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2013
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May  20

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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Arunachalee boy found in Delhi park

ITANAGAR, May 19: An Arunachalee boy hailing from Tawang district was found on 17th of this month from a park, near Delhi University. The Arunachalee student studying at Delhi since then has taken the boy into their custody.

According to the information provided by one Tenzin, the boy was sleeping at park when they found him. “We had got information that a young boy who speaks Monpa dialect was seen around Delhi University. Soon we started search operation and located him.  He told us that his name is Tenzin Dawa. He claims that his father’s name is Mr Chorpu and mother’s Mrs Dorjee Lhamu. Boy further told us that he left Tawang 9 years ago and he doesn’t remember how he landed in Delhi,” informed Tenzin.  “He is not able to provide any concrete information to us about his family background and therefore we are facing trouble. Through this daily, we appeal his family member to come out and help us. He is healthy and safely staying with us now,” continued Tenzin. Any person wanting more information in this regard may contact -09911623114 (Tenzin) and 09818336220 (Lobsang).

 

AoL announces YLTP

ITANAGAR, MAY 19: Buoyed by the success of the training programme, the Art of Living Arunachal Pradesh has announced another batch of its world-acclaimed Youth Leadership Training Programme (YLTP) from 24th to 31st May 1013. The 8-day residential programme will be held at the Art of Living Campus located in Jully Basti, Itanagar.  Participants are required to report by the evening of 23rd April. For further details and registration, contact the Art of Living Centre, H Sector, Itanagar.

YLTP is a unique training programme aimed at creating physically strong, mentally alert and morally responsible individuals who are ready to cross all their comfort zones and become role models for others. The youth will be trained in physical and mental fitness, personality development, leadership and communication skills, public speaking, interpersonal skills; adaptability skills, time management , etc.

 

SVSSS Camp held

ITANAGAR, May 19: The Swami Vivekananda Sardh Shati Samaroh (SVSSS) Itanagar organized ten days moral value enhancement training camp specially designed for the students of Class V to X from 7th to 17th of this month. The camp was specially held for the students of various VKVs of Capital.

The students from VKV Chimpu, Police Colony Vivek Vihar, VKV Nirjuli, Doimukh and Polo Colony Naharlagun participated in the camp. The age old indigenous practice of valued Sanskar, which gives an individual, good moral character and ethics to lead a successful life, was imparted to the students. Around 400 students participated in the camp. Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti Itanagar Karyakarta Shivam Riya, Roketso Mam, Kumari Yago Digio, Komin Patir along with 16 other Karyakarta conducted the camp.  

 

Assault on poll duty officers condemned

ITANAGAR, May 19: Expressing concern over the reported physical assault on APCS and other officers during their election duty at Seppa and other places in the state,  the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service Officers’ Association (APCSOA) in an emergency meeting held here today has strongly condemned the incidents that happened at Nyapin  and Seppa. The Association adopted resolutions demanding preventive measures to stop recurrence of such unjustified and intolerable activities which is becoming a regular feature in the state.

The APCSOA strongly urged Govt. to nab the miscreants and punish them under appropriate law of the land. Further, it demanded necessary security to the Administrative Officers on election duty failing which, the Association will go for democratic movement in entire state.

Meanwhile, APCSOA urged upon all the candidates and their supporters not to take the law at their own and instead, approach the  appropriate authority for solution to their grievances if any.

 

 

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

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News Impact

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British High Commissioner visits Poma bamboo centre, calls on CM

ITANAGAR, May 19: The British High Commissioner Sir James David Bevan and his wife Lady Janet Purdie Bevan, who arrived in the city on a six-day visit, today visited the Bamboo Processing Centre, Poma, near here along with Governor Gen JJ Singh.

They went around the production centre and had a glimpse of the production process and products, showroom cum sale counter of the center at Gohpur Tinali. They were highly impressed by the handicrafts products of the centre.

Lauding the effort of Raj Bhawan towards financial empowerment of rural community, they expressed hope that such initiatives will have long lasting impact on State’s economy.

