Bhutan to export oranges to Bangladesh

SHILLONG, Jan 29 – Bhutan will export oranges to Bangladesh through Dawki land customs station in Meghalaya, official sources said.

Following a nod from New Delhi, a delegation from Bhutan comprising members from Bhutan Chamber of Commerce, Bhutan Import and Export Association, Bhutan-Indo Friendship Association and other officials arrived at Dawki recently to complete the formalities.

Official sources said export would begin on an experimental basis and then would expand it to other items like ginger.

The first consignment of oranges from eastern Bhutan is expected to arrive in a day or two and would be received by the Secretary of Trade of the Royal Bhutan Embassy in Bangladesh at Dawki.

So far, Bhutan has been depending on West Bengal to export oranges to Bangladesh. – PTI

Republic Day celebrated in Sikkim

Correspondent
GANGTOK, Jan 29 – Governor of Sikkim, Balmiki Prasad Singh, said that the people of India gave unto themselves a democratic Constitution which enshrines the principle of governance by the people. The Constitution articulates the hopes and aspirations of the people. The principles of justice, liberty and equality that have been enshrined inthe Constitution have been the bedrock of the nation’s stability and progress, he said.

Amidst the tune of National Anthem, the Republic Day celebration began with the unfurling of the national flag by the Governor and presentation of guard of honour bySikkim police and Army contingents. The Governor also reviewed the parade by the contingents of ITBP, SSB, SAP, IRBn, Sikkim Police, Home Guards, ITBP Commando, Army band and Sikkim police band.

In the process of Constitutional democracy, he said that Sikkim has not lagged behind. Harmony among all sections of society prevails. The peace environment and a low crime rate have made the State an oasis of peace and tranquility. The Government is working on building a nature based economy and knowledge driven society inSikkim.

CM for strengthening Panchayati Raj

CORRESPONDENT
NALBARI, Jan 29 – Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has stressed the need for strengthening the Panchayati Raj System only to improve the socio-economic condition in the rural areas.

Speaking in a district-level panchayat convention organised by the Nalbari district Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Sanghathan at Nalbari Natya Mandir on Thursday, Gogoi said that the Congress-led State Government has given top most priority to address the problems faced by the rural people such as poverty, unemployment, health, better connectivity among others.

Gogoi further added that the State Government has already directed the officers, ministers and MLAs to visit the rural areas to take stock of the problems facing by the rural folks. He said that the Congress Government wants to retain power only on the basis of the work done for rural people.

The Chief Minister, alleged that the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) did no work for the rural people. “If the AGP is allowed to come back to power, it will be against development,” Gogoi said.

Addressing the meeting, Revenue Minister Dr Bhumidhar Barman said that the State Government has developed all the rural roads for better connectivity. The State secretary of the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Sangathan Amal Narayan Patowary, who organised the convention inviting about 50 panchayat workers, read out the welcome address.

Earlier, the Chief Minister formally inaugurated the two-day Kishan Mela at Gurdon HS School playground organised by the district agriculture office under the Rasthtriya Krishi Vikash Yojana scheme.

Inaugurating the Kishan Mela, Gogoi said that the State Government has given topmost priority to the modernisation of the agriculture sector in the State. He said that the State’s farmers are gradually getting interested in mechanisation. “The welfare of the farming community will lead to improvement of the rural economy,” the ChiefMinister added.

In the inaugural meeting, Revenue Minister Dr Bhumidhar Barman was also present. The kishan mela was organised for the exhibition and sale of agro-based products produced by the Nalbari farmers.

At the kishan mela, a seminar on rice seeds selection was also held. The seminar, conducted by DAO Md Abu Saleh Nasser, was addressed by Dr Hemendra Bhattacharya, chief scientist of Regional Rice Research Centre, Gossaigaon. Dr Ramani Thakuria and Dr Manoranjan Neog of Nalbari KVK were also present as resource persons.

State Govt employees to get 3 pc increment

Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Jan 29 – Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today took a decision favouring annual increment to the State Government employees at the rate of three per cent of their basic pay with retrospective effect, rejecting the concept of one per cent performance-based annual increment recommended by the State Pay Commission, 2008. The Commission had recommended a general annual increment of two per cent to all the employees, keeping a provision for another increment of one per cent to be based on their performance.

But there was vehement opposition from the employees to this provision of performance-based increment and their organizations demanded that the annual increment should be fixed at three per cent of the basic pay. They argued that the yardstick of performance would divide the employees and would thus affect the overall performance of the Government.

According to an official press release here, the Chief Minister today said that the revised pay for the employees would be fixed notionally with effect from January 1, 2006.

The Chief Minister further decided that the house rent allowance will be given at the rate of 15 per cent of the basic pay in Guwahati city, 12 per cent in district and sub-divisional headquarters and 10 per cent in all other places of the State, irrespective of the employees living in rented houses or in their own houses.

The Chief Minister has also enhanced the fixed pay of the casual and ad-hoc employees from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,500 per month. He directed the Finance Department to take expeditious steps for preparing the Revised Order of Pay (ROP) and other necessary Government orders accordingly, said the press release.

The Sadou Asam Karmachari Parishad (SAKP) has hailed the above decisions of the Chief Minister as positive developments. These decisions have been taken in accordance with the decisions of the bi-partite meeting of the SAKP with the Chief Secretary of the State on January 19, said the SAKP in a press release here.

The SAKP thanked the Chief Minister for his initiatives to resolve the issues concerning the revision of pay scales of the employees through negotiation and expressed the hope that the anomalies committee set up to remove the anomalies in introducing the revised pay scales of the employees, would be able to perform its assigned jobs within a short time.

However, the speedy implementation of the revised scales of pay depends on the urgent steps to remove the technical problems faced in preparing the ROP, it said.

Lumding AGP leaders submit memo to NF Railway GM

Correspondent

LUMDING, Jan 22 – Sib Kumar, General Manager, NF Railway, arrived here recently for routine inspection at Lumding and other areas under this division. The Lumding unit of AGP, led by Kishore Sharma along with Prasenjit Bardhan, Debangshu Chaudhury, Shekar Gope and Sanjoy Seel, submitted a memorandum to the GM, stating the grievances of the people of the locality against the Railway authority.

The memorandum mentioned the inconvenience faced by the passengers due to the location of the ticket-counter situated in a corner on the outskirts of the station. The passengers from south and west Lumding face much trouble as they have to cross railway tracks, etc, to purchase tickets.

Moreover, the issue of advance tickets for Guwahati, Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, etc has been stopped, causing invoncenience to senior citizens, disabled persons, women, etc.

