March 25
Three Arunachalee NSCN (K) cadres arrested with weapons
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: In a breakthrough, the Roing Police arrested three cadres of the banned organisation NSCN (K), notorious for extortion in the Kalapani area of Dambuk, on Wednesday last.
The police team led by SP Lower Dibang Valley Sanjay Kumar Sain arrested Dagar Perme (30), Obang Lego (36) and Bobel Lego (32), after exchange of gun fire in Kalapani area.
The police however, took control of the situation and made the arrest without any casualties. Reportedly, one automatic HK 33 Rifle of German make was recovered from the possession of the culprits in alert position, along with one loaded magazine and 25 live rounds of AK 47, which was packed and concealed in a plastic packet.
The police informed that the three were causing a lot of trouble, extorting money
from the villagers of the area terrorising them since the last 2-
They further informed that a few days ago, three more were arrested in a joint operation conducted by the Assam Police, the Army and the local Roing Police staff, and an AK47 rifle was also recovered from them.
SP Sanjay Kumar Sain said that the police intends to make the state crime free, and has appealed to the masses to help the police in achieving its goal by informing them about the slightest of any criminal activities occuring near them.
The three arrested are in police custody and a case has been registered at the Dambuk PS.
The police team led by SP Roing Sain comprised of Insp. Satyajit Paul, DSP Opir Paron, Insp. SK Lenka, Insp. S Paul, Insp. RK Mishra, SI A Tayeng, SI M Koyu, SI R Tayeng and two sections of Civil/IRBN personnel, following a tip off from a reliable source raided Kalapani area.
Govt directs Insurance Company to start APCMUHIS
Itanagar, Mar 24: The government has directed the Insurance Company undertaking the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister's Universal Health Insurance Scheme (APCMUHIS) to restore its services by April 16.
This decision was taken after during a meeting attended by Health Minister Jomde Kena with authorities of the Insurance Company to take stock of APCMUHIS.
He requested the authorities of the Insurance Company to make all out effort to implement the scheme successfully and directed them to place a system assisted by IT platform for efficiency and transparency by 15 April 2017.
The Minister noted with dismay that such noble scheme has hit the rough weather after initial success.
On being reported by State officials that most of the empanelled hospitals have withdrawn APCMUHIS services due to nonpayment of their claims/dues by the Insurance Company, he directed the Insurance Company to take necessary action in order to minimise the suffering of the people.
He pointed out that the State Government under Chief Minister Pema Khandu has given emphasis to health sector. He conveyed that sufficient budget has been allotted for this scheme and premium money is parked for release anytime subject to improvement of services in the ground.
Meanwhile, the Government is also exploring other modalities of giving cashless hospitalization benefits to its citizen, informed Health Research Scientist, Directorate of Medical Education, Training and Research Dr. Nabam Peter.
Set up Commission for Tribal Scripts to save languages and linguistic departments in Arunachal: Prof Anvita Abbi
The Arunachal Times Associate Editor Tongam Rina spoke to Prof Anvita Abbi, known
for her studies in tribal languages in India. Prof Abbi taught Linguistics at Jawaharlal
Nehru University, New Delhi for 38 years and has carried out first-
Since then, she has worked on more than 100 tribal languages in the country and foremost
is her work on languages of the Andaman Islands. She identified a new language
family of India-
The Arunachal Times: Your work on Jarawa, Onge and Great Andamanese are path breaking. Please tell us what brought you to Andaman and your work there.
Prof Anvita Abbi: I always had a dream to work on Andamanese languages. Somehow I
never got the opportunity. In 2000, I was invited as a guest scientist by Max Planck
Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany. While I was writing my
magnum opus-
After than I applied for a grant from the Hans Rausing Endangered Language Documentation
Programme, SOAS, University of London, which has a massive programme for documenting
endangered languages. In 2005, I started working in depth with three assistants,
my students to work on Greater Andamanese. By then, there were only five speakers
left. Greater Andamanese is a family of languages with ten languages in its fold.
When I reached island, there were remnants of four-
The Arunachal Times: Do you feel the urgency to step up efforts to save dying tribal languages in India?
Prof Abbi: I don’t like the word dying. UNESCO report says that there are 196 endangered languages. I don’t think that’s the correct figure. Maybe there are 100 languages which are endangered. They are endangered because attitude of the people are changing.
They feel that there is no use of their languages so there are internal forces which are making the languages die but internal forces are linked to the external forces. How did the attitude change? Because, we have been trying to teach them that their languages are of no use. We don’t use it in education. We don’t use it in primary education. If you are knowledgeable in your language, there is no economic power. We dont give you jobs. External forces are convincing these people internally to forget their languages. And in Jharkhand, people are happy to forget their languages. They feel pride in saying that they have forgotten my mother tongue. If that attitude emerges in a society, how would a language survive? The best thing to do is at the primary school level, there should be mother tongue teaching.
I would be happy if the tribal communities in Arunachal make an effort to have mother tongue at the primary school level. Multi lingual education can start from the day one. Let the children be introduced to their own languages. When an American child goes to a school, they don’t start teaching what is yellow or green. They already know what is green and yellow. Similarly, your child also knows the name of the colours but what we do is we put them in English schools and they have to use different words for same conceptualization that they have. That’s a wrong way of teaching and that’s why children don’t make any progress. Conceptualization in mother tongue is very fast. Economic power has to be linked to attitude. Once people know that knowledge of mother tongue is not only beneficial to their society but will give them some recognition in the map of the India and in getting some economic power, language attitude will change automatically.
