The Arunachal Times - Archives

Marde invited in Intl conference on climate change

ITANAGAR, Nov 18: RD and PR Minister Takar Marde has been invited to participate in the Conference of Parties (CoP) of the United Nation Framework Convention on climate change in Mexico starting from November 24.

He was invited to deliver lecture on a particular agenda - “Bringing focus on agriculture and forest with particular reference to Arunachal Pradesh in climate change negotiations, enhancing farmers and women’s stake in climate change finance and international tribunal on environmental and climate justice.”

Byaling calls for all out efforts to eradicate malaria

DAPORIJO, Nov 18: ‘No work, no pay’, warned Health & Family Welfare Minister Tanga Byaling to the malaria staff of Upper Subansiri district while addressing the Malaria Surveillance Workers’ Review Meeting held today at the Rijo Conference Hall, Daporijo. Among others, MLAs Punji Mara and Tapen Siga, DC A. Abhayankar, DMO Dr. D. Bagra, DRCHO Dr. N. Geyi and DVBDCPO T. Tayeng were also present in the meeting.

Byaling further said “unless we consider malaria a deadly disease and an enemy of the society we will be unable to fight it”. He called upon one and all to work hard towards controlling and eradicating the disease. He emphasized on the need for proper maintenance of records regarding malaria in the district and timely supply of RD Kits and malaria medicines to all the sub centers. Byaling also said that there is a need to post an MPI in each medical sub-centre to facilitate proper and timely collection of blood samples, result collection and medicine distribution to the patients.

Informing that there were 66 Medical Institutions (District Hospital-1, CHC- 4, PHC-11, Sub centers- 37 with 13 to be added) in the district serving to the needs of 55346 people (according to 2001 census), Byaling said that the health scenario here should be at par with the other districts of the state. He also expressed his hopes of making the District Hospital, Daporijo a model hospital with all facilities provided.

MLAs Mara and Siga advised all to work hard. DC Abhayankar too warned that strict action would be taken against those not doing their duty properly. He further said that there should be no loss of life due to negligence of the staff. The Field staff can also play a vital role as resource persons regarding eradication and control of malaria in the district, he added.

DMO Bagra said that in spite of a large number of malaria workers in the district, there was a rise in the number of malaria cases as effective and efficient work was not being done by the staff here. He also warned the malaria workers of stringent action in case of irregularities in duty.

T. Tayeng explained the role and nature of duty of the malaria staff and requested all to work together to control malaria menace in the district. He highlighted that 16 Malaria Awareness Camps were conducted in the district and 3164 Blood Slide Collection was done till October 2010, out of which 729 Malaria PV cases and 241 Malaria PF cases were detected. He further informed about the 8 malaria death cases registered during the year in the district. 17265 numbers of households were sprayed with DDT during the first and second round, he informed. 16 high risk areas have been identified in the district under the DVBDCP, namely, Lilidong, Tapi-Luchi, Biakrijo, Taliha, Maro, Aying-Moring, Sigin Colony, Polo Colony, Abotani Colony, Param, Pakam Colony, Dumporijo, Dula and Baririjo.

DRCHO Geyi exhorted all to work hard to prove that malaria can be eradicated if proper and right measures are taken. 122 malaria workers attended the meeting. DIPRO

State level seminar on FMD

ITANAGAR, Nov 18: Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary is organizing a State Level Seminar on the theme - “Foot and Mouth Disease in Livestock-Combat and Management” at Hotel Donyi-Polo Ashok, Itanagar on November 22. Project Director, All India Co-ordinated Research Project on FMD, Principal Scientist from Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Mukteswar and Professor from College of Vety. Sc. AAU, Khanapara, would attend the programme as resource person.

Meanwhile, Parliamentary Secretary (AHV&DD) C.T. Mein would attend the function Chief Guest in the inaugural session.

Countdown for Rly line begins

PRS in all districts soon: Felix

From a Correspondent

GUWAHATI, Nov 18: The countdown to the completion of the Harmuti-Itanagar narrow gauge railway line has begun with the clock ticking with every passing day.

