OCTOBER 15

• CAG exposes slow progress of ISBT and ISTT projects
• Undue financial benefit extended to contractorsin Sagalee and Yingkiong PWD divisions
• Assam forest officials demolish Anganwadi centre at Kamin
• NGOs denounce bandh culture, suggest formation of PGRC
• Police yet to arrest murderer of Ralo Rini
• Umbrey advocates for fund under river basin projects
• 18th State Level Karate Do Championship concludes
• 7th Aapsa general conference held
• School girls found hanged, murder suspected
• Rajnath to join Sahid Shraddhanjali Yatra at Tawang
• Budding writers and poets steal the limelight in APLS literary meet

CAG exposes slow progress of ISBT and ISTT projects

CAG report

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Oct 14:  Two of the most prestigious infrastructure projects of state namely Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) and Inter State Truck Terminal (ISTT) have been found to deviate from their original detail project report (DPR) in a report prepared by Comptroller and Auditor General of India.  The government of India had approved Rs 9128.50 lakh under scheme of “Improvement and Creation of Infrastructure of Urban Transport including Roads and Parking lots” on February 2009.

An amount of Rs 1980.31 lakh was sanctioned for construction of Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) and Rs 630.09 lakh for that of Inter State Truck Terminal (ISTT). Though central government released Rs 2053.91 lakh in March 2009, the technical sanctions for ISBT and ISTT were accorded very late in December and November 2010 respectively. Due to the delay, the agreement for actual construction was signed only in March 2011.

CAG believes that because of delay Central fund were either laying idle or diverted temporarily for other purposes.  As of March 31st 2011, only two percent physical progress has been achieved at ISBT Lekhi against the targeted 25 percent. Though money for the project was released way back in March 2009, no work was undertaken till March 2011.  The work for construction of ISBT was awarded to M/s Takar Construction at a tendered amount of Rs 1030.00 lakh with stipulation to complete the work by March 2012. As per the term of agreement of work, the contractor was entitled to mobilization advance of 10 percent of the contract value but agreement was silent about interest on mobilization advance. Scrutiny of record by CAG reveals that firm was paid Rs 100.00 lakh in March 2011 as mobilization advance without any bank guarantee and without specific request from the contractor. CAG stated that it was done to extend favour to the firm.  Further scrutiny also reveals that an amount of Rs 7.13 lakh was incurred on procurement of computer and accessories and HSD oil leading to diversion of funds. Another amount of Rs 9.57 lakh was incurred on works which were not originally included in DPR for construction of ISBT.  

The situation is similar in case of Interstate Truck Terminal. Though project is supposed to finish by March 2012 as per agreement, only 2 percent work was finished when CAG team last visited the construction site on March 31, 2011. Further it was noticed that provision was made in the detailed estimate for execution of only 1210.60 cum of Random Rubble Masonry work but department executed 1941.18 cum of Course Rubble Masonry. The excess of 730.58 cum over and above estimated quantity of Random Rubble Masonry had lead to excess expenditure of Rs 18.70 lakh and thereby affecting cost of project.

No quality assurance plan for capital roads

ITANAGAR, Oct 14:  In February 2009 central government had sanctioned Rs 5800.44 lakh for the improvement of road network in Itanagar and schedule date of completion was fixed on March 2011. The scope of work involved improvement/laying of road of 7.50 m wide(20.140 km), 3.75 m in wide (54.800 km) and 3.00 m wide(15.520 km), road side drain (53.325 km), retaining wall(11.891 km) and slab cullvert(80 no). The entire work was executed both departmentally and through contractors.

When the team visited site of projects for inspection, they found various discrepancies in execution of work and suggested some remedial measures. The executing agency did not maintain proper camber on road and was advised to use proper form of work template for laying of bituminous concrete so that care should be taken for maintaining the camper on the road. It was also noticed by CAG that no quality assurance plan has been initiated and no laboratory has been set up by either Urban Development and Housing department or any other executing agency to ensue quality construction of road. In absence of such scientific method, the contractors are easily manipulating work and therefore state capital does not have good quality roads.

 

 

Undue financial benefit extended to contractorsin Sagalee and Yingkiong PWD divisions

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Oct 14:  The government of Arunachal Pradesh had introduced tax deduction at source (TDS) for Value Added Tax (VAT) on all works contracts with effect from 11th April 2007 by making an amendment in the Arunachal Pradesh Goods Act, 2005. The act stipulated that the person responsible for making payment was liable to deduct the amount of VAT at source at the time of making payment to work contractors at the rate of 12.5 per cent on the value of the bill after deduction of 25 per cent towards labour and service charges from the gross value of the bill.