A brainchild of Governor Singh, the bamboo processing centre is benefitting a large number of women both directly and indirectly.

Mooted by the Governor, Poma bamboo processing centre is an integral part of the strategy to convert Poma into a model village in Arunachal Pradesh.

Earlier in the day, the visiting dignitaries, who arrived at Itanagar yesterday, visited the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, Gekar Sinyi Lake and Adventure Tourism Camping Destination at Jotte-Poma.

Meanwhile,  the British High Commissioner had an informal meeting with the Chief Minister here this evening that was also attended by Minister of Food & Civil Supplies and Geology & Mining Kamlung Mossang, Political Secretary to CM Bamang Tago, Chief Secretary H K Paliwal, Commissioner to CM C B Kumar and Commissioner Personnel Gonesh Koyu.

“Now that I have visited this beautiful state and had heart-to-heart talks with you, I will become the advocate of Arunachal Pradesh for Britain,” said British High Commissioner Sir James Bevan to Chief Minister Nabam Tuki.

Lauding the natural richness of the state with highest forest cover in the country, the High Commissioner offered cooperation and assistance in the development of the state.

 “I am already a member of Team Arunachal,” he said proudly showing off the badge of ‘Team Arunachal’, an idea mooted by Governor Gen J J Singh.

The High Commissioner sought to know the priorities of the State Government and scopes for cooperation for wellbeing and progress of the state.

Tuki, in response, explained the recent policies adopted by the state government especially focusing on agri-horti, tourism, sports, hydro-power and health sectors. He said the State in recent years has made rapid progress in these fields, which have been recognized and appreciated by all.

“We are stressing on the huge potential in our youths, who can change the future of Arunachal with their participation in development of these sectors,” he said.

Referring to his visit to the State Museum here this morning, the High Commissioner expressed his surprise over the peaceful co-existence of so many tribes with different culture and traditions.

“Yours is a world in one state!” he exclaimed and urged the Chief Minister to face the challenge of keeping it the same successfully in the backdrop of rapid development that is taking place.

He promised to keep in touch with the state and explore avenues to cooperate in sectors as desired by the State Government. He also assured to visit the state again.

The Chief Minister expressed gratefulness to the High Commissioner for taking trouble to travel to the state and said that his genuine concern to partner with the state has been a real moral booster.

 

 

Has Arunachal Pradesh become prisoner of its own frontiers ?

Kiren Rijiju

What baffles is not that India is behaving meek with China but why India seems to not knowing how to behave with China. Whenever China acts in a manner that affects India's interest or make movements in border area by intrusions, there would be a panicky all around and under a hyper media reports, a lately guarded statement would emerge from the govt. This has become a routine character of our conduct vis-a-vis China. Ambiguity is the hallmark of Indian diplomacy towards China. It is true that if one has to deal with China properly then one must understand China first.

I'm regarded as a hawkish, laden with emotions in my outlook with regards to China. But in reality I believe in maintaining a cordial relationship with it's neighbour so that both Nations can flourish together. A Superpower nation as neighbour must be dealt with accordingly although it's difficult to remove the North India's obsession with Pakistan due to historical reasons.

 When I was issued normal Visa (to a sitting MP) to visit China during Beijing Olympics I thought it was a defining moment which was also felt by then Ambassador to China Nirupama Rao. The Ambassador shared this with me when she invited me for a tea at her Beijing residence.

To my disappointment the matter was back to square. The Chinese have never taken a practical stand related to border issues which could have lead to a permanent solution (same told to Chinese Media including my South China Morning Post interview on 18.5.13).

The bigger question is what stops India from taking a bold steps which would put the Chinese in a situation bound to respond. When diplomacy stagnates then time demands for some bold, innovative and unusual moves by leaders chalking out a new course.

A time has come where India instill confidence and initiate steps to deal with China at ground level.

