November 06
2016
Hayuliang bye-poll: Straight fight between BJP and Ind. candidate
ITANAGAR, Nov 5: Bye-election to Hayuliang Assembly Constituency will be a direct contest between BJP candidate Dasanglu Pul and Independent Yompi Kri after withdrawal of nomination paper by an Independent candidate on the last day on Saturday.
Nomination papers of Congress party candidate Lapalum Kri was rejected during scrutiny.
A total of 11003 voters will exercise their adult franchise in 81 polling stations in the bye-election to be held on November 19.
Of the total voters, 5495 are male and 5508 are females, informed CEO in a release.
41-Hayuliang Polling Station has the highest numbers of 955 electors while 52-Malogam Polling Station has only 2 electors.
Counting will be held on November 22.
All necessary arrangements were made by the District Administration for smooth conduct of the by-poll. Election Commission of India has deployed two Election Observers.
Since the district is located in international border necessary steps have been taken to deploy sufficient security forces.
The State Chief Electoral Officer appealed to the voters of Anjaw to cooperate with the election machinery for smooth conduct of the bye-election.
Meanwhile, Returning Officer Mamata Riba informed that election machinery, which has been put in place since the date of announcement of elections, are working day and night to ensure fair and peaceful polls. Returning officer also appealed to the candidates, their election agents and general public to cooperate for peaceful conduct of by-election. Facilitation centres has been set up both at Hawai office and Hayuliang office for familiarizing first time voters and interested citizens on the use of EVM. These facilitation centers will be accessible till November 12.
Meanwhile reacting to the press statement issued by a political party alleging that candidature of Lupalum Kri has been rejected by fraudulent means the Returning Officer stated that "since letter of acceptance of VRS could not be produced, therefore, there was no scope for the RO to consider his candidature," informed Nodal officer for Media in a statement. There is no question of working on behest of ruling government at all, the statement added.
Cultural prog, marathon race mark the second day of Buddha Mahotsava
Staff Reporter
BOMDILA, Nov 5: Presentation of dances and songs showcasing the rich and varied traditional culture of the six tribes of West Kameng district marked the second day of the ongoing 3-day Buddha Mahotsava at picturesque Bomdila town on Saturday.
The cultural troupes which performed on the day two of the festival were Bogun, Shertukpen, Sartang, Aka, Miji and Monpa. Cultural troupes from other tribes of Arunachal like Wancho, Galo, Adi, Apatani also performed in the evening.
However, main attraction of the evening was the beautiful dance performed by the cultural troupes from Bhutan.
Fashion show to create awareness on wildlife and nature by Kesang Lhamu Khrimey, Wildlife Warden, Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary & Designer Neetu Tering Rabasow was other attractions of the evening.
Earlier in the morning, a marathon race was organized as part of the celebration wherein West Kameng DC also participated.
A face painting competition was also organized on the occasion.
Pema calls on Union Minister
NEW DELHI, Nov 5: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu called on Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and had a detailed discussion on various developmental aspects of the state and the coordinated support required from the central government.
Discussing on various issues confronting the state, the Chief Minister submitted a detailed memorandum inviting attention to various developmental aspects of the state and the coordinated support required from the central government. The memorandum included developmental issues, pay commission, infrastructure development apart from financial liabilities.
Khandu informed Jaitley that the present government has inherited huge liabilities of previous several years. He said the situation has been further aggravated by the fact that several schemes of the Government of India now stood delinked, the burden of implementation of which has fallen upon the state government.
Giving a patient hearing for half an hour, Finance Minister was considerate about the issues of Arunachal and assured full support.
While extending his gratitude to Jaitley for sanctioning National Film Institute for the state, Khandu invited him to lay the foundation stone. Jaitley is likely to visit after the Parliament session.
PPA terms APCC allegation baseless
ITANAGAR, Nov 5: Reacting sharply to the allegations levelled by APCC against PPA-led BJP Govt. of foul play and not accepting the VRS request of Congress party candidate Lupalum Kri, PPA Spokesman cum Secretary General Kaling Jerang urged APCC not to mislead the public of Arunachal, particularly the sensitive border district of Anjaw.
Terming the allegation as wild and baseless, Jerang challenged the APCC to prove their allegations in the court of law. He urged the CEO, Nirvachan Bhavan to take sue motto cognisance of the 'offence' and initiate stern action, including de recognition and deregistration of the party from the list of national parties, if the APCC fails to prove its allegation.
Jerang, further stated that unlike Congress, the NEDA as a platform of highly secular and democratic forces, gives importance to the roles of opposition parties and therefore, appreciates the Election Commission and its machineries in taking a highly impartial view and allowing the independent candidates out of which one is a defacto candidate of Congress or in other words, wife of the rejected Congress candidate L. Kri to contest the Bye Election.
Jerang stated the APCC neither could obtain a stay order from High Court nor acceptance of the resignation of Kri from the post of Chief Engineer from the Govt. till last date of filing of nomination paper. The RO/DEO Anjaw had no options but to follow the laid down Election Rules and procedures, he said.