Further, the memorandum stated that there is necessity of a flyover near the Railway crossing gate and Netaji Road, Lumding for the convenience of the people. It also demanded a good number of security personnel in the Railway station of Lumding for the security of the passengers. As there is no anasthesist in the Railway Hospital, AGP leaders of Lumding demanded immediate posting of an anaesthesist in the Railway hospital. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Rs 1,000 cr earmarked for roads in Arunachal

Correspondent

ITANAGAR, Jan 22 – Union Minister of State for Defence MM Pallam Raju has said that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which is entrusted with construction work of roads in Arunachal, has been earmarked a sum of Rs 1,000 crore, accounting for 22 per cent of the State’s total budget, for roads construction in the State.

The Union Minister, who was on a two-day visit to the State to oversee the progress of road construction in the border State, told media here on Wednesday that the BRO has set a target of constructing 5,061 kms of roads in Arunachal Pradesh and at present, 2,764 km of roads are in various stages of construction in the State.

Raju, who earlier chaired the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB) meeting, convened for the first time in Itanagar, with a view to expedite the ongoing border road projects in the State and the country as a whole, cited various impediments coming in BRO’s way like lack of manpower, equipment, allotment of land, clearance from Ministry of Forests and Environment.

“The BRO is faced with the major challenges like lack of manpower and airlifting of men, machines and materials to the hilly interiors and border areas. The other impediments like Forest and Wildlife clearances, which are pending with Ministry of Forest and Environment (MoEF) also created roadblock for the construction agency. Though there has been some headway in the meeting between BRO and the officials of MoEF. Forty cases have been disposed of but nine cases are still pending in the State,” he added.

On a query about the Centre’s effort to tackle militant activities along the Indo-Myanmar border in Changlang district, he said the Central Government was not in favour of sealing the borders with Myanmar despite being aware of the fact that creating a physical boundary could hinder people of two neighbouring countries.

The Union Minister, however, ducked a query on opening of the historic Stilwell Road that could bolster the prospect of border trade between India and Myanmar. “I am not aware of any move from the Centre to open the Stilwell Road,” he simply said.

BRDB Secretary Dr Subhash Sharma said that 29 road projects in the State have been taken up by the BRO. “We are focusing on completing the road projects by the year 2012,” he said. ASSAM TRIBUNE

NE security

NE security

Though the level of violence in most of the States of the north eastern region in recent months, the Centre and the concerned State governments must keep a close watch on the situation and efforts should continue for finding permanent solution to the problem of militancy. It has been established following decades of counter-insurgency operations that the operations can only bring down the level of violence and political dialogue is the best way to find permanent solution to the issues raised by the militant groups and the government should not consider bringing down the level of violence as the sole indicator of the overall situation. There have been instances in the past when the major militant groups of the region suffered severe reverses but they managed to bounce back because of the failure of the Central and concerned State governments to find permanent solution to the problems. Of course, the situation in Meghalaya and Tripura improved considerably but the situation in Assam remains an area of concern despite the fact that the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) suffered major setbacks in recent months following the arrests of a number of senior leaders including the chairman of the outfit, Arabinda Rajkhowa. But the outfit should not be written off as in the past also, the ULFA managed to bounce back after suffering major setbacks. The government must try to find permanent solution to the issues raised by the ULFA by bringing all the leaders to the negotiation table as any attempt to hold talks with only the jailed leaders of the outfit may not help in restoration of permanent peace.

The level of violence in Nagaland came down after both the factions of the NSCN signed cease-fire pacts with the Government of India, but unfortunately, the process of talks remained very slow and faction clashes between members of NSCN (I-M) and NSCN (K) remain an area of concern. The talks with the NSCN (I-M) have been reportedly deadlocked over ego problem between the Government and the leaders of the outfit as the NSCN leaders are demanding a formal letter from the Prime Minister’s Office to come to India for the next round of talks. It is unfortunate that talks are held up on such an issue and the matter should be resolved and efforts should be made to expedite the process of talks. Successful completion of the peace process will definitely encourage other militant groups of the region to come forward to settle their problems through negotiations. On the other hand, formal talks with the NSCN (K) are yet to start despite the fact that the outfit signed a cease-fire pact with the government several years back. It is a fact that both the factions of the NSCN have serious differences but the government can at least make efforts to bring both the factions to the negotiation table together for restoration of permanent peace in Nagaland. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Bhaona Samaroh enthralls audience in Majuli

Correspondent

KAMALABARI, Jan 20 – The bhaonas staged at the Moni Kanchan Rangakshetra, Auniati Satra, here in the 3rd Asom Bhaona Samaroh enthralled the audience. Several thousand people enjoyed the bhaonas, braving the chilly weather of January. Some foreign tourists also enjoyed the bhaonas.

Sarat Chandra Goswami Guwa Satradhikar, inaugurated the bhaonafunction. Parashuramar Matri Hatya and Dadhichir Asthidan, Britrasuar Badh were staged by the artistes of Kerelagaon and Teok Pragatishil Sangskriti Santha respectively.

Tuwaram Khanikar, retired principal, Charing Moniram Dewan College, inaugurated the bhaona night on the second day. Laksman Barjan and Hanumanar Patal Vijoy were stated by the Dundibhi Natya Dal, Duliajan and Sanmilita Yuva Samaj, Rongdal Dagaon respectively.

On the third day, Janardan Bhuyan, Instructor, Jorhat cultural centre, inaugurated the bhaona night. Rukmini Haran and Bali Chalan were staged by Sangjukta Shilpi Samaj, west Jorhat and Janmotsav Samiti, Pathalipahar respectively.

On the fourth day, Madhav Bora Bayan, a noted Satriya artiste inaugurated the bhaona night. Gandharir Abhishap and Danaveer Raja Harishchandra were staged by the artistes of Mahikina village and the Chehnayatra Sangskritik Gosthi, Charaibahi, Jorhat, respectively.

On the fifth day, Haridev Goswami, Garamur Satradhikar inaugurated the bhaona night. Ajamil Upaskhyan and Dwarakapati Shrikrishna were staged by Bara Kheliya Sangskritik Kendra, Sarupathar and Haphalutirg Samanway Sangskritik Gosthi respectively.

On the sixth day, Arun Bora, senior journalist, inaugurated the bhaona night. The first bhaona Sita Haran, Bali Badh was staged by Mising Kamalabari Anchalik Janajati Surgoday Samiti. Rukmini Haran was staged by the artistes of the Rongdai Natun Samaj.

