May -
Mamata, Jaya crush Left, DMK; Congress sweeps Assam
Cabinet reshuffle on cards after Mamata's victory
New Delhi, May 13: India was poised to get two more women chief ministers as Mamata
Banerjee's tsunami destroyed 34 years of Left rule in West Bengal while veteran J.
Jayalalithaa pounded the corruption-
The Congress, on the winning side in West Bengal but a loser in Tamil Nadu, managed a remarkable hat trick in Assam after decimating a divided opposition, but huffed and puffed before narrowly overcoming a fighting Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala.
In Puducherry, the last of five provinces which went to the polls in April-
Although it put up a brave face, there was more bad news for the Congress in the
two Lok Sabha by-
The Congress was humiliated in Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh -
In Kadapa, the Congress candidate came second but lost his deposit after Y.S. Jaganmohan
Reddy, son of the late chief minister Y.S.R. Rajasekhara Reddy, retained the seat
with a record margin of 543,053 votes -
Southern India had accounted for a solid 60 of the Lok Sabha seats the Congress won
in 2009 -
Without doubt, the most dramatic of victories Friday came from West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
Riding on a wave of discontent against the Communists who had been in power in West Bengal since 1977, Banerjee's Trinamool Congress delivered a mortal blow to the Left.
As tens of thousands of Trinamool supporters celebrated the fascinating win, particularly
outside the Kolkata residence of Banerjee, Biman Bose of the Communist Party of India-
Banerjee, who is expected to resign as the railway minister to move to Kolkata to be the first woman chief minister of West Bengal, met Governor M.K. Narayanan Friday evening.
The Trinamool wave crushed the Marxists all over West Bengal, even in areas where the Communists had never before tasted defeat.
Even Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, whose aggressive policy of industrialization sparked off protests in rural areas that helped Banerjee to ultimately cripple the Left, was humbled in Jadavpore.
Equally sensational was the AIADMK juggernaut in Tamil Nadu, which swept away the DMK and its allies that included the Congress. After a landslide victory, AIADMK leader Jayalalitha vowed to rebuild the state even as the party made it clear that it would not share power with its allies.
A stunned DMK retreated into silence.
The only cheer for Congress came in Assam where it bagged 76 of the 126 seats, a vast improvement on the last election, to come back to power for the third consecutive time.
While Congress Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi credited it to good governance, the opposition said the main reason were its divided ranks.
In Kerala too the Congress tasted victory.
The new chief minister is expected to be Oommen Chandy of the Congress, which heads the victorious United Democratic Front (UDF). Most players in the state credited the Marxists' stunning show to Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, who at age 87 proved to be the Left's biggest vote catcher.
Meanwhile, with Mamata Banerjee set to become chief minister of West Bengal giving up her post of railway minister, a cabinet reshuffle is on the cards and could also see changes in ministers from the Congress.
Banerjee, who heads the Trinamool Congress, has already indicated that her party will prefer keeping the portfolio.
"We wish to keep the railway ministry with our party only as part of the UPA (United Progressive Alliance). We have only one union ministry so we want to keep it with us. We think we deserve it. But the prime minister will take the decision in the cabinet," said Banerjee in an interview to a private Bengali news channel, soon after her landslidevictory in the West Bengal elections, dislodging the Left Front government in power for 34 years.
Itanagar report adds : The Bharatiya Janata Party, Arunachal Pradesh today congratulated winners in assembly elections in four states and one union territory.The party hoped that the government in these states would live up to the expectations of people. The BJP also congratulated Mamata Banerjee (TMC) and J Jayalalitha for their historic victory in assembly elections.
West Bengal (294)
PARTY LEAD WON
Left 0 63
TMC+Cong 0 225
BJP 0 0
Others 0 6
Tamil Nadu (234)
DMK+Cong+allies 1 30
AIADMK+ allies 0 203
BJP 0 0
Others 0 0
Assam (126)
AGP 0 10
Congress 0 76
BJP 0 4
Others 0 36
Kerala (140)
LDF 0 68
UDF 0 72
BJP 0 0
Others 0 0
Puducherry (30)
DMK+Cong+allies 0 10
AIADMK+ allies 0 20
BJP 0 0
Others 0 0
PM calls up, congratulates
Jayalalithaa, Mamata, Gogoi
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh telephoned and congratulated AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa, Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee and Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for winning the Assembly elections in their respective states today.