The Arunachal Times: In a multi lingual society like Arunachal, what would be your suggestions to make tribal languages grow and become part of school programmes?
Prof Abbi: My suggestion would be safeguarding languages from the very beginning
by introducing it in school. You have to bring in some kind of honour to the communities
for speaking the language. That can only be brought when it’s introduced in the schools
and the locals employed in schools to teach the languages. For the primary level,
you don’t need a degree to teach. At a ground level, you need to draw your resources
from within and give them jobs and good economic benefits and revive and sustain
the languages. You can have teachers for languages. Get a narrator-
NCERT is following multi lingual education in some areas. In the initials stage, mother tongue should be adopted and in later stages, state language can be adopted. Later on, state language can be the medium of instruction and mother tongue a subject. And later, mother tongue can be dropped because there are not many written literature and it will become difficult to continue in the oral tradition pattern. However, if the govt wants, it can do it. In Arunachal, there are students coming from different communities in a class. For that you have to make classes little smaller. And teachers from communities have to be drawn. Have people come from the same community so that they can teach in the mother tongue. Communities can do a lot. Charity begins at home. One can continue the lives that have been continued for so long. Not give up. Encourage children to learn.
TAT: Are you alarmed that Arunachalees seems to be discarding their languages? What are your suggestions to safeguard the tribal languages in the state?
Prof Abbi: I certainly think that govt should have an institute for central commission for scripts. The languages don’t have scripts. There are 800 languages without scripts as of today. Out of these, large numbers are in NE. If these languages are not written down, how are you going to teach it in schools? Govt should take up, on a mission mode to provide scripts to these languages. That needs a help of linguists, language experts and local communities. Because we cannot inscribe a certain kind of script. Script has to be decided by looking at the phonological structure of the language. That’s not a difficult thing. We can always make some diacritic or additional marking. Script it very important.
It will not take more than one week to devise a script for one language. It takes dedicated willing people to do it. For this, meetings should not be held in New Delhi. These meetings should be held in villages, among the people, because they have to approve and accept these scripts. One misnomer is that people say that they don’t have their own scripts. Let me tell you nobody had its own scripts. English borrowed from Roman. Any script that suits your phonological system which takes care of your sound system should be good enough. A linguist can tell which script would be more appropriate for a particular language. It could be Roman, Russian, Devanagari, and it could be anything else.
TAT: Do you feel the need to have dedicated linguistics departments in Institutions of higher learning in Arunachal and elsewhere?
Prof Abbi: Linguistics department should be all over Arunachal. There are not many linguistic departments in North east. If we can influence the UGC to open more linguistics dept, it will be very good. There are sporadic department here and there. There is a very good dept in Shillong. But there should be dedicated linguistic departments. This govt is very pro languages. At least it is paying more attention to languages. So I am much more hopeful. For eg, the NECRT is trying out mother tongue teaching by making primers in Santhali, Kurukh and other tribal languages, which I have been helping as an advisor. I don’t think efforts have been made earlier. Efforts have been made only by local people. People themselves have been making efforts. I worked on Toda. They don’t feel the need to have a script. They are bi lingual who mostly speaks Tamil. And they never took the initiative to have a script. So we have given a script but it is in Roman. Tamil could not be adopted because Toda has 52 consonants. Maybe Devanagari could have been their script but their vowel system is very different. So you need linguists to help. Along with the linguistic diversity, India also needs diversity in scripts. We have 23 scripts which is lot but it’s not enough. If each language has to be taught, there has to be a script. You need script to write the languages. That’s an essential thing. Maybe NE can take an initiative on its own. They should have a commission for North East languages to begin with. Languages survive only if it is taught.
I am very happy to see that most Arunchalees have retained their languages unlike a situation in Jharkhand or in central India and Andaman Island. It’s a very pleasant feeling. There is diversity and multiplicity of languages in Arunachal. Once the Arunachalee form of Hindi has come up, it has done wonders. Now you communicate much more with the next tribe and with the next village. This will also reduce the animosity, aggressiveness and fights that Arunachalees had earlier because now they can communicate better with each other. Definitely, you need a link language in addition to preserving your mother tongue. So I hope Arunachal keep going in this direction and become multi lingual. Children should be introduced to Hindi and English, in addition to their mother tongue. You should come up with multi lingual tribal dictionaries including one contact language, maybe Hindi or English. Do encourage multilingualism but not language shift. (The interview was conducted at the Centre for Endangered Languages, Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hill)
Plea in HC for FIR into allegations levelled by Kalikho Pul
Dangwimsai seeks tribal ministry's assistance
NEW DELHI, Mar 24: A plea was today filed in the Delhi High Court for lodging an FIR into the allegations levelled in the purported suicide note of late Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul against some former and serving persons holding constitutional posts and politicians.
The plea has been filed by 'National Lawyers' Campaign for Judicial Transparency and Reforms' and 10 persons including some advocates.
"Though petitioners are no one to say that suicide note is gospel truth or that allegations contained therein are so, yet a vast majority of Indians and petitioners believe that the note carries great amount of credibility and cannot be simply brushed aside," the plea said, seeking "cautious and discreet" probe into the matter as it involved high constitutional functionaries as well.
Earlier on February 23, the Supreme Court had allowed Pul's widow to withdraw her letter for CBI or NIA probe into the allegations.
