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MonDAY • April 17 • 2017
DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 103 • 12 PAGes • 5
T H e
ESTD. 2005
I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear
P o W e R
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T R u T H
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
Smile Train Shija Cleft Project- Nagaland Mission
Telangana assembly passes bill to hike Muslim quota
o F
Mumbai beat Gujarat by 6 wickets in IPL tie
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nagaland tourism: cAG advises robust project monitoring Despite increasing tourist inflow, state government yet to formulate ‘Tourism Master Plan’ Morung Express News Dimapur | April 16
Despite the Nagaland State Government’s often touted emphasis on the tourism potential of Nagaland state, the recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (GAG) of India has drawn attention to the areas that need to be focused on to turn the government’s rhetoric into reality. This would serve well, as according to departmental figures, the inflow of domestic and foreign tourists have shown a steady increase during the last five years. (See table) In its performance audit of the Nagaland State Tourism Department, the CAG particularly focused on the need to develop a larger tourism policy for the state and also censured the discrepancies in implementation of projects. The CAG, in its report for the year ending March 31, 2016, stated that the Nagaland State Government is yet to formulate a Tourism Master Plan or Perspec-
reflections
By Sandemo Ngullie
it’s a new day, it’s a new life! i hope our government... yawn didn’t break up when we were having a wonderful Easter holiday.
tive Plan of prioritizing action and the vision for holistic development of tourism in the state. It lamented that the state government had not prepared the aforementioned plan which was envisaged in the Nagaland Tourism Policy 2001. In the absence of a tourism plan, it reported that the assets were created in an ad hoc manner. There were also “numerous instances of irregularities in the execution of projects,” the CAG said. Regarding the execution of projects, the CAG noted that the department took up 62 projects during 2011-16 at a total cost of Rs 299.34 Crores. Further there were nine spill over projects at an approved cost of Rs 41.66 Crores. Detailed examination of 23 selected projects (including two spilled over projects) and joint physical verification found several discrepancies. The CAG reported that as of September 2016, out of 62 projects sanctioned during 2011-16, 49 were scheduled for completion by March 2016. However, only 18 projects were actually completed. The CAG meanwhile noticed that all nine spill over projects sanctioned prior to 2011-12 had now been completed. It also found that 65 components of works in 14 projects of which payment of Rs 8.85 Crore
Source: Departmental Figures
was made were not actually executed. Thus, the department paid an amount of Rs 8.85 Crore without execution of work. Further, 16 components of work in eight projects at a cost of Rs 1.83 Crores was short executed by compromising the plinth area and the facilities of the approved item, the CAG said. It also stated that 44 components of work in nine projects at a cost of Rs 9.52 Crores were executed in other locations/villages than was originally planned. It meanwhile also informed that in the “absence of proper safeguard,” 16 infrastructure projects developed by the Tourism Department through funding from the Government of India were “illegally occupied by
private individuals without executing deed of agreement with the department.” The CAG also pointed specifically to two projects—the Mega Destination Dimapur and Tourism Destination at Chesezu—which it stated were abandoned after incurring a total expenditure of Rs 15.95 Crores. With reference to the Mega Destination Dimapur project, the CAG informed that the Government of India had accorded sanction of Rs 23.70 Crores in January 2012 and released 11.85 Crores as of March 2016. Out of this, Rs 11.85 Crores was incurred as expenditure. The project was to be completed within 36 months from the date of sanction (December
2014). However as per the Utilisation Certificates submitted by the Department to the government, the CAG informed that physical progress reported was 80 %. It was also observed during the joint physical verification that construction works had stopped since April 2013. The CAG further informed that artificial thatch procured at a cost of Rs 40 Lakh for use in the project could not be utilized and was dumped in the store room of the tourist lodge Dimapur. The department, while accepting the facts, however stated in November 2016 that only 50 percent of the sanctioned amount was released and the same was utilized. The CAG however reasoned
that the funds were not released by the GoI as the department did not fulfill the terms and conditions of the sanction of submitting completion/commissioning certificates as per the original plan, drawing etc approved by the central government. Regarding the Tourist Destination at Chesezu project, the CAG said that proposal for this was approved in September 2011 and the GoI had released Rs 4 Crores. While expenditure of Rs 4.10 Crores had been incurred, the CAG however observed during the joint physical verification that the workd had since been abandoned after completion of 80 percent physical progress as of July 2013. The department, in its reply, stated that 20 percent of the project cost is yet to be received and hence work has been kept in abeyance. The CAG also highlighted other examples of irregularities. It stated that the department paid Rs 19.30 Crores for unexecuted items of work. Further, the State Institute of Hotel Management, Dimapur was yet to be functional even after nine years and investment of Rs 17.69 Crores. The convention centre at Dimapyr, constructed at a cost of Rs 4.57 Crores and reported to be complete in March 2-013, wasl also lying idle as all facilities
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CAG recommends: In light of its findings, the CAG recommended that the government give emphasis to planning and preparing the short and long term action plans for prioritizing activities for a holistic development and growth of the tourism sector in the state. It advised that the department should also make effort to review all completed projects lying idle and take necessary steps to utilize the tourist infrastructure for the purpose it was created. Further the CAG called upon the department to put in place robust financial controls in order to prevent persistent financial irregularities such as diversion of funds, excessive payments, payment without execution of works etc. Meanwhile it urged that the monitoring mechanism for various infrastructure projects should be strengthened in order to ensure the timely completion and utilization of the completed projects.
Petrol, diesel prices hiked Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai on hijack alert, security up
NEw DELHI, APRIL 16 (PTI): The price of petrol was hiked by Rs1.39 per litre and diesel by Rs1.04 a litre in sync with firming international rates. