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2013
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May  29

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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NCP demands Govt to issue white paper on Apex Bank

ITANAGAR, May 28: Arunachal Pradesh unit of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has demanded the state government to issue a white paper showing clearly the factors responsible for making the Apex Bank sick, action taken report against major defaulters and the actual present financial status of the bank.

Alleging partiality in loan recovery drive, NCP state unit President Kahfa Bengia said that “While the small time defaulters faced the wrath of the bank recovery laws the mighty and privileged lot comprised of politicians and PDS contractors went scot-free.

“Had the Govt. resorted to harsh steps, including seizure of properties and imprisonment to few dozens of big fishes, and disconnected the politicians in professional management of the Banking affairs, the bank would have revived on its own within couple of months,” the NCP state president claimed.

 

BJP temporarily suspends ‘Jail Bharo Aandolon’

ITANAGAR, May 28: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s proposed nationwide “Jail Bharo Aandolon” on May 27 to protest against the ‘scam filled’ UPA government and to demand resignation of the Prime Minister has been suspended temprarirly following Chattishgarh mayhem. Subsequently, the BJP Arunachal Pradesh has also suspended its strike proposed in the state capital on May 30.

While expressing grave concern over deteriorated law and order situation in the state capital, BJP demanded the state government to adopt proper policy and strategic action plan to contain the prevailing situation.

 

PPA demands public apology from Maha CM

ITANAGAR, May 28: People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) has demanded public apology from Maharashtra Chief Minister before the people of Arunachal Pradesh for making un-pardonable mistake by chopping off Arunachal from the map of India in Geology textbook of Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education.

The government has not yet responded to our demand for convening an all party meeting on the serious issue, which has hurt the sentiment of people of this easternmost state of the country. Hence, we demand it to call Maharashtra CM to Arunachal Pradesh to make apology.

Meanwhile, PPA in a meeting reviewed its performance in the just concluded Panchayat Raj and Municipality elections.

 

Newly elected Panchayat leaders administered oath

ZIRO, May 28: The oath taking ceremony of elected members of Panchayat Raj under Ziro-I Anchal Samity was held at Abotani Hall, Hapoli today.

Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Marnya Ete administered the oath to 522 members of the area, including 7 ZPMs, 127 ASMs and 385 GPMs.

Certificates from ROs of respective Anchal Samity were also distributed to the newly elected representatives at the function. DIPRO

 

DA reviews disaster management plan

AALO, May 28: In its continued effort to check likely monsoon menaces and other natural calamities, West Siang district administration has reviewed disaster management plan yesterday.

for the district was reviewed under the chairmanship of West Siang Deputy commissioner Shri M.K. Sahoo on 27th May last. Army, ITBP, police and all HODs were involved in the meet.

Presiding over the meeting, Deputy Commissioner MK Sahoo stressed on coordinated efforts and active participation of stakeholders and community in tackling any kind of eventuality. He also stressed on sensitizing people on man-made and natural calamities and drawing up contingency plan at circle and sub divisional level.

Col. Nerender Singh, Admin Commandant Along Military Station stressed on identifying disaster prone areas and suggested for integrated training of various govt departments. He assured all help and assistances from the army at time of disaster.

Superintendent of Police emphasized on user concepts to use the materials and equipments in the time of emergency.

The DDMO presented the inventory lists of equipments, men power and role of the department through power point presentation. DIPRO

 

NYWA running trophy cricket tourney begins today

ITANAGAR, May 28: The Second Running Trophy Cricket Tournament organized by Namey Youth Welfare Association (NYWA) will begin at Namey playground, Nari-Koyu in East Siang district tomorrow.

Many teams from Ramle Banggo and nearby villages from Assam are participating in the tournament.

The winner will be awarded cash prizes of Rs.20,000 along with trophy/medals while the runners up team would be given Rs.15,000 along with trophy and medals.

MLA and advisor Chief Minister Tako Dabii and Arunachal Olympic Association Secretary General Gechi Doke will attend the inaugural function to encourage the players.

The main motto of the tournament is to promote peace and foster unity and brotherhood among people through sports and also to expose hidden cricket talents.