Therefore, the allegation of rejection of Kri's candidature by RO/DEO through fraudulent means is extremely unfortunate and bereft of truth which simply reflects the derailment of Congress mindset on one hand and acceptance of defeat in advance in the electoral battle slated for November 19, Jerang added.
Arunachal gets Most Improved Small State award
NEW DELHI, Nov 5: Arunachal Pradesh was conferred the Most Improved Small State award in terms of Infrastructure development by the media giant India Today in its 14th India Today State of the States Conclave 2016 here at a City Hotel yesterday.
The award was given away by Union Minister for Finance Arun Jaitley to Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
It may be recalled that the state has received a similar award from India Today in the year 2013 for Most improved small states' category, in investment sector, macro economy and overall performance.
While thanking India Today Group for honouring Arunachal with the prestigious award, Chief Minister Pema Khandu dedicated the award to the people of the state.
He believed that this award is the outcome of hard work put in by numerous bureaucrats, technocrats, panchayat leaders, public leaders, students and the entire 14 lakhs population of the state who have supported the government in all spheres.
During the panel discussion on infrastructure development, Khandu said that his Government was committed for a robust connectivity in the state with equal emphasis to road, air, rail and digital connectivity. He informed the gathering on various infrastructure development undertaken in the state and also unveiled his future plans of growth in tourism industry, hydropower, industrial and investment corridors for Arunachal Pradesh.
He also made a special mention on sports infrastructure being created to nurture youths for sports curriculum besides laying emphasis on social sectors like health, education and basic utility services.
APSLSA reaches out during mass door to door campaign
ITANAGAR, Nov 5: The Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority, Itanagar along with the District Legal Services Authorities of Papum Pare, Lower Subansiri, East Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Upper Subansiri, West Siang Tirap and East Kameng districts covered 47089 people through stalls and house visits during its state-wide two-day long mass door to door legal awareness campaign which was conducted from Nov 2 to 3 last.
A total of 68 Advocates and 142 para-legal volunteers and members of civil society comprising final year students of Arunachal Law Academy, Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society, Arunachal Yuva Shakti, Happy Club, Daporijo took part in the campaign.
The mass campaign was aimed at creating awareness among people about legal services institutions and availability of legal services and services that can be availed.
Karbak assures to take up college’s issues on priority
AALO, Nov 5: Parliamentary Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs and Liromoba MLA, Nyamar Karbak has assured to take up issues like improving road condition, constructing gallery around the field, boundary wall of the college and boys and girls hostel of the Donyi Polo Degree College, Kamki on priority.
He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the said college's 20th annual day celebration here on Friday last.
Karbak further exhorted the students to take the weeklong event in its true spirit to explore academic, sports and cultural talents among them.
West Siang DC, Gamli Padu in his address also advised the students to imbibe discipline and punctuality to cope with present day competition. Co- curricular activities and sports also form integral part of academic life and the celebration should act as platform to spot out hidden talents of the students.
Former Minister, Lijum Ronya who was instrumental in establishing the college at Kamba, highlighted the works taken up in the past and appealed MLAs of the district to also contribute their share in the development of the college.
The college's principal, Dr. Rejir Karlo also spoke on the occasion. (DIPRO)
Legal Awareness prog on polygamy, women related rights begins
TAWANG, Oct 4: A two days Legal Awareness Programme on "Polygamy and Compulsory Registration of Marriage, Domestic Violence, Child Labour, Sexual Harassment at Workplace and Free Legal Aid, Maternity Benefit Act 1961, Livelihood and Women Related Law" began at Zomkhang Hall on Saturday. The programme sponsored by National Commission for Women, New Delhi is being organized by the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women in collaboration with Women's Welfare Association, Tawang and supported by District Administration and Department of Women and Child Development.
During the inaugural session, while exhorting the women folk to know and safeguard their rights, APSCW Chairman Mitali Tingkhatra said that the objective of the programme is to empower them legally and requested all the participants to spread the message across the district. The Chairperson also dealt at length on the functions of the Commission.
Tawang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Jambey Tsering, while speaking on the occasion, advocated for equal rights for women. He asked the women folk to come forward and participate with full vigour in all the developmental activities.
K D Kayastha, ADO, Tawang, Pem Tsowang, Advocate and representative from District Legal Services Authority, Godak Bikas, Asstt. Professor, Himalayan University and L. Ete, Labour Officer spoke on various topics as resource persons.
The programme was also attended by Nabam Yabang, Vice Chairperson, APSCW, other members of the Commission, HoDs, members of Juvenile Justice Board and Child Welfare Committee, Tawang, PRI members and NGOs. DIPRO.
Arm twisting with river water
Flights Of Fantasy
Group Captain M Panging
VM (Rtd)
The electronic and print media is overflowing with news about the latest surgical strikes by India in reaction to the Uri Fidayeen attack. Many other means are being considered by India to teach Pakistan a lesson. One means being discussed is to review the Indus water treaty between India and Pakistan.
The Indus river originates in Tibet, flows through Ladakh and Kashmir into Pakistan. The Indus Water Treaty was signed in 1960 by Prime Minister of India and President of Pakistan. According to this agreement, control over the three "Eastern" rivers - the Beas, the Ravi and the Sutlej - was given to India, while control over the three "Western" rivers - the Indus, the Chenab and the Jhelum - to Pakistan.