On the seventh day, Ranadeep Dam, Majuli Block Development officer, inaugurated the bhaona night. Daksha Yajna and Kubalashwa Upakhyan were staged by the Pragatishil Sangskritik Yuvak Sangha, Teok and Arjunguri Sanmilita Silpi Samaj, Sivasagar respectively.

On the eight day, Brajen Kataky, a literary worker, inaugurated the bhaona night. Shibi Rajar Dharma Pariksha and Raja Harishchandra were staged by the Shankar Madhav Sangskritik Kristi Kendra, Namkatani and Baikuntha Shilpi Samaj, Dahotiya, Jorhat.

The valedictory function of the bhaona Samaroh was held under the presidentship of Satradhikar Dr Pitambardev Goswami, president of the celebration committee. Prizes of cash money, citations and trophies were given away to the winners of the competitions in thefunction. Chehnayatra Sangskritik Gosthi, Charaibahi bagged the 1st prize for Danaveer Raja Harishchandra staged in the samaroh. The troupe won a cash prize of Rs 25,000 and a gold medal. Roydai Natun Samaj bagged the 2nd prize of Rs 21,000 for Rukmini Haran bhaona, while Pragatishil Sangskritik Yuvak Sangha, Teok won the 3rd prize of Rs 15,000 for Diksha Yajna bhaona. Baikuntha Shilpi Samaj Dahotiya bagged the 4th prize of Rs 10,000 for Raja Harishchandra bhaona while Sanmilita Shilpi Samaj, Arjunguri won the 5th prize of Rs 8,000 for Kubalashur Upakhyan bhaona. Pragatishil Sangskritik Gosthi, Teok bagged the 6th prize of Rs 6,000 for Dadhichir Asthidan, Britrasur Badh bhaona and Shilpi Mancha, Duliajan, won the 7th prize of Rs 6,000 for Savitri Satyavan bhaona. At night child artistes of Upar Katani village staged the Ram Vijoy Ankya Bhaona. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Tehelka editor deposes before probecommission

Sobhapati Samom

IMPHAL, Jan 20 – Even as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has started to investigate into the alleged fake encounter in Manipur, Soma Choudhury, executive editor of Tehelka, a New Delhi-based news magazine, after failing to appear twice, deposed before the Justice Agarwal Commission of Inquiry probing the incident here today.

A CBI team had started its spot inquiry yesterday following an order from the Imphal Bench of the Gauhati High Court. It may be recalled that the incident that took place in Khwairamband market in Imphal on July 23 last year had claimed lives of two persons besides injuring five others.

Bailable warrant of arrest were issued to executive editor of the magazine and its Guwahati correspondent Teresa Rehman who wrote stories on the incident, after they failed to appear for the second time before the Commission on January 4 this year.

Appearing before the commission, Tehelka editor stated that she was not present in Imphal on July 23 last year when the incident happened in Imphal. She left Imphal for Delhi immediately after deposing before the Commission. She further said that her article “Life in a Shadow Land” published in the Tehelka issue dated August 15, 2009 is based mainly on interviews conducted by her and information gathered by herself.

It is, however, learnt that correspondent Teresa Rehman who failed to appear before the Commission reportedly sent an application to the Commission asking for permission to give her statement in Guwahati. Sources in the Commission said the date of the next hearing would be decided on or before January 27 next.

Meanwhile, the period for submission of the report of theCommission of Inquiry has been extended till January 31, sources added.

This is the second time that the inquiry period has been extended. ASSAM TRIBUNE

NE foodgrain production deficient by 13%

Raju Das

UMIAM, Jan 20 – The imbalance between foodgrain production and population growth in the North East is an area of concern and experts say a host of measures must be adopted to maintain the balance.

According to 2005 data, the region is deficient by 13 per cent in foodgrain production. Compounding this deficiency is the abnormal population growth in the region, in many case due to illegal immigration. The region’s population is growing faster than the national average.

Scientists at the Indian Council of Agricultural Reaserch (ICAR) here say that the region must adopt a scientific approach on a wider scale to meet the challenge and be self-sufficent in foodgrain production. The region would require 11,326 million tonnes to feed its teeming population by 2025.

“Technology is not being optimally used in foodgrain production in the region and there has to be an urgent improvement in this area,” said SV Ngachan, Director, ICAR Northeastern region, during an interaction with the media here.

The Director said ICAR has developed 13 high yielding varieties of rice which can increase production from the current 1.8 tonne per hectare to 6 tonne per hectare.

Moreover, there is one lakh hectares of marshy land in the region which remains unused. “These areas can be used to increase food grain production with improved crops and agricultural engineering,” he added.

The Director also expressed concern that the region was not making proper use of its adundant water resources. He said 500 litres of water was required to produce one kg of rice and therefore to produce 10 million tonnes of rice 3.5 cubic kilometre of water is required.

“Rainwater harvesting and irrigation facilities must be increased to boost production,” Ngachan said, adding a comprehensive natural resource management policy backed by sound technology would help the region to produce the targeted foodgrain production in 2025. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Jailbreak controversy rages; Pala denies involvement

Jailbreak controversy rages; Pala denies involvement

From our Staff Correspondent

SHILLONG, Jan 18: After implicating Union Minister of State for Water Resources Vincent Pala in the May-31 2009 Shillong jailbreak, Synsharlang Thongni and Khrawborlang Marbaniang, two re-arrested undertrial prisoners (UTPs), today added another dimension to the raging controversy over the sensational prison break, saying jail warders and UTPs had worn the Congress cap on jail premises in the run-up to the last general election in the State.

The duo of Thongni and Marbaniang also stuck to their statement that slain Fullmoon Dhar, the prime accused in the jailbreak, was killed by the police in a fake encounter.

Deposing before the judicial commission headed by T Biswas here, Thongni and Marbaniang, who were accomplices of Fullmoon, said Congress Party caps were brought inside the jail by the warders.

The deposition by Thongni and Marbaniang came a day after they claimed that Fullmoon used to speak with Vincent Pala, the Congress candidate from Shillong constituency for the last parliamentary poll. Pala even assured Fullmoon of help after his victory in the election.

While the statement made by Thongni and Marbaniang heightened the theory and suspicion about the involvement of the politician in the entire incident, the two UTPs reiterated that Fullmoon was killed by the police in a fake encounter.

Poonam Yadav, the advocate of the SCAMOD, a conglomerate of social organizations, said, “Both the UTPs reiterated before the inquiry commission that Fullmoon Dhar was caught alive, beaten up and shot by the police”.

Yadav said the two UTPs revealed that Fullmoon had around Rs 2.20 lakh at the time of his arrest and that he and his aides led a lavish life-style inside the jail premises under the patronage of the warders who were bribed.

