kanglaonline – Page 1173

Whereabouts of RPF leader still unknown

IMPHAL August 24: The whereabouts of assistant publicity secretary of the proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), Gurumayum Jiteshwor Sharma alias G.M. Changjou alias Gypsy, 49, s/o (late) Goshai Sharma of Kwai Nagamapal Singjubung Leirak, who was reportedly arrested by some unidentified security personnel from his residence located at Duncan Basti in Dimapur on the evening of August 18 is still unknown despite of complaints filed by his family members.

A formal letter was submitted on August 19 to the DGP of Manipur by G Radha Devi, mother of Jiteshwor, seeking the help of Manipur Police in finding the whereabouts of Jiteshwor.

In her compliant, she mentioned that no information could be ascertained by whom he was arrested and where he is detained nor are there any information of being handed over to any police station in and around Dimapur.

One of the family members of Jiteshwor is also reported to be stationed at Dimapur to find the whereabouts since August 20 and subsequently a formal complain on missing person was also lodged at Dimapur West Police Station in the afternoon on the same day.

Addressing media persons today, G Sheitabarta Sharma, younger brother of Jiteshwor stated that two Manipuri speaking unidentified persons in civvies came into the residence located at Dimapur where Jiteshwor was staying along with his family. After brief conversation the duo forced Jiteshwor to come along with them wherein an altercation erupted.

Jiteshwor was bashed up by the duo while resisting when one of them tried to tug a pistol on his back. Later the duo dragged him down and was joined by others also dressed in plain clothes that had been waiting outside. After the sudden commotion, another two individuals burst in one after the suspected to be security forces in full uniform. At the time of his arrest, a personal laptop, a portable play station and some unaccounted personal gold ornaments belonging to his spouse and children were took along by the said individuals, he narrated.

It may be mentioned that in some local dailies it was reported that he was arrested by two Manipuri speaking personnel in civil dress along with some army personnel purportedly Assam rifles.

Further narrating the account, Sheitabarta, asserted that on the morning August 19 at 10.5 am a SMS was received to a cell phone of one the family member in Imphal. On the same day another SMS was also received later in the day at 3.5 pm. Apprehensive on the development, he reasoned initially no attempt was made to contact through the mobile number as they fear for Jiteshwor life, however after the received of the second text message they were left dumfounded as the phone was shut off since then.

Addressing media persons Sheitabarta showed the actual text message sent presumably by his brother to one of his close family member and was reportedly forwarded to his number. One of the text messages was read as “I’m arrested by AR & NSCN”.

In this issue, an emergency meeting was called jointly by the Kwai Singjubung Leirak women’s welfare association and Singjubung Leirak Youth organization yesterday and unanimously resolved to press the government to find out the whereabouts of Jiteshwor Sharma@ G.M. Changjou who has been missing since his arrest on August18 from Dimapur allegedly by security forces or allegedly by a team of Red shied division, Leimakhong within August 25. The meeting also resolved to take up various democratic actions if the government failed to provide information regarding the location of Jiteshwor within the stipulated time.

In the mean time, a sit-in-protest was held at Kwai Singjubung Leirak machin by the local residents of Singjubung Leirak, today, in protest against the alleged concealing of information regarding the whereabouts of Jiteshwor Sharma purportedly arrested by team of security force. Some of the placards were read as “Are we living in a country where rule of law prevails, Inform the whereabouts of Jiteshwor at the earliest’ how many more hours are require even after 24 hours time scale to handed an arrestee”. The today’s protestation demanded that information be provided immediately and condemned the security forces of sidestepping the guidance of handing over arrestee to nearest police station within 24 hrs. The sit-in-protest will also continue tomorrow at the same location.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/whereabouts-of-rpf-leader-still-unknown/

Fire destroys shop

IMPHAL, Aug 25: An electrical store at Thangal bazaar was partially destroyed by a fire broke out at around 11:30 am today. The destroyed store is Bedi Electrical and Hardware… Read more »

IMPHAL, Aug 25: An electrical store at Thangal bazaar was partially destroyed by a fire broke out at around 11:30 am today.

