September 12
Moyong attends PAC conference
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Kaling Moyong attended a two days conference of All India Chairpersons' of Public Account Committee of parliament and states/union territories legislatures at Parliament House, New Delhi which concluded at September 9 last. The conference was attended by members of 28 states/union territories.
Alleged accused declared proclaimed offenders
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: Two alleged accused in Itanagar Police Station case no. 103/98 U/S 398 IPC (DNPS case no.02/14), namely Adison Sorgyari and Bigrai Basumotary have been declared proclaimed offender by the Court of Sessions Judge, West Sessions Division, Yupia.
The accused are directed to appear at the Court of the District and Sessions Judge, West Sessions Division, Yupia on Sept 15, informed the Capital Complex Superintendent of Police.
Moni Tasing wins Miss Lune
ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Moni Tasing bagged the maiden Miss Lune title at Boleng during the Solung festival celebration on Sept 4 and 5. Okiam Komut and Ponung Darang were the first and second runners up respectively. The contest was held simultaneously along with a Drug Abuse awareness campaign organised by All Arunachal Youth Association East Siang Unit.
Official team inspects APMC land, DC warns encroachers of stern action
ITANAGAR, Sept 11: An official team headed by Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee
(APMC) chairman cum Capital DC Itanagar Capital Complex Mige Kamki has made an unannounced
visit to the land allotted to AMPC at Gohpur Tinali today to verify the complaint
against land encroachment. Other team members included Vice-
During the visit, Kamki advised DLRSO to form a committee to verify the allotted land to APMC and also look into complaint against land encroachment. He assured that firm action will be taken if anyone was found guilty.
While visiting the AMPC market, Techi Tagi Tara asked the officials to fully utilise the land and infrastructure. Getting suitable land for executing any governmental project is the biggest hurdle these days, he said adding that land under APMC should be properly safeguarded to take up any agriculture marketing projects in future. He also assured APMC member secretary to take up the grievances of APMC Capital Complex with state Govt for permanent solution. DC cum APMC Chairman also stressed on preparation of a DPR for boundary wall construction and modern agriculture marketing system.
NGO extends support to Puroik youths
ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Indo Global Social Service Society has extended support to three
youths from Puroik colony to start pig farms for self-
IGSSS will provide three piglets and eight roof sheets to each youth so that they can start their farms.
The local veterinary hospital will provide free vaccine for the livestock for one month, according to an IGSSS release.
AYO writes to DSE
ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Expressing disappointment over the dismal education scenario in Longding and Tirap districts, the Arunachal Youth Organization (AYO) has sought the intervention of Director School Education.
It claimed that Longding Higher Secondary School is functioning without textbook and teachers of Biology, Political Science and English subjects and 280 students are being accommodated in a classroom. It also claimed that Wakka Higher Secondary School does not have a single ST teacher.
Further saying that the DDSE Longding has not joined his duty since one month now, AYO gave one weeks time to redress its demands and warned of rigorous movement against the department.
School kitchen building repaired
ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Volunteers including villagers, students and government officials and staff took part in a cleanliness drive conducted by the West Kameng district administration as part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan at Elephant Flat under Bhalukpong circle on last Monday.
During the drive, the volunteers cleaned the area's school compound and repaired and reconstructed a MDM kitchen shed.
Addressing the villagers on the occasion, Bhalukpong EAC R. Rakshap stressed the importance of cleanliness and urged all to cooperate with the administration to ensure development of the area.
An awareness programme was also held on the same day to mark the Nutrition Day.
Farm machinery training center opened
ITANAGAR, Sept 11: A new training center has been opened by New Holland Fiat India at North East Region Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institute (NERFMTTI) in Biswanath Charali, Assam on Tuesday.
Director of NERFMTTI, Ministry of Agriculture, GoI, JJR Narware along with Head Institutional Business Rahul Nandelyor, Head Technical Cell & Field Support Pawan Tuteja, Rabin Sahoo from New Holand Fiat India Pvt. Ltd. besides, government officials and tea growers attended the inaugural programme.
The training center established by the GoI is aimed at equipping local youth with employable skills like upkeep and maintenance of tractors and other mechanised farm equipments.
NERCORMP directors inspect projects in Changlang
CHANGLANG, Sept 11: Finance Director and Director of Monitoring and Evaluation of
the NERCORMP Regional office, Shillong during their four-
Universal Brotherhood Day
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: The Universal Brotherhood Day was celebrated in various parts of the state today in commemoration of Swami Vivekananda's famous Chicago address in the World Religious Parliament on this day of 1893. Religious tolerance and universal acceptance, harmony and peace were the message to the world he had given in historical gathering of world religious leaders.
Vivekananda Kendra Itanagar branch has celebrated the Universal Brotherhood Day at Vivekananda Hall, R.K. Mission Hospital.
Addressing the huge gathering of students, Parliamentary Secretary, Civil Aviation, PD Sona lauded the commendable service of Vivekananda Kendra towards the people of Arunachal Pradesh in different fields.
In his address, Gomar Basar, Asst. Registrar of R.G.U remembered the service and sacrifice done by Mananeeya Eknathji, the founder president of Vivekananda Kendra.
The students of VKV Itanagar presented a cultural programme on the occasion.
The Universal Brotherhood Day was also celebrated at VKV Kharsang in Changlang today.
Speaking on the occasion, Kharsang Anchal Samity chairman T S Ronrang lauded the
VKVs in Arunachal Pradesh for imparting value-
The VKV Kharsang students performed cultural programmes to mark the occasion in presence
of a large number of parents and well-
Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti Tezu and Vivekananda Kendra Ignited Youth Forum of
IGG College also celebrated the Universal Brotherhood Day by organising social services
at Tanchaw-
Lohit DHS reviews NHM performance
ITANAGAR, Sept 11: The governing body meeting of the District Health Society, Lohit in a meeting today reviewed the performance and achievements under National Health Mission (NHM) in the district.