In an appeal to Chief Justice of India J S Khehar, a copy of which she had made public at a press conference, Dangwimsai Pul had said "it is essential that an FIR be registered on the basis of the allegations contained in it (suicide note) and the case be investigated by the CBI since the primary allegations are of corruption of judges at the highest level." Pul had committed suicide on August 9 last year and his body was found hanging in the official residence of the chief minister at Itanagar.
After months of intense political developments, Pul had taken over the reins of Arunachal Pradesh on February 19, 2016 for a brief period but had to relinquish the job following a Supreme Court order in July.
"We want a free and fair probe in this case (into his death) and action according to law against those who are guilty of corruption," Dangwimsai had said at the press conference. PTI
Meanwhile Dangwimsai Pul, wife of former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Kalikho Pul has met the Tribal Affairs Minister Joel Oram in New Delhi on Friday to seek his assistance to pursue the investigation into Mere Vichar.
The sixty paged note was left behind by former Chief Minister who took his own life in August last after he lost power.
She gave the central leader a copy of the sixty paged note.
My Late husband was careful enough to leave behind a 60 (sixty) pages suicide note titled "Mere Vichaar" before he committed suicide, wherein he has made serious allegations against some sitting as well as retired judges, lawyers and politicians of both the Centre and the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The state government seized the said sixty pages note and tried to conceal it, which was later leaked out in the social media, she said.
"I have been running around from pillar to post all through these months after my husband committed suicide, but to no avail. Every institution I have approached seems to debauch and alter the case" she added.
No Chinese incursions, but transgressions do occur: Govt in LS
New Delhi, Mar 24: There has been no instance of incursion by Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh and other border areas, but transgressions do occur, the government told the Lok Sabha today.
Subhash Bhamre, Minister of State for Defence, in a written reply said, the government
takes up any transgression along the LAC (Line of Actual Control) with China through
established mechanisms-
The matter is also raised through Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination
on India-
"There have been no instances of incursions of Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh and other border areas. Since there is no commonly delineated Line of Actual Control in the border areas between India and China, there are other areas along the LAC where both sides have differing perception of LAC.
"As both sides undertake patrolling upto their respective perception of the LAC, transgression do occur," Bhamre said.
Responding to another question, he said, there has been no report of killing of any Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy during the last three years.
The Minister said, there are reports of killing of a fisherman in the Palk Strait after being fired upon allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy personnel, but the island nation's government has denied any such involvement.
Replying to another question, Bhamre said, as on February 2017, the government has
disbursed Rs 6,375 crore in two installments on account of implementation of One-
Spice industry to boost rural economy
[ Prafulla Kaman ]
RUKSIN, Mar 24: The Tribal Development Foundation (TDF) of Arunachal Pradesh has set up an industrial unit for processing and packaging of spices at Leku village under Ruksin circle in East Siang district recently.
While declaring the small-
The spice industrial unit named as "Common Facility Centre" has been designed as
per guideline of CSIR-
Coordinator of the Common Facility Centre (CFC) informed that each set of high intensity power operated machines in the industrial unit comprises of 'Sliding' and 'Drying' chambers for processing ginger, turmeric and other fleshy spices. The chipped ginger and turmeric dries up within 4 to 5 hours in the machines, which can be proceeded towards grinding and packaging unit.
Besides the CSIR-
57 skilled youths shortlisted for job placement
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: Some 57 skilled youths were shortlisted for placement at Rojgar Mela organised by AISECT, a Bhopal based Skilled Development Training Organisation in association with State Urban Livelihood Mission (SULM) Government of Arunachal Pradesh at Sidhharta Hall here. The Rojgar Mela is being conducted under Employment through Skills Training & Placement (EST&P) Component under State Urban Livelihoods Mission.
The EST&P Program intends to fill the gap between the demand and availability of local skills by providing skill training programs as required by the market.
More than 258 skilled youths, most of them trained by AISECT have appeared for the interview, out of which 57 were shortlisted for final placement.
SULM Mission Director Tarang Dirang along with Mission Manager Sameer Nityik and Senior Officer Anup Srivastava attended the placement programe and interacted with the skilled youths.
AISECT Zonal Coordinator AK Chaturvedi while coordinating the event said that such event should reach maximum numbers of youth in the state as it would enable them to find employment as per their qualification.
National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MHUPA), Government of India in 2013 by replacing the existing Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY).
Appalled with MDM standard, DC announces assistance
TEZU, Mar 24: Taking serious note of the deteriorating standards of the Midday Meals (MDM) provided in various schools of the district, Lohit Deputy Commissioner Danish Ashraf on Friday announced to distribute one thousand sets of steel plate, tumbler and bowl for the use of school children from the DC's untied fund. This was announced in a meeting conducted here at DC's chamber.
He promised to provide one filter each to all 84 schools covered under the MDM scheme for safe cooking purposes. He informed that PHE department had been already directed to ensure this on priority basis as many schools were using tap water for drinking and cooking. He also assured to distribute caps and aprons for all the cooks in these schools to ensure hygiene standards were maintained while cooking.
Ashraf shared that during frequent visits to schools in the district, he was appalled to see the condition in which most of them running. "Moreover, many children did not receive plates and tumblers from the school authorities while taking their MDMs. Some of them bring their own plates or have to wait for a longer time", he added.
Saying that no compromise should be made with children's health, he asked the MDM coordinator to conduct regular clean up of kitchen premises. He said that sanitary regulations must be followed without fail. Taking cue of unfortunate incidents that occurred in some states due to food poisoning in some schools, the DC strictly directed the DDSE and MDM coordinator to mitigate possibilities of hazardous environment.
