May  04

Cash reward stands

 

The cash reward of Rs 10 lakhs announced by the Arunachal Pradesh Police for giving information or clue leading to arrest of the assailant/s of Tongam Rina, Associate Editor of The Arunachal Times still stands. The identity of the informer/s will be kept secret.  The informer/s may contact Capital SP at tele. numbers : 09436040006

 

 

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First phase poll training at Ruksin held

Correspondent

RUKSIN, May 03: The first phase of election training for presiding and polling officers, who will be carrying out the ensuing Panchayat elections in Ruksin sub-division, was held at Ruksin SDO’s conference hall today. Training was imparted by master trainers, who suggested the trainees to perform their duty with utmost sincerity and responsibility and also urged them to read the presiding officers’ Hand Book thoroughly for smooth execution of their duties.

Returning Officer of Ruksin Yemlin Tayeng along with the AROs and other officials present in the training.

Ruksin Sud-division covers three anchal blocks, namely Ruksin, Bilat and Sille-Oyan.

 

4 Arunachalee students crack UPSC exam

ITANAGAR, May 03: Four Arunachal students namely Jimmy Cheram, Jumin Kamki, Radhe Tallo and Tojum Gongo have cracked this year’s prestigious UPSC exam. This is for the first time that so many students from state have cracked the exam in a single year. Their achievement will come as source of inspiration to the student communities of state.

 

SSA teacher feared drown

ITANAGAR, May 03:  A district awardee assistant teacher under Sarva Shiksha Abiyan (SSA)  namely Song Tara was reportedly drown at Kamla river at Phaa Steel Bridge Construction point, under Tarak Langdi Circle in Kurung Kumey district on April 30 last. According to sources, due to inclement weather and turbulent of Kamla river, the body of teacher is still traceless despite an intensive search operation conducted by relatives.

Meanwhile All Arunachal Pradesh SSA Teachers Association, Tarak-Lengdi Circle Unit appealed to the district administration to deploy  search operation team and adequate man power for the search operation to trace the body of teacher.

 

Fresh notification

NAHARLAGUN, May 03: Four Anchal Samity constituencies, namely 17/5-Singbir/Yorni, 17/14-Tato-II, 17/17-Tato HQ(West) and 17/20-Yapik Paum under 17-Mechuka-Tato Anchal Samity have been notified as  reserved seats  for women, according to a fresh notification by West Siang Deputy Commissioner.

Earlier these seats were omitted in the women reservation notification due to a clerical mistake. DIPR

 

Sr. Govt officer suspended

ITANAGAR May 03: Taking serious note of confirmed involvement of a senior Government officer, Er Ngoichung Phaichulupa, Executive Engineer, RWD, in active politics, and violation of CCS (Conduct) Rules -1964, the state government today issued his suspension order effective immediately, reports DIPR.

The order was issued in recommendation of the State Election Commission and reports received from the Deputy Commissioner, West Kameng, wherein it has been clearly indicated that the officer has been actively participating in politics in Dirang area and was arrested at Dirang u/s 323/242/34 IPC for his involvement in a violence in connection with electioneering.

“Despite being transferred from Poma Rural Works Division, Itanagar to Miao Rural Works Circle in the month of January last, the officer has not yet joined at his posting place without availing any kind of leave from the controlling officer as required by a government servant. Such behavior of an officer is unbecoming of a government servant,” viewed the government and thus placed him under suspension with immediate effect.

 

BSNL service disrupted

ITANAGAR, May 03: Broadband internet system and telephone services both landline and mobile have been affected at Doimukh, RGU, Banderdewa, Nirjuli and Naharlagun Exg areas due to cable cut at Bage Tinali, Lekhi village, Nirjuli and also at A Sector.

While informing this, the BSNL authority has sought public support for providing smooth service.

 

Lecturer’s death mourned

PASIGHAT, May 03: The staff of DIET here has mourned the demise of Suresh Pal Singh, lecturer, DIET, Naharlagun in Guwahati on April 30 last.

Singh was a permanent resident of Ballav-Garh, Haryana and started his career as Assistant Teacher in 1983 and was posted at Seppa. Since 2001, Singh had been serving as Lecturer in DIET Naharlagun. He was also president of All Arunachal Pradesh Teachers Educators Welfare Committee (AAPTEWC)

He is survived by his wife and two sons.

Describing his untimely death as a great loss to DIET family in particular and the state as a whole, the staff of Pasighat DIET observed 2 minutes silence as a mark of respect to late Singh. They also prayed to almighty to rest the departed soul in peace and give strength to the bereaved family members to bear the irreparable loss. DIPRO

 

Biometric attendance system installed

DAPORIJO, May 03: Biometric Attendance System to keep track of the office attendance of officers and officials of the DC and DRDA offices has been installed at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office here.