The Prime Minister who returned from Kabul after a two-
ANMs-
ITANAGAR, May 13: ANMs and LHVs -
In this regard a meeting of ANMs and LHVs of Arunachal Pradesh was held on 11th May
at Chandi Hotel, Naharlagun. The members extensively discussed about state government
order vide No. MEST-
Expressing deep anguish over this mass transfer order, the association has given
seven days ultimatum to state government to cancel the mass transfer order. They
have threatened to launch democratic movement if state government does not cancel
the mass transfer order at the earliest. “We do not want any sort of confrontation
with concern authority. But we also can’t take humiliation meted out to us. If government
do not cancel order, we will start phase-
The meeting was held under the banner of All Arunachal Pradesh Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery Cadre Welfare Association. While understanding the fact that being government servant they are subject to being transferred, association expressed concern over method of transfer. They believe that ANMs and LHVs have been singled out for humiliation and urged state government to stop treating them like second class citizen of state. “There are certain procedures to be followed while carrying out transfer exercise. But in our case, government is executing everything so hurriedly. We are compelled to assume that state government is treating us with utter disrespect,” stated association in a release. Further they added, “Despite being paid poorly, ANMs/LHVs have given best service to the health department. In fact many hospitals and health centres are running because of our dedication. But government always humiliate us and never give us due credit.”
Future in the hands of youths: Singh
ITANAGAR, May 13: The future of Arunachal Pradesh is in the hands of today’s youth. At the same time, we must always realize that peace and law and order are prerequisites for development said the Governor when a delegation of All Nyishi Students Union called on him this morning after a protest march against derogatory remark made by a journalist of Times of India against the Nyishi community.
I would like to appeal to all the students to ensure communal amity and strive with team spirit for the wellbeing of every tribe and community, the governor said while adding that citizens need to work in unison and fight divisive forces.
Let us contribute towards the development of our State. Let us ensure that Arunachalees benefit from the process, he added.
Referring to recent successes of Arunachalees in mountaineering, sports and NDA and UPSC examinations, Gen Singh said people of the state have lots of potential and ample opportunities should be given to them to excel to their potential.
Replying to a memorandum submitted to him against an article which appeared in the web edition of a leading national daily, Gen Singh said that no one should hurt the sentiment of any tribe. He assured the students to go into the details of the case and recommend action prescribed as per the law of the land.
As token of love, Governor presented ‘Team Arunachal’ badges and souvenir pens to students’ representatives.
“Institute enquiry committee against
use of MLA LAD”
ITANAGAR, May 13: Anchal Samity member of Komsing village in East Siang district
has appealed to the Chief Minister to institute a high powered independent enquiry
committee to investigate into the alleged misuse of MLA LAD fund by the sitting Pangin-
Equipped with RTI documents, ASM Tajing Taki in a memorandum to the CM said that
out of Rs 20 lakh allocated to water resource division, Pasighat during 2005-
On the other hand, Donyi-
The ASM questioned why both the firms are being made contractors for execution of MLALAD fund, how they have got staggering amount of Rs 34 lakh (approx) in two financial terms and why the people of concerned villages were not involved in execution of works as contractors ?
Don Bosco relic reaching Itanagar
ITANAGAR, May 13: The relic of St. John Bosco on its pilgrim tour of 132 countries of the world will reach Itanagar on May 14. Millions the world over have been paying homage to this 19th century educator saint, popularly known as Don Bosco.
The relic reaching at Don Bosco Youth Centre will be received by Wanglin Lowangdong, Speaker and Chowna Mein Minister together with a host of dignitaries and Don Bosco Past Pupils and the Christian faithful.
Today the Don Bosco Society founded by Don Bosco is an advisor to the U.N. on matters relating to youth and runs universities, professional and academic colleges, technical schools, schools for the drop outs and street children.
The pilgrimage of Don Bosco Relic which began at Imphal on 29th April has roused great enthusiasm and devotion throughout the North East.
The All Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Union (APCU) has said the casket carrying the
relic of Don Bosco will be kept for public homage at Catholic Church Itanagar from
5.00 am-
On May 16, the casket will leave for Doimukh, Yachuli, Ziro and Palin.
Speaker, Orgs hail woman achievers
NAHARLAGUN, May 13: Speaker Wanglin Lowangdong has hailed the achievement of Arunachalee girls. It is a happy moment and proud day for all of us to learn that Tine Mena and Anshu Jamsenpa have achieved the rarest feat by successfully scaling the Mt Everest.