Indus, Chenab and Jhelum rivers are the lifeline of Pakistan. Any reduction or increase in the river waters may lead to many problems in Pakistan. It may affect the livelihood of millions of Pakistani citizens and will affect the economy in a major way.
The devastating effects of changing the river flow pattern on downstream nations are well researched and documented. Historically upstream nations have exploited this aspect of manipulating river flow as weapons to arm twist downstream nations on many occasions.
India has many rivers originating in China. These include the Brahmaputra (Tsangpo), Subansiri, Lohit etc. In June 2000, a natural dam on the Chinese-controlled side of the Brahmaputra broke free, leading to a massive flood in Arunachal Pradesh. Thirty Indians were killed, and fifty thousand displaced from their homes.
There is no water treaty between India and China. The two countries established an Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) on trans-border rivers and in October 2013 the two governments signed a memorandum of understanding on strengthening cooperation on trans-border rivers under which Beijing provides data to India on the water flows.
In the absence of any water treaty between India and China, China may use the same tactics to put pressure on India and arm twist India. Just a few days back, China has blocked a tributary of Tsangpo which may affect the river flow of the Brahmaputra in India and Bangladesh.
On the face of it, reviewing Indus water treaty may appear as fair tactics to put pressure on Pakistan. However, it may have a boomerang effect on India, especially North East India! The national leadership should consider all aspects before taking any step towards arm twisting any downstream nation!
Like our own Master Strategist, Chanakya quoted "Learn from other men's mistakes. You really do not have to touch the fire to see how hot it is!"
Oil Palm- Demystified for Arunachal Pradesh
[ Idar Nyori ]
ITANAGAR: Every day we consume palm oil without even knowing it. It starts with the toothpaste we use when we wake up in the morning, to the moisturiser we rub on our skin and the oil used in restaurants.
Public controversy over palm oil crop is often heavily opinionated and it is fed by definitive and sometimes exaggerated statements. Oil palm has received hectares of bad press mainly due to widespread destruction of most bio-diverse prime tropical forests and peat lands in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea & Malaysia but one must also agree that it is a highly efficient crop that's essential to global food (edible oil) security. Press coverage for the crop that is much less heard is the story of this crop whose fruit provides wholesome vitamin-rich oil that feeds 2 billion people in 150 countries every day.
It is unfortunate and distressing that the simplistic "Oil Palm should not be expanded in Arunachal Pradesh" (published in the Arunachal Times, Dtd: 26/10/2016) message has been passed on to the people, farmers & the law makers of the State alike and has gained such widespread and uncritical acceptance in press. Let's never forget, as much as the "ecologist/ environmentalist" care about our forest and land, natives care about it more. This is their home, their cultural history and it's not by choice that they slash or burn it down for agriculture but they do it for their very sustenance and economic progression.
The hypothetic view expressed in the publication quoting agro-climatic conditions of Pasighat that "Oil palm cultivation in Arunachal Pradesh will not provide significant yields of Palm Oil" is misleading as it contradicts the experimental findings of an ongoing AICRP (All India Coordinated Research Project) on Palm funded by the ICAR (Indian Council of Agriculture Research) underway in its 10th year at CHF, CAU (College of Horticulture & Forestry, Central Agriculture University) at Pasighat, East Siang District. Researchers are conveying a more nuanced speech, which is supported by scientific data, shared field experiences and it helps in building a more balanced view on the crop since the experimental finding at Pasighat has yielded promising result of an average FFB (Fresh Fruit Bunch) productivity of 23 tonnes per hectare which is at par with the productivity of Malaysia at 22 tonnes a hectare. The average yield of the crop in India is 10-13 tonnes a hectare, though it is higher at over 20 mt/ ha in the state of Andhra Pradesh which stands first in India both in terms of area under production & productivity of oil palm.
Thus from the yield patterns it can be inferred that, oil palm under good agronomical practices in local conditions of identified potentially suitable area of Arunachal Pradesh can significantly contribute to rise in farmers' income per acreage compared to many other traditional field crops. The Rethinam committee constituted by Govt. of India headed by Dr. P. Rethinam, Former Director, NRC for Oil Palm has also identified potential feasible areas for Oil Palm in Arunachal Pradesh.
India tops the countries that import Palm oil globally. Import of palm oil costs India roughly $10.5 billion in annual forex outgo, yet hardly attracts the kind of editorial commentary that petroleum, coal, gold, mobiles, and other big-ticket import items do. Like petroleum, it is also shipped in tankers and is processed in giant refineries. India's edible oil imports are rising steeply in the past 13 years, import of crude and refined oil was reported to have quadrupled and the import bill in this regard is expected to touch $ 15 billion in 2016-17. Edible oil is the third- highest spend for the country after Oil and gold. Indian consumption of vegetable oil has trebled over the last 20 years as the population grows and income rises, while output has not increased to this fold. This has forced us to become one of the world's biggest importers of edible oils, with palm oil accounting for 80 percent of that which explains why the crop is so widely grown. It is an oil machine, yielding far more than any other conventional nine edible oilseeds, viz., groundnut, soybean, rapeseed and mustard, sunflower, sesamum, safflower, niger, castor and linseed, presently grown in about 36 million ha. are unable to meet the demand for edible oil in India.