The destroyed store is Bedi Electrical and Hardware Store owned by Guldeep Singh from Punjab.

According to the owner, the fire might have occurred from short-circuit in the godown. Some electrical items stored in the godown were destroyed by the fire.

Timely action of Manipur Fire Service could prevent the fire from further aggravation. Five fire tenders were used to put out the fire completely.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/fire-destroys-shop/

Physical test

IMPHAL, August 27: The government of Manipur Police Department informed candidates belongings to Churachandpur, Chandel and Ukhrul dsitrict who failed to take part in the physical efficiency test for direct recruitment of Sub-Inspector (Radio Technician) held on August 27, to report at the main gate of the 2nd IRB Khuman Lampak Main stadium on August 31 for the test at 8 am.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/physical-test/

Experts reject idea to bring media under Lokpal

NEW DELHI, Aug 28 (IANS) The idea of bringing the media within the ambit of the Lokpal is `bad and mischievious`, say experts who argue that the media is `private`… Read more »

NEW DELHI, Aug 28 (IANS) The idea of bringing the media within the ambit of the Lokpal is `bad and mischievious`, say experts who argue that the media is `private` and the ombudsman is an institution `for redressal of grievances and to make the government behave`.

`It is a mischievous idea,` said senior journalist Prem Shankar Jha, rejecting Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav`s idea of `bringing media under Lokpal`.

`If everything will be brought under the Lokpal, what will the judiciary do,` Jha asked.

Though experts agreed there were problems in the media like paid news, they felt the media would have to deal with the issue itself.

Siddhartha Varadarajan, editor, The Hindu, told IANS: `In case the media did something wrong, the law of the land would take care of it.`

He said while involvement of a politician in paid news would come under the Election Commission of India norms, in case a newspaper took cash for publishing such news, it would violate the tax laws.

The experts mentioned there are quasi-judicial watchdogs like the Press Council of India to look into the complaints against media.

`Bringing media under the Lokpal would be like dictatorship,` said Dainik Bhaskar editor Shravan Garg.

`There is no Lokpal like idea in UK, even after the News of The World scandal,` he added.

Garg said the government has allowed 26 percent foreign equity in electronic medium and bringing media within the ambit of the Lokpal would give a wrong message to the world.

However, senior journalist Bhaskar Roy had a different take on the issue. `It is a good idea,` he said.

`If you are probing others, you too should be open to scrutiny. Media`s credentials should be above board.`

The Samajwadi Party chief had demanded in the Lok Sabha Aug 25 that media be brought within the ambit of the Lokpal.

Amid thumping of desks by his colleagues, Yadav had said `a section of the media was taking money and releasing news in favour of a particular party`.

`We suffered at the hands of the media during the polls,` he said.

Yadav went on to say that it had become a practice for the electronic media to collect money during polls and air views in support of one party.

Independence trophy

IMPHAL, Aug 31: The 5th Independence Day Trophy was organized by Tamei HQ Youth Club at Tamei ground. The progamme was held amidst enthusiam from the participating teams displaying colourful… Read more »

IMPHAL, Aug 31: The 5th Independence Day Trophy was organized by Tamei HQ Youth Club at Tamei ground.

The progamme was held amidst enthusiam from the participating teams displaying colourful parade in a crowd of more than 5000.

Speaking at the occasion, Social worker Wilubou Newmai aaserted even after 64 years of India`s indpendence the interior region of the state is still unable to receive good education, health, road, transport and communication facilities.

He further said, “Peace is very much needed to bring development in our land and today sports can create the climate of social harmony and peace.

Wilubou also encouraged the youths to become good sportspersons by maintaining patience, sincerity and dedication.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/independence-trophy/

Genghis Khan, The Great Mongol

By H. Bhuban Singh The recent visit of Her Excellency Smt. Pratibha Devi, the President of India to Mongolia and the signing of trade and cultural agreements, induced me to… Read more »

By H. Bhuban Singh
The recent visit of Her Excellency Smt. Pratibha Devi, the President of India to Mongolia and the signing of trade and cultural agreements, induced me to write about Genghis Khan, the Great Mongol of around 1210 who conquered the then whole known world.