It is also praise-
“I wish their achievements will definitely boost the morale of other aspirants who will also make determined efforts to follow what these young ladies have accomplished,” he said.
Dibang Valley deputy commissioner Abu Tayeng on behalf of the people of the district congratulated both Tine Mine and Anshu Jamsenpa for conquering the highest peak of the world Mount Everest.
The Apatani Career Guidance Forum (ACGF), (HQ) Itanagar conveyed its heartfelt congratulations to five women achievers of Arunachal –Mitali Namchoom, Tadu Mamung, and Bullo Mamung who cracked the prestigious All India Civil Services (UPSC) Exam’ and Tine Mena and Anshu Jamsenpa whose unparallel courage and conviction has become the first ever women from North East to conquer the Mount Everest. Their wonderful achievements simultaneously at a time are unprecedented in the history of Arunachal. They have brought much solace to the otherwise grieved Arunachalee after the lost of beloved CM Dorjee Khandu, it said.
All Hong Employees Welfare Association and Theravada Buddhist Society, Itanagar have also hailed the achievements.
Fish passes to mitigate impact of
dams on fish migration
Deepjyoti Baruah
Freshwater is becoming a more and more precious resource and there is increased competition
for its use by the various sectors, e.g. agriculture, fishery, hydropower production,
navigation etc., of which fishery is generally not the most important one economically.
The responsibility for the protection of the aquatic ecosystem usually lies outside
the fishery and in many cases; the fishery has to be managed within the constraints
imposed by the external sectors. Among the freshwater bodies, rivers continue to
be subject to further wide ranging and intensive anthropogenic uses as a result of
industrialization and increasing human populations. Besides such purposes as flood
control, navigation, land drainage, wetland reclamation for agricultural and urban
use, and production of drinking water, hydropower production plays an important role
in the construction of new dams today, especially under the aspect of the increased
promotion of the use of renewable energy. Hydro-
On the other hand, the character and quality of river ecosystems are deeply affected
when obstacles such as dams and weirs are placed across a river. One of the worst
effects of dams and weirs is the interruption of the longitudinal connectivity of
the river which means that unhindered passage for aquatic organisms is no longer
ensured. This does not only concern the long-
Today, the restoration of the longitudinal connectivity of rivers is a sociopolitical
goal and this can be achieved by either decommissioning barriers that are no longer
required or through construction of fish passes. The terms “fish passes”, “fish ladders”,
“fish ways” and “fish stairs” are structures that facilitate the upstream or downstream
migration of fish and other aquatic organisms over obstructions to migration such
as dams and weirs. Fish ladders can be constructed in a technically utilitarian way
or in a manner meant to emulate nature. Bypass channels and fish ramps are among
the more natural solutions, while the more technical solutions include conventional
pool-
for scaling Mt Everest
Imphal, May 13: The Manipur Mountaineering Trekking Association, (MMTA) today lauded two women from Arunachal Pradesh for scaling Mt Everest.
Both are products of Manipur Mountaineering Institute Lamdan. Tine Mena became the first woman Mt Everest summitter of North Eastern Region and Anhsu Jamshenpa is the second one.
Tine Mine reached the top of Mt Everest on May 9 and Anshu Jamsenpa yesterday at 7 am. Both of them were sponsored by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
MMTA President, Dr L Surjit said Everest Expedition fees for one climber is Rs 16 lakhs. The MMTA lauded Arunachal Pradesh Government for supporting the climbers.
Manipur climbers are not able to climb Mt Everest due to absence of financial support. UNI
News Impact
Well done, Anshu
BOMDILA, MAY 13: The news of Anshu Jamsenpa scaling the highest peak in the world
spread like wild fire in the district and brought cheers and smiles on everybody’s
face. Indeed, Anshu a mother of two, have achieved this rare feat by dint of her
sheer determination and will power. Also being chosen as the Team leader of the 5-
On behalf of the District Administration and the people of the district, Deputy Commissioner
Rinchin Tashi congratulated Anshu Jamsenpa for making proud the district and its
people in particular and the state in general. An example of bravery, consistency
and determination have been shown and now it is for the people to follow, added DC
Tashi. He also congratulated Tine Mena, the first lady Everester from the north-
‘Make mobile tower functional’
ITANAGAR, May 13: All Nyapin Sangram, Phassang Youth Welfare Association (ANSPYWA) has demanded the BSNL authority to resume its mobile phone service at Sangram by immediately repairing the damaged tower. The BSNL authority has not been taking any interest to repair the damaged tower in spite of repeated complaints, ANSPYWA, in a release, said, and demanded the BSNL authority to its make mobile network functional to resume service within this month.
