October 25
News Impact
DU to offer certificate courses
in North East languages
NEW DELHI, Oct 24: Delhi University is planning to offer short term certificate courses in eight North East Indian languages in run up to its preparation for the heritage tour to that region in December.
"There is a proposal to offer short term courses in eight different languages of the North East which will include tutorials on basic working knowledge of the languages and not the detailed scripts," DU Vice Chancellor Dinesh Singh said.
"The Linguistic department is working on details as well as structure of the course and we will have a plan of action soon," he added.
As many as 900 students will be given the opportunity to travel on "Dharodhar-
"While the university has invited proposals from the students regarding the projects they would like to undertake during the journey, the short term certificate courses will give an opportunity to the students to learn the languages irrespective of the tour," Prof Chandrahekhar, Coordinator for the Gyanodyaa Express said.
The certificate courses which will run for a duration of one month will be open to all students whether they are selected for the train journey or not.
"The languages for the proposed courses include Assamese, Nagamese, Manipuri, Arunachali and Tripuri. There will be foundation courses in Nepali and Bengali as well which are widely spoken in Sikkim and Tripura respectively," said Dr Santacruz, Deputy Dean Students' Welfare and Coordinator for the North East students.
"However, no decision has been reached yet on whether these are one-
According to the university records, around 5,000 students from the North Eastern states are enrolled in various undergraduate and post graduate programmes.
While DU's linguistic department doesn't offer any full time courses in the North
Eastern language, the undergraduate students have an option of choosing either Assamese
or Manipuri as an elective during their three-
Awareness programme on drug abuse and de-
Felix warns teachers and students to stay away from drugs
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: SSA, Rajya Mission Itanagar has taken up a new mission to make
aware to the public, through the students, the ill effects of drug abuse among the
youth of Arunachal Pradesh. As a first step, a two days state level awareness programme
on drug abuse and de-
The awareness programme started off with a procession by the students of various schools of Namsai headquarters.
The inaugural session started at the Town club, Namsai. Students and teachers from different schools, public leaders and Gaon Burahs of different villages near Namsai took part at the meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner, Namsai R K Sharma.
Bamang Felix, Parliamentary Secretary Education, IPR &P had a very lively interactive session with the audience especially with the students who are the actual target groups of the menace of drug abuse. He made them take pledge not to take drugs in their lives and fight against the ill effects of the same. He wanted the educational institutions to be drug free zones. Neither students nor teachers should be allowed to pollute the educational environment by becoming as drug abuser or a drug peddler. According to him, if a SSA teacher indulges in such drug abuse or drug peddling, his or her service will be terminated so that the ill effects may not pollute the children.
He also requested the public leaders and MLAs of Namsai district not to interfere politically or otherwise for taking action/registering cases against employees indulging in cases of drug abuse.
Chowna Mein, Minister Horticulture, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development in his deliberation suggested alternative type of farming in place of opium cultivation. He suggested having cash crops like cardamom, rubber, etc. to enhance the income for the farmers. There is no dearth of land in Namsai, only thing we need is will power to overcome this bad habit. He assured that there won’t be any political or otherwise interference so as to save drug abusers from Police cases.
Deputy Commissioner, Namsai highlighted the difference between drug use and drug abuse. He narrated how a person becomes a drug abuser from being a drug user. He promised that the District Administration will not keep any stone unturned in fighting the menace of drug abuse. He exhorted the students to be the torch bearers of this awareness campaign.
Chow Tewa Mein, Parliamentary Secretary, Forest and Environment spoke at length on
the menace of the drug abuse craving the Khamti-
Chow Zingnu Namchoom, MLA Namsai stressed the need for more de-
Likha Sampu, Dy.SPD, SSA, Rajya Mission suggested to have community counselling to the drug abusers so that they may come back to main stream.
Earlier an interactive session was held at the Circuit House, Namsai on 20th Oct 2014 wherein Parliamentary Secretary Education, IPR &P, Bamang Felix had a very open interaction with teachers and education officers of Namsai district.
The heads of various schools were first given the opportunity to highlight the problems faced by their respective schools which was followed by the Parliamentary Secretary joining in to have a clear picture of the issues and needs. Felix also emphasized the state government's zero tolerance policy in education sector.
