The Arunachal Times - Archives

7 houses gutted in fire, unions seek relief

ITANAGAR, May 7: At least seven dwelling houses were gutted in a fire at Yiga village under Tirbin circle in West Siang district at around 10 am today. This was informed by both Tirbin Area Students’ Union (TASU) and Kargu Kardi Students Union (KKSU).

However, there is not report of human casualty. Cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Properties worth lakhs of rupees including traditional ornaments and granaries were destroyed in the fire accident, said the unions in separate releases. Both the unions appealed the district to investigate and take stock of the properties damaged in the fire mishap and provide immediate relief assistance to fire victims.

TASU also appealed the Galo Welfare Society and other NGOs and student community to extend help to the victims in this hour of need.

Sokjar and Gamde Gamlin Foundation to facilitate Management studies for Arunachalees

ITANAGAR, May 7: There is good news for students of Aruanchal hoping to pursue management course.

To make dream come true for those talented students, Sokjar and Gamde Gamlin Foundation (S&GGF) has signed a MoU with the First India School of Business (FISB), a Gurgaon based management institute that will facilitate local students to pursue management studies in the institute with scholarship amounting Rs 10 lacs.

Named Jari Gamlin scholarship, after the Late son of Sokjar and Gamde Gamlin would provide more than Rs 10 lacs to students who would be selected through an interview to be conducted annually by FISB in the state capital starting from June 1 this year. Jari Gamlin, who died on March 1996, is the seventh child of Sokjar and Gamde Gamlin.

Interacting with the media this afternoon, S& GGF Director Dr. Lingam Ete Gamlin informed that the MoU valid for 5 years has provisions for scholarships to local students for programmes like BBA and MBA.

Dr. Gamilin while highlighting the projects to be undertaken by the foundation said that with time the Foundation would take up several other welfare projects that would offer platforms to the youths of the state to secure their future.

The foundation understands that providing sound foundation and exposure to the youths could only help Arunachal Pradesh in the days to come, she said.

Irrespective of their selection or not to BBA and MBA course, students who apply for the course would be provided a one month personality development programme by the Foundation in collaboration with FISB.

Regularization of MGNREGA staff sought

ITANAGAR, May 7: Arunachal Pradesh NREGA Employees’ Association (APNEA) has appealed the Chief Minister for regularization of NREGA employees in the state.

In a one-point memorandum to Chief Minister, the Association said the NREGA (now MGNREGA) staff working under the guidance of DRDA for last four years should be absorbed in the RD department in the same line as DRDAs which are also getting absorbed with the RD department. The Association also submitted the representation to the state R D Minister.

Both the Chief Minister and R D mister assured to look into the problem for fruitful solution, the association claimed and thanked both the minister for their assurance. It hoped that their demand will be considered sympathetically.

West Kameng embark on Clean and Green Arunachal journey

BOMDILA, May 7: Giving a further boost to the state government’s initiative of ‘Clean and Green Arunachal’, the District Administration this afternoon in collaboration with the Forest department of Bomdila arranged for three thousand numbers of Illicium griffithi (Lissi) and Cupressus (Dhupi) for distribution to the government departments and public for plantation in their office and residential premises.

Saplings were distributed by the Parliamentary Secretary R.T Khunjuju and Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Tashi to the individuals and departments for plantation with the responsibility of its proper care and upkeep.

Earlier, addressing the huge number of government Officers, public and staff gathered at Buddha Stadium, Parliamentary Secreatary, Hydro Power Development R.T. Khunjuju implored upon the people to give a big momentum to the state government’s initiative by planting trees and getting rid of the polythenes.

The drainage system of the headquarter too needs to be improved, he said. On the DC’s request, R.T Khunjuju assured of developing a mechanism which would monitor the proper upkeep of the trees planted. Incentives to the departments and individuals would also be given for excelling in this mission, he added.

Dwelling on the importance of greening the area, Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Tashi said that it is high time to plant trees in the district headquarter as the place has been extremely deforested and has become highly prone to landslides. Equal measures should also be taken and efforts made by all to keep clean ones premises. Requesting the Parliamentary Secretary and the Divisional Forest Officer, DC Tashi said that a package could be sought in this line for the district; the headquarter in particular, by which the losses during natural calamities in the area could be mitigated to some extent. In the second phase, mass plantations would be carried out on the hills and in the catchment areas surrounding the district headquarter which is devoid of tress for maintaining the ecological balance. Requesting the Parliamentary Secretary and the department concerned for working out a mega package for greening the area under the ambitious second phase, DC Tashi said that, this way the water crisis and other problems related with the deforestation in district headquarter could be minimized to a great extent.