Only 499 days are left for the completion, announced Northeastern Frontier Divisional Railway Manager Monecha while addressing the divisional railway users’ consultative committee (DRUCC) meeting at Rangiya today.

Responding to a query from DRUCC member and Arunachal Pradesh legislator Bamang Felix, the DRM informed that the work on the conversion of the Rangiya-Murkong Selek line to broad gauge is progressing satisfactorily. He added that he would visit Itanagar soon to take stock of the project.

Once the project is over, Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, will be put on the railway map of the country.

When Felix suggested that computerized passenger reservation system (PRS) should be installed in all districts of the landlocked state for the convenience of the passengers, the DRM assured to do the needful.

Bhalukpong gets Intermediate Panchayat Resource Centre

ITANAGAR, Nov 18: State Panchayat Raj director Bida Gadi has inaugurated the Intermediate Panchayat Resource Centre (IMPRC) under Bhalukpong-Jamiri Anchal Samity at Bhalukpong on Nov 16. Bhalukpong IMPRC is the first officially commissioned Panchayat Resource Centre in the entire state, informed Gadi while addressing a public meeting organized on the occasion at Bhalukpong Club.

While appreciating the Anchal Samity chairperson and PR members for their initiatives for construction of the IMPRC building, the director exhorted them to educate themselves with the proper knowledge about the PRIs and play their role accordingly.

The IMPRC will be centre of activities for the PR members, he informed and assured that fund for infrastructure of the Centre will be sanctioned in phase-wise.

On behalf of the panchayat members, ZPM Gejay Jebisow requested the PR Director, District Panchayat Development Officer and the member secretaries to guide the PR members of Bhalukpong Jamiri Anchal Block so that they can exercise their power and function for the welfare of the rural people.

B. Dihingia, ADC cum DPDO, West Kameng also highlighted the importance of Panchayati Raj institution and role of the Panchayat Raj members in the overall development of the rural areas.

Orgen Khaduju, Chairperson, Anchal Samity BHalukpong-Jamiri welcomed all the dignitaries. All the PR members and member secretaries of panchayats, HODs and public were present during the inaugural function.

IGNOU conducts workshop on Career Guidance and Counseling

ITANAGAR, Nov 18: A workshop on Career Guidance and Counseling was conducted at the IGNOU Regional Centre Itanagar.

The CRPF Commandant Bhupendra Kumar in his inaugural address as the chief guest advised the learners to work hard and not to choose their career to satisfy others. He further enlightened the students that if they are really capable, they need not go after the jobs rather the jobs will chase them.

IGNOU Regional director, the host of the workshop, Dr. S. J. Neethirajan in his address encouraged the students. It is not always true that only intelligent ones are going to be successful, he said adding even average intelligence students with zeal to learn new things and strong will to achieve his or her aim will definitely outsmart the intelligent ones. Disciplined life and commitment to excel well are the essential ingredients of success mantra, he said. He further added that students have to mould up themselves to suit the future needs and cope up with the ever increasing competition. They need to develop their skills and performance.

Dr. M. Q. Khan Associate Professor and Coordinator Free Coaching Center of Dera Natung College threw light on UPSC, APCS examination and other career options for the learners. Dr. V. N. Sharma Laison Officer, Directorate of Higher and Technical Education highlighted about the various entrance examination conducted by the state and Centre. Sukumal Deb Chief Executive Officer of KVIC shared career opportunities under KVIC and Dr. Neethirajan solicited the learners to join new and promising course offered by IGNOU. Apart from IGNOU learners, students from Royal International School have also attended the programme. The workshop ended with the vote of thanks shared by D. Suganthi Swarnalata.

College Day celebration ends

SEPPA, Nov 18: The First college day celebration of East Kameng College ended in a grand manner with the valedictory function being attended by East Kameng SP, Kime Aya as chief guest at the Auditorium of Govt. Hr. Sec School, Seppa on Nov 17.