The system will register the daily attendance of about 150 government employees of these offices.

This initiative of the government would not only make the officials punctual but also improve work culture, DIPRO.

 

Carrying of lethal weapons, liquor banned

YINGKIONG, May 03: In three separate magisterial orders, Upper Siang District Magistrate has prohibited sale and drinking of liquor in public places, sacrifice of mithun, pigs and other animals, carrying of sharp and lethal weapons and imposed restrictions on use of Govt. Guest Houses and other govt. accommodations for holding meeting of political parties for election purpose etc. DIPRO

 

APYC lodges protest over killing of Sarabjit

ITANAGAR, May 03:  Expressing solidarity to the nation in grief over the death of Sarabjit who was succumbed to injury yesterday after he was brutally attacked by inmate in Kot Lakpat Jail Lahore this week, the members of  13th Itanagar Assembly Youth Congress Committee  lodged protest against Pakistan by  burning  the effigy of Pakistan Prime Minister  Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and President Asif Ali Zardari at Akashdeep here this evening.  The Assembly youth congress committee vehemently condemned the cowardly  act of Pakistan government.

 

 

 

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292 days have passed. The culprits involved in the July 15 attack on The Arunachal Times associate editor Tongam Rina are still at large. 

News Impact

• Disruption in road link causes concern
• Dirang gears up for PR elections
• SP holds pre-poll meet with contesting candidates
• How safe is Capital Complex for women?
• Panchayat poll boycott decision lifted
• Art of Living’s YLTP empowers local youth to a new life
• Vocational training under Sabla organized
• Kaling Darang, youngest councilor of Pasighat civic body
• BJP demands enquiry into hydro project implementation
• A Hydel boom runs dry

Disruption in road link causes concern

Roing, May 03: Frequent disruption of road communication with Hunli sub-division due to absence of a permanent bridge over Deopani/Eze is causing serious concern to district administration.

With Panchayat election approaching fast, Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Shiv Kumar today visited the bridge site along with Desali CO Rakesh Tacho and expressed dissatisfaction over tardy progress of the bridge construction work by Border Road Organization (BRO).

“The Bailley bridge over the river which was washed away in a flash flood in 2004 should have been reconstructed by now. Such inordinate delay in construction of the bridge over small River like Deopani by such a big organization like BRO is unacceptable,” the DC lamented.

The absence of a permanent bridge over the river is badly affecting the smooth movement of defense personnel, ERC carrying vehicle beside public transportation system, he said.

The temporary bridge constructed over the river is not a permanent solution to the problem as it is always washed away by river water whenever there is a heavy rain there, the DC said.

Though the issue was brought to the knowledge of the BRO authority by the district administration in October, 2012 it fell on deaf ear which needs to be taken up seriously by the higher authority, CO Tacho said.

Rain  disrupts bridge construction

YINGKIONG: Overflowing water of Simar stream due to torrential rain since midnight today threatened the on-going construction site of the bridge over the stream and likely to damage it if rain continues.

Overflowing drain water also partially damaged few dwelling houses at Lower market area of Yingkiong Township and many are under threat.

An earth mover (JCB) of the State Highway Construction Company is found submerged in the bank of Siang river. However, no human casualty was reported till filing of this report. DIPROs

 

 

Dirang gears up for PR elections

From a correspondent

DIRANG, May 03: The first phase of one-day training programme for presiding and polling officers for the forthcoming Panchayati Raj elections was organized at the indoor auditorium of Govt. Higher Secondary School here today.  

Returning Officer and Dirang Additional Deputy Commissioner Dagbom Riba advised the participants to be fearless while discharging their election duties at the same time strictly adhering to the rules and regulations laid down by the State Election Commission.

Assistant Returning Officer and Dirang circle officer L.W Bapu assisted by Master Trainers S.N Tukshipa and Dr. Darge Tsering comprehensibly briefed the entire gamut of carrying out the election process flawlessly while pointing out the do’s and don’ts in minute details through a power-point presentation.  

Earlier, a joint consultative meeting was also organized at the ADC’s chamber involving all the contesting Zilla, Anchal Samiti and Gram Panchayat members cutting across political parties for peaceful conduct of the PR election.

 

 

SP holds pre-poll meet with contesting candidates

AALO, May 03: West Siang District Administration held a pre-poll meet with the contesting candidates to ensure free and fair Panchayat election at Gumin Kiin today.

