March 22
CoSAAP’s agitation puts state machinery at standstill
[ Amar Sangno ]
ITANAGAR, Mar 21: At a time when the government departments are scrambling to expedite
the works under various central schemes, including SIDF and SADA before the end of
the financial year, the indefinite non-
Though the CoSAAP has suspended its agitation temporarily till March 29, after hectic parley with the government representatives today in the absence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the damage in terms of delay inflicted to government file procedures are reportedly enormous to scale.
Sources informed that several work departments, which had already floated Notice Inviting Tender, were also hampered by the agitation as the employees refused to look into the files. In addition, petty contractors who are running against dying deadline are reportedly frustrated by the agitation as Additional Secretary Finance Y W Ringu has issued a notice where the last date of issuance of government cheques would be till midnight March 25, 2017, with validity of cheque up to March 31, 2017.
Watching from the sidelines, murmuring people opined that during rush hour, especially towards the end of the financial year, launch of the indefinite agitation by CoSAAP is discouraging in nature and detrimental to the growth of the state.
First to come out against the agitating employees was the state apex student organisation, AAPSU, who questioned the CoSAAP's charter of demands. The apex students' organisation stated that increasing retirement age limit would only encourage stagnation in the state and would deprive the opportunities and aspirations of many younger generations.
The demands of the CoSAAP include implementation of FR-
FAC defers clearance to Etalin Hydropower Project, exposes govt’s lack of homework
[ Tongam Rina ]
ITANAGAR, Mar 21: The Forest Advisory Committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change has deferred forest clearance to the 3,097 MW Etalin Hydropower Project in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Ministry's expert appraisal committee (EAC) had recommended environment clearance
for the project during a meeting on January 30-
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) conducted on February 28 as it studied the revised proposal for diversion of 1165.66 ha of forest land for construction of the project.
The minutes of the meeting, which is available with this daily, exposes the lack
of in-
The project is located in Anini Social Forest Division, Dibang Valley district and an estimated 2,80,677 trees are proposed to be felled for the project.
Surprisingly, the site inpection carried out by the state government forest official did not mention about the biodiversity of the area in its report which the FAC noted.
It said that the proposed project falls under the richest bio-
About 6 Globally Threatened mammal species are found in this region, of which three are endangered and three are under vulnerable category. About 680 bird species have been recorded from this region which is about 56% of total bird species of India. Among them, 19 are globally threatened and 10 near threatened. It has 4 critically endangered, 2 endangered and 13 vulnerable species.
This entire region falls under, International Union for Conservation of Nature's management categories III, IV, Endemic Bird Area, Global Biodiversity Hotspot, and Key Biodiversity Area indicating its importance at global scale. The Chief Conservator of Forest however, mentions few mammal and plant species. In fact this area has more biodiversity than any other part of the country, the FAC noted.
Another independent study using camera traps captured a total of 12 individual tigers and 8 individual clouded leopards at various locations in Dibang Valley. A large majority, above 60%, of the camera traps were placed outside Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary which shows that both species are not only abundant but also very widespread in the district.
FAC has recommended conducting multiple seasonal replicate studies on biodiversity assessment by an internationally credible institute as the current study (ElA) is completely inadequate in this regard.
The views of NTCA shall be taken, since this is vital tiger area of the region
"Existing primary research by scientists in the Dibang Valley indeed shows the project affected areas of the 3097 MW Etalin HEP to be important habitat of tiger and many other endangered species.
However, the forest diversion proposal does not reflect this ground reality. The FAC seems to have taken a logical decision to ask for fresh, credible studies before taking a final decision on the forest clearance of this project," said Neeraj Vagholikar, member of the environmental policy and research group, Kalpavriksh, while speaking to this daily.
The Compensatory Afforestation has been proposed over 1074.329 ha over an equivalent
area with total financial outlay of Rs. 19,64,56,700.00 in the degraded community
forest land. However, the district administration said that suitable degraded non-
Environment ministry's regional office in Shillong in its Site Inspection report has noted that there would be five sites of Stone/ Shoal Quarries over an area of 27.856 ha. It suggested that option may be explored to reduce the area if the quarries are located inside the submergence areas itself.
It also suggested that dumping area which is proposed at 13 sites amounting to 100.774 ha may be reconsidered to save destruction of forests.