In order to encourage its cultivation in the country as a part of its effort to check forex loss and ensure edible oil security, the Government of India (GoI) has came out with a National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP). NMOOP is being implemented in Arunachal Pradesh by the State Department of Agriculture. NMOOP envisages bringing an additional 1.25 lakh hectares under oil palm cultivation through area expansion approach in the States including utilisation of wastelands. The traditional Oil Palm cultivating areas in India since two decades are the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha & Tamil Nadu where area needed for further expansion of Oil palm has now exhausted resulting in GoI's mandate and encouragement in exploration of new non-traditional areas suitable for its area expansion in the North Eastern States and the states of Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar & West Bengal. In Arunachal Pradesh, Oil Palm is a very new crop just in its introductory phase and most of our perspective farmers have not even sighted the crop as yet.
Arunachal Pradesh is estimated to have an approximate area of 1.25 lakh ha. potentially suitable for Oil Palm all along the border with Assam. The potential plantation zone identified for Oil palm in Arunachal Pradesh has been earmarked into four plantation zones viz., Zone-I, II, III & IV along the lower plain foot hill areas of districts bordering Assam that are climatically and logistically conducive to oil palm cultivation. The identified potential areas of Namsai, Roing, Tezu, Pasighat & all lower foot hill plains of the state along the border of Assam in the districts of Longding, Tirap, Changlang, West Siang, Papum Pare & East Kameng experience hot and humid climates in summers that is most suitable for Oil Palm. In these plains, mean annual air temperature during summers is 23.8°c with a maximum reaching up to 40 °C. The average temperature in this region in winter ranges from 15° to 21 °C while during the monsoon season temperature remains between 22° and 30 °C. The State experiences an average annual rainfall of 3000 - 5000 mm attributed to monsoon which is one of the critical determining factor for planning and consideration of oil palm development programme in this part of the globe. Generally, the world's top palm oil producer countries in South East Asia grows oil palm as rain fed crop as it receives evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year without a distinct dry season unlike the rains in Arunachal Pradesh which usually starts with few pre-monsoon showers during February-March and end during September when monsoon recedes from the entire North East leaving a relatively dry spell for four months from October to February which are predominantly winter months. As Oil Palm requires copious supply of water for optimum production, these dry months from November to February can effectively be mitigated by provision of drip irrigation which is provided under the oil palm development Programme- NMOOP scheme. Oil palm cultivation by irrigation as is practiced successfully in India is a unique feature in oil palm cultivation in the world.
Elucidated climatic factors coupled with its wide climatic adaptability, good plantation management, soil rich in organic matter and high moisture retention should prove to be a favourable game changer for uplifting farm economy of the State.
The general scepticism and speculations on change in "Ownership" of land from the locals to Oil Palm companies as reported in leading Palm Oil producing and exporting countries in South East Asia makes sense only if there was relaxation of land ceiling norm in India paving way for large scale plantation of Oil Palm. The current policies of GoI and the State Govt does not allow companies to either acquire or lease land beyond a specific acreage as defined by land ceiling norms. In the present oil palm development programme the farming community is involved in raising plantations and supply of FFB to the companies, the latter had to depend on them for the sake of fruits. Such a socially acceptable arrangement will substantially benefit our state in view of existence of customary laws and indigenous land ownership rights prevailing in our tribal societies. Further, the implementing guidelines leaves no scope for change in "Ownership" of land from the natives to the companies involved in Oil Palm development in the State.
Privately owned Land along the lower foot hill areas that are unused, devoid of any forest cover and economic activities are being considered for its gainful utilization by area expansion of oil palm. Oil Palm plantations will virtually be forestation of unused land for productive and protective purpose which will give a green cover helping in carbon sequestration.
The Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh during 2013-14 embarked upon the ambitious mission to accomplish area expansion of 20,000 hectare of oil palm in a cluster area approach within the next five years in identified potential plantation zones of the state. In its 1st year during 2014-15, out of an area expansion target of 300 hectare, a target of little more than 200 hectare has been achieved mostly in East Siang and Namsai district. Farmers' response for the crop in other potential areas of Tirap, Changlang, Longding is found low probably due to their inherent inclination to existing successful tea plantations, community land holding pattern besides other reasons like inadequate extension support and awareness about the crop. This current fiscal, the state department of Agriculture has an action plan ready for an additional area of 1500 hectare which will also include identified areas in the districts of West Siang, Lower Subansiri, Papum Pare and East Kameng.
The potential areas being considered for expansion of oil palm in Arunachal Pradesh are the abundant unutilized non-forest land under individual ownership along the lower foothills with slope aspects not more than 20 degrees. No forest land or wild life sanctuaries are to be encroached upon. Negligible economic activity has been observed in foothill areas and people's earning from agriculture has also been comparatively low due to many reasons besides lack of serious investment in agriculture and allied sectors despite availability of adequate land that are logistically conducive for multifarious economic activities. Plantation crops are highly income generating if managed properly. Agricultural transformation of Arunachal Pradesh in the last decade has been in the right direction with the introduction of tea and rubber in commercial scale. Considering the agro-climatic conditions, cultivation of oil palm crops with assistance and subsidies from government scheme can be a suitable opportunity to invest. It is expected that the implication of this development on the farm income will be significant in doubling farmers' income and boost farm income in the coming years.