The core problems posted by the teaching fraternity were the mid-
Felix has assured to consider and address the grievances while firmly stating that
mid-
DDSE dispatches MDM items, warns schools
Yachang Tacho
ZIRO, Oct 24: To ensure that Mid-
Alarmed by the complaints from public that MDM ration items are not delivered on
time to schools, DDSE Y Tana said that the team dropped the ration items to all the
schools in Ziro-
The members beside DDSE were T H Grayu, BEO cum in-
Any grievance or complaint related to MDM can be brought to the knowledge of DDSE office at Mid Day Meal Redressal Cell which has already started functioning, said Pill Tayem and suggested general public to lodge their complaints at the Cell.
They monitored and witnessed the dropping of ration items at Govt. Sec. School, Ziro and eight other schools.
However, on reaching Govt. Middle School Hill-
Even if there is thin attendance of students, there should be classes in all the working days, DDSE maintained while announcing that action will be initiated against the teachers and their salaries will be withheld.
Thingbu Circle remains cut off
Pema inspects flood damage sites
Nima Khenrab
TAWANG, Oct 24: Pema Khandu, Minister Tourism, UD, Art & Culture today inspected landslide and flood damage sites at Thingbu PMGSY road and Thingbu Hydel.
Thingbu Circle has been completely disconnected from the rest of the world for the last two months as the PMGSY road connecting Thingbu has been washed away at several points due to incessant rainfall this monsoon. The Thingbu PMGSY road is not only the life line of the furthest village of Tawang district but is also of strategic importance for Army convoy movement.
Owing to the harsh monsoon season, Thingbu hydel too has been severely damaged -
Pema inspected stretches of road by foot along with CO, Pemten in-
Pema urged the concerned committee to follow up on the report submitted for early restoration of the damages. Highlighting the importance of road and power supply, he said that, “as much as food and water, electricity and road connectivity are basic needs without which life would be impossible to function”.
FAC recommendation can destroy 4577 HA rich forests
Dibang Hydro Electric Project
Parineeta Dandekar
Reaching exasperating lows of environ-
While we had already written against this recommendation, what is nearly unbelievable is that this recommendation has come at just 10 meters height reduction of the dam from the proposed 288 meters.
This was the very same NHPC proposal which was rejected twice by the FAC in the past,[1]
despite this token 10 meter height reduction. In fact in April 2014, the FAC said
that 10 mt reduction does not take care of any pertinent impacts for which the proposal
was rejected in the first place in July 2013! A 10 m reduction would still mean destruction
of 3.24 lakh trees and submergence of 4577.84 hectares, nearly 12000 acres, of rich
bio-
The usually reticent MoEFCC (Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change,
MoEF earlier) too had issued a strong-
This letter from the same ministry certified that the 10 m reduction proposal still
leaves the project environmentally, socio-
This shows that the decision of FAC is devoid of merits, will invite huge opposition from Arunachal Pradesh, Downstream Assam, North East India, and even beyond and will not pass legal scrutiny. The decision seems to have been taken under pressure from the political masters. Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal has been dreaming of clearance to this project, as is clear from his road map published on completion of 100 days of office for the new NDA government[2]. He has also been pressurizing the MoEFCC to clear the project by hook or by crook. The FAC was reconstituted and the reconstituted FAC has obliged the minister in its very first meeting. In the process, the entire FAC has violated its mandate and should be held accountable for this.
Regrettably, MoEFCC seems to have become the willing punching bag of not only above-
Before the minutes of the September FAC meeting were out on Oct 22, 2014 (there was
an inordinate delay this time, raising suspicion of negotiated minutes and again
breaking all norms of conduct), there was discussion in media that Dibang was cleared,
but even the hard-
As we discussed in detail in our last blog on Dibang project, the twice-
This sensitivity analysis was not shared with anyone, not even the FAC members till the day of the FAC meeting, breaking all codes of conduct of transparency, participation and informed decision making in governance. SANDRP wrote about this to the Minister and Secretary of MoEFCC as well as the Member of the FAC, but received no response.
Looking at the minutes, it is clear that the FAC members have lapped up the logic
presented by the developer and the Ministry of Power which in a nutshell says that
“10 meters reduction is sufficient as the ratio of forest land required per MW is
lowest at 10 meters reduction.” This twisted logic reduces all decision making related
to forests, even biodiversity-
As per the sensitivity analysis by NHPC, the ratio forest land required per MW for 40 meters reduction is 1.67 MW/ hectare, which is same as no height reduction and 1.78 MW/ hectare in case of 20 meter reduction. In terms of tariff, for 40 meters reduction, the power tariff will be 6.24 Rs./unit while it is 5.66 Rs/unit 10 meters reduction, 5.94 Rs./unit 20 meters reduction and 5.64 Rs. at zero reduction. The installed capacity will reduce by 120 MW (4%) MW for 10 meters reduction, 600 MW (20%) for 20 mt reduction and 780 MW (26%) for a 40 meter reduction.