Later, a total of about three thousand saplings were distributed by the Parliamentary Secretary R.T Khunjuju and Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Tashi to the individuals and departments for plantation with the responsibility of its proper care and upkeep. (DIPRO)

Results of Army Recruitment Rally announced

Naharlagun, May 7 : The results of the recently conducted Army Recruitment Rallies held at Jorhat and Aalo from April 7 to 25 last for Arunachal Pradesh candidates of Soldier general Duty and soldier Technical Categories has been announced by the Army Recruiting Office, Jorhat .The list of the successful candidates can also be availed from the website of the department of Information and Public Relations, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh – http://arunachalipr.gov.in. (DIPR)

Lower Dibang Valley prepare to deal with disasters

ROING, May 7: District Level Disaster Management Coordination Committee Meeting was held today in the office chamber of Deputy Commissioner, Lower Dibang Valley District to review the preparedness and mitigation in the event of any disaster during monsoon season.

Y W Ringu, Deputy Commissioner said that the main motto behind Disaster Management Committee would be to reduce casualties in case of any disaster and to monitor that all the life saving essentials like drinking water, medicines and ERCs are available to every individual. She asked all the heads of the work department to submit the strength of human resources and Tools & Plan by next Wednesday.

She informed that in case of any event of disaster, District Operating Emergency Centre (DOEC) would operate through the DC Office and the Police Station, Roing as the control rooms with telephone numbers 03803222223 and 03803222228 respectively.

Superintendent of Police Tojo Karga, informed that a master plan in the state police headquarter had been prepared and with control room at SP’s residence connected to all SPs, DG and commandant. Karga sharing his experience of the Siang Flood Tragedy in 2000 suggested motor boat, life saving jacket and belts and water storage tank should be kept ready.

DRCHO Dr M. Basar, informed that Rapid Response Team already exist to deal with any disaster and life saving drugs which are centrally purchased and supplied to the district are yet to arrive. He suggested for use of bleaching powder @ 1 tbs per litre of water to control water borne epidemic.

AE PHED O. Yirang, informed that the department conducts meeting time to time to deal with the water supply crisis that may arise during monsoon season. To deal with the shortage of water supply, the department has tapped the seasonal sources of water to provide drinking water to the township.

K. Perme, District Relief & Rehabilitation Officer had earlier highlighted the aims and objectives of the meeting. Almost all the HoDs were present in the meeting. (DIPRO)

National Integration Youth Camp organized at Tawang

TAWANG, May 7: National Integration Youth Camp was recently organized at Tawang by the National Youth Project with support of Yuva Arunachal, a Tawang based NGO. As many as 350 youths from all over the country participated in the 10 days Camp.

There was one participant from USA and 10 from Nepal. The Camp was organized with sponsorship from Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. of India.

With the vision that the youth has the courage, zeal and enthusiasm to create a world without barriers, the camp witnessed committed youths coming forward and participating in the camp zealously despite hurdles and hardships faced by them to reach Tawang due to landslides.

Speaking as chief guest in the concluding day, Home Minister Tako Dabi emphasized the need of such integration programmes to strengthen peace and national integration.

Dr. S N Subba Rao, Director National Youth Project in his key note address mentioned the aims and objectives of the NYP and while informing that four such camps have been organized in Arunachal Pradesh.

Yuva Arunachal’s Chombay kee, the local coordinator was instrumental in success if the camp. The Indian Army who also gave infrastructural and logistic support for the success of the camp organized a light and sound show, know your Army.

In the Camp various types of project work such as plantation drive with the help of Army, cleanliness drive with Yuva Arunachal and other local NGOs, were organised.

Talent exchange, rural support, cultural programs besides cultural preservation and self employment programs of various cultural and State Govt. Departments were conducted for the Youths and unemployed.

Apart from national integration programmes, awareness camps on various Govt. schemes child education, and such other programmes were organized during the camp.

Orientation program on RMSA

ITANAGAR, May 7: District Mission Office, Rashtriya Madhyamik Sikhsha Abhiyan, Lower Subansiri has conducted an orientation program for Administrative officers, PRIs members, Principals and Headmasters about the Mission today at Hapoli.

Circle Officer J T Obi presided over the meeting while it was inaugurated by Deputy Director School Education Mallo Yam Gollo.

On the other hand ZPM Bamin Siri informed that PRI members boycotted the meeting in protest against what he called “non involvement in all aspects of educational policies and programe in the district’. He said that PRIs wants more involvement in the planning process to improve the overall educational scenario.

AAPSU calls for high alert

ITANAGAR: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union in the backdrop of NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th.Muivah failed attempt to visit Manipur has called upon the state government to remain on high alert to face any eventuality.

The government must see that peace is not disturbed in our state and take a cue from the Manipur Government as we feel that there are chances of spillover to Tirap and Changlang, since the outfit is quite active and draws it financial strength from the region, said Takam Tatung, its president in a message.

DU helpdesk

ITANAGAR: Delhi University will begin the admission process 2010 for its undergraduate Courses from May 28. The last date for receipt of application form is June 11.

Meanwhile Arunachal Student Union Delhi (ASUD) executive in a meeting have decided to setup Help-Desks in South and North campus for the convenience of the students who want to pursue their graduation in Delhi University. Details are available on www.theasud.com.

Power cuts

ITANAGAR: Due to major renovation works at 2X5MVA, 33/11 KV substation on May 8, power supply will be affected in many pockets of Itanagar. RKM Hospital Complex, V/vihar, Gowpur Tinal and surrounding areas, Chimpu, GSI, Juli, PHQ, Ganga Village, Ganga Lake, Senki Park, Akash Deep, Div-IV, ESS Sector, E-sector, H-sector, F-sector, Secretariat complex and surrounding areas, part of Niti Vihar, Mob-II and Museum complex would have to do without power till 3 PM

Condolence

ITANAGAR, May 7: All Taksing Tagru Welfare Society has mourned the death of late Taksing Tamar, who died on 6th of this month in Itanagar. He was 70 years old and is survived by his wife, 2 son and 3 daughter.

Pertin demands

ITANAGAR, May 7: Former Minister Roding Pertin has demanded introduction of chopper services to Paglam. He said that introduction of chopper services would mitigate the problems of the people as road communication has been disrupted because of incessant rain in Dambuk Subdivision.

He further informed that road communication between Lower Dibang valley and East Siang has been cut off making movement difficult for the people of Paglam Circle.

Its Convener Takam Sanjay alleged that Delhi Administration has issued verbal instructions to census officials not to enter STs in the Column 15 of the census format thus ensuring that ST population is entered in General Category.

Expectations run high

ITANAGAR, May 7: Zila Parishad Member, Parsi Parlo Anchal Block Sangha Tagik has expressed the hope that with Bidol Tayeng as the new DC, Kurung Kumey would witness smooth implementation of developmental schemes in the district. While calling for support from all the sections for the betterment of the district, he further welcomed the initiatives of the DC in ensuring that government officers stay in their respective posting places. He further hoped that PRI and other areas would be streamlined.

Appeal for relief

ITANAGAR, May 7: All Tumlang Yaki Kaung and Tagum Youth Social Welfare Association have called on the state government and the local representative Nyapin constituency to give relief to the fire victims of Kaung village. While informing that three houses were gutted down in the fire on May 6, the association said that nothing could be salvaged by the family members.

Gokhale anniversary

ITANAGAR, May 7: Labour Cell of Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee would celebrate the 144 birth anniversary of freedom fighter Gopal Krishna Gokhale on May 9 at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan.

Ban demanded

ITANAGAR, May 7: All Arunachal Pradesh Abotani Nibu (Priest) Welfare Association has called on the Deputy Commissioner to put a ban on fishing, hunting, deforestation at Nibu Nyijik Model Village Area, Itanagar.

What’s the inside story of RGU?

Dear Editor,

Since the last few months, we all have been witnessing series of unfortunate events unfolding in the Rajiv Gandhi University campus. Every morning the papers inform us of the ‘Countless’ students union, youth organisation and interestingly even ‘Contractors Associations’ alleging the Vice Chancellor Belliapa of corruption, nepotism, misconduct, financial mismanagement etc and the blames for all the ills that plague this institute falls on the VC’s head. So, according to them, only the removal of the VC & nothing else would solve ‘all the problems’ & things would be back to nice & calm like before! Ridiculous!

Infact, if we stretch our memories back a little, it all started with the unfortunate & untimely demise of the incumbent Registrar late Dr. Depak Pande in the middle of 2009. This was followed recently by a very ugly and cruel attack on the VC in his residence by some local goons. Certainly the VC wouldn’t have orchestrated such an attack on himself!

Events took a turn for worse when un-provoked and flimsy charges were made against many faculties and staffs of RGU and the similar physical attacks have been made on three other lecturers- all non-tribes and threats of dire consequences issued to many others, obviously by the same goons again. An atmosphere of terror, fear and distrust reigns in the RGU campus. This ugly incident prompted Dr. Ram Chandra Guha, eminent historian and writer, to come out with a column in The Telegraph titled ‘Serpent in paradise’ condemning the incident. Who do we assume are these serpents in our beautiful paradise?

And according to our esteemed student bodies and various unions and associations, and as they would have liked us to believe, only one person is to be blamed-the VC. Incredible !

Allegations have been flying thick and fast. Some very lewd & cheap sms and comments about the VC are doing the rounds. So far the VC has maintained a dignified silence. Well if Belliapa is really the monstrous demon with the key to Pandora’s Box, as he is portrayed, then were the rest of the RGU authorities sleeping all this while? Or have these righteous people been collectively struck by some divine premonition about the deteriorating atmosphere in the campus only lately? In fact, this whole slug fest has been played out in the media so much so that it has actually started to appear like a choreographed campaign of personal vendetta and vengeance against one man.

This mess in the RGU not only tarnishes the image of the entire state but also of our community. Moreover, it reflects poorly on the teaching faculty of RGU who have been involved in slugfest. It puts a big question mark on their credibility. Are our mentors and guides in this institute of Higher learning in-capable of civilized behaviour, of showing some respect and decency towards each other and towards their own fraternity, of sitting across the table and resolving matters peacefully through discussion and debate ? Where is their sense of responsibility towards their students? Do we really want our children to learn from such ‘educators’? Certainly not.

If things have come to such a pass, then obviously acts of omission and commission have been done and rather than trying to make the VC the sacrificial lamb, the fact finding team should be allowed to do their job. Any attempt to hijack the truth and to drown it in angry shouts and protest should be resisted.

We the people can’t remain mute spectators to what is going on in the RGU. We are all stake holders in this entire show and therefore, this sense of outrage and disappointment. The RGU, regardless of its current geographical location, belongs to every citizen of this state, tribe or non tribe, to every district, to every ethnic group. It belongs to India and to Arunachal and its copy-right can’t just be claimed by the RGSU, RGUWCA, ANSU, ANYA, AAPSU, or Contractor Associations.

So far the media mysteriously forgot to mention the other side of the story. We expect better from Fourth Estate and we still have some trust left in it. So let’s look forward to an amicable and peaceful resolution to this crisis and towards some truly un-biased and fearless reporting from the media.

Yours,

Sangtung Peria (on email)

Alumnus RGU

Traffic police need to behave

Dear Editor,

This is in regarding the incident that happened on Daporijo on May 3rd where people were beaten because they violated traffic rules.

It is high time somebody in the higher echelons of power do something about the police menace.

Most of the incompetent officers are sent to do the traffic duty who I believe does not even know the do's and dont's of traffic rules. To top it all they resort to beating just for violating traffic norms.

Yours,

Tato Payeng, (on email)

When mobile phones and books are allowed inside exam halls

Dear Editor,

The written examination for recruitment of junior engineer (civil) in the department of Hydro Power Development and the result that was declared on May 3, 2010 was not as per true merits of the candidate. This time also most of the candidates who succeed in the written tests are those who used mobile phones and books inside the examination hall and the candidates who put in all efforts in the examination with true sprit are once again the failures.

At the time of Viva- Voce test, Concern authority will come to know who got in because of merit.

This happened due to negligence of duties by the invigilator and authority concerned. If everyone use mobile phone and books at the examination hall how they can ever find the desired candidates.

The practice has compelled us to think that the leaders and authorities are manipulating the recruitment process.

If the system goes as usual, a day is not so far when the corrupted officer, official and leader will have to face the consequences.