Adding that caution must be maintained to ensure that only quality products and condiments were utilised while cooking, Ashraf directed him to submit monthly reports addressed to both DC and DDSE. Directions were also issued to DF&CSO S Chakravarthy to ensure timely supply of rice.
It is pertinent to mention here that Lohit alone has 84 numbers of government and government aided schools with MDM scheme. Altogether there are 6759 numbers of beneficiaries of which 4137 are at primary stage and the remaining 2622 at upper primary. The meeting was also attended by DDSE Mana Linggi and CO (Dev) Une Pertin. DIPRO
World TB Day observed
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: In order to generate public awareness on tuberculosis (TB) and eliminate the disease, World TB Day was observed across the state on Friday.
Various TB awareness programme, rallies, seminars were organized to build public awareness about epidemic of the disease in various public places, health centres etc.
At Yupia, the District Health Society (RNTCP) in collaboration with State Health Society (RNTCP), district administration and Care & Support Centre Vihaan observed the day with theme "Unite to End TB" at community centre, Doimukh.
Deputy Commissioner Tai Kaye, who also is the Chairman of District Health Society (RNTCP), emphasized on IEC campaign to build public awareness on the disease.
TB is a curable and preventable disease, Kaye said, and exhorted the health workers to work on missionary zeal to spread awareness among masses about TB, particularly slum dwellers.
Earlier in the morning, the Deputy Commissioner flagged off an awareness procession at Doimukh gate.
Papum Pare DMO Dr. Tasso Kampu emphasized on involving the services of PRI leaders, Anganwadis and ASHAs workers and other community workers in prevention of TB. The DMO informed that a number of deaths due to TB were recorded in 2016.
Brushing aside social perception of the disease and stigma associated with it, the DMO said that people should come forward without hesitation and help people with TB. She urged all to work united to root out TB from the world.
SMO and Nodal Officer Dr. T Kumar informed about the dismal condition of DR TB Centre at Naharlagun and requested the DMO to take up the matter at higher level to improve it.
District Tuberculosis Officer (RNTCP) Dr. Thongchi briefed on TB scenario in the district.
At Tawang, the TB Day was observed at Bongleng village attended by PRI members, GBs, ASHAs and villagers.
Addressing the participants, Ngading ASM Thuten Tashi called for collective effort to end TB.
DPO (RNTCP) Dr. Urgen Lhamu advised the ASHAs workers to play an active role in propagating health education including TB in their respective areas, saying that awareness was the best method to prevent the spread of disease.
Medical Officer Dr. A Perme of Bongleng PHC also spoke on the occasion.
At Bomdila, the Day was observed by the District Health Society (RNTCP) at Gontse
Gaden Rabgye-
Dr. RD Thongchi, DTO Bomdila briefing the gathering about tuberculosis, dealt at length on mode of transmission, signs and symptoms, treatment of the disease and precautions to be taken during the treatment period. He also advised all to maintain good personal hygiene to avoid the disease.
At Yingkiong, a community awareness meeting was organized on the day at Simong village community hall which was attended by the villagers, teachers and students.
District Medical Officer Dr. Radesh Tatan advised the gathering to avail the RNTCP services available in the district while District TB Officer Dr. Ahik Miyu highlighted the sign and symptoms of TB; modes of transmission, its preventive measures and the free services under RNTCP.
HGB of the village Tagin Litin, a cured TB patient, shared his experience and urged the gathering to consult service provider, if there is any doubt, for early detection and cure.
Honorariums to five TB patients were disbursed on the spot.
Many cured patients and parents shared their experience.
At Tezu, World TB day was observed at Danglat village by organizing a sensitization and health awareness meeting.
DRCHO Dr. S Nayil delivered speech on RNTCP and different schemes under NHM and its benefits.
DPO (DVBDCP) Dr. S. Towang spoke on tuberculosis, vector borne diseases and other newly launched health programmes.
DMO Dr. S. Chai Pul delivered speech on tuberculosis, RNTCP and other national disease control programme.
The Head GB, ASM and Public leaders of the village spoke and urged needy patients to avail the benefit under DOTS.
Display of banners, posters on TB education, DOTs, distribution of fruits and caps to the indoor patients were other activities of the day.
Panchayat leaders and members, GBs, youths, teachers public of Danglat and New Danglat villages attended the meeting.
Ering introduces bill for separate all India service cadres for Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: Arunachal MP Ninong Ering has introduced a bill to have a separate cadres for Arunachal Pradesh from AGMUT in IAS, IPS and IFS in the Parliament today.
AGMUT is a joint cadre serving Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union Territories. The joint cadre system is creating impediments in the road towards more efficient and effective governance which must be rectified by the government, he said.
The demand for separate cadre in respect of Arunachal Pradesh is necessary in present dynamic structures of administration. Officers who spend a good amount of time in the state and understand it better in terms of administration are transferred to other location of AGMUT cadre, never to return back probably which creates gaps in administrative understanding, Ering added.
On a starred question to Ministry of Women and Child Development on the critical issue of child sexual abuse, Ering also advocated for strong mechanism to curb the menace. Giving reference to famous NGO from Arunachal Pradesh WASE (Women's Against Social Evil), he inquired about the strong role that NGO and civil societies can play in strengthening the measures against child sexual abuse. The concern Minister took note of it and assured Ering that positive steps will be taken even in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
Farmers need specialized training in food packaging: Pertin
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: Department of Trade and Commerce Director, Tokong Pertin stated that farmers of agriculture and horticulture produce rich Arunachal need specialized training in food packaging methods as it plays a vital role in increasing the shelf life of food products.
