the Society said.

Anti-drug campaign at Ngopok

PASIGHAT, Mar 18: In its efforts to eradicate drug menace from East Siang district, the Women Against Social Evils (WASE) district unit on Saturday organized an anti-drug campaign at Ngopok village under Mebo subdivision, which saw the participation of officers, GBs, PRI leaders, villagers and women.

Addressing the gathering, East Siang Deputy Commissioner Tamiyo Tatak said that the aim of the campaign was to create awareness among villagers about ill effects of drugs and to educate them on healthy way of life. "Administration is ever ready to extend every possible help whenever sought for," he said, adding that legal action would be taken against persons who indulge in poppy and ganja cultivation, selling and using of drugs, including illegal selling of IMFL.

Tatak appealed to the villagers to let their children concentrate on their studies and engage them in productive works during vacation period. The DC further said that villagers should also cooperate and report any illegal activities in the villages to the administration and NGOs like WASE and ABK (WW).

The DC also informed that the East Siang administration has imposed blanket ban on illegal timber operation, hunting and fishing. He laid stressed on cleanliness, education, health and hygiene and further urged the gathering to cooperate with the administration to preserve the flora and fauna, including all natural resources for a better tomorrow of future generations.

ADC Mebo also briefed on how youths of Mebo subdivision were made aware of the harmful effects of psychoactive substances, while Superintendent of Tax & Excise, K Komud highlighted on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, while also informing that selling and using of drugs is a heinous crime, and any person found indulging in such activities can be booked under this Act.

WASE President and General Secretary Omem Ering and Jaya Tasung Moyong said that lack of knowledge about adverse effects of narcotic substances posed a major public health hazard, and that everyone has a part to play in protecting the youth from dangerous substances.

DMO Dr M Perme, DD (ICDS) Ponung Ering Angu, DD (Agri) Y Lego Jamoh, ASMs and GBs also spoke on the occasion. (DIPRO)

Learn gainful skills to become self reliant: Lowang advises youths

ITANAGAR, Mar 18: Minister for Agriculture, Wangki Lowang urged the state's youth to change their mindset and equip themselves with gainful skills instead of solely depending upon government jobs.

He was addressing a day-long Skilled Arunachal Conclave-cum-exhibition, which was held at the State Banquet Hall, under the aegis of the Department of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, here on Saturday.

Lowang opined that the youths of the state should be trained in gainful skills like masonry, carpentry, haircutting and other such trades that could provide them with employment opportunities in their own state.

He urged the experts to explore mechanisms to equip the youths of the state with practical skills.

While terming the conclave as an important platform to create awareness on skill development opportunities imparted by concerned departments and agencies, Parliamentary Secretary for Skill Development, Jambey Tashi emphasized on dignity of labour and advised the youths become skilled to become self reliant.

Secretary, Skill Development, Madhu K Garg dwelt on the activities of the Department of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, while Director of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Subu Tabin spoke about the scopes, challenges and useful schemes being implemented by the department for the youths of the state. The Director said that educated unemployed youths are trained in various trades across the country by highly trained subject experts, which has helped many youths of the state in getting jobs all over the country.

Minister for Industry, Tamiyo Taga, Parliamentary Secretary, Mama Natung and Chairman Gabriel D Wangsu were also present on the occasion.

The ides of March Herald The Spring!

Flights Of Fantasy

Group Captain M Panging

VM (Retd)

As spring season arrives, the results of the recently conducted elections indicate a paradigm shift towards a dominant single party rule in India. Election after election and state after state are being gripped by this single party march. The opposition parties are being gradually decimated with only a few regional parties showing potential of countering the blitzkrieg of the dominant party.

This dominance of rightist ideologies is being replicated in other major nations around the world also. The triumph and dominance of strong rightist leaders like Donald Trump in USA, Vladimir Putin in USSR, Xi Jinping in China, separatist/nationalistic movements like BREXIT vote in UK, Scotland’s vote for independence etc replicates this change of ideologies in today’s geo politics.

Rightist, nationalist ideologies like USA for Americans, Russia for Russians, Assam for Assamese, Maharashtra for Marathi’s etc are emerging with strong passions. Federal, secular, plural and fraternal ideologies are being pushed into the backgrounds. The demography of North Eastern States consists of multiple castes, tribes, races and religions. The people and governments of North Eastern States need to tread with caution.

Nearby home the recent flaring up of sectarian conflict in neighbouring Assam is also indicative of strong regional ideologies. Similar demographic profiles exist in other North Eastern States also and could flare up into conflicts if not tackled tactfully with velvet gloves.