The government of Arunachal Pradesh is also encouraging farmers to opt agri-preneuring as they can support employment and income generation in the state. In absence of industrial sector which can provide employment and boost earning of the people, agriculture and allied activities are the only options. The State for the first time ever is witnessing corporate capital investment in agriculture and agro-industrial sector through oil palm development which will provide employment in due course. Such collaborations can be stepping stones towards achieving desirable farm economy in line with the Prime Minister's vision of doubling farmers' income by 2022 and the State Governments' endeavour to encourage investment in public sector. Thus, oil palm cultivation is here to stay, supported with good agricultural practices that are sustainable and benefiting for all.
(The contributor is a Agriculture Development Officer- cum-Assistant State Oil Palm Officer, Arunachal Pradesh. He can be reached at idarnyori2013@gmail.com)
Three-day RGU workshop on Elementary Mathematics concludes
Arunachal Pradesh Mathematical Sciences Forum formed
RONO HILLS / Nov 5: The 3-day workshop that started on November 3 on Elementary Mathematics for School Teachers organized by the Department of Mathematics, Rajiv Gandhi University at RGU campus concluded on Saturday.
The workshop culminated into the formation of Arunachal Pradesh Mathematical Sciences Forum with RGU Vice-chancellor Prof.Tamo Mibang as the patron, Prof. Sahin Ahmed as president, Dr. Bipan Hazarika as vice president and Dr. Saifur Rahman as the general secretary.
On its formation day, the Arunachal Pradesh Mathematical Sciences Forum could enroll 30 individuals as Life membership.
With the objective of popularizing mathematics from elementary to research level in Arunachal Pradesh, the forum is a common umbrella for mathematics lovers including students, parents and teachers in the state and those who wish to learn mathematics irrespective of their age and academic discipline.
Prof. Mibang highlighted the importance of mathematics in the contemporary life style of the people while Prof.H.K. Sharmah, Gauhati University emphasized on the role of the teachers in mitigating the mathematics phobia amongst the students.
Other notable resource persons at the workshop were Dr. D. Mahanta, Dean, Study Centre, KK Handique State Open University, Guwahati, Prof. J. C. Soni and Dr. C. Siva Shankar, both from Department of Education and Prof. S. K. Jena, Department of Commerce, RGU.
Altogether 60 school teachers from various schools in Papumpare district attended the workshop.
Speaking at the workshop Dr. Saifur Rahman, organizing secretary of the workshop said that students are doing research on the subject at NERIST, NIT and RGU but only few people are involved in popularizing mathematics.
"Little has been done to address the issue of mathematics-phobia which is prevalent among the people including parents, students and teachers. As such we need a single forum for popularizing mathematics", he added.
The objective of the forum is to impart training to school teachers and students for popularizing mathematics and alleviate Math-phobia amongst the students, parents and teachers. The forum will also conduct Mathematics Olympiad for Arunachal Pradesh while organizing workshops, trainings and conferences in mathematics.
Agriculture field staff urged to shoulder responsibilities
[ Prafulla Kaman ]
PASIGHAT, Nov 05: Agriculture Secretary Talem Tapok urged the field staff of the Agriculture Department to shoulder their assigned responsibilities to help implement various government sponsored schemes and projects successfully. He was speaking at the first foundation day of the All Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Field Staff Association (AAPAFSA) working under CoSAAP on Saturday at GTC (Pasighat).
Informing that the state government is all set to implement the central-sponsored DIP (irrigation) project throughout the state, Tapok urged the field staff to work hard to achieve the targets.
He suggested the agriculture field workers discharge duty sincerely and not to act against the government.
Joint Director (Agril) Anong Lego gave emphasis of work culture among the field staffs. He said that the director of Agriculture is taking steps to stimulate functions of the officials in the department.
Deputy Director of Agriculture Tadu Game informed that state government has directed the department to issue 34,000 Soil Health Card to rural farmers, which is planned to complete within March next year.
He urged the field staffs do soil sample collection and testing works in war footing manner.
Speaking on the occasion, East Siang District Agriculture Officer, YJ Lego underscored the importance of agriculture filed staff, saying that they were playing vital role in gathering agriculture related information in district offices.
Informing that there are a total 65 BLEWs (field worker) in East Siang district, she requested them to visit their allotted fields and submit reports from time to time.
Assistant Director of Agriculture(research) Tate Jamoh apprised the Secretary that fund crunch in the department was hitting research works, while Deputy Director of Agriculture(Education) O Tamuk approached him to make adequate power supply measure in agriculture training offices at Pasighat.
Among others, Deputy Director of Agriculture Ojong Yomso, senior department officials (invitees), AAPAFSA general secretary NT Hina also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, in his key note address, AAPAFSA president Toko Taloh explained about the importance and necessity of celebrating the foundation day.