Huge area under construction has been proposed, which include labour camps, contractors' colony, owner site office, apart from the other sites of main office, residential colony, contractor's colony, measuring about 64.99 hectares. This obviously has come under the scanner of the regional office as well as FAC.
The report specifically noted that the enumeration has not reflected the ground reality because (a) huge trees have not been reflected in the Enumeration List, (b) The size of sampling plots were actually less than recorded and have been measured along the slope, and (c) the sampling intensity is too less for getting proper assessment of the composition and structure of the forests.
It suggested that enumeration needs to be redone to a sampling of minimum 10% sampling
intensity after ensuring that representative areas are taken in sampling and that
all tree-
The report further noted that neither the certificate of the Chief Secretary regarding
non-
The Catchment Area Treatment Plan and the compliance of Scheduled Tribe and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 have not been submitted.
Etalin HEP is proposed to be developed as a combination of two "run-
The project is being executed through the Etalin Hydro Electric Power Company Limited, a JV company of Jindal Power Limited and Hydro Power Development Corporation of Arunachal Pradesh Limited at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 25,296.95 crores. The project involves the displacement of about 95 families. But the State Government is yet to prepare the Rehabilitation Plan.
State Paralympics Games 2017 gets underway
ITANAGAR, Mar 21: The second Paralympics Games 2017 got underway at Sangay Lhaden Sports Complex, Chimpu on Tuesday.
The three-
Altogether, 180 athletes are participating in the competition.
Parliamentary Secretary for Sports & Youth Affairs Nyamar Karbak, who attended the
inaugural function, lauded APPA for taking up such an initiative to make the differently-
"Being differently challenged does not make you a weak person," said Karbak, while encouraging the participants not to feel demoralized because of their disabilities.
"You also can equally excel and make your career through games and sports," said the Parliamentary Secretary and exhorted the participants to work hard to excel in their chosen fields.
Reacting to the reported duplicate certificates being circulated to avail government service under sports quota in government departments, Karbak informed that the state government under the leadership of present Chief Minister Pema Khandu is strictly monitoring the reported leakage/ forged certificates and no duplicity would be entertained in the selection process.
No one can fool anyone in this age of information technology, he said, while cautioning that anybody found indulging in such practices would be dealt strictly as per the provision of law.
"Only talented and deserving person would be given opportunities in the government service under sports quota," he assured.
Responding to a memorandum submitted by the organizing committee, the Parliamentary
Secretary said that the state government is committed to uplift Paralympic events
in the state by giving all required financial and technical support. He requested
the Director (Sports) to put up the grievances before the state government for suitable
decision to encourage the sports for the differently-
Sports Authority of Arunachal Chairman, Bamang Tago, while highlighting the various
government programmes and policies for differently-
Tago also assured to extend every possible support to APPA for organising the event next year throughout the state.
Director Sports Tadar Appa, Director Youth Affairs D K Dinglow, Mission Director
Khelo India Gumnya Karbak (Jt. Director Sports), officials and APPA General Secretary
Rojot Gaduk attended the day-
Day-
Men's 100m wheelchair men race:
Ist: Rojot Gaduk, 2nd: Kongo Taku, 3rd: Phassang Tatup.
Senior Men's 100m race
Ist: Takum Gao (15.15 sec), 2nd: Tagru Tamar (15.59 sec), 3rd: Sunil Pao(19.38 sec).
Senior Men's 50m race
1st: Konang Dara (12.39 sec), 2nd: Chello Gariak (13.57 sec), 3rd: Bedika Taye (14.94 sec)
Girls 100m race
1st: Liter Ori (16.54 sec), 2nd: Kipa Sumpa (17.29 sec), 3rd: Yapi Tadar (17.72 sec).
Boys 100m race
1st: Dali Ingo (14.13 sec), 2nd: Yumlam Janu (14.47 sec), 3rd : Jarnu Kamdak (14.30 sec).
Shot Put (Men)
1st : Tagru Tamar (10.24 m), 2nd: Takum Goa (9.59m), 3rd : Tatek Hemi (8.95 m).
Shot Put (Women)
1st : Kipa Sumpa (6.49m), 2nd: Liter Ori (6.00m), 3rd : Sindi Umpo (5.31m).