Addressing the gathering, Superintendent of Police S C Yadav appealed the panchayat leaders to act as role model to take their supporters towards positive direction without giving any scope for law and order problem and urged them to abide by the various provisions under the model code of conduct circulated to them from time to time.

Participating in the discussion, Town Magistrate Tumge Loya said that a congenial society cannot be thought of without administration and proper policing. The growing problems within the township is a cause of concern for all of us and both the wings have to act tough to contain the growing anti-social elements and this can be possible with the cooperation and support of the people. He urged people to cooperate with police during checking and night patrolling in the larger interest of the citizen, he said.

Deputy Superintendent of Police A Boruah gave a detailed on election code of conduct and appealed everyone to work within the framework of the law. “Policing is always meant for the welfare of the people and law abiding people should always cooperate with it.” DIPRO

 

 

How safe is Capital Complex for women?

Lency Pangin

ITANAGAR, May 03: Today when we see the crime against women taking place all over India in alarming rate many thoughts come to the mind. Often we wonder how law enforcing agencies and judiciary has repeatedly failed to give justice. The very thought about women safety got me thinking about how safe is our very own Arunachal when it comes to women’s safety.

Recent incident that took place in Delhi where 5-yr old was raped and DAMINI gang rape not only shook the whole nation but received attention from world media.

Recently in readers forum column of a local daily lot of girls have written about the eve teasing incident. Being silent on matters like this is not an option and yes, eve teasing is a crime, euphemism that many girls had faced. While preparing this report, I interacted with girls from different phases of life and most of them agreed saying that “they did face eve teasing a couple of times in capital but believe that still it’s safer place than Delhi and other states.’ Some opined that ‘‘even if there is a case of molestation or assault it will go unreported’’. Yes! Comparatively Itanagar is safer city than Delhi, Mumbai and other cities but should we as a citizen and concern authorities have laid back attitude just because in the state crime rate against women is low. Do the female population of Arunachal really understand the concept of crimes against women? Has the authority reached out to the women in need? Maybe it’s a good sign that there is no hue and cry but that shouldn’t stop us from having a second thought on women society. Maybe there is a victim out there looking  for help or a young girl who does not understand what molestation is or sexual harassment? How she is to be educated about it or who to report in a situation like this are the important issue that has to be addressed? People feel reluctant to confess the truth, victim feels embarrassed, they wonder that people might laugh at her, talk ridiculous about her and her family, society may disowned her.

 Eve teasing is the most common sexual delinquency among youth in our capital. Teenage girls going for walk at IG Park or taking a stroll at Gompa where the hooligans are found making sexually suggestive remarks and calling out names are becoming serious issue for girls. Now tempo stands has emerged as ‘the new depot’ where outright groping incidents occurs and girls passing by those stands (especially Ganga and Naharlagun auto stands) are being catcalls which is really nuisance. Majority of these incidents goes unreported. Why? Because society says ignoring them is the answer, but for how long should we remain quite or should we wait for exceptional cases to happen in capital in order to regulate a strong laws to protect the female population of our state? Today it started with eve teasing and tomorrow it might lead to bigger assaults on women. Society always blames the victim but never the assaulter or the perpetrator. It’s high time that society should change their mentally. If the officials do not take precaution action against the boy that eve teases the teenage girl, it will embolden those criminals. Unless the Govt. does regulate a strong law against perpetrators, incidents like eve teasing and assault will continue. Not just the authorities we as a civilised citizen should make sure that such disgraceful barbarian eve teasing act should not be allowed. Be it rural or urban population it is important to impart them education about concept of crimes against women and make them understand their rights. It can motivate them to rise against the crime and act on it and help their peers and not be an ignorant. And also act as a responsible and civilized human being and try to make Arunachal a safer state for women.

 The capital police on their part informed that they are doing everything to ensure that women feel safe. When contacted SDPO Itanagar, Taru Gusar said, “Women of capital should not feel unsafe and they should not be reluctant to inform the authority if they ever face any unfortunate incident.”  He added that lady sub-inspector and lady constables can always be contacted in such situation and if needed, police will provide protection to such victim.

 

 

Panchayat poll boycott decision lifted

Correspondent

RUKSIN, May 03: The decision to boycott Panchayat Election in Adi villages in Ramle Bango (Nari-Koyu) area was lifted after a meeting and now the people of those villages are ready to exercise their adult franchise to elect their PRI members.