Addressing media persons at the Press Club here this afternoon ahead of the day-
Pertin informed that the workshop aims at disseminating awareness regarding food packaging amongst the state's farmers.
'During the training the participants will be given product-
Stating that the workshop has been conducted especially for medium, small and micro entrepreneurs of Arunachal, Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), Kolkata Deputy Director and Regional Head, Bidhan Das said that in Arunachal fruits like orange, apple, kiwi are abundant, which if processed can add value to the product and help the generate more income for the farmers.
'Through the workshop farmers and entrepreneurs will be apprised about food packaging, which plays a contributory role in growth of processed food market', he said.
He further informed that about 100 participants are expected to participate in the workshop which will discuss various issues and contemporary subjects pertaining to the food packaging industry which include; concept of Food Packaging for Fresh & Processed Food Products, Food Safety Act & FSSAI guidelines, low cost packaging technology, corrugated fiber boxes as transport materials for packaging etc.
Indian Institute of Packaging, Kolkata, Assistant Director, M Nataraj said that the institute, set up in 1966 by the Indian Packaging and Allied Industry working under the aegis of Ministry of Commerce, GoI endeavors to improve the standards of packaging needed for the promotion of exports and help create infrastructural facilities for overall packaging improvement in India through research and development problem solving consultancy, testing training and education.
While stating that the growing packaging industry also offers various job opportunities for the youths, Nataraj urged the state's youths to further join the diploma courses in food packaging which the institute also offers.
DG, BRO inspects Namsai, Lohit and Anjaw roads
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: Lt. Gen S K Shrivastava, Director General Border Roads, inspected various roads/ bridge infrastructure completed/ being developed in Arunachal Pradesh by the 48 BRTF in Namsai, Lohit and Anjaw districts starting from March 21.
Roads-
Lt Gen Shrivastava motivated the troops of 48 BRTF during Tea with troops at Mohan Singh Hall of 48 BRTF for their indomitable spirit and commitment towards overall socio economic development of the people of Arunachal Pradesh in providing connectivity to the eastern most parts of India.
CM inspects educational complex
TAWANG, Mar 24: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday visited the construction site of an educational complex of the Thubten Shedrubling Foundation where he was warmly received by the monks and the site engineers.
The construction of education complex started in 2014 with funding received from
India and abroad. The CM in his visit inspected the ongoing construction work of
the 2-
The Chief Minister in his interaction with the monks was informed that the school, which is expected to complete by this year would offer courses on Buddhist meditation and philosophy, life and jobs skills, and offer free medical care. The foundation hopes that the project would bring positive change for the people of Tawang in years to come.
The CM was also informed that the institute would offer courses on Bhoti and English languages, and offer vocational and computer courses.
Art & Culture Minister Dr Mohesh Chai, Tawang MLA Tsering Tashi, Brigadier MP Singh and Tawang DC Sang Phuntsok accompanied the Chief Minister during the inspection.
Air Marshal Khosla reviews ALGs in Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: Air Officer Commanding-
The visit was his first since taking up office in January this year, a defence communique informed here today.
During his three-
The AOC-
He also interacted with the staff manning the ALGs and emphasized on enhanced interaction with local civil administration and extending help to them whenever required, the communique said.
Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken up reconstruction plan to upgrade all existing ALGs in Eastern Air Command area and presently operations are underway at Ziro, Pasighat, Along, Walong, Tuting and Mechuka ALGs, it said.
While Su-
Presently, AN-
The ALG at Tawang is currently being upgraded and is expected to be operational by June this year.
Meanwhile, upgradation of Vijaynagar ALG is expected to take some time as the road connectivity from Miao to Vijarynagar awaits restoration.
Proper road is required to carry materials, machinery and manpower for construction purposes.
In addition to meeting the air maintenance and operational requirements of the far-
RGU Scholar selected for a prestigious American fellowship
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: An M.Phil student of Department of History, RGU, Liyir Karso has been selected for the prestigious sixth Albert Bates Lord Fellowship under the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Rajiv Gandhi University & University of Missouri, Columbia, USA.
She will be trained and oriented for advance research methods on Oral Traditions
in the premier institute of Centre for Oral Traditions and Centre for e-
She will be joining the Centre during the Fall Semester of the University in August 2017 to take up her fellowship assignment. She is selected among several aspiring candidates against her research proposal on "The Customary Laws of Arunachal Pradesh: A Historical Study of Traditional Galo Society." She is pursuing her Master of Philosophy(M.Phil.) programme in History under the Supervision of Prof. Tana Showren, in the department of History under Faculty of Social Sciences in RGU.
She is the daughter of Ragli Karso and Poge Karso of Doje Village in West Siang. While congratulating and heaping praises on Liyir's achievement, the Deputy Registrar (Academic) of RGU Dr. David Pertin said in a release that her selection from amongst hundreds of aspirants itself is a testimony of Rajiv Gandhi University's potentiality in the field of research and documentation at the global level.
Centre reviews security situation in Northeast
NEW DELHI, Mar 24: Home Minister Rajnath Singh today reviewed the security situation in the Northeast and directed officials to enhance vigil along the international borders in the region.