On checking the record of Executive Engineer (EE), Sagalee Public Works Division by CAG authorities on January 2010 it was revealed that between November 2007 and January 2009, the division entered into work contracts valued at Rs 19.02 crore with 18 contractors. Payments totaling Rs 19.01 crore were finally released by the EE to 18 contractors from March 2008 to December 2009, without deduction of VAT at source. The amount of VAT that should have been deducted works out to Rs 1.78 crore.

Similarly, the EE, Yingkiong PWD, entered into work contracts valued at Rs 5.97 crore with 18 contractors between December 2007 and April 2008 and finally cleared total payments of  Rs 5.97 crore to the 18 contractors between January 2008 and February 2009 without deduction of VAT at source, amounting to Rs 0.56 crore. Interestingly, no reasons were specified on record as to why the EEs of both the Divisions failed to recover the VAT at source.

Failure of the EEs to deduct VAT at source, despite specific government orders in this regard, showed that the EEs of both Divisions were unaware of the statutory provisions of the State Government and lacked effective control and management of the finances of their divisions, CAG observed in its report. The non-collection of VAT at source resulted in extending undue financial benefit to the contractors in the shape of excess payment to the tune of Rs 2.34 crore (Rs1.78 plus 0.56 crore). Action needs to be taken to recover this amount, CAG stated. The matter was referred to the Government in May and August 2010 but no reply has been received by CAG till October 2011.

 

 

Assam forest officials demolish Anganwadi centre at Kamin

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Oct 14: The Assam-Arunachal boundary problem remains as a decades-old burning issue for  Arunachal Pradesh. As usual the Assam forest officials and police personnel again hit the headlines by carrying out eviction drive within the Arunachal territory at Kimin on Saturday. Sources from Kimin informed that a group of Assam forest and police personnel destroyed the SPT building of Anganwadi building/Centre at Buka village under Kimin circle without any reason.  

While confirming the report, Kimin police sources informed this daily that Assam officials have come with arms and forcefully evicted and damaged the building. Police further informed that Assam officials also forcefully took the thumb impression of Village Goan Burah and it is feared that  they may wrongly use it to justify their action. A case has been registered at Kimin police station today (case no. 18/12 under section of 447/448/427/506/34 IPC read with section 3PDPP Act) against Ahmad Ali and Tuli Das who allegedly led the eviction team.

On being reported about the incident a team of Govt officials from Kimin including Extra Assistant Commissioner, Circle Officer, OC in-charge and Anchal Samiti chairperson have visited the site today to take stock of the situation. Meanwhile, All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) Papum Pare District Unit and All Kimin Kakoi Youth Welfare Association visited the eviction site.

While condemning the eviction drive carried out by Assam officials, ANYA Papumpare unit, in a representation to the chief minister today demanded immediate arrest of Range Forest Officer Harmuti Ahmad Ali and beat officer Tuli Das  for carrying out illegal eviction drive at Kimin. The Association also urged the state government to erect boundary posts at various location and demanded  construction of  link roads to circle headquarters  along boundary area without touching Assam.

 Meanwhile, Education and Cultural Developments Society (ECDS) has strongly condemned the eviction of the newly constructed Anganwadi building at Buka Village under Kimin Circle yesterday.

Society said that school building, Anganwadi centre, Hospital, temple, church, masjid should not be evicted as these institutions can be used by any fellow citizens of the country.

The  eviction  also violates the Scheduled Tribes Forest Rights Act, the Society said adding that a notification was issued to all the Chief Secretaries of states that no eviction of tribal shall be carried out, who settled at a particular place from 25th Dec. 2005.

The Society urged the state govt. to conduct awareness programme on  Forest Rights Act so that public can fight against such illegal eviction.

 

 

 

NGOs denounce bandh culture, suggest formation of PGRC

ITANAGAR, Oct 14: Bandh culture found itself on back foot as Nyishi Elite Society, All Nyishi Students’ Union, All Nyishi Youth Association and All Capital Complex based NGOs, market committees, students’ unions of Papum Pare, Kurung Kumey, Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri and East Kameng, in a joint meeting today, vowed to minimize the bandh calls in the state capital.

Declaring bandh culture as social menace, anti-people and anti-development, the meeting resolved that all capital based organizations, NGOs, unions, market and sector committees would effectively co-operate and assist the law enforcing authorities to nail the bandh callers and enforcers.

“Bandh should be enforced only as a last resort”, the meeting observed and urged the bandh callers to look for an alternative means of protests. The meeting resolved to urge the authority to earmark venue preferably at Indira Gandhi Park, Itanagar or Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun for registering peaceful protests in the form of hunger strike, dharnas, etc, to be regulated by the Government by granting permission.

It further urged the state Government to establish Public Grievances Redressal Cell (PGRC) headed by a Cabinet Minister as its Chairman.

