IMPHAL, Mar 30: A group of people from Chura-chadpur district along with students pursuing studies at New delhi have approa-ched Central Public Infor- mation Officer (CPIO) of Mi-nistry of Development of Northeast Region (doner) seeking information with re-gard to implementation, if any, of Central sponsored schemes in Churachandpur district.
An informed source said the petitioners on March 27 filed their application to the CPIO seeking information on the status of utilization of Rs. 213.26 lakhs and another amount of Rs. 204.64 lakhs sanctioned for augmentation of water supply scheme at Thanlon and Singhat sub-divisions res-pectively, under the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) of the Doner ministry.
Referring to contents in the website of the Doner ministry wherein it had been mentioned that Rs. 67.14 lakhs and Rs. 64.45 lakhs were released but the utilization record display nought, the petitioners including L Samte, J Tonsing and S Thomte raised posers as to whether or not the pro-ject has begun.
invoking clause of the Right to Information Act the trio sought copies of the detailed project report of the schemes in addition to demanding information with regard to the proposed sources for the supply of water for the scheme.
"Is there any time-frame for completion of the implementation of the said pro- jects?" also questioned the applicants.
quoting local villagers that the said schemes are yet to be constructed, they also highlighted that Sing-hat, a sub-divisional head- quarters about 30 kms away from Churachandpur district headquarters, faces pe- rennial water scarcity problem.
Further mentioning that piecemeal efforts were made in the past to mitigate water scarcity problem but to no avail, they also cited a previous scheme undertaken in the mid-90s also failing to yield the desired result as the engine (water pump) installed to supply water and store in a reservoir developed technical snag.
Detailing that hand pumps installed in the village are also defunct and no repairing works have been carried out till date by the concerned authorities, the petitioners suggested that to solve the water scarcity problem, long term measures like pumping up of water from large rivers like Tuivai or Tuitha be experimented. School going children who are in the midst of their exams are busy searching for water when they should have been studying and the problem is so severe that taking bath even once in a week is considered a luxury, mentioned their application.(TSE)
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Indo-Myanmar highway to better ties - 100km road from Mizoram to neighbouring port to cost Rs 600cr
Silchar, March 30: The Centre will build a modern highway spanning 99.82km between Lawngtlai town in south Mizoram to Sittwe port in northwest Myanmar on the Bay of Bengal to establish a sea link between several states in the Northeast, including Mizoram, Assam and Manipur with other parts of the country.
Union minister for national highways and transport Kamal Nath will arrive in Aizawl on April 24 to lay the foundation of the multi-modal road transport project in Lawngtlai, 335km from Aizawl. Though this project was approved four years ago after New Delhi got the clearance of Myanmar, the subsequent delay led to the escalation of the cost of the scheme from Rs 420crore to a whopping Rs 600crore.
This road, whose construction will be completed in two years, will unveil a transit access for goods and people between India and Myanmar as part of the Open Asia policy among the nations of the continent.
Sources in Aizawl said more fresh schemes for the improvement of road infrastructure and sea links are now in the pipeline, and the official delegations between India and Myanmar are busy in giving shape and finding out resources to give a go-ahead to some of the schemes. The sources added that other schemes envisaged area network of roads between towns in the Chin hills and Arakan Yoma, including Paletwa and Tiddim on Myanmar's borders with Mizoram and Manipur to facilitate trade, cultural exchanges and tourism between the two countries and upgrade the waterways of Kaladan river flowing through Mizoram's southern borders to Myanmar.
The sources also said improvement of the Sittwe port was on the cards. At present, Indian and Myanmarese businessmen exchange produce of the two countries in a Rs 12crore international trade centre at a village near Champhai in west Mizoram.
While India trades in cement, bicycle parts, medicines and horticulture products of Mizoram, from Myanmar handicrafts and clothes, apart from electronics goods and shoes, arrive in plenty.(The Telegraph)
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Imprint of Ao shawl in AI
 |
| Ao shawl imprint shown on tail fin of Air India plane |
State chief minister Neiphiu Rio informed the state Legislative Assembly that Air India has imprinted the picture of Ao Naga shawl on the aircraft without the permission of Nagaland government.
Replying to a question of Congress legislator I. Imkong on whether Air India took permission to use Ao Naga shawl on planes, Rio said AI had not sought permission from the government, but it was the pride of the Nagas that the picture of Ao Naga shawl has been used on the body of the aircraft, reported UNI on Monday.
"We are glad that they are popularising our culture," Rio said in his concluding remark on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor's Address on Saturday. He also assured that government would look into the matter if any misuse was reported.
Replying to a question of Congress legislator I. Imkong on whether Air India took permission to use Ao Naga shawl on planes, Rio said AI had not sought permission from the government, but it was the pride of the Nagas that the picture of Ao Naga shawl has been used on the body of the aircraft, reported UNI on Monday.
"We are glad that they are popularising our culture," Rio said in his concluding remark on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor's Address on Saturday. He also assured that government would look into the matter if any misuse was reported.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Minister sets April date for scheme launch
IMPHAL, Mar 28: Educa-tion Minister L Jayanta- kumar today announced
that under the One Laptop Per Child Project, students of selected
schools would be provided laptops start-ing from April this year.
The Minister was speaking at the occasion of distri- buting prizes to
the winners of 6th State Level Mathematics and Science Com- petition,
2009 at DM College of Science here today. The function was organised
under the aegis of Social Deve- lopment and Reformation Society,
Pourabi.
Jayantakumar, who was the chief guest of the function, further
observed that organising more and more mathematics and science
competition at the State level would be helpful to the students.
The Minister said that in the eyes of the Government, there is no
difference between the private schools or the Government schools.
Providing proper education to the students in time is the primary
objective of the Go-vernment. So for the first phase of the One Laptop
Per Child Project which is to be taken up as a pilot project for the
first time in Manipur by the School Education Department, students in
the selected schools would be provided laptops with effect from April
this year. The laptops would be compulsorily given to all the stu-
dents in model schools of the Government.
The Minister, however, did not elaborated on the number of students
and the schools that would be covered under the first phase of the One
Laptop Per Child project.
Maintaining that school education is very essential for the
personality development of any person, the Minister explained that if
all the students can get proper education, we can expected to have a
developed society. Lack of education and knowledge has led to numerous
problems in the society, he added.
MLA Th Lokeshore presided over the function.(TSE)
that under the One Laptop Per Child Project, students of selected
schools would be provided laptops start-ing from April this year.
The Minister was speaking at the occasion of distri- buting prizes to
the winners of 6th State Level Mathematics and Science Com- petition,
2009 at DM College of Science here today. The function was organised
under the aegis of Social Deve- lopment and Reformation Society,
Pourabi.
Jayantakumar, who was the chief guest of the function, further
observed that organising more and more mathematics and science
competition at the State level would be helpful to the students.
The Minister said that in the eyes of the Government, there is no
difference between the private schools or the Government schools.
Providing proper education to the students in time is the primary
objective of the Go-vernment. So for the first phase of the One Laptop
Per Child Project which is to be taken up as a pilot project for the
first time in Manipur by the School Education Department, students in
the selected schools would be provided laptops with effect from April
this year. The laptops would be compulsorily given to all the stu-
dents in model schools of the Government.
The Minister, however, did not elaborated on the number of students
and the schools that would be covered under the first phase of the One
Laptop Per Child project.
Maintaining that school education is very essential for the
personality development of any person, the Minister explained that if
all the students can get proper education, we can expected to have a
developed society. Lack of education and knowledge has led to numerous
problems in the society, he added.
MLA Th Lokeshore presided over the function.(TSE)
MUTSU dismayed by IGNTU delay
IMPHAL, March 29: The Manipur University Tribal Students' Union, MUTSU, expressed strong resentment at the government of Manipur for undue delay in the process of land acquisition for the construction of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University at Makhan, Sadar Hills division of Senapati district, though it was officially inaugurated by chief minister himself way back on the September 9, 2009.
According to a press statement issued by the MUTSU, the vice-chancellor of the IGNTU, Amarkantak, in his reminder letters dated 17th February 2009 and 13th June 2009 had persistently requested the government of Manipur to complete the process at the earliest possible date so that academic session starts in time.