During the hour-
Singh was also told about the steps taken to ensure peace, especially in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur, the four states considered to be affected by insurgency, official sources said.
The Home Minister directed senior security officials to enhance vigil along the international borders in the Northeast, they said.
Borders of China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan and Nepal touch the Northeastern region.
Top officials of the Home Ministry, intelligence agencies and paramilitary forces attended the meeting. PTI
ATA alleges irregularity in selection of candidates
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: Alleging discrepancies and irregularities in the selection of candidates, Arunachal Teachers' Association (ATA) has demanded cancellation of the recently conducted APCS (EG) interview.
Alleging adoption of 'pick and choose' policy in selection of candidates, ATA in a release stated that the candidature of 59 'highly qualified' teachers, who were nominated from the Departments of Elementary and Secondary Education, were rejected by the screening committee of Department of Personnel despite fulfilling the requisite criteria.
As per the advertisement published on dated 9th July, 2015, ATA said, candidates
who have completed 8 years of regular service in Group B (non-
But in contradiction to the eligibility criteria, ATA claimed, few candidates, who did not fulfill the criteria, got selected for the interview.
The apex teachers' body of the state said that it has obtained documents of some shortlisted candidates through RTI and claimed that few candidates did not fulfill the eligibility criteria for selection.
It said that many departments have refused to give information regarding their nominated candidates.
It said that only 21 candidate were called for 19 posts violating usual 1:3 ratio norms.
The ATA and CoSAAP submitted representation to the Chief Minister and Principal Secretary Govt. of Arunachal for reconsideration. Moreover, 17 aggrieved teacher candidates filed a writ petition against the process in Itanagar Permanente Bench of Gauhati High Court.
The matter was also brought to the notice of both Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary on March 21, but in vain, ATA rued.
As to how the department could continue the recruitment processes when the matter is still subjudice, ATA questioned, and demanded to cancel the advertisement to give equal opportunity to all the deserving candidates even from other departments.
MLA writes to CM seeking fair recruitment process
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Bhimrao Dhondiba Tapkir, a BJP MLA from Khadakwasla, Maharashtra on Thursday, appealed to him to ensure complete transparency into the recruitment process of the Special Tiger Protection Force for Pakke Tiger Reserve.
'Over the past two years my son Rohan Tapkir and I have been closely associated with
Pakke Tiger Reserve. We have had the honor of supporting the Bit-
We have great respect for Tana Tapi who leads his team of forest watchers and they have been instrumental in giving a new life to the Reserve', the MLA wrote adding that the recruitment process should be free from any political interference as it affects the livelihoods of the area's forest watchers.
Traffic advisory
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: The Itanagar Capital Complex district magistrate in a traffic
advisory informed that road from NH-
The Supdt. of Police, Capital Complex is requested to do the needful and Executive
Engineer, CD-
Don’t grant bail: Org
[ Karda Natam ]
Itanagar, Mar 24: All Tator Tani Area Welfare Society while condemning the recent brutal attack of a woman by her husband on March 16 at RWD Colony, Itanagar appealed the law enforcing authority not to grant him bail.
Victim is battling for her life in a Guwahati based hospital. She was grievously injured by her husband using a lethal weapon.
The alleged accused was arrested on the same day of incident by Itanagar women Police station.
Meanwhile, ATTAWS has appealed to the State women's commission to look into the matter and initiate appropriate legal proceeding to punish the culprit.
Mithun Mela at Mirem village
PASIGHAT, Mar 24: A Mithun Mela cum health camp was held on Friday in Mirem village under Ruksin subdivision which was inaugurated by Parliamentary Secretary Tatung Jamoh.
Speaking on the occasion, Jamoh said, Mithun, since time immemorial, has been a part of all Arunachalee social events and ceremonies. Lamenting the inability of the Arunachalees to harness and realize the benefits of Mithun rearing, he said that owners should increase awareness regarding scientific methods to rear Mithun and also exchange views and update technical skills.
They should take help from the experts of the concern department to develop and preserve the animal through scientific and better breeding management. He suggested the villagers to identify and spare 300 hectors of land without any dispute to set up Mithun rearing conservation centre with proper fencing.
Mithun owners from nearby villages brought their animals for health check-
Initiated by the Chairman of Leyi Gumin Conservation Foundation (LGCF), Pasighat
in collaboration with ICAR-
Arunachal herbalists in ethno medicine conference
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Mar 24: A five-
The 3-
Objective of the conference is to bring all botanists, herbal practitioners and traditional healers on a single platform.
GSU asks govt to repair Bam -
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: Galo Students Union has expressed strong resentment over dilapidated road condition between Bam Tri junction to Aalo since more than 5 years. The condition of the road is so bad that commuters are forced to take road via Nyorak village to reach Aalo as no vehicle dare to take Bam Tri Junction to Aalo Road, the students informed.
Even after repeated request made by various civil societies and organizations, the State Government and its Working Agency have failed to turn up for maintenance and repair work till date. Moreover, fresh road cutting for double lane is in halt thereby further worsening the already damaged road condition, they said.
The GSU once again demands the State Govt. and working agency for early maintenance and repairing of the Road failing which it threatened democratic action.
Meanwhile, regarding proposed phase wise bandh call by GSU in Galo inhabitants areas,
the first phase of which will be on March 27, against non-
Workshop on Corporate career opportunities
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: A day-
Corporate Trainers Bhanu Pratap Singh and Shyamal Jyoti Saikia deliberated on the job opportunities in corporate sector and gave awareness on the requirement of industries in different sectors. They explained the employability skills in the modern competitive market and also focused on the time bound need of industry and how to acquire such skills sought by employers.
