The Arunachal Times - Archives

Governor calls for united effort towards better Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: If all our 51,000 State government employees and few thousand members of NGOs work with the same dedication and spirit shown by our brothers and sisters of Vivekananda Kendra and Ramakrishna Mission order, we can build Arunachal Pradesh, one of the most developed State in the country, said Arunachal Pradesh Governor while participating in the Universal Brotherhood Day celebration at Vivekananda Hall, RK Mission Hospital, Itanagar today.

Exhorting one and all to be part of Team Arunachal, he called upon them to work united to eradicate illiteracy, poverty, inequality and corruption from Arunachal Pradesh and also for individual contribution for its progress and prosperity.

Acknowledging that Vivekananda Kendra has given top priority to Arunachal Pradesh in it's plan of nation building through Arun Jyoti and Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas, the Governor urged upon the organization to instill the spirit of Pan

Arunachal amongst its students. He said, the aim of education imparted should be to bring changes not only in the amount of knowledge gained but also in the abilities to do so, to think and to acquire habits, skills and attitude which characterize an individual who is socially accepted and well adjusted. Education, I believe is ability to develop a sensible attitude towards society, gender and culture. Therefore, the alumni of the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas and Ramakrishna Mission Schools are at least expected that they maintain the values and spirits they inculcated during the period spent by them in these institutions throughout their lives. These students should always remain attached to their local traditions and indigenous faith, and most importantly, their mother tongue, he added.

Paying his glowing tributes to Swami Vivakananda, Gen Singh said it is said, it is easy to sit up and take notice. What is difficult is standing up and taking action. Today we are celebrating the fact that someone stood up and took that action. Urging the people to be inspired by Swami Vivekananda, the Governor called for fight against the divisive forces and elements of sectarian violence. Let us strengthen the spirit of unity and reinforce the splendid integrity in diversity of our society, he added.

Dwelling on his association with Vivekananda Kendra since his posting in Lohit in 1981-82, Gen Singh recalled the contributions of the pioneers of the State. It was visionary officers like late K.A.A. Raja, who later become the Lt. Governor of State, who initiated this highly valued relationship especially in the field of primary education. The pioneers really took pains and worked hard in creating and nurturing these institutions, the Governor said.

Indian Oil Corporation, North East region General Manager A. Pandiyan, speaking on the occasion reiterating IOC’s endeavour in the development of the region and also to continue its associations with Vivekananda Kendras. He expressed his hope that contribution made by IOC will be beneficial to the schools of Aruanchal Pradesh and it’s neighbouring States.

Address on the importance of the Day, Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari Joint General Secretary Rekha Davey urged upon the people to enunciate the message of through their action for better society. She called upon the youths to follow the teachings by Swami Vivekananda, but warned that by imposing ones culture on others, we cannot advance.

Director Higher and Technical education, Dr. Joram Begi, who is the Arunachal Pradesh Vivekananda Kendra Head, informed that with opening of seven schools in 1977, the Vivekananda Kendra, through Vivekananda Kendriya Vidhyalayas, Arun Jyoti and Vivekananda Institute of Culture has been contributing lots for the education, socio economy development and cultural preservation of the State.

Arunachal Pradesh VK Sah Prant Pramukh, Dr. Tejum Padu, Joint Director, Higher Education also spoke. On the occasion, Yazali VKV Principal Karnam Pralhad Rao, recipient of the President’s Award for Best Teacher and Banderdewa VKV Principal, the recipient of CBSE best Teacher Award were felicitated by the Governor. He also felicitated toppers of VKV students in the AISSE (Class X) 2009, which includes Mausumi Bora of VKV Tafrogaon, who topped the list.

TheVivekananda Kendra, in-turn also felicitated the Governor and the First lady for their association with the organization, which is almost three decade long.

Earlier in the afternoon, State First Lady Anupama Singh inaugurated a mobile science laboratory. The lab has been donated by IOC on the initiation of former MP Tapir Gao.

It aims to improve the scientific accessibility to the village, inculcate scientific temper on the young ones, learning through participating and popularizing science.