The MUTSU in the memorandum dated 28th January 2010, submitted to the chief minister had also reminded the Manipur government to complete the same process as soon as possible so as to facilitate the start of academic session before April 2010.
However, all pleas have been kept in abeyance, thus the exact status of the said process remains hidden and pending till date.
It further stated that it is noteworthy mentioning that the Manipur University had witnessed an interrupted academic atmosphere for the last three consecutive years (2007, 2008 & 2009) when deprived tribal students vehemently protested against the discriminatory attitude of the government and the university authorities, it resulted finally in the establishment of the present campus of Indira Gandhi National TribalUniversity.
Initially the tribal students got a sigh of relief as they perceived the larger part of their grievance being addressed, the release said.
Yet, sincerity and willingness are seen lacking on the side of the government, it said.
"We wonder how the process of acquisition of this small piece of land had consumed such a pretty long time; this clearly shows the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the government in discharging their duties", the MUTSU statement said.
The MUTSU, urged the Government of Manipur to complete all the pending processes of land acquisition at the earliest so that commencement of academic activities takes place in the interest of students in particular. It further questioned the Government of Manipur of the whereabouts of the result of the written test of the Combine Preliminary Examination for the recruitment of various posts conducted by the Manipur Public ServiceCommission which was held way back on the 18th September 2008. This act of irresponsibility on the part of the Government had crafted an air of uncertain future among the educated youths of our state. Further delay in the declaring the results will have many aspirants, educated and talented candidates out of the eligibility criteria as they would have crossed the maximum age limit.
The MUTSU statement further added that it will closely watch the response of the government of Manipur to this problem and take help of like minded students' organizations, NGO's and civil organizations to stage various demonstrations and agitations until the government acts positively on this pending issue.(IFP)
Sunday, March 28, 2010
VPC dissolves two Blocks
Lamka, Mar 27: Consequent upon the statement made by the chairman of two VPC blocks in Churachandpur district that was carried by this paper on Thursday; the Vaiphei Peoples Council Headquarters yesterday ordered the dissolution of the blocks in question, reports our correspondent. A statement of the VPC headquarters cited, overriding the tribe's parent body, manufacturing a statement that is capable of triggering communal discords, as the reasons for their action over Chawngkhawzo and Tuiliduang VPC blocks, which it also accused of acting without the consent of the headquarters.(TSE)
NESO seeks special status for region
- Student delegates plan meet in Delhi to highlight influx threat Guwahati, March 27: The North East Students' Organisation today demanded special constitutional status for the region to thwart the threats of increasing Chinese aggression and unabated influx from Bangladesh.
NESO, the umbrella body of all student groups in the region, will soon send delegates to New Delhi to highlight the problems and hold a meeting of the Northeast MPs Forum to draw the Centre's attention.
NESO chairman Sammujjal Bhattacharyya told reporters here that there was an urgent need to safeguard the interests and rights of the indigenous people of the Northeast in view of the emergence of various kinds of aggression from neighbouring countries.
He said the special constitutional status must recognise the exclusive rights of the indigenous people of the region over their land and natural resources but did not specify the exact nature of the constitutional rights, saying those would have to be framed by experts.
"The Centre has failed to take effective steps to counter China's territorial claim over Arunachal Pradesh and the unabated influx of foreign nationals and fundamentalist forces from Bangladesh which has threatened the very existence and identity of the people of the region," Bhattacharyya said.
He said NESO had discussed these threats in its executive council meeting held here yesterday and mooted the special constitutional status, the modalities for which must be chalked out by the Centre.
Leaders and members of the organisation, who attended the meeting, also demanded a special commission to bring about a sea change in the education scenario in the region.
Bhattacharyya said a large number of brilliant students were leaving the region to pursue higher studies.
"As per the reports of an unofficial survey, students of the Northeast are spending nearly Rs 400 crore to pursue courses in leading institutions and universities in India and abroad. This huge amount could be spent in the region if the Centre sets up top-of-the-line universities and institutes here. The Centre must set up a special education commission to create a talented pool of manpower for development of the region," he added.
NESO secretary general Gumjum Haider said the meeting also resolved to take steps to build a consensus on a separate time zone for the region, which could improve its economy, education and work culture.
"NESO will organise seminars and workshops across the Northeast from April to create awareness on the benefits of having a separate time zone."
Bhattacharyya said NESO has also demanded the repeal of all draconian laws applicable to the region. "The NESO has rejected the Centre's proposal to amend the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. Amendment is not a solution to black and draconian laws like the AFSPA. Repeal is the only solution," he said.( The Telegraph)
Cabinet finalises two phase ADC elections on May 15 and 23
IMPHAl, March 26: The state cabinet in its meeting convened this afternoon has approved holding election for the Autonomous District Councils of the hill districts of the state, which have remained pending for the past two decades.
The meeting was chaired by the chief minister Okram Ibobi at his office chamber.
According to a reliable source, today's cabinet meet which started around 2 pm discussed the matters of holding election to the ADC which have remained frozen on account of unhealthy politicisation since past two decades.
The cabinet also finalised the date for holding the election, besides approving the conduct of the ADC elections in two phases.
The first phase of the elections, to be held on May 15, would cover Senapati, Sadar Hills and Chandel for which official notification has to be made on April 15 and April 23 will be last date for filling of nominations of candidature.
The cabinet also decided that the second phase of the election would be held on May 26 to elect members of the ADCs of Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Churachandpur.
For this April 22 will be the date for election notification and April 30 the date for filing of nomination, the source added.
Further the cabinet meet also approved to seek consent of the state Governor for the prorogation of the recently concluded 7th session of 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly which was adjourned sine die by the Speaker on February 11 last.(IFP)
MOBC notice
IMPHAL, March 27: The state directorate of Minorities and Other Backward Classes invites applications from students belonging to minorities communities i.e. Christians & Muslims domicile in Manipur for availing merit cum means scholarship pursuing technical/professional courses.(IFP)
‘Set up Education Commission for NE’
GUWAHATI, March 27: The North-East Students' Organization (NESO) today raised the demand for a separate Education Commission for the Northeast, besides implementing medical and other vocational courses in the colleges of the region.
Talking to newsmen here today, NESO president Samujjal Bhattacharya and general secretary Gunjung Haider said: "Over Rs 400 crore goes out of the Northeast with its students who go to various States of the country, including Delhi, for education. Taking that into account, the Centre should set up a separate Education Commission exclusively for the Northeast." The NESO leaders also demanded of the Centre to introduce a separate time zone in the Northeast and initiate peace talks with militant outfits of the region.(TSA)
Guwahati / Kohima, Mar 26(ANI): Education is a must for any society to develop. But, in Northeast India where militant's activities are a hindrance, some schools are taking up new initiatives that are practical and less theoretical.
The success of an education system in any state depends on several factors.
The first requirement is peace of mind for students to allow them to focus on their studies.
Militant activities and disturbances prevent students from going to schools.
"Anywhere, to impart education, peace is required. If our surroundings are disturbed, the students community, who are our future generation, will be affected," said P. Sharma, a teacher in Nagaland.
Students in Nagaland are looking for such a change that encourages teaching and focuses on the practical aspects as well.
Extra-curricular activities such as science fairs, general knowledge, sports, music and vocational courses will help them hone their talents.
"The NBSE has recently introduced many methods of teaching like the comprehensive education system. This activity-based education is more child friendly and joyful because they involve themselves practically," said Joyson Shimray, a principal in Nagaland.
"It'll be nice for students to learn more activities, because there is a lack of activities in schools compared to other schools, which will make students more efficient to study," said Lovitoli Chishi, a student.
Guwahati's 'Assam Jatiya Vidyalay', which opens under Assam's Board of Secondary Education (SEBA), has allowed students to avoid use of textbooks unless absolutely necessary.
Students are happy to get rid of their heavy school bags and are now more attentive during lectures.
"Now that we are not carrying books to schools, we are more involved with the practical aspects of study. We are able to concentrate more now on studies," said Nayan Sharma, a student
A notable change seen is the increase in percentage of those passing the annual examination.
In 2008, three percent failed only while in 2009 2.2 percent failed.