Report from Nari-Koyu said that the contestants in all four Anchal Somiti (ASM) and Gram Panchayat (GPM) seats under the three villages have filed their nomination papers before the election authority as independent candidates. The candidate for Upper-Depi Anchal segment has been declared unopposed by the authority.

AdiSU publicity secretary Kaling Eko today informed that the union lifted the poll boycott decision after it reviewed the matter in a meeting.

“Such kind of poll boycott would not prove beneficial for us,” he quoted the villagers as saying.

Though the villagers reversed their earlier decision they are still adamant on their demand for exclusion of the Adi villages from the new district, he said.

It may be recalled that the villagers of Depi, Depi-Moli and Detak villages under Nari-Seren anchal Block assembled in a consultative meeting at Depi village during early February this year. The meeting convened by Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) had adopted resolution to boycott the panchayat poll in protest against alleged forceful inclusion of the Adi villages in the newly created Lower Siang district.

 

 

Art of Living’s YLTP empowers local youth to a new life

ITANAGAR, May 03: The 10-day residential youth leadership training conducted by Art of Living (AoL) concluded at its campus at Pagatara village near here yesterday.

Over 50 youth from different parts of Arunachal Pradesh, including Seppa, Kimin,, Itanagar, Daporijo, Palin and Yingkiong, participated in the innovative programme that focused on creating a brigade of motivated and committed youth ready to bring about transformation in society.

Appreciating the training, one of the participants from Daporijo, who wished not to be named, said, “I was so addicted to alcohol that there was no life without intoxicant. I couldn’t even sleep if I don’t consume liquor. I have started telling lies and stealing for buying liquor. The Art of Living training has changed my life. I have now realised that there much more to life than just drinking and whiling away time. I now want to reach out to all the addicts in my locality and reform them.” He said this in front of a gathering that included Planning, Economics & Statistics Secretary Ankur Garg and Finance Secretary Swati Sharma.

“The YLTP training has helped me totally drop all my vices. I was addicted all kind of substances. I used to continuously consume gutka and cigarette. My lungs have become totally black and my chest used to pain all the time. I lived these days without consuming any of these substances. Now, I am feeling very alert and going back with the resolve not to indulge in any bad habits,” revealed another participant from Seppa.

“I am addicted to alcohol and cigarette and I have been trying to come out of it. I could never sustain it. But thanks to the processes and techniques  taught during the YLTP, I don’t feel the urge to indulge in these intoxicants anymore. Now I have the self confidence that I will be able to drop these addictions forever,” added another from Seppa.

Listening to the experiences of the participants, one can easily conclude that the seed has been sown.

“The workshop has boosted my enthusiasm and confidence level so much so that I can face the world. Before the course I was so shy that I couldn’t face even my friends. The most important thing I learnt from the course is how to take responsibility and manage time,” shared Marta Tajo from Seppa.

“This training has given a direction to my life. Now I want to serve my society,” added Yorti Dulom from Daporijo.

Addressing the youth, Ankur Garg advised them to live a life of honesty, sincerity and hard work.

“In today’s world everybody can become successful if one follows these ideals. One need not be born rich to be successful,” he said giving the examples of many who have made a name for themselves despite their humble beginnings. He urged them to internalize the skills and techniques learnt during the training.

Stressing on the importance of a disciplined life among youths, Swati Sharma appreciated the Art of Living for bringing about visible inner transformation among the youth of Arunachal Pradesh. She urged them to imbibe what they have learnt during the training.

Designed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, YLTP combines breathing techniques and meditation with leadership skills and human values training. The youth were also trained in physical and mental fitness, personality development, leadership and communication skills, public speaking and vocational training.

“What the programme does is to create physically strong, mentally alert and morally responsible individuals who are ready to cross all their comfort zones and become role models for others,” said Mitra, one of the senior faculties of the Art of Living who conducted the YLTP workshop.

“That these youth are ready to make a difference in society was visible during training with all the participants putting in their 100 per cent in everything they did. Be it, doing physical training, yoga, playing games and sports or doing seva,” she added.

“We want to empower the youth of Arunachal Pradesh through this training programme and replicate the success story,” she added.

The Art of Living has drawn up an ambitious plan to hold more YLTP workshops and empower the youth of the state to become useful and productive members of society,” she added.

 

 

Vocational training under Sabla organized

ITANAGAR, May 03: A week-long vocational training under Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG) Sabla was organized by the Department of Women and Child Development at Nirjuli Urban ICDS Project Camp-Banderdewa from April 25.

Attending the concluding day function, RT Riba, Director, Women and Child Development Department explained about Sabla, its importance and why and how it was implemented. She asked the trainees to be very much sincere in their study as education only will give them bright future.