The programme was attended by about 150 Field staff from different parts districts including women officials of different establishment under State agriculture directorate, which concluded with cultural programme this evening.
Drawing competition held to mark Vigilance Awareness Week
ITANAGAR, Nov 5: A drawing competition with the theme 'Public Participation in Promoting Integrity and Eradicating Corruption' conducted among the students of Rakap Colony Govt. Primary School, Naharlagun marked the observance of Vigilance Awareness Week by the United Bank of India, Itanagar Branch on Saturday.
Every year Vigilance Awareness Week is observed by all central government office, public sector undertaking and public sector banks under the supervision and guidance of central vigilance commission. This year Vigilance Awareness Week is observed throughout the country from Oct 31 to Nov 5.
The school's Headmaster, Hillang Angu and teacher, Fripa Loongkan and United Bank of India, Itanagar Branch Assistant Manager, Dangsam Songtheng advised the students to inculcate good habits and work for a corruption free India.
Politics and Politicians - The noblest profession and professionals
[ Dani Sulu ]
"Study well to become a successful engineers, doctors, bureaucrats, your parents and elders have advised you,'' I said and continued "Today I request you to study well so that, in addition to above professions, you can become a succesful and responsible politicians too. I request you to grow upto be a politically sensitive, politically responsive and politically responsible citizens. Your parents have advised you to keep away from politics, but I request you all to be part of a responsive political system. What we need today, especially in Arunachal Pradesh is enlightened politicians, more so, prodding and responsive citizens. We need to groom politicians from the best of the minds just as we groom future doctors, engineers and bureaucrats. In fact, it is more important to instill political and social responsibility, than anything else. Other aspects of society, like, academic excellence, economic progress and works of arts and architecture grow only on fertile grounds of political stability and social harmony. We talk of politics as if it is a dirt bag, and politicians as cast away wastes in a garbage bin. We dont realise that politics is like air and water without which society cannot exist. Of doctors, engineers, artists, preachers and so on and so forth, society has existed and can exist without them. Without politics and politicians, no society has existed nor can exist. Sooner we realise this fact and give a concerted effort towards supplying this inevitable system with best of minds, better it will be for the society as a whole. Give equal time to what goes on Hollywood movie and your local representative's activities, give equal time to your favourite music, book, booze and to programmes and policies of political parties. Keep in mind "politics is a necessary good" how so ever people try to paint it as dirty and unwanted. You and I are the politics; you and I are the product of political systems. How can we live on continued condemnation of our own self? Politics is our holy cow. Better we appreciate its importance and keep it clean than live in self despise. Politics is not a dirty word, but holiest of all words within the human social system. How healthy our political system is a reflection of how healthy we are as a human being and as a human society"
This was a part of a pep talk I gave 5th December 2010 to Arunachalee Youth Fellowship members gathered at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shillong. The occasion was Pre -Christmas celebration. You will think it as inappropriate speech for Pre Christmas Celebration. But knowing the precarious nature of Arunachal social system, based on tribalism and rampant nepotism. I hardly spare chances where I try to build up a mental set among the youngsters, on the necessity of responsible and responsive leadership. My little interaction with older generations who are in the crucial positions of decision making is not very encouraging. Most are working towards betterment of owns tribe by depriving the other tribes. This might seem wise to them and to immediate beneficiaries, but for the days to come, it is most unwise, they are sowing seeds of division and deprivation. History is a witness to the fact that no society has ever enjoyed privileges for ever, nor any society has remained deprived for all the times to comes. The more we work towards upliftment of owns tribe/community at the cost of other tribes/community in a closed society like Arunachal, deeper will be the retributions of the deprived. I don't have much expectations from the elder generations, neither do I blame them. They grew up within the confines of their own tribes and its welfare. Today's youth are different. They are exposed to the other tribes of Arunachal from the beginning of their life, and also are exposed to the outside world. It is important that their desire to have a common goal for all Arunachalese, their wish for a society based on meritocracy which in turn is based on the requirement of each profession are given its proper space. This has to be tempered with each region and each community's necessity of getting it's due share in political, economic, social and cultural pie of the state. We need to make these young generations politically sensitive, politically responsive and politically responsible citizen.
I am not a politician,
Not because I hate it,
But because I dare not.
I am not a politician,
Not because I dont love it,
But because there are other loves in life,
Which I pursue.
But I know,
If I am not satisfied with the system,
The power of ballot box ,
Is always open for you and me,
To right the wrong we think is.
So, Friends, can you blame me for considering politics and politicians as noblest of people with most noble profession?
(This is not written in official capacity. The contributor is Secretary to govt of Arunachal. He can be reached at danisulu@gmail.com)
21st State level Karate-Do- Championship begins
‘Karate trains minds, synchronizes body’
ZIRO, Nov 5: The 21st State Level Karate-Do- Championship began at Indoor Stadium Hapoli on Saturday.
Ziro-Hapoli MLA Tage Taki, who inaugurated the championship, termed Karate as a supreme sport that trains mind and synchronises the movement of the body.
All sportsmen should learn karate to optimise their performances as well as for self defence, he suggested.
The ultimate aim of karate is not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of characters of its participants, he added. Taki advised the participants to maintain sportsmanship.