The two accomplices of Fullmoon also said Fullmoon spent around Rs 2000 to Rs 3000 a day during his stay in the jail before the jailbreak that instantly caused a flutter in the State.

Meanwhile, Pala has refuted the allegation of his involvement in the Shillong jailbreak.

Referring to Pala’s name, Thongni and Marbaniang had yesterday said Fullmoon Dhar used to interact with the Congress candidate for the Shillong constituency in the last general election.

“I have never known, spoken, met or heard about any person by the name of Fullmoon Dhar,” Pala told The Sentinel over phone from New Delhi today.

“This allegation is baseless. It could be a ploy of some vested interests to tarnish my image”, said the Union Minister, adding, “My principle is clear and that is to avoid anyone with criminal records and intentions”.

“I know my own credentials and self-respect and any one who tries to drag my name into the whole controversy would have no substance to elucidate it (the allegation)”, the Shillong MP added. THE SENTINEL

APPSC alleged of plagiarism in setting questions

APPSC alleged of plagiarism in setting questions

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jan 18: The Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has allegedly copied not less than 45 questions from the Combined Defence Service (CDS) examination held on September 13, 2009 – exactly 3 months prior to the prelims of the State Combined Competitive Examination 2009-10. This year’s General Studies paper of the state civil services (prelims) had 45 questions copied directly from the General Knowledge paper of CDS 2009. Anybody from the state who had earlier appeared the CDS paper must have had a field day on January 10 last. On closer scrutiny pages no 8, 9, and 10 of the APCS paper had as many as 37 questions of the CDS in the same sequence without any modification.

“The questions were copied in its natural state without bending it even a little. Those who have appeared for the CDS must have attempted almost all the questions as 45 were readymade for them,” says an aspirant, who is in possession of both the papers. Those who were lauding the ‘unannounced’ change in question pattern were aghast to see little contribution by the Commission in setting the question paper.

APPSC Joint Secretary T Taba told The Sentinel that the Commission identifies and selects a group of question-setters from within the state or outside and allows them to set 150 questions with four alternative choices as per the syllabus. He said that the Commission is not directly involved in selecting and setting questions but maintained that strict instructions were given to the question-setters to remain within the prescribed syllabus. Keeping aside the complaints, Taba expressed satisfaction over the successful conduction of the preliminary round. Pointing that even the UPSC exams are not 100 % fool-proof, he said that the Commission will learn from such small mistakes. He, however, categorically submitted that the negative marking pattern for wrong answers would be strictly implemented.

Over nine thousand aspirants had appeared in the Arunachal Pradesh Combined Civil Service Prelims examination on January 10 last, spread across the nine centres over the state at Itanagar, Tawang, Seppa, Ziro, Tezu, Khonsa, Aalo, Changlang and Pasighat. But the million dollar question on every aspirant’s mind is will the Commission with its punchline - Talent search is our motto - live up to it. THE SENTINEL

Jyoti Basu Legacy

Jyoti Basu Legacy

W ith the demise of CPM patriarch Jyoti Basu, ‘‘the colossus of Indian politics’’ as Union Home Minister P Chidambaram said, an era has indeed come to an end in the politics of this country. What made Basu so charismatic? It was his ability to dominate national politics despite being a regional leader. He was the CPM leader that the Centre could not afford to ignore. This is his legacy. Had it not been for his leadership, the CPM would not be what it was in its heyday in West Bengal. Now that the tallest of its leaders is no more and the party’s glory is a thing of the past as reflected in the results of the last general elections, how will the CPM consolidate its position? Or rather, can it? These are questions the communist party must ponder seriously if it wants to stay in the business of politics. Times have changed and we do not know how Basu would have dealt with the changes if he were active today. But the fact remains that his presence was pan-Indian, and it is this reality that the CPM is now required to be informed with if it wants to re-emerge as a pan-Indian force. And this is a Herculean task, given the communist obduracy, the reluctance to change with time, the disinclination to accept the changes and grow accordingly. If the CPM means what it says of the legendary Jyoti Basu, it must grow with time and thus keep the Basu legacy. That will be the best tribute to him. THE SENTINEL

AGP Road Map

AGP Road Map

So now Assam’s leading regional party, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), will have a dedicated expert cell to give it a prescription to confront its many maladies and recover from its present state of disarray. The cell will work out a vision document for the party. But first thing first. The greatest crisis the AGP faces is in its leadership. And when we say leadership, we mean the sheer absence of a leader in the AGP who enjoys considerable mass support, who can relate to the masses and who the masses will have reasons to trust, who can articulate the party’s position on a whole gamut of issues with great acumen and whose voice will thus matter, who can engage other parties, especially the ruling party, in meaningful debates and deliberations, who is not given to the shoddy syndrome of allegations and counter-allegations but who speaks only after doing solid homework and can prove what he says — a leader who is intelligent. The AGP might argue that other parties, including the Congress, are also not blessed with such leaders. But the fact remains that only a leader of that sort can rescue the sinking AGP ship; it does not have any other great qualifications as to be able to soar despite the leadership vacuum. More importantly, the regional party’s reputation stands besmirched — a steep decline from the 1985 glory to the present abyss — mainly because of its open betrayal of the trust of the Assamese people during its 10-year disastrous rule. However, given the nature of the AGP’s genesis, the people of Assam would still perhaps give it a chance if it were to mend its ways and chart out a new trajectory. But in the absence of a leader with the attributes we have mentioned, who will choose the right trajectory? The present breed of leaders would rather place their egos and their own interests above the interest of the party despite being aware of the tragedy that has befallen it. Therefore, first and foremost, the AGP needs a leader. And it is for the party to locate him/her.

Secondly, the AGP cannot afford to be ambiguous on the two chief problems plaguing the State — illegal immigration from Bangladesh and militancy. Would the party ever come into being if there were no illegal immigration from Bangladesh to Assam and the six-year-long agitation against the State’s demographic topsy-turvydom as a result of the undeterred flow of the illegal Bangladeshi crowd to the State? Therefore, the party’s stand on the issue must be clear and consistent. And it will have to explain as to why after coming to power in the wake of the signing of the Assam Accord that put an end to the Assam Agitation and with the promise made to the people of the State that it would weed out every single of the illegal Bangladeshis settled in the State, the party would rather begin to discover in the illegal Bangladeshis a wonderful and sustainable electoral asset! As for the issue of militancy, a routine, dull we-want-peace discourse will just not do. The AGP has to come up with an alternative model of governance so as to free the State from the scourge of militancy/terrorism. Let the party explain how it will solve the problem, including of course the ULFA stalemate. Let the party tell the people of Assam what it can do that the ruling Congress cannot. In the ultimate analysis, the AGP needs a complete overhaul. And this cannot happen — and we are back to square one — unless there is a leader to preside over the party’s transformation. Find that leader first — and fast — for the sake of democracy in Assam. What is democracy sans a responsible and effective opposition? THE SENTINEL

Indo-Myanmar secretary-level talks from today

Indo-Myanmar secretary-level talks from today

Issues of Paresh Baruah, Ranjan Daimary may figure in talks

From our Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Jan 18: Home Secretary Gopal Krishna Pillai has left for Myanmar today for the secretary-level talks between India and Myanmar slated from Tuesday in Myanmar capital, Naypyitaw. Pillai and his team members will hold their three-day talks with a Myanmar team to be led by Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brigadier General Phone Swe.