During the interactive session, the queries of participants were answered by the resource persons and Dr. N. Kumar, HOD Commerce. The programme was coordinated by Manjung Mossang, Asst. Prof. of the Dept.
It was organized under initiative of the Principal Dr. Tayek Talom and Coordinator
UGC-
Mopin celebrated with pomp and gaiety
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: Mopin, the popular festival of Galo community was celebrated with pomp and traditional fervor by the Galo students of Himalayan University, Itanagar at Jollang today.
Speaking on the occasion, EAC Naharlagun Hento Karga exhorted the students to be more sincere towards preservation of their culture and tradition.
He cautioned the students to avoid riding two wheelers without helmet for safety and security of own lives.
Karga further said that festivals should not be confined within the community.
One should preserve their own culture through celebration of festival, said Nyaadar Loya, President Galo Peoples Front (GPF) while adding that originality of the festival shouldn't be compromised with the changing time.
Tujum Poyom, former AAPSU GS and Doya Boje, GS GPF also spoke on the occasion.
Among others present on the occasion were L Malem Mangal, Head & Assistant Professor, Department of Law, and faculties and staff of Himalayan University, Itanagar.
Traditional dance and songs were performed during the programme which was followed by Popir, which saw participation of all.
Action sought against erring contractors, engineers
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: Expressing strong resentment over the poor execution of the Hanging Bridge connecting Essi Bege to Riche, Yordo, Yase and Lite villages, which collapsed on Feb 15 last, the Tirbin Area Students Union has in a release on Tuesday, appealed to the state government to initiate an inquiry and take strict action against erring PWD engineers and contractors working under Tirbin Division.
Early justice sought for Higio Gungtey
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: Strongly condemning the alleged assault of Higio Gungtey, a fourth-
It also demanded stringent punishment to the culprit under appropriate sections of the law.
Students demand suspension of CO
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: All Anjaw District Students' Union (AADSU) demanded to suspend Hayuliang CO for allegedly trying to protect a rape accused.
In a release, AADSU said that CO, who also is the acting magistrate, had granted bail to a rape accused on the pretext of being a juvenile.
According to the students' union, the accused was granted bail at midnight after an FIR was lodged by a relative of the victim the next day for investigation.
"It is a blatant misuse of office and power," AADSU said, and added that the actual age of the alleged accused is above 20 years.
However, the accused was rearrested by police following constant pressure from women organization, the students' union said.
Education conference
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: The XVII Conference of Directorate of higher and technical education will be held on March 28 at Banquet Hall. During the conference there will be deliberation on issues related to Students Stipend, RGU, UGC, RUSA, AISHE followed by a open discussion.
The conference will also feature outstanding college teacher's award, Governor's Award to University Toppers (UG level), APSCTE's Gold Medal to Polytechnic toppers and NSS award.
Training on Website Design and Development held
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: A weeklong Finishing School Training on "Website Design and Development"
was conducted at Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Polytechnic, Itanagar under AICTE-
The various topics covered during the one week training program included general website architecture, formatting webpages, creating new web and web pages, linking webpages etc. The students were given tailor made course book on Webpage design using HTML and Front page which is of immense use to have in depth knowledge in the field of website development. Sessions were also conducted on using frames in webpages, working with reports, testing and publishing a website.
The students participated actively in the training program and exhibited keen interest
in attending the training program. Further, the participants expressed satisfaction
over the usefulness of the training and opined that it would help them in developing
some web based projects. The training sessions were made interesting and interactive
with audio-
Tree plantation drive launched at Mechukha
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: In its constant effort to beautify the picturesque town of Mechukha, the local administration under the initiative of Additional Deputy Commissioner Mechukha Tungge Loya recently launched an avenue plantation programme at Mechukha.
Around hundreds of saplings were planted on both sides of the road within the town with the help of local denizens and Gaon Buras.
Speaking on the occasion, ADC Loya called upon the public of Mechukha to keep the
town neat and clean. He also called upon public of others circles within Mechukha
sub-
An education campaign themed, 'Yes to quality education, no alcohol, drugs and smoking' was also conducted under the active initiative of ADC.
It is worth mentioning that after the successful launching of various activities, such as monthly mass sanitation drive, cattle shooting, eviction of open toilets, keeping compulsory dustbin in every shop and uniform painting of the shops under Swach Bharat Abhiyan, the picturesque town was drawn in the map of clean towns of Arunachal Pradesh.
Review meeting held
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: The District Level Review meeting for banking sector and line government departments was held on Friday in the office chamber of Deputy Commissioner, Lower Subansiri.
The meeting was chaired by DC Kemo Lollen and conducted by Chief Manager, Lead Bank S. Basumatary.
Initiatives and issues under digital banking, AADHAR and mobile number seeding were discussed in detail. Deputy Commissioner urged the bankers and government officials to create awareness regarding various government initiatives especially amongst students and MNGREGA beneficiaries.
O. P. Monglang, DDM (NABARD) presented the district level Potential Link Credit plan
for the year 2017-
Bank Managers of nationalized banks and state banks, PD DRDA, DVO, Jt. Dir Industries, Deputy Director Agriculture attended the meeting. (DIPRO)
BJP mourns Ingo's death
ITANAGAR, Mar 24: BJP has mourn the demise of Kido Ingo.