Former Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao, Lt. Col JS Marwah, father of the Governor, Swami Vishwatmananada, Secretary RK Mission Hospital, Itanagar, Director School Education T. Taloh and North East VK Joint Secretary Viswas Lapalkar, attended the function along with students, their parents and guardians, alumni, members of VK from different parts of the State and country. (PRO to Governor)

SEPPA: VKV, Wessang, the 23rd VKV in Arubnachal Pradesh established celebrated Universal Brotherhood Day in their premises where the DDSE & DAEO, Seppa attended as Chief Guest & Guest of Honour respectively amidst officers, Parents & school children, reports DIPRO.

Arunachal Health Commissioner gets Sanjay Ghosh Award

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Sanjay Ghosh Memorial Award 2009 has been presented to Anshu Prakash, Commissioner, Health & Family Welfare, Government of Arunachal Pradesh at a function in Goa today.

This award is given by the Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI), bi-annually, in recognition of those individuals or projects that work in extremely challenging conditions and bring remarkable changes through their innovative efforts.

The award was presented to Prakash in appreciation of his outstanding contribution in bringing significant improvement in the healthcare delivery system of rural Arunachal Pradesh through Public Private Partnership (PPP).

It’s noteworthy that due to Prakash’s leadership as well as ability to convince the State Government for reform; this unique project was started in January 2006 in sixteen most dysfunctional Primary Health Centers (PHCs), one in each district, of the State.

This award was presented at VHAI’s 35th Annual General Body Meeting at Goa which was chaired by its President Dr. N. Simha.

Sanjay Shrivastav, Chief Secretary, Government of Goa graced the ceremony as Chief Guest.

Alok Mukhopadhyay, Chief Executive, VHAI while addressing the gathering that came from 27 States of the country mentioned that work done by Arunachal Government through PPP has set a very good model and our country needs dynamic administrators like Prakash, who work hard to bring positive changes. Javid Chowdhury, former Health Secretary to the Government of India gave the keynote address on Governance of Health Sector in India.

Responding to the honour, Prakash mentioned that the credit of this award goes to the entire team in Aruanchal Pradesh that includes the staff of both State-Government and NGOs. He also appreciated the work of all the four NGOs involved in project implementation as well as the cooperation extended by the local communities and Panchayati Raj Leaders to the PPP project.

“Tuya’s Marriage” on CCRD’s Saturday Cinemaghar

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Winner of the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival 2007, Tuya's Marriage directed by Wang Quan’an tells the unforgettable story of a woman who breaks the conventional rules of marriage so that she can – ironically - honor them. Set in the remote inner Mongolian grassland, Tuya's Marriage is the moving tale of Tuya (Nan Yu,) the iron-willed wife of Bater, a herdsman who has been paralyzed. Tuya takes up the sole responsibility to make a living for her family, but her hard labor endangers her health. Faced with a harsh reality, the couple decides to divorce so that Tuya can seek a better life. Imposing her own conditions--her new husband will have to take care of Bater, their children, and their herding land--the strong-minded, stubborn, but gentle Tuya embarks on an arduous and at times unintentionally comic search for a new husband in this Mongolian design for living. She meets suitors who are rich but disingenuous or likable but shy, and keeps her family together against insurmountable odds.

Wrenching and beautiful, Tuya's Marriage is the indelible portrait of a strong woman determined to save her family, herself, and their ancient way of life.

From a larger viewpoint, ``Tuya's Marriage'' is about survival. It depicts a threatened tradition as modernization weighs in. The director explained during his visit to Korea for the 12th Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival that he wanted to portray a vanishing way of life, and the things we sacrifice ? once and for all ? in the name of economic development, a situation very well understood and felt by the people of Arunachal.

In a slight break from routine, Saturday Cinemaghar will not feature any musician this weekend. The music series will resume from the week following.

Dead body of School boy found

ITANAGAR, Sep 11: The dead body of a 16 year old boy was found from a eleven feet ditch behind H’ Sector, Chadranagar at about 11 am today.

The deceased has been identified as late Ngakar Hete, son of Kenga Hete hailing from Lusi village, Dumporijo informed OC M Taipodia.