The proponent said: “Decrease in dam height and consequent sacrifice of power generation beyond 10 mt is not commensurate with saving forest land.”
How did NHPC reach this conclusion? What is the value of the mature, old growth forest land considered by NHPC? Without knowing this, how can this conclusion be acceptable to the FAC? It has to be remembered that Dibang is not an exclusive hydropower project, but a multipurpose project with a flood moderation component and costs have to be borne for this.
While the proponent and Ministry of Power did their best for pushing the project, the FAC did not do its duty of stating that the sensitivity analysis put forth by NHPC is a sham as it does not consider the worth of the forest being lost.
In this sabji-
Only one of the FAC members tried to battle the case saying that 10-
This is ironical. It was indeed the duty of the FAC to appraise the project “objectively” based on issues like destruction of 3.24 lakh trees, invaluable forests, unstudied biodiversity, rich wildlife and several Schedule I species, community dependence, traditional rights, downstream impacts, climate change impacts, options assessment, etc. But it did nothing of that and has in fact recommended the project “subjectively”, bowing to pressures outside their ambit.
Clearly, per MW forest land required and per Unit Tariff from a project are anything but objective criteria for FAC. FAC is supposed to apply its mind to a number of issues like the ones above. If FAC was not supposed to apply its mind to these aspects and its judgment, there was no need for an FAC, Power ministry and developer could have taken the decision independently.
The FAC decision does not address any pertinent issues raised by the same FAC while
rejecting the project, it also does not address downstream impacts on Assam or assume
any value for a rich forest. There is no discussion why 20 meters or 40 meters reduction
is not seriously considered by FAC. Decision-
Sham consideration of Downstream Impacts About Impact of the project on Dibru-
This claim in any case is patently incorrect, again a case of project-
There is no compliance under Forest Rights Act (2006) for such a massive project and despite this, FAC under some supposedly progressive members working on tribal issues, does not bat an eyelid before recommending clearance!
To conclude, pricing mature, biodiversity-
There is no merit in this decision from the newly appointed FAC which includes members also from reputed environment protection organizations in North East and from Tribal Welfare groups like Friends of Baripada. It is also sad to see that there is no dissenting note from a single member. The unnamed member who expressed dissent in the meeting has not written anything about this in public domain.
Decisions like Dibang lay further foundations for poor, pro-
Isn’t it ironical that the new government changed the name of the MoEF to MoEFCC but is sanctioning massive projects like Dibang which will have far reaching impacts on Climate Change as well as adaption and mitigation abilities of the affected communities? Without even considering these aspects or even mentioning them?
(Courtsey http://sandrp.wordpress.com)
Govt. lays special thrust on girl education: Gadi
Staff Reporter
DARING, Oct 24: Education being panacea to all ills confronting the state, the GoAP was committed to spread the light of education, PWD Minister Gojen Gadi today said.
The sanction of residential girls’ schools at Daring, Gori at Basar and Pira at Tirbin indicated special thrust to girl’s education, he said, adding Pira school has been functioning since 2011 while other two are new, and exhorted the parents to educate their daughters. ‘An educated mother could make her next generation educated’, he justified.
Responding to demands by the people placed by ZPM Hengi Riba, the minister announced
that the Dali main road to Echi village has been included in the 2014-
“I being the local MLA would fulfill all aspirations of the people even if not demanded, including roads to Jime and Ego Rijo villages within next five years” he said to the applause of the gathering.
A statue of former chief minister T Riba would be installed at Ego tri-
Appreciating Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for initiating numerous schemes for accelerating
state’s all-
The GoAP has adopted zero tolerance for education and health sectors to send a louder message to not tolerate any lapses by any employee, said Education & IPR Parliamentary Secretary Bamang Felix.
A mistake by a doctor or a nurse may kill a patient but a mistake by a teacher or education officer would spoil a generation, Felix said, and appealed to one and all, including the minister to not interfere when those found guilty are punished.
Reiterating to continue transfer till rationalisation of teachers’ posting, Felix informed that the department has already projected the requirements of principals and senior teachers for post creation as demanded by the villages. He disclosed that recruitment would be conducted outside the state by one time relaxation of criteria to meet the acute shortage of Science and Mathematics teachers.
Describing the tournament longest in the state which should be recognised by the GoAP, he called upon the participants to reflect sportsman’s spirit but not their muscle power.