The main attraction of the valedictory function was the fashion show and Ms and Mr College contest. Anju Cheri and Kutung Jomoh were declared first Miss College and Mr College respectively by the jury.

Chandni Sonam walked way with Ms First runner up title, while Raju Yangfo was declared first runner up in Mr College contest by the jury. Now Anju Cheri and Kutung Jomoh will represent the college in the next Unifest at Rajiv Gandhi University. The cultural programme were also organized to mark the occasion. SP Kime Aya presented the certificates and the mementos to all the winners in various disciplines. Atto Polo house was declared the champion house for their over all performance during the four days program.

Earlier, addressing the gathering at valedictory function Kime Aya urged the students to respect their teachers, elders and the seniors. Despite hundreds failure, the man with good character and principle will always command respect in the society, he said while stressing on the character building of the students. The SP also expressed his hope that the students and the teachers shall maintain good relation for congenial atmosphere in the college for the better education and the better society as well. DIPRO.

Smokes, Sips & Gossips

Tom Simai

On a dulcet evening, in a certain pictur esque village of Changlang district, while capturing the petite creatures with my Nikon D700, I saw a bevy of brooding boys stepping inside a leaning bamboo thatched house. And it was about 30 minutes later that their guffawing wobbled the ‘macro focus’ and snaffled my interest. Eager, I mounted the wooden ladder that led me to this mirthful gang.

Inside, a young master was busy brewing the opium in a brass spoon on the traditional hearth; the expert one was precisely slicing the banana leaves, the eldest was puffing the last dose of his share, the youngest was sipping the acrid tea, the semi-skilled was preparing the instant 2 minute noodles ‘maggi’ and the non-skilled bunch including the financer were lazing nearby, playing games and shuffling songs in their cell phone.

On query, they confided, it was their second round of smokes, sips and gossips. All of them were teenagers; some were students and some school drop outs. They divulged that due to inquisitiveness, idleness and non-existence of recreational activities, they clandestinely assemble every evening for the euphoric session. Sadly, they smoke, they revel and in quest of momentary elation, they embrace the curse of a lifetime – opium addiction.

When I reprimanded, they retorted, ‘how can we restrict ourself when the entire village is reveling the opium trance.’ Regrettably, in absence of parental guidance and societal restriction, at a very tender age, these naïve kids are exposed to opium narcosis. Isn’t it a buffoonery act from our part to anticipate academic excellence or domestic bliss by offering them such annihilating atmosphere to grow up?

Further sharing their agony, they divulged, ‘the pleasant trance has trapped us and the liberation chances are minimal’. They append woefully, ‘the scarcity of societal support and rehabs has completely made the de-addiction concept futile. Moreover, the fact is that without medical aid it is impossible to give up the habit because the abstinence process is too excruciating. They further reveals, ‘the lone rehab of the district is situated too far away and our parents being poor, for us rehabilitation is just like a distant dream.’

In the meantime, a boy in his mid-20 interrupts informing that the rehab in Changlang is a failed venture. His strong comment grabbed my attention and I inquired about his source of information. Stating personal experience, he narrated his poignant tale.

Few years back, I sold a plot of my ancestral land and joined the rehab in expectation of a new beginning. Now I consider it as a mistake, I lost my land in anticipation of miracle that was never to happen.

He continued. In just 15 days I was healed from the curse of 10 years. Discharged, I came home with a renewed optimism to start afresh. Unfortunately, all the dreams collapsed as my abstinence period lasted only for a month. Being idle, the relapse was destined and the old habit hooked me again. Apparently, like me, for most, unemployment has been the prime reason of addiction and then continuation.

Disclosing further, he said, since childhood we’re exposed to opium consumption. When we’re young enough, as an alternative to medicine, it is fed and the euphoric aftereffect let us continue the intake that ultimately grows into a lethal habit. Being a part of tradition, the elders neither impede the callous session nor warn about its detrimental impact in the future. In fact, their regular intervention would have barred the elevation of opium abuse among the Tangsa youths and the situation would not have magnified to this catastrophic level, he lamented with moist eyes.