Ngakar was living with his parents at Adi Basti, O’ point Tinali and was a student of Holy Child School.

According to Police Ngakar was missing since September 9 however there was no missing report filed with the police.

A case has been registered with Itanagar Police Station and investigation is being carried out. The body of the deceased is being kept at the morgue of R K mission hospital for postmortem.

AAPWU cries illegal appointment

Bishnu Rana

ROING, Sept 11: All Arunachal Pradesh Workers Union (AAPWU) Lower Dibang Valley district unit has alleged that Department of PHED and Urban Development have made fresh appointment in Group D even after Model Code of Conduct is in place.

AAPWU informed that the “illegal appointment of casual workers on Adhoc and Contract basis” is unacceptable while adding that it would fight as the appointments flaunted all laid down rules.

The Union called on the department heads in Itanagar to quash all the illegal appointment immediately.

The union also made an earnest request to EE PHED and the Deputy Director UD, Roing not to accept joining letters under any circumstances.

It needs to be mentioned here that the district unit of AAPWU is against appointment of outsiders in group D category as there is large number of casual workers engaged in various department in the district itself.

Panchayati Raj Institutions and NRHM

Dr D Padung

Panchayats in India are an age-old institution for governance at village level. In 1992, through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) was strengthened with clear areas of jurisdiction, authority and funds. PRI’s have been assigned several development activities including health and population stabilization. The Gram Sabha acts as a community level accountability mechanism to ensure that the functions of the PRI respond to people’s needs. Progress in engaging PRI has been uneven across states. While fiscal devolution is a significant issue, lack of institutional modalities and clear guidelines on PRI participation and variable capacity among PRI are key lacunae.

Panchayats have been assigned 29 rural development activities, including several, which are related to health and population stabilization. The XI schedule includes Family Welfare, Health and Sanitation, (including hospitals, primary health centers, and dispensaries,) and the XII schedule includes Public Health. Thus the possible realm of influence of the Panchayats extends over a significant proportion of public health issues. The Gram Sabha, where empowered has the potential to act as a community level accountability mechanism to ensure that the functions of the village Panchayat in the area of public health and family welfare, actually respond to people’s needs.

The National Population Policy 2000 and the National Health Policy, 2001, include decentralization and convergence of service delivery at village levels and recognize the PRI as the agency responsible to ensure this. In 2001, the Planning Commission’s Task Force reviewed PRI involvement and the Tenth Plan document also emphasizes the critical role and function of PRI in development. Despite geographic disparity, social inequity, poor status of women, illiteracy and the caste system, Panchayat elections do take place in most states every five years. In the context of health and family welfare, perhaps the most significant impact of the amendments is the ability of women to get elected to local bodies. In some areas, women PRI members take an active role in polio eradication, health camps, mobilize women for services and monitor attendance of staff.

Several factors influence the progress of decentralized planning and implementation, not the least being political will, and people’s readiness to engage with decentralization. Increasingly, it is being realized that strategies for achieving low infant and maternal mortality depend on a functioning continuum of high quality services from community to secondary and sometimes higher levels of care. In addition, community support for such services comes through behavior change to increase utilization as well as demand high quality services. This is also seen as a potential to address the social determinants of health through engagement with communities and PRI rather than a biomedical approach. It is also expected that PRI involvement will increase community understanding of issues of accountability for quality and reliability of health care services.

Critical Role of Panchayati Raj Institutions

The National Rural Healthcare Mission, designed to integrate health and family welfare related interventions and address health from a holistic preventive, promotive and curative viewpoint takes a much more significant view of PRI engagement. The fulcrum of the NRHM programme is a social activist (ASHA) at the village level, who will work with the village level resource team in providing preventive and promotive health care services. It is expected that she will be supervised and supported by the panchayats.

The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) is seen as a vehicle to ensure that preventive and promotive interventions reach the vulnerable and marginalized through expanding outreach and linking with local governance institutions. PRIs are seen as critical to the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the NRHM. Implementation of the NRHM in achieving its outcomes is significantly dependent on well functioning gram, block and district level Panchayats. At the District level a District Health Mission will coordinate NRHM functions through inter-sectoral convergence, community ownership steered through village level health committees at the level of the Gram Panchayat.