 

Murder condemned

ITANAGAR, May 28: Condemning the incident when a teenage boy was murdered in the wee hours on Monday, the All Arunachal Pradesh Youth Organization (AAPYO) has urged Capital DC to take immediate and necessary action to nap the culprits involved and to deploy security personnel in various areas like Gompa, Legi Complex, Akashdeep, Ganga, IG Park and Nyokum Lapang from 7pm to 4am.

The incident has shown the deteriorating law and order in the state Capital, especially during the wee hours, the organization stated in the release.

 

Nyedar Namlo establishment day celebrated

ITANAGAR, May 28: The Nyedar Namlo establishment day celebration was organized at Hollongi Nyedar Namlo today.

The day-long celebration witnessed traditional games and sports and cultural activities from the children of Hollongi Nyedar Namlo. The celebration ended with community feast.

 

Health & hygiene awareness campaign

ITANAGAR, May 28: Altogether 200 people participated in the two-day programme on Health & Hygiene Awareness campaign at Baririjo under Dumporijo sub-division in Upper Subansiri district which concluded on May 9 last.

During the two-day programme, Dr Karpe Nyokir (Mara) advised participants about the importance of cleanliness. Free medical checkup was also done on the programme.

 

Subi finishes first runner up in Sunsilk Mega Miss North East contest

ITANAGAR, May 28: Subi Taba from Arunachal Pradesh finished first runner up in the 11th Sunsilk Mega Miss North East beauty pageant held in Guwahati on May 24. Juhi Gogoi from Assam was crowned and while another girl from Assam Plabita Gogoi finished the second runner up.

During the strong competition, the contestants were judged in three categories viz. Traditional wear, Evening gown presentation and Personality interview. as they vie for the coveted title of the region.

Devika Kerongay of Sikkim won the sub-title of Sunsilk Beautiful Hair while the ‘Lakme Perfect Radiance Skin’ award went to Gurmila Bhutia, also from Sikkim. The 55444 People’s Choice award went to Keneyile Rhakho of Nagaland and Reliance Trends Most Trendy to Rashmi Rekha Devi of Assam. Anju Dahal of Arunachal Pradesh won the ‘Best Model’ award.

Winner of the contest walked away with attractive cash and other prizes and ticket to walk the Lakme Fashion Week in August.

The entire programme will be telecast on NE Hi-Fi at 9.30pm on June 2.

The pageant featured 29 most beautiful young women from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.

 

 

Deru - first Indian to win gold in AY Weightlifting C’ship

ITANAGAR, May 28: Arunachalee weightlifter Jimjang Deru today win 2 gold and a silver medals in Asian Youth Weightlifting Championship  going on at Doha in Katar.

Deru scored 86 kg in snatch, 113 kg in clean jark and total 199 kg to win silver, gold and gold respectively to become the first Indian to win gold medal in Asian Youth Weightlifting Championship, Arunachal Weightlifting Association (AWA) president Abraham K Techi said while congratulating hinm.

Besides Deru, other two Arunachalees - Lalu Taku (60 kg category) and Sambu Lapung (69 kg category) -  taking part in the event would perform on May 29 next, he said.

He also lauded the Indian Weightlifting Federation for it all possible support to the state team in taking part in global events.

 

‘Provide compensation’

ITANAGAR, May 28:  Claiming that Assam forest personnel evicted two OBT houses at Dollung Ramghat village under Tarasso circle in Papum Pare district and snatched away local ornaments, 400 CGI sheets and some domestic animals worth 30 lakhs from the villagers on May 27 last at about 11:30am, the Newland Enforcement Committee, Yupia has appealed Chief Minister to provide compensation to the affected villagers.

We also urge the CM for necessary action against Assam counterpart for the illegal eviction and to provide immediate solution to protect our innocent villagers by providing police force at Tarasso circle as soon as possible, it stated in the release.

 

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318 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

Orgs decry killing of Engg. student

ITANAGAR, May 28: Various NGOs, unions and organizations have vehemently condemned the brutal killing of Bomjen Gapak, a Civil Engineering student of College of Engineering & Technology, Palwal, Haryana by some unidentified persons in the wee hours of May 27 in the heart of Itanagar town.

Expressing shock and grief over the incident, Nyishi Elite Society (NES) in a release said that the death of a promising young member of the community has caused great loss not only to the family but also entire Nyishi community and the state as a whole.