Arunachal Karate Association (AKA) president Likha Tara informed that Arunachal Pradesh today is ranked stands third in the National Karate ranking and first in Northeast.
Informing that Karate has been officially included as a sports event in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics offering a golden opportunity for the players of the state to realize their Olympic dreams.
To encourage the players AKA will provide intensive one month free training at its headquarters to all the gold medallists of the ongoing championship, he added.
Sports Authority of Arunachal Vice Chairman, Gechi Doke exhorted the participants and the coaches to keep alive the spirit of karate and intensify the training sessions. The official notification of Karate as a sports event in the Olympics is a blessing and we need to capitalise on it, he added.
Organizing chairman of the event Nilly Likha Tabo also spoke on the occasion.
The two-day event will witness participants from across the state take part in various karate disciplines.
Sports officials, members from AKA district units, coaches were present in the program. DIPRO
AUFC lift EK Veterans' Football Trophy
SEPPA, Nov 5: Arunachal United Football Club (AUFC) came from behind to defeat ATA-XI 4-2 in the final and won the second East Kameng Veteran's Football Championship, 2016 at general ground here on Saturday, ATA took the lead through Judi Bagang in the 14th minute before Samo Flago scored the second goal in the dying moments of the first half.
ATA was leading AUFC 2-0 at halftime.
AUFC started off strongly in the second half and pumped in four goals.
Taja Bonung (56th min), Dojum Nomuk (65th min), Gyamar Jill (73rd min) and Kage Dodum (83rd min) scored a goal each to seal the match in their favour.
The winner AUFC was awarded Rs 50,000 along with a trophy and the runners up team was given Rs 30,000 with trophy.
Taja Bonung of AUFC became highest scorer of the tournament while best goalkeeper award went to Sanghi Cheda of ATA-XI.
AUFC's Dojum Nomuk was adjudged the best player of the tournament, informed match commissioner Satrughan Gungli .
Individual awards carry Rs 5,000 each.
Meanwhile, AUFC has donated Rs 15,000 from its prize money to the fund of Kamphu Hollen Orphanage.
NECCC re-constituted
Itanagar, Nov 5: North East Congress Coordination Committee(NECCC ) has been reconstituted by All India Congress Committee. Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Dr. Mukul Sangma will be convenor of the committee.
While addressing media persons in New Delhi, former Chief minister Nabam Tuki spoke about the importance of need of NECCC in the development of Northeast region.
AICC Spokesperson Manish Tewari, Secy Dr Jaya Kumar secretary were present at the press meet, according to a release.
Blood donation camp organized
ITANAGAR, Nov 5: A voluntary blood donation camp was organized at the Tomo Riba State Hospital, Naharlagun by the Kerala Kala Samskarika Vedi (KKSV), Itanagar to commemorate the statehood day celebration of Kerala. Speaking on the occasion, Director Health Services, GoAP, Dr. Moji Jini lauded the organizers for their noble gesture and appealed them to continue with their efforts in future.
Deputy Director of Health Services (Blood Safety), Dr. Nabam Budh who was also present on the occasion, made a brief presentation on the importance of blood donation.
Bhupen Hazarika remembered
Itanagar, Nov 5: Glowing tributes were offered to legendary Assamese singer Bhupen Hazarika by the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) on his fifth death anniversary today.
A function was organised at the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum here where the members of APLS offered floral tribute at the portrait of Bhupen Hazarika who, through various songs contributed in cementing cordial relations between Assam and Arunachal.
Chairing the meeting convened on the occasion, state Trade and Commerce Director Tokong Pertin,
recalled his meeting with the singer and said that Hazarika was born at Bolung Village in Lower Dibang Valley district in the state, a place near present Shantipur of Sadiya sub-division in Assam.
"Hazarika disclosed in his autobiography how Adi girls from Bolung village used to come and take him out for playing when he was nine months old and even one night he had to stay with them and the ladies of the village had to breast feed him," Pertin said.
The singer has immortalised the mountains, hills, rivers and the people of Arunachal with his songs, Pertin said and lamented that he could not fulfil Hazarika's wish to meet the Adi mothers of Bolung village.
Pertin said the APLS was instrumental in bringing an urn of Hazarika's ash and immersing in all major rivers in the state.
S Ghosh, expert from state Research department, informed that the state government has already constructed a statue of the legendary singer which would be erected at Bolung village within a few months.
The APLS resolved to conduct a singing competition of Hazarika's songs next year in the state capital besides sending a request to West Bengal government for preservation of the singer's house at Tollygunj.
Simai concludes his official tour
Correspondent
NAMPONG, Nov 05: Nampong MLA Laisam Simai concluded his eight day official tour of Nampong, Jairampur and Manmao circles at Khamkhai village here on Saturday.
Sharing his experience of the tour, Simai said that the primary problems that surfaced in this tour is water scarcity. "Nearly all the villages are facing acute shortage of water. It is a serious problem and we will find a solution to tackle the water shortage consulting with the concerned department," he added.
He also pointed out that the regard for education has been minimal in those far off villages that have more school drop outs than graduates. He advised the students, parents and teachers to focus on quality education and give importance to securing good marks.