Genghis Khan was born around 1210. His father was a Petty Chief of a sub-clan, who was always fighting with other sub-clans. It was like the existence of sub-kingdoms of Moirang, of Khumans, of Marams, of Tangkhuls, of Kabui’s etc, in Manipur till all these sub-kingdoms were brought together by Meitei Kings (Meidingus) like Khagemba or Pamheiba, who later on became Maharaja Garibniwas after conversion to Hinduism by Shanti Das Goswain.

In these sub-clan fights, Genghis Khan fought along with his father, when he reached the age of fifteen or sixteen. Therefore, he had acquired minor and major close-combat experience. Unfortunately, his father died in combat and the mantle of leading his sub-clan became his responsibility, when he was in his teens around seventeen or eighteen.

Young Genghis Khan led his sub-clan and was able to unite all other sub-clans and became the supreme chief of all Mongols. The young king of Mongolia desired to live peacefully and thus he sent messengers to all neighbouring kings for peaceful co-existence. Accordingly, he sent messengers to the Sultan of Arzebaijan (now, Uzbekistan), whose capital was Samarkand.

The fool-hardy Sultan got so angry that he beheaded, the messenger boy and sent the severed head to Mongolia through their other companion messengers from Mongolia with a warning that the Mongol king should never dare to send messenger boys to the Sultan of Arzebaijan. On receipt of the dried–up head at Ulanbator, the capital of Mongolia, the fiercely angry Genghis Khan decided to inflict revenge.

Leading the Mongol Army, Genghis Khan attacked Samarkand, the capital of the then Arzebaijan and mercilessly chopped-off the heads of anyone and everyone, who were Samarkhandis and piled their heads like a mountain in revenge. A similar thing happened in Manipur also, when the King of Manipur subdued the King of Moirang, who revolted and brought prisoners of war who were beheaded and buried at Moirang-Kom, now known as Moirangkhom.

Once Genghis Khan realized that to live peacefully, he had to subdue his enemies, he became prone to conquest as a means of preserving peace and thus he continued on a venture of conquering the whole known world of his time. So, he sent his eldest son, Kublai Khan to conquer China. Kablai did conquer China but he and his Mongol troops married Chinese girls and got absorbed into Chinese society and nation. All Mongols including Kublai Khan became pucca Chinese.

In brief intervals between campaigns and rest, the Mongol Army used to indulge in hunting. For example, if there was a dense jungle, measuring ten miles by three miles, the Mongol Army would surround the thirty square miles of jungles by Mongol cavalry and foot soldiers. They would beat drums and cymbals and drive the animals to a central spot where the animals would be slaughtered. Genghis Khan would come forward to kill the first animal victim, may be a tiger or a leopard etc. It is needless to mention that close behind the heels of the great Mongol Emperor, there would be armed soldiers to render help, if necessary. Invariably therefore, the Great Khan would succeed in killing the first prey and then, the nobles in order of seniority would slaughter their assigned prey-animals. The Mongol Army would kill all the captured animals and cook and eat. If there were excess of meat, they would smoke the meat and preserve for future consumption.

In between campaigns, the Great Khan would visit Ulan Bator and make sure that, no one dared to revolt against him in Mongolia. During his absence from battle-field areas, Genghis Khan used to depend on Sabutai his capable general who conquered southern parts of present-day Asia, like present-day Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, southern Russia, Armenia and parts of Georgia. The Mongols raped young women of Russia and of Georgia. That might be the reason, why the Russian Dictator, Stalin had trace of Mongolian look on his face because of Stalin’s Georgian origin.

Sometimes, when the Great Khan stayed at Ulan Bator for longer periods, he would summon Sabutai to Ulan Bator, for discussion. On receiving the command from Emperor Genghis Khan, General Sabutai would cover his head with a black cloth with a slit over his eyes, so as to enable him to see where he was going and ride on one pony, though he took three Mangolian ponies, right from the start of his journey. After the pony, which he rode got tired, he would change into another Mongolian pony which he took and continue with his journey.

