A day of Shame at Dera Natung College
ITANAGAR, Nov 26: In a shameful day, Dera Natung Government College, Itanagar witnessed its own boy’s hostel being burnt down, Library destroyed and bus damaged.
The shocking incident took place today at around 9.30 am when a mob of close to 200 hundred took control of the College and ransacked it. Two blocks of Tai Bida Boys hostel that houses first and second year students were set on fire. Though the fire tender managed to control the further spread of fire, the damage is for all to see.
Police was forced to fire in air to disperse the crowd. However, damage had already been inflicted.
The version says that a student of B.Com first year was allegedly assaulted last night which led to the ugly turn.
By this morning, the fight took a turn and it was Papum Pare versus East Kameng.
Whatever may have led to the destruction and shame, but the fact remains that an institution of higher education was turned into a battleground for all the wrong reasons scripting a dark page in the history of the state that is proud of its multi ethnic society.
Meanwhile Dera Natung Govt. College Students’ Union after an emergency meeting said that main culprits responsible for the shameful and inhuman conduct should be immediately arrested and given exemplary punishment so that it can serve as a deterrent for the repetition of any such kind of criminal act.
Union alleged that a whole crowd from Doimukh came to seek vengeance, not against the individuals who were responsible for the cause of the conflict but against the whole group of students hailing from a different district. Several innocent students belonging to neither of the two factions too became a target of attack, it said.
As the major problems escalate from the hostels, the whole system of admission to the hostels requires a thorough review. It reiterated that merit should be the only basis of admission in the hostel.
Assistant General Secretary, Students’ Union DNGC Tato Dugi, , Itanagar on behalf of the student community called for immediate steps so that the hostellers who have lost their rooms and other belongings are immediately shifted for the time being in the remaining hostels so that they can at least appear in the coming House tests.
Meanwhile he urged the State Govt. for immediate reconstruction work of the hostels and compensation paid to the innocent students who have lost their everything.
A proper ratio among the different tribes should be maintained in the admission process so that no tribe or district can claim to be the dominant group which can exercise its monopolistic sway by riding roughshod over other students of different districts, the Union further said.
In order to maintain the cosmopolitan nature of our institution situated in the Capital, even a fixed quota should be allotted to district wise students to generate a true spirit of competition.
Only such faculty members should be assigned the job of hostel wardens who stay in the college campus so that in case of any such future eruption of trouble, appropriate and swift action is taken to tackle it urgently and before it is too late, the union further suggested.
On the other hand, East Kameng Capital Complex Students Welfare Association has decried the damage of properties and has called for action against those involved in the burning down of the hostel blocks. It further appealed the authority to look into the whole issue.
UGC assure Sanjoy of more funds for RGU
ITANAGAR, NOV 26: If assurances are translated into reality, good days are awaiting Rajiv Gandhi Central University. The UGC has assured to sanction required fund under Twelfth Finance Commission to change the “face” of Rajiv Gandhi University.
It may be added that the university had submitted a proposal amounting to Rs 120 Cr last financial year of which UGC sanctioned only Rs 55 Cr.
However in a good turn, UGC Chairman Prof. Sukdev Thorak assured Member of Parliament Lok Sabha Takam Sanjoy today that University would not face any resources crunch provided RGU manages to expedite the utilization.
Sanjoy called on the UGC chair at his Bahadur Zafar Marg Office, New Delhi to follow up issues pertaining to Rajiv Gandhi University.
The University had given a representation to Sanjoy to pursue with the centre for grant of funds.
Government of India is also positive in transforming Rajiv Gandhi University into a model Campus, said Sanjoy while adding that Rahul Gandhi’s visit to RGU has been very positive for the development of University.
UGC was optimistic that under active persuasions made by Sanjoy, proposals of the State lying with the Government of India, would soon turn into reality.
CM assures early commissioning of Institute of Mountaineering & Allied Sports
BOMDILA, Nov 26: Chief Minister has assured early commissioning of National Institute of Mountaineering & Allied Sports (NIMAS) at Dirang and opening of Border Trade routes with neighboring countries for trade, commerce and tourism.