In view of frequent Bandh calls in the capital, a standing committee comprising all the presidents and general secretaries, market welfare committees of the capital complex, recognized NGOs, associations, unions of the Capital Complex has been constituted.

 

 

 

Police yet to arrest murderer of Ralo Rini

ITANAGAR, Oct 14:  The All Yachuli Students' Union has strongly condemned Lower Subansiri district authority and police department for their failure to nab the murderers involved in Ralo Rine murder case. Late Rine was a student of Class XII, Humanity, at Government Higher Secondary School, Yazali. She was coming back from her home when two migrant labourers attempted to rape her.  When she resisted and raised alarm, the two attackers killed her on the spot.

Many days have passed but the murderers involved in the heinous crime are still at large. At a time when people of the state are losing faith on police force, the AYSU has tried to keep faith on them, the student union said in a release. However, the union stated that no positive results have come out and no justice has been delivered to victim till date.  “Justice delayed is equal to justice denied. Enough time has been given to the state police department but till today no such positive results have come out. The people of the area have been eagerly waiting for the justice to the aggrieved family,” said AYSU.

Further the union informed that people of the area especially the students' community is organizing a mass rally cum dharna in solidarity with the late Rine's family in front of the Deputy Commissioner Office Ziro on 19th October. AYSU has appealed to all the students' leaders, students, Panchayat Members, NGOs and the general public to join hand in the Mass Rally cum Dharna on the said date. The rally would start from Yazali General Ground at 6.30 am to DC Office Ziro and would be followed by sit in dharna in front of the DC Office.

 

 

Umbrey advocates for fund under river basin projects

ITANAGAR, Oct 14: The only surviving legislator of All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) Laeta Umbrey accused the state government of not taking any initiative to get the fund that was assured by the Centre after Asian Development Bank denied loan to Arunachal Pradesh (ADB) for an Integrated Flood and River Erosion Management Project (IFREMP) on Brahmaputra River Basin following Chinese objection.

“It is shocking to learn that a number of smaller projects in various assembly constituencies are being considered for submission by your government instead of pursuing the old case of ADB Projects,” Umbrey, in his letter to the chief minister, said.

There seems to be a lack of initiative on the part of the state govt. to take up the issue with the Centre. The Centre has assured on several occasions to fund these projects. During the Budget Session in March 2010, the then Chief Minister, late Dorjee Khandu also informed the Assembly about assurances of the Centre.

The ADB after having several years of study with their expertise has recognized Arunachal Pradesh in Brahmaputra River Basin as one of the most flood prone parts of the world. A Senior Water Resources Management Specialist in ADB's South Asia Department said, "Recurring flooding and river erosion affect large segments of the population, degrade the limited productive land and environment, and act as a disincentive for long-term investment in the state. As a result, economic growth is slowing and the incidence of poverty is increasing.”

In order to combat the devastating impacts of floods and river erosion in our state, the ADB had taken the decision to provide additional technical assistance. The ADB finalized 6 IFREM Projects in Arunachal Pradesh with an estimated amount of Rs.333.73 Crore.

It is learnt that the ADB was all set to provide additional fund from the co-financing Multi-Donor Trust Fund, under Water Financing Partnership Facility administered by ADB.

The ADB has selected the aforesaid 6 projects after having proper ground works with their foreign expertise. Any dilution of this finding of ADB will cost the state dearly.

Umbrey appealed to the chief minister to take up the matter in right earnest with the Centre and submit the revised estimates, including for Deopani River Basin for protection of Roing Township.

 

 

18th State Level Karate Do Championship concludes

SAI emerges overall champion

ITANAGAR, Oct 14: Sports Authority of India Special Area Game Centre (SAI SAG), Naharlagun emerged overall champion in the 18th State Level Karate Do Championship which concluded here today. Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy (SLSA) became runners up and Lohit team was adjudged as disciplined team.

Altogether 254 participants, including 28 officials from nine districts and Arunachal Pradesh Police, SAI SAG and SLSA took part in the championship.

The concluding day function was attended by MLA Bamang Felix, Sports Authority of Arunachal vice chairman Likha Tara, Arunachal Olympic Association Secretary General G Doke, Itanagar EAC J Bomjen, among others.

Felix rued the lack of sports infrastructure in the state.