The present trend of Northeast students flocking to other parts of India to pursue their studies will change if peace and normalcy return to the region. (ANI)
NEEPCO signs MoA with Mizoram Government
Aizawl, March 27: NEEPCO and Mizoram Government signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) here to take up three hydro electric projects having a total capacity of 1,526 MW. Addressing a press conference last night, I P Barooah, NEEPCO Chairman and Managing Director said the MoAs were for setting up of 635 MW Chhimtuipui project, 815 MW Lungreng project and the 76 MW Mat Hydro Electric Projects.
"NEEPCO would first carry out field investigations, which would take around 18 months, and thereafter subject to techno-commercial viability and necessary mandatory clearances, the projects would be taken up for execution," Barooah said. He said with strong support received from the State Government and the Centre, the abandoned 60 MW Turial hydro electric project is in the final stages of revival and likely to commence work within three months after obtaining fresh clearances from the Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. The Turial project was delayed for six years due to law and order problems over claims of compensation by the land owners of areas proposed to be submerged. The project cost was revised to Rs 880 crore and would produce power at Rs 3.70 per unit, he said.
KK Barooah said 85 per cent of the project cost would be from JICA of Japan and the rest from the Centre. He said 100 units of power would be given free of costs to the affected people for 10 years. "13 per cent of the power generated would be given free of cost, while 12 per cent to the State Government and one per cent to the local populace near the project sites." Social projects like construction of schools, dispensaries, post offices and banks would be taken up by NEEPCO for those from the affected areas of the projects. (PTI)
Saturday, March 27, 2010
District Council polling to be held on May 19
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, March 26 2010: The election to the Autonomous District Councils (ADC), which had not been held for the past over 20 years, are set to be held without fail this time.
The State Cabinet has resolved to hold the election in two phases in May this year.
This was decided at a meeting held at the conference hall of the Chief Minister's Secretariat this afternoon.
Chief Minister O Ibobi presided over the meeting.
A reliable source said that in the first phase, election to the ADCs of Senapati, Sadar Hills and Chandel would be held.
The election notification for the first phase would be issued on April 15.The last date for filing nomination papers is April 23, and the polling would be held on May 19 .
In the second phase, election to the ADCs of Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Churachandpur would be held.
The election notification for the second phase would be issued on April 22, while the last date for submission of nomination papers would be April 30.The polling would be held on May 26 .
Though the elections are going to be held in two phases, the State Cabinet decided to carry out the counting of votes on a single day.
The date of scrutiny, the last date for withdrawal of nomination papers and the hours of polling would be known only when the election notifictions are issued, the sorce said.
On the other hand, the State Cabinet meeting has also decided to recommend prorogue of the 7th session of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly.
The state Governor is likely to issue the order for proroguing the assembly session tomorrow.
Meanwhile, it is worth mentioning here that though the Government of Manipur is keen on reviving the ADCs and has fixed the dates for polling, some civil society organisations based in the five hill districts have openly declared their stiff opposition to the ADC Act, 2008, and have been demanding amendment to the Act.
At the same time, the Indian National Congress, the Manipur unit of Trinamool Congress, the BJP, etc.
have already started election campaigns in the hill districts.
Imphal, March 26 2010: The election to the Autonomous District Councils (ADC), which had not been held for the past over 20 years, are set to be held without fail this time.
The State Cabinet has resolved to hold the election in two phases in May this year.
This was decided at a meeting held at the conference hall of the Chief Minister's Secretariat this afternoon.
Chief Minister O Ibobi presided over the meeting.
A reliable source said that in the first phase, election to the ADCs of Senapati, Sadar Hills and Chandel would be held.
The election notification for the first phase would be issued on April 15.The last date for filing nomination papers is April 23, and the polling would be held on May 19 .
In the second phase, election to the ADCs of Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Churachandpur would be held.
The election notification for the second phase would be issued on April 22, while the last date for submission of nomination papers would be April 30.The polling would be held on May 26 .
Though the elections are going to be held in two phases, the State Cabinet decided to carry out the counting of votes on a single day.
The date of scrutiny, the last date for withdrawal of nomination papers and the hours of polling would be known only when the election notifictions are issued, the sorce said.
On the other hand, the State Cabinet meeting has also decided to recommend prorogue of the 7th session of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly.
The state Governor is likely to issue the order for proroguing the assembly session tomorrow.
Meanwhile, it is worth mentioning here that though the Government of Manipur is keen on reviving the ADCs and has fixed the dates for polling, some civil society organisations based in the five hill districts have openly declared their stiff opposition to the ADC Act, 2008, and have been demanding amendment to the Act.
At the same time, the Indian National Congress, the Manipur unit of Trinamool Congress, the BJP, etc.
have already started election campaigns in the hill districts.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Centre tells Mizoram govt to raise income
 |
| Mizoram chief minister Lalthanhawla with Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia during the meeting in New Delhi. (PTI) |
Silchar, March 25: The Centre has asked the Congress-led Mizoram government to explore various avenues for "steadily stepping up its income" in a bid to gradually become self-sufficient in resource mobilisation.
The deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, during a meeting in New Delhi on Monday with Mizoram chief minister Lalthanhawla has suggested a two-pronged strategy in which the state government will be able to mop up additional income.
These income generation devices, according to Ahluwalia, are involvement of the private sector in increasing numbers in the development of the state's infrastructure, including power, roads and transport system, and imposition of user charges on the consumption of energy and driving of vehicles.
Ahluwalia, according to a senior state government official, had also emphasised on the need to raise the taxes and augment non-tax revenues as the GDP and tax ratio in the state is "very much on the lower side".
Moreover, the Planning Commission deputy chairman also laid emphasis on the development of horticulture, fisheries and forestry as these have the potential of harnessing additional resources.
According to official sources, Lalthanhawla had disclosed that his government was ready for public-private partnership in the investment mode in agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, and small-scale industry and IT.
In fact, he had pointed out that some ventures by the private capital in north and western India had already made headway in his state.
The Planning Commission had stepped up the annual plan allocation for the 2010-11 fiscal year in the state by 20 per cent at Rs 1,500 crore.
In 2009-10, the allotment was pegged at Rs 1,250 crore.
Mizoram chief secretary Vanhela Pachuau and planning board secretary P.L. Thanga accompanied the chief minister during his dialogues in New Delhi.
Lalthanhawla said he was happy that his government's flagship scheme envisaging the improvement of the agriculture output and weaning away of the large sections of farmers from the wasteful slash and burning jhum cultivation had already got the Centre's nod of approval.
He added that to begin with New Delhi has allocated Rs 234 crore in this fiscal year for this scheme.
The state government, taking a cue from the Centre, has already increased the taxes on vehicles. It expects to mop up a revenue of Rs 10 crore in this fiscal as against Rs 5.52 crore it garnered by way of the vehicle tax during 2008-09.
-The TelegraphThursday, March 25, 2010
SoO meeting to decide on designated camp locations, and honorarium issue
The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAl, March 24: A meeting of signatories of the Suspension of
Operation, SoO, namely representatives of the Union and state
governments and Kuki militant groups under KNO and UPF will be
convened tomorrow morning around 10 am at 1st Manpur Rifles Banquet
Hall.
According to a higly placed official source the SoO meeting between
the government representatives and leaders of the Kuki militant groups
will chalk out the finalisation of approved designated camps as
proposed by various Kuki militants operating under the KNO and UPF.
The meeting will also discuss over the enhancement of the honorarium
provided to the cadres of the militants under SoO under the agreed
upon surrender policy of the Government of the India.
The source further mentioned that the meeting tomorrow will be
attended by Navin Verma, joint secretary North East, Ministry of Home
Affairs, Government of India, representing the Government of India,
chief secreatry Manipur DS Poonia and commissioner home V Vumlungmang
representing Government of Manipur and official representatives of the
Army, CRPF, Assam Rifles and BSF.
The source also said soon after the SoO meeting there will be an
official meeting of Strategic Operation Group (SOG) at the conference
of Old Secretariat Imphal around 3 pm which will be presided by the
chief secretary DS Poonia and attended by Central delegates and
official of the Army and paramilitary forces like AR, CRPF and BSF.
The meeting will review the state law and order situation in the state
the official source added.
Ten trafficked children intercepted by police at Sekmai
The Imphal Free Press
Newmai News Network
Imphal, Mar 24: It is apparent that there in no respite in child
trafficking in the state of Manipur as 10 more children including
three girls were being intercepted Wednesday morning by Sekmai police
while traveling in an inter-state bus heading for Guwahati.