He was one of the veteran BJP leaders of the State and his sudden demise has come as great shock for all the party members in the State, said State BJP in a release.
Presiding over a condolence meeting of Kido Ingo here on Friday, State BJP President Tapir Gao termed Ingo's death as a great personal loss. Recalling his long association with Ingo, the State BJP President said that he was one of the founders of BJP in Arunachal Pradesh.
State General Secretary Jarpum Gamlin described him as one of the most well-
Long time friend and colleague, veteran BJP leader Dotum Sora recalled long association of Ingo with the BJP and his contribution towards the party in its early days in the State.
Many senior BJP leaders attended the condolence meeting and paid their last respect to the departed leader.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
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Bridge the gap between West & Muslim world
Once again the terror attack has rocked Europe. This time London came under the attack of Islamist militant. Attacker Khalid Masood drove his car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, killing three people – two of whom died at the scene and one who died of his injuries in hospital – before crashing it outside parliament and trying to enter the building, armed with two knives. Report says at least 50 people were injured, with 31 requiring hospital treatment.
The assailant named Khalid Masood, 52, who was born in Kent, UK with the birth name
Adrian Russell Ajao is believed to have converted to Islam. Police have made several
arrests and investigation is still going on. The incident comes at a time when there
is growing concern over entry of thousands of refugees into Europe. Many citizens
are starting to fear that entries of refugees from war torn Middle East countries
like Syria, Iraq, Yemen etc will pose threat to the security of Europe. Political
parties in several European countries have launched hate campaign against the refugees.
In US Donald Trump continuous to fiddle with the idea of banning the entry of Muslims
into the country even though judiciary, activists and opposition parties are regularly
creating bottle-
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Deteriorated Sangram-
Dear Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of Border Road Organisation officials regarding the deteriorated road condition between Sangram and Koloriang under Kurung Kumey district. I would also like to request the MLAs of the District to pressurize the organization to maintain the road at the earliest.
It is very disheartening to take this route especially during rainy season. Despite taking responsibility for maintenance of road, the Border Road Organization has failed to give satisfied service to the nation due to its exceedingly delayed working style. Being a commuter, I find it very hard to take the route through hundreds of pot holes. I am astonished to know that no one has come up to raise this issue, not even student Unions.
Yours,
Er. Bamang Taba HB
DPM, Koloriang
Please return the requisitioned vehicle
Dear Editor,
This for information of Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner that vehicles of other departments requisitioned before the visit of Hon’ble Union Home Minister on Statehood day are still not returned to parent department.
If you have shortage of vehicles for your sub-
It is also requested to Chief Minister to provide one time fund for procurement of
vehicle for Magistrate like COs, EACs, SDOs, ADCs under each Deputy Commissioner.
We can see that lot of fund have been allocated for developmental activities to various
department under Government of AP in BE and RE-
Yours,
Citizen
Take positive steps
Dear Editor,
This is regarding upcoming APPSCE (combined) examination.
Many serious aspirants are keeping high hope on the upcoming combined APPSCE examination and the bold steps taken by the commission to have a structured calendar is also good news for every aspirant.
But the tentative dates for combined APPSC examination in the month of June keeps me and many more students who are pursuing their degree through distance mode education in a state of fear, curiosity and suspense as the commission’s exams dates are going to coincide with the exam dates of final year distance mode (RGU, IDE) students which is likely to be conducted by the Rajiv Gandhi University in the month of June.
Not only RGU’s distance mode examination is being conducted in the month of June. It is the month in which IGNOU also conducts its several programmes.
APPSC Chairman Sir, I am one of those thousands of aspirant who are looking forward to become a civil servant in the state to serve our community better and the country in general. Many more sincere aspirants who are pursuing their final year degree through IDE, RGU are also worried about the dates as the final year students have to appear in the month of June to qualify for the APPSCE.
Chairman sir, we are really working hard, toiling day and night to qualify this examination but if we are not even able to appear the said examination then it would be a pure mental disturbance for us because only for this examination to qualify we have isolated ourselves from everything. But with the suspense over exam dates is really frightening me. Our hard work will go in vain if the dates of the APPSC (combined) examinations coincides with my final year degree programme.
Therefore, I request the APPSC chairman kindly to look into it seriously and come up with a positive solution for examination dates in consultation with institute of distance education, Rajiv Gandhi University, so that hundreds of aspirants who are pursuing their final year in distance mode (RGU,IDE) and other deserving candidates are not left behind.
Yours,
An aspirant
Scholarship and Stipend
Dear Editor,
All the Arunachalee students are confused about Scholarship and Stipend. Though these two are same but there is little different between scholarship and stipend. The scholarship is sponsored by the Union of Tribal Affair for SC/ST students. On the other hand the stipend is usually provided by our state Govt. every year. If I am not wrong, last year also Govt had released both scholarship and stipend without any problem. Therefore, the Govt should have no problem to go with both scholarship and stipend for students because majority of them belong to poor family and they depend on stipend/scholarship to continue their study.
If the Govt made new rule regarding scholarship and stipend, at the same time it must ensure sufficient fund for stipend in its budget presentation.
Some students have already got their stipend, but some other students are still confused because their head of schools/institutes also don’t know details about scholarship and stipend. The State Govt must ensure that poor Arunachalee students who are totally depend on Govt for their academic career are not deprived of scholarship of Central Govt and stipend provided by the state Govt.
Yours’
Manjing Arangham
Itanagar, A.P.
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