The Arunachal Times - Archives

Food Processing plays a critical role in the creation of income and employment opportunities in the rural area and can generate non-farm activities in North East region, he said. Schemes under food processing industry will not only provide employment opportunities, it will also provide long term economic sustainability to the farmers, he added. The Union Minister said that North East region is on priority agenda of the Govt of India. The North East has been given extra thrust through many schemes of union Food Processing Industries, he added.

Sahai said that Arunachal Pradesh is rich in growth of fruits, but the processing levels are very low. There are huge potentials for setting up of modern processing units in the state, he added.

Lauding the state Govt’s Industrial Policy -2008 for its vision with inclusive growth, the minister, however, advocated for separate food processing industrial policy in the state. Arunachal Pradesh blessed with suitable climate for horticulture provides potentials for establishing small scale food processing industry units along with creation of infrastructure facilities like integrated cold chains and cold stores, he said.

The union minister called upon the state horticulture ministry to set a state level panel to facilitate easy access of the prospective investor in horti sector in the state.

Sahai also urged the Financial institutes to extend all possible support to the investors to avail central schemes under food processing ministry.

Earlier, Union Ministry of Food Processing (MOFPI) secretary Ashok Sinha and joint secretary A L Meena elaborated the importance of such investors meet particularly in North East and the Central Govt schemes under Food processing sector.

Representative of North East Council Manjula Saikia, Sailendra Singh of National Horticulture Board, A K Pasrija of NABARD Itanagar, Pravin Gupta of APEDA, L S Reddy of National Horticulture Mission, Dr S P Bora of SFAC Guwahati, the representative of NERAMAC highlighted the step being taken to boost agriculture sector in North East.

The Investors Meet was organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce with the support and cooperation of the MoFPI and Arunachal Govt.

Ngandam seeks adequate fund for horticulture sector

Arunachal Pradesh Horticulture Minister Honchun Ngandam today appealed the Central Govt to provide adequate fund to accelerate the horticulture activities in the state.

Addressing the investor meet, the minister appealed the Union Food Processing and Industry Minister Subodh Kanti Sahai to extend every possible support for setting up of food processing unit in the state. Lack of processing facilities and value addition in produces are main hindrance in development of horticulture sector, he said.

Ngandam also appealed the investor to take up processing industries and help the state to contribute in nation building.

NE Consultation calls for revocation of MoUs on mega dams

Staff Reporter

PASIGHAT, May 1: The participants of the three-day North East Consultation on Dams-III here today unanimously called for revocation all MoUs signed for construction of mega dams in the North East region, most of which, it said, have been implemented without the knowledge and consent of the indigenous peoples.

Reiterating serious concerns over the “untold sufferings inflicted on people of North East due to mega dam constructions such as the Lower Subansiri Project, Loktak Project, Doyang Project, Dumbur Dam project, Pagladia Project, Ranganadi project, 3000 MW Debang Hydro project, Damwe-II etc with widespread displacement of people, inundation of agricultural land, devastation of environment, loss of exotic flora and fauna species, demographic and cultural changes, the consultation demanded full implementation of the recommendations of World Commission of Dams-2000, including comprehensive and holistic impact assessment with indigenous peoples. The consultation also called upon the Government of India to implement the recommendations of the Committee on Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination in 2007 especially to seek the free, prior and informed consent of peoples before construction of dams in India’s North East.

The Consultation meet opined that all the mega dams, including Tipaimukh Multipurpose Project in Manipur, Subansir Lower 2000 MW, Dibang 3000MW Hydro project, Damwe 4000 MW, Siang middle 2000 MW Project in Arunachal Pradesh are proposed and pursued against the will and aspiration of all affected peoples, upstream and downstream. Participants of the Consultation demanded enforcement of a clear cut moratorium for introducing development projects in the region till the ongoing and existing projects are reviewed for its environmental sustainability, respect of rights, equity and best practices on developmental rights of indigenous peoples.

The consultation called for adoption of and implementation of all development standards, viz, UN Declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples etc, that ensure protection and recognition of indigenous peoples rights over their land and resources and to use their resources in accordance to their wishes.

On its second day of the consultation, the participation called upon all the states of the North East, corporate bodies and financial institutions to adopt a human rights based approach development in the region based on respect of indigenous peoples’ sovereign rights over land and resources and their right to define the development processes compatible to their needs, culture, tradition and way of life.

The Consultation declared to initiate all efforts to extend solidarity to all indigenous peoples and all dam affected peoples along all rivers in the region to collectively defend our land and resources and resist all forms of development aggression that undermine our rights and survival.

It also resolved to unite further to promote the vision and practices of development compatible to its own way of life and based on our sustainable use and relationship with our land, rivers, wetland and forest and strive collectively to strengthen all efforts to protect the human rights of all dam activist and other human rights defenders promoting indigenous people' rights, environmental sustainability and justice in India’s North East.

The Consultation on Dam affirmed that indigenous peoples of India’s North East possess permanent sovereignty and exclusive rights to all decisions over the use of our land and resources as rivers, wetlands, forest and land are an intrinsic source of all socio-economic, cultural & political survival of our peoples.

New SE’s Office Building Inaugurated

Good road connectivity bring several facilities: Pul

PASIGHAT, May 1: ‘Good road connectivity bring several facilities and prosperities in the state’ said RWD, Tax & Excise Minister Kaliko Pul while attending a meeting held with the departmental engineers, staffs HODs and local leaders after inauguration of the newly constructed SE’s Office Building (RWC) at 2 mile Pasighat on April 30 last.

He further called upon the people to cooperate executing agencies and contractors to have improved and developed road network in the state to induce more efficient movement of goods, local products and people and provide better access to income, employment opportunities, and education and health facilities.

“It is our responsibilities to complete the work timely and nicely”, he said and urged upon the engineers to take special care for quality control. The Minister also appealed the local Panchayat leaders to resolve all odds at their level so that required funds (earmarked for the project) could be utilized judiciously and works could be completed timely with a missionary zeal in the interest of the state.

Later, the minister visited the department laboratory and the ongoing projects/schemes in the district. He was accompanied by the Onit Panyang DC, T. Welly CE (RWD), T. Tamut (RWC), T. Taboh (EE) and officers and local leaders and expressed satisfaction.

Earlier, the SE RWC (Rural Works Circle) Er. T. Tamut, Pasighat submitted a memorandum disclosing the accommodation and other problems facing the department. Taking privilege on the occasion, Tamut informed that the total cost of the office building was Rs. 59.50. It was completed under his supervision on 31st March 2009 last and had been assisted by Er. T. Taboh (EE), Er. T. Jerang (AE), Er. K. Rina (AE) and T. Bhattachariya (JE). DIPRO

RGU VC’s resignation will bring normalcy in campus: ANSU

ITANAGAR, May 1: Taking a serious exception of the chaos and unprecedented campus development in the Rajiv Gandhi University, the All Nyishi Students Union (ANSU) today opined that the resignation of the Vice Chancellor of the university is the only possible option for the normalcy and tranquility in the campus.

ANSU president Niglar Veo in a release today said that the retention of the present Vice Chancellor Prof. K.C Belliappa is the bone of contention and crux of the issue for the agitating students community of the university and his continuity will lead to the worst.

The ANSU said the university examinations are nearing and it is irreparably affecting the studies of the students. Besides the allegations of nepotism, misconduct, non-performing, it also alleged that the present Vice Chancellor is indulging in the dividing tactics amongst teaching community, administrative and employees in the line of tribal and non-tribal, and within the tribes, which is a dangerous virus to spoil the sanctity and unity of the institution. Keeping in mind the interest of the students academic career and the reputation of the university, the Union said the Vice Chancellor should immediately make his honourable `way out' for himself from the campus, failing which, the Union will lead the issue from the fore joining with like minded students organisations particularly the AAPSU.

The union also appealed the state Govt. and the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, being the rector of the university to recommend for the same to the HRD, Govt. of India for immediate action thereof.

The Union hoped that the normalcy will come back in the campus with the resignation of Prof. K.C Belliappa from the chair of Vice Chancellorship of the University which has been the demand of the `General Will’. The Union also appealed to the agitating students' community to ensure that no property of the university is damaged during the democratic movement.

Meanwhile, the Union condemns the recent murder of Dohu Raju and demanded the concerned authority to immediately arrest the murderer.

Miscreants set ablaze school bus

ROING, May 1: In a shocking and dastardly act of condemnation some miscreants have set ablaze the school bus of Intaya Public School, Roing yesterday night at around 1:00 AM which was kept in its usual parking porch attached to the school building.

The timely act of the night chowkidhar of the school, who was awoken by the burst of the tube in the middle of the night had safe the big disaster that would otherwise have been happened if the fire was not doused on time. An aged night chowkidhar of the school narrated that he was woke up by hearing some bursting sound at around 1:00 AM in the middle of the night. Guessing some thieves might have come in the school, first he slowly and silently came out from his room with cane sticks on his hand and then suddenly he saw the light of the fire after which he got some nervousness and started yelling fire! fire! running towards the hostel warden room. Hearing his sound, hostel warden cum vacation in charge of the school along with 3-4 staffs got up and douse the fire immediately with whatever things they have found, he said. Hostel Warden, Jayanta Borah who is also the vacation in charge of the school said that a conspiracy to burnt up the entire school building is suspected from the way the miscreants have tried to set fire on the computer room, black boards and a 20 liters Jerricane and water bottles with petrol were found in three separate class rooms which were put in by breaking window panes. An FIR was lodge and a case No.36/2010 was registered in the Roing Police Station and accordingly investigation are on.

YW Ringu, Deputy Commissioner, Tojo Karga, SP and Akene Linggi, chairman School Management Committee with others visited the site early in the morning. They expressed shocked at the incident and condemned this kind of inhumane act trying to destroy a noble institution. DIPRO

ZPM advocates for effective coop. movement in Arunachal

ITANAGAR, May 1: Borum-1 ZPM Taro Modi advocated for effective cooperative movement in Arunachal Pradesh so that people can reap its benefits.

Addressing the inaugural function of Trustee Thrift and Credit Cooperation Society Limited here yesterday, Modi appreciated the idea of establishing the cooperative society in Capital Complex. TFCCSL, with its door- to-door banking service facility through designated sector and area wise collectors, would help some category of people in the society, who have little idea about small savings and also to those people who do not have time to do so in nationalized and state owned banks. Citing example of downfall of a bank in the state, she suggested the management to be cautious in investment.

Attending the function, Vijaya Bank, Itanagar branch manager GN Shetty encouraged the society by citing the success story of Vijaya Bank, which initially started in a small village in Karnataka. Now it has branches all over the country and abroad, he said.

Tasso Grayu, chairman, Youth Development Cooperative Society Limited Ziro, mentioned about dignity of labour. One should not differentiate any job as big and small, he said. He also appreciated persons/group, who thought of such venture.

In his key note address, member secretary of the Society Tilling Takar told that the society is educating people the methods of small savings, helping in deposition of money in the bank through door-to-door banking services, promoting small businessmen through soft loan from the society. He also briefed about TFCCSL’s achievements in the last two years.

Loffa assures all-round development of Papu Valley

ITANAGAR, May 1: MLA Tani Loffa assured all-round development of Papu Valley within next five years including black toping of link road to Saban via Nere and Ningcho villages under the valley. He gave this assurance while responding to a memorandum submitted by the villagers during his three-day tour to Nere, Saban and Ningcho villages from April 28 to 30 last.

Addressing a huge gathering of villagers at Nere village Loffa addressed all the issues and grievances raised by the villagers for the development of the area. He promised to fulfill the demands one after another in the coming days. However, he appealed the people keep patient as the good things takes time to get materialized and called upon them to cooperate the contractors during the black toping process.

It may be mentioned here that present link road could be materialized only with the effort of present MLA for which the villagers showered a word of praise to Loffa.

Regarding the establishment of the Govt primary school at Lumdung Natung and Nere and Alternative Innovative Education (AIE) school at Ningcho, Loffa said that both the villages has middle schools where all the children of the respective villages could be absorbed. He further opined that it is not conducive at present time for opening up of Primary Schools and the AIE in the proposed area. However, he urged upon DDSE Seppa to put proposal for the creation of teachers post and other clerical staff in the schools.

Loffa also assured the community hall at Nere village within two years and apprise the state animal and husbandry minister regarding establishment of the Mithun breeding center at Papu Valley. DC Pige Ligu informed the people that the trans-highway project being implemented in the state would facilitate the proper development of the area.

The Papu Valley is the most beautiful place in the entire Nyishi belt and has lot of potential to be a tourism hot spot, the DC observed while stressing on development of tourism sector in the area.

Pointing out the two tourist circuits -- one from Sagallee and passes through Yachuli, Seijosa, Pakke-Kesang, Seppa, Bomdila and Bhalukpong and another from Yachuli, Zero, Nyaping which were created during his tenure as tourism director, the DC urged the people to take advantage of it. However, he cautioned that one must be discipline in order to woo the tourists to their place.

Ligu urged the MLA for the installation of the BSNL tower in the area and informed that the Govt had banned the issue of arm license for three years in order to curb killing of wild animal.

The DC also enlightened the people on the importance of census and appealed the Gaon Buras to extend all kind of census enumerators. He also highlighted about the newly launched Govt scheme Saakshar Bharat Mission.

EAC cum BDO Bana, W. Ramdasaw, Pijirang Circle Officer Khoda Rakhi and DDSE, Tappip Ramsing who spoke on the occasion.

The MLA accompanied by Govt officials inspected the tourist lodge being undertaken at Nere village. Loffa also inaugurated the boys and girls hostels separately. DIPRO

May Day celebrated in Arunachal

AAPGDLU renews demand on May Day

ITANAGAR, May 1: Along with the rest of the world, the May Day (International Labour Day) was celebrated in various parts of Arunachal Pradesh with mass participation of working class.

All Arunachal Pradesh Government Departmental Labours Union celebrated the May Day with great enthusiasm at IG park today.