All the children except one hailed from Churachandpur district, the
single child was from Mizoram, according to police.
It is worth mentioning that a press conference was held Tuesday in the
capital mainly to focus on the recent child trafficking cases from the
state organized by Impulse, NGO network. It may be recalled that 25
children were reportedly trafficked in June last and 54 boys in
January 2010 from Manipur, were trafficked to Karnataka and Tamil
Nadu, by some religious institutions in the pretext of providing them
good education.
Meanwhile, the ten trafficked children have been handed over to the
Child Line of Social Welfare department-Manipur, informed the Sekmai
police.
According to police, the incident came to light when they were
performing their normal duty of checking the inter-state buses.
They came across the ten children who were traveling themselves with
proper tickets for Guwahati. They suspected the children of being
trafficked and detained at Sekmai police station, added the police
source.
The police informed that when the children were being questioned, they
revealed that they were all above 18 years of age.
However, they all seemed to be minors and apparently they were being
trained to travel alone by the traffickers, added the police. Much
information could not be obtained as the children could hardly speak
Manipuri, according to police.
Meanwhile, G. Sheitabati, director, social welfare while appreciating
the role of Sekmai police in foiling the attempt of the traffickers
stated that the effort of Child Line is fruitful.
She further stated that the Child Line, Manipur had notified the
public on January 25 this year, to report immediately to the Child
Line if they found any traffickers trafficking children from the state
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Pioneers to receive Gospel light in Ccpur district fondly remembered
From M Kaimuanthang
Lamka Mar 22: People of Churachandpur fondly remembered and paid homage to Thangkai Vaiphei and Lungpau Vaiphei who were the first to embrace Chritianity and through their act, begin the process of spreading the light of the world to the hitherto ignorant people.
The impressive and well attended functions in remembrance to the duo was held at Synod Hall located at IB Raod from 11 am and was attended by T Hangkhanpau MLA from the 60 A/C as well as T Manga Vaiphei MLA Henglep, both of whose fathers have been recorded as longest serving reverences and missionaries during their haydays.
The function was also attended by members from communities of different churches, denominations and people from all walks of life apart from retired pastors and elders many of whom knew the two personally.
T Hangkhanpau while addressing the gatherings pointed out that he has been blessed due to his father's deeds while on this earth in serving God without any grudge or complaints inspite of immense hardships of everyday life in poverty.
He paid respect to the two pioneers while continuing to say that it is the light of civilisation that they have spreaded to humankind.
He later presented a special gift to the families of Thangkai and Lungpau with steel almirah and mementos worth around Rs 35,000 while presenting a red blanket to the villages chiefs of Maite and Phaipheng from where the duo hails from.
In todays functions five representatives of Vaiphei Church denomination and 21 Vaiphei retired pastors were also present and were presented with a red blanket each .
He also helped the Vaiphei Peoples Council, VPC, with Rs 20,000.
It may be mentioned that Thangkai was born in the year 1881 and after working as a missionary, died in the year 1969 while Lungpau was born in the year 1882.
He committed his adult life to the cause of Christian enlightenment the he breathed his last in 1984.
It may be noted Christianity first made a mark in Manipur through the pioneering works of missionary William Pettigrew in Ukhrul district.(IFP)
RBI seeks banking services in all villages by March 2012
| BANGALORE, March 22: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday asked banks to draw a roadmap to provide financial services to all villages with a population of over 2,000 by March 2012. "The lead bank in each district has been asked to draw a roadmap by this month for ensuring that all villages with a population of over 2,000 will have access to financial services through a banking outlet, not necessarily a bank branch, by March 2012," RBI Governor D Subbarao said here. IANS Air Supply coming to Shillong |
SHILLONG, March 22: International rock band Air Supply will perform in Shillong on May 14 as part of its India tour apart from live performances in New Delhi and Bangalore. |
Mizoram to set up more technical institutes
AIZAWL, March 22 (IANS): The Mizoram Government will soon set up four more polytechnic institutes and a National Institute of Technology (NIT) to provide technical education to the youth, State Education Minister Lalsawta said here on Monday.
"The polytechnic institutes and the NIT would be set up with financial assistance from the centre, which has already given its green signal in this regard," he told reporters.
There are currently two NITs in Northeast India, one at Tripura's capital Agartala and another at Silchar in southern Assam. At present, Mizoram has two polytechnic institutes - at Lunglei in southern Mizoram and in capital city Aizawl.
"A group of Singapore-based educationists and researchers is planning to set up a private university called the Rajiv Gandhi University in Mizoram which will greatly boost education in the State," Lalsawta said.
According to the minister, the Mizoram government is keen to make the bordering state an education hub of northeast India. "To make the plan successful, we expect generous help from both the centre and the private institutions," he stated.
In the last census, in 2001, Mizoram had already attained literacy of 88.49 percent which is considered to be the second highest in India after Kerala.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Northeast Echoes
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| PATRICIA MUKHIM | ||
After Kerala, Mizoram is the state with the highest literacy rate. Surprisingly, the state does not have any English daily newspaper. Earlier there was a sort of broadsheet called Newslink, which has now gone kaput. The reason they say was lack of readership. Mizoram is a fairly homogenous society where people speak the same language. With due respect to the Mizos, there are observers who term them as insular. Mizos can easily exclude outsiders out of their conversation without batting an eyelid. Those of us who have lived in boarding schools and grown up with Mizo friends would know what I am talking about. Love for one's language and culture is never a discredit. But an inordinate obsession for that culture to the exclusion of others may not be such a good idea in a world whose borders are shrinking. Moreover, a healthy exchange of ideas is the only way to progress. While the Mizos may not feel any great loss about the absence of a newspaper in the English language because they can all read the local language newspapers, it is the rest of the world that wants to understand Mizoram, to know what Mizos think, to understand their world view and to learn something about their cultural moorings. A study of people and societies has always engaged sociologists and anthropologists across the universe. But from what one has been able to gather, very little has been written about the Mizos by non-Mizos. We might say this is good but such writings cannot be as objective as when our histories and cultures are written about by people outside of our societies. A glance at the national and regional newspapers is enough to tell us that not much goes out of Mizoram for others to read. While news agencies like PTI and UNI do have correspondents in Mizoram, they report on politics and other news stories. But this is not how a society interfaces with others. Every society produces writers who interpret the society to others and to themselves. Granted that most tribal societies are very possessive about their cultures and wish to project the best to the world, the truth is that only those societies with the courage for self-introspection can progress on a positive trajectory. The more we insulate ourselves from others the more likely we are to develop institutions that are oppressive and regressive. Let us look at the Young Mizo Association (YMA) which is viewed by every Mizo as the hallmark of everything good and noble because of the social responsibilities that the organisation takes upon itself. But does any Mizo dare to critique the YMA? I am afraid not. So we have a sort of oligarchy here too as we have in other tribal societies. If the Nagas, Khasis and Garos have traditional institutions that are exclusive and parochial, for the Mizos, the YMA represents that exclusivity and parochialism. Is the average Mizo happy about the way their society is regulated? Maybe, some are, but many aren't. The question is whether those who are unhappy with the way in which their personal lives are regulated by social diktats can voice their dissent without consequences. At this point it is difficult even for educated Mizos not to tread the path chalked out by such social institutions. Coming to the media and how Mizos interface among themselves, one learnt from conversation with Mizo friends that the electronic media is very vibrant in Mizoram. Television audiences send text messages and regular feedback to the respective news channels. They lambast the government and point out acts of corruption happening in districts, blocks and villages. This informs us that Mizo society is actively engaged in the modern political and democratic processes and they understand the power of the media. But what about the social sanctions? What is the position of a Mizo woman? In the light of the 33 per cent reservation of seats for women in state Assembles and Parliament, how prepared is the Mizo woman to come out and claim her rights? It is not easy for women who have grown up in the lap of patriarchy to suddenly leave those moorings behind and take to politics like a fish takes to water. However, that will eventually have to happen. The point is whether Mizo women want political empowerment. The reason one poses this question is because one hears so little about what