Javelin Throw (Men)
1st: Techi Datam (32.73m), 2nd: Tagru Tamar (29.37m), 3rd: Takum Gao (28.25 m)
CS propagates 'Cut 1, plant 10 trees' concept
ITANAGAR, Mar 21: Chief Secretary Shakuntala D Gamlin propagated the concept of 'cut one and plant 10 trees' in order to maintain the environment and ecology of the state.
Speaking at a workshop on 'Green India Mission', organized on the occasion of World Forestry Day by the Department of Environment & Forests, Gamlin said that "it is our bounded duty to hand over planet earth to the coming generations in a liveable condition."
Hailing the people of the state, some NGOs and government agencies for their role in the conservation of forests and natural resources, the Chief Secretary opined that promotion of livelihood of people living in and around forests was her top agenda.
The Chief Secretary also planted a sapling in the premises of Forest Headquarters to mark the World Forestry Day.
PCCF (P&D) & Nodal Officer of Green India Mission, Dr Rabindra Kumar emphasized on the importance of Green India Mission for the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
PCCF and Principal Secretary (Env & Forests) Omkar Singh highlighted the components of GIM in the context of climate change adaptation and mitigation. He informed of the progress on preparation of perspective plans in respect of Tawang, Bomdila, Aalo, Yingkiong and Longding forest divisions.
A detailed PowerPoint presentation on the basic objectives and core principles of Green India Mission was given by the CCF (FDA & IT).
The presentation covered mission targets like qualitative improvement of degraded
forests, grasslands, wastelands, wetlands and shifting cultivation, and increase
in forest and tree cover on non-
It was explained that the GIM underlines a landscape approach having contiguous areas
on forests and non-
A presentation was also given by DFO Longding on the perspective plan for rehabilitation of shifting cultivation area in Longding Forest Division.
Departments of Rural Development, Horticulture, Agriculture, Social Welfare, Panchayat, Science & Technology and numerous environmental NGOs, central government organizations, like BSI, ZSI, NERIST, G B Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development and WWF India participated in the workshop.
Pema hosts Losar function, says Govt takes up reform measures
TAWANG, Mar 21: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday said that the state government
has taken several reform measures and developmental steps for welfare of the people.
He said this while hosting a function at Jang general ground to mark the traditional
Tibetan New Year -
Earlier, the CM handed over a cheque of Rs 2.99 crore to the district administration on behalf of Border Roads Organisation to be paid as compensation to the land owners whose lands were acquired for widening of road from Sela Pass to TCP BRTF point (40 km).
Attending the function, Art and Culture Minister Dr Mohesh Chai, while extending Losar greetings, appreciated the remarkable qualities in the Monpa community that have contributed in making Tawang most desired tourist destination in Arunachal.
Appreciating Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the Minister said Pema has put an end to the old notion of seniority being the criteria to become the CM through his talent and dynamism.
Highlighting development measures of the Pema-
"We being an agrarian community, the Chief Minister has given highest priority to agriculture and allied sector," said the Minister, adding that the budget has accurately reflected the CM's concern for the unemployed and people's sufferings.
He also sought cooperation of people to march together for all round development.
Speaking on the occasion, Parliamentary Secretary, Health, Phurpa Tsering called for language exchange programme to unite the tribe in every fold.
Responding to the health issued raised by local community, he announced that the present government has allocated adequate funds in the health sector in this year's budget. On availability of medicine, he informed that the government has decentralized medicine procurement system to meet the local requirements.
The function was also attended by Tawang MLA Tsering Tashi, Tawang ZPC Chairperson Jambey Tsering, Deputy Commissioner Sang Phuntsok, 42 BRTF Commander R S Rao and Jang ADC Lobsang Wangchu Bapu.
GSU reacts to AdiSU's statement, declares phase-
ITANAGAR, Mar 21: The Galo Students' Union (GSU) called upon the Adi Students' Union
(AdiSU) not to interfere in the affairs of Lower Siang district and said that it
(GSU) was hurt by AdiSu's press statement opposing inclusion of Nari-
Stating that the Dharmendra Sharma led High Power Committee Recommendation has never been approved by the previous or present governments, the GSU said that the Dharmendra Sharma led committee never had a meeting with the legislator of the area or the parent bodies of both the communities to discuss the serious matter.
The GSU also doubted that Dharmendra Sharma had ever visited the Koyu and Kora circle.