ASHA, (Accredited Social Health Activist), the mechanism to strengthen village level service delivery, will be a local resident and selected by the Gram Panchayat or the Village Health Committee. She will be supported in her work by the AWW, school teacher, community based organizations, such as SHGs, and the VHSC. Her role would be to facilitate care seeking and serve as a depot holder for a package of basic medicines. The Village Health and Sanitation Committee (VHSC) will form the link between the Gram Panchayat and the community, and will ensure that the health plan is prepared and is in harmony with the overall local plan. The Committee at Sub-Centre level and RKS represented by PRI are also expected to perform and facilitate in improving health care services.

PRIs are expected to undertake monitoring of functionaries, particularly of line departments such as NRHM for increased accountability and improved functioning, without any authority over them. Transfer of functionaries is critical to ensure adequate functioning, monitoring, and accountability. Safeguards must be in place to protect against intimidation, wrongful harassment, and corruption.

Capacity building of PRI is required in thematic areas and leadership skills, negotiating, monitoring, ability to withstand patronage and political interference. Joint orientation and sensitization meetings between PRI and health and medical professionals could help to bridge the gap in education and social strata. Developing Citizen Charter of Rights and Codes of conduct also lay down guidelines for boundaries of operation and accountability.

NGOs could be involved in PRI strengthening in a variety of ways, including: consciousness raising, provision of technical advice, support in participatory planning, capacity building and facilitating monitoring processes, such as community and social audits to improve accountability.

Where do we stand today?

The NRHM starts by accepting that one of the important drawbacks in the current system is the lack of community ownership which affects effectiveness, efficiency and accountability. It goes ahead to articulate a vision where poor rural people, especially women have improved access to equitable, affordable, accountable and effective primary health care. Village health planning is seen as an important mechanism for improving equity and community monitoring is seen as a means to improving accountability and improving community ownership. VHP or any other plan is a comprehensive plan to improve the health status of the locality but surely not only planning to undertake civil works etc.

The NRHM has important and core features for increasing community ownership and accountability like Village Health Planning, ASHA chosen through local consultative processes, ASHA accountable to VHSC, Village Health and Sanitation Committee to oversee implementation and monitoring of Village Health Plan, Involvement of Block PRI in Block plan, Involvement of District PRI in District Health Mission and District Health Planning process, Provision for Citizen’s charter, Provision for Community Monitoring and Social Audit, Rogi Kalyan Samitis (RKS) for community management of public hospitals, Sub-Centres to report on performance to Panchayats, Hospitals to Rogi Kalyan Samitis and District Health Mission to Zila Parishad.

This presents a wonderful opportunity for building synergy through the PRIs and the health department. However, some of the issues which need to be carefully considered to optimize health outcomes and ensure community participation are given below:

Limitations to considering PRIs as the sole community representatives –

As is clear from the list given above the involvement of PRIs are seen as an essential mechanism for improving community participation and ownership. However it would be a mistake to substitute PRI for community because they have undeniably become politicized and in some cases decentralized corruption. Since equity is a key principle, the participation of affected women and is essential therefore additionally involving leaders of women’s self help groups may be explored. Different mechanisms should also be tried to ensure the participation of landless and marginal groups.

Also the PRI mechanism has not so far been utilized for issues like health and has remained mostly restricted to infrastructure building, employment assurance, environmental projects where there are clear economic benefits. As such a large investment is required in orienting the PRIs about their potential roles to make the NRHM a success.

ASHA – difficult to locate, easy to nominate –

The age, family and educational background for the ASHA has been indicated in the NRHM document. The most difficult qualifier for the ASHA in our state is to find an 8th pass married woman who has completed her family. In the past when similar responsibilities like identifying dais for TBA training have been given to the chairperson, Gram Panchayat, the nomination process is seen as a mechanism to extend influence and to retain development benefits within a close circle. A large section has nominated relatives or women from families of associates, who have had little to do with the actual roles to be performed after nomination. Care needs to be taken to ensure that the ASHA is chosen through a consultative process known to all, and mechanisms are devised so that she is accountable to a village level group, so that her selection is a mechanism for strengthening community ownership and control.