Mongolian ponies were small in size like ponies of Manipur and could gallop at 30 miles per hour for short duration of one hour or a bit more time. After one hour of galloping, Sabutai would rest for 5 minutes and then start his journey towards the capital of Mongolia on a fresh pony, he brought. This process of changing ponies would continue during day-time. In other words, Sabutai covered about 30×12 miles in twelve hours =360 miles, in a journey of one day-time. Since the distance from Caspian sea to Ulan Bator was about 5000 miles, Sabutai would reach the Mongolian capital in about 5000-360 = about 14 days. If any pony of Sabutai got injured, he was at liberty to confiscate any pony belonging to anyone. Refusal to give a pony would invite pain of death. If there were moon-lit nights, Sabutai would cover the distance within about less than ten days.

Similarly, Emperor Genghis Khan’s mail service carried by successive runners on indentured or confiscated ponies, riding day and night with torches would reach Ulan Bator in half the number of days or five days. Therefore, the thirteenth century mail service of Emperor Genghis Khan was much faster than our Speed Post mail service carried by super-sonic jet planes of Indigo /Jet/ Indian Airlines etc which takes about five days to reach Delhi from Imphal which is 3000 nautical miles only, as against 5000 miles from Caspian see to Ulan Bator. What a shame for postal service!

The Great Genghis Khan died around 1260, when he was about fifty, while campaigning. His dead body was put on a carriage which was pulled and also pushed up to Ulanbator. On steep and muddy hill roads, the carriage refused to move.

Upon this, the Mongol soldiers sang paeans and requested God and Genghis Khan’s soul to reach his native Ulan Bator. Singing paeans, the Mongol soldiers and horses pushed and pulled the carriage. The dead body of the Great Genghis Khan on a wheeled carriage moved surprisingly, after prayers and reached Ulan Bator. So, the saying goes, as believed in Mongolia.

After Genghis Khan’s death, the Mongol Empire which spread up to western Asia and parts eastern Europe fragmented. However, the Great Khan was able to consolidate and integrate Mongolia. That was a legacy left by Genghis Khan and bequeathed to his nation, when Her Excellency Smt. Pratibha Patil visited Mongolia recently.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/genghis-khan-the-great-mongol/

Women`s league

IMPHAL, Sept 3: ESU defeated NYTHC by 4-0 goals in today’s match of Imphal East Senior Women Football League held at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium. M Mandakini, P Bijeta and… Read more »

IMPHAL, Sept 3: ESU defeated NYTHC by 4-0 goals in today’s match of Imphal East Senior Women Football League held at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.

M Mandakini, P Bijeta and H Chanchan were the goal scorers of ESU.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/womens-league/

Fencing tournament

IMPHAL, Sept 6: The Manipur team comprising of Langam, Tutan and Vidyananda defeated the Andra Pradesh team by 15-12 points in the final round of sub-junior boys’ foil while another… Read more »

IMPHAL, Sept 6: The Manipur team comprising of Langam, Tutan and Vidyananda defeated the Andra Pradesh team by 15-12 points in the final round of sub-junior boys’ foil while another from the state comprising of Lenin, Victor and Lupani beat Punjab by 15-7 points in the final of sub-junior boys’ epee.

Manipur also defeated Maharashtra by 10-4 in the final of sub-junior girls’ foil.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/fencing-tournament/

Card renewal

IMPHAL, Sept 7: The recent meeting of the office bearers meeting of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee has decided that the existing Identity Cards issued by the MPCC/DCC/BCC for all membership and the vehicle pass issued by the MPCC are to be treated as invalid with immediate effect.

According to a release of the MPCC, the new identity card for all congress members from MPCC/DCC/BCC level and vehicle pass for all categories shall be issued from the office of the MPCC from September 10, the release added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/card-renewal/

High Court lawyers protest Delhi blast

IMPHAL Sept 8: Condemning the bomb blast at gate number 5 of Delhi High Court yesterday in which twelve persons were killed and several others were injured, the members of… Read more »

IMPHAL Sept 8: Condemning the bomb blast at gate number 5 of Delhi High Court yesterday in which twelve persons were killed and several others were injured, the members of High Court Bar Association, (HCBA), Manipur abstained from court works today.