It was an emotional statement. Touched, I was speechless for a longtime, pondering about the mistake committed by the doyens of Tangsa community, the harmful impact it’s having in the present and the darker sphere, the posterity will be compelled to step in. (The writer can be reached at simaitom@gmail.com)

Need for improving health, education among minorities: Commission

ITANAGAR, Nov 18: National Commission for Minorities (Buddhist affairs) incharge Spalzes Angmo has stressed the need for improving health and education among Buddhists, who were the minorities in Arunachal Pradesh.

Spalzes, who is on a five-day tour to Arunachal Pradesh, had visited the Buddhist-dominated districts of Tawang and West Kameng and interacted with the people, monks and officials to know about the minority welfare activities in the region.

Talking to the mediapersons here this evening, Ms Spalzes said the government needed to stress on health and education, especially among the women, to enhance their living standard. She, however, was satisfied with the living standard of the people residing in Tawang and Bomdila, which she felt showed they were leading a peaceful and contented life.

On her visit to Manjushree Vidyapeeth in Tawang, she found most of the orphan cheerful and urged the government to support such orphanages which were rendering yeoman services.

Spalzes, who had traveled all the way from Tawang to Itanagar by road, felt the road conditions were pretty bad and called for improving the road connectivity in the state.

She also met the state chief secretary, commissioner and secretary in connection with welfare of minorities of the state and discussed on the Prime Minister's 15-point programme. She also held interaction with the members of various minority communities in the capital today.

She told the media that multi-sector development plans needed to be implemented, adding the implementation was good in some sectors.

With the education among Buddhist women being low, the government must lay thrust on education by opening more number of schools for the minorities.

''If women are educated, then the whole society gets educated,'' she added.

She further said nobody should live in fear and must feel secured as far as the minorities are concerned. UNI

Minority Commission in Arunachal sought

Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Union (APCU) in a release today informed that Spalzes Angmo, Member of National Commission for Minorities has interacted with various religious leaders and workers at Resource centre Oju Mission Naharlagun today.

APCU publicity secretary TT Stephen further informed that a delegation of the Union also participated in the interaction and submitted a memorandum to Angmo requesting her to take immediate steps to set up the Statutory State level Minority Commission in Arunachal Pradesh. The Union also informed the NCM member that a lump sum grant of 5 crores has been promised to Christian schools this year by Chief Minister.

The APCU further informed that Rt. Rev. John Thomas, Bishop of Itanagar requested Spalzes Angmo, asking for taking up the matters of setting up a Minority Commission in Arunachal Pradesh. He explained about how he was unable to get a NOC for setting up a Minority Education Institution in the state, because of absence of a Minority Commission, the release said.

Responding to the Bishop’s query she said that National Minority Commission for Educational institution is a separate commission specifically assigned for it.

Tok Buttum, president of APCU also stressed on the need of setting up the Minority Commission in Arunachal Pradesh. He informed the commission member that there is peaceful co-existence among Minority religious groups in state. Representatives from various religious minority groups have taken part in the interaction, the release said.

UTCC crush NLCC

ITANAGAR, Nov 18: United Toru Cricket Club (UTCC) crushed Nirjuli Legends Cricket Club (NLCC) by 72 runs while Gichik Abu Cricket Club defeated Kargu Kardi Cricket Club by 13 run in group level matches in the ongoing U-19 Inter Club Ranking T20 Cricket Tournament played at Naharlagun Cricket ground today.

The MoM awards went to Nabam Nigam of United Cricket Club and Kamal Deka of Gichik Abu Cricket Club.

Today’s match

1. Dari Lokam Cricket Club vs Popum Poma Cricket Club at 8 am

2. Poyupaga Cricket Club vs Deccan Cricket Club at 12.30 pm.

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Training on DCF under RMSA

ITANAGAR, Nov 18: The Kurung Kumey district RMSA Mission conducted a training programme on Data Capture Format (DCF) for the principals, vice-principals, headmasters of various Hr. Sec. and Secondary schools of Kurung Kumey district on Nov 17.