Community Needs Assessment Approach (CNAA) and Village Health Planning and Monitoring –

The Village Health Plan (VHP) needs to be developed through a genuine CNAA which reflects community needs and priorities. An assessment of community needs by the ANM in consultation with the PRI will not suffice. Similarly the Village Health Plan cannot be prepared by ticking options from a menu of activities and assigning budgets and timelines to them. The VHP must emerge from a clear identification of village level issues, community needs and priorities and the plans must emerge from consultation within the Village Health & Sanitation Committee (VHSC). The community must identify steps to be taken within the village along with a list of expectations from the health providers and health system. The community through the VHSC must be engaged in a regular monitoring of this plan and must have a mechanism for conveying its concerns and grievances further into the health system.

Community monitoring must be considered an essential part of a planning-implementation –monitoring continuum, where community members are active participants in the process. Community members should be involved at all levels of planning and monitoring – village, block, district and even state.

Clear notification of citizen’s charters

The Citizens Charter is proposed as an important mechanism for ensuring quality and maintaining accountability. However there must be an active mechanism for monitoring the compliance. One way to ensure compliance is to publicize the information. The Citizens Charter needs to be demystified into terms comprehensible to clients and communities. It also needs to be disseminated widely in the local media and posted outside hospitals.

Need for grievance redressal mechanisms –

Standard operating procedures and protocols and citizens charters will only be effective if there are monitoring mechanisms. Grievance redressal mechanisms offer community and clients to share their experiences and specific grievances. Rogi Kalyan Samitis (RKS) and the District Health Society can form special grievance redressal bodies which have community and provider membership. Maternal death audit, infant death audit, epidemic management audit, health facility audits are some social audits which can be conducted by local audit bodies empowered by the District Health Mission and with strong participation of PRI leaders.

Rogi Kalyan Samitis: Resource raising group –

There are indications that the Rogi Kalyan Samitis (RKS) are being seen as groups which will be involved in generating resources at the local level as well as administrators of the user fees collected at the Hospital.

What to watch out for?

1. Village Health Planning – Is there a truly community based needs assessment process conducted which forms the basis for the VHP? Who participate/s from the village in this process? Are the PRI members interested in health plan?

2. Involvement of PRI – Are PRI members involved in District and Block Health Planning? Who are the members of the District Health Mission? What issues do they raise? Are they heard? Does the PRI members cooperative?

3. Village Health and Sanitation Committee – Does the VHSC exist? What is the representation of women and marginal groups in its membership? How frequently does it meet? Do the ASHA and ANM and AWW attend its meetings? Does it record the activities of the Committee? Are funds provided by NRHM being utilized properly as per guidelines? Whether the account books are maintained properly? How about registers?

4. ASHA– who is the ASHA? How is she chosen? Whose interest does she represent? What is her relationship to village level women’s groups? Does the ASHA participate in the VHP? Does the ASHA attend the meeting of the VHSC? Does she organize Village health and Nutrition day? Whether the ASHA performing what is expected of her to perform?

5. Citizen’s Charter – Is there a citizen’s charter? Do all the health facilities / RKS have citizens charter displayed? Is it easily visible / available? Are there any grievance redressal mechanisms mentioned in the charter? Have district level bodies been constituted to monitor the charters? Are people using the grievance redressal mechanism? What are the results?

6. Rogi Kalyan Samitis – Who are the members? What is the participation of users? What are the issues being addressed? Any regular meetings held? Are funds provided under NRHM and locally generated user fees used for activities as per guidelines? Whether UCs submitted in time and regularly? Whether activities carried out by RKS is benefiting the clients? Whether the account books are maintained properly? How about registers?

7. Community Monitoring and Social Audit – What are the community monitoring mechanisms? Who are the members? Are PRIs involved? Are village health plans regularly monitored? Are mid course correction suggestions accepted? Are social audits like facility audits or maternal audits conducted? Who conducts the audit? What happens to the suggestions? Does the community own the health facility/ services? Whether the PRI / community own the manpower posted in the facilities? Are we treating them with love and care?