BYWA express concern
ITANAGAR, May 13: Barapani Youth Welfare Association, Naharlagun in a release said that pathetic colony road drainage system, selling of alcohols in grocery shop, weak garbage management within the colony and furniture problems of government primary school Barapani needs attention of the concerned authority and the residents of the colony to maintain cleanliness and peaceful atmosphere in the colony.
Appointment
ITANAGAR, May 13: Dayum Para has been appointed as women wing President of North East Development Welfare Society, Kurung Kumey District Unit.
Awareness camp
ITANAGAR, May 13: Government employees of Mirem village conducted voluntary awareness camp cum career guidance for the youth of the area at Mirem village recently.
On the occasion, ZPM Takek Moyong advised the students to be devoted in their studies and urged the organizers to conduct such programme in near future. Resource persons of the day highlighted on cleanliness, sanitation, health and hygiene, career guidance, education, systematic house construction, parents role, girls education and role of society.
The organizers felicitated 35 village elders, meritorious students and awarded best parent awards on the occasion.
Induct efficient leaders
in ministry: ALSU
ITANAGAR: Arunachal Law Students’ Union (ALSU) appealed to the chief minister of
Arunachal Pradesh to induct the efficient persons in his new cabinet, especially
for the two crucial posts of Law and Home. The new home minister to be inducted should
have sufficient knowledge of laws and he should be capable of dealing with deteriorating
law and order situation of the state, ALSU said in a release. It also criticized
the state Government, particularly the law minister, for failing to implement separation
of judiciary from executive-
Course diverted
ITANAGAR: Sirum Welfare Society Ayeng, East Siang District conducted a one day social service at Siku River yesterday.
During the social service they diverted the course of Siku River in order to minimize soil erosion in both sides of the river bank.
TPSC to lock horns with
GMSC in final
ITANAGAR: Tali Pip Sorang Sports Club (TPSC) will lock horns with Gora Makik Sport Club (GMSC) in the final of the Giogi Taya Memorial Football Tournament at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun, on May 15.
Tali Pip Sorang outfit beat Punglu Abu Football Club 4-
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
How to make an informed choice
Dear Editor,
I would like to suggest the readers, especially students who are going to pursue engineering and diploma courses outside Arunachal Pradesh, to take some precautionary measures before taking admission in various colleges.
Currently there are two ways to get into an engineering college;
1)by clearing entrance exams like JEE,AIEEE or any other entrance test conducted by various universities.
2)by direct entry without appearing any entrance test.
In the former case, you don't have to pay any extra money except the college fees, while in direct entry case most of the colleges take huge amount as donation through consultancy agencies at the time of admission. The donation may range from say Rs 40000 to more than lakh. But the more important thing is how to choose the right college/university? Various admission agencies are available, but make certain you know how engineering colleges should be.
Government colleges are fine but many private colleges which lack infrastructures exaggerate in advertisement through various mediums to attract the public. So here are few tips to chose the right college; make sure the course/branch you want to do is approved by AICTE (All India Council Of Technical Education). You might not believe but some colleges lie openly about this.
Ask for the phone numbers of seniors of your state already admitted in that college, they may also help, though not 100%, as some are engaged in consultancy (donation) business. Make sure the donation (in case you pay) is for a credible college.
Don't fall prey to college prospectus and glamour advertisements. Many colleges whether in north or south India show off things which doesn't exist in reality.
Enquire about the college's campus job placement record. Believe it or not some colleges fake it.
Check out the sports and recreational facilities otherwise you may get bored, and boredom is not good for studies.
Check the college website and the university it is affiliated to. Newly established college is most likely to have less infrastructures.
Finally ,whichever college you join ,it is your personal effort and commitment which will make your career. Be a responsible person and don't get too carried away with the glamour of cities.
Yours,
Brbo (Haryana)
Hats off to the fertile mindset
Dear Editor,
It was really a pleasure to go through Sumon Das's letter, titled "Tagore and international understanding" (13 May), which reflects his brilliant understanding and knowledge about Rabindranath Tagore!
According to Mr. Das, Centre's initiative of launching a project of "International understanding" fetching a prize of Rs.1 crore is flawed because Tagore had exemplified his "parochial", "racial" mindset by singing paeans for Bengal (Aamaar Shonar Bangla)!