“It is a matter of great regret that lack of infrastructure compelled the organizer to conduct such a big event in a pandal, Felix said. He assured to press the government for early construction of the multi-purpose stadium. He appreciated the organizing committee for organizing the championship smoothly without any help from the government. The complete results:

1.  Boys Kumite (11 years): Abing Doka, (gold) SLSA, Lindum Lonya, (Sil),    West Siang, Lige Bagra (Br), West Siang;

2.  Girls Kumite (11 years): Nulleno Nomai, (gold), SLSA;

3.  Cadet Boy Kumite (-63 kg); Tamchi Tayam (gold), RKM, Kofa Raja (Sil), SAI SAG, Taniang Dodum and Arun Sangdo (Br), East Kameng;

4.  Girls Kumite (13 year): Nabam Nasap (gold), SLSA, Lucky Hangu (Sil), Upper Subansiri, Gichik Yami (Br), SAI SAG, Tai Amang (Br) Upper Subansiri;

5.  Cadet Girl Kumite (14-15 year): Anjame Mipi, (gold), SLSA, Bamang Yamu (Sil), SAI SAG;

6.  Cadet Girls Kumite 14-15 years (-54 kg): Yapung Sonam (gold) SLSA, Yoisi Tawsik (Sil), Lohit, Tadar Mama (Br) Shotokan Arunachal, Lungtan Jangmu (Br), SLSA

7.  Girls Cadet Kata (14-15 years): Gyamar Mach (gold), SAI SAG, Jeena Tallang (Sil) SAI SAG;

8.  Junior Girl Kata (16-17 years): SAI SAG, Yasa Rie (gold) Johny Mangkhya ((Sil), HQs Chimpu;

9.  Women Senior Individual Kata: Rajnita Rotom (gold) SAI SAG, Rei Yadi (Sil) SAI SAG, Sumpi Chege (Br), SAI SAG, Parvati Bellai (Br), Lohit

10. Senior Men Individual Kata: P Nobin Jamoh (gold), SAI SAG, Wangcha Lowang (Sil), John Bagang (Br), East Kameng, Takiang Bagang (Br) SAI SAG;

11. Team Kata Men (Senior): 1. SAI SAG, 2. Anjaw, 3. East Kameng 4. HQs Naharlagun

12. Cadet Girl Individual Kumite: Tap Menia (gold), SLSA, Jeena Tallang (Sil) SAI SAG, Oyi Libang (Br), SLSA, Anu Komi (Br) HQs Chimpu;

13. Sub-Junior Boys Kumite: Aho Lingi (gold), SLSA, Chopa Tallo (Sil) East Kameng, Kamta Rassang (Br), East Kameng, Likha Oum (Br), SLSA

14. Junior Boys (-11 yrs) Kata: Santosh Sharma (gold), SAI SAG, Lege Bagra (Sil), West Siang, (No Br medal)

15. Cadet Boys (-52 kg): Neta Menjo (gold), SLSA, Libion Nguri (Sil) SAI SAG, Jenwang Romchi (Br), SAI SAG, Pimar Yitor (Br) Upper Subansiri

16. Boys Kata (13 year): Chopa Tallo (gold) East Kameng, Doni Yangfo (Sil) SAI SAG, David Bulang (Br) SLSA

17. Junior Boys Kata (16-17 years): Samuel Dolo (gold) SAI SAG, Janom Dodum (Sil), SAI SAG, Ajay Taku (Br) East Kameng, Tajar Nilling (Br) Upper Subansiri

18. Boys Cadet Kata (14-15 years): Kofa Raje (gold) SAI SAG, Jenwang Kamchi (Sil) SAI SAG, Raja Yangfo (Br), SAI SAG, Libiob Nguri (Br) SAI SAG

19. Junior Girls Kumite 16-17 years (-48 kg): Juna Dada (gold), SLSA, Kambung Wangsa (Sil), SLSA, Mimi Ramching (Br) Upper Subansiri, Goda Asha (Br), SLSA

20. Junior Girls Kumite (16-17 years +53kg): Johny Mangkhya (gold), SLSA

21. Junior Girls Kumite (16-17 years – 53kg): Bamang Yakum (gold), SLSA, Rebiyialu Kri (Sil) Lohit, Yajum Paktung (Br) Upper Subansiri, Laxmi Chetry (Br) East Kameng

22. Junior Girls – 59kg Kumite: Gyakhen Longri (gold) SLSA, Yasa Rig (Sil) HQs Chimpu, Minam Tekseng (Br) SLSA

23. Cadet Boys Kumite (14-15 years – 57kg: Ngongchen Hodong (gold) SLSA, Vinod Degio (Sil) SAI SAG, Nokbo Wangsu (Br) SAI SAG, Tadak Godak (Br) Upper Subansiri

24  Junior Boys –55kg Kumite:Sinne Mikhu (gold), SAI SAG, Likha Lej (Sil) SLSA, Tamen Gechung (Br), Papum Pare, Balive Rangyang (Br) Lohit

25. Cadet Boys –70kg Kimute: Doniram Tawe (gold) East Siang, Takar Bado (Sil) East Kameng

26. Junior Boys – 61 Kumite: Janom Dodum (gold), SAI SAG, Ajay Taku (Sil) East Siang, Ashok Sahani (Br) East Siang, Tajar Weling (Br) Upper Subansiri