This assurance was given to a conglomerate of five West Kameng NGOs consisting of members from Bomdila Town Committee (BTC), Monpa Kiduk Tsokpa (MKT), All Bomdila Bazar Youth Welfare Association (ABBYWA), All West Kameng Taxi Welfare Association (AWKTWA) and Arunachal Mountainering & Adventure Sports Association (AMASA) who called on him yesterday at G R L Monastery, Bomdila.
The team led by Tsering Wange on behalf of public of Bomdila submitted a 10 Point Memorandum .
He mentioned about the need to improve BRO roads and BSNL service for which he is already in contact with the concerned authorities in New Delhi.
Regarding setting up of Sainik School at Singchung, he said that State share for infrastructure development and other modalities are being worked out though land for the same has already been made available to the concerned Ministry long time ago.
They further requested for holding Buddha Mahotsav 2010 at Bomdila.
Regarding construction of Tourism Adventure Park and Bomdila Memorial, Wange appraised that 5 Mtn Divn of Indian Army was willing to fund the same under civic action programme provided suitable and sufficient land was made available to them.
Khandu also agreed to look into the grievances of the general public by making funds available to improve Power & Water Supply in the township.
Chief Minister strongly advocated for greening of the whole District in general and Bomdila town in particular and asked the NGO conglomerate to assist the Dist Administration in keeping the town tourism friendly, hygienic, neat and clean. (DIPRO)
ITANAGAR, Nov 26: At least seven Tri-
The scheme was sponsored by Guwahati based NGO through Deputy Director in-
Meanwhile, Panggeng said there are certain people and NGO’s, who are working for the welfare of physically challenged people around the world adding that people should also try themselves to avail such scheme from the state government and centre as well. Panyang, assured to continue the mission and extend all possible help to the people of the area.
Pavitra assures give positive measures
ITANAGAR, Nov 26: The Parliamentary Secretary (Cooperation) Nido Pavitra had an interaction meeting with the RCS Nandini Paliwal along with officers of the Cooperation department and state level Apex Cooperative Societies on Nov 24.
After threadbare discussion and interaction, parliamentary secretary assured to look into various problems faced by the department and cooperatives in the state.
On the needs of creation of infrastructure and release of pending HTS bills of cooperatives, the parliamentary secretary assured to pursue the matters with Centre and other sources and asked the officers of the respective organizations to submit the proposals for infrastructure development.
Necessity of drafting a cooperative policy in the state was also discussed in the meeting.
Earlier, Apex Bank MD and AP State Coop Uniion CEO apprised the needs of creation of infrastructure while MD, AP Cooperative Consumers Federation informed about pending HTS bills of cooperatives in crores.
The departmental officers also apprised the minister and parliamentary secretary that in other departments, deputy/joint directors are promoted to the posts of director, whereas the cooperative departmental officers are compelled to retire as the joint RCS for no fault of them.
Upper Subansiri targets 500 SHGs
Training of field workers on promotion of SHG begins
DAPORIJO, Nov 26: A training programme on promotion of Self Help Groups (SHGs) for field workers under Microfinance Vision 2011 got under way here today.
The programme is being conducted by the Dy. Director (ICDS), Daporijo for training of supervisors, Gram Sevikas and Anganwadi workers of Puchigeko and Daporijo circles.
DC cum Chairman (District Level Microfinance Committee) H K Shalla at the Conference
Hall, District ICDS Cell called on those present to learn and imbibe the training
imparted by the master trainers and resource persons so that they could spread their
knowledge at the grass root level. He said that the trainees played an important
role as they are the ones in touch with the village people and it is their duty to
guide them in the right direction. Shalla also stressed that the SHGs are for self-
get gainful employment and provide employment opportunities to others. This small step could lead to growth and development of the area, society and the state as a whole, he added.
Dy. Director (ICDS)Dani Yami, in her keynote address said that the aim of the Microfinance Vision 2011 was to empower rural women through SHGs and to raise the income level and standard of living of poor households.
Stating that the target of the DLMC was to form 500 SHGs in the district, a programme
of forming 250 SHGs in 2009-
To achieve the target number in the district, the cooperation and active involvement of the workers was needed; she informed them while requesting them to go to the villages and helping the people in forming SHGs.