Mizo women think. But why only Mizo women? It is difficult to get anyone from Mizoram to speak at seminars and workshops outside their own state. It would be safe to assume therefore that there is also a certain amount of academic insularity apart from social and political padding. Mizo women are enterprising business promoters. In some parts of Shillong they run roaring businesses selling stuff that come across the Myanmar border. They bring most of the products all the way from Mizoram. This requires no mean skill, plus grit and sweat. If they can do all that, what makes us think they will not venture into politics? The point is they need to make a start somewhere. They need to grab the moment. Mizo women need to start now. There are many attributes that Mizo society can be proud of. Of all the tribes they are the most hardworking people. They have come out on top in most careers. There are some outstanding scholars and academicians who can hold their own in any national or international gathering. Mizo society has produced a number of civil servants both from the administrative and allied services. There are no dearth of doctors, engineers and IT professionals. In terms of commerce, the Mizos show good transactional skills. Recently, Mizoram got into the Guinness World Records for their cheraw dance where 10,376 dancers performed with such joy and pride. Yet there is something very restrictive and regulatory about life in Mizoram. The church has an almost claustrophobic hold over people's lives. Drug addiction and alcoholism in a state declared officially dry and highly religious are ambivalence that is difficult to reconcile. Not that drug addiction is endemic to Mizoram. It is a problem that besets all of the Northeast. But while other societies attribute drug addiction to the unresolved traumas of adolescence, the Mizos are ruthless in dealing with drug addicts. The society is almost unforgiving with them. Drug addiction is seen through the prism of a moral paradigm only when actually it is an illness that afflicts the psyche. It requires sensitive handling, not societal reprimands. There are vigilante groups in Mizoram which have taken it upon themselves to be moral policemen. Such action is undemocratic. Mizos do not generally welcome anything written about their societal aberrations in a language that others can understand. They believe in internal regulations and external cocooning. An English language media would pry into societal affairs, which would reach out to a larger audience. Already there are enterprising young Mizos engaged in media and communications work based in the national capital. They want to penetrate the bamboo curtain in their home state. Will they succeed? This is a million-dollar question. But the Mizo people have to learn to reach out and to appreciate that progress comes when cultures intermingle. Nothing about human behaviour is pristine. And culture is nothing but learned human behaviour over a period of history. This little known state needs to be known and studied by its neighbours and by the world. (The writer can be contacted at patricia17@rediffmail.com) The Telegraph |
Sunday, March 21, 2010
ADC election in two phases likely in May
Lukhoi Wangkhem
Imphal, March 20: The elections to the Autonomous (Hills) District Councils which would come up after around 20 years of gap is all set to conduct in two phases. Polling is expected on May 3 and 10 of this year.
Official source said that the state election commission is on hectic efforts to publish the final electoral roll of the ADC on April 27. The commission has put up the proposal with regard to the schedule of the election to the state government seeking clearance on the same.
There is a tentative understanding on the election schedule in a consultation meeting with top officials concern of the state government which state DGP, Y Joykumar also attended, the source said.
The decision so far taken to conduct the election in two phases was taken considering DGP's observation on the security point of view. Police department may face manpower shortage if the election is held in one phase, the DGP opined, the source said.
Elections to the ADCs of Senapati, Sadar Hills and Chandel are likely to be included in the first phase elections while, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Churachandpur is the second phase for the time being.
A tentative electoral roll has been published earlier compared to the list of the electoral published before the Lok Sabha elections, the latest elections held in the state. Rectification and inclusion of new electoral roll is in hectic effort at the DCs and SDOs levels, the source said adding that the same is targeting to complete within the current month.
The elections is to be held to elect 144 members of six ADCs- Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel, Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Sadar Hill (Kangpokpi) ADCs with 28 members in each ADC. DCs concerns had started preparation for the smooth conduct of the elections, the source maintained.
It is worth mentioning that electioneering of the ADC elections had already started at various levels. Political parties like the Congress have already started election campaign.
Hueiyen News Service
54 pc of school students use tobacco in Mizoram
AIZAWL, MAR 20 (PTI): At least 54 per cent of high school students in Mizoram are using tobacco products, officials of the Mizoram State Tobacco Control Society said here today. A study conducted among 2,295 students between class eight and ten reveals that 23 per cent of these students
smoke cigarettes while the remaining 31 per cent use tobacco in
other forms, the society officials said.
"Many school teachers are found to be smoking not only in public, but inside the school campus," the officials said, adding that the practice not only encourages students to use
tobacco but also places them at the risk of having cancer through passive smoke.
The section of the Control of Tobacco Products Act (COPTA), which prohibits smoking in workplaces, bans sale of tobacco products to minors and within 100 yards of educational institutions, is yet to be formally enforced in the state, the officials lamented.
According to the latest National Family Health Survey, 83 per cent of male population in Mizoram use tobacco while 60.8 per cent of the female population uses tobacco products
making the state India s number one in tobacco consumption.
3G mobile telephone service launched in Manipur
IMPHAL, March 20: The chief general manager, NE- II telecom circle, Rajan Sanyal claimed that irregular power supply system is the main reason behind inefficient mobile service of the BSNL in the state.
The BSNL CGM said this during launch function of 3G mobile service in the state today.
The much awaited 3G service of the BSNL was today officially launched in Imphal by Rajan Sanyal, today at the BSNL Bhawan, Babupara.
Manipur SSA, DGM, J. Lunkim, CMTD Manipur, RMM Khrisna, A.K Basumata, AGM (CM-Plg), NE-II circle, Saurabh Gupta, GM (CM), NE-II circle, LM Sanwal, GM (ETR), Rajiv Soni, chief Engineer Electrical, North East, officials of the BSNL Manipur and Franchisee of BSNL were present during the launched of the service.
While briefing media persons after the launch programme, Rajan Sanyal, revealed that the launched service in Imphal was the fifth launch for the NE-II, circle adding that in the first phase in Impha city the service will cover only areas around Porompat, Lamlong Bazar, Chingmeirong, Koirengei, Thangmeiband, Lamphel Exchange, Tera Bazasr, Langjing, Kwakeithel, Singjamei bazaar, Manipur University, Kongba Bazar etc and the service will further be extended to other district like Imphal east and West district, Thoubal, Senapati, Bishnupur, Churachandpur etc within 3 to 4 months, he said.
The 3G service will be power by altogether 32 towers in Imphal.
The CGM further revealed that besides this service they are hoping to introduced other medium of service like the Wi-Max service only for rural areas very shortly in areas like Churachandpur, Kakching, Thoubal, Kangpokpi as a first phase and asserted that another target was to expand land line broad band service (high speed) at concession rate for the entire state.
According to him the Wi-Max will play an important role in bringing a radical change in rural developmental programme as it would be widely used in government institutions like schools, colleges and also useful in e-governing system and added that digital divide between rural and urban areas will be breached with this introduction of these services.
However he maintained that the BSNL was not fully satisfied with the current progress as they are facing lots of shortcomings in the state and claimed that mostly power is the problems.
The BSNL is looking forward to equip itself with more appropriate ways to ensure a 24 hour service to the customers but maintained that the situation of power must improved or else they will be left with no choice but to provide with only the basic services.
He also appeal to all the BSNL customers to pay their outstanding bills at the earliest and to facilitate this the BSNL would introduce a system of due clearance by easy installment systems.
While responding to queries raised during the press meet, Ranjan Sanyal revealed that the BSNL is earning a good revenue at Moreh, border town and planning to increase facilities at the town.
While presenting a Power Points of 3G tariff, Arjun Singh, informed that prepaid customers can migrate their existing 2G to 3G service for free, activation of new 3G USIM can be done with rupees 179.
Postpaid customers have to fill a subscriber form.
The tariff would be 70 paise per minute for local video call and Rs. 1 for STD video call.
Besides video call, video conferencing, video/picture/songs, downloading, high speed internet access, live TV channel access, games and entertaiment are facilities are provided with the service, he said.(IFP)
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Mizoram CM presents state annual budget
AIZAWL, , MAR 19 (AGENCIES): Mizoram Chief Minister today presented the annual budget for 2010-2011 amounting to Rs 3577.92 crore with an estimated deficit of Rs 26.3 crore. Lal Thanhawla, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented the full budget even though the Planning Commission
is yet to finalise the state annual plan for 2010-11.
The current fiscal was started with an interim budget in March 2009 and a regular budget was presented only in October.
Lal Thanhawla said the delay in presenting the regular budget had resulted in the delay in utilisation of funds. ''The recommendation of the Public Expenditure Review Committee for spreading of expenditure uniformly throughout the year has not been possible and a bulge in the expenditure in the last part of the year could not be avoided.'' Lal Thanhawla said in his budgetary speech.
''Due to such disadvantages, I have taken the option for going for a regular budget even before finalising the annual plan. We would start with the annual plan size of Rs 1250 crore, and any increase in the annual plan size would be considered in the course of the year,'' he explained in his budgetary speech.
The break-up of the 2010-2011 budget is Rs 2,134.66 crore under non-plan, Rs 1,250 crore under plan and Rs 193.26 crore under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes(CSS).
Lal Thanhawla said the New Land Use Policy (NLUP), the flagship programme of the Congress government in the state, would continue to be given the highest priority.
''The scheme aims at a complete change over from unsustainable shifting cultivation to permanent farming with the aim of solving the problems of food scarcity to sustainable livelihood,'' he said.
The outline of implementation and corresponding allocation of funds would be worked out in due course, the minister added.
2 youths drown in Tlawng river
Two youths of Aizawl's Ramhlun Venglai locality today drowned in Tlawng river near here while washing blankets.
Police said while the victims, C Lalruatfela(27) and Lalfakawma(21), waded deeper into the river to wash blankets, they lost balance and drowned around 1230 hrs.
The victims were active members of the Ramhlun Venglai KTP (youth department of Presbyterian Church) engaged in waged laundry service of the residents of the locality, Sairang police said.
Search operation was immediately carried out by Sairang police along with locals and the other members of the KTP, Sairang police said.
Their bodies were recovered shortly from few-metre distance away from the point they drowned, Sairang police added.
ONGC finds crude in Golaghat, Sivasagar | |
Jorhat, March 19: The Oil and Natural Gas Corp Ltd (ONGC) has discovered oil fields in Golaghat and Sivasagar districts of Assam recently and is keen to resume operations in Nagaland, which has a vast reserve of oil and gas. This was disclosed by A.K. Balyan, the director (human resources) of ONGC at a news conference held at the state-owned company's Assam & Assam Arakan Basin headquarters at Cinnamara in Jorhat district today. Balyan said production had already started at the recently discovered Kasomarigaon oil filed in Golaghat district while it would start very soon at the North Geleki area in Sivasagar district. "Besides these two discoveries in Assam, a new gas pool has been discovered at Sundalbari in Tripura, which will contribute to the proposed Tripura power project of the ONGC," he added. The Assam & Assam Arakan Basin unit of ONGC looks after the company's exploration activities in the seven states of the Northeast. Its exploration activities in Nagaland, however, had to be stopped about 15 years ago because of "local problems" in the neighbouring state. "ONGC is keen to resume its activities in Nagaland but lack of a transparent system in that state has prevented us from doing so," Balyan said. The senior ONGC official, who is also in charge of the company's business development in the region, said Nagaland had got a huge reserve of oil and gas and the company would be happy to resume its activities in that state for the greater interest of the nation. ONGC had to pack off from Nagaland in 1994 because of threats from militant organisations, especially from the NSCN (Isak-Muivah). The company, official sources said, had invested more than Rs 100 crore in infrastructure and machineries in the state before pulling out. Balyan said the company's drilling performance in the Assam & Assam Arakan Basin had increased from 15 wells in 2008-09 to 24 wells by the end of February 2010 and was expected to complete 29-30 wells in the current fiscal. "Five leads to presence of new wells have already been obtained from various fields in Assam and some more are waiting to be added following testing shortly," he added. He said the basin had fared well on all fronts in oil and natural gas exploration. "This year also, the basin is expecting to add up a significant quantity of hydrocarbon accumulation," he added. The official said the Navaratna public sector unit was supplying cooking gas to Assam towns through the Assam Gas Company Limited. "At present, around 30,000 standard cubic metre of natural gas is being supplied per day from the fields of south Assam shelf and if the market of gas in towns like Jorhat, Uriamghat, Golaghat and Sarupathar expand, there is a potential of enhancing the rate of supply," he said. Regarding the ONGC's corporate social commitments towards the region, Balyan said its Assam & Assam Arakan Basin unit had contributed extensively to the socio-economic development of the community in and around the oil field areas there. "In this fiscal alone, the A&AA Basin has contributed Rs 1.8 crore." Balyan said the ONGC had also drawn up a project to preserve the ancient monuments of Ahom kings. (The Telegraph) |
Friday, March 19, 2010
Meghalaya police officer joins militant group
SHILLONG, March 18: A Deputy Superintendent of Police in Meghalaya has gone missing and has allegedly joined the militant Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA), a police official said. Champion R Sangma was posted as assistant commandant of 2nd Meghalaya Police battalion at Goeragre in the State's West Garo Hills district when he went missing.
"We have served notice to him for being absent from duty for a very long time. His salary has been stopped," Director General of Police SB Kakati told IANS.
"We are making inquiries about Champion. We are hearing (he has joined a militant outfit) and waiting for the report," Kakati added.
A senior Garo rebel leader claimed that Champion was now "commander-in-chief" of GNLA, whose cadres are deserters, mostly from the Achik National Volunteers Council (ANVC) and Liberation of Achik Elite Force (LAEF). The GNLA is under the police scanner for serving extortion notes, ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 1 crore, to petrol pump owners, coal dealers and businessmen in the coal-rich districts of Garo Hills. (IANS)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Chilli bomb to combat rebels - Bhoot jolokia handed over to troops
 |
| Hot commodity |
Guwahati, March 17: Defence forces will soon use grenades of bhoot jolokia (the hottest chilli in the world) to disperse rioters.
Its research, development and trial complete, the chilli grenade has been handed over to the defence forces, R.B. Srivastava, the director of the life science department of the Delhi-based Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), said today.
"Demands for these grenades will be placed by various forces as per requirement," he said over phone from Tezpur.
The scientist, a former director of the Defence Research Laboratory in Tezpur who is based in Delhi at present, is at the garrison town to attend a conference at the DRL, which is a unit of the DRDO. It was under him that research on bhoot jolokia grenades had started at the laboratory. The Telegraph had first reported about the unique grenades when the research had started at the DRL.
DRL scientists said non-lethal grenade could be used by security forces to disperse unruly protesters and rioters and would be very handy in the fight against insurgency.
"We are sure that very soon there will be a global demand for these unique grenades. Non-lethal weapons like the chilli grenades would be very handy in low-intensity wars," Srivastava said. The DRDO is working on several projects to help troops in low intensity wars, mainly in the militant-infested Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast, he added.
Not only in grenades, the bhoot jolokia, which is found in Assam and Nagaland, can also be used as a food supplement for soldiers deployed in cold weather conditions to raise body temperatures, DRL scientists said.
The bhoot jolokia generates about 1,000,000 heat units on the Scoville scale, which is at least a thousand times hotter than a common kitchen chilli. The Scoville scale was named after American scientist Wilbur Scoville, the first to measure the heat component in chillies.
Speaking at the conference later, DRL director Lokendra Singh said the laboratory had initiated several steps for defence against "agro-bio terrorism" to provide physical and scientific security to the rich flora and fauna of the northeastern region.
Lt Gen. Gyan Bhushan, the GOC of 4 Corps, complimented DRL scientists for their yeoman service. He said there are two important aspects of the armed forces — the army marches on its belly and it must always remain medically fit — and the DRL projects have taken care of both.
He said the DRL has carried out many innovations keeping in view the logistics problems faced by the armed forces while serving in the remote, hilly and inhospitable areas of the region. Green vegetables are being raised and harvested in the five green houses set up in Arunachal Pradesh with the assistance of the DRL, he added.
Fresh commodities are necessary for physical fitness and mental ability of the troops but they are in short supply at high altitude stations.
The TelegraphHeadmaster sells out aided school in Ccpur village
Imphal, March 17: Chairman of Lhunthulian village Ralkapthuom in Churachandpur district alleged the headmaster of government aided school in the village had sold out the materials of the structures of the school after dismantling for meeting his own expenditure.