Union Home Ministry sources said Pillai’s visit to Myanmar bears significance in the wake of Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Tako Dabi raising the issue of smuggling of Chinese weapons along Myanmar border.

Dabi claimed that Chinese arms were being smuggled into India through its porous border with Myanmar. There is every likelihood of this sensitive issue being raised by Pillai at the meeting, said a senior official in North Block. Official sources also said that the issues of ULFA ‘c-in-c’ Praesh Baruah and NDFB (anti-talk faction) chairman Ranjan Daimary would definitely be raised at the meeting.

Pillai is likely to hold an extensive interaction with the Myanmar team on cooperation in counter-terrorism and transnational crimes. India and Myanmar are expected to exchange views on sharing intelligence inputs on these issues.

The last such meeting between Brigadier General Phone Swe’s delegation and the then Indian Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta was held in New Delhi in March, 2008 when both the countries had agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas of security and border management along their 1,643-km common border known for smuggling of arms, drugs and counterfeit currency.

The Assam Rifles has deployed 31 battalions for counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast and 15 more for guarding the Indo-Burmese border. The Assam Rifles is also planning to construct over 100 helipads in the north-eastern States for quick mobilization of its troopers along the 1,600-km-long Myanmar border. THE SENTINEL

BJP brass may choose between Dutta and Barua

BJP brass may choose between Dutta and Barua

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Jan 18: The new president of the Assam State BJP is likely to be announced within January 20.

According to BJP sources, a four-member committee comprising national leaders of the party is examining the issue of the next Assam BJP president and it is likely to declare the person to head the party in the State within a couple of days. Venkaiah Naidu, Bal Apte, Ananth Kumar and Ram Lal are on the committee constituted by the central BJP leadership to look into the Assam BJP issue.

The four-member committee was formed after 4 BJP MPs and other leaders of the party from the State had requested senior BJP leader LK Advani not to officially name Bihali MLA Ranjit Dutta as the next Assam BJP president. The local media, citing the source provided by Ram Lal, had recently reported that Dutta was selected by the central BJP leadership as the new State BJP president.

The news of Dutta’s selection as the Assam BJP chief reportedly drew sharp reaction from majority of the State BJP leaders and workers forcing the party top brass to refrain from officially announcing Dutta as the Assam BJP president.

Sources said the four-member committee might finally choose Dutta to head the Assam State BJP.

Party leaders like V Satish and Indramoni Bora who have been supporting Dutta as the next State BJP president have good relationship with Venkaiah Naidu, Bal Apte, Ananth Kumar and Ram Lal, sources said.

Sources, however, said in view of Rajen Gohain opting out of the fray for the top State BJP post on the grounds that neither he nor Dutta should be made the Assam BJP president, the four-member committee was also considering the name of Assam BJP general secretary Nakul Barua for the post.

It may be noted here that controversy has over the last few months dogged the Assam BJP over who should head it. Though December 30 was fixed as the date for election of the State BJP president, the election was put off at the last moment leaving the matter to the central leaders of the party. Seven candidates had filed their nomination papers for the election. The Assam BJP has not only been gripped by confusion but divided into several camps as well over the delay in announcing the new party president.

“The delay in election or selection of the State BJP president could affect the party’s preparations and prospects in the 2010 BTAD election and 2011 assembly polls in the State,” said sources. THE SENTINEL

North East needs proper connectivity with ASEAN

RC AGARWAL

THE LOOK EAST POLICY, which was initiated in 1991, marked a key and strategic shift in India’s perspective of the world at large. The essential philosophy of the Look East policy is that India finds its destiny by linking itself more and more with its Asian partners and the rest of the world, and that India’s future and economic interests are best served by greater integration with East and South East Asia.

India’s conscious efforts to forge closer economic ties with ASEAN countries have paid real dividends; bilateral relations between India and ASEAN improve rapidly.

Thus, India became a sectoral dialogue partner in March 1993 and later became a full dialogue partnership member in 1995, and a member of the ASEAN regional Forum (ARF) in 1996 and finally to a summit level partnership in 2002.

India –ASEAN cooperation now covers wide field including a long term Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity with ASEAN, which is the cornerstone of India’s Look East Policy. And finally, India has signed the FTA with ASEAN at Bangkok in Thailand on 13th August 2009.

A sub-regional grouping called BISTEC was established in 1997, which later came to be known as BIMSTEC with the active supports from Thailand. India promotes BIMSTEC to establish economic links with peninsula member countries of ASEAN..

The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MCG) of Vientiane Declaration of November, 2000 is in fact an extension of the Look East policy and has yielded many benefits and supported India’s economic transformation and growth, including closer and strategic relations between India and Southeast Asian countries resulting in impressive increase in the quantum of bilateral trade and increased people to people contact and interaction

ASEAN, a key pillar of India’s Look East Policy accounts for 10% of the nations exports, but trade is carried mostly through the sea route. The only transportation link with the region is through a road in Moreh in Manipur and Tamu in Myammar. But the value of trade through this land route is minuscule and is limited to local goods. India’s rail link with the ASEAN region will also have to pass through Manipur. Significantly,

India has a wide network of inland waterways in the form of rivers, canals, backwaters and creeks. The total length of these waterways is 14,500 km, out of which about 5,200 km of river and 485 km of canals can be used by mechanized crafts. However, India has no such significant development in freight transportation by waterways, as compared to other developed countries like USA, China and European countries.

The Kaladan Multi-Model Transit Transport Facility envisages connectivity between Indian ports on the eastern seaboard and Sittwe port in Myanmar and then through riverine transport and by road to Mizoram (India), thereby providing an alternate route for transport of goods to the Northeast India.

The proposed railway link between New Delhi to Hanoi ( Vietnam) under Greater Mekong Sub Region Cooperation decided by South East Asian Countries foreign ministers at Phnom Penh, Cambodia on the 20th June,2003.This project will definitely help North East India and Myanmar in particular to connect each other in near future.