Speaking to media persons at the office of the association at Gauhati High Court Complex, senior advocate and president of the lawyers’ body N Kumarjit stated that such wanton acts of terror should be condemned. The demand of the terrorist group Harkat-ul-Jehadi-Islami (HUJI) which perpetrated the bombing to revoke the death sentence of one of their cadres, namely Afzal Guru is unreasonable and unjust.

“The Judicial system cannot discriminate between people. Let the person be a minister or a beggar, rights of the citizens from all walks of life are redressed. The court gives its verdict by deliberating cases through trials and such an act of terror on the judiciary is an intolerably grave act and a barbaric one’, he averred.

He added that bomb threats have been witnessed inside the GHC, Manipur twice.

“We will make representations to the Chief Justice of the GHC and concerned state authorities to provide adequate security arrangements for the court also”.

He mentioned that it was due to the security measures carried out before entering the Delhi High Court that the terrorists could not detonate the bomb inside court premises.

Executive member of HCBA, advocate Khaidem Mani also added that the act carried out to the judicial institution is a gross act of terrorism and should be condemned in the highest.

“We share the sorrow of family members of the deceased persons and those injured.As a token of condemnation, we did not attend court proceedings after a meeting resolve of the HCBA today morning”.

The press conference was also joined by vice president Ch Dhananjoy,secretary M Roshini Piba and joint secretary H Genanda of the HCBA, Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/high-court-lawyers-protest-delhi-blast/

Manipur League

IMPHAL, Sept 10: TRAU and YDO were tied in goalless draw in today’s match of 6th Manipur State League Football Tournament held at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium. S Surchand of… Read more »

IMPHAL, Sept 10: TRAU and YDO were tied in goalless draw in today’s match of 6th Manipur State League Football Tournament held at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.

S Surchand of TRAU and L Sanjoy and Radhakanta of YDO were booked yellow cards in the match.a

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/manipur-league/

IW soccer

IMPHAL, Sept 14: SAI-RC defeated YWC (M) by 1-0 while SICO and BMSC were tied in goalless draw in today’s matches of Imphal West 2nd Division Football League held at… Read more »

IMPHAL, Sept 14: SAI-RC defeated YWC (M) by 1-0 while SICO and BMSC were tied in goalless draw in today’s matches of Imphal West 2nd Division Football League held at Megha High School Ground, Malom.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/iw-soccer/

Imphal West soccer

IMPHAL, Sept 18: SKYC defeated MTSU by 3-1 while KKYDA defeated HLC by 7-0 in… more »

IMPHAL, Sept 18: SKYC defeated MTSU by 3-1 while KKYDA defeated HLC by 7-0 in today’s matches of Imphal West 3rd Division Football League held at Megha High School Ground.

The goals of SKYC were scored by A Nandalal, Mairilungbou and Th Shingajit while Th Bungcha scored the lone goal for MTSU.

In the second ground, L Bolen, T Bijen, A James, S Rojit and L Roshan scored the seven goals for KKYDA.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/imphal-west-soccer/

AMWJU foundation day

IMPHAL, September 16: The All Manipur Working Journalist Union observed its 38th Foundation Day at… more »

IMPHAL, September 16: The All Manipur Working Journalist Union observed its 38th Foundation Day at the Manipur Press Club.

Speaking at the observation, minister N Biren who holds the portfolio for FCS stated that the general public should not panic and stop the habit of lining up in queues in front of petrol pumps since the previous night and further added that people should abstain from hoarding up of petrol at their homes.

The observation was also attended by A Mobi president AMWJU, works minister K Ranjit and health minister L Jayentakumar among others.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/amwju-foundation-day/

Action to be taken against erring cadres

IMPHAL, Sept 21: KCP (MC)-Lallumba group, in a press handout, has decided to take up… more »

IMPHAL, Sept 21: KCP (MC)-Lallumba group, in a press handout, has decided to take up stringent action against its two erring cadres involved in serving demand notes to a Pradhan at Takyel Kolom Leikai yesterday.