While sharing grief and sorrow with the bereaved family, NES urged the capital complex administration to nail the culprit at the earliest. The Society also urged the law enforcing machinery to intensify night patrolling in Capital Complex and regulate movement of the people, especially, youths from 9 pm to 4 am by frisk checking to ensure safety and security of people in the twin capital city.

“The administration must build a sense of trust and confidence in the minds of the capital dwellers,” NES added.

Chairman of Arunachal Pradesh Welfare Society and APB&OCWWB Jalley Sonam while condemning heinous crime in strongest term, appealed Police to nab the culprits at the earliest possible and give them exemplary punishment so that this kind of inhuman act do not recur. He also urged the district administration to intensify night patrolling within the twin capital complex.

“This is just another proof of deteriorating law and order situation in the state capital and how the place is becoming insecure for common people to live, Galo Students Union said in a release while vehemently condemning the heinous crime.

“What is more surprising is the incident took place within a distance of 80-90 meters from the police station,” GSU said. Expressing grave concern over rise in dao and gun culture in the state, GSU condemned the state government for utterly failing to safeguard the life and property of its people.

It appealed to the apex students’ body of the state AAPSU to come forward and press the authority concerned to normalize the deteriorated law and order situation of the state.

GSU also condoled the death of Sokjar Gamlin, Ex- PI, Chairman S&G printing and Publishing House, and prayed to almighty Donyi polo for eternal peace of the eternal soul.

Akom Welfare Society has also strongly condemned the brutal killing and demanded Police to nab the culprits involved in the murder of Bomjen immediately and award them exemplary punishment.

The society prayed for early recovery of Terkuk Gapak, who received grievous injury in the incident.

 

 

Democracy at the grassroots?

Tongam Rina

As expected, the people have given a clear mandate to the ruling party in the recently concluded elections of the three tier Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs).

PRIs are made up of wonderful mishmash of people from different backgrounds. But more often than not, most people who are elected-selected as members of these institutions are people with money. The moneyed class in our state usually are the student leaders, government officers and their wives, politicians and their cronies and relatives who become rich overnight. There is no competition to glamour that money brings and we all stand in completely awe! No matter what the outside appearance is but the ones pulling the strings are the moneyed and those with connections.

The onus, now is on the Congress party and the government to strengthen the PRIs in the state to enable it to be part of decision making process. So far everything has been in paper and successive state governments have been very reluctant to share power which is contradiction to the  73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, that came into force in 1993 which was meant to provide constitutional sanction to establish “democracy at the grassroots level as it is at the state level or national level”.

If development process has to be truly inclusive, it has to start from the grassroots. And for that to happen, it is essential that PRIs are part of all developmental process.

The PRIs are capable of being an agent of change; however bureaucracy and politicians have ensured that it remains toothless and powerless.

Though many things have been said, Arunachal is yet to fully devolve 3Fs (Finance, Functions and Functionaries) to the  PRIs. It would go a long way in not only strengthening the PRIs but will also enable them to discharge their constitutionally stipulated function.

So far, policy decision has been top-down approach which has not given affective results. We all cry that babus in Delhi take decisions which are not relevant for our state. However, those at the corridors of power, exactly replicate that in our own state.

The Rajiv Gandhi Vidhyutikaran Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act are some of the examples which have horribly gone wrong in the state. These were meant to be schemes to benefit villagers to ensure jobs and better roads and power connectivity but even these schemes have ended up in the hands of very few people who have not only monopolized on it, but have gone on to  take full advantage of loopholes in the system.

The Gram Sabha could change it all. It is one of the ingredients for powerful and effective PR Institutions so communities need to guarantee that these meetings are held on a regular basis to keep a track on what is happening.

Atleast in MGNREGA, they could bring in a remarkable change as the Gram Panchayats have a direct say on upto 50 per cent of funds.

Another important factor for making a success of PRIs is social audits. In a state where accountability is nil and dependent on funds from centre, the task will be huge but there is no harm in trying. Even if funds are not raised by the PRIs, they could start by asking what happens to the funds received from the centre.

During the elections, everybody gets involved, only to realize that it was sheer waste of time and money.

Yours truly is under the firm impression that PRIs in the state has been rendered ineffective by politicians and bureaucracy reluctant to share power but it is hoped that with time, things will change. Ideally, the powers and functions should have been handed over to PRIs without them having to demand but if past experiences are anything to go by, even this batch of leaders will not have much luck. Promises are easy to make and we make them quite often. What is difficult is delivery. 