India should push for it again in wake of the plans for a rail line with the ASEAN countries. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific has for long been pushing for a 1,14,000-km Trans Asian railway network that will connect Europe with Asia. In this direction one of its key proposals has been to link ASEAN countries with South Asia. The intergovernmental agreement on the rail network has come in to force from June, 2009 and will need investments worth $15 billion to connect the missing links.

India has embarked on an ambitious project to build and refurbish 7,603 km of roads in the strategic north-eastern region by 2013 to increase connectivity for civilian and military traffic and to promote trade with China and Myanmar. Of this, 1,310 km will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 76 billion by 2009 and the balance 5,711 km at a cost of Rs. 44 billion and a total of 120 billion US Dollar.

The writer is the president of NEFIT

Northeast sees 2.8% rise in CPI for 2009

WASHINGTON – Inflation slowed to 0.1 percent in December, as the continuing weakness in the economy prevented companies from raising prices, according to Bloomberg News.

The December results brought the final 2009 change in the consumer price index to 2.7 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which indicated that inflation excluding the often volatile food and energy costs was 0.1 percent as well.

Illegal liquor seized

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

DIBRUGARH, Jan 10 – The district administration along with the police on Thursday seized several bottles of liquor from a grocery shop at Kumaronichiga intersection, just on the outskirts of the city. In the garb of running a grocery shop, the owner Manoj Gogoi reportedly was selling various brands of wine in higher price than stipulated since past several months without any license. More than Rs 5000 worth wine was seized during the raid.

Asom Sanmilita Mahasangha dharna today

Correspondent

JAGIROAD, Jan 10 – The Asom Sanmilita Mahasangha, which has been struggling for fulfilment of the interests and aspirations of the indigenous people of the State, announced its third phase of agitational programme at a press conference here.

Held in the office of the Autonomy Demand Struggling Forum at Jagiroad, the working president and additional working president of the organisation, Matiur Rahman and Tulsi Bordoloi respectively, announced that the Mahasangha has called for a sit-in demonstration (dharna) on January 11 from 10 am to 2 pm at Dispur to press upon the government to solve a charter of demands which includes: Signing of a repatriation agreement with the Bangladesh government for convenience of sending back the Bangladeshi nationals to the neighbouring country who have infiltrated into Assam illegally, order of shoot at sight in the border areas for any one attempting to infiltrate illegally from across the border, setting up of concrete walls along the border in place of barbed wire fence, tightening of security and round the clock vigil in the diffferent terrains and water bodies by both Navy and armed forces in the border areas, setting up of a special force for the purpose of border-vigil by employing indigenous youths from the North-east, adoption of repatriation deal with Bangladesh government for preventing mushtrooming of illigal activities in the region including smuggling, fundementalism, extremism, trafficking of human organs and drugs abuse.

During the press conference, the office bearers of the Mahasangha expressed serious worries over the fact that the unhindered infiltration of Bangladeshis into Assam has brought about many complex situations in the State including violent activities by the fundementalists from across the border and extremism. Those who try to rip apart peace in the region must be dealt with if necessary by combating their activities militarily, they said.

The Mahasangha has submitted a memorandum to the President Pratibha Devi Sing Patil through the DC, Kamrup (Metro) besides two such separate petitions to the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and the Home Minister, P Chidambaram.

At the press conference, the office bearers of the Mahasangha also made known various other demands raised by the body.

Others who attended the press conference included joint secretary, Robert Lumphoi, organising secretary, Surendranath Deka, and executive member Bhupen Kholar, among others. ASSAM TRIBUNE

New cancer hospital in Guwahati

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Jan 10 – A new state-of-the-art 200-bed cancer hospital is coming up in the State near the Gauhati Medical College with an independent status. The construction of the Rs. 100-cr State Government hospital - which would also offer a postgraduate course in oncology - would be formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on February 1.

State Health Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, while announcing this today and is expected to be completed within 18 months.

With advanced MRI and other state-of-the-art facilities, the hospital would be developed as a prime centre for cancer-care in the State. On the other hand, the B Borooah Cancer Institute would be the North East regional centre for cancer treatment and necessary steps would be taken to upgrade it further.

“District level centres would also be established in Sivasagar and Mangaldoi for early diagnosis of cancer,” said Sarma while expressing concern over the issue of tobacco consumption, which is one of the main reasons behind the increasing cancer cases in the State.

Speaking at the launch of Indian Cancer Care Network (ICCN) – a software service in the State along with the rest of the country – he said that within the next three to four year, the State is expected to develop the necessary expertise in the field of cancer treatment so that patients from Assam and North East need not go outside in search of better treatment for cancer.

The software was launched by Clear Win Technologies, USA along with the North East Clinical Excellence Forum, UK, Friends of Assam and Seven Sisters, USA and the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. The facility was dedicated for information needs of cancer patients in North East India.

“The portal www.cancercare.net.in would include referral services for different healthcare facilities in India and abroad. The cost of treatment and travel expenses can also be acquired through this multilingual portal that would have Assamese, Hindi and Bengali web pages along with English,” said Jayanta Biswa Sarma of the NECEF.

A Cancer Care Information Centre (CCIC), based in the GMCH premises, would offer information regarding cancer care to the patients and visitors of the GMCH on a regular basis. The CCIC would also provide information about various treatments available in other hospitals across the country and help patients to forward their electronic medical records to those hospitals. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Chemical disaster mock drill conducted

BONGAIGAON, Jan 6: A full scale offsite chemical disaster plan mock drill was conducted recently in coordination with the authorities of Bongaigaon Refinery (BGR), which is required to be conducted by the district administration once in a year as per Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Response) Rules 1996.

The scenario for the mock drill was– One loaded LPG bullet was parked opposite to CISF watch tower No. 1 near Western property line of BGR. Suddenly Pressure Safety Release Valve of the bullet started leaking profusely due to malfunctioning. The whole area was surrounded by LPG vapours. A few drivers and handymen were cooking food on the roadside at some distance. Gradually the LPG vapour cloud travelled towards the South side and caught fire. Initially the fire was fought by Bongaigaon Refinery personnel. Later, it turned into disaster due to spreading of fire into nearby populated area.

The Deputy Commissioner, Chirang district being the Chief District Emergency Coordinator declared an offsite disaster by ordering blowing of the disaster siren. Wailing sirens to indicate the disaster were sounded. The Deputy Commissioner, Chirang accompanied by other offsite coordinators immediately assembled and set up a Crisis Control Room (CCR) at DC’s Office Conference Hall. All officers of offsite disaster management team were instructed to visit site of fire and start fire fighting, evacuate affected people, announce for closure of all shops, stop electric supply and set up relief camp and first aid centre at union office of BGR. Three fire tenders were pressed into fire fighting service and the fire was extinguished within 45 minutes.