Gadi as chief guest and Felix as guest of honour, accompanied with West Siang DC Pige Ligu, host of officers and public leaders took part in a slew of inaugural functions before addressing a public function at the general ground here.
Gadi inaugurated the residential girls’ school-
Felix inaugurated the higher secondary school upgraded from secondary school. The primary school was set up in 1948.
The event was recognition of excellence as the organizing committee headed by headed
by president Nyato Riba and general secretary Jummar Basar felicitated school teacher
Pratibha Rani as best government staff, Dari-
“We will continue this event even without any financial help from any quarter,” the duo announced while the local leaders had all praises for the CM’s development initiatives.
Few local youths termed the tournament a platform to showcase their hidden talent. “It is helping us to maintain improve our physical capability and encouraging taking up sports and games with renewed vigour,” they added.
Daring, the birth place of former CM, late Riba, wore a new look while the people
were in festive mood and make-
Kimin inaugurates PRA workshop under NERCORMP
BORDUMSA, Oct 24: Diyun Bordumsa Constituency MLA Nikh Kamin inaugurated the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) workshop under North East Community Resource Management Programme (NERCORMP) for upland areas at Rajanagar village here today.
Promising the NERCORMP’s team to extend every support and cooperation in their endeavor to develop the constituency under the project, Kamin emphasized the importance of the project and said that the people of Changlang district are fortunate enough as the scheme is being initiated in the district. He sought the cooperation and participation of the people for successful implementation of NERCORMP.
The MLA said that Rajanagar was once preferred to be built as a model village by the then Lt. Governor in 1975. However, the project was never started. “Today, Rajanagar has been adopted under NERCORMP to make it first Model village in Arunachal Pradesh. The village under this ambitious scheme is supposed to get all the amenities like community resource centre, constant water supply, livelihood units for all the villagers, roads, bridges, market sheds, farms and many such facilities,” he said.
He further said that both Diyun and Bordumsa comprise some of the most deprived communities and the scheme will uplift them and every household irrespective of caste, tribe or religions get the benefits.
NERCORMP III, a project of the North Eastern Council, Government of India was launched in January 2014 in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. The team led by Ruzing Bellai, Project Manager, NERCORMP, Changlang has already started its operations and in the next six year and the team will facilitate different livelihood and social infrastructural developmental project in the whole Changlang District.
NERCORMP III will be implemented in five districts of two states of Northeast, Aunachal Pradesh and Manipur with a grant of about Rs 540 crores. 292 villages are recognized to be developed under this ambitious project from which 38 villages are included from Diyun and Bordumsa circles in the first year.
Any village selected under this scheme will involve the community people to plan livelihood, infrastructural and social development for their villages. They will be trained extensively and will be provided the needed resources.
NERCORMP has been functioning in different upland areas of the country and has conceptualized micro credit banking institutions for women, rural resource centre, built food processing units, fisheries, piggery and farms, market sheds, roads, bridges, community halls, water reservoir and many such rural developmental projects.
The program was also attended by Bordumsa ADC S. Miji besides other dignitaries.
Herculean task to bring education dept on right track: Felix
AALO, Oct 24: The Parliamentary Secretary Education and IPR, Bamang Felix, who is on currently in West Siang, visited Likabali subdivision to get firsthand knowledge on functioning and infrastructure conditions of the schools.
Celebrating the Diwali with the teachers, Felix said that the mess in which the department has fallen in is a byproduct of disarrayed planning process accumulated over the last two decades and needs herculean tasks to bring it in the right direction.
Citing instances of drug addict teachers and students in some districts, he said that these practices are a cause of great concern as the virus of drug takes no time to spread. School compounds will be declared as Drug free Zones restricting entry of any drug addicts and teachers with such addicts have been cautioned to mend their ways, he said.
He further said that infrastructures in the schools will be provided on the condition and assurance that assets will be taken care even during the vacation.
Denying toilets and bathrooms for girl students is a crime as per the existing law; he said and asked DDSE to start construction of additional toilets at Dipa Secondary School and Girls hostel at Govt H.S. School Likabali.
Making visit to the private Poi Vidya Niketan Secondary School, the Parliamentary Secretary insisted on placing fire extinguishers at all vulnerable locations with at least six trained staffs on handling fire extinguishers.
During a visit to Pale Primary school, he assured to write to Home Minister to open up a Police beat post to facilitate the teaching learning process without problem.