Deputy Commissioner T Tatak, who chaired the meeting, suggested various measures to sensitise the general public and the PRI members about the various schemes and programmes under NHM.
He appealed for better coordination amongst various departments for better implementation of NHM programmes.
DMO, Dr. S Chai Pul highlighted the various problems of the health department in the district.
Earlier, DRCHO Dr. S Nayil detailed on the achievement of the NHM in the district.
The meeting was attended by the ZPM, BEO in-
DC urges teachers to take up responsibility
CHANGLANG, Sep 11: "Take up your social responsibility with utmost dedication and sincerity and become a role model to the society", said Changlang Deputy Commissioner Wayong Khimhun while addressing the large gathering of teachers on the second day of awareness cum training programme on RTE Acts, POCSO Acts, Drug Abuse, etc organised by SSA district mission.
Expressing concerned over the poor academic performance in the entire district he appealed them to put more effort and set an example. Stating the teaching profession as a responsible job, he cautioned for stern action against absentee teachers and those who are involved in consuming drugs and other contraband substances.
The DC was optimistic that the present scenario will improve with combined effort of DDSE, SMC and the teachers. DIPRO
Miao police conducts awareness prog on road safety
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: The Miao Police personnel have conducted an awareness programme on traffic rules and road safety at Newman School, Neotan village in Changlang district today.
Resource person of the programme, Miao Police Station Sub-
Principal of the school, Fr. Felix Anthony, while lauding Radeng and his team for creating traffic creating awareness among the students, said, "road accident in this area has been on the rise over the few years." However, such awareness programme will help reduce the number of accidents, he added.
Skill development training for youth
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: With an initiative to create employable skills among the unemployed
youth belonging to poor economical status, the Department of Tourism conducted the
first batch of training for 120 youths under 'Hunar Se Rojgar Tak' (HSRT)-
The training was provided on hospitality trades, food production, food and beverages service, housekeeping, bakery etc. Besides, emphasis was given on improving their attitudes and behaviour in order to enhance their market acceptability.
The course for the training was designed by National Council of Hotel Management & Catering Technology and was conducted by a group of best hotels in the state capital. The trainers were the faculties of Tourism & Hotel Management, RGGP and ITDC run Hotel Donyi Polo Ashoka etc.
Meanwhile, 30 trainees have completed another training programme on driving skills and etiquettes. Certificates were provided to all the successful trainees in the passing out ceremony held at a city hotel here. The programme was attended by Karma Leki, Director Tourism, Principal RGGP AK Tripathi and Secretary Tourism.
DDSE flags off educational tour
ZIRO, Sep 11: The second batch of educational tour for students under SC/ST programme of SSA District Mission of Lower Subansiri District was flagged off by DDSE Yumlam Tana and Takam Changdeep, DPC, SSA.
A total of 35 students from three schools of the district under the guidance of their
respective school in-
Awareness campaign against drug menace, sexual offence
KHONSA, Sep 11: A three day awareness campaign of the Tirap District SSA Mission against drug addiction, sexual offences, health and hygiene, HIV/AIDS, child labour and natural calamities commenced at Deomali on Sept 10.
Addressing the progarmme, Deomali SDO B. Puroik asked the students to act as torch-
In his address, DDSE P Lombi has appealed to the participants to fight against the immoral and unwanted activities to create a conducive and peaceful atmosphere in the society. Lombi also spoke on the Chief Minister's flagship programme, especially on schemes for girl students.
Earlier, Deomali BEO SW Lowang in his address highlighted the significance of the awareness programme.
Resource persons of the programme included Dr. S. Roy, SMO, CHC, D. Kaling, SDPO, PS, Dr. Watsen Bangsia, Assstt. Professor, WRG College and advocate Damko Moidam. More than 400 people from Deomali Block including teachers, students, panchayat leaders attended the programme.DIPR
Farmers from Seppa on field visit to Ziro
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: Farmers from Seppa visited various agriculture and horticulture farms of progressive farmers of Ziro plateau on its three days visit since Sept 6 last.
The team also visited paddy-
During the visit, a progressive farmer cum member of SHG/farmer Hibu Mamu club explained about the organizational management benefit of SHG/farmers club.
Another progressive farmer Hibu Taming showed how a particular species of earthworm converts cow dung into organic manure (vermin compost).
The team from Seppa was accompanied by BTMs ATMA, Seppa Raju Singhi and Dani Oyang.
Calls to implement Street Vendor Act
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: The All Arunachal Pradesh Hawkers and Street Vendors Federation (AAPHSVF) has called upon the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki to replace Arunachal Pradesh Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act 2011 with the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act 2014 at the earliest.
Football tourney at Khonsa
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: A football tournament in memory of Queen of Borduria, Thansen Wangchadong is being organised at Khonsa from 19 Sept.
The tournament sponsored by Wanglin Lowangdong, Minister, WCD, Tribal Affairs, DoTCL etc. and family members, aims to encourage the youths of Tirap towards games and sports and prevent drugs (opium) addition through sports as well as keep the memory of the late Queen alive.
The winner, the runners up and the best disciplined team will be awarded cash prizes of Rs.50,000, Rs 20,000 and Rs.5,000 respectively.
Over 20 teams from the district are expected to participate in the tournament. The draw of lots will be held on September 15. MP Ninong Ering will inaugurate the tournament.