The GSU sought cooperation from the Adi brethren in the issue for the greater interest
of Nari-
In the meantime, the GSU has declared its phase-
The first phase 24-
Essential and emergency services, such as ambulance, milk van, army and BRTF vehicles, CBSE and magistrate on duty have been exempted from the purview of the bandhs.
The demands of the GSU includes immediate functioning and posting of DC and SP at
Likabali, Lower Siang district, non exclusion of any part under 28th Nari Koyu Assembly
Constituency from Lower Siang district, cabinet approval as well as creation of Leppa
Rada district, posting of doctors, medical staff, equipments at General Hospital,
Aalo; creation of TGT/ST posts for upgraded government higher secondary schools Liromoba,
Nehru Memorial Aalo, Dari and Maro; permanent posting of central police forces, including
forest guards at the entry point of Koyu and Kora Circle under Lower Siang district;
posting of regular SDO at Baririjo and immediate functioning of SDO office at Hakte
Ripa; functionalization as well as review of power projects under West Siang district,
and upgrade of District Resource Centre, Kamki to a full-
National workshop on gender sensitization held at RGU
ITANAGAR, Mar 21: A two days national workshop for youths, organised jointly by Sociology, Social Work, Education departments and NSS unit, RGU at the university premises concluded on Tuesday.
The workshop, supported by the Centre for Tribal and North Eastern Youth Development, Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), under union ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, sought to enhance the capacity of youths and to cater to the needs and aspirations of the young people of the state to realize their potentials to create a just society.
The theme of the first day workshop was "Gender Sensitization and Legal Awareness." The workshop chaired by Professor Elizabeth Hangsing, Director of Women Study & Research Centre, RGU, aimed to make the young boys and girls gender sensitive and create positive social norms that value the girls and their rights.
The second day of the workshop, which was inaugurated by Professor Tasi Kaye, Dean of Student Welfare, RGU, focused on the flagship programme of "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao".
During the workshops, panelists including Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women former vice president Mepung Tadar spoke on UN Women He4She campaign, Sustainable Development Goals: Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (SDG), Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse under POSCO, while Deputy Secretary Law & Judicial, GoAP and OSD to AP State Legal Services Authority, Dani Belo spoke on human trafficking and violence against women and girls.
Nodal Officer (NHM), Dr Tana Natung delivered a lecture on gender health perspectives and gender equality, while Associate Professor, Dept of Education RGU, Dr Boa Reena Tok dwelt at length on sex ratio and gender discrimination.
Assistant professors of Sociology Department, RGU, Bikash Bage and Dr Shashank Yadav spoke on "Online Violence & Exploitation of Women & Girls: Social Media (Prevention, Protection, Redressal)" and "on Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" respectively. Gomar Basar, NSS PO and Member GCC briefed on introduction on UGC mandated Gender Champions Club (GCC).
With the objective of capacitating and participation of youth irrespective of gender,
a "Gender Champions Club" was also formed on the lines of concerned Ministry with
members belonging to the students from departments of Sociology, Social Work and
Education, and NSS volunteers of RGU. The formation of the Gender Champions Club
will entail establishing and nurturing network of youth development agencies and
promoting co-
Gender Champions are envisaged as responsible leaders who will facilitate an enabling environment within their academic institutions, where girls are treated with dignity and respect. A total of 15 females and 10 male students have been selected for the same.
A free legal aid clinic was also set up in the vicinity of the workshop, where students availed free legal counseling from Advocate Rosy Taba, Consultant, Department of Justice, GoI. Pamphlets and IEC materials were also distributed to the students and visitors to the clinic.
The RGNIYD functions as a vital resource centre with its multi-
Cash award for best performing ASHA and Anganwadi workers
PANGIN, Mar 21: Siang Deputy Commissioner Rahul Singh on Tuesday announced cash awards
for best performing ASHA and Anganwadi workers (AWS) in the district, and penalty
for non-
Addressing the AWs and ASHA workers in a meeting at Kaying, the Deputy Commissioner exhorted them to become agents of development and help improve the health and education scenario by performing their assigned duties sincerely. He assured full cooperation and assistance of the district administration in this endeavour.