“Education is very easy these days as we have TV, newspapers and internet facilities; so it should be utilized in proper way,” she said.

She also told the gathering the importance of traditional dresses and highlighted the rights given to the girls/women under Domestic Violence Act-2005 and others and how to use the Act properly.

Regarding, training on beautification, she advised the trainees to use best of the training which would help them earn extra income in their leisure time.

Resource persons were drawn from M/s. Gorgeous Parlour and Training Centre-cum-Vocational Training Provider (VTP), Aalo.

Thirty Adolescent Girls attended the training.

 

 

Kaling Darang, youngest councilor of Pasighat civic body

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, May 03: Two candidates of first ever Pasighat Civic Poll, namely Kaling Darang (ward 4) and Atik Pertin (Ward 5) have been declared elected unopposed by the election authority after the nomination papers submitted by their opponent were finally rejected during the scrutiny.

Kaling Darang (28) is the youngest among the candidates in the poll and became the first councilor of Pasighat Municipal Council. His father is serving as head assistant in Pasighat Water Resource deferment.

Atik Pertin (52) is a renowned social worker of the area. He has been involved with many cultural and political organizations. Starting his leadership career as a secretary of Eastern Siang Students’ Union in 1976, he worked in Adi Cultural and Literary Society for several years. He served as office clerk for five years in DC’s office, Pasighat and later he was elected as Anchal Somiti Member in 1992. Entered in active politics in the year 1986, Pertin worked in various ranks and capacities in the political parties and presently he is an APCC member from Pasighat constituency.

The councilor duo assured the urban dwellers to work for economic upliftment of the weaker sections keeping an attitude of equality and discrimination of caste.

It may be recalled that proposal of introduction of Municipality in the hilly state was raised on the ground of State Legislative Assembly in 2004, by then Pasighat MLA Bosiram Siram. The state government assured to hold Municipal election in the year 2005. But, the government has executed its assurance after passage of long eight years.

 

 

BJP demands enquiry into hydro project implementation

ITANAGAR, May 03: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Arunachal Pradesh demanded enquiry commission  and through investigation into the  implementation of  hydel project in Arunachal Pradesh. Expressing serious concern over the situation under the Congress government in the state, the  BJP said, “exploration and harnessing of natural resources has become a way to ruin the life of the people of Arunachal Pradesh rather than to  bring benefit and development of the state.”

Pointing out a  recent news report published in a national daily regarding implementation of hydro projects in Arunachal Pradesh, the BJP termed it a serious matter.

The State BJP President Tai Tagak has demanded white paper from the state Chief Minister on the issue terming that any responsible and performing state government would prefer to go with the confidence of the people and to see that the Hydropower projects works are completed and commissioned in time for the larger interest of the state economy. But there is different stories doing around behind the curtain at the cost of life and property besides security of the local populations, the BJP said.

Further, the BJP said,  the state Govt signed around 151 MoAs/MoUs so far, but failed miserably as most of the companies are yet to begin even their pre-project works despite several years passed.

 

 

A Hydel boom runs dry

M Rajshekhar

The company with the maximum number of licences, 12 in all, to build and operate hydro-power projects in Arunachal Pradesh is Energy Development Company (EDC). Amar Singh, the former Samajwadi Party leader, is its chairman, and actor Amitabh Bachchan was on its board till July 2011. Around the time it bagged 10 of those Arunachal projects, adding up to 500 MW, EDC was operating 16 MW of hydel capacity. This is one kind of mismatch in the efforts of Arunachal to become a hydel powerhouse overnight. In 2003, when the NDA government announced a plan to add 50,000 MW in hydel capacity, it estimated 27,000 MW addition in Arunachal. Except, in the next six years, Congress governments in Arunachal abandoned the earlier plan to build multipurpose dams (which also do flood control) in favour of hydel power, and awarded 130 projects of 38,613 MW. As of March 2013, this had increased to 153 projects and 43,118 MW. The list of 55 companies included sector heavyweights like Reliance Power, Jindal Power and NHPC. It also included companies in the business of, among other things, seeds, travel, highways and real estate. Companies were excited: it was a chance to add a new business or exponential capacity. As were state politicians and bureaucrats: the hydel boom would elevate Arunachal’s position on the business map, and make them important actors. Today, the picture is palpably different. Our highest hydel potential is in Arunachal and hardly any project is coming up there, laments a senior manager in the Central Electricity Authority. For the past few years, the atmosphere has not been conducive in Arunachal, adds Askari H Zaidi, senior VP, Jaypee Group. An official in the state’s power department says 40-50 companies have stopped attending its review meetings. Companies are, instead, looking to exit. Indiabulls has sold its five projects to multiple buyers, KVK has sold its to Mytrah Energy. Others, including big names like Lanco, are looking to sell. The reasons for this decay go well beyond the usual explanations like delays in land acquisition, environmental clearances and deteriorating state electricity board financials. The state created the hydel boom. And killed it.