PD (DRDA) Hage Ruja and J Singh Branch Manager (SBI) also spoke on the occasion while encouraging those present to learn and implement their learning. The training programme will continue till the Dec 7. (DIPRO)
Tali MLA calls on govt for special package
ITANAGAR, Nov 26: 20-
He said that during his maiden tour to Koloriang after being elected as MLA, he officially
interacted and discussed with the Deputy Commissioner, District Medical Officer
and Deputy Director of School Education in connection to various developmental aspects
of the district in general and 20-
He said that the district Headquarter is lagging behind in terms of infrastructure development and work force in all departments adding that the District is functioning without Water Resource Division since the creation of District in the year 2002.
He urged the state government to create sufficient infrastructure at Koloriang, WRD Division against Kurung Kumey District and post sufficient staff at all government offices for smooth functioning of government machineries and the welfare of the people.
He further said that there is lack of infrastructure in every school under 20-
DoNER ask RCs to prepare publicity plans
ITANAGAR, Nov 26: The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region has asked the Resident Commissioners (RC) of the North Eastern states in Delhi to prepare the publicity plans for the respective states concerning North East Connect – the cell launched by the Ministry to cater to the security issues of the North Eastern students and youth based in Delhi.
In a meeting held at Sikkim Bhavan on Nov 23 with the officials of the Ministry of DoNER, it was decided that RCs will publicize through the local media in the respective states about the Do’s and Don’ts for the students/youth of the state and precautions to be taken before leaving for Delhi and during their stay at Delhi.
The RCs will prepare a directory of the youth/students of the respective state staying
in Delhi for facilitating co-
Ministry of DoNER will bear the expenses towards above activities.
The activities of North East Connect will be in accordance with the Zero Tolerance Policy adopted by DoNER,which will act as a facilitator and coordinator with the respective law enforcing bodies and students of the NE Region through offices of the RCs and Student bodies/citizen bodies of the NER within Delhi/NCR.
Upper Subansiri district agricultural plan approved
DAPORIJO, Nov 26: A meeting to approve the Comprehensive District Agricultural Plan(C-
It was attended by Nakap Nalo, D Lida (), ZPM and members of the District Agricultural Plan Unit.
Speaking to those present in the meeting, Chairperson of District Zilla Parishad Nakap Nalo said that involvement at the local level and training at the grass root level was very important, in all stages, in the successful implementation of the schemes, as there would be more active peoples participation. He stressed that complete dependence should not be put on central guidelines but that there should be a tie up at the state and district level too so that maximum benefit could reach the masses. Stating that complete support was there from the side of the PRI members, he requested the concerned authorities to see that maximum schemes were implemented and maximum number of people benefited.
District Agriculture Officer D. Lida informing those gathered about the RKVY scheme,
said that although the agricultural sector provides sustenance to more than 50 %
of the people of the country, there is very slow growth in the sector due to decrease
in investment by the state government. Thus a need for giving incentives to the states
to increase their investment in the sector has been felt, so a special additional
scheme (RKVY) has been resolved to be launched. The aim of the scheme is to achieve
4 % annual growth in the agricultural and allied sectors. The main objectives being
to provide flexibility and autonomy to the states in the planning and execution stages,
preparation of plans based on local needs and priorities, on agro-
The C-
November -
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
An eye opener for Arunachalis
Dear Editor,
The “Story of Vijaynagar” by Dr J S Rawat published in your esteemed daily on Nov 26 is a living and moving treatise on the saga of miseries faced by the people of Vijaynagar in Changlang district.
It is very much pathetic to learn after years of independence that a very strategically located place as well as a potential tourist spot like Namdapha National Park area yet to see the light of the day due to communication bottleneck!
This article should be an eye opener for the policy makers, planners and leaders to initiate plans and programmes to bring Vijaynagar under development fold and pave the way for the people of the area to partake the fruit of development, prosperity and happiness at par with the rest of the state.
I exhort the writer to expose more about the other parts of the state where such untold stories on various issues are hidden.
Yours,
Jiken Bomjen
Circle officer
Doimukh
American tactics in Indo-
Dear Editor,
Congrats to P.K. Nigam for his well-
Surely, there is an urgent and lasting need for the policy-
Nigam has rightly said both India and China have a long way to go to come at par
with advanced nations. It is, therefore, in their interest to resolve their differences
amicably. This is not to the liking of US -
To the question 'who will benefit if China and India became enemies?', Nigam's answer is the US. He adds it has been America's policy to encourage bad relations between India and China through a policy of divide and rule.