Detailed discussions on the roles and responsibilities of ASHAs and Anganwadi workers
and problems faced by them while executing work on field were held, and suggestion
for probable solutions were shared by District ASHA Nodal Officer Dr Pemin Kamki,
District Anganwadi Nodal Officer Omang Taloh, Supervisor Kaying-
Later, the Angawadi and ASHA workers also put forth their grievances.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Singh and attended by 56 Anganwadi workers, 56 Anganwadi helpers and 25 ASHA workers from Kaying and Payum. (DIPRO)
4 minors apprehended
ITANAGAR, Mar 21: The volunteers of Itanagar Market Welfare Association (IMWA) apprehended four minor boys, aged between 10 to 12 years, while they were allegedly attempting to snatch and steal cell phones from a mobile retailer shop at Ganga, on Tuesday.
Reportedly, two other minors, believed to be the masterminds of the group fled from the scene with a mobile phone.
Around Rs 53,000 was also recovered from the possession of the four minors.
Meanwhile, the IMWA informed that it has handed over the cash and minors to the police for further formalities under the Juvenile Justice Act.
The IMWA also said that this was not the first incident in the market and appealed to the parents and guardians to take proper care of their ward, as well as keep proper vigil on their movements. It also appealed to Home Minister, Kumar Waii to take initiatives for establishment of juvenile home in Itanagar for rehabilitation of such minors.
Org seeks schemes for disability
ITANAGAR, Mar 21: The Arunachal Pradesh Parents Association for Disabled (APPAD) has appealed to the state government for implementation of central policies for people with disabilities.
As per census, there are more than two lakh disabled persons in Arunachal Pradesh, out of which, 1.5 lakhs are found below the age of five years, the organization said.
The demand came during the observation of World Down Syndrome Day at Toko Rehabilitation Centre, Naharlagun to sensitize the people about Down syndrome and other issues being faced by the people with disabilities, which saw the participation of over 50 parents and guardians.
APPAD General Secretary Simal Ranje said that people need more awareness about the event, while adding that parents and guardians of divyangjan need to be educated about facilities provided under national and state flagship programmes.
In-
Boy electrocuted
ITANAGAR, Mar 21: The All Namsai District Students' Union has alleged that a 13 year old identified as Rohit Ram was electrocuted recently.
The incident allegedly occurred due to negligence of the Power Department, said Chau Rajamang Mannow of the organization.
It demanded that the power department enquire into the incident and compensate the victim's family, and sought action against the officials of the department for negligence.
Mass plantation drive in Lumla
[ Tawang Vigilance ]
TAWANG, Mar 21: A mass plantation drive was carried out at Lumla headquarters from helipad to Dolma Lhagang in view of the proposed visit of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to Lumla and Tawang on April 4 next.
Around 1000 saplings were planted as the drive saw robust and enthusiastic participation by public leaders, HODs, staffs and general public.
The drive was convened under the guidance and direction of Lumla MLA and Parliamentary Secretary (RWD) Jambey Tashi and spearheaded by Lumla ADC R D Thungon and CO Tashi Dondup.
Former Minister Kabang Borang remembered
PASIGHAT, Mar 21: Late Kabang Borang, renowned businessman and former Minister was
remembered on his 5th death anniversary at his Mirku-
Borang was born in 1939 at Ayeng village of East Siang district and took his last breath on 21 March, 2012.
He was the first Agency Council (NEFA) member of the state and started his political
career as a member of Siang Zilla Parishad in 1969. Later, he joined active politics
and was elected to the first Legislative Assembly in March 1990. He also served the
people of the state as cabinet minister, holding the portfolios of Forest and Environment,
Transport, Law & Judicial and Home Ministry. He served as board member of Eastern
Railway and Telecom. Notably, the Mebo-
GNM students take oath
[ Karda Natam ]
DAPORIJO, Mar 21: Lamp lighting and oath-
In his speech, Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner A K Singh termed health as most important sector next to education to build a healthy nation with healthy people. He advised the students to work hard and acquire quality knowledge to serve the society.
Listening to the grievances highlighted by the GNM School authority, the Deputy Commissioner assured every possible help and assistance to the school for its overall growth.
DMO Nyage Geyi highlighted the various obstacles faced in starting the school even after its declaration by the government.
Earlier, Principal of the school Nitu Lamgu Phassang highlighted some certain grievances being faced by the school authority for smooth functioning.
Doctors, parents and guardians of the students also witnessed the function.
Prof Franz Bairlein donates books to RGU
ITANAGAR, Mar 21: Vice Chancellor, Professor Tamo Mibang and Coordinator, Professor H N Sarma accepted the books and journals of 350 volumes and minor equipments donated by Director of Institute of Avian Studies, Professor Franz Bairlein of Oldenberg University, Germany, on behalf of the Rajiv Gandhi University, during a function on Tuesday.