Gyamar Shi, District Programme Coordinator, RMSA imparted training on DCF as well as formation of School Management Committee at the school level under the framework of RMSA guidelines.

The DDSE cum District Mission Officer, RMSA, S T Zara also spoke on the importance of the training and proper implementation of RMSA scheme in the school level, according to an official release.

Association demands timely construction of road

ITANAGAR, Nov 18: All Chayang Tajo Youth Welfare Association appealed the DC and MLAs of Bameng, Ch/Tajo and East Seppa constituencies to take step for early construction of Seppa to Chayang Tajo road. The Association also demanded deployment of adequate security forces in the area for security of the personnel engaged in road construction.

Associations formed

ITANAGAR, Nov 18: Subansiri Upper Project Submerge Area People’s Forum (SUPSAPF) was formed in a recent meeting with Adham Debom, Tajum Nasi and Sikap Nayam as president, vice president and general secretary respectively.

Another association, namely, All Upper Subansiri District Youth Association (AUSDYA) was also formed. Satum Duchok and Takar Soki were appointed as president and general secretary of the Association.

Dr Joram A Tana awarded

ITANAGAR, Nov 18: Dr Joram Aniya Tana, assistant professor (Hindi) currently teaching at Dera Natung Goverment College (DNGC) has been awarded with Visitha Akadami Award by Punjab Kala Sahitya Academic in a ceremony held on 13th November at Jalandar town. This rare honour was bestowed on Dr Aniya for her contribution in the field of art and literature in state and outside too.

Relief to fire victims sought

ITANAGAR, Nov 18: ASM of Rai Raiga Anchal segment appealed the state government to provide relief to the November 2 fire victims of Raiga village, Kurung Kumey district immediately. The ASM informed that seven houses were gutted in the fire incident.

National Integration Camp

ITANAGAR, Nov 18: Nehru Yuva Kendra Itanagar, is organizing a week-long National Integration Camp (NIC) with the theme “Cultural Unity our Strength” at Youth Hostel, Naharlagun from November 21 to 27.

Altogether, 200 youths from the state and Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam NYK centres are expected to participate in the camp.

Rally, cultural programme, Yago and lectures on various topics related to national integration will be organized during the week-long programme.

Police action lauded

ITANAGAR, Nov 18: All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union, Upper Subansiri Unit appreciated Daporijo Police Station OC R K Deori and his team for their prompt action against the culprit who has allegedly manhandled AAPWU, USU President and involved in extortion of money in Daporijo township on Nov 10.

AJYSU calls for postponement of recruitment

ITANAGAR, Nov 18: All Jigo-Yigo Students Union (AJYSU) has urged state government to defer the proposed recruitment for police head constable claiming that it coincides with college exams. AJYSU has asked authorities to conduct recruitment in last week of December for benefit of college students.

Death of police personnel condoled

ITANAGAR, Nov 18: Society for Tribal Affairs and Reformation has condoled the death of three policemen in a bus accident at near Tato village. Society has appealed to the state government to properly compensate the family member of deceased police personnel and offer government jobs to their next kin.

Assn. demands increase in PDS quota

ITANAGAR, Nov 18: All Kurung Kumey District Fair Price Shop and SKO Welfare Association conducted its 3rd executive committee meeting at Nyapin recently.

In the meeting the house discussed the problems being faced by the FPSs. The house also appealed the state government to increase the monthly allocation of PDS commodities in the district and establish a separate FCI depot immediately.

Tour to assess development

SEPPA, Nov 18: East Kameng district DC Tope Bam accompanied by all the HoDs including superintendent of police would undertake a tour to Pakke-Kessang on Nov 29 next.

During their visit, the team will visit all the Govt. establishments, offices followed by a public meeting with the PR leaders, the general public and the GBs. The official team headed by DC would also hold a mobile office to do paper works on ST certificate, PRC and the renewal of gun license for the benefit of local people during the tour. DIPRO