In an interaction with some reporters on March 14 last at the village located in the interior part of the district, the village chief, Ralkapthuom revealed that the headmaster Thanghongvel had dismantled the structures of the UJB School in the village run with the grant-in aid of the government during the month of January last.
The headmaster sold out the GI (Galvanized Iron) sheet of the school building at Rs 8500, woods use in the construction of the buildings at Rs 400 and the kitchen set constructed under the Mid-Day-Meal programme at Rs 2500.
The village authority had also lodged complaint with the DI and ZEO (Zonal Education Office) of the district in the first month of the current month, March, but no action so far taken up, Ralkapthuom said expressing doubt of hands of the DI and ZEO in the selling of the school buildings by the headmaster.
The headmaster, Thangkhongvel further donated the land of the school to a church. However, the construction of the church is yet to begin as objections came up when the matter was brought up in a meeting called by the village authority.
Meanwhile, it is said that classes in the school had not been conducted since last year session even though there were three teachers.
State gets Rs 2,600 cr for 2010-11 Planning Commission impressed on seeing developmental activities in
Manipur Information Centre
New Delhi, march 17: The Annual Plan for Manipur for the year 2010-11 was finalized at Rs 2,600 crores at a meeting held at Yojana Bhawan today between Planning Commission Deputy Chairman, Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri Okram Ibobi Singh. The outlay includes a Special Plan Assistance (SPA) of Rs 825 crores for the State's priority projects.
Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, complimented the State Government for accelerating pace of development and assured that fund constraint would not be allowed to hamper progress in development. He advised the Chief Minister to complete all the developmental projects timely. He said the Commission would ensure that there was no delay in the release of funds to the State.
Giving details of developmental activities in Manipur through power point presentation, the Chief Minister O Ibobi said that various developmental activities had been taken up in both hills and plains of the State despite many factors of insurgency in Manipur. He highlighted, among others, the constructions of JN Institute of Medical Sciences, Ima Market and Capital Complex in Imphal, Mini Secretariat Complex of Imphal East and Thoubal Districts, Multipurpose auditorium of MFDC, Transit Hostel Complex in Ukhrul and Ningsingkhul Bio-Diversity Park in Jiribam.
The Chief Minister stated that for the current year, the Planning Commission approved Plan size at Rs 2000 crores including Rs.610.50 crores of SPA. Expenditure upto the end of February 2010 was Rs 999.89 crores i.e. 85 percent against the actual release of funds amounting to Rs 1162.65 crores.
Stating that the State Government had set up a committee to mobilize additional resources, Chief Minister informed the Planning Commission that the motor vehicles rate and license fees for Arms had been increased; and collections from VAT, professional Tax, Electricity dues and forest royalty would increase substantially from 2010 onwards.
He pointed out the minimum requirement of Rs 550 crores for the ongoing SPA funded projects which included Rs 140 crores for Loktak Lake Conservation Project, Rs 228.08 crores for State Medical College JNIMS, Rs 100 crores for Capital Project, Rs.40 crores for Mini Secretariats in the districts and Rs 50 crores for projects in the power, education and health sectors. To address militancy related issues and unemployment among educated youths in Manipur, he proposed to take up Skill Development and capacity Building Programmes, assist Self Help Groups, vocational training programmes for rehabilitation of ex-militants, drug addicts and HIV positive persons and re-launch the revised Self Employment Guarantee Programme.
The Chief Minister also underlined for proving sufficient funds for District Councils of Manipur in the matters of election, infrastructure development and employment generation.
The State Government proposed minimum Plan size of Rs 2800 crores incuding Rs 800 crores SPA for Annual Plan 2010-11 for Manipur.
Manipur Chief Minister accompanied the Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board Bijoy Koijam, Works Minister K. Ranjit Singh, IFCD and YAS Minister N. Biren, TD Minister D.D. Thaisii in the meeting.
The spokesperson of SPF Government and IFCD Minister N. Biren stated the meeting of the Chief Minister with the Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission was very successful. The State of Manipur this year got the plan size having an increase of 30 percent against the previous plan size. The Planning Commission members were impressed on the various developmental activities taken place in Manipur. The Planning Commission members , on seeing through the power point presentation, also satisfied the actual progress of the revival of dying multipurpose projects of Khuga, Dolaithabi and Thoubal; and assured to the Manipur team for providing pending funds under AIBP for the projects.
The spokesperson said that the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues met the UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi yesterday at 4.30 pm and appraised the various developmental activities taken place in Manipur and the requirement of sufficient funds for development of the State. During the meeting, Sonia Gandhi instructed to her political Secretary Ahmed Patel for fulfilling the proposal of the State of Manipur.
Biren further stated that Chief Minister and his ministerial team met the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh this morning and submitted the proposal of State Government for providing sufficient fund for development of the State. The Prime Minister opined that considerable increase of Plan size would be possible. The Chief Minister also met the Home Minister P. Chidambaram at 4.30 pm today and appraised the improvement of law and order situation in Manipur.
New Delhi, march 17: The Annual Plan for Manipur for the year 2010-11 was finalized at Rs 2,600 crores at a meeting held at Yojana Bhawan today between Planning Commission Deputy Chairman, Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri Okram Ibobi Singh. The outlay includes a Special Plan Assistance (SPA) of Rs 825 crores for the State's priority projects.
Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, complimented the State Government for accelerating pace of development and assured that fund constraint would not be allowed to hamper progress in development. He advised the Chief Minister to complete all the developmental projects timely. He said the Commission would ensure that there was no delay in the release of funds to the State.
Giving details of developmental activities in Manipur through power point presentation, the Chief Minister O Ibobi said that various developmental activities had been taken up in both hills and plains of the State despite many factors of insurgency in Manipur. He highlighted, among others, the constructions of JN Institute of Medical Sciences, Ima Market and Capital Complex in Imphal, Mini Secretariat Complex of Imphal East and Thoubal Districts, Multipurpose auditorium of MFDC, Transit Hostel Complex in Ukhrul and Ningsingkhul Bio-Diversity Park in Jiribam.
The Chief Minister stated that for the current year, the Planning Commission approved Plan size at Rs 2000 crores including Rs.610.50 crores of SPA. Expenditure upto the end of February 2010 was Rs 999.89 crores i.e. 85 percent against the actual release of funds amounting to Rs 1162.65 crores.
Stating that the State Government had set up a committee to mobilize additional resources, Chief Minister informed the Planning Commission that the motor vehicles rate and license fees for Arms had been increased; and collections from VAT, professional Tax, Electricity dues and forest royalty would increase substantially from 2010 onwards.
He pointed out the minimum requirement of Rs 550 crores for the ongoing SPA funded projects which included Rs 140 crores for Loktak Lake Conservation Project, Rs 228.08 crores for State Medical College JNIMS, Rs 100 crores for Capital Project, Rs.40 crores for Mini Secretariats in the districts and Rs 50 crores for projects in the power, education and health sectors. To address militancy related issues and unemployment among educated youths in Manipur, he proposed to take up Skill Development and capacity Building Programmes, assist Self Help Groups, vocational training programmes for rehabilitation of ex-militants, drug addicts and HIV positive persons and re-launch the revised Self Employment Guarantee Programme.
The Chief Minister also underlined for proving sufficient funds for District Councils of Manipur in the matters of election, infrastructure development and employment generation.
The State Government proposed minimum Plan size of Rs 2800 crores incuding Rs 800 crores SPA for Annual Plan 2010-11 for Manipur.
Manipur Chief Minister accompanied the Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board Bijoy Koijam, Works Minister K. Ranjit Singh, IFCD and YAS Minister N. Biren, TD Minister D.D. Thaisii in the meeting.
The spokesperson of SPF Government and IFCD Minister N. Biren stated the meeting of the Chief Minister with the Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission was very successful. The State of Manipur this year got the plan size having an increase of 30 percent against the previous plan size. The Planning Commission members were impressed on the various developmental activities taken place in Manipur. The Planning Commission members , on seeing through the power point presentation, also satisfied the actual progress of the revival of dying multipurpose projects of Khuga, Dolaithabi and Thoubal; and assured to the Manipur team for providing pending funds under AIBP for the projects.