The department needs the support of administration for smooth functioning of the schools and asked the ADC Likabali to hold coordination meeting with the HoDs to mitigate the minor needs of the schools.
Darka Villagers repair Aalo-
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: The Darka villagers carried out a mass social service to repair
the Aalo-
The social service was organized by Darka Aalo Welfare Society (DAWS) in collaboration with Kibom Padu Old Age Women Welfare Society headed by Jumbom Padu under the initiative of West Siang Deputy Commissioner Pige Ligu.
Besides the villagers and the Deputy Commissioner, the social service was also actively participated by many officers from Darka village, former MLA Gadam Ete, DAWS office bearers and students from Darka village.
The DC said that the stretch of road near Angu and Bagra would also be taken up on voluntary basis with the generous help of the elders and youths of the area. He stated that sometimes citizens should shoulder the responsibilities and give a helping hand to the administration in such endeavours.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner P Ligu inspected the proposed realignment of Trans-
A New Philosophy for North East India
Dr Topi Basar
North East India has got a new found identity now. It comes to the national limelight for two extreme reasons or circumstances. First, in the situation of grave victimization as a result of race or hate crimes and on the other spectrum for positive contributions made to the country by sports persons like Mary Kom, Baichung Bhutia, Sarita Devi etc. When China gives stapled visas to people of Arunachal Pradesh and makes open claims on it. Not to forget that it is also noted and acknowledged for its natural beauty and cultural diversity as a mystical land of tribal in the popular sense. Whenever there is any crime or atrocities against people from north east in Capital and NCR region, suddenly all the three pillars of democracy will demonstrate its deepest concern and sensitivity for the NE people. Only to be forgotten after few days until a new incident occurs which may be worse than the earlier ones and the same cycle goes on and on.
The problems faced by the NE people in Delhi, NCR or other parts of India are not
new. It has been always there ever since large number of students and unemployed
youths migrated from their states for better educational prospects and career opportunities.
But unlike the situation now, in the last decade nobody really cared or bothered.
People silently suffered and went about doing their work and ones who could not cope
left with full of bitterness and never to come back. The moot question is ‘what is
the core issues involved?’ Identification of the root causes of the problem is necessary;
quick fix formula is not a permanent solution. We need to look at the issue holistically
by historically traversing past and present factors responsible for the present predicament.
There is a deep seated isolation amongst the people of NE which breeds sense of insecurity
and emotional disconnect with the outsiders. Where has this sense of isolation come
from? Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru’s foreword in Verrier Elwin’s book, ‘a philosophy for
NEFA’ meant as a bible book for officials and administrators from mainland India
to administer the tribal areas with a basic philosophy expressed in the words of
Nehru, “People should develop along the lines of their own genius and we should avoid
imposing anything on them. We should try to encourage in every way their own traditional
arts and culture. I am not at all sure which is the better way of living, the tribal
or own. In some respects I am quite certain theirs is better. Therefore, it is grossly
presumptuous on our part to approach them with an air of superiority, to tell them
how to behave or what to do and what not to do. There is no point in trying to make
of them a second-
This became the dominant ideology for NEFA (North East Frontier Agency) in post-
(The author is an Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, Delhi University and may be contacted at topibasar@gmail.com)
APIC directs for action against EE
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: Information Commissioner Abraham K Techi has directed Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh to initiate disciplinary proceedings under relevant service rules against Nich Tadar, EE (PWD), Tawang, former Executive Engineer (PWD),Tali division, Kurung Kumey, for failing to comply with Commission’s order under the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005.
Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC), in a release, said that the officer has failed to comply with its orders to furnish information to an information seeker from Lobi Colony here in connection with construction of a road from Chetam to Pipsorang under BADP. The Information Commissioner further directed the state government to initiate an inquiry into the implementation of the scheme.
The Information Commissioner has given state government one month to initiate action and submit action taken report to the Commission.
The Commission has taken the decision after hearing the appeal on ten different dates.
One person arrested in Gumtu murder case
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: Capital police have made a major breakthrough in the Taka Gumtu murder case by arresting his estranged girl friend.
As per the police source one Minjir Kena is the prime suspect. She is believed to be the girl friend of Late Gumtu. However, the relations between two allegedly got strained because of which she took the extreme step.
While confirming the arrest, SP Capital Seju P Kuruvila informed that investigation is still on. “For now it looks like a love triangle. However, we are still interrogating the main suspect and detailed information will emerge in the coming days. It’s too early to make any comment in this case right now,” said SP Capital. Meanwhile, All Pei Welfare Association has condemned the incident and demanded strong punishment to the accused involved in the killing of Late Gumtu, who was one of their members.