Professor Bairlein also delivered an awareness talk on climate change entitled 'Footprint of climate', wherein he spoke in detail about effects of climate change on wildlife emphasizing on impact on birds all over the world. He also advised the gathering that the mistake committed by developed countries which destroyed their biodiversity should not be repeated. He also suggested habitat preservation as amelioration of the climate change's harsh impact on biodiversity.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Mibang, while explaining the importance of animal habitat said that Arunachal Pradesh has the highest population of mithun (gayal) as the state has a pristine habitat for mithuns.
Among others, the programme was attended by professors, administrators, research scholars and students of Rajiv Gandhi University.
NHPC organizes workshop on 'Say No to Plastic'
ITANAGAR, Mar 21: A one day workshop on 'Say No to Plastic' was organized by the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) on Tuesday at the Don Bosco Youth Centre, as part of its CSR activities.
Experts from Refinement Wellness Pvt Ltd were also invited as resource persons to educate the participants about the ill effects of plastic material, where Director of RWPL, Faridabad Rakesh Kumar made a presentation on the theme at the event.
In his inaugural address, DFP, Arunachal Region Director, Dr H R Keshavamurthy explained the efforts of the government to eliminate the use of plastic bags and urged the participants to adopt this in their daily lives. He also asked them to educate peer groups and relatives about the ill effects of reckless use of plastic bags on human and animal life. He appealed to the youngsters assembled on the occasion to carry forward the message of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan everywhere in order to bring about change in mindset.
NHPC Executive Director, Ronel Kumar explained the success of Sikkim in eliminating
use of plastic and urged all hilly states to practice this as a policy. He also explained
the efforts of NHPC to reach out to the public in its project areas with various
such initiatives as part of CSR activities and assured to expand such activities
in large scale during 2017-
DBYC Director Fr Cyriac also shared his concerns about this menace and called for concerted and continuous efforts to fight this problem.
On the occasion, the NHPC also distributed encyclopedias to students of JNK School, Don Bosco and others.
Students demand basic facilities in PHCs
SEPPA, Mar 21: The All Pakke-
In a memorandum to the Director of Health Services (DHS), the APPDSSU demanded for provision of at least four to six beds for patients, transportation and laboratory facilities, along with technicians in both the PHCs.
The students' union stated that as per norms and guidelines of the Indian Public Health standards for Primary Health Centre, there should be provision of six beds for patients at a PHC, one ambulance for transportation of emergency patients, laboratory facilities with laboratory technician for blood smear examination for malaria, routine urine, stool, blood tests, diagnosis of RTI/STDs, rapid test of pregnancy and an independent medical officer.
However, these facilities are not yet available in both the PHCs under Pijerang and Passa circles, the students union said, and appealed to the DHS to do the needful for providing these facilities at the earliest.
Farming equipments distributed
NAMSAI, Mar 21: Farming equipments like sprayer machines, maize sheller, and wheel
hoe cum seeder were distributed to 172 trainees during the valedictory programme
of a five-
Organized by Lohit KVK under the supervision of Programme Coordinator in-
Dr Sasmal encouraged the trainees to come forward and avail benefits of such trainings and develop model farms on integrated farming system.
During the training session, Agriculture Engineer Inchen Namchoom imparted training
on implementation of agricultural tools like wheel hoe cum seeder, and hand operated
maize seller, besides vermicompost production etc, while SMS (Horticulture), Ph Chandramoni
Singh informed about-
Blood donation camp
TAWANG, Mar 21: Twenty units of blood were collected in a voluntary blood donation and awareness camp, organized jointly by the Department of Information and Public Relations and District Health Society, Tawang under its field publicity campaign at District Hospital Tawang.
District Medical Officer Dr Wangdi Lama, Commander of 190 Mtn Bde Brigadier M P Singh, HoDs, bank officials, public, army and SSB jawans voluntarily turned up to donate blood.
EAC Lobsang Tsetan and Brigadier Singh spoke about the importance of blood donation and exhorted the people to come forward and donate blood voluntarily to save lives.
The collected blood was stored in the blood bank which has been made fully functional, informed DMO Dr Wangdi Lama, while Medical Superintendant Dr N Namshum informed of the establishment details and background of the blood bank.