In support of his assertion, Nigam has detailed the sequence of events in Bangladesh
emergence conflict between India and Pakistan and US role therein including US asking
China to attack India on December 10, 1971. Its double policy and double-
Our top military leaders in Army, Navy and Air Force also need to exercise restraint in their too frequent utterances lest their proclamations lead to panic in public mind and also demoralization among countrymen as a whole. Both these are not at all good for India.
C.K. Sardana
M-
Bhopal-
On e-
Good works deserve reward
Dear Editor,
Executive Engineer PWD Sagalee division Er Dubey Dolum deserves appreciation from
all corners for successful execution of the Sagalee to Sakiang road. The quality
of works of the said road has been well maintained. We also appreciate his entire
team including the assistant engineer of Sagalee and Mengio sub-
It is worth mentioning here that apart from successful execution of the said road Dolum had also put extra effort and did extra work out of the allotted fund. As per sanctioned order, there was a provision for construction of 169 culverts but Er Dolum has constructed 269 culverts out of that sanctioned amount without putting additional fund. Similarly, the three RCC bridges were constructed instead of 1 sanctioned under the able guidance and supervision of Dolum which is praiseworthy.
While expressing our gratitude to Dolum, we, being the educated youth of the Sagalee-
Last but not the least, we do appreciate the PWD and UD Minister for bringing the most needed project in the area and hope his endeavour to bring in development in the area would continue in future.
Yours,
Nabam Kojum, Ex-
Apap, Sagalee
Nabam Seli,
Youth leader, Mengio
A mockery of traffic police
Dear Editor,
I don't understand what the traffic police for. Is it only for surprise checking and accumulating amount for the Treasury. Why is there no man mending the erected traffic points across the city all of the time. Is the traffic police department on temporary establishment without any assigned purpose, only to do their duty on peak hours
Lack of man power cannot be the excuse for the vacant traffic points spread across the city roads.
The government should not hesitate to recruit manpower if it's really working for the people."If there is a will, there is a way".
Yours,
Banong Jerang
Sille, East Siang
Aggressive drive by 19 Assam Rifles to dissuade youth from joining UG groups
ITANAGAR, Nov 26: In an attempt to motivate youth in Tirap district to join Security
Forces and Pursue other employment avenues in govt services, Col Naveen, Veer Chakra,
Commandant, 19 Assam Rifles addressed at a gathering of around 250 people in the
remote village of Pongchau today. During his address Commandant highlighted the employment
opportunities viz Recruitment Rally of Assam Rifles at Khonsa from Dec 1-
It is not worthy to mention here that unit trained and guided youth of the district
and facilitated selection of 68 boys in Assam Rifles during recruitment rally held
at last year in Changlang. Due to general neglect of the area and lack of education,
people perceive Security Forces and UGs to be same. Concerted effort by the unit
to include interaction with people at grass-
Circle officer, Pongchau, Officer In charge Police Station Pongchau, Medical Officer of PHC Pongchau and Raja and GB of Pongchau village were also in attendance.
Commandant sensitised the environment regarding pro-
He further emphasized that youth is the building block of any society and guiding them to the follow the correct path is our responsibility. Commandant advised the villagers to persuade their children to avail employment opportunities in Security Forces, Govt services and private sector rather than joining UG groups.
ITANAGAR, Nov 26: A voluntary blood donation camp was organized under the supervision of Associated NCC Officer, Captain HK Sinha and Lady Officer Y Rimo at DN government college, Itanagar today to mark NCC Day with the collaboration of Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chaudhari of RK Mission hospital appreciated the volunteers for their active participation and exhorted them to come forward for the noble cause.
In Seppa, the NCC Cadets of Government Higher Secondary School, Seppa displayed Drill and March pass at Ita school ground.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal, Government Higher Secondary School, Seppa T Boko said that the NCC cadets should maintain discipline and spirit of brotherhood and should be always ready to extend their helping hand in time of need like flood, drought, plague etc.
On the occasion, cultural programme was also displayed.