An organising committee headed by Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha as chairman has been constituted for smooth organisation, informed Organising Secretary Noah Mongku.
Remove illegal occupants, appeals AAHFCDO
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: All Arunachal Hindus Faith and Culture Development Organisation has written to the Chief Estate Officer alleging that some people have illegally constructed vegetable shops near the Lingalaya Seva Ashram complex. The organisation claimed that illegal construction inside the govt allotted land is breach of agreement that society signed with Modirijo village development committee, Sanglo Potung Village Development Committee and Jami Jatte Village Development Committee.
They have appealed to the CEO to immediately carry out eviction drive against the illegal occupants.
Restoration of road link demanded
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: Block chairperson Pipu-
The chairperson further informed that the same grievance was placed earlier before the concerned department of Seppa East Kameng but till now no action has been initiated for restoration of road which is the life line of people.
Meanwhile, CE Western Zone Itanagar has reportedly asked the SE to direct EE Chayang Tajo to clear the road immediately.
Society draws attention towards pitiable condition of school
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: The Charto Valley Welfare Society Taliha has drawn the attention of Director School Education towards the pitiable condition of education system in Taliha.
In a memorandum submitted, it called for providing LDC, UDC, computer operator, electrification of school building and bachelor barrack for the teachers of Govt Higher Secondary School Kodak, among others.
AINHMA for restructuring of staff pay
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: All India National Health Mission Association (AINHMA) Arunachal
unit in its central executive body meeting held recently has discussed on restructuring
of staff salary, particularly BAMs and BDMs, and leave entitlement and decided to
pursue the issue with the Mission Director, NHM for placement of proposal in supplementary
SPIP 2015-
The meeting also reviewed various activities undertaken by the association for the welfare of the members of the association. A new executive committee of the association for the year 2015 to 2018 has also been constituted. The meeting was attended by delegates from various districts.
RGU rechecking/reevaluation results out
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) has declared the re-
Tuki for extension of railways to eastern part of state
ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has appealed to the Centre to provide railway connectivity to Deomali in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh from Naharkatia or Margherita in Assam.
In order to fully exploit the socio-
These three districts cover almost 20 per cent of the state's population and is resource rich, Tuki said, adding that extending railway connectivity would help in achieving the twin objectives of easy movement of the people as well as help in furthering growth and opportunities in those districts.
The eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh is yet to have any railway connectivity.
Earlier, the Chief Minister and Minister from the region Wanglin Lowangdong had a detailed discussion on the issue of connecting the three districts by railways. (PRO, CMO)
Social service at RGGP
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: On the occasion of Universal Brotherhood Day, the NSS unit of Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Polytechnic College Itanagar today conducted social service camp in the college campus led by NSS Programme official Dorik Diyum and RGGP college student union representative. The social service was organised to maintain cleanliness of the campus and celebrate the Universal Brotherhood day.
Team members from AAPSU, ANSU and APPDSU also were present during the social service along with principal and campus in charge of the RGGP College. The team inspected the college campus and compound walls to ascertain the various problems faced by the college from land encroachers.
News Impact
Four-
be scrapped, says Rijiju
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, who is also
Member of Parliament from Western Parliamentary constituency today, assured that
Itanagar-
He did acknowledge that Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) had decided to go for two lane instead of four lane project after discussion with state government.
"During a meeting between Chief Secretary of Arunachal and Secretary MoRTH, it was decided to go for two double lane road projects. However keeping in view the sentiments of the local people, I personally intervened and overruled the decision taken by Secretary MoRTH and Chief Secretary. I pressed for the construction of the four lane road. Later, a meeting was held in this regard which was attended by Minister for Road, Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, officials of MoRTH and myself," said Rijiju.
He added, "In the meeting it was decided to construct four lane cement concrete road. But wherever land is not available, in such stretches the road will be of two lanes. Chief Minister on his part assured that state government will make land available for the project. The state government has been directed to submit new DPR for the four lane project."
On the compensation issue, MoS Home maintained that it is a state subject and centre has no role in it. "Arunachal government has botched up the whole project. As per the 2006 notification issued by state government, ROW 40 mtrs should be available in the stretch between Hollongi and Banderdewa without any encumbrances. The 40 mtrs ROW is supposedly a govt land. Therefore how can government pay compensation for its own land? Centre is ready to fund the road project but compensation has to be dealt by state government," said Rijiju.
availability of land width: PWD
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: Reacting to a news item published in this daily on centre's decision
to scrap the four-
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, suggested for submission of proposals for
2-
Concurrently, Ministry suggested to submit 2-
Dept. spend Rs.19 Lakhs as ‘miscellaneous expenditure’ under MIP
[ Tongam Rina ]
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: Substandard work aside, the department of Water Resource Division, Daporijo incurred Rs. 19.02 lakhs under miscellaneous expenditure of the total Rs 66.36 lakhs expended already for three Minor Irrigation Projects (MIP) under Nacho and Siyum circles in Upper Subansiri.
Interestingly, the department states that miscellaneous expenditure had to be incurred from the project amount to purchase office stationeries, Petrol Oil Lubricant items, maintenance of vehicles and govt quarters as no fund was allocated against these heads.
The total sanctioned amount comes to Rs.132.32 lakhs for three projects; Rampe Nallah to Doniumpu Agriculture field at Nilo Village, Tru Nallah to Bochok Agricultural field at Nava Village and Yol Nallah to Loke Agricultural field at Loke Village. The department says that the works are in progress. The Deputy Commissioner, Upper Subansiri Komkar Dulom based on a complaint by former Anchal Samity Member of Nava under Limeking Circle on alleged misuse of funds had directed the department to submit a status report on the MIPs. In another letter dated Sept 1, written to the Secretary WRD, Dulom has requested for constitution of a technical committee to study the implementation of the three MIPs.