No one became terror by themselves; it is explicit dishonest practices which compelled one to adopt other means to exist. Yes, it is true to say that government jobs are not only the means to earn livelihoods.

If the present situation continues, it is better not to do professional courses. We should rather take up other means of earning right from childhood.

Yours,

Ngai Rida,

(on email)

SBI has to take care of customers need

Dear Editor,

I would like to inform the SBI, Itanagar authority that since the last two years we have been facing problem to update our passbooks. The situation is so bad that its takes at least three hours of waiting in the line to get the passbooks updated.

Govt employee has to take one day casual leave just to update the passbooks!

As the clock hits 2.pm the counter is promptly closed even though there may be thousand people on the queue.

In this computer age, why can’t SBI have 2 counters so that citizens can update their passbooks without any hassle or follow the earlier system where updates were done at withdrawal & deposit counters?

Yours,

Polo Nani (on email)

Agitated Dibang Valley demands response from Govt

ITANAGAR, May 7: Flood ravaged Dibang valley witnessed another set of problems today. This however was not because of nature’s fury. The district HQ witnessed agitation by students and public in protest against inaction by the district administration and the state Govt to solve the problem facing the district since road connectivity was snapped early April because of rain.

Agitating members refused to attend a meeting convened by the DC and demanded that the Deputy Commissioner address them in public.

The DC Tayor Jampen exactly did that and informed that all efforts are being made by the Lower Dibang Valley district administration to solve the problems in the district owing to disruption of road connectivity due to recent flood.

The state Govt had responded promptly to mitigate the hardships being faced by the people of the district after flood fury. Three ration sorties had already being materialized. Another 6 ration sorties are expected to reach Anini within a day or day, the DC informed.

Regarding shortage of medicines at the district hospital, the Deputy Commissioner informed that ten cartoons of essential medicines had already been airlifted.

The DC said he had physically inspected the Chini Ahfra MHS and the bailey bridge over Dri river at Ambolin which was washed out and sent the report the authorities.

The DC further said the he has been in constant touch with BRTF authorities and efforts are under way to ensure early road link.

Responding to the seven point’s memorandum submitted by the student union, the DC informed the gathering that steps are being taken to solve the problems mentioned in the memo.

DC called on the students Unions not to resort for violence during the hour of crisis, rather cooperate with the administration and the state government in its effort to bring respite among the flood affected people of the district.

It was reported that on assurance given by the DC the students Unions decided to call off their bandh today. The landlocked district has been further cut off because of torrential rain and Citizens have been struggling to get essential items. Reportedly salt is being sold at Rs 90 per kg in open market and ration sorties being arranged by the state government is not enough as it reached just a handful of people.

7 civilians’ abducted by NSCN (K) rescued in Tirap

KHONSA, May 7: 19 Assam Rifles rescued seven civilians from Pumao in Tirap who were abducted by NSCN (K) from Longding on May 5.

Those rescued include Bazar President and Secretary of Longding market, a contractor and his two road roller drivers, and two other civilians.

On getting information about the abduction, the operations group consisting of AR Jawans and District Police began the search immediately at Pumao, a village bordering Nagaland.

Noticing a large contingent of Security Forces the cadres of NSCN (K) panicked and ran into the adjoining jungle. Column followed the trail of the terrorists; while doing so it saw 7 unidentified people in civil clothes descending from the jungle. On interrogation it was revealed that these were the same people abducted by the terrorist outfit. The column called off the operations and returned to Longding with the rescued.

Initial interrogation has revealed that these seven people were abducted and kept in miserable conditions in the Jungle without food for almost 24 hours. A demand totaling to a staggering amount of Rs 70 LAKHS was placed on them.

“Timely action by the unit led to rescue of seven innocents from the clutches of the terrorist outfit while at the same time has dented the morale of the Terrorist outfits operating in the Dist. All of them were rescued before any ransom was paid to the terrorist outfit” said an official release. The security forces in coordination with the Dist Police are trying their utmost to keep Tirap stable by conducting pro active and people friendly operations, said a release.

KVK and N.N.Charitable Society to execute TDF Project

ITANAGAR, May 7: Krishi Vigyan Kendra Papumpare and N. N. Charitable Society signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today for execution of Tribal Development Fund Project over a period of six years starting from 2010-2011.

The project envisages plantation of horticulture crops viz. Orange as main crop and Pineapple as intercrop for livelihood promotion. The plantation will be done in 500 acres of land of tribal farmers of Sagalee and Kimin.

Along with core activity of horticulture homestead activity of poultry apiary will also be undertaken which will provide additional income to 500 participating tribal families. Further, along with economic activity, soil conservation, water resources management, women development, health also will be taken care of in which they will network with other agencies. KVK with its expertise in Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Agronomy will be technology service provider and NNCS a locally based NGO will be field coordinating agency for mobilizing, motivating and training farmers.

The project will be implemented under overall supervision of Dr. Taba Heli, Programme Coordinator, KVK, Papumpare and N. Amar Dui, Chairman, N.N.Chartitable Society. It is a well known fact that area of Sagalee and Kimin is famous for its orange and pineapple.

During the harvesting period markets of Naharlagun and Capital complex are flooded with Laptap Oranges from Sagalee.

NABARD in collaboration with N.N.Charitbale Society while setting up Farmers Clubs in Sagalee identified the potential of lively hood promotion through horticulture for resource poor farmers.

KVK Papumpare emerged as an excellent technology service provider for the farmers in the area. NABARD facilitated the process and brought together all stake holders under one common vision – to raise the income level of the farmers with horticulture as the main component for lively hood promotion. With the rise in income levels the farmers will be active customers of the banks, which in turn will help in financial inclusion with inclusive growth, read a release from NABARD.

AAPSU take up the cause of Police

ITANAGAR, May 7: All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) called on to the state government to look into the burning problem faced by the personnel of state armed police battalion in regards to their promotional avenues. The lack of promotion scope has deeply affected their moral, a Union release said. Union has also appealed to the Tax & Excise department to immediately declare the date to conduct the Viva Voice test to the posts of Assistant Inspector (T & E) UDC and LDC. This call from the Union came after a memorandum was submitted to AAPSU by the aggrieved.

Donate blood and save lives: Governor

Muskan Society organize Blood donation camp

ITANAGAR, May 7: Muskan Welfare Society today organized a blood donation camp in which fifty-five donors including twenty-two women turned up at Raj Bhavan complex here today.

In an effort to send positive signal amongst the women about blood donation, First Lady Anupama Singh, who is also the Chairperson of MWS and State Commission for Woman chairperson, Komoli Mossang, were among the first ones to donate.

The camp was organized in collaboration Nahalagun General Hospital the Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS control society and Ramakrishna Mission Hospital, Itanagar. Arunachal Pradesh Governor, Gen JJ Singh, while taking part in the voluntary blood donation camp said “To a donor, it is a ten minute exercise but for a recipient, it is life. So let us donate blood and save lives, said.

Interacting with the volunteers, Gen Singh said “as Arunachalees, lets pledge, not to allow even a single individual to loss his or her life due to want of blood”.

He urged upon them to spread the message and encourage others to donate. Always be prepared and come forward to donate blood, when and where it is required, Governor added.

Muskan Welfare Society President Anupama Singh, who have been leading in all MWS activities said, it is a dedicated effort by the members to instill individual responsibility towards other members of the family and society. Through the voluntary camp, we want to create awareness amongst the people on the importance of blood donation, she pointed.

Nahalagun General Hospital Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Moji Jini through his PowerPoint Presentation on blood donation, highlighted on its importance. Dr. Jini, while clarifying myths and misconceptions of blood donation and dwelling on its benefits said, our blood get replaced every four to six months, whether we donate or not. As it is not possible to produce blood, we defend on our benevolent donors.

Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Hospital in his speech appealed for more blood donors.

Muskan member and Special Secretary Govt of Arunachal Pradesh Swati Sharma, who coordinated the event, informed that Muskan Welfare Society will be organizing such voluntary blood donation camps in the near future.

It worth mentioning here, that Muskan Welfare Society had in the past successfully organized a statewide Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, a statewide plantation and cleanliness drive under Clean and Green Initiative in the State. It has also facilitated free heart surgeries for the children from financially poor background in collaboration with the Rotary International and leading Heart Institute like National Heart Institute, New Delhi and Escort Hospital, New Delhi.