Meanwhile, CTO, NCC J.S.Yangfo thanked to the teaching community and NCC Cadets for their active participation on the Eve of NCC Raising Day.
ITANAGAR, Nov 26: The agonizing wait for the justice by family member of late Tako Tagak, an IRBn jawan killed at Seppa allegedly by ITBP personnel last month does not seem to be ending. Even though 45 days have passed till now no one has been arrested in this regard and investigation seem to be dragging on. The lackluster attitude of authorities in this case has hurt family member of victim to no end.
A sources informed that Police was unable to expedite the investigation as the Tagak’s colleagues are not too forthcoming about the whole issue.
The family is baffled and hurt at these revelations.
They had been patiently waiting for the alleged killer to be arrested as officials involved had assured them of delivering justice at the beginning of investigation.
Student bodies like AAPSU, ALSU, and ANSU even organized a bandh call to press for the justice.
Recently family member of victim submitted memoranda to chief minister, home minister, home commissioner and chief secretary to release compensation fund. State government officials have assured them of looking into their request for compensation. The entire incident has traumatized the family member of late IRBn jawan and they have no option but to wait for government to act.
“Past 45 days has been toughest period of our family. We lost our brother and police are yet to arrest anyone for killing him. It is very clear that ITBP personnel had killed him but why are police not arresting the culprit,” questioned Tako Aman, brother of late IRBn jawan.
He also wondered why investigation is taking so long time. “We understand this is sensitive case but it is surprising that police are not able to arrest even one accuse. Our state police has to remember that my brother also belongs to one of them and he was killed while on duty,” said Tako Aman.
But he told that they have not given up the hope of getting justice for his death brother. “Being law abiding citizen, we truly hope that our government will sooner arrest those who killed my brother. Hope is the thing on which we are pinning our hope,” shared Aman.
Capacity building for adoption of technology
ITANAGAR, Nov 26: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Papum-
Altogether 31 farmers attended the programme and were trained on different aspect
of poultry farming including the modern housing, feeding and marketing concepts,
discussion with poultry related companies for input supply and developing credit
discipline amongst the livestock and poultry sector farmers of the region by Dr.
T. Heli, Dr. Pranjal Borah and Dr. Nabam Gama of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Papum-
In the valedictory function of the programme was attended by S Majumdar, Manager,
NABARD, Itanagar, who formally inaugurated Upper Sher farmers club, Lower Sher farmers
club and Lichi farmers club promoted by KVK, Papum-
ITANAGAR, Nov 26: The BJP today celebrated the 61st years of Samhidhan Diwas.
Speaking on the occasion B R Wage, BJP ST national secretary Komjum Riba, state BJP General Secretary Tai Tagak, former state BJP president and Sambu Siongju highlighted on how the Constitution of India came into being in this largest democracy in the world.
Stressing the need of awareness and sensitization of the citizens about the Constitution, the speakers said that people, especially the elective representatives must learn the basics of our Constitution in state and national interest. They also recalled the initiatives, determination and dedication of the father of the Indian Constitution and the nations first Law Minister, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Tai Tagak gave a detail on how the Indian constitution was given the present shape.
Tagak, however, emphasized the need to educate, agitate and organize and inculcate
self-
All the party leaders present also condemned the terrorism and anti-
Eco-
ITANAGAR, Nov 26: The National Youth Project in its continued effort to cover all
the 16 districts under the month-
Lectures and audio-
ITANAGAR, Nov 26: Six of the contesting candidates for various positions in All Papum Pare district Students Union has alleged that there was manipulation in the election process.
Advocating nullification of the 6th Gen Conference cum election held from Nov 21-
It said that if the demands were not met, there would be a parallel district student union.
On the other hand, Chief Election Commissioner who oversaw the union elections has declared Nabam John as the president of APPSU.
Free cataract operation camp at Namsai CHC
TEZU, Nov 26: Lohit District Blindness Control Society Tezu organized a Free Cataract Operation on Nov 22. It was inaugurated at Namsai CHC by State PHE Minister Chowna Mein.
So far, 90 patients have already registered their names for treatment.
Eye surgeon Dr. A. Wailong and Dr. C. Tayang along with their team from Tezu DHS will be performing the operation under the supervision of Dr. K.K. Deb, SPO from Itanagar.