Yatik Nilo, the former ASM who has sought information under the RTI Act from the department says that the financial involvement and physical achievement in the schemes do no tally at all (see picture).
In another twist, she says that villagers of the area had taken a unanimous decision on execution of the work and that payment be made to the villagers instead of an individual contractor.
The department was aware of the decision of the villagers as the minutes of the meeting was submitted to the department even before start of the work. She informs that 39 "beneficiaries" from Nilo village received Rs 13,100 each.
Had the work been done properly, no one would have raised question at the expenditure, she says while demanding that the state government carry out a proper investigation to find out why the projects are not being implemented as per guidelines.
Arunachal suspends Pawan Hans service
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: The state Cabinet has decided to suspend the operation of Pawan Hans Helicopter Service in the state till completion of inquiry into the recent incident of chopper crash at Tirap which claimed three lives including the then Tirap Deputy Commissioner Late Kamlesh Joshi. The state government has already written to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident to unearth the facts behind the repeated accidents of Pawan Hans Helicopters in the state. While safety and security arrangements in operational helipads with allocation of adequate fund were approved, the Cabinet decided to improve the perimeter security of Naharlagun Helipad with suitable measures, said Bamang Felix, Government Spokesperson.
The state Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki in its meeting today also passed
the Arunachal Pradesh Road Safety Policy -
The Cabinet approved to recommend a proposal for connectivity to unconnected habitations in border areas of the state under Border Area Development Programme (BADP) as a special case. All total 72 numbers of roads located in 23 border blocks in 12 districts of the state would be taken up under the programme. It shall cover 2098.40 kms of roads with 219 numbers of bridges covering 227 unconnected habitations along the border at an estimated cost of Rs 3345.03 crore.
The Cabinet further approved for creation of 10 numbers of various categories of posts in Arunachal Pradesh Public Services Commission to cater to the requirements of the Commission. (PRO, CMO)
NEW DELHI, Sep 11: One Dorjee Sonam, who allegedly stole the 15th Century Buddha
statue from Shoktsen village in Tawang district, was apprehended yesterday by Inspector
Kesang Norbu and Sub-
Sonam was arrested after a tip off to police from two members of the public. He had been absconding soon after the statue went missing from Serteng Gonpa on August 20.
The antique brass statue locally referred as Jowa Thunghar Dondup was recovered from a guest house in Guwahati by a team of police led by SI Mondal last month.
According to sources the brass Buddha statue was supposed to be smuggled and traded
at an international antique market en-
A case under Section 380 of IPC has been registered at Lumla police station, Tawang. The accused will be deported to Tawang under transit remand.
National seminar on ‘Issues, Challenges and Development of NE India’
Connectivity in NE must be improved: Governor
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh J P Rajkhowa inaugurated a two-
In his inaugural address, the Governor said that there are several major issues of the region including poor connectivity by air, road, railways and waterways, resulting in the region’s isolation from mainland India. The connectivity has to be improved at par development with other parts of the country, he said.
Militants present in some regions of the State are disturbing the peace, creating law and order problems. While recent Pact of Framework Agreement between Government of India and NSCN (IM) is welcomed by many, there is also strong opposition to any possible Greater Nagalim by including of territories of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur. In this context, the Governor said that the Government of India and the State Government must work together for addressing livelihood problems of the people living in border regions. The Governor said that another imminent challenge is the illegal migrants from Bangladesh. He opined that ever increasing population of the immigrants is threatening existence of indigenous people. He feared that indigenous population of the region will be swept off and will become minority if illegal migration be not checked.
In the social economic sector, he said the drug addiction and opium cultivation is
a challenge faced by some of the states of the region. He said, Government has to
take appropriate action, establishing rehabilitation and de-
The Governor advised that with application of latest technologies and drawing from the experience of other countries, the Governments must find permanent solution to perennial natural calamities like floods, erosion and landslides. The Governor also suggested early constitution of the North Eastern Regional Water Resources Development Authority, which was declared by Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2004, but yet to see the light of the day. Pointing that corruption is one of the major hurdles in the development process, the Governor called for appointment of Lok Ayukt in the State at the earliest.
Stating that unemployment as one of the social challenges, he mentioned that the State Government had announced several programme for unemployed youth in entrepreneurship.
The Governor also strongly advocated development of the NER as a Gateway to East & Far East.
The State and Central Governments, Civil Society, Non-
Earlier, the Governor released the seminar proceeding, titled ‘Issues, Challenges and Development of North East India with special reference to Arunachal Pradesh’ and ‘Trend and Impact of Corruption in India with special reference to Arunachal Pradesh’.
In his address Prof. P K Das, Director, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Nirjuli said that issues and challenges in the region is due to deficiency in governance and suggested for decentralization of power to autonomous bodies to expedite development progress.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. (Mrs.) Sandhya Goswami, Department of Political Science, Gauhati University pointed that region is a mosaic of cultural diversity. She opined that Government of India must not take the region as one unit but address issues separately pertaining to various parts of the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor of RGU, Prof. Tamo Mibang advised the Research Scholars to provide correct and appropriate intellectual inputs to the policymakers representing the region in the State Assemblies and Parliaments, particularly in health, education, Agriculture, Surface Communication sectors.
Introducing the theme of the seminar, Prof. Nani Bath, Department of Political Science, RGU said that the seminar aims to evoke the mind of young scholars towards the issues and challenges of the region and help them to explore ideas to mitigate those challenges. Reminding the North East scholars of the rights and responsibilities, Dr. Bath said NE region should be known for its contribution towards cultural and intellectual growth of India than insurgency and underdevelopment.