Earlier, Blood Bank Officer Dr Tenzin Gyaltsen highlighted the benefits of blood donation, responsibility of donors, post donation care etc through PowerPoint presentation.
Prizes were also given away to the winners of inter-
The programme was also attended by Commandant 38th Battalion SSB, HoDs, army, NGOs and public. (DIPRO)
AR apprehends NSCN (R) cadres
CHANGLANG, Mar 21: The Changlang Battalion of Assam Rifles apprehended 33-
Acting on a tip off, the security forces nabbed the militants from Changlang with two pistols, two magazines, seven live rounds and a sophisticated radio set.
Reportedly, SS Captain Kampong has been the kingpin of commercial insurgency scavenging
on the hard-
Both the cadres have been handed over to Changlang Police Station.
Governor mourns tourist's demise
ITANAGAR, Mar 21: Arunachal Pradesh Governor, P B Acharya has extended his condolences on the tragic demise of Maria Dimitrova, a Bulgarian national, near Sela Pass in Tawang district.
'I join the people of Arunachal Pradesh in conveying sincere condolence to the bereaved
family and offer our prayers for eternal peace of the departed soul. May Almighty
God bestow her family and well-
The Governor also appreciated the Indian Army for its prompt action and asked the Tawang and West Kameng district administrations to be on alert and develop mechanism to address such unfortunate incidents.
Craft awareness workshop
NAHARLAGUN, Mar 21: The North East Multipurpose Development Society, a Naharlagun-
More than 200 artisans from each location attended the camps sponsored by the Development Commissioner (Handicraft) under Union Ministry of Textiles.
Resource persons from the office of the Development Commissioner, Handicraft, Rajiv Jha, coordinator, Nares Kumar, designer, Dev Nath, instructor, Tapi Taku, president of NEMDS, Dai Kiochik, president of NEMDS' Women Wing highlighted the benefit of various schemes like Artisan Credit Card loan from banks, Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana, pension and other benefits under the Union Ministry of Textiles, and encouraged the artisans to avail the schemes.
Implement urban project in Doimukh circle
ITANAGAR, Mar 21: While welcoming the state government's decision to notify Doimukh
circle as urban area as per the recommendation made by the Doimukh Sub-
DC inspects Aadhaar enrolment progress
YUPIA Mar 21: Papum Pare DC, Tai Kaye inspected the progress of Aadhaar card enrolment
including children from 0-
NYP conducts SHG training
ROING, Mar 21: The National Youth Project conducted basic training on SHG functioning
for representatives of Roing-
Resource person and NYP coordinator Suman Roy imparted training on nitty-
T20 cricket tournament inaugurated
ITANAGAR, Mar 21: The Inter-
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
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Try out of box solution
The apex court of country today came up with an interesting take on controversial
Babri Masjid demolition case. The SC has suggested an out-
It is believed that during the tenure of PV Narasimha Rao and Chandra Shekhar efforts
were made to settle the issue out of court which did not materialize. However just
because it did not work at that time parties involve should not lose hope. A fresh
try should be made so that this issue is resolved at the earliest. There is no harm
in trying to settle the issue through negotiation under the watchful eye of Supreme
Court. The long pending Babri Masjid demolition case continues to haunt India. Therefore
it is necessary to put an end to dispute so that healing process starts at the earliest.
Also the Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court, in 2010, had ruled for a three-
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Strike uncalled for
Dear Editor,
The so called pen down strike by the Cosaap is uncalled for as the state govt has already implemented the 7th pay commission. As an employee of the state govt I feel the demand for increase in the retirement age is totally unjustified and all the other demands are just eyewash. Cynics may sneer that I should take VR but 58 is rather a good time in one's life to retire, one is left with ample time and energy for other unfinished personal assignments in life and it would be a small step in helping many jobless youths whose eligibility age for govt jobs are drawing their curtains. Blackmailing the state govt and turning away the public in the name of pen down is totally ridiculous as we all draw salaries even for the days willfully wasted in pen downs.
Yours,
A citizen
Water wastage
Dear Editor,
In order to focus attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the
sustainable management of freshwater resources World Water Day is celebrated on 22
March. William Ashworth who said that “Children of a culture born in a water-
Yours,
Vinod C. Dixit
Ahmedabad
Some lessons from the Uttar Pradesh elections
Dear Editor,
Results of Uttar Pradesh elections are out and to everyone’s surprise the Modi Effect
once again shattered the dreams of political dynasties with no hope of recovery soon.