26. Junior Boys –68kg Kumite: Joseph Dolo (gold) East Kameng, Dumum Miyu (Sil) SLSA, Nikam Sono Lyang (Br) SAI SAG, Papu Sikom (Br) Upper Subansiri

28. Junior Boys –76kg Kumite: Dongro Dodum (gold) SAI SAG, Sadam Yum (Sil) Lohit, Tadi bayor (Br) Upper Subansiri, Biplob Devnath (Br) Papum Pare

29. Senior Women –50 kg Kumite: Rei Yadi (gold) SAI SAG, Parvati Bellai (Sil) Lohit, Riya Yagik (Br) HQs Chimpu, Biri Moni (Br) HQs Chimpu

30. Senior Women –55kg Kumite: Sumpi Chege (gold) SAI SAG, Rajnita Rottom (Sil) SAI SAG, Yania Dugi (Br) Upper Subansiri, Hina Asum (Br) HQs Chimpu,

31. Senior Women–61 kg Kumite: Chunnu Sangno (gold) APP, Mui Ama (SIl) ASKA HQs Chimpu,

32. Senior Wome +68kg Kumite: Yomken Noshi (gold) APP

33. Senior Women –68kg Kumite: Charu Aroti (gold) ASKA, HQs Chimpu,

34. Senior Men –55kg Kumite: Wancha Lowang (gold) APP, Takiang Bagang (Sil) SAI SAG, Chuku Saha (Br) APP, Lee Nguri (Br) SAI SAG

35. Senior Men 61 kg Kumite:Anurudh Shani (gold) East Siang, Lichi tacham (Sil) SAI SAG, Bengia Horo (Br) HQs Chimpu, Nyodo Baja (Br) APP

36. Senior Men Kumite –67kg Kumite: Tarh Tapak (gold) HQs NLG, Likha Rajen (Sil) APP, Charu Tamo (Br), Pramod Kamti (Br) East Kameng

37. –74kg Senior Men Kumite: Tage Saa (gold) SAI SAG, Lekha Tayo (Sil) HQs, Abe Dolo (Br) APP, Pisa Nachung (Br) APP

38. –84kg Senior Men Kumite: Nikter Taja (gold) HQs NLG,Yesenso Yun (Sil) Anjaw.

(SLSA—Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy, SAI SAG—Sports Authority of India Special Area Game, APP—Arunachal Pradesh Police)

 

 

7th Aapsa general conference held

ITANAGAR, Oct  14: The 7th General Conference of All Arunachal Private Schools’ Association was held here today at Huto English School, Nirjuli in which Principals from various member schools of AAPSA attended the conference and deliberated upon issues relating to quality education and collaboration among private schools under AAPSA.

Speaking at the inaugural function, P.N. Thungon, State Project Director, SSA, exhorted the principals to give quality education in return for the fees collected from the students and to motivate and train teachers of the private schools.

While appreciating the AAPSA for their remarkable job in short span of time  he said  “Time has come for you to come together as a united group to make your presence felt”. He expressed hope that the organization will one day bring together all the private schools under the single umbrella - AAPSA.

Speaking about the bandh culture that affects the working of educational institutions, Thungon said “we need to counter act this trend”.

Thungon assured that he will take up with his higher ups to totally ban the practice of admitting students to schools without proper and valid Transfer Certificate from the previously attended school and also assured all assistance to private schools to develop own kitchen garden.

However, he exhorted all principals not to compromise on inculcating moral values in students and quality education.

Later, he donated a desktop with all accessories for AAPSA Office and also donated an amount of Rs 5000 to students of Huto English School.

AAPSA General Secretary Termar Richi highlighted the various activities organized by AAPSA after the 6th General Conference.  Huto English School, Principal Lalzidinga and Delhi Public School Principal Ivan Vas also spoke on the occasion.

Pearson Eduservice Pvt. Ltd gave a presentation on their modern educational solution.

Later, in the business session chaired by AAPSA President Jenny Riba, the members deliberated on issues such as training programmes for teachers, Students, Parents and Principals and the possibility of having common question papers and holidays.

Royal International School Principal Henry David briefed about the arrangements being made for the mega Talent Search 2012 scheduled to take place at Royal International School from November 8 to 11 in which 1500 students from AAPSA member schools would participate.

 

 

School girls found hanged, murder suspected

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Oct 14: The bodies of two minor school girls, who went missing Monday from Assam Arunachal boundary here, were found hanged in mysterious condition on the bank of Ngorlu River near Ruksin town yesterday.

The deceased identified as Lashmi Koiri (14) and Rinki Lohar (15) were students of Ruksin Govt HSS located at Assam-Arunachal border here. Lashmi and Rinki were intimate friends and were studying in class VIII and X respectively.