The two-
12 days police remand for teacher accused of sexual assault
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: Vasudevan PN, the teacher of now closed Liitung Liimang Public School Geku, accused of sexually assaulting a six year old student has been arrested and is placed under 12 days police remand at Yingkiong police station. The accused was brought back to Yingkiong last night after being treated at Pasighat. The agitated people of the town had beaten up the accused on Sept 7 after the matter came to light. The school was also ransacked by the agitated people and the school bus was also damaged.
According to EAC Geku, Adong Pertin, the accused will be produced before the court on Sept 21 next.
Meanwhile, All Arunachal Youth Federation has demanded capital punishment for the accused and compensation for the victim. The federation also requested the district administration to permanently cancel the registration of the school.
State lost 89 sq.km forests in 2011-
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: Sustainable utilisation of forest resources can play a pivotal
role in uplift of rural communities and overall economic development of the North
East Region, said Prof. PK Das, Director, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science
and Technology (NERIST). He was delivering a lecture on 'Sustainable use of forest
resources -
Das stressed on orientation of people-
Prof. Das mentioned that about 200 ethnic communities of the northeastern region live in close association with forests utilising diverse forest resources, such as bamboo, cane, medicinal and aromatic plants, wild edible plants, timber, fuel wood, fodder, etc., for their living.
Dr. Shashi Kumar, PCCF and Principal Secretary, highlighted the rich forest and protected
area network of Arunachal Pradesh. As per the State Forest Report 2013, Arunachal
Pradesh lost about 89 Sqkms of forests during 2011-
Dr. Ravindra Kumar, PCCF, suggested for more vigorous initiatives by all stakeholders
in creating awareness on forest and environment protection and seismicity, forest
fire, wildlife and biodiversity conservation, eco-
The forests of Eastern Himalaya are less explored as compared to forests of Western Himalaya due to diverse reasons and challenges, he added.
The programme was attended by Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner Mige Kamki among other invitees from academic and research institutions, government departments, civil societies, general public and others.
Sustainable Mountain Development
Summit -
(Fantry Mein Jaswal, IRS, Rtd.)
Come October and Itanagar will witness the convergence of around 300 legislators, scientists, subject experts, academicians, Central and state government officials, multilateral/ bilateral organizations, NGOs, civil society, and delegates from the 11 mountain states of India to deliberate on issues of Sustainable Mountain Development in the Indian Himalayan Region ( IHR) on topics that concern all the mountain states.
The Sustainable Development Forum Arunachal Pradesh (SDFA) is organizing the fourth
edition of the Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS-
Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI)
IMI was founded in 2010 as a response to the need for a common platform where diverse stakeholders working on issues pertinent to the mountains of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) could come together to engage in an informed debate on identified themes, with the objective of informing and influencing policy formulation in respect of the mountain region. The absence of such a space was highlighted by a task force of the Planning Commission constituted to examine issues affecting hill areas in India in 2010. Its members are the mountain states of Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, the Autonomous District Councils of Dima Hasso & Karbi Anglong in Assam, and the Hill District of Darjeeling in West Bengal.
IMI is a collective initiative for recognizing the value of mountain regions and enabling people to realize its potential by integrating the knowledge and experiences of multiple stakeholders. Its ambitious mission is to “Make the people of India proud of their mountains”.
IMI functioned from its very inception, as a forum which collated important perspectives, ideas, initiatives, and policy recommendations in respect of the Indian Himalayan Region. It is also a forum for advocacy, particularly directed towards sensitizing national policymakers and mountain diaspora about mountain issues.
IMI operationalizes this platform through its annual Sustainable Mountain Development
Summits (SMDS). The first of these (SMDS-
Sustainable Development Forum Arunachal Pradesh (SDFA)
IMI operationalizes its mission statement through the establishment of state chapters in each Indian mountain state. The Sustainable Development Forum Arunachal Pradesh (SDFA) is the state chapter of IMI in Arunachal Pradesh. Registered as a society in Itanagar, it comprises of committed individuals in the state, aligned to the cause of sustainable mountain development and to work towards facilitating the state towards a sustainable development pathway. The SDFA aims to facilitate dialogue, research and sustainable policy, keeping in mind the state’s development challenges, environment and economy. SDFA is the host and organiser of SMDS.
Sustainable Mountain Development Summit-
In the last Meet of Mountain States meeting (MoMS) in Dec. 2014 at New Delhi, a contingent
of delegates from Arunachal Pradesh under the leadership of Shri Chowna Mein, Minister,
Agriculture and Horticulture, participated in the deliberations. In the meeting the
house unanimously proposed Arunachal Pradesh to host the next Sustainable Mountain
Development Summit (SMDS-
Themes of the SMDS-
The following themes have been selected for discussion at the Summit:
1 .Disaster Risk Reduction.
The SMDS –IV assumes immense relevance and significance for Arunachal Pradesh as well as the other mountain states of India as it is being organised in the aftermath of the massive earthquake in Nepal, which has once again, brought to attention issues of national policy on disaster and the vulnerability of the mountain states.