The traditional class and caste coalitions and minority vote bank consolidations
met a disastrous end. Undoubtedly, the landslide victory of BJP in Uttar Pradesh
raises many eyebrows but the electorate across the country finds it a reward for
the pro-
In fact the results of the elections in the state were a clear indication to everybody including the self styled protectors of the minorities that never take the electorate for granted. With the new generation of voters change the old methods of electoral fancies. It is not laptops and smart phones that the new generation of voters are in need of from any elected government, whereas, they want smart government with good governance which would enable them to stand on their own feet. Gone are those days where leaders could trifle the electorate with their gesture of petty tokenism. The united SP in alliance with the Congress was predicted to be a great force capable to arrest the surge of BJP in the state. But the results proved this assumption wrong. Though the BJP was all afoot to consolidate the majority vote share in the state, the results reveal a bitter reality to the opponents as without minority votes flowing to the BJP buckets the landslide mandate was fairly impossible.
Every election brings a different result compared to the previous one. Perceptions on parties and leaders change with the results and everybody on the fray accepts the mandate the electorate declare. Since the landslide victory of Narendra Modi in 2014, the equations and perceptions about politics and political parties seem to be changing in an unprecedented manner. To begin with, the grand alliance that came into existence right before the Bihar elections, wherein two arch rivals Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar embraced each other, with an apparent understanding of the danger of political extinction in the state if not came together. Coming to the Uttar Pradesh elections in 2017, everybody, including the pundits in politics felt it difficult to hide their embarrassment on the clean sweep by the BJP distorting the exit poll calculations. The statement of Omar Abdulla from Jammu and Kashmir to the defeated force (Read: all the non BJP parties) should be seen with unbiased predictability. He asks them to plan for the 2024 elections and stop worrying for the 2019. The message he meant to pass across the fading political fraternity in the country was that, the prospects for anybody except the BJP in the 2019 general elections will be a distant dream as long as no leader as charismatic and vibrant as Mr.Modi emerges. Election results turn politicians into men of great wisdom.
Yours,
M.R.Lalu, Kimin
The political scenario in India stands at a historic cross road
Dear Editor,
The latest Assembly results from 5 Indian states are an indication for a grand paradigm
shift in Indian national politics. First of all it has established Brand Modi as
the unequivocal force in Indian politics and secured the future of BJP for the 2019
Parliamentary elections. It has been made clear that there is no credible opposition
left in India to challenge Modi seriously and a trend that regional political parties
are slowly getting marginalised and becoming irrelevant in national politics. BJP
has been able to made significant inroads into every state undergoing elections in
terms of voting share. But most importantly, massive election gain at the assembly
level will help BJP to be a stronger force in the Rajya Sabha. Thus PM Modi will
be able to steam roll many of the important and urgent socio-
All the current governments failed due to their role in nepotism, corruption, poor
administration and governance, suggesting Indian voters are becoming increasingly
matured with zero tolerance for non-
The monumental loss of Irom Chanu Sharmila indicated that political misadventures without any preparation, resources, contact and credibility dies a painful death. Even if she woud have accidentally won, I do not think she has any political experience to handle people’s expectation in an ethnically complex state like Manipur. Political activism and politics are not the same side of the coin. It is immaterial which party wins as this is people’s choice and I have nothing to comment on that; except I cannot restrain my joys to watch the demise of a joker and crybaby in Indian politics named Arvind Kejriwal and his incredible, irresponsible political platform called Aam Admi Party. I cannot hide my frustrations to see these useless politicians as a nuisance who does nothing related to good governance and administration; except taking agitation on streets and verbal war on social media and television channels making loads of useless, garbage and irresponsible statements. It showed that you can fool the people once but not always.
With a divided NC and PDP in J & K, dismantled Indian National Congress under a leader
who can never grow up, joker politics of AAP in Delhi, SP and BSP demonically crushed
in UP, a fractured AIADMK post Jayalalita and a DMK under ailing Karunananidhi, failing
communist regimes in WB, Kerala and Tripura; NE undergoing rapid saffronisation,
shaky BJD rule in Orissa, a flip-
Yours,
Saikat Kumar Basu
Canada
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