The AAPGDLU renewed its demand for 50 per cent reservation of posts for its members in various Govt departments.

The union, in its memorandum submitted to the Chairman, Forest Cooperation Punji Mara, who attended the May Day celebration of the union as chief guest, reiterated that 50 percent of the labourers should be inducted from AAPGDLU while rest 50 per cent from serving labourers, who have not yet completed 15 years of service, on seniority basis.

The memorandum, a copy of which was also released to the Press, also demanded immediate absorption of those labourers under the union, who have already served 15 years and above as casual labourers in their respective departments, as W/C worker. It further appealed for involving the union as one of the Boar Members of departmental DPC meeting.

Meanwhile, Mara assured the Union to convey its grievances to the appropriate authority for quick reddressal.

Guest of Honour Ojing Darang informed the gathering about govt’s various programme and policies for the welfare of the workers.

Earlier, the chief guest hoisted the union flag on the occasion of May Day.

The celebration was attended by general public, leaders, officers and officials of various departments.

International Labours Day was also celebrated at Pasighat by East Siang unit of All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union (AAPWU) by holding discussion on various grievances being faced by the working community.

The union regretted over non-regularization of services of labourers even after rendering service for many years and irregular disbursement of salaries and wages. The AAPWU unit urged the central body to take up their grievances with appropriate authority.

Along with the rest of the world, May Divas was celebrated at Seppa general ground today. As many as one hundred workers from the district participated in the celebration organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Worker Union, Seppa unit.

District Labour and Employment Officer, Ashok Sonam in his address as chief guest, he called upon the labourers to get registered their names in the labour officer in order to avail the Govt assistance. He also urged the Union to work as pressure group for the welfare of labour class. (Seppa DIPRO)

At Roing, MLA Laeta Umbrey was the chief guest of the International Labour Day celebration organized by the AAPWU Lower Dibang Valley district unit.

Addressing on the occasion, Umbrey assured all possible help for the welfare of the labour class. He regretted that the works force, which is the most indispensable component in nation building has been exploited by some unscrupulous employers. “The injustice meted out to any individual will be heard as full fledge office building comes up with strong AAPWU”, he said. Expressing disappointment over the lowest wages of labourer in Arunachal, Umbrey assured to raise the issue in the Assembly Session. He also advised the AAPWU to continue their activities for the welfare of labour class.

Lod Gambo SDO (Sadar) as a guest of honour called upon the workers to get united and perform their duty with sincerity and dedication. A Saring DIPRO and in charge Labour officer also spoke on the occasion.

Ita Mimi President AAPWU unit stressed on celebration of the May with mass participation of labour class and Govt officials. Everyone should participate in the celebration to show the unity and strength”, he said.

Besides A Yirang DMO, JEs, Local Press personnel and public also participated in the celebration.

Meanwhile, an eight point memorandums was also submitted which includes demands for enhancement of labour wages, mandatory PDS items to workers, filling up the vacancy from district itself, reservation for technically qualified workers.

Earlier, a procession was taken out throughout the township to mark the occasion.

Tacho appeals CM for Jackson Chopper service in flood affected Dibang Valley

46 quintal rice airdropped

ANINI, May 1: MLA Rajesh Tacho today appealed the state Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu to press the Jackson Chopper into service in the calamity hit areas in Dibang Valley for airdropping of relief ration items and evacuation of stranded people till the restoration of road surface communication.

In a letter to the CM, Tacho also informed that normal life was disrupted following continuous downpour since last one month, triggering off landslides, mudslides at different locations in between Roing to Anini. He further said that the important bailey bridges in the hilly areas of Ambolin, Amuli adjoining the Etalin Circle Head quarters has been washed away by flood caused by heavy rain.

Electricity and water supply connections were also disrupted at many places, he disclosed while informing that many important public offices like, SBI, DC office and other institutions normal functioning have also been badly affected.

Extending his thanks to Chief Minister for approving the special chopper service thrice in a week to Dibang Valley, MLA urged him to provide sufficient stocks of life saving medicines and dispatch a team of doctor from state capital to Anini as there is report of outbreak of blood dysentery and diarrhea diseases in the district.

Meanwhile, the people of Anini today heaved a sigh of relief with the dropping of about 46 quintals of rice by the Jackson chopper from Roing under Lower Dibang Valley district. DIPRO incharge

PPA appoints zonal VP

ITANAGAR, May 1: People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) president Ashan Dr. Riddi appoints Tanpho Wangnaw as the party’s Eastern Zone vice president.

ASU appreciates Dist. admn, police

ITANAGAR, May 1: Apatani Students’ Union (ASU) appreciates police and Lower Subansiri district administration for arresting the murderer of Habung Chuniya and demands exemplary punishment of the culprit.