The two cadres are identified as army no. 318040850 Sergeant Major Laishram Sushilchandra alias Tangleikhomba alias Boy, 32, s/o Tombi Singh of Keishampat Jailor Leirak and army no. 318940844 private Irengbam Gulapi alias Naoba Singh, s/o Yaima Singh of Kontha Ahallup Awang Leikai.

The Lallumba group is currently under the tripartite agreement with the union government and the state government.

President of the group, Lallumba further clarified that the two cadres are not related with KYKL (MDF) or any other outfit.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/action-to-be-taken-against-erring-cadres/

UTA wins 7th Governor Cup Taekwondo Championship

IMPHAL, April 3: UTA retained the 7th Governor Cup Taekwondo Championship once again winning the championship for seven years in a row. In all, UTA won 20 gold, 16 silver… Read more »

IMPHAL, April 3: UTA retained the 7th Governor Cup Taekwondo Championship once again winning the championship for seven years in a row. In all, UTA won 20 gold, 16 silver and 27 bronze to top the table followed by SAI winning 19 gold, 8 silver and 11 bronze. PTA was placed in the 3rd place winning 5 gold, 6 silver and 6 bronze.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/-AMyxChFhq4/

Sai Baba in critical condition

Puttaparthi, Apr. 5 (ANI): Doctors attending to Indian guru, spiritual figure and educator Satya Sai Baba on Tuesday said that he remains in critical condition and on ventilator support.
With thousands of devotees converging at his headquarters in Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh, the state police has issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which prevents unlawful assembly.
The Sai Baba has been admitted to hospital with breathing problems.
A health bulletin issued by the hospital said that his condition had deteriorated and he is now on a ventilator and receiving kidney dialysis.
“The vital systems are not adequately responding. The condition of Baba is critical. The panel of doctors treating him are doing their best to make the systems respond,” hospital director AN Safaya said in a statement.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/AhlwW6M_Na8/

Deplorable condition of schools in Poi village

From John K. Kaping UKHRUL, April 6: The future of the Poi Village government run Primary and Junior High Schools’is in a deplorable condition as the government schools established during 1961-62 exists only in a “snap-shot” in the record of the most neglected status. Poi village situated in the extreme North of Ukhrul District just below the Somra track range mountain bordering Myanmar,along the Indo-Burma Border Pillar NO.126,127 and 128 and is located some 65 km away from Ukhrul Headquarter and at a distance of 25-30 km away from Awang Kasom junction.
The government`s neglecting policies towards the far flung Ukhrul District villages came to light when Ukhrul Correspondent of IFP exclusively had an interaction with the village school`s “master” at the school campus, who is the only under-graduate lady teacher taking the overall in charge of Headmaster for both the 90 students in junior and 100 primary students enrolled in the school as disclosed by the schoolmaster.
She also expressed the present dilapidated condition of both the schools and viewing the bleak future of the students keen to learn but with lack of basic infra structures and without any benches, desks, black boards and tables . Walls of the 5 rooms of the the school`s building in all four sides are badly damaged as the roofs of the school were blown away.
The surroundings of the schools are found overgrown with grass when the report was collected by this correspondent and there is a report of only one chaowkidar appointed. The reason behind to shape and mould the future pillars of students according to the headmistress in-charge is the acute lack of teachers as the students are eagerly found to attend the classes but there are no teachers other than the headmistress who is not in the condition to cater to the needs of the students at present.
Meanwhile in another press conference Organized by the Poi Village authorities in the village, the concerned authorities seriously pointed out the deplorable condition of the schools in the village and the bleak future of the students requiring immediate recruitment of adequate teachers to mould the future careers of the children as almost all the remote villagers cannot afford to send their wards to private schools.
The authorities clearly mentioned that under the programme of BADP 2010-11, the village proposed a budget with the estimation of about Rs 30 lacs to construct the schools infra-structures including 12 to 13 class rooms, staffs rooms, principal`s Office, kitchen but the government had sanctioned for only three classrooms.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/_VxHwrhag9o/