In the Himalayan region, disaster is a constant reality. Located as it is in a highly
seismic zone, the region also faces disasters such as landslides and floods. It is
imperative therefore that this issue be addressed at a policy and planning level,
on a long-
2. Mountain Agriculture.
Mountain communities are primarily agrarian communities. Improvement of agriculture,
particularly the horticulture sector for livelihood enhancement is imperative. In
a Himalayan state like Arunachal Pradesh, as is the case in other Indian mountain
states with similar geographical features, there is tremendous potential for agriculture/horticulture
development by virtue of being endowed with different agro-
However, mountain agriculture also faces the disadvantage of low output due to traditional
practices with minimal scientific inputs, pre-
There is, therefore, a need to look at the potential and opportunity in mountain
agriculture with a renewed focus on innovation and investment, paying attention to
the sustainable development of jhum affected areas through scientific inputs, organic
cultivation, crop-
3. Forests.
Forests are the next big resource strength of the mountains. Forest conservation takes on a different dimension in mountain states like Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland where forests are communally owned. In this context, perhaps there is a need to formulate effective mechanisms for involvement of communities and their knowledge in conservation efforts. Such mechanisms will also account for ambiguities in community ownership and management of natural resources, particularly in the absence of legal clarity on this area which leads to conflicts in natural resource management.
In the light of climate change negotiations, the ecological services provided by
mountain regions and compensatory mechanisms for these services need further informed
debate and discussion. Mechanism for flow of benefits of the carbon market, if this
becomes a functional reality, needs to be devised, ensuring equity and sustainability
at the community level. As with agriculture, in the realm of bio diversity, bio-
Yet another critical issue the State faces is the ambiguity with regard to ownership and exploitation rights in respect of natural resources in a tribal State like Arunachal Pradesh. While the Indian Constitution guarantees ownership rights in respect of natural resources to tribal people, in practice many of the laws enacted by legislatures negate this right. At the same time, full and unregulated rights without ensuring a real sense of ownership, may also lead to wanton destruction of natural resources, negatively impacting the conservation goals of the State and the country. Therefore the balancing formula between tribal rights and natural resource conservation priorities is a critical challenge which requires attention.
SIDE EVENTS
As in the previous Summits, SMDS-
Policy Makers Dialogue – Chief Secretaries’ Conclave.
With the doing away of the Planning Commission and the setting up of the NITI Ayog a new architecture for development of States is sought to be ushered in. The new reality that seems to be kicking in is that the States will be forced to rethink their ‘planning and budgeting’ exercise especially the erstwhile Special Category States. The shift in thinking and in some ways immediate implementation by the Central Government is already impacting the States’ finances.
Hence there is a need to first understand what the substantive changes in policy are and how it is impacting Special Category States. Then redressal mechanism and strategies have to be thought through, which might be different for different States. But the policies will be common to all as well as the principles.
The Chief Secretaries’ Conclave will bring together the Chief Secretaries of the 11 mountain states during the Summit to deliberate on these important issues. The Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh will be the Convenor of the Chief Secretaries’ Conclave.
Legislators Meet.
The 4th Himalayan Legislators’ Meet will provide a platform for legislators from mountain states to voice their common issues and concerns, to deliberate and make an action plan for climate change legislation. The Meet will also seek to inform all attending MPs, MLAs and Speakers about the current status of the UNFCCC negotiations and India’s stance on the issue. The legislatures attending the meet will also deepen their collective understanding of how global actions impact the local climate change issues that mountain states face.
More than 80 State Legislators and Members of Parliament are expected to attend this Meet which is drawing greater attention this year in view of COP 21 being held in Paris at the end of this year.
The Hon’ble Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh will be the host of the Legislators’ Meet. The SDFA will assist in implementing the program.
The 4th Indian Himalayan Photography Competition
On the side-
Agriculture & Horticulture Exhibition
The Agriculture & Horticulture exhibition will showcase Arunachal Pradesh’s rich
agriculture and horticulture produce. This is the first time that such an exhibition
is being held in a Summit. The exhibition is being organised by the Agriculture-
Objective of the SMDS-
The overall objective of the Itanagar Summit will continue to be in line with the objectives of the previous other Sustainable Mountain Development Summits (SMDS) of IMI, which is to provide a platform for Indian Himalayan states to come together to discuss issues of development priority, as well as, to find ways to influence national and state public policies.
Zero Waste Protocol
Keeping in line with the philosophy of sustainable development, the SMDS – IV in Itanagar will endeavour to be a Zero Waste Event by following the zero waste protocols. As much as possible, use of plastics, papers, print materials, flex banners etc. will be minimised. However, as this is the first time the concept of zero waste is being tried by the organizers, waste reduction may not be absolute but attempt would be to get there.
DELEGATES
Like in the previous Summits, SMDS – IV will endeavour to bring together some of the best legislators, academicians, scholars, development practitioners, government representatives, NGOs, civil society, and media from the Himalayan region and beyond to come up with tangible solutions to the challenges faced by the mountain region. A large number of legislators, government officials, civil society organisations, academicians, scholars and media will form the contingent from Arunachal Pradesh.
Acknowledgement.
This humble venture would not be possible without the support and cooperation of the State Government of Arunachal Pradesh. SDFA acknowledges with gratitude the unstinting support of the GOAP.
The crucial roles of the governments of some of the other IMI states like Uttarakhand, Nagaland, Sikkim, and many donor organizations that are so generously supporting the Itanagar Summit also deserves special mention.
Participation in the Summit is strictly by invitation only.
(The author is the Convener of the SMDS-
Health Minister stresses on team work to improve health delivery system
ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Emphasising the need for coordination and cooperation among all the officers of medical department, Health & Family Welfare Minister Rajesh Tacho asked them to work as a team for the best interest of the people of the state. He was addressing the coordination meeting of the three directorates of the health department at Banquet Hall here yesterday.
The minister also spoke on various steps to be taken up by the department immediately
which included plans to provide reliable and affordable medicines to the people,
formulation of concrete policy for transparent posting for all categories, steps
towards making the non-
The Minister also informed that the Arunachal State Assembly Complex at Naharlagun
is likely to be available by March 2016 for starting the Phase-
Stressing the need for providing quality medicine to the public free of cost or at minimum price, Health and Family Welfare Secretary, Dr. B M Mishra said that it is possible through implementation of Jan Ausadhi scheme supported by Bureau of Pharma Public undertaking of India (BPPI). He also stressed on strengthening of food safety and drug control division of the department.