The Ruksin police, following public information yesterday recovered the semi-decomposed bodies and sent them to Ruksin CHC for post mortem. Police registered a case of unnatural death Under Section 174 CrPC and launched investigation.

Preliminary investigation did not find any foul play behind the deaths. However, the actual cause of death can be ascertained only after receiving the post-mortem report, the investigating officer said.

Deceased Lashmi’s father Ranjjet Koiri is running a small shop near Ruksin aside the NH-52 (Assam side), while Rinki’s father Mohunku Lohar of Okland village of Jonai (Assam) is an agriculture labourer presently working at Leku paddy fields.

According to family sources, the girl duo went missing since last Monday and an FIR was lodged in this regard with Jonai Police Station. The family men recovered their bicycles from the riverbank on the next day. Surprisingly, their bodies were recovered yesterday only at the same location.

The people of both Arunachal and Assam living at the state boundary here are not taking the incident as normal suicide case. They suspect the girls were murdered after rapping. They urged the police not to leave any stone unturned during investigation of this mysterious case.

 

 

Rajnath to join Sahid Shraddhanjali Yatra at Tawang

ITANAGAR, Oct 14: The veteran BJP central leader and former Union Minister Rajnath Singh (MP) is arriving Tawang on October 20 to attend the Sahid Shraddhanjali Yatra at Tawang on Oct 21. The Yatra is a part of the programme “Jara Yaad Koro Kurbani” being organized  to mark the 50 years of the 1962 Chinese aggression on India in Arunachal Pradesh.

The ‘Sahid Shradhanjali Yatra’ scheduled from October 18 to 22, 2012 is a programme under theme Jara Yaad Koro Kurbani and was aimed at paying homage to the martyrs of the 1962 war which took place in Arunachal Pradesh. It is neither to provoke neighbouring country (China) in any manner, nor it was a political programme, but a national occasion to emotionally remember more than 3,770 soldiers who laid down their lives for their motherland in  the war. Above 2436 soldiers laid their lives in Tawang-Bomdila sectors alone, the BJP said.

The central leadership has entrusted the youth wing of the party – Bharatiya Janata Youva Morcha (BJYM) to organize Sahid Shradhanjali Yatra. The State BJP has chalked out Sahid Shradhanjali Yatra in the western Arunachal followed by Shradhanjali Sabha at Walong (Anjaw district) in the Eastern Arunachal and mass public Shradhanjali Sabha at Itanagar on November 21, 2012

People in other parts of the country still need to be made aware of the fact that the Northeast is as important as Jammu and Kashmir. Arunachal Pradesh already facing linguistic and identity crisis in outside the region, therefore, there is a need to make the brothers and sisters in other parts of the country truly aware of the fact that Arunachal Pradesh, which shares its border with China, Myanmar and Bhutan, is an important state of  the country  as that of Jammu and Kashmir, sharing border with Pakistan.

Considering the territorial integrity of the nation and security of the motherland of foremost importance, the Bharatiya Janata Party, Arunachal Pradesh appeals people from all sections of life to voluntarily come forward to join various programmes launched to mark the 50 years of 1962 war. Let us remember those soldiers and martyrs who laid their lives for the motherland, the BJP said.

 

 

Budding writers and poets steal the limelight in APLS literary meet

ITANAGAGAR, Oct 14: Another day has been passed in literary discourse with budding writers and poets who are yet to be unfolded their colourful petals in the floor of Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society in its 41st literary sitting at the conference hall of JN State Museum, Itanagar presided over by its president Y. D. Thongchi, a literary luminaries.

The literary session started with usual prayers “Ostoma Sadagamoya” followed by short story “A great lesson” recited by its junior most member Rindo Pertin, another story “Joint family” by Arunika Koley, student of Class-VII, KV-II. Later, two RGU students have presented their poems – “Maleism’ by Saurav Mitra and “Childish Musings’ an excellent poem. ‘The sorcerer’s Song’ by Dwitun Basumatary was read out while Gyati Rana recited his self composed poem ‘Conversation with my identity’. Literary session was concluded with a presentation of an article in Assamese – “Iswar Nastikata Aru Samprati Samay’ written by Inumoni Das Bora and an Assamese poem “Kabir Gari” by Ajanta Dutta, the famous poet in Assamese literature. An though provoking discussion has been taken place on the existence of God participated by Dr. D. K. Duarah, former Assistant Director Research, Dr. Pekba Ringu, Dr. Tage Tada,, Nabajit Deori, C. D. Sharma, Tokong Pertin. Among others R. N. Koley, Dr. S. K. Ghosh, Roman Borah were also present.