The first visit of the new Chinese Premier Le Keqiang to India is an opportunity to make it a landmark event. I would suggest two immediate proposals to be placed before the Chinese PM which would be difficult to reject out rightly

The Chinese have soften their earlier stand of non issuance of Visas at all to Stapled Visas to Arunachalees. The Govt has failed to take advantage of this move as many in China believe that it amounted to conceding of Chinese claim on Arunachal. Then Foreign Minister S M Krishna told me that accepting stapled visa would dilute our position which is not correct. Actually it is China which has diluted their position. I believe we failed to take advantage of it and it's a diplomatic blunder though never too late. Once a stated position is accepted then that remains a standard baseline. Once Visas are issued under a policy to Arunachalees even stapled one, can China ever say that Arunachalees are Chinese ?

It's no doubt that Arunachal Pradesh had traditional trade link with Tibet and some of it's areas were under it's indirect rules. But that ended since Tibet went under Chinese Sovereignty and going by 1914 Shimla agreement, McMahon line is final and permanent boundary.  The re-opening of those traditional border trade routes along McMahon line can bring a new dimension to our bilateral relations. Here India requires to take a quick diplomatic initiative with confidence. Those border trade points would immediately be treated as de-facto boundary where both India and China would establish customs and trade related structures. In long run those border points would become formal de-jure boundary.

Arunachal Pradesh is very poorly connected with mainland India. The China side of Arunachal is completely closed. "Is Arunachal Pradesh prisoner of it’s own Frontiers"? Is it correct to remain so isolated in 21st century globalization? It's time to realize that Arunachal Pradesh understands itself as inalienable part of India beaming with nationalism but does India understand Arunachal ? (The writer is a former MP of Arunachal Pradesh)

 

 

Demand to declare Gali RF as “De-reserve”

Prafulla Kaman

RUKSIN, May 19: The people of Depi, Debing, Poblung and Rayang villages under Ruksin circle in East Siang district have expressed their strong resentment over the negligence shown by the successive state governments in taking up their demand for de-reservation of Gali Reserve Forest with the Centre.

According to report, there were only Adi 12 families settled in present Depi village in 1922 and the villagers led by then Gaon Burah Tater Tali were paying land revenue to then British government. The government later notified the area as Gali RF vide notification No- FOR.230/D-1/80 and RCC-P2541 in 1936.

The villagers of the area subsequently assembled in a public meeting at Mirem during December 1971, wherein they unanimously resolved to demand authority to declare the notified Gali RF as de-reserve for cultivation purpose. As such, the people of Ramle Banggo, Bogong Banggo and Legong Bangoo come to a decision of giving a larger area at Midu Tapi (presently in Gutin RF) in lieu of the notified area under Gali RF.

The Extra Assistant Commissioner of Pasighat during 4th session of North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) put up the proposal to the Central Government during 1971, pleaded that Gali RF should be declared de-reserved for cultivation purpose. In the later, former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Gegong Apang too, wrote letter to the Centre urging necessary steps for de-reserving of the forest area as per pubic demand. Accordingly, then Union Minister of State for Environment & Forest (MoEF), Z R Anchari made a reply to the state government in January 1987, wherein he stated that proposal for de-reservation was under reconsideration.

However, the MoEF in its reply regretted that the proposal made by Arunachal Government regarding de-reservation of Gali RF was not been possible to agree and therefore it instructed Chief Minister to settle the encroacher on non-forest land. Later, a joint Committee team of forest official from Itanagar and Shillong regional office accompanied by Pasighat DFO paid aerial visit of the area, took photograph and conveyed the feasibility report to MoEF in 1995.

But the forest officials’ efforts failed to convince the MoEF as the issue was pending for seven years. In the year 2003, the State’s Conservator of Forest (CCF) again moved the Assistant Inspector General of Forest under MoEF (FC Division), Delhi demanding de-reservation of about 11,000 hectares of forestland in Gali RF under Arunachal territory.

The local people led by one Togo Gamno (User agent) of Rayang village continued their movement in support of their demand to declare Gali RF as de-reserve, but their demand was unheard by the successive state governments. Gamno, who served his society as an Anchal Somiti Member and presently acting as Gaon Burah of Rayang village, alleged that none of the elected leaders like MLA and MPs elected from East Siang district are paying attention for solution to the issue.