The geo political narrative is gradually leaning towards ideas like “If you are not with us, you are against us...!” Tolerances for contrarian views and perspectives are on the decreasing trends.

Coming back to other mundane events, the process of ‘Remonetisation’ has been almost completed with the removal of all withdrawal limits...that also for our own money! The state government has decided to implement the 7th Pay Commission recommendations to the joy of thousands of state government employees. The Finance Minister has presented an Rs 285 crore deficit budget for the 2017-18 fiscal with major thrust on women empowerment, infrastructure development and law and order. The budget appears very positive and balanced and it seems to be seen how much of the laid down targets are achieved at the end of the fiscal year.

Rightist, Leftist or Centrist...it should be okay if citizens have peace, stability and development!!

With a dominant government ruling the nation and most states of the nation, the country is full of newly composed slogans like “Sab Ka Saath, Sab Ka Vikas”, “Make in India”, “Act East Policy”, “Arunachal Rising” etc. The time has come to implement these slogans in letter and spirit.

The ‘Numero Uno’ difficult to implement slogan given by the Prime Minister seems to be “Na Khaaunga, Na Khaane Doonga...” !!!

RGU team inspects orange orchards in Aalo

AALO, Mar 18: A team from the Center with Potential for Excellence in Biodiversity (CPEB), Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), along with local citrus growers recently inspected the orange orchards in different parts of Aalo, West Siang district to study the problems associated with orange production.

While interacting with the orange growers in Eyi, Aalo at the community hall on Friday last, RGU Department of Zoology, Assistant Professor, Dr Hiren Gogoi briefed on the possible role of insect pollinators to enhance quality and quantity of orange in the region citing the example of apple and kiwi fruits. He further advised the orange growers to avoid the use of pesticide wherever possible to conserve the natural predators and parasites of the pests.

Consumer Court asks state govt & Pawan Hans to pay compensation to consumer

ITANAGAR, Mar 18: The Consumer Dispute Redressel Forum, Papum Pare district, in an order issued on November 25 last year, had directed the Pawan Hans Authority and the State of Arunachal Pradesh to jointly pay the complainant a sum of Rs 2 lakh for deficiency of service and Rs 1 lakh for mental agony and harassment with interest at the rate of six percent till the total payment is made.

While hearing the complaint LMCA (PP) No 119/2011 filed by complainant, Dr Rama Shankar against the state government and Pawan Hans, alleging deficiency in service and mental harassment caused to him, the Forum further said that the total amount of Rs 3 lakhs only should be paid by the opposite parties within one month from the date of passing this order, failing which, interest at the rate of eight percent would be accrued on the whole amount till full payment is made.

Giving its judgment, the Forum observed that the contention of respondent number 1 and 3, that the complainant had de-boarded the helicopter voluntarily is not convincing as a person coming from a long distance trip would never be expected to forego his convenience after reportedly already availing the ticket and boarding the helicopter. Further, the complainant is found to be a senior citizen holding high post in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. It was very wrong on the part of the opposite parties to ask the passenger on board to de-board, which proves that there is deficiency of service, the Forum, headed by its president Jaweplu Chai said.

In its complaint against state government and Pawan Hans, Dr Rama Shankar said that he was compelled to de-board the Naharlagun-bound Pawan Hans Helicopter when the copter was almost about to take off from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati on December 13, 2010 to accommodate another Naharlagun-bound passenger.

The complainant further said, "He was not even given time to claim his luggage from the helicopter, which inter alia contained cash, various important confidential documents and other academic and personal papers." Later, his luggage was collected from the Naharlagun Helipad office on December 14, 2010.

CoSAAP to launch indefinite strike

ITANAGAR, Mar 18: The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the Confederation of Service Associations of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) has proposed to continue its third phase of non-cooperation movement in the form of indefinite pen and tools down strike from March 20 next.

In a communiqué, the CoSAAP informed that the Committee arrived at the decision after holding a meeting on March 18 at Naharlagun, where the members expressed deep resentment on the government's apathy towards the employees' demands. The CoSAAP informed that it had held a General Body Council meeting on February 11, following which, it had officially conveyed the state government on February 13 of the indefinite strike if the demands were not looked into.

The demands of the CoSAAP include implementation of FR-56 (retirement age at 60 years), withdrawal/modification of NOC system in matters of promotion and retirement, grant of Transport Allowance, implementation of Medical Attendance Rules, grant of Children Education Allowance, implementation of All India LTC Rules, restoration of Lateral Entry system in APCS (EG) as per original Rules and payment of Adhoc Bonus to non-gazatted employees.