The elections were dirty and left many wondering why so much is put on stake, including lives. We can only hope that a start is made, a positive one.  

 

 

Health & education priority sector for NHPC

Correspondent

ROING, May 28: In a show of gesture to the people that NHPC Ltd is committed in its corporate social responsibilities, donated Nebulizer machines for the district hospital, Anini today.

The company says it is socially committed, and wants people to be free of doubt that it would ever remain indifferent to them after the conduct of public hearing.

Doubts were raised on the company during the public hearing held on March 2013 last for 3000MW Dibang Multipurpose Project (DMP), over NHPC’s commitment.

“In fact, we require support of the people more than ever,” said VK Maini, the new General Manager of DMP, NHPC Ltd.

“We want the people to speak out their needs so that we can act accordingly. This donation of medical equipment is a small act. What we look for is to commit something which will have long term benefits and is sustainable.”

Maini replaces VK Rattan, former GM of DMP, after assuming charge on Saturday.

Rattan is on promotion and transferred to corporate headquarter in Gurgaon.

Earlier, in his message he thanked the people of Lower Dibang Valley and Dibang Valley for their support to the organization.

He, however, expects the state government to commit more. “There is great shortage of manpower in the district administration, Anini for starting the work of survey for Rehabilitation and Resettlement."

He regrets that if government fails to perform, the anger of the people will ultimately boil down to NHPC.

NHPC officials were on tour to Anini on May 20 last to review the status of R&R for project affected families. It had conducted a meeting with the public to take note of the requirements of the people there. They also visited the schools and district hospital in Anini.

“Education and health sector will be the priority of NHPC,” said Dr L Hannah, ACMO, NHPC Ltd during the handing over of the Nebulizer machine.

“As per requirement NHPC also plans to donate DG set for district hospital, Anini.”

The Nebulizer machines were handed over to Dr Saga Migri, SMO, district hospital, Anini by Bengia Guma, Deputy Manager (C), DMP, NHPC Ltd and Mahesh Tandon, Manager (C), DMP, NHPC Ltd.

Nebulizer is a life saving equipment commonly used for the treatment of cystic fibrosis, asthma, COPD and other respiratory diseases.

 

 

DC flags off tractors under CM Agriculture Farm Mechanization Prog

AALO, May 28: West Siang Deputy Commissioner MK Sahoo flagged off tractors sanctioned under Chief Minister’s Agriculture Mechanization Programme to the beneficiaries of the district at DAO’s office here today. He also inaugurated the biometric attendance machine on the occasion.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the DC said that the ambitious project is destined to ameliorate the working condition of the farmers and increase the productivity through mechanized means of farming. The beneficiaries selected as per the target set by govt. in a transparent manner should make best uses of the tractors, power tillers, rice haulers and water pumps equipments.

Though there is less scope for large scale mechanized farming in this hilly terrain, the plain cultivable wetland along the river side is conducive for such farming, he said.

The farming here have been organic in nature with traditional variety which have good market response and farmers should continue with it, he said. The DC also assured to streamline the procedure for availing the bank loan facility.

Impressed by the large stretches of plain and cultivable land along the Yomgo River at Kabu village, the DC expressed his willingness to go for double cropping with farmer of the village on trial basis after the cultivation season.

Outlining the activities of the Agriculture Department to boost up the morale of progressive farmers of the District, the District Agriculture Officer Karbom Riram said that the Department has been helping the farmers to look into their demand based proposals of the farmers from time to time.

The ADOs of the department also spoke on the occasion.

The beneficiaries coming all the way from all parts of the district also highlighted their grievances on availing agriculture equipments on more subsidized rate, bank loan etc. DIPRO

 

 

East Siang DC inaugurates additional check-gate

PASIGHAT, May 28: An additional ‘Entry-Check-Gate’ in 2-Mile area is essential besides Ruksin and Kemi to stop illegal access to East Siang, stated Deputy Commissioner RK Mishra today while inaugurating a newly constructed additional entry/exit check gate in 2-Mile area in presence of SP Pushpendra Kumar, DSP BS Mahra, SDO T Pada, DPO P Boring and host of admin and police officers. He said the purpose of the gate was to check intrusion and access and regulate the flow of persons and vehicles through the designated entrance.