News Impact

Cash reward stands

ITANAGAR, Oct 14: The cash reward of Rs 2 lakh announced by the Arunachal Pradesh Police for giving information or clue leading to arrest of the assailant/s of Tongam Rina, Associate Editor of The Arunachal Times still stands. The identity of the informer/s will be kept secret.  The informer/s may contact Capital SP at tele. numbers : 09436040006

 

IAS and IPS officers shun Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Oct 14:  Two senior IAS and IPS officers have allegedly refused to come to Arunachal Pradesh despite being transferred from their respective states. DM Spolia, IAS, the principal finance secretary of Sheila Dikshit government was believed to have been transferred as chief secretary of Arunachal Pradesh in the month of August.

Instead of assuming office Spoila allegedly lobbied with Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit to cancel the transfer order. On her part Sheila Dikshit met Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde on 29th August and is understood to have taken up the lingering issue of transfer of several officials of her Government including that of Spoila.

On the other hand ever since Kanwaljit Deol relinquished the post of director general of police on her transfer to Delhi, Arunachal Pradesh Police is running without a DGP. It is being reported that K K Maheshwari, IPS officer who is supposed to assume office of DGP is also reluctant to come to Arunachal. Maheshwari had previously served as IGP, Mizoram.

 

Zonal level Bal Mela at Nampong

ITANAGAR, Oct 14: A three-day zonal Bal Mela is being organized at remote Nampong, bordering Myanmar in Changlang district, from October 16 next.

The National Youth Project (NYP) is organizing the event to promote the young artists and select about two dozens of them to take part in the national level Bal Mela in November next.

The NYP, Arunachal Pradesh unit will conduct the event under the guidance of its global president Dr SN Subba Rao, who is scheduled to arrive the venue in the late night of October 15, according state NYP president Hari Pado Buiswas.

The event will culminate with the presentation of award winning ‘Bharat ki Santan– the unity song in 18 Indian languages approved by the Constitution –, composed by Basant Puljakapurkar and tuned and sang by great Gandhian Dr Rao, during the launching ceremony of the CM’s Livelihood Mission School on October 18.

Director Narendra Wadgaookar has already reached Nampong to train the local girls for the dance. The NYP is operational in 64 countries.

 

Youth Cong booth level training prog

ITANAGAR, Oct 14: Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress has conducted One-day training program for Elected Office Bearers in polling booth level at Aalo and Basar on October 12.

The programme was organized by Assembly Youth Congress Committees of West Siang District.

Deepak Prakash Singh from IYC Training Department, Manoj Mishra, Regional Co-ordinator, Jawaharlal Nehru Leadership Institute, Tadar Niglar, President, Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress, officials from JNLI attended the progrrame.

The trainers from JNLI gave detail about leadership, history and ideology of INC and the transformation system brought by Rahul Gandhi, General Secretary, AICC,I/c Indian Youth Congress.

The trainers also briefed about how to connect with people in the respective polling booths, AYC level, LYC level and APYC level as well and also gave awareness on various Centre and State Government Schemes.

 

Alumni get together at Center for Management, NERIST

ITANAGAR,Oct 14: The Centre for Management Studies of North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST) organized a Get-Together for the batches of year 2009-2011 and 2010-2012. Students, who received their degrees on recently concluded convocation, shared their experiences of ‘life after NERIST’ with the students pursuing MBA presently and gave them some tips from their own experiences.

Speaking on the occasion Dean Academic (NERIST) Dr. R.M. Pant welcomed the 2011 and 2012 passed out MBAs and expressed his confidence that they will excel in every spheres of their lives and will set examples for their juniors.

Exhorting them, the Head of Centre, Centre for Management Studies, NERIST S. Choudhury assured that a grand meet of alumni will be organized in a near future. Various songs and dances were presented by the students to mark the event.

Millo Yassung received merit certificate for her overall performance during MBA programme. The Get-Together was attended by the faculties, alumni and students of CMS, NERIST.

 

Power supply restored in E/Siang

PASIGHAT, Oct 14: Power supply has been restored in East Siang district today at 6 am, informed East Siang district, Deputy Commissioner R K Mishra.

While acknowledging the major power cut from September 19 last due to failure of grids from Aalo to Pasighat he appreciated the efforts of the power department for the restoration work.

 

Chingdang greetings

ITANAGAR, Oct 14: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh General (Retd) J.J. Singh has conveyed his warm greetings to people of Arunachal Pradesh on the auspicious occasion of Chingdang festival.

Joining Sajolang (Miji) brethren in offering prayers for good harvest and prosperity, the Governor expressed his hope that festivity will promotes peace, tranquility and happiness in the State. (PRO to Governor)

 

Leadership development training at Tawang

ITANAGAR, Oct 14: As a part of its state-wide leadership development training programme for elected office bearers of booth Level Youth Congress, a leadership development training of three Assembly Youth Congress constituencies such as Lumla, Tawang and Mukto of Tawang district was held on 10th October last at Tawang.  More than 150 booth level YAC members took part in the training.