“The government notified our donated land as Gutin RF, but not declared Gali RF as de-reserve and thereby deprived us from both sides”, Gamno exclaimed.

Presently, the villagers of Depi, Detak, Debing and a part of Rayang are depending on the forest land for their agricultural and other farming activities. Alleged inaction of the state government is pushing the people to live in the area amidst a tizzy state in their minds.

Now, there is forest cover in Gali RF. The entire forest land under the RF (fall in Assam and Arunachal territory) has transformed into dense human habitat.

 

 

Li holds talks with Manmohan, says visit will ‘inject new vigour’

New Delhi, May 19: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Sunday began talks with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh on all crucial bilateral issues within hours of his arrival in New Delhi when he affirmed that his visit would "inject new vigour" into bilateral ties and strengthen mutual trust.

Li, 57, accompanied by a senior-level delegation comprising government officials and businessmen, arrived around 3 PM on a three-day-visit and was received by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed and senior ministry officials including Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai.

In a written statement issued upon his arrival, Li said it serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people and is a blessing to Asia and the world at large that China and India coexist peacefully, maintain friendly relations and work together to realise national rejuvenation.

He also said China regarded India as an important partner and friend, adding, "I am looking forward to exchanging views with Indian leaders on bilateral ties and regional and global issues of common concern."

Li also expressed confidence that his visit would strengthen mutual trust, deepen cooperation, expand common interests and consolidate bilateral friendship, which would inject new vigour into the China-India strategic and cooperative partnership designed for peace and prosperity.

Meanwhile, sources said today’s restricted meeting will only discuss issues of "major concerns". Among other matters, India will convey its concern over recent Chinese incursion in Ladakh region and stress that the Special Representatives of India and China, who are scheduled to meet in next few months, take it up in detail to avoid such occurrences in future.

India has been pressing for clarification and confirmation on Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the India-China border areas pending the final settlement.

"Everything is on the table," Joint Secretary (East Asia) Gautam Bambawale said when asked about the issues to be discussed between the leaders of the two countries, which are witnessing differences on various crucial matters including boundary, waters and on market access under economic ties.

"The two Prime Ministers would talk about these subjects. Since it (incursion) being the recent occurrence (will be discussed)," he said.

Talks on trans-border rivers, especially India's concern over Chinese constructing three additional dams on Brahmaputra river are also expected to figure in the restricted talks. PTI

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

All rights reserved.

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Press fraternities of Arunachal  don’t lose courage

Dear Editor,

It has become a shocking story in the state like Arunachal Pradesh once adored as peaceful state in entire north east region that 308 days have passed, the culprits involved in the July 15 attack on the Arunachal times associate editor Tongam Rina are still at large. I want to appeal to the press fraternities not to lose courage and unity. The people of the state (except perpetrators of the Rina case) are behind you. I would like to appeal brother and sisters of the peaceful state to understand the Role of media. Press is the very backbone of society. It plays role of  a teacher, reformer and a critic. Modern age is the age of democracy and democracy depends upon public opinion. It is the real architect of Public Opinions. The press serves as the most important weapon of modern life in combating all form of evils and injustices in our society.

The press is a social reformer. It affords a platform, from which advocates of social reform can push their causes for public attention. Press provides platform to the people and communities who thinks they are unjustly treated, can air their grievances there. The press keeps the public in touch with the day to day political socio- economic change all over the world. The leading articles of news papers go a long way in forming of public-opinion and guiding the people during critical period. The press exercise great influence as it teaches the citizen their right and responsibilities. Lastly the onus lies on the young and energetic present Deputy Commissioner and SP capital complex to nab the culprit to prove their efficiency as an able administration.

Yours,

M.T. Marbom

Abo Tani colony,

Itanagar

 

 

 

Tale of text book

Dear Editor,

The Director of School Education, Itanagar is responsible for depriving the school going children of the state of Arunachal Pradesh from availing free text books. The quality & numbers of text books was compromised by the Education Department itself for which Director of School Education, Itanagar is accountable for an avoidable expenditure of 1.84 lakh and at the same Minister Concerns are answerable to why the Education Department procured text books from the private publishers at a much higher rates though books were available with the NCERT & CBSE at a much cheaper rates?