The DC hoped that it would improve law and order situation besides preventing illegal entry of vehicles and intruders both from outside and inside of East Siang. He also stressed on improved standards of behaviour stating that police personnel need to be identifiable as a steward and act professionally. Be calm and assertive, but not aggressive and wear the correct uniform at all times, he advised.

SP Pushpendra Kumar informed that CCTV and better facilities would be added soon. Kumar instructed the police personnel to discharge their duties with sincerity and dedication. He advised them to welcome the visitors/people in a friendly manner and work towards establishing trust, by doing so they would de-escalate any situation. He further advised to adopt ‘can-do’ attitude as they have to deal with all types people everyday with different problems. On duty police should take responsibilities for every enquiry made to them and do their best to resolve all issues with courtesy and respect, he added.

 

 

Gamlin launches CBS at Aalo Apex Bank

AALO, May 28: Transport and Cooperation Minister Jarkar Gamlin launched core banking system (CBS) at Apex Bank, Aalo branch yesterday.

Highlighting the Bank’s past and present status on the occasion, the minister informed that it (the Bank) had lost people’s confidence for sometime due to certain mismanagements. However, the bank has been revived by former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu. Now it is in the threshold of marching hand in hand with other nationalized banks, he said.

With the introducing CBS, the bank will have access to all other banks and only trained and experts who are capable of handling the banking matters should only be engaged in service, he said. “All effort should be made to ensure the Bank’s effective functioning and bring back people’s confidence,”

Moki Loyi stressed on Govt. transaction in the bank.

In his key note address, the AGM cum Nodal Officer of the CBS Project disclosed that the bank has been able to recover Rs 85 crore out of 180 crore. An amount of Rs. 25 crore new loan has been given to various sectors, he informed.

He said that the bank has rose in leaps and bounds in the last three years and concentrating on 0% Kishan Credit Card, subsidy linked schemes for the farmers and embarking upon series of activities to gain the confidence and trust of the people.

Apex Bank Aalo branch manager Kimar Ete dwelt at length on the various activities, services rendered and functioning of the bank at Aalo. DIPRO

 

 

PR election in Papum Pare  concludes successfully

YUPIA, May 28: Counting of fresh poll of Mengio Panchayat segment which was held on 24th May last conducted amid tight security. Due to some discrepancies during the Panchayat Poll on 16th May last, Deputy Commissioner cum District Election Officer Papum Pare had ordered for fresh polling in the Mengio panchayat segment.

Counting passed off peacefully and no any untoward incident reported during the whole process. Polling held in nine polling stations for 1 ZPM, 6 Anchal Samity and 16 Gram panchayat seats where independent candidate Tarh Passang was declared elected as Zilla Parishad member. Out of 6 seats of ASM contested,   INC candidates won 5 and independent won  1 and in Gram Panchayat 16 contested seats,  INC candidates  won 6 and independent won 10 seats. Returning Officer Mengio segment handed over certificates to the elected candidates in a befitting way.

Meanwhile, the final result of Panchayat poll of Papumpare district is as such; out of 7 seats of zilla parishad member in the district,  5 nos of INC candidates  were declared uncontested   and only two seats were declared  contested and it  was won by Independent candidates. In Anchal Samiti contested segments INC won 29 seats, Independent won 15, interestingly 1 seat each won by PPA and BJP candidates, one at Borum ZPM Segment and another from Banderdewa ZPM segment respectively. Most of gram panchayat seats were declared unopposed. In the contested segments INC candidates  won 39 seats and Independent candidates won 44 seats. Overall Panchayat poll 2013 in Papumpare district concluded almost peacefully and successfully. DIPRO

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

All rights reserved.

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Grievances of CMJ University students of Arunachal  

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, we the CMJ University students of Arunachal Pradesh would like to put forward our grievances to the state government. We decided to pursue Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) through CMJ University after hearing that Education Department had issued No Objection Certificate (NOC) to its in-service untrained teachers and even some of the teachers got promotion with CMJ University B.Ed certificates. After that many unemployed, poor teacher aspirants enrolled itself to this university and subsequently completed B.Ed degree in the hope to become a teacher one day. Now after appearing APTET and TGT exams shocking news came to us that Meghalaya Governor R. S Mooshahary pulling up the CMJ University for violating UGC norms and to declare invalid the certificates which were issued by this university. Now, if our degree is invalid, then whom to be blamed for wasting our precious time and hard earned money of our poor parents. On one side it is Education Department to be blamed for issuing NOC for pursuing B.Ed and for failing to check such counselling centres of such universities which are not adhered to UGC norms. On another side it is the CMJ University authorities to be blamed for not following UGC norms inspite of having UGC recognition. In between these two, we the unemployed CMJ University Arunachal Pradesh students having more than 600  in number become scapegoat and a great loser.