Companies Come On Board

V Chandrashekhar, the head of a Delhi-based hydel power company called Tarini Infrastructure, rhapsodises about the alluring economics of hydel power. There is a large, one-time investment (7-9 crore per mw). But once the dam is built, the operations and maintenance cost is 3-4 % at best. A company, he adds, recovers its capital investment in about eight years, and then enjoys fat profit margins in the remaining 25-30 years powered by free water from the river till the project has to be transferred to the government. Buoyed by this narrative, three kinds of companies flocked to Arunachal. The first were large private power companies like the Naveen Jindal Group, which wanted to expand and diversify capacity. The second were EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) firms, which saw a chance to move up the value chain. Mostly from Andhra Pradesh, they had experience in building dams or other large constructions, but not of financing and operating projects. The EPC business fluctuates with the economy, says the CFO of a Hyderabad-based EPC company with projects in Arunachal, on the condition of anonymity. A hydel plant brings predictability to revenues. The third were looking to bag projects only to sell them onwards. Seeing the huge interest from hydel promoters, they began going to a state politician, taking a project, bringing it to a level where a company could buy it from them and start construction, says AK Mathur, the head of Synergics India, a hydel power consultancy in Noida. If we find a major player or a consortium, we are willing to lower our stake in the projects to 26%, even lower, says Amar Singh of EDC. For all of them, Arunachal was a rare opportunity to sign projects. Where else do you get such a chance to become an EPC company with its own 1,000-1,500 MW of hydel capacity asks CVL Rao, the head of Navayuga Engineering, another Hyderabad-based EPC company.

And Go Overboard

Seeing the eagerness of companies, the Congress government in Arunachal took advantage of a central policy that wasn’t watertight. According to the National Hydro Power Policy, 1998, a state can allot hydel projects only till 100 MW. However, Arunachal began allocating larger projects as well. This was done in two ways: self-identification of sites by project proponents; and, a bidding approach how much free power would a company give the state. The Central government failed to create a consensus on how hydel projects would be allocated, says RV Shahi, the power secretary during whose tenure power generation was delicensed in 2003. Different states have followed different systems, some not very transparent. According to Shahi, in Arunachal, companies bid so extravagantly to land these projects that viability is a problem now. The hydro power policy makes it clear that regulators will not factor in more than 13% free power to the state while fixing the tariff a project can charge. Similarly, there is no provision for upfront fees. Both norms were breached in Arunachal. Some companies offered 25-26 % free power, adds Shahi.

Shortage And Chaos

As excited companies began taking a closer look at their new projects, they realized the supporting infrastructure the primary responsibility of the state and the Centre to add 40,000 MW in one go was not there. Road connectivity from highways to project sites was either missing or inadequate to support heavy vehicles. Also missing was power, transmission towers and administrative infrastructure like surveying staff and land records. There is an absence of responsibility and a poor recognition of the need to plug these gaps. According to HK Paliwal, chief secretary of Arunachal, single-lane roads are present and only need to be doublelaned. This has to be done by the Centre, he says. No project, on an average, is more than 15-20 km away from the road head. Companies challenge this. According to Jayant Kawale, head of the Naveen Jindal Groups hydel and renewables business, the big missing piece is a trans-Arunachal highway, connecting the western and eastern tips of the state. The highway, being built by the Centre, was to have been completed by 2013, but contracts are still being awarded. Also missing is power evacuation. Who will set this network up: Powergrid, a PSU, or companies. If you are far away from a load centre, you will have to add up to Re 1 to your cost of power (per unit), says AV Kameswara Rao, executive director, Price waterhouse Coopers.