Cancer screening at ASH
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: To mark the National Cancer Awareness Day on Nov 7, the Arunachal State Hospital is going to organise screening of oral, breast and cervical cancers in the hospital from Nov 1 to 7 next, according to information received from the Chief Medical Superintendent.
Member retires
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: Jathi Pulu has retired as a member of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission on Oct 17 as per the provision of the Constitution of India.
Apatani version of Bible released
ZIRO, Oct 24: The Christian community of Apatani tribe of Ziro Valley under Apatani Baptist Association (ABA) has ‘successfully’ translated the New Testament into Apatani language titled ‘Niti Gontu’ which has been released yesterday in a small but impressive function by local MLA Tage Taki at Town Baptist Church, Pai Gate, Hapoli here.
Releasing the Apatani version of the holy book, Taki appreciated Pastor Tallo Apa and his team for their hard work in translating the New Testament of Bible into Apatani language.
The Bible in Apatani language will not only help people, who do not understand other languages but also help younger generation to learn, improve and preserve their mother tongue, he said.
Observing possibility of misnomer or distortion of ideas or meaning while translating the book, he suggested the people, especially the preachers of any religion to use appropriate word so that common people could understand the accurate meaning and also the ideas.
Pastor Tallo Apa highlighted how the job of translating the Bible was accomplished. Under strict vigilance and supervision from Bible Society of India (BSI), Shillong, we have completed the translation work in six and half years, he said.
Tapi Tai, Secretary, Apatani Cultural & Literary Society and Rev. Dr. W. Along Jamir, Associate Translation Director, Bible Society of India were also present during the releasing ceremony besides a large number of believers.
Voluntary blood donation
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Oct 24: The Ramle Banggo Adi Peoples’ Forum (RBAPF) in association of Ramle Banggo unit AdiSU members on October 22 conducted a voluntary blood donation programme at Pasighat General Hospital, informed RBAPF sources.
A total of 23 units of bloods of various groups (A+, AB+ and O+) were collected during the day long programme.
Addressing the donors, Blood Bank Officer of Pasighat General Hospital, Dr. G. Jongkey explained the importance of blood donation. He suggested the people to accept only safe and bloods donated by voluntary donors.
Off campus training cum method demonstration
Basar, Oct 24: A team from KVK West Siang, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, A. P. Centre, Basar conducted an off farm training programme with diagnostic visit to farmers’ field at Regi Village and method demonstration on sowing of Toria.
During the training programme, A. Kirankumar Singh, Programme Coordinator, KVK West Siang suggested the farmers to take up commercial farming in diversified way in order to augment income. He also spoke on importance of intercropping for soil fertility management.
Letngam Touthang, scientist stressed on the importance of conserving indigenous germplasms and the use of improved varieties of different crops.
Badapmain Makdoh Badapmain Makdoh, Scientist (Agronomy) suggested to adopt the in-
Further, the team demonstrated the sowing of toria (TS-
Sanitation awareness campaign
YINGKIONG, OCT 24: The Public Health Engineering and Water Supply department, Yingkiong division organized a cleanliness drive around Yingkiong township on Monday last to mark the National Sanitation Awareness campaign. A rally was also organized with participation of NGO, SHG members and students to bring awareness among the public about the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Speaking on the occasion, the consultant water & sanitation I. Kamsi highlighted the importance of sanitation and cleanliness. He further urged upon the NGOs, SHGs and students to play active role in bringing awareness on sanitation and cleanliness. Drawing competition on health and hygiene was also organised to mark the sanitation campaign, according to an official release.
Home Stay training at Yazali
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: A home stay workshop cum training was conducted for the self-
The workshop was organized in anticipation of the large number of tourists expected during the festival which is scheduled to be held from 21st to 25th November this year.
The main objective of training was to impart knowledge to the local population for generation of income through hospitality industry and facilitates stay for tourists in the Yazali area. The resource person comprised of Kago Kampu of ABASA home stay (Ziro), Chukhu Mama, Lecturer in Tourism and members from local tour operator.
Taba Techi organizing Chairman of Panyor River Festival speaking on the occasion said," Yazali has potentials to attract tourist but due to lack of accommodation facilities tourists and visitors only bypass via Yazali and visit Ziro. Through such training programme, women folks will not only earn during the festival but it will also provide alternate means of accommodation in the form of home stays.”