While the CoSAAP appreciated that some of the mentioned grievances have already been recommended for consideration by the High Power Committee constituted by the government under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary Satya Gopal, it, however, claimed that the state government is reluctant to implement the recommendation, which has compelled the employees to take democratic means to drive home.

Accordingly, the CoSAAP in its communiqué informed that during the indefinite pen and tools down strike, the employees would attend their respective offices/ work places and put their attendance, but will not discharge duties during office hours. Drivers will also attend their duties of picking and dropping of VVIP, VIP, officers and officials from home to office and back, but will not perform duties during office hours.

All the members of the Association will attend their essential service duties and wear black badges.

Departments, offices and employees who have been exempted from the purview of the agitation include milk van, water supply, electricity supply, doctors and nurses in hospitals, Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Services, Magistrates on duty, Sanitation, fire brigades, IPR on Press duty, Veterinary Hospitals, teachers and employees of Education Department on examination duties and Civil Aviation

Yogi Adityanath to be the new UP CM

LUCKNOW, Mar 18: Yogi Adityanath, the controversial mascot of hardline Hindutva, will be the next Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

In a move that surprised many, the 44-year-old five-term MP from Gorakhpur was elected the BJP legislature party leader at a meeting of the newly elected MLAs, a week after BJP won a resounding three-fourth majority in the key Hindi heartland state, making a combe back to power after 15 years.

State BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya, who was himself in contention for the top job, first announced Adityanath's election.

Maurya, the MP from Phulpur in Allahabad, will be the Deputy Chief Minister apart from senior BJP leader and Lucknow Mayor Dinesh Sharma.

Later, addressing the media, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, who along with BJP general secretary Bhupendra Yadav was present at the meeting as central observer for the election, told a press conference that Adityanath's name was proposed by Suresh Khanna, an 8-term MLA, and seconded by 10 others.

Naidu said even after the proposal was made, he asked the 312 newly elected MLAs if they wanted to propose anybody else for the post, but they all backed Adityanath unanimously.

Naidu said that the Yogi then said he needed two deputy CMs to assist him in the gigantic task, following which it was decided that Maurya and Sharma would hold the posts.

Interestingly, none of the three is a legislator in Uttar Pradesh.

Adityanath will be the 21st chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and the fourth from the saffron party.

He will be sworn in tomorrow at a ceremony at Kanshiram Smriti Upvan at 2.15 PM where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah will be present. PTI

Gemo Tali gets Health Sub Centre

AALO, Mar 18: The Health Sub Centre at Gemo Tali village was inaugurated by Minister AH & Veterinary Science Dr Mohesh Chai on March 17 last.

While highlighting the need for sufficient infrastructure and manpower for the sub centre to run efficiently, Dr Chai also took the opportunity to inform that the government is focusing on agro and allied sectors to contain growing unemployment problems.

Later, responding to a public memorandum pertaining to construction of a cultural centre at Gemo Tali, the minister assured to look into the matter on priority basis.

Parliamentary Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs, Nyammar Karbak assured to sanction Rs 12 Lakhs for community dere (hall) and Rs 15 Lakhs for infrastructure development of the Sub-Health Centre at Gemo Tali. He also appealed to the villagers to avoid confrontation in contractual works.

Further, Aalo DMO Dr Marbom Basar said that three health staffs have already been posted to the centre and an ANM and GNM would soon be posted to make it functional.

Dr Chai was accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary Chow Zignu Namchoom, MLA Dikto Yekar, West Siang Deputy Commissioner Gamli Padu and ADC Kamba Swetika Sachan. (DIPRO)

Orgs allege non-performance of duty

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Mar 18: The All Mengio Youth Association (AMYA) and All Mengio Unemployed Engineer Union (AMUEU) alleged that the EAC cum BDO of Mengio is not performing his duties properly.

Addressing media persons here at the Arunachal Press Club, AMYA President Gyamar Guniya alleged that the EAC cum BDO of Mengio is not performing his duties properly by staying at his headquarter at Mengio. It is said that the EAC is also holding the charge of Circle Officer, Silsango circle.

Blaming the negligent officer, the Association claimed that the "non-performing officer is creating inconvenience to the public of both circles and slowing down official works."