Based on assessment at the site of incidence after the fire was extinguished, all clear siren was blown and subsequently traffic normalised.

The fire consequences were four houses were gutted on fire, two casualties and injuries to six persons.

The Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police, Chirang, Senior Executives of BGR, CRPF, CISF, Factory Inspectorate, also other district officials and NGOs took active part in the mock drill.

The General Manager (Tech Services), BGR, SP Chirang, ADC Chirang, and observers addressed the review meeting held under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner, Chirang in the Crisis Control Room. The deficiencies reported were noted and resolved to address in future. This was stated in a press release. THE SENTINEL

Administration on innovation mode

BOMDILA, Jan 6: The West Kameng district administration under deputy commissioner Swati Sharma has chalked out certain innovative steps that can be a precedent for others to follow. In a coordination meeting of district officials here today, Sharma laid down her plans to bind the unemployed youths of the district with the mainstream.

Sharma revealed that after consultations with the IGNOU authorities, the administration has arranged free computer classes every Saturday at the NIC for three hours from January 9 next for unemployed youths. Those who fare well would be provided admission in diploma courses offered by IGNOU, the expenses of which would be borne by the district administration.

Further, January 12, which is celebrated as the National Youth Day across the country, would be observed as the ‘Career Guidance Day’ in the district headquarters, wherein career counseling would be offered to youths by NABARD, IGNOU, Army and administrative officials of IAS and APCS cadres. Offering her individual services for the counseling, Sharma said that it would provide sufficient information and tips to crack competitive examinations conducted by UPSC and the APPSC. Besides the counseling, January 12 next would also feature an exhibition football match between General Officer Commanding (GOC) XI Vs DC XI at Buddha Stadium here.

Dwelling on other matters of importance, the DC urged all heads of departments to regularly update their official websites latest by 8 of every month. She also called for compulsory utilization of the Pay-roll software to minimize expenses, labour and amount of time and energy put in for the purpose manually. For this, she directed all the DDOs to send in their accountants and cashiers for training to the DC’s office. Computerization of pay bills by all the departments is a must, she reiterated. THE SENTINEL

Training on Nyishi Agam conducted at Seppa

SEPPA, Jan 6: With the initiative of the Nyishi Elite Society (NES), the effort to promote Nyishi Agam (language) has perched down to one of the densely populated districts of the Nyishis. To promote teaching of the language, a training-cum-workshop began here today in presence of East Kameng Deputy Commissioner Pige Ligu and NES president Bengia Tullon.

Tullon, who is touted as one of the prominent literary persons among the Nyishis, said that though there are many similarities between the Nyishi language and other tribes of the State yet there was a need to evolve a language of “our own that can serve the community in a unified manner”. He said a dictionary on the language is under progress and will soon be available.

Deputy Commissioner Pige Ligu, who declared the session open, while citing the example from different parts of the world like Japan, Taiwan etc where some of the aboriginal language are on the verge of extinction, said that the effort of the NES is laudable. Like the Cantonese and the Mandarin in China, whose language has slight nuances in meaning, Nyishi too has some differences in meaning, which can be resolved by evolving a common script and language, he added. THE SENTINEL

Capital swings to Si-Donyi beat

Staff Reporter

NAHARLAGUN, Jan 6: The Tagin community of the State capital today celebrated their most prominent festival Si-Donyi in a befitting manner here at Art & Culture Ground here today. The three-day festival beginning on January 4 last for social well-being and peace witnessed huge participation with traditional gaiety. The day was marked with various religious prayers and sacrifices of domestic animals solemnized by the local priest. However, the main attraction of the celebration was colourful cultural and traditional dances presented by various cultural troupes of the community.

Attending the celebration as the Chief Guest MP Takam Sanjoy expressed happiness over the maintenance of the aged old culture, tradition and customs by the Tagin community. Emphasizing that culture is written in the epitaph of our blood, he called upon all sections of the people to uphold their respective cultures.

“Importance of our custom and tradition is not confined to the state only. This we realize when leave the State,” he said underscoring the importance of preserving the core values of respective cultures as people are identified and known by their cultures. Sanjay called upon the people not to believe in the concept of ‘sword is mightier than everything’, which is inherent in all tribes of the Tani clan, in this age of science and technology. He reiterated that people of all Tani origin have to believe that pen is mightier than the sword for their overall socio-economic development.

Local MLA Techi Kaso, Guest of Honour of the celebration, while greeting the people on the occasion, said, “All human beings are brothers and sisters and therefore we should not discriminate anybody.”

He assured to work with the members of the community in close coordination for general welfare and development of the people of the capital complex. The MLA also assured the people of helping build a Si-Donyi festival ground in the city as requested by the festival committee. Earlier, Secretary of the festival committee, Dr Gyamro Garam, narrated the myth of Si-Donyi and highlighted the significance of the celebration. He said Si-Donyi festival carries the age-old beliefs, faith, philosophy and cultural values of the Tagin community through hymns of the priest, rituals, folklores and other practices.

Sachak Dikki, the head priest of the Si-Donyi festival, who hails from Daporijo, has been performing the rituals since January 4. Other highlights of the celebration were cultural competitions, rituals, prize distribution and a common feast. THE SENTINEL

Dearth of funds hit NREGA in Assam

From our Correspondent

JORHAT, Jan 2: The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) has failed to contain its goals particularly in the 27 districts of Assam as lakh of NREGA job card holders have yet to get the guaranteed employment under the Act. Though the rural development department of Assam Government had taken up the project in three phases among the districts of the State but in every phase lakh of people have not got their jobs after passing more than one year of their registration. In fact, in many districts the act has turned into a state of standstill due to the lack of Government funds.

This surprising fact has come to the light in a report of the Department of Rural Development under Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. According to the report, out of 43,19,350 numbers of registered job card holder persons only 1,365 have been able to get the hundred days employment under the Act in the State. This apart, as many as three districts namely– Karbi Anglong, North Cachar Hills and Kamrup have no hundred days job holders as yet. According to the Central Government report as per the districts the number of hundred days job holders are- Bongaigaon-50, Dhemaji-112, Goalpara-15, Kokrajhar-109, Lakhimpur-183, Barpeta-42, Cachar-78, Darrang-48, Hailakandi-35, Morigaon-16, Nalbari-8, Baksa-64, Chirang-16, Dhubri-91, Dibrugarh-2, Golaghat-237, Jorhat-11, Kamrup (Metro)-8, Karimganj-1, Nagaon-13, Sivasagar-30, Sonitpur-9, Tinsukia-139 and Udalguri-48 only.