He expressed hope that through such training ample opportunities will be provided to rural women to generate self income. The coming Panyor festival has created buzz in the tourism circuit and there are high expectations.
The event coordinator of festival Chukhu Mama informed that they are receiving positive response from across the globe and already bookings for tents and home stays have begun.
Orientation Programme & PRA Exercise
Changlang, Oct 22: The NERCORMP, District Changlang, under the guidance of its Project Manager Ruzing Bellai conducted an Orientation Programme of the four selected partner NGOs namely Arunachal Vikas Parishad, AMYAA, Amik Matai Society and Seva Kendra East Arunachal, today.
H Blah and S Shangdiar were the two resource persons invited from NERCORMP, West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya.
“Partner NGOs are one of the most important members for they will become the only
bridge between NERCORMP office and the community members. Since, the project happens
to be the flagship project of DoNER Ministry & NEC which is totally concerned with
livelihood improvement of the tribal families of North-
The Orientation Programme was followed by Participatory Rural Appraisal Exercise of NERCORMP in the district. The event took place in Old Changlang village where all the community members took part cooperatively.
Later, partner NGOs and resource persons involved the whole village in different
kinds of PRA tools for formation of village mapping, socio-
Society condemns
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: The Kameng and Tawang District Welfare Society have condemned the recent rape and murder of a woman at Jang. Further they claimed to have met ADC Jang and demanded exemplary punishment to the accused.
AMSU celebrates silver jubilee
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: The silver jubilee celebration of All Mengio Students’ Union (AMSU) concluded on 21st October at Govt. Secondary School, Sakiang. To mark the occasion, sports, cultural and literary competitions were held.
All the schools of Mengio and Silsango circle along with the domicile students of Mengio area who are studying in various schools of Papum Pare district actively participated in the events.
The closing ceremony was attended by Nabam Yakum, ZPM Sagalee and Chera Renu, ASM
Chairperson Leporiang. Both of them highlighted the importance of study and advised
the students that while serving the society, study must not be compromised. They
further asked the students not to indulge in any anti-
Best discipline school was awarded to Govt. Residential School, Nyopang, Girls volley ball competition was won by Govt. Residential School Pan and Girls Football competition was won by Govt. Sec. School Sakiang.
Union demand
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: All Palin, Chambang, Yangte, Gangte and Tarak-
2nd Veteran Cup Football Tournament from Nov 25
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: The 2nd State Level Veteran Cup Football Tournament-
Around nine teams are expected to participate in the tournament being organized by Capital Complex Sporting Club (CCSC), in collaboration E&K’s under the aegis of Arunachal Pradesh Football Association.
The first edition of the tournament was won by Naharlagun United and Arunachal United Football Club was the runners up team.
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Diwali celebration causes rise in air pollution
Air quality in the national capital deteriorated alarmingly a day after Diwali as pollution levels spiked more than five times higher than normal leaving many at the risk of respiratory problems. The Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM), which directly affects breathing, has gone up by five times from the national ambiance air quality standard informed scientists from System of Air quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). There are also reports of poor air quality from cities like Mumbai, Ludhiana, Chennai etc. post diwali celebration.
In our state capital Itanagar too massive amount of wastage is generated due to Diwali celebration. It is due to such rise in pollution level, the environmentalists across the country are campaigning against excessive burning of crackers during diwali festival. Unfortunately some section of society has given communal colour to such movement. They don't understand the fact that in the name of celebration, our own environment is getting destroyed. The polluted environments will directly affect our life and pose serious health hazard. Government of India should take note of such report and work towards finding a solution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swacch Bharat Abhiyan should include cleaning of air too.
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Pathetic road
Dear Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily I would like to draw the attention of the concern authority towards the pathetic condition of road from Chandranagar to Chimpu.
The road from Chandranagar Bridge to Gophur, Chimpu is deteriorating and it seems that no one bothers about it.
And at Gohpur it is so bad that tempos, auto-
I would like to remind the concern authority of this locality and state govt that the pathetic road leads to many important govt offices as well as institutions like Sangey Laden Sports Academy, IRBN camp, K.V school. Beside these, it also leads to Ganga Lake and Zoology Park.
I would like to highly request the concern authority of this locality and state govt to look into the matter and take necessary initiatives to restore the road for the convenience of all at the earliest.
Yours,
Tadar Kaming
Dera Natung Govt. College, Itanagar
For the betterment of the students and teachers alike
Dear Editor,
I would like to appreciate the Deputy Director of School Education, East Kameng, for the concrete steps taken to ensure that teachers attend their duties regularly. Without the teachers taking regular classes, the student community suffers for the present and the coming future.