"Due to negligence and absence of administrators in both circles, the people are not getting benefits" Guniya added and further blamed the EAC for hampering other official procedures, including education and health sectors. The Association has also submitted a six-point memorandum to Deputy Commissioner of Papum Pare for early redressal.

It further alleged that the EAC has arbitrarily deducted two day wages of MG-NREGA job card holders without any valid reason. Saying that as per MG-NREGA Act there is no provision for deduction of wages, the Association alleged that the officer has broken the laid down guidelines of MG-NREGA, and accordingly demanded that the officer hand over the cards to the respective beneficiaries.

It also claimed that the officer had issued a completion certificate for works under "My Village My Development" schemes without physical verification.

Meanwhile, this daily was unable to contact the officer in question for his reaction on the allegations.

Ngorlung Head GB Rende Panyang dies

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Mar 18: Head Gaon Burah of Ngorlung village under Ruksin Circle, Rende Panyang passed away on Thursday at the age of 83.

Born at Pongging village in 1932 in present Upper Siang district, Panyang was elected as Anchal Samity Member of Ruksin for two consecutive periods and subsequently appointed as Gaon Burah of Ngorlung.

The Ruksin Circle Gaon Burah Association, led by Mitkong Sitang (President) and Tabang Saroh (Secretary) and Ruksin Block Donyi Polo Yelam Kebang have deeply condoled the demise of the head GB.

Meanwhile, Mariyang-Geku MLA Olom Panyang, former Union Minister Omak Apang, and former Arunachal Minister Dr Tangor Tapak also expressed their grief on his death.

Skill development training for PwD concludes

ITANAGAR, Mar 18: A two-month long skill development training on weaving and knitting, jointly organized by the All Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Association (AAPEDA) and National Youth Project, New Delhi for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) concluded with a certificate distribution programme in the office of the AAPEDA on Friday last.

The valedictory programme was attended by Roing MLA, Mutchu Mithi and Chief Councilor Itanagar Municipal Corporation, Kipa Kaku.

The training programme was earlier inaugurated by Parliamentary Secretary for UD & Town Planning and Land Management, Techi Kaso, along with Director of Social Justice & Empowerment, Taw Tebin and Deputy Director Health Services, M Doye.

Make Chera Talo District Hospital functional: ZPC

KOLORIANG, Mar 18: Koloriang Zilla Parishad Chairperson (ZPC) Sangha Tagik has appealed to the state government to make the Chera Talo District Hospital at Koloriang functional by March 2017.

In a letter submitted to the Health and Family Welfare Minister, the ZPC said the Chera Talo District Hospital, Koloriang has only three doctors, but no specialists, health staff, including pharmacist and lab technician, or medical equipment to serve the needy and poor patients.

"There is no medicine available in the hospital", he further said and appealed to the Minister to take necessary step for posting of at least 20 doctors as per the Indian Public Health standard, along with specialist doctors, lab technicians and pharmacists for the hospital immediately. He also asked for supply of all required medical equipments to the district hospital and other health institutes.

Citing the APWWS Koloriang unit's single point memorandum submitted to the ZPC on International Women's Day, Tagik further said "demands should be met soon to avoid any public outcry against the lackadaisical attitude of the government."

NSS camping at Napit

PASIGHAT, Mar 18: The NSS unit of J N College, Pasighat conducted its annual special camping programme at Napit Village of East Siang district.

As part of its two days special camping, which started on March 17, volunteers cleaned the entire village, including the dere (community hall) and drains on both sides of the road.

The volunteers also interacted with and visited the flower nursery, and bamboo garden of one of the progressive farmers of the village, Kamang Moyong.

Participating in the interaction session, village President Orem Moyong and village Secretary Nongku Gao, thanked the college for choosing Napit village for their special camping programme and also advised the volunteers to continue their selfless service.

The annual special programme was successfully conducted under the supervision of NSS Programme Officers Dr Temin Payum, Dr Kento Kadu and Ing Perme, along with the support of villagers, the principal of the college, and Assistant Professor Dr Romeo Dupak.

Workshop on career counseling, legal aid

PASIGHAT, Mar 18: A workshop on 'Career Counseling and Legal Aid' awareness was organized at Doying Gumin College, Pasighat by the Department of Political Science of the college on March 18.

Resource Person, Professor T Lhungdim of Rajiv Gandhi University guided the workshop on career guidance.

The brainstorming session lasted for almost two hours, followed by fundamentals on Motor Vehicle Act, presented by Inspector Tagom Radeng of Arunachal Pradesh Police. He also discussed in detail on vehicular accidents due to negligence of drivers and need for safe driving.