As per the Audit Report of Arunachal Pradesh published for 2009-2010, it has come to know that despite availability of NCERT/CBSE text books at cheaper rates; the Director of School Education procured text books for the year 2008-09 from private publishers at much higher rates and incurred an avoidable expenditure of 183.76 lakh.

The Education Department procures text books every year for free distribution to the ST students of class I to VII under Universalization of Education scheme. The main sources for procurement of text books have been NCERT, CBSE and private publishers.

A test check of the records of the Directorate of School Education (DSE) (December 2009) indicate that a Negotiation Committee, constituted for the purpose of fixation of books rates, held meeting on 27 June 2007 wherein the rates for text books proposed to be procured from private publishers were fixed. It was noticed that the rates so fixed were much higher and were fixed by the Committee without comparing with the NCERT/CBSE rates.

Audit scrutiny revealed that between July and September 2008, even without ascertaining whether NCERT/CBSE was able to supply the books, the department procured various text books at a total cost of Rs 4.91 crore from eight private publishers for free distribution. The payments were released to the publishers after necessary verification of the receipt of the books. The prices of books supplied by the private publishers were higher by one and half to three times than that of NCERT/CBSE published books. Had the department sourced the text books from NCERT/CBSE rather than private publishers it could have saved approximately 1.84 crore on their purchase.

It was also found in audit that the department always procured books for Class IX to XII from NCERT/CBSE. Books for Class I to VIII for the year 2009-10 were also procured from CBSE/NCERT. Reason for procuring books in 2008-09 from private publishers without even ascertaining and comparing the rates of NCERT/CBSE, were not available in the records produced to audit. This total disregard to financial prudency in procurement of textbooks resulted in an avoidable expenditure of 1.84 crore.

The matter was brought to the notice of the Government in May 2010; their reply has not been received yet (September-2010).

The text books distributed to the govt. schools of the state has printing mistakes, words are incorrect spelled and some texts were not legible at all. Moreover, text books are distributed at the mid or end of the academic session by that time students avails the books from the market.

The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) is an appropriate organization to raise the issue and should demand the resignation of the Minister concern and at the same legal steps should be taken to booked the officers involved in it.

Yours,

Nabam Tado

Vice-President,  APPDSU

 

 

 

Get tough with Assam

Dear Editor,

I wonder why government of Arunachal Pradesh is mute and silent spectator over the recent interference by Assam Police on Panchayat poll at Hassee -Russa villager under Longding district. It is reported that hundreds of police personals led by Sivsagar Dist.SP obstructed the voting at the said village. This is not the first time that people of this district are witnessing such trouble. In the past to such claim and intrusion by people and government of Assam took place. Even after such repeated claim and intrusion on Arunachal territory by Assam government, our Sate govt is yet to wake up from the sleep. While "People First" is said to be the guiding force of present state government but when its people is facing threat to its own land and rights, the so called "People First Govt" is maintaining silence and deserting the people to its own fate. Even after 5 days of the said incident, we have not heart a single word or witness any action from our "People First Govt". I wonder what hinder our leaders and govt to speak out tough and act against such intruder who are not only wrongfully claiming our land but also illegally camping on our territory. I humbly appeal our Govt & leaders to kindly act and speak tough before it’s too late.

Yours,

Longri Kim

Terit Nagar

Changlang Dist

 

 

 

“Verma Point” - History untold and unheard

Dear Editor,

Kindly do me the favour of publishing the following lines in the “Letters to the Editor” of your paper.

It is about some fact regard historical but unknown to many of us, the “Verma Point”. Verma Point is a pillar standing (not now) around 1-1.5 meters in height located at my beautiful Talo Village, Yachuli Circle, Lower Subansiri District. Its dying history goes back to 1960’s, when the first ever road connectivity reached this part of Nyishi belt. It was a landmark achievement, because road connectivity brought other aspects of development. Education being the most important one. It was the need of hour for untouched and unexplored Nyishi belt at that time.