The Central Government had implemented the NREGA aiming to enhance the livelihood, security of people in rural areas by guaranteeing hundred days of wage employment in a financial year to a rural household whose volunteer to do unskilled natural work. But in case of Assam this Act has been made unsuccessful for the dearth of funds. When contacted, a top official of the rural development of Assam Government told The Sentinel that, all the districts have submitted hundreds of development schemes to release the required funds to the Government. But due to shortage of funds the district rural development authorities have eventually failed to take up the projects. “If the Government would be able to release the required funds to the districts to start the estimated schemes, the registered job card holders will get their jobs under the act,” he added. THE SENTINEL

Pensioners yet to get benefits under revised pay

Staff Correspondent

SHILLONG, Jan 2: The State Government’s revised pay structure has not reached out to the pensioners as yet. Three months have passed since the Meghalaya Government decided to implemented the new pay package, yet most of the pensioners who have been drawing their pensions from the banks are still being denied of their financial benefits by the banks.

Sources said the State Finance Department has not given the order to the State Bank of India to withdraw the money for payment of the pensioners. According to sources, there are two groups of pensioners—one is those for which the Government transfers the money to the treasury office before transferring the receipt to the banks and the other group comprises employees whose payments are transferred directly from the Finance Department to their respective accounts. THE SENTINEL

Two coal miners killed, not six: Police

Staff Correspondent

SHILLONG, Jan 2: The reported death of six coal miners during the December 29 attack launched by unknown miscreants at Mynthnu coal camp at Jaliaphet in Jaintia Hills district does not tally the police report, said Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police (SP) O Passi. Amidst the panic created by a regional news channel through an interview with one of the survivors from Assam, Passi said that two died on the spot while five others were taken to Khliehriat Civil Hospital. During a telephonic conversation with The Sentinel today, Passi said, “Five of the injured men were referred to Jowai Civil Hospital and later they left the hospital for better treatment”. He ruled out that there were seven deaths during the reported attacked on the coal miners at a place that was 60 kilometres from Jowai. When asked about the motive of the attack, the SP said, “Inquiry is still on.” Passi added that a group of miscreants attacked the miners’ camp with sharp weapons resulting in the death of two persons and injuries to five others. THE SENTINEL

The rift between State Government employees and Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has increased

Gogoi-employees clash looms large

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Jan 2: The rift between State Government employees and Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has increased in the wake of his comment that his government would not bow down before the employees as far as the issue of pay revision is concerned. Reacting to the Chief Minister’s statement, Sadou Asam Karmachari Parishad (SAKP) president Pradip Kumar Bora and secretary general Basab Chandra Kalita said the employees have no intention to go for a confrontation with the government, but if they are “cheated” in the matter of pay and other allowances, they are bound to protest it. It seems that the pay revision has turned out to be an ego clash between both the parties.

Talking to The Sentinel today, Bora and Kalita said: “Many States in the country, such as Rajasthan, Orissa, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab, have adopted pay scale, pay band and increment that are same as that of the Central Government. In West Bengal, Grade III and Grade IV employees have been getting a pay package that is higher than that of their counterparts in the Central Government and other States of the country. In Andhra Pradesh, though the Central Government’s pay structure is not followed, the State Government undertakes pay revision exercise every five years. In Meghalaya, though the Central pay structure has not been implemented, what the State Government employees get is satisfactory.”

The two SAKP leaders rejected the Chief Minister’s statement that Grade III and Grade IV employees of the State Government have been given a better salary package than their Central Government counterparts, and said: “It’s unfortunate that the Sixth Assam Pay Commission took the model of pay scale of the Central Government pay structure in only a few cases, and recommended much less in components like pay band, increment and other allowances. We term the recommendations of the pay commission a document meant for cheating the State Government employees. The commission even made no mention of time-scale promotion, which is a very important component of the benefits due to employees. We had requested the government to rectify the anomalies in the commission’s recommendations, but the State Cabinet approved the report without rectifying the anomalies. Some top-level officials have been misleading the Chief Minister.”

Bora and Kalita further said: “Even now we appeal to the Chief Minister to call us for talks and explain to us as to how the salary structure of the State Government employees is same as that of their Central Government counterparts in some areas.”

The two SAKP leaders have appealed to the State Government employees to make their January 6 and 11 agitation a grand success. THE SENTINEL

Monarchic Intents

Monarchic Intents

It is not for nothing that the aberrations of democracy — as it functions in India — should attract so many brickbats. A country that is only too familiar with the ways of monarchy (in earlier times) is beginning to notice that today, instead of having one king in a State, we have practically all the MLAs or at least most of the ministers who regard themselves as monarchs. Instances of ministers and MLAs appropriating government land and using such land as their own property are legion. The latest instance is a tale with a twist. Employees of the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) have alleged that on December 24, 2009, Assam minister Gautam Roy put up a foundation stone of some organization on two bighas of ASTC land in Hailakandi. But not content with the allegation, the ASTC employees have threatened that if the foundation stone is not removed by January 11, they will forcibly occupy Hotel Nakshatra in Guwahati (ostensibly belonging to him) and several plots of land owned by him. We are almost certain that the police force will be deployed in great strength to prevent the threat from being carried out. But people in a democracy have a right to know the actual facts from an official statement. THE SENTINEL

DMB takes out awareness rally

Our Staff Correspondent

DIBRUGARH, Jan 1: Ward Commissioners of Dibrugarh Municipality Board (DMB) headed by its Chairman Chandrakanta Baruah, took out a awareness rally today which started from DMB premises and passed through all the main thoroughfare of the town.

The Chairman Baruah has been trying to create a work culture in the DMB since his joining as Chairman of the DMB and had succeeded in rejuvenating the sagging image of one of the oldest civic body of the State. Similarly, he has been trying to make Dibrugarh a clean city through various development programmes and projects. Today’s procession culminated at the starting venue with a call to keep your city clean, pay your municipal taxes in time and not to abuse the Harijan Mazdoors of DMB while they are in work. Later, while talking with this reporter, Chairman Baruah expressed his desire to make Dibrugarh one of the beautiful city in the Northeast and has called upon all to help and cooperate him to fulfil it. Meanwhile, the Chairman of Dibrugarh Development Agency, Bitul Talukdar has also initiated a number of development steps to ensure the rehabilitation of unemployed youths by reviving the DDA Market Complex of Chowkidinghi. THE SENTINEL