In terms of development, he said it is an ongoing process and it will never stop mid way. "As all the villages have submitted their demands through memorandum, my first priority will be to fulfill the demand of our people," he said.
Further assuring that he will continue to tour the region, he said he has instructed the ADC and HoDs to carry out tours in rural areas to know the problems intimately.
On Nov 3, Simai inaugurated the Rhung Tap (cultural hall) in Tikhak Taipei village which was a long felt demand of the Tikhak community.
MLA Laisam Simai was accompanied by HoDs of Jairampur and Nampong circles along with panchayat, public and youth leaders.
Annual Late Rutum Kamgo lecture held
ITANAGAR, Nov 05: "Insurgencies in India's Northeastern states are hurdles for the all-round development of the region," opined Coordinator Intellectual Forum for North East, Swapnil Shermale. He was speaking on 'Insurgency- a hurdle in North East's Development'- a talk organized by Arunachal Pradesh Charitable Task (APCT) as part of the annual Late Rutum Kamgo Memorial lecture at a hotel in Naharlagun on Saturday. The programme commemorated the 5th death anniversary of the former general Secretary of RSS, state unit Rutum Kamgo.
"The problem of insurgency caused many socio- economic and demographic changes that adversely affected the development of this region. Due to insurgency, lakhs of youths migrate every year from this region to other parts of the country for want of better education and employment resulting in lesser development of North East India," he pointed out. Also speaking, president APCT Tana Tara Tagu describing Late Rutum Kamgo as one of the best social workers of APCT and RSS ever, said, "even though he is not with us physically, the path shown by him will continue to guide us in the years to come."
Among others, Prant Pracharak (State incharge) RSS Dr Sunil Mohanti also attended the programme. A patriotic song by the students of Abotani Vidya Niketan, Pachin also marked the occasion.
Annual departmental seminar conducted
ITANAGAR, Nov 5: The Department of Political Science, Don Bosco College, Itanagar, organized its annual departmental seminar on the topic 'The Enduring Indo-China Conflict with Special Reference to Arunachal Pradesh' here on Saturday. A total of five papers were presented by the students on the topic. Arunachal Civil Society chairman, Patey Tayum, who was present on the occasion as resource person also presented a paper highlighting the main reason for the Indo-Sino War of 1962.
The college's Principal, Fr. RK Guangdiat Nicholas also spoke on the occasion.
BLOTP for farmers' club conducted
ITANAGAR, Nov 05: A Base Level Orientation Training Programme (BLOTP) was conducted for 10 Farmers' Club from Sangram and Nyapin at Sangram town and Hiya village on November 1 and 2 by Manghi Welfare Society (MWS) sponsored by NABARD, Itanagar.
The farmers were made aware about various schemes and other programmes that can be availed from government of India and other agencies, like NABARD, bank, etc.
OP Mounglang, DDM NABARD also educated the farmers about the guidelines of Kisan Credt Card, Weaver Credit Card and other programmes like poultry, goatary, piggery, ruminant, etc that offer 50% subsidy to progressive farmers, SHGs etc.
Ngorang Tado, president of MWS also spoke.
District administration conducts mass cleanliness drive
PASIGHAT, Nov 5: A mass cleanliness drive was jointly organized by the Protocol Branch of DC office and staffs of PWD at Siang Guest House, Circuit House and Inspection Bungalow here on Saturday.
The drive was also participated by Chief Councilor, Kaling Doruk, MEO, Ainstein Koyu, DIO, Devaraj Thiyam, Member Secretary of PMC, Tani Taloh and workers of Pasighat Municipal Council.
Later, while addressing the gathering at the conference hall, CO-cum-Protocol Officer, Shania Mize urged upon the stakeholders of the three buildings to practice cleanliness on a daily basis. She further said that maintenance of building infrastructure, cleanliness and hygiene and hospitality management are to be given prime importance as people from various districts, states and countries take shelter at these three guest houses on their visit to the district. (DIPRO)
Story on Abo Tani's sons to hit theatres soon
ITANAGAR, Nov 5: Tani Ku, a feature film about sons of Abo Tani will soon hit theatres in the state. Produced by Karam Dugi and directed by Nabum Abu, the film is an attempt to put into the big screen the process of reviving and unification of separated brothers of Tani clans settled in different locations of Arunachal and Assam permanently such as Nyishi, Apatani, Tagin, Galo, Adi in Arunachal and Mishing of Assam.
State level workshop for ITTs held
ITANAGAR, Nov 05: A state level trainers' workshop for the Information Technology Teachers (ITTs) for implementation of National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) in government and private higher secondary and secondary schools of Capital Complex was conducted at the conference hall of the SCERT, Gohpur Tinali near here on Saturday.
Resource persons Dr. Anirban Choudhury, Project Head, NDLM explained the importance of National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) and imparted the training to the participants.
Similar workshops for remaining schools of the Capital Complex and different districts will be covered in phase wise.
The workshop was conducted by NDLM, under Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Department of Electronics and Information Technology (HRD Division), Govt, of India in collaboration with Vocational Education Cell of the Directorate of Secondary Education Govt, of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar.
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