At this juncture, state govt. should clarify its stands about the CMJ degrees whether they are going to accept it or reject it. If it is rejected govt. should help CMJ students to get back their fees from CMJ University, Meghalaya.

Therefore, it is our sincere request to our Education Minister to look into our grievances. It is also our request to the student organizations like AAPSU to extend support in this needy moments.

Yours’

K. Robin

RWD Colony, Itanagar

 

 

 

IPL scandalously exposes moral degradation of Indian society

Dear Editor,

This is in response to Poonam I Kaushish's article "The rot is all over" (25 May).

Cricket was an absolutely gentleman's game, used to be appreciated by the true connoisseurs in Indian winter. But with the advent of One-day cricket, the game started to get played throughout the year. Due to instant and confirmed results, which is not possible in Tests, and breezy batting with flood of boundaries and sixers, people of lesser cricketing intellect started to dominate the stadiums. But the IPL has indeed struck the last nail in the coffin of Indian cricket. Cricket has become more uglier due to rash shots by the batsman so as to ensure maximum runs in mere 20 overs. A batsman, even if completely beaten by a superb delivery from the bowler, still scores a boundary due to non-existence of slip fielders in T20. Moreover non-cricketing issues have started to dominate the circus named IPL to a deadly extent. Did any civilized person ever envisage that skimpily clad girls would dance seductively outside the boundary line of cricketing arena? When people get more interested in enjoying the curves of the dancing girls instead of the duel between bat and ball, it is a foregone conclusion that cricket is destined to meet a gory death. They are not a bit concerned as to whether the matches are fixed or not. Their main priority lies in gaping at the lewd antics of the barely clad cheerleaders or the acts of public smooches by the "love birds" of the glamour world! In such a vulgar scenario where all things civility and gentle have been coldly consigned to oblivion, the invasion by the questionable characters is absolutely natural.

Moreover, when the cricketers are expected to lead a disciplined life, specially when a tournament is being played, franchisees religiously throw late-night parties just after completion of the game. And alcohol, nudity and all things commercial and crude mark those parties. And in this philistine environment, flow of drugs, molestations, ugly brawls and betting are inevitable. IPL has indeed drastically changed the face and environment of cricket in India and that change is for worse. All things cricket have simply got consigned to oblivion. In the name of entertainment, the erstwhile noble game has been transformed into a milching cow to be exploited to the full by the  filmstars, industrialists and vested interests.

And the greater tragedy lies in the perfect social acceptance of the IPL in the country despite discovery of so many skeletons in its cupboard. People still flock to the stadiums in droves and viewers glued to the TV sets to watch IPL matches! However this hardly invokes any surprise. The Sanjay Dutt episode has blatantly exposed the urban "educated" mindset of India which, far from condemning the crimes of the glamorous rich lot, actually indirectly supports it! Thus the "progressive" Indians do not feel an iota of shame while shedding tears for the "plight" of the Bollywood actor! Now the IPL scandal also revolves around filthy rich and glamorous cricketers, film personalities and industrialists. Thus the common Indians also find no "fault" in the system, the vested interests being part of the privileged class!

Thus the IPL has not only assaulted the sanctity of cricket in India, it has also scandalously exposed the moral degradation of the Indian society as well which has gladly provided sanction to rampant corruption.

Yours’

KAJAL CHATTERJEE,

KOLKATA

 

 

 

Itanagar - A wild Jungle !