CONCLUSION

There are enough portents to suggest that PRI engagement in improving key health indicators will become a reality. However in order to expedite the process and to make it more effective, consideration of key issues related to empowerment of Panchayats through funds, human resources and capacity are critical. PRI engagement is perhaps the only existing mechanism to achieve large-scale community participation through sincere ownership of the program and reach the marginalized and vulnerable, particularly women, children, and the poor. Locating NRHM functions within the Gram Panchayat and implementing it through a Village Health and Sanitation Committee will facilitate the process and make health for all an achievable reality.

(The writer is State Nodal Officer, NRHM)

East Kameng lifts DN Memorial Football Trophy

Madhurjya Doley

NAHARLAGUN, Sep 11: In a game of missed opportunities, East Kameng colts defeated Lower Subansiri via penalty kick by a margin of 7-6 goals and lifted the first U-16 Dera Natung Memorial Football Tournament at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here today.

The winner had to be decided through penalty kick after both the teams failed to break the deadlock that went into extra time.

East Kameng players erupted with joy when the 10th and crucial kick taken by Lower Subansiri’s Pura Dokhung flew-past over the goal bar.

Credit must be given to East Kameng goalkeeper, who contributed in team’s victory by saving three crucial goals.

East Kameng’s Kaya Sangno, Toko Polium, Atam Bagang, AS Chetry, Tero Dodum, Durga Doreh and Gele Talang found the net while Rony Ramchung, Manto Rimo and Adam Rimo missed the target. Hage Koyang, Millo Taki, Gyati Tatung, Mihin Pullo, Likha Peri, Tao Takar were the scorers for Lower Subansiri while the shots taken by Tame Gumte, Kime Tatang and Koj Chatu were smartly saved by East Kameng goalkeeper.

Earlier, East Kameng team’s golden scoring opportunity came in 51 minutes but Rony Ramchung could not convert it into a goal although there was only the goalkeeper to beat. Another strong footer from Captain Adam Rimo in 22nd struck the goal bar.

Although the first half was dominated by East Kameng, Lower Subansiri regrouped in second half and initiated some calculated moves. However, the alert defenders, especially Kaya Sangno, successfully thwarted their all attempts.

East Kameng Captain Adam Rimo has been adjudged the Player of the Tournament while Loie Kena of Capital Complex became the highest scorer. The fair play trophy went to Lower Dibang Valley team.

Techi Kaso, who attended today’s final match as chief guest, gave away winner’s and runner’s up trophies along with cash prizes of Rs. 30,000 and Rs.20,000 respectively to both the teams.

Districts take stock of election preparedness

TAWANG, Sep 11: The Tawang Deputy Commissioner cum District Election Officer Gamli Padu had a District Level Consultative Committee meeting with all Political Parties, ROs and AROs.

He said that the EVM training shall be extensively conducted in the villages. He asked political parties to immediately appoint Block Level Assistant and submit addresses of District Level and Block Level offices to DEO and requested them to attend such meeting and also, to direct their Block level political parties to attend any such meeting as and when called in the circle level.

EAC Judicial DK Chutia, explained in detail the various provisions of Model code of conduct and Arunachal Pradesh Defacement of Properties Act 1997 and requested all parties to strictly adhere to the law.

ZPM Mukto, Dangsang also spoke on the occasion and said that sufficient training to the villagers should be imparted for smooth conduct of the election.

In a separate meeting with RO, ARO, Nodal officers, all Administrative officers and Police here at conference hall of DC's office, DEO took stock of poll preparedness in the district.

SEPPA: DC cum DEO Pige Ligu conducted a meeting with SP, Administrative officers, political parties and election officials. Liken Koyu, CO (Election) informed that election assignment will soon be notified for which training for polling officials have been scheduled in three phases.

A demonstration cell on EVM operation have been set up in the Election office which will remain open for the trainer on all working days.

Counting centre wherein Strong Room will be set up has also been verified.

While, DEO and SP requested all the political parties to be well acquainted with the Do's & Dont's & cooperate the Administration for smooth conduct of the ensuing polls.

Daporijo: A District Consultative Meeting was held here today.

Deputy Commissioner & DEO H K Shalla chaired the meeting while Apur Bitin SP, EACs and representatives from different political parties took part.

The Election Schedule and the Model Code of Conduct were discussed with a request for all to comply and follow the laid down rules. A District Consultative Committee was also formed with 8 responsible members from the district. The objective of forming the Committee was to work hand in hand with the administration and police in dealing with any major outbreak of law and order during the elections.

The political parties present were also requested to appoint only responsible and genuine candidates as polling agents with a special care taken to see that the agents belonged to the same polling station or a nearby one to avoid any problems like inability to identify voters or missing the chance to vote due to discharge of duties.

It was stated that the process of issuing EPICs to all the voters was almost complete. There was also a request that the political parties comply with the requisition process of private vehicles as the district had a need for more vehicles to transport the polling parties in this hilly district.

Aalo: The District Election Officer cum Deputy Commissioner Amjad Tak, IAS has a meeting with HODs for the State Assembly Election 2009 in DC’s Chamber today wherein he asked them issue directives to their Officers and Officials to call-back who have gone on leave and also to stay at their posting place.

Further, he asked the HODs to get the departmental vehicle maintained for use in the Election duties and also appealed one and all to co-operate with the election department for smooth conduct of the election.

ZIRO: Lower Subansiri District Magistrate has banned carrying of fire arms and other lethal weapons like Dao, Knife, Bow and Arrows in Lower Subansiri District from September 8 till the end of assembly election process.

Meanwhile, the DC directed all arms license holders of the district to deposit their fire arms at the police station within September 18.

Violator’s arms license will be liable to cancellation under Arms act if the owners fail to deposit it within the stipulated time. DIPRO

Free health camp

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Arunachal Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) conducted two day free health camp and awareness campaign in collaboration with RK Mission Hospital, Itanagar at Mirem village on September 8 and 9 last.

Over 1000 patients were benefited from the camp and medicines were also distributed free of cost.

DC East Siang O Panyang and DDHS Dr BC Sharma attended the programme as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour.

AMSA thanked RK Mission, Hospital, DC and DDHS East Siang, public leaders of Mirem, ASM, health workers, Mirem school principal and villager for their cooperation.

Meanwhile, AMSA news executives were selected at its bi-annual conference in the following day with Homtu Matcha and Toli Nyorak as President and General Secretary respectively.

Post Doctors and technicians

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: All Arunachal Pradesh Multipurpose Workers Contractual Employees Association, (AAPMPWCEA) president Shyam Yangfo in a letter to Health Minister appealed for enhancement of multipurpose workers salary under Department of Directorate of Health Service, posting of sufficient Doctors and Lab Technician at District Hospital, Seppa.

Perception Management Centre Course by 10th ITBP Concludes

KIMIN Sep 11: 10th Bn ITBP, Kimin has been identified by Ministry Home Affairs, Govt. of India, as a Perception Management Centre (PMC) with aim to create awareness about importance of vocational training.

PMC will work towards imparting knowledge to the border people on Bee keeping, Horticulture, Floricultures, Fish farming, Poultry, Veternary, Fruit and Vegetable preservation so that they can generate their own livelihood and to create self employment opportunities.

The Second Course for 20 civilians comprising of 4 male and 16 females was conducted in the unit campus of 10th Bn Kimin from September 1 to 11.

10th ITBP Commandant Manoj Kumar Singh while speaking in the valedictory function said that it was a matter of great privilege that 10th Bn ITBP has been identifies as the centre for the PMC by the Union Home Ministry for generating various professional and special skills like Bee Keeping, Horticulture, Fish-farming, Poultry farming besides other among the local people of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Centre has also provided different knowledge about border area hazards, their causes of occurrence, preventions, Disaster Management, First Aid, Calamities, Singh said. Renowned Faculties and Instructors of various state government departments gave lectures on subjects.

Visits to various centres like Poultry, Fishery Farms, Bee Keeping and Horticulture farms in Itanagar, Naharlagun, Doimukh, Nirjuli, and Yupia of Arunachal Pradesh was conducted for all trainees for better practices knowledge.