Through this esteemed and popular paper, I would like to request all student unions not only to get involved in political issues, but to take up issues which would benefit both students and teachers at school and university levels.
Furthermore, I would like to request all the student unions to approach to the Chief Minister and the Education ministry, for the quick release of all the arrears and DA of thousands of teachers who are serving our children. Like how the PM Modi has recently hiked the scholarship of students, our CM Tuki ought to disburse the pending payments to our teachers and should initiate scholarships for meritorious students.
I express my views as a student, in gratitude to teachers, who have experienced the blessing of having taught by good teachers.
Yours,
Takam Tadar
Delhi University,
New Delhi
Be the change you wish to see
Dear Editor,
Mahatma Gandhi, the man who inspired human rights movement worldwide all by spectacularly
living the simple non violent life he preached, once said-
Today I ask you: what change do you like to see in the world? To figure that out, I ask: what bothers you?? Like me, the digital divide, economic inequality, general disparity in educational opportunity, the rising crimes and homelessness? If nothing bothers you then I am saddened.
Today when we set back our lives after the long reckless, infuriating elections hoping
for the life’s best believing at “maximum governance and minimum Govt” as proclaimed
by the BJP led PM Narendra Modi ,what do we witness in our state? Yet again the unending
trend of corruption, nepotism, red-
These were the basic amenities we voted for in the recent assembly elections and now are we enjoying our rights and benefits? In fact the tale of our woes seems to be endless, everybody is waiting for a miracle to occur or awaiting for a superhero to squall in and swipe out the evil from the society but nobody wants to be the catalyst or the change factor. Under this cobweb of uncertainty nothing inspired me until I saw the character played by Charlie Chaplin in the movie “The Dictator” where he voices out to the masses that ….you the people, have the power, let us all unite. Let us fight for a new world, a decent world that will give men a chance to work that will give youth a future and old age a security. Let us fight to do away with greed: with hate and tolerance. Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all men’s happiness.
To a public fatigued by the sclerotic and scam laden Govt no matter how large a mandate, a democracy needs a robust opposition to function effectively. But alas in a state like Arunachal Pradesh only a lion can be the king of the jungle. Its peak time that we pay heed to the reverberations of our neighboring states where once passive land prevailed is a bloodshed state today like Manipur and Nagaland and civil unrest has become the order of the day. Now the grieving question is who are we going to hold responsible for this foreseeable social and moral decay? Is it we?? The king framed politicians or the lousy bureaucrats and the engineers who like to dance to the tunes of the politicians?
When all these cynicism of the political clout is seeding at the top level, a common man’s hope is crushed over and again and are always shrouded in obscurity and squandering amidst a sea of self acting mules who only reacts to the initiatives like a cave man and on the other hand the hopes of the educated youths soar as high as the stars only to sink to the depths.
Every freedom comes with it a responsibility, every goal with it a price tag, and if we think we are going to get political freedom and liberty without some sacrifices, I think we are mistaken. The truth is…it’s all in our hands to bring about the change in the system. Along the way you may be called idealistic or even stupid, but remember those who have accomplished the most amazing feats were the ones not smart enough to know those very feats were impossible.
To me, it means that I always won’t get an award or rewarded for every good deed I do, but I should just do it, that’s how we build humanity in this mechanized world.
A Herculean task is ahead of us, let’s not deter until we bring back the sumptuousness of our once enchanted land. So I am the next change, you are the next and the whole citizens of this state are the next change. I hope you listen and I know you will listen.
And it perfectly holds true that “As is a tale, so is life; not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters” Gandhigiri zindabaad.
Yours,
Ngurang Meena
Ngurang Learning Institute
Naharlagun
Diwali and our contribution
Dear Editor,
The Diwali is one of the most colourful festivals of India. Everyone especially kids love it. The reason is obvious. It brings excitement and happiness to families; for many of them use this occasion as the reunion time.
On the other side, the reckless use of fireworks during the Diwali is a matter of great concern. It adds up to the already polluted atmosphere. Each year during this time of the year we ‘contribute’ thousands of tons of pollutants to our atmosphere. We all know its consequences. It’s no rocket science.
It is high time the department of Environment (State/ Union) took some bold and pragmatic steps to address this situation before it is too late. And at the same time, we should discourage the use of these pollutants so extravagantly.
Looking forward for pollution free Diwali.
Yours,
D. Lollen
Nehru Chowk,
Aalo
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