Advocate Mary Tatak spoke on Fundamentals of Right to Information Act, Sexual and Mental Harassment against Women and domestic violence, while advocate Borik Tarang spoke on Juvenile Justice Act and the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. He exhorted the students to know and use the existing laws for the betterment of the society.

Swachata Pakhwada Abhiyan

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Mar 18: Sille Primary Health Unit, Upper Primary School, Oyan and the business community of the area on Saturday conducted a cleaning programme under 'Swachata Pakhwada Abhiyan' by cleaning up the market places at Sille and Oyan.

Inaugurating the programme, Dr Dhananjoy Pait urged the people to keep their surrounding clean to get rid of infectious diseases.

Teacher-in-charge of Oyan UPS, Jitendra Pait, who supervised the cleaning programme, requested local businessmen to keep their area free from plastic and garbage.

Desist from impeding development project: PPDF

ITANAGAR, Mar 18: Expressing its resentment over serving of a legal notice by some student organization to concerned departments regarding the execution of TAH from Nechipu to Bana, Passa to Khodaso, Bana to Seppa, Seppa to Passa and Khodaso to Hoj, alleging violation of forest norms, the Papum Pare Development Forum (PPDF) has urged the student organization not to impede the development process of the area.

The Forum in a release on Saturday claimed that the executing agencies have been carrying out the road construction work after due approval and clearance from the concerned departments, including necessary compensation against the properties falling on the Right of Way by the government.

It has alleged some organization/ individual of creating unnecessary hurdles in an otherwise smooth execution of the said highway for their own vested interest.

Awareness campaign on wildlife conservation

ITANAGAR, Mar 18: A day-long awareness campaign on preservation and conservation of forest fire, wildlife and natural resources was jointly conducted by the All Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Association (AAPEDA) and Department of Forest & Environment at Sangdupota, Papum Pare on Thursday last.

The programme was attended by Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Alo Libang, who advised the Panchayat leaders, GBs, general public and youths to extend their support to the Forest Department for preservation and conservation of wildlife and natural resources.

Additional Conservator of Forest, Western Arunachal, Banderdewa, Mito Rumi and Sangdupota Circle Officer, Nabam Taji were also present on the occasion as resource persons.

Lower Subansiri district bandh ends

ZIRO, Mar 18: The 12-hour Lower Subansiri district bandh called by the All Lower Subansiri Youth Association (ALSYA) on March 17 passed off successfully, informed the Association. The Association had called the bandh demanding for immediate completion of land acquisition process for construction of road from Potin to Bopi under TAH and renovation of the same road as per DPR.

Some bandh callers were arrested at Yazali and some shops at Hapoli market were sealed to suppress the voice of public against corruption, the Association claimed. It threatened to launch its third phase of district bandh after Myoko festival if its demands are not fulfilled.

Innovative Perspective Plans for Pasighat

PASIGHAT, Mar 18: East Siang Deputy Commissioner Tamiyo Tatak called upon the heads of the departments to come up with innovative ideas/ proposals in the Perspective Action Plans of their respective departments, so that a holistic and integrated road map for the district can be formulated for speedy and all-round growth.

The DC also called for biometric enrollment and Adhaar card seeding with bank accounts, so that all beneficiaries could avail CSS schemes through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The meeting chaired on Friday, was attended by HoDs of all departments and also representatives of banks.

As banks have a pivotal role to play in Adhaar card seeding, the DC sought their support in creating awareness among the people, particularly in rural areas in terms of wider publicity and awareness campaigns, in close coordination with the district administration. (DIPRO)

Military Civic Action

LONGDING, Mar 18: The Khonsa Battalion, under the aegis of Dao division provided furniture to Kunsa Village School, one of the remotest villages in Longding district.

Fiber black boards, benches, study tables with chairs were provided under the Military Civic Action project.

Clean Election workshop

ITANAGAR, Mar 18: The 'Clean Election Workshop', organised by the Nyishi Baptist Church Council at NBCC Compound, concluded on March 18.

There was an extensive discussion on how Churches could play vital role by ensuring clean and corruption free Assembly and Panchayat elections.

Resource persons Reverend Halli Likha, Reverend C Lalraochama and Reverend Tage Donyi presented papers on the topic 'Church and Politics', 'Modalities of Clean Election' and 'Impact of Clean Election'.

The workshop further decided to continue to work on clean election in every possible way and to cooperate with likeminded organizations and government on the topic.