Capital Inadequacy

Capital is missing too. All these projects are public-private partnerships (PPPs), with Arunachal bringing in equity of 11-26 % or 13,000 crore, according to Paliwal. In 2012-13, Arunachal’s entire budget was 3,535 crore. We don’t know how the government plans to raise this money or if they have made any budgetary provisions, says Kawale. Chief secretary Paliwal says the states equity contribution will be staggered over 10 years and that it has started the process of raising this money. No company has approached us for equity till now, he says. Also, in a few years, as we start getting our free power, we can use that to raise money. Asks Shahi: How many projects will come ? Have they earmarked revenues from these projects for any other purpose or is it all for equity Sanjay Kumar Saxena, the state’s power secretary, says that in the PPP agreement, if the state cannot raise equity, the developer will, and this will later be adjusted against the free power. Someone has to lend against free power, says Kawale. The worry for a lender is that, if the project doesn’t come up, there is no security as there is no free power. According to Kawale, so far, only three to four companies have managed all clearances. This question of financial closure is affecting them all, he adds. On the whole, Kawale says, it would have been better to develop one basin properly first in terms of roads, bridges, connectivity, power lines, etc. But they have allocated all over the place. A senior official in the state hydel power department says companies too are to blame. When they were bidding, they knew the state of infrastructure, he says on the condition of anonymity. They told us they could handle all these issues.

As In Coal, So In Hydel

So, why the eagerness from both industry and state The refrain of state officials is that hydel would transform the state economy. However, as the story below shows, it all flowed back to political funding. This narrative is also challenged by the poor due diligence done by the state. Small companies showed tie-ups and JVs with international consortiums, says Dehradun-based hydel consultant Dalip Dua. These were not MoUs or financial commitments, but technical commitments. If traders were driven by arbitrage, large companies were spurred by valuations. Says Shahi: Excessive valuations for projects still on the drawing board or those that had just started led developers to believe that if they could raise 30% of the equity, the rest could be raised from the market with low dilution. As for the EPC companies, no one wanted to be left behind. Says the CFO of the Hyderabad EPC company quoted earlier: If I don’t move into the BOT (build, operate, transfer) space, I will be working as an EPC contractor for one of my peers. And so, companies signed more projects than they could handle. The market worsened too. The 2008-09 global credit crisis, and the resultant slowdown, dried up investor funds and appetite. Banks too were getting scared of the power sector, says Shahi. At the same time,state electricity board (SEB) finances also deteriorated. Instead of buying power, they began load shedding.

The Cost Of Delays

According to Kawale of Jindal, delays can cripple a hydel project. Debt obligations increase. Also, delays reduce incentives. If you finish the project as per schedule, you can sell 60% of your power on a regulated basis (fixed rate) and the rest as merchant power (usually, higher than the fixed rate).You also get 0.5% extra return on equity (RoE). So,16.5% becomes 17%, explains Kawale. But, for every six-month delay,5% of merchant power is taken away. Years behind in their projects, many companies are reviewing their business plan, says Chandrashekhar of Tarini. Companies are making one investment DPR (detailed project report) or land acquisition or something and then trying to sell to the next player, he says. The long-term game is getting too unpredictable.  (With inputs from Rachita Prasad and CR Sukumar. Courtesy: Time of India Publications)

Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector - E, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh - 791111, India

All rights reserved.

Never ending woes of Menchuka

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, I would like to pen down few lines of grievance regarding problem of power supply in Menchukha town. Menchukha is cut off from power supply since year ago but there is no sign of hope till date. In this modern world power has a great impact on human life. For running of refrigerator, fan, T.V, mobile Phone, computer etc. we need power. The computer, T.V, mobile phone is medium to connect with other world and in absence of power they are useless.  So it has become the basic requirement for human being beside food, cloth and shelter. But the general public of Menchukha is being deprived from enjoying these modern amenities since year ago.

The student communities are also victim of this power crisis. Most of the student use table lamp for study. When they wake up in the morning their eyes and nose is full of dust particle from lantern. Just imagine how much difficulties they are facing. Only reading book is not enough, we need to have up to date information. So, TV and mobile phone is only suitable means at Menchukha but these also don’t work because of power cut.  

The general public in collaboration with students did many times social service with a hope to get light (current) but unfortunately after few days the same problem erupts. How long the public-cum- student will do social service? How long....? It is my question to the department, after passing so many days, why the department could not be able to provide light (power) to general public? How long we should wait for power? How long.......? Will our hope remains as hope only? Then it is my appeal to the concerned department please let me enjoy facilities which is enjoyed by other parts of the world. I request to the concern department to solve the problem as soon as possible.

Where is the students union of Menchukha who claims themselves as apex students body of Menchukha and whose motto might be welfare of public. The motto remains a question mark for students union of Menchukha. Hence it is my appeal to the students union to come forward, put up the genuine grievances and solves the genuine problem which will be benefited for entire public.