Just because Tagore was proud to be a Bengali or a son of Bengal, he is anti-
Hats off to the fertile mindset of Mr. Das who discovers each day a newer scandal revolving Tagore!
Just because Tagore professed his love for Bengal, we will forget how he renounced his Knighthood to protest the massacre of innocent Punjabis at Jalianwala Bagh! We will forget his rich body of poems and novels highlighting the bravery of Sikh, Maratha, Rajput warriors! We will ignore the series of articles which reflected his thoughts on India's history and tradition. Since Tagore has referred to Bengal as "Aamaar Sonar Bangla", we will forget his salute to India as "Bharat Tirtha" (Pilgrimage centre named India) or his poem "Africa" which protested the unparalled exploitation of the native population of that continent by the imperialist forces.
Mr. Das should contuinue his unique research and unravel all the "hidden sins" of Tagore! However, he should not restrict himself to writing letters in newspapers only denouncing Tagore. He needs to extend his periphery and write to all the scholars of China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Germany, France, UK, USA, Israel and elsewhere not to waste their precious time and money pursuing the works of such a chauvinistic poet and thinker!
The evils of racism, communalism and regionalism which is threatening the world and India apart can be neutralised only if we delve deep into more and more of Tagore's liberal writings and his special stress on "unity in diversity" whereby people would embrace the whole world, yet remain true to their respective cultural uniqueness. The route to international peace and social harmony passes through Tagore's works and thoughts and that is the reason why the whole world has launced special projects on his 150th birth anniversary to discover more and more of him.
Unless Mr. Das adopts a rational, non-
Yours,
Kajal Chatterjee,
Kolkata (on email)
Do some community service
Dear Editor,
This is in reference to Mr Das and Kajal Chatterjee’s letters which are not only useless but uninteresting too.
If Mr Das is not interested to read Tagore’s poem it’s ok and if Kajal do not want to speak Hindi, there is no problem either. Both seem to be of same mindset so there is no need to condemn each other.
We the readers know who are the greatest human beings who have ever walked on earth and whether Nobel Prize to Tagore was genuine or not.
Instead of wasting your valuable time in critical analysis of Hindi and Tagore, better do some good community service instead.
Yours,
Concerned reader
Itanagar (on email)
No need of politicians
Dear Editor,
It is high time we realise these politicians are all the same. They are all hand in gloves with the Mafia; It is a big bloody nexus. The parties may change, but the ruling style and the looting of public will never change. They will turn by turn loot the exchequer/poor tax payers money, and become richer by millions when they rule, the public will become poorer, by the increasing cost of living.
We need a drastic change now in the system. We should throw out all these old corrupt, crooked politicians, and let some learned, MBAs from our IIMs & reputed Management Institutions rule the country. What are these Politician’s doing for the people/country, other than eating into the treasury? They do not take any decisions correctly or in time. Red tapism, nepotism and corruption are ruling & not the law of the land. Or, privatise everything; even if the cost rises, the work will be done at least. Either way, we will not have to bear the huge, massive, unbearable cost of maintaining hundreds of Ministers, and their families and chamchas, who are absolutely of no use to the public/country.
Yours,
Pratyush Sarmah
New Delhi (on email)
Mass transfer of nurses not fair
Dear Editor,
I would like to draw the kind attention of the Director, Health Services, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh that mass transfer of nurses in Arunachal Pradesh is going to create a problematic situation for their children who have already taken admission in schools. In this very situation, who will look after and take responsibility of those school going children of the nurses?
Hence, I feel that mass transfer of the nurses is not a fair transfer. Therefore, I as a citizen feel that the concerned authority should look into the matter very seriously for the well being and interest of the nurses of the state.
Yours,
A. Gumja
Doimukh (on email)
Daughters of Arunachal
Dear editor,
It is to be worth mentioned that while the state of Arunachal is still going through
its darkest hours of weeping & mourning, her daughters are coming in handy to back-
For bringing laurel & moment of gladness for the entire Arunachal, a hearty congratulations and best wishes to Tine Mena, Anshu Jamsenpa, Mitali Namchoom,Tadu Mamung & Bullo Mamung for their respective achievements.
Yours,
Millo Byai,
Kerala (on email)
He can do it
Dear Editor,
Its funny but everyone seems to know how to run the State and therefore, are giving suggestion, advice, even warning to new CM. If anyone can do it, he can do it.
Yours,
L. Ete
Aalo (on email)
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