Dear Editor,

How long will we hold unto the barbarism? What makes people so blind to see the importance of somebody’s life? How many more brutality will we see in the state? When will be the cops take responsibility towards their work? I don’t know if I’ll ever get an answer to any of these questions. As I type these words in my keyboard my hands shiver not for the fear of being murdered someday for even questioning my fellow mates but for the fact that how can I even love my people who brutally murdered my cousin. The young boy who just started his career couldn’t even be alive to see what his future holds. The boy doesn’t deserve to die at this early age; he had a long way to go. You cannot simply kill somebody over a brawl. Many would frown at me for being so radical about the incident, I not being on the spot and deprived from the reasons that killed him. This is not about me; not being on the spot and knowing the fact of whatever happened there, this is all about how savage can people of the state be? When will they have improvised brain to think? Fighting does not make you a gentleman. Killing somebody won’t solve the problem.

I’m sure many would even opine that it was wrong for the boys to move out at late night but let me put this question to each one of you, is this, the price that I’m paid for moving out at late night? Where is my freedom to go around in my own land without the fear of returning back safe?

It’s not surprising when my mainland fellow mates call us “Junglee”. At that very moment I being much a part of this state do defend my people, my land but at the end of the day this land and its people prove me wrong time and again that yes ‘Junglee’ is the right word for us.  You dressed up like a gentlemen but you act like a brainless swine. It is sad to see that butchery is being literally taken as a profession by the people here. I’m afraid who will be the next to get butchered. I don’t know what’s wrong with the people. Each year they are going crazier.

The last thing we the family of the deceased want is that the miscreants should be punished in true sense so that nobody dares to commit such nuisance in near future and justice shouldn’t be delayed at any cost.

Yours’

Ruma Nguri

Shillong.

 

 

 

The long march towards perdition

Dear Editor

Safety has always been an issue in Arunachal Pradesh. Of late this has become more severe. With the recent incident of the murder of young Bomjen Gapak, it has been proven that the value of human life has diminished completely from Arunachal Pradesh. We make a lot of hula about Arunachal being a safe place for people where everyone is treated equally but how far is this true. During my student days I used to wonder how I will ever come back to Arunachal to lead a safe life when all I get to hear such discouraging news from back home. A decade later, nothing much has changed. Life is not safe outside for us based on our looks and sometimes our wrong judgment. But what safety are we providing to our own people in our own state.

Whatever maybe the cause of the fight between those boys, this should have never occurred. Ironically the incident took place near Bank Tinali police station. Going by the history, it seems that lot of crimes happen around Bank Tinali police station. After the famous Bank robbery of 1990s, which took place right under the nose of the particular police station, they should have been more vigilant. The lay man understands that the "law enforcement bodies" cannot be present at all the places all the time, or prevent people from travelling at night. This is a free country after all. However how that right is protected? What safe environment the government can promise? Development of a state does not only include how many projects were initiated or how much employment was generated or how many school buildings were inaugurated or how many expensive cars got registered under Arunachal registration. If the mindset of the people does not develop, economic and political development is a joke.

What has happened is a very unfortunate episode. I along with many Arunachalis cannot imagine the sadness that the parents are feeling. We share their grief in this time of bereavement with deepest sympathy. I would also like to add that we all should take responsibility for the recent barbaric act. We, as people for not valuing moral values anymore, not teaching right and wrong to the young generation, the police for not able to control the law and order of the state, the government for their mismanagement in the affairs of the state. We hope that the culprits are caught soon and some form of justice is brought.

Yours’

Jemsi Dodum

New Delhi

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Nothing elementary about Rajasthan’s literacy record

Rajasthan uses only 2 per cent of the entire grant it receives for elementary education. Similarly, the quality of education there continues to be in the doldrums although it spends 76% of its grant for teachers: Only 64% students in Class 1 to III can read and write letters. These findings are reported in the annual Paise report prepared by Accountability Initiative (a research group) and Centre for Policy and Research, New Delhi in collaboration with Assessment Survey Evaluation Research. The state received a total of Rs 8312.59 crore grants for elementary education and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan for 2012-13 from Union government. The report highlights that the state's spending on children and quality education is the lowest among the BIMAROU states.

Though allocations for teachers increased from 67% in 2010-11 to 76% in 2012-13 there was no such change in the funding for children or quality of education. These grants come under the School Facility Grant (SFG), the School Management Grant (SMG) and the Teaching Learning Material Grant (TLM).

Only 58% schools in the state got all the 3 grants as compared to national average of 74% schools. The saving grace is that the state spent 87% of its SSA resources, much higher than the national average of 62% of funds.

The allocation for elementary education has been increased by 11% and SSA by 30% this year, adding up to Rs 11,509 per student annually.