MOBC scholarships

IMPHAL, April 8: The Directorate of Minorities and Other Backward Classes, (OBC) Manipur has informed to all students applicants/Head of institutions etc. who were selected in phase-I under Pre and Post-Matric scholarship 2009-10 and also phase-II funded by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi that cheques distribution function of those selected students./institutions for both phase-I and Phase-II will be held on April 13 this month at the conference hall of Hotel Imphal from 10 am to 4 pm and therefore, all concerned students/heads of institution are requested to collect their cheques along with identification/authorized documents and APRs of previous receipts if availed earlier without fail, the official order added.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/U1gY2VSRxP8/

Thrust on North East self reliance

by Hoihnu Houzel The boss of DONER prefers the focus to be on the job – development of the North East – rather than on her position. Jayati Chandra guards… Read more »

by Hoihnu Houzel
The boss of DONER prefers the focus to be on the job – development of the North East – rather than on her position.
Jayati Chandra guards her privacy. She`™s media shy and does not believe in parting with personal information. And she`™s quite firm that she does not want to be photographed nor is she willing to part with a photo of hers.

However, as the secretary for the Ministry for the Development of the North-East Region (DONER) Chandra will never disappoint anyone wishing to gather information on her department. So, in a way, it`™s easy to gauge Chandra`™s level of efficiency and professionalism.

She promptly answers queries on email. She communicates through her staff which is rather polite and courteous. Perhaps, briefed by her to be just so.

A 1975 batch of Uttar Pradesh cadre, Chandra is a seasoned bureaucrat who has served in different ministries. She was the Secretary in the Department of Youth Affairs in Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. She was also the Principal Adviser, Planning Commission, among others. At the helm of DONER, Chandra is known for her pragmatic and hands-on approach. She tours the region frequently and monitors the pace of development in every state. A no-nonsense lady, Chandra oversees each project at DONER which is an important ministry that was set up in September 2001 under the Vajpayee government. The ministry acts as the nodal department of the Central government to deal with matters pertaining to socioeconomic development of the eight states of North East i.e. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. Touted as the as fulfillment of a long-felt need of a region that is often been neglected and cut off from the rest of India, DONER has since then initiated many channels to enhance the region`™s connectivity with the rest of India whether by road, rail or air.
Hoihnu Hauzel catches up with Jayati Chandra to discuss DONER.

Current: The very purpose of why DONER came into existence in 2001 was to act as the nodal department of the Central government to initiate socio-economic development of the eight states of Northeast India. Looking back, do you think, it has served its purpose?

Chandra:It is serving its purpose and is continuously striving to do better.

What are the many challenges in your role as a bureaucrat?

I would say it that is the same as any other bureaucrat`™s.

Are there much room for innovation in executing or initiating projects and schemes?

Certainly more than innovation `“ our job is to enhance motivation, commitment and dedication in anything that we do including planning, executing and putting to use whatever projects and schemes that are taken up.

What is your personal contribution to the ministry or what are the changes that you have brought to the ministry of DONER.
I am as good as the team with whom I have the honour to work.

What are the challenges in working with the eight North Eastern states?

Getting everyone together (physically) in one place most of the time! Otherwise it has been a pleasure and privilege to work with them.
Do you think people from the North East are too dependent on Central funds for development?

The Volume I of the 11th Plan document states that `for the special category states of NER, the per capita volume of Central assistance is among the highest in the country. Against the all- India average of Rs 683.94 the per capita Central assistance in the NER was Rs 2574.98 in 2006-07. But you have to understand that unlike most other states the level of private sector investment in the NER is almost zero. It may be observed that the per capita Central assistance is the highest in the state of Sikkim.

Is it true that 60 lakh was left unspent from the general advocacy fund for the North East in 2009-10? If so, was it because there was no convincing proposal or activities?

The plan scheme of Advertising & Publicity has been formulated to project the inherent potential and achievements of the North Eastern region and to create an awareness of its unique and distinctive features. It also seeks to highlight the role of the government in facilitating development processes through appropriate strategies in the region. Under the scheme, various events and programmes are organized within and outside the region which include trade expos/ fairs, seminars, publicity of the potential of the region through media etc.