Director of Health Services, Dr Moji Jini expressed the need of immediate construction
of bridge at Pachin river and construction of RCC boundary wall with ring around
the 200 acres of allotted land for the proposed Arun Medi-
The issues pertaining to the health department for presentation in the upcoming State Development Council meeting was also discussed in detail in the meeting.
Dr. Hage Tabyo, Director Family Welfare, P N Thungon, MD, NHM and senior officers of all the three directorates attended the meeting, according to an official release.
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: East Kameng DC Sandeep Kumar Singh has dismissed eight contractual employees of the Government Residential School (GRS) of Jejudada and three from GRS of Laimoya for alleged irregularities in the management of the schools.
He has also ordered closure of the residential provision of the GRS, Jejudada and Doka and directed the DDSE to forward the information to the higher authorities.
The DC has initiated the strict step after inspections of the schools. During the visit, he found GRS Jejudada to be closed while, teachers and staffs were absent since the beginning of the current academic session besides, total strength of the students was wrongly registered and the hostel was not functioning.
At GRS Laimoya, Singh also took note of the absence of caretaker, peon or chowkidar while at GRS Doka there was no hostel building existing in the school and all the students are day scholars.
He further instructed to recover the maintenance fund sanctioned to the Jejudada
school during 2014-
The DC also convened a meeting to formulate a framework for complete overhaul of
the prevalent dismal education scenario of the district especially, the GRSs which
was attended by Seppa ADC, Bameng ADC in-
Awareness prog on commodity futures market
ITANAGAR, Sept 11: A comprehensive programme aimed at enabling the commodity value chain participants understand the ways in which they can make use of futures market to manage their price risks, Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd (MCX) organised an awareness programme in association with Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) here yesterday.
During the programme, experts from MCX elaborated about the functioning of Commodity Exchanges, and the various aspects of commodities trading. They also discussed about the benefits of commodity futures for effective price risk management. Further on, they explained about the need and importance of commodity markets in India.
The experts threw light on the product basket, and the different variants of futures contracts in bullion, base metals, energy, and agri segment, offered by the exchange, thereby enabling a large number of market participants manage their risks.
Vibhor Tandon, Assistant Vice President-
"Moreover, MCX meets international best practice standards in terms of its technology,
its risk management systems and its self-
Lala Techi, President, ACCI said, "In an uncertain world marked by continuous volatility in commodity prices if the commodity stakeholders wish to sustain and grow, hedging risks through the transparent platform of a commodity derivative exchange would be an ideal and sensible proposition. Apart from enabling the market participants to manage their risks effectively, hedging could be a key differentiator in an intensely competitive market."
MCX has been taking various initiatives to systematically develop markets through incessant innovation, education and research, focussed on spreading awareness on the modern trading mechanisms facilitated by commodity exchanges.
Wangham lauds Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalay
ITANAGAR, Sep 11: State Minister for Supply & Transport, Civil Aviation, Science & Technology, Thangwang Wangham along with MLAs Gabriel Denwang Wangsu and Nokkai Wangsham visited the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday.
The Minister along with the MLAs earlier also jointly inaugurated the Sangrahalaya's exhibit of the month displaying the world's oldest musical instrument 'Didjeridu' which originated among the aboriginal people of Australia.
While observing the indoor and open air exhibitions Wangham, lauded the Manav Sangrahalaya officials for their initiative to introduce youths to the nation's glorious past and rich culture and exhorted the officials to increase the museum's activities for disseminating knowledge to a larger audience. The initial idea about the Sangrahalaya which came into my mind after being invited to visit it, proved quite wrong as this museum has broadened my imagination extensively, he said and further assured to provide assistance in building a Wancho tribe house as an exhibition in the museum.
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All rights reserved.
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Denounce ban culture
The recent decision of the Municipal bodies of Mumbai and government of Rajasthan to ban the sale of meat during Jain festive season has evoked strong reaction from across the country. Such kind of the imposition of ban on religious ground is against the spirit of Indian democracy. This emerging ban culture is very much hurting the image of India. Today across the world, Indian form of democracy is considered to be a 'model' and many countries try to emulate it.
Even though citizens came out and strongly criticized the move to ban sale of meat, the Rajasthan government and civic bodies of Mumbai did not relented. The Bombay High Court had to intervene in response to a petition filed by the Bombay Mutton Dealers' Association. The high court lifted the ban on sale and slaughter of meat in Mumbai on September 13 and September 18. It's a tragedy that high court had to intervene in this matter. This kind of ban culture that too in a metropolitan city like Mumbai does not augur well for democratic values that India stands for. The buying of items is an individual choice and no one has right to impose what to buy and what not to. The political parties should stop appeasing people on religious ground. Instead of indulging in such activities, the politicians should work hard for the betterment of citizens. They should win the voters confidence by doing good work and not by dividing people on religious ground. India is a modern democratic country. It should have no place for the ban 'culture.'
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Incentives for govt employees posted in hard belts
Dear Editor,
Through your esteemed dally, I would like to appreciate and express my great pleasure that the present Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh is taking initiative to ensure punctuality of the State Govt Employees and regular attendance.
But to have equal footage with the other developed States of our country, the Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh may formulate the following guidelines relating to transfer and posting of all Govt. Officials/Officers in hard belts.
In this regards, a proposal is placed for consideration which will encourage them to serve in remote areas of the state.