A certificate of qualification was also given to each participant after successful completion of the course.

Manoj Kumar Singh emphasized on the need of sincere efforts by the people of the state for the better development of the society, state and the nation.

BRO restores NH52

ITANAGAR, Sept 11: 119 RCC/ 756 BRTF under Project Arunank of Border Roads Organization have restored the NH-52 under Demaji District within a month, which was severely damaged by torrential rain from August 12- 14 last.

The road traffic has been made open for all types of vehicles today with inauguration of a 190 ft DDR Bailey Bridge at Jaidhal-I River by Brig Deepak Sharma, Chief Engineer (P) Arunank, in the presence of Harendra Kumar, SE (C) Commander, 756 BRTF and OC 119 RCC and other BRO Officers and workers and officials from government of Assam.

Speaking on the occasion Brig Sharma appreciated the Officers, Supervisors and labourers who contributed toward opening of road in a record time and launching a 190 ft Bailey bridge.

District Administration and public also thanked 119 RCC of Border Roads Organisation for maintaining quality work.

Relief urged

ITANAGAR: Boginadi Puroik Village Development Committee (BPVDC) claimed that three elephants entered Puriok village on the night of September 7 and totally damaged eight houses besides other properties.

The committee requested the concern authority to provide immediate relief to the victims.

“No breach of party discipline”

ITANAGAR: Responding to the NCP expulsion letter Nabam Jollaw, Techi Necha, Roger Nabam and Toko Doni said that though the Pradesh election committee and steering committee was constituted, no PEC meeting was conducted before finalization of party ticket and thereby senior winnable and prospective candidates were deprived of the party ticket.

We resigned from the party and the resignation letter was also submitted to the party office. There is no question of breach of party discipline, the release said.

(Readers’ Forum)

No violations please

Madam,

All Arunachal Pradesh Contract Worker’s Union (AAPCWU) would like to bring to your kind notice that on 11-09-2009, a person was arrested by Naharlagun Police after we lodge a complaint.

Anarul Eslam was arrested for violating rules and regulation of bye-laws of All Arunachal Pradesh Contract Workers Union (AAPCWU) on daily fixed Rate of workers/ Labour.

The All Arunachal Pradesh Worker’s Union (AAPCWU) under art-13 of its bylaws fixed daily wage at Rs. 180 Rate.

But he was found giving the daily Rate at Rs 250 which is gross violation of All Arunachal Pradesh Contract Worker’s Union (AAPCWU).

After the local public lodged a complaint with us, All Arunachal Pradesh Contract Worker’s Union (AAPCWU) we have traced that person out and handed over to Naharlagun Police station. Through this columns we want to appeal to all concerned that is that Per day wage fixed Rate is Rs 180 head workers while Per day wage labour Rate- is Rs 120 approved.

Yours faithfully

Kipa Simi

President,

AAPCWU

Let’s take a cue from them!!

Madam,

All hats off to All Idu Mishmi Students Union. While in rest of the Arunachal Pradesh mammoth Hydro power projects faced little or no opposition at all in spite of being well aware of the long term devastating effects of such projects, the people are keeping aloof and uninterested.

Look how the people of Dibang Valley are concerned about all the people in the vicinity of the project. They are insisting on every detail of the project and the compensation packages. We should take a cue from them. I would like to call on the leaders to wake up from their slumber and take such initiatives in their respective regions.

I would like to draw the attention of our people towards the flood caused by river Kosi in Bihar during last year monsoon. The barrages and the embankments that kept the river in its course were not maintained and repaired timely and as such led to major catastrophe. The rivers that flow through Arunachal Pradesh are sleeping giants and the kind of devastation it can bring would be a scene from major Hollywood blockbusters.

Do you know why tribals from rest of the India are the most backward of the lots?

They were uprooted from their ancestral lands to facilitate such projects in the name of development and left to scavenge in the outskirts of metropolis. Ironically, the glitters of such metropolis are powered by the resources from their ancestral habitat.

Keep up the good work and if possible force the Government to totally scrap the project. This is unviable and any half wit will tell you so.

Geken Ette

Symbiosis hostel,

Lavale campus

Pune