During the inaugural function Minister PHED Chowna Mein and local MLA Nang S. Mein , spoke on the occasion appreciating the DBCS, Lohit for helping out the blind people mostly old people to see again .
Namsai ADC R.K Sharma spoke on the need of such camps and said that people / patients should come forward to take benefits and treatments.
District Medical Officer, Dr. N.Ninu thanked the Minster and MLA Sati Nang Mein for sponsoring the expenditure of diet of the patients during the six days camp and providing free spectacles to the Operated patients. (DIPRO)
Tuki interacts with cricketers
ITANAGAR, Nov 26: Arunachal Cricket Association (ACA) president Nabam Tuki visited the state cricket teams today morning, who are undergoing training at Nyokum Lapang ground, and took stock of the progress made by them.
He interacted with the players of both the U-
Tuki, also PWD and UD minister, was accompanied by MLA Karikho Kri during the visit.
ITANAGAR, Nov 26: Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Aalo pipped GHSS, Itanagar
2-
Nyayom Loyi and Jumken Lollen struck a goal each for Aalo in 11th and 66th minutes while the lone goal for Itanagar was scored by Jaotu Ribia in 29th minutes.
Bilat GHSS school boys will lock horns with their Daporijo counterpart in tomorrow’s first match at 12.15 pm while GHSS, Ziro clash with GHSS, Aalo in the second match at 2.15 pm.
Meanwhile, the closing ceremony of the tournament scheduled to be held at 2 pm has been rescheduled at 12.30 pm on November 29 at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium.
Bogdo-
Aalo, Nov 26: Bogdo-
Memo Team stormed into the final defeating KKSU 2-
Altogether 24 teams participated in the tournament.
Mechuka MLA PD Sona will be the chief guest of the final day, DIPRO reported.
Changlang, Nov 26: A meeting among the small tea growers association, Changlang was held here at Changlang today to discuss about the formation of Self Help Group Amongst the tea growers, which was attended by about 90 small tea growers of Changlang.
Parliamentary Secretary Phosum Khimhun while encouraging the small tea however stated that forest should not be rampantly destroyed.
Khimhun advised all the tea growers present to follow the guidelines strictly while forming self help group to avoid future complicacies.
Earlier, Danjong Salnang(ASM), Treasurer, Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Tea Growers Association explained at length the aims and objectives of the meeting. He also made the procedures of making self help group clear to all the members present.
ZPM Changlang (south) John Jugli and SDO(S), Changlang H Matcha also attended the meeting.
ITANAGAR, Nov 26: Kurung Kumey District Congress Committee launches its membership
drive under the active guidance of Parliamentary Secretary Food and Civil Supply
Lokam Tassar and PCC General Secretary cum Monitoring In-
The programme was launched under the chairmanship of DCC President Tame Lejik recently and attended by DCC Presidents and all frontal wings, former MLA, Panchayat leaders and public of the district.
ITANAGAR, Nov 26: Indian council of child welfare (ICCW) crèche committee of Arunachal Pradesh unit recently concluded its second batch orientation training programme for its workers in Itanagar.
Being the first of its kind, training programme touched diverse aspects including
child psychology, child’s right care, pre-
ITANAGAR, Nov 26: Seva Bharti, Arunachal Pradesh in co-
AOA appeals
ITANAGAR: Arunachal Olympic Association appealed the state government to initiate steps to investigate the cause of fire accident and arrest the miscreant immediately.
It further appealing the government to compensate the victim Pate Marik, who is presently serving the various sports associations of the state in various capacities, said that in a fire mishap at Chimpu, Marik’s RCC house along with lakhs of properties have been gutted down on November 23 at around 5 pm.
BJP remembers martyrs of Mumbai attack
ITANAGAR: The Bharatiya Janata Party Arunachal Pradesh offered floral tributes to the martyrs of the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack.
The rank and file of the party led by state BJP Vice President B. R. Wage and former
state BJP president, Kangir Jamoh also observed two-
ADCs designated as district Panchayat officers
ITANAGAR: Additional Deputy Commissioners (HQ) has been designated as District Panchayat Development Officer, delegating financial power, according to a government notification. This has been done for vibrant activation and centrality of Panchayat in the district pursuant to devolution of 29 functions to the PRIs, a release added.