 Addressing on the occasion District Congress Committee president Tsering Tashi advised the youths members to take full advantage of the training programme. He also urged the youths to create mass awareness on the flagship programme of the Central Govt among the rural people of the district.

 

 

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

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

All rights reserved.

Bandh call for a good cause

Dear Editor,

I am in support of the bandh called by given PPWC against power disruption in East Siang district. As per local MLAs and MP they have discouraged this bandh. But as per my knowledge it was already published in newspaper that 3 months ultimatum was given to not only to Power department but also to Arunachal government to solve the matter which they miserably failed. It is not only the failure of power department but also that of the government. Actually, it shows the incapability of local administration, MLAs and MP. In true sense, engineers are unable to restore the power in absence of sufficient fund. Our local representative has proved their total incapability in this regards. Obviously people will go for bandh call, though we also don’t support such activity. We are compelled to adopt such extreme step and this is truly for the sake of the people of East Siang irrespective of tribe, political party or religion.

Yours,

Ojing Darang

Mikong Village,Pasighat, East Siang District

 

 

 

Regulate fairs of trekker, taxi, tempo and autorickshaw

Dear Editor,

The fare of trekker, taxi, tempo and autorickshaw need to be regulated by the state government rather than giving cent-percent freedom to the taxi unions. The unions of respective taxis fix their own rate as per their desire and pleasure. To cite few examples- the fare between Itanagar and Naharlagun is fixed as Rupees 20 and on the same route the fare between Niba clinic, Papu Hill and Naharlagun is also Rupees 20 -whereas the distance between Papu Hill and Naharlagun is hardly a kilometer. I argued many times with the drivers and relented from paying Rs 20 between Papu Hill and Naharlagun as I have to daily commute to my office. Their excuses are -rate is changed and one very funny excuse was –change problem.

I can’t figure out how and why such random rates are fixed and above all no regulations by the Government. I have started walking from my rented house at Naharlagun to the office at Papu Hill as I am unable to bear daily expenses of rupees 40 for to and fro journey. Moreover, paying rupees 20 for just a kilometer of journey pain me very much as I have to manage everything with my limited salary without any additional allowances like HRA, TA, etc. from the government side.

I know this appeal to the government won’t materialize but still due to frustration I am urging the government through your esteemed daily to kindly look into the matter and formulate a proper guidance on fare and service and revise the rate on fare on tempos and trekkers and also on autorickshaw.  Most of the autorickshaws are plying without any standard metering system since from time immemorial. Common people like me and rest of us would be benefited to a great extent.

Yours,

Raju Tacheng,

Naharlagun

 

 

 

Please guide us properly

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily I would like to draw the attention of corrupted officers,  politicians and many more, that Arunachal Pradesh has become ''THE LAND OF RISING DUST'' instead of ''THE LAND OF RISING SUN.'' Our state Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most corrupted states in the world so as a future citizen I would like to request to at least make a proper road and drainage system which will last for decades not month or a year. I think as a student we have to take RIGHT PATH for our BRIGHT FUTURE, likewise, PROPER ROAD and DRAINAGE SYSTEM will help to make our state a DEVELOPED STATE. Lastly, you the present senior citizens are our guides and if you guide us in this dirty way then I think our state will be doomed. Hope I did not hurt anyone because it’s a fact.

Yours,

Wanglat Khomrang

A student

 

 

 

 

 

All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.        

----Editor

Digital divide

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) report says that the ICT sector has become a major contributor to economic growth in the developing countries.

The report shows that the Republic of Korea remained the world’s most advanced ICT economy as determined by the IDI, which ranks 155 countries according to their levels of ICT access, use and skills, and takes account of 2011 and 2010 scores.

The next four countries – Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Finland – were also unchanged from the year before, while the United Kingdom, which moved from 14th place in 2011 to ninth in 2012, was the only new arrival in the top ten.

European countries also filled eight of the top ten spots, with Japan, ranking eighth, as the only non-European country at that level besides top-placed Republic of Korea. All the top 30 were high-income countries, which, ITU said, underlined the “strong link between income and ICT progress.”

ITU noted the report’s findings also include that countries marking the most progress in terms of ICT development were mostly in the developing world. It cites strong performers as including Bahrain, Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda and Saudi Arabia.

The increase in developing world connectivity rates has taken place alongside a rise in the affordability of telecommunication and Internet services. The price of ICT services dropped by 30 per cent globally between 2008 and 2011, with the biggest decrease in fixed-broadband Internet services, where average prices have come down by 75 per cent, ITU said.