Yes there was some underutilization of funds. The Thrust to make North East self reliant reasons are many, but chief among them is that this amount is given programme wise and the fund is released in two installments `“ the final one after the conclusion of events. Sometime events are rescheduled and/or the original scope is curtailed leading to savings.

Moreover the avenues for raising the states`™ own resources are, at this time highly limited. Gradually as the status of basic infrastructure like power, roads, connectivity etc. increases, this scenario would change.

There is a perception that DONER only doles out money but rarely monitors the execution of a project till the end, thus, lacking in real commitment. Please justify this perception. And what is DONER`™s policy on follow-up and accountability for all the funds and schemes assigned to different projects meant for development in the North East.

The perception is erroneous. First of all these projects are implemented by the state governments. The funds are released in three installments. The release of 2nd and 3rd installment is made against the report of the state government. This report includes physical and financial progress, comments of nodal officers and photographs. Select projects are physically seen by the ministry`™s own representatives. Periodic reviews are carried out by me and other officers too.

Does DONER encourage entrepreneurs to approach the ministry for assistance? How do you judge the work of an entrepreneur or is there any yardstick in order to get support or financial assistance from the ministry?

This Ministry does not have any scheme for funding entrepreneurs etc. We would advise entrepreneurs to approach the state governments and NEDFI. However, they are always welcome to approach the ministry for policy clarification and/or facilitation with state governments.

There are some externally aided projects by organizations like the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and IFAD. What is the status of these projects?

The broad objective of ADB assisted North Eastern state roads project (NESRP) is to facilitate regional integration and trade flows in the North East. The project also seeks to develop institutions for capacity building of state PWDs for effective and efficient management of road assets. It is proposed to cover a total length of 433 km at a cost of US $298.6 million. ADB will contribute US $200 million by way of loan. However, the proposal is yet to be finalized as loan negotiations with ADB will be undertaken after obtaining the government of India`™s internal clearances.

IFAD assisted North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCRMP) is under implementation since 1998 in two districts each in Assam (Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills), Manipur (Senapati and Ukhrul) and Meghalaya (West Garo Hills and West Khasi Hills).

The project being implemented in collaboration with NEC through local communities, aims at improving livelihoods of the people through capacity building and introduction of new technology and techniques for sustainable growth. The project, costing Rs 159.36 crore with IFAD`™s contribution of Rs 109.92 crore, seeks to improve livelihoods of the poorest in targeted villages.

Are there any upcoming projects with any of these global organizations?

North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project for Upland Areas (NERCORMP) is a jointly funded project of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and North Eastern Council, Ministry of DONER, government of India. NERCORMP is a livelihood and rural development project aimed to transform the intervened lives of the poor and marginalized tribal families in North East (NE) India, and thereby become a developmental in the region.

NERCORMP is operating in three states of Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya in North East India, covering two districts in each state. These are Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills districts in Assam, Senapati and Ukhrul districts in Manipur, and West Khasi Hills and West Garo Hills districts in Meghalaya. The project is working in 860 villages, covering 39161 households, 1012 Natural Resource Management Groups (NaRM-Gs), 3168 Self Help Groups (SHGs), 103 NaRM-G Associations and 103 SHG Federations.

NERCORMP aims to synergize the best strengths of the government. IFAD (an international organization with rich and long global experience), partner NGOs, a dedicated project team and the inherent remarkable strengths possessed by communities. Fortunately and gladly, this has happened. Most of the proven and well known modern community and rural developmental tools were employed. Further, innovative and creative solutions kept emerging along the way in NERCORMP.

The overall objective of NERCORMP is `to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable groups in a sustainable manner through improved management of their resource base in a way that contributes to preservation and restoration of the environment.` Another IFAD loan of $20 million which will partially cover the cost of expansion of NERCORMP in the adjoining villages has been sanctioned. NERCORMP-II is going to cost Rs 200 crore (Rs170 crore for new villages plus Rs 30 crore for handholding on tapering basis in existing villages). It is proposed to cover 20,000 household in 400 new villages assuming 50 household per village over a period of six years.

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