NSS and NCC volunteers from North East Regional Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Itanagar, volunteers from IGNOU, Indo Tibetan Border Police, Border Road Organization, GREF, Raj Bhavan officials, Bunny’s Fantasy World, Turbu Daley MPCS, Naharlagun, representatives of State Commission for Women, youths from Doimukh, Poma and Naharlagun, members of MWS and large number of enthusiastic donors from all walks of life participated in the camp.

This blood donation camp was unique since apart from blood donation, all the volunteers had the facilities to undergo blood tests, which include blood hemoglobin test, blood grouping and blood sugar.

Donors’ card will be issued to the participants from Blood Bank, General Hospital, Naharlagun on Tuesday next. (PRO, Raj Bhavan)

Lower Subansiri team receives a hero’s welcome

ZIRO, May 7: The Lower Subansiri Football Team, who won the IX Tadar Tang Memorial Football Tournament 2010, was given a hero’s welcome at their arrival to Ziro by government employees and general public today.

Speaking on the function, Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner, S Deori congratulated the team and advised them to keep up the spirit. She assured to work out better strategies so that the team wins the trophy in the next two tournaments.

On speculation of hosting the next tournament, she said there will be no shortage of logistical support for organizing the next tournament at Ziro.

Meanwhile, Team manager Toko Bath and Coach Pura Tallo, while sharing their experiences in the tournament thanked the District Administration, public of the district and sponsors for their support and encouragement during the tournament. They appealed talented players of the district playing for other teams to join the home team and make Lower Subansiri Team stronger in the coming tournament.

Meanwhile, the team handed over the trophy to Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner.

Make use of Column 15 of Census format: Tribal MPs

ITANAGAR, May 7: All India Forum of Scheduled Tribe Members of Parliament has written to the Registrar General of India to issue firm and necessary directives to the Delhi Administration and its officials to fill up ST’s Column 15 in the census format from current census operations onwards. He said that despite the presence of huge number of STs in the National Capital, Column 15 of the format may just draw a blank in the coming census operation if necessary instructions are not issued.

APPRCC calls for grants of Rs 50 lacs for DPC

ITANAGAR, May 7: Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Co-ordination Committee(APPRCC) demanded grant of rupees 50 Lakhs to district planning commission as announced by Chief minister Dorjee Khandu in his independence day speech last year. This demand was placed to Panchayati Raj minister, Takar Marde, in a meeting of the Committee which was held on Tuesday at SIRD Hall, Itanagar. PRI representatives from all the districts attended the meeting.

The Committee further called for review all the demands of PRI’s of state and requested the state government to merge DRDA staff with Panchayat. Members also requested intervention in the process of construction of Panchayat Resources Centers at districts. They claimed that at the moment construction are not being carried out with proper guidelines.

Another demand of APPRCC includes release of honorarium to the PRI members on priority basis.

APSTGA calls on youths to take up tea cultivation

ITANAGAR, May 7: Arunachal Pradesh Small Tea Growers’ Association (APSTGA) has called upon the educated youths of the state to take up tea cultivation in order to be self sustainable instead of going for petty contract works or ‘C’ and ‘D’ grade government jobs.

Attending a awareness camp cum meeting on tea at Palin yesterday, APSTGA president Tadak Gab said Arunachal Pradesh, specially Kurung Kumey, has land which is suitable for tea cultivation, including organic tea. He hoped the state could enter the world tea market through organic tea in future, if taken up seriously. He appealed Palin MLA to encourage and lead other tea growers in the state. He also informed that the Khandu Govt. will adopt a comprehensive tea policy in the state soon.

Unlike other crops tea is basically a plant which is grown using proper scientific methods, and cultivation of it without proper knowledge would not be productive, APSTGA secretary Sompha Wangsa said. Considering the problems of tea farmers, specially new growers, the association has decided to extend technological help free of cost to them in collaboration with Tea Board of India, he informed. He urged farmers to avail the opportunity.

While giving a comparison between tea and other crops, he said tea can be harvested ateast for a minimum of three times in a month while other crops are generally harvested once in a year. One can earn upto Rs.2.50 lakh yearly from a hectare of tea plantation, he added.

During interaction with farmers, he collected soil samples provided by the farmers for laboratory testing, and results would be given within few days ascertaining whether the area is suitable for organic tea cultivation or not.

The awareness camp cum meeting was chaired by Palin BDO Takam Tana and attended by local MLA Takam Pario as chief guest.