This important road connectivity work was undertaken by BROs (GREF) 104 Company, headed by         SB Verma. By the end of 1960, after lot of effort they had taken the road through village Talo and reached the present Jaabli area (17-19 Kilo). But it was not an easy task. They reached there after a lot of planning, mapping, survey, trekking, challenging the deep jungle, facing nature’s worst fury and availing the least machines and medical attention. It was all made possible by S B Verma, an intelligent and experienced engineer and an excellent personality. But this Jaabli area was the last point under his jurisdiction. He initiated a road network that would bring vast social change in this part of Nyishi belt. He very rightly erected a pillar to mark this historical achievement, and it came to be known as Verma Point. Later in 1962 during Indo-China War, the entire 104 company which constructed the said stretch of road fled following the rumour that Chinese army is heading their way from this route. Gunshots and bombings were clearly audible but Chinese troop never took this route. Contrary to this, today, a leader availing all modern machinery would take 5 long months for a 5 km road for public welfare. But the same leader for his personal benefit would have the work done just overnight.

The history behind the Verma Point is about the hardship taken to construct the road in 60’s.  The 104 company and the villagers had work hard putting their own life at risk. The result of the hardships taken is clearly shown today. Talo village along with the other Nyishi villages connected to this road have many intellectuals & officers in all the important fields. Thus, a new era of progress and prosperity was followed thereafter. Verma Point, inspite having such a history and creating a large impact, indeed is both unheard and untold to many of us.

Presently the pillar is in ruined condition. Successive layer cutting of new roads have left it in the jungle piled up with mud and vegetation. Today after 52 years the same road is being elevated to a National Highway (work being started already). Here S B. Verma’s long sightedness and purpose of the pillar is proved rightly. This National Highway will make it to the last Chinese border and strengthen the border area development.  The words “Verma Point, 21 November 1960” on the pillar has a lot to speak about journey from a jungle footpath to a national highway. Though this issue is not so genuine, but the history is dying with passing days. With the commencing of work for constructing national highway, the upgradation of this pillar and demarcation it as a historical asset will serve it right.

Yours,

Jotham Toko Tata

VKV, Itanagar

 

 

 

Appeal Supreme Court for early settlement

Dear Editor,

Once again report of encroachment of Arunachal land and disruption of election process are being reported from Longding district. Why is our govt. silent? Additional police force should be deployed and they should take control of school campus. Every year Assam's land is eroded by flood and their land is decreasing day by day. Therefore Assam is trying to encroached Arunachal land in many boundary areas. Immediate action should be taken and the people be protected. The Supreme court should be appealed for early settlement.

Yours,

Rickar Tai

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Work together to end hunger

Instead of its fast paced economic growth in past two decades India has lagged behind in improving its record in Global Hunger Index chart, according to the report on Global Hunger Index for seventh year which was released on Oct 11 last year by the International Food Policy Research Institute.

In the list of 79 countries in the global Hunger Index, India was ranked 65th behind China that was placed at 2nd place position, Pakistan at 57th and Sri Lanka at 37th position.  

The report also points out the three countries Bangladesh, India and Timor-Leste constitutes to the highest occurrence of underweight children under the age group of five years, which records to more than 40 per cent in each country.

India was ranked second with 43.5 per cent of the children less than five underweight in the list of the 129 countries compared for underweight child, after Timor-Leste.

As per the report, the nations that had showcased an absolute progress between 1990 Global Hunger Index to 2012 Global Hunger Index were Bangladesh, Angola, Malawi, Nicaragua, Ethiopia, Niger, and Vietnam. Whereas there are 15 countries that have managed to reduce it by 50 percent or more.

However, the good news is that the UN has launched the Zero Hunger Challenge in Asia and the Pacific. It calls on governments, farmers, scientists, business, civil society and consumers to work together to end hunger in the region where the majority of the world’s undernourished people live.

Halving the proportion of people who suffer from hunger is one of the eight anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that world leaders have pledged to achieve by 2015, along with improving education, gender equality, child and maternal health and environmental stability.