Yours

Gebu Gyana

R.G.U

 

 

 

Tax & Excise Dept is creating Tamasha

Dear Editor,

The recent advertisement of 05(Five) post of Assistant Inspector(Tax & Excise) under Department of Tax85 Excise, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh is creating a doubt about the credibility of the concern dept. Firstly, how can Govt department sell application forms? But to the big surprise the application forms are sold by the department @ Rs. 30/- perform plus Rs 10/- for challan and also without giving any money receipt for the same .God knows whether the amount collected by concern dept shall be deposited in the state exchequer or not. It is obvious that the amount collected shall be for the “chai pani ” of the officers & officials involved in the recruitment process. If not, it’s a big question whether money collected by selling of forms are deposited in the state exchequer? Secondly, my question is if the department is charging Rs. 30/- per forms then why the aspiring candidates are asked to deposit exam fee by way of treasury challan. Why not the exam fee is collected in cash along with the application form by the concern department and total collection can be collectively deposited by the concern department in the state exchequer. Thirdly, how can the aspiring candidates from the districts collect the forms? Why not department make the forms available in the website so that who so ever wants to fill up can download the same and can fill up the forms or else the forms should have been made available in all the district headquarters. However, it’s like officers of the department are habitual of extorting public money and they are not leaving any opportunity of collecting money from the public. All the general public knows how clean the Tax & Excise department is .Why un necessary harassment are given to the aspiring candidates who comes from the districts to collect forms and stand in long queue in the Treasury office and banks to deposit the exam fee, ran office to office and request Officers for attestation of their certificates . Last but not the least, why there is delay in the declaration of written exam results of constable (Tax & Excise) conducted last year? Who is responsible for the delay? Why not the department is not responding to any query in this respect? Whether after the conduction of this written exam, the results shall be kept pending as the department always does? Is there any time frame for completing the recruitment process? As a concern public, I just want to question the Commissioner (Tax& Excise) why your department is making a tamasa of job advertisement.

Yours

Jumken

Nada

 

 

Safety of women – need of the hour

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, I would like to express my concern over the safety of the women in Arunachal Pradesh and India as whole. As days pass, women feel more insecure about their safety, especially girls. Harassment and eve-teasing of women has been prevalent since long back but the recent rape cases in the capital of India has triggered it to bigger extent. Not only women or girls are targeted but children as small as 5 years old are also victimized. Arunachal Pradesh has also witnessed many such cases and some of the victims still didn’t get justice. 291 days has passed and still justice has not been delivered to Tongam Rina, associate editor of The Arunachal Times. Many rape cases have also been witnessed last year like the Yazali and Tawang rape cases.

How long will this continue? How long will girls remain to feel unsafe, even in the daylight? There is a famous saying: “Girls are the future mothers of our society, and it is important that we focus in their well being.” But what are our people doing for their well being?

Yours

Tasso Kanya

V.K.V Itanagar

 

 

 

Please release our stipend

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily I would like to request the concerned authorities to release the stipend of Arunachalee students studying outside the state as early as possible. The non-release of the same is causing hardships to the students specially those who are from poor background, including myself. The last month of academic session 2012-13 (i.e May)  has  already arrived, students from other states have already got their scholarship from their respective authorities/government for the second time of this session but we, the Arunachalee students are still looking into the sky and praying to the almighty for early release of our scholarship. Even though the rate  at which stipend is provided by our government (i.e Rs. 6600 annually) doesn't even meet 35% of our monthly mess fee  only (i.e Rs. 1800/month), it does help our poor parents to some extent. Hope our concerned authorities will look into the matter seriously and take necessary steps to release the stipend of Arunachalee students studying outside the state before the end of the last month (i.e May 2013) of ongoing academic session i.e 2012-13.

Yours  

Nangil Megu

Press Freedom Day

The United Nations General Assembly declared May 3rd to be World Press Freedom Day to raise awareness of the importance of the freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression and marking the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek, a statement of free press principles put together by African newspaper journalists in 1991.

Every year, this date celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

The theme of World Press Freedom Day 2013 is "Safe to Speak: Securing Freedom of Expression in All Media", which highlights the need for action to upholding the right of journalists to carry out their vital work.

Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right as stated in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Media freedom and access to information feed into the wider development objective of empowering people. It is a cornerstone of good governance, sustainable development, and lasting peace and security.

This Day serves as an occasion to inform citizens of violations of press freedom. It is a reminder that in dozens of countries around the world, publications are censored, fined, suspended and closed down, while journalists, editors and publishers are harassed, attacked, detained and even murdered.

Over the past decade, more than 600 journalists have been killed - at least 120 in the past year alone. As we mark World Press Freedom Day, let us pledge to do our utmost to enable all journalists in all media to do their jobs.