The spokesperson said that the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues met the UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi yesterday at 4.30 pm and appraised the various developmental activities taken place in Manipur and the requirement of sufficient funds for development of the State. During the meeting, Sonia Gandhi instructed to her political Secretary Ahmed Patel for fulfilling the proposal of the State of Manipur.
Biren further stated that Chief Minister and his ministerial team met the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh this morning and submitted the proposal of State Government for providing sufficient fund for development of the State. The Prime Minister opined that considerable increase of Plan size would be possible. The Chief Minister also met the Home Minister P. Chidambaram at 4.30 pm today and appraised the improvement of law and order situation in Manipur.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Manipuri student molested in Munirka
New Delhi, Mar 14 (PTI) A girl student from Manipur pursuing Hotel Management here has been allegedly molested by a man near a bus stop in South Delhi, police said today. The incident happened around 11.30 pm last night in Munirka when the woman had gone to the bus stop to pick up her sister, they said.
The 26-year-old victim, however, raised an alarm after 28-year-old accused Devender Singh allegedly committed the offence. Her friends came to the rescue and they chased the accused, caught him and took him to the police station, police said.
She alleged there was a delay in registration of case, but police denied the claim. The victim stays with her sister in a rented accommodation in the locality for the past six years.
The accused lives in the same area and is known to the victim, they said. A 19-year-old Naga girl was killed in last October in the same locality.
The recurrent attacks on the North-east students have spread panic among them, Northeast Support Centre, an organisation working for the causes of northeast students, said.
Another NE girl molested in Delhi
New Delhi, March 14: A North East girl was molested last night by a resident of Murnika, New Delhi. Accused was caught and handed over to local police station, a report of the NE Support Centre and Helpline, an NGO in the city said.
North East girls continue to face sexual harassment in Delhi and National capital.
Panic spread once again among young girls from NE in the wake of another molestation case last night at Munrika, the report said.
Murnika is the place where sexual harassment of NE girls is on a rise. Last year a 19-years-old Naga girl was murdered on October 25. The incident brought the attention from Delhi police, Delhi government to handle zero tolerance on the racial harassment face by North East communities.
According to the north East Support Centre & Helpline, the incident happened at around 12 midnight yesterday. Ms Sonia (name changed) 22-years-old belonging to Hrmar tribe of Manipur working in a private company, went to the local bus parking to pick her younger sister, returning from work.
She was molested by a man age around 28-years, who is known her.
When raied an alarm and her friends living nearby came forward to help her.
They caught the accused and handed him over to the Vasant Vihar police station, and gave verbal complaint. The Vansant Vihar police station this morning told North East Support Centre & Helpline that an FIR (First Information Report) No. 71/2010 was registered against the accused. North East Support Centre & Helpline (www.nehelpline.net) is combined initiative of various human rights activists, social workers, students, journalists and lawyers, a branch of All India Christian Council seeking to prevent harassment and abuses meted out to women, North East people and tribal communities of different states.(IFP)
NE girl molested in Delhi
DIMAPUR, MAR 14 (EMN): Crimes against women in the country's capital continue to haunt women from the North East as yet again a 22-year-old woman from Manipur was reportedly molested near Munirka bus stop in south Delhi.
According to information provided by North East Support Centre, a help centre for the youth of northeast living in Delhi and NCR, the victim belonging to Hmar tribe and hailing from Manipur, lives with her sister in Munirka, South Delhi.
The incident occurred late Saturday night when the victim was onway to pick up her sister, who was returning back from work, from Munirka bus stop.
The victim raised alarm by shouting and managed to draw the attention of her friends and passer-bys. The public apprehended the molester and handed him over to Vasant Vihar police station.
The accused is a 28-year old man, aged around 28-years old, who is known to the victim.
Both the sisters have been living in a rented apartment in Munirka from last six years, he said.
Spokesperson of North East Support Centre & Helpline, Madhu Chandra informed that panic has spread once again among northeastern girls following the incident.
Several cases of molestation have been reported from Munirka in past few months.
Munirka has time featured in news for cases of sexual harassment and in October 25, 2009, a 19-year-old girl from Nagaland was murdered in the same area.
Following the murder of the Naga girl last year, the Prime Minister, Home Minister and also the Chief Minister of Delhi assured security to northeasterners. Delhi government also announced zero tolerance towards the racial harassment meted out to North East communities in the capital.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Mizoram church threatens to excommunicate homosexuals
14 Mar, TNN[ Sangzuala Hmar ]
AIZAWL: While the Indian state has remarkably softened its stand on gays, the church in Mizoram has kicked off a controversy by threatening to act against homosexuality.
On Saturday, the Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) said it would take ''strong punitive action'', including excommunication, against homosexuals in the flock.
The highest assembly of the BCM, the second most powerful Church body in Mizoram after the Presbyterian Church, has effectively ruled that homosexuality should be outlawed, Church leaders said here. Over 900 Baptist Church leaders attended the meeting held at BCM Bazaar Church at Lawngtlai in south Mizoram, about 300 km from Aizwal.
The meeting was chaired by Rev. C Rothuama.
According to the BCM guidelines, same-sex relationships, abortions and birth control are strictly prohibited in Mizoram. The BCM, however, is not against medical termination of pregnancy when the life of a woman is in danger.
The controversy surrounding the Church and homosexuality had begun in Mizoram in July last year after Delhi high court struck down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalized consensual gay sex among adults.
The court had then observed that the section violated fundamental rights of life and liberty and the right to equality as enshrined in the Constitution.
Immediately after the order, Mizo Church leaders came out in opposition. An umbrella Church organization of the state, the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC), appealed to Union law and justice to look uphold Section 377
AIZAWL: While the Indian state has remarkably softened its stand on gays, the church in Mizoram has kicked off a controversy by threatening to act against homosexuality.
On Saturday, the Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) said it would take ''strong punitive action'', including excommunication, against homosexuals in the flock.
The highest assembly of the BCM, the second most powerful Church body in Mizoram after the Presbyterian Church, has effectively ruled that homosexuality should be outlawed, Church leaders said here. Over 900 Baptist Church leaders attended the meeting held at BCM Bazaar Church at Lawngtlai in south Mizoram, about 300 km from Aizwal.
The meeting was chaired by Rev. C Rothuama.
According to the BCM guidelines, same-sex relationships, abortions and birth control are strictly prohibited in Mizoram. The BCM, however, is not against medical termination of pregnancy when the life of a woman is in danger.
The controversy surrounding the Church and homosexuality had begun in Mizoram in July last year after Delhi high court struck down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalized consensual gay sex among adults.
The court had then observed that the section violated fundamental rights of life and liberty and the right to equality as enshrined in the Constitution.
Immediately after the order, Mizo Church leaders came out in opposition. An umbrella Church organization of the state, the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC), appealed to Union law and justice to look uphold Section 377
5.6 magnitude quake hits NE |
SHILLONG, March 13: A 5.6 magnitude earthquake rocked Meghalaya on Saturday morning, triggering panic among residents. No casualties have been reported. According to the Regional Seismological Centre here, the tremor was felt at 4.50 am in most parts of Meghalaya. Seven north-eastern states are considered by seismologists to be the sixth most earthquake-prone belt in the world. IANS |
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Mizoram creates history for World’s Largest Bamboo Dance
Mizo dancers take part in the World's Largest Bamboo Dance show at Aizawl's Lammual field on March 12, 2010. Pic: DIPR
Aizawl, March 12, 2010: Mizoram enters the Guinness Book of Records today for organizing the World Largest Bamboo Dance show here in the state capital.
Altogether, 10,736 dancers from across the state participated in the event held at Lammual field. Dancers lined up from Chanmari to Sikulpuikawn during the 8-minute mega show.
Guinness Book of Records adjudicator Lucia Sinigagliesi who flew in all the way from London handed the certificate recognizing the event to Mizoram Art & Culture Minister Pu P.C. Zoram Sangliana on the spot.
According to official release, all the dancers coming to Aizawl from rural areas will be given an award tomorrow morning while those from Aizawl will get their prizes on March 15.
Mizoram Governor Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) M.M. Lakhera while lauding the efforts of the government and organizing officials said that March 12 has become another landmark for the state.
Photos by Mawia Chongthu
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- Mizo dancers take part in the World's Largest Bamboo Dance show at Aizawl's Lammual field on March 12, 2010. Pic: DIPR
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