1. Provision for additional pay of 0.25% and 12% Special Duty Allowances in the same line as provided to all India Service Officers while posted in North East Region.
2. While serving in Hard posting places, they may be provided with LTC facilities at par with Central Govt Employees.
3. Rent free accommodation at the place of posting.
4. He/she should be allowed to retain the Government accommodation at his/her last place of posting or he/she may be paid HRA so that their family members can stay back at the last place of posting.
5. All officials/officers beyond the age of 55 should not be considered for Hard posting place. However, if he/she voluntarily expresses willingness to serve in hard places, it should be considered.
6. Normal tenure of posting in the hard place should be made one year, which may be extended on the specific request of the employee.
7. All major and minor departments may initiate compulsory rotational posting to hard place. Govt should consider giving the next higher promotion or posting only after they have served in hard belts.
9. In addition, for the interest and welfare of the Govt employees posted in various hard places of Arunachal Pradesh, basic requirements like Education, medical or road should be made available/facilitated.
10. In the present age of electronics and Mass Media, all district headquarters, considered hard belts may be provided with Telecommunication and networks facilities for e quick delivery of policies and programmes of the Govt at grass root level.
Yours,
J. Rime, Anini
Anpum – Loklung floods and devastation and Govt apathy
Dear Editor,
The night of 28 August 2015 was the start of doomsday for Anpum Loklung villages. The mighty Dibang finally breached its bank at Bise Camp between Anpum and Bizari village and the mighty river found its way directly into Sinkin stream and Tarotamak River, bringing the worst ever flood in the area destroying more than hundred houses, Government buildings, Roads, electric poles, water supply and many more with its currents and massive erosion.
Every time when the wrath of nature’s fury comes in the form of floods, soil erosion, earth quake, it leaves behind trails of devastation. Then, come the visits of VVIP’s with series of announcement, press briefing, reliefs, and direction to govt machineries . But have any one really tried to share the agony and suffering of the victims and the fear psychosis that’s going to impact them whole life?
Should the nature alone be held responsible? Was it a human creation, could this have been prevented? But after a while, many will forget and will not even bother to know what should have been done and what to do in future. Here the most important fact is we cannot challenge the force of nature but we can take preventive measures to minimise its impact. The sheer negligence is quite apparent in this devastating flood which was no less than a state of emergency.
In the context of recent flood in this two villages, it’s not the flood alone but many big question that needs detail study to unearth the factors that contributed to massive destruction. Was there no disaster preparedness and where the people themselves responsible?
One of the main affected villages Anpum – Loklung was established in the early sixties
with most of the people migrating from Namsing village. These villages are self sufficient
with no or least dependence on government especially in terms of food unlike many
places of our state. This villages fall under the administrative block of Dambuk
circle. A small stream name Sinkin was flowing in the west side of the village which
was just few meters in breadth. As told by the elders of this village, they first
experience the woes of floods way back in late eighties. Oiboram Payeng, who was
the ZPM says that sensing the gravity of the flood at the time, govt immediately
sanctioned Rs. one crore. The money was used for protection of Bise camp which till
now was protecting the village to some extent. One more devastating flood occurred
in 2004 which totally damaged Bizari village but the land protection work at Bise
camp at that time saved Anpum-
Flood of 2012 left a trail of destruction by devouring few houses of Loklung village and completely destroyed forest check gate and few hundred meter’s stretches of PWD road. Since then the villages have been giving representation to the administration and elected representatives to save the village by taking up preventive work at Bise camp so that the Dibang river do not breach its bank and flows directly into Sinkin stream.
The public of the area has been begging before the government all these times but since it fell into deaf ears, the villages had to suffer beyond imagination. They also suspect that the ongoing bridge construction works at Dibang River could be another factor which may have added to the change in direction of river course.
The whole Loklung village was completely eroded away including the school. Anpum village till now has lost about a hundred of its dwelling houses to the river.
The pertinent question here is was our government sleeping all these year? Could not they have come with a strong mechanism to check the river from changing its course which was apprehended already before it breached the embankment and changed its course towards the stream? After the damages are done by the river, any relief works by the government will be amounting to giving lollipop to the suffering villagers to appease them. This tragedy couldn’t have been avoided but certainly could have been minimised, had the government taken timely action.
The public also need to retrospect their activities and way of living. The deforestation is also one of the main factors helping the river to breach its bank. The irresponsible attitude of the government alone can’t be held responsible. Massive deforestation took place in Bise camp and other areas for illegal timber and log activities. Even after Supreme Court’s Order banning timber in Lower Dibang Valley, there are countless illegal sawmill and timber log activities operating right under the nose of forest department.
Now the govt will come up with various relief and restoration works. The inevitable question is where they waiting for damages to occur so that they can throw their bait on the innocent public later? It is learnt that the then ZPM of the area asked for protection of the area where the river breached its bank five years ago.
This was not a mere flood; it totally destroyed the whole villages. Reliefs can be provided, houses can be built again but can their homes be brought back? Certainly not. They were left alone at the mercy of nature. Where was the NDRF, SDRF teams? Why was the chopper not in use? Even the reporters of NE TV could come but our government was still searching for roads to reach the village in their own land.
The woes are not yet over. Villagers watch helplessly as land and houses continue to merge with the river inch by inch. Some are busy looking for lost properties and cattle, others busy dismantling their houses to save few building materials and in between all these, they have to attend to their agriculture field too. There were agonizing cries of domestic animals and poultries looking for their owners to feed them and searching for the place they are accustomed to, which unfortunately is under water now.
No words or action will compensate the losses and their suffering. Let humanity prevail over our government and hope they will do the needful although it may be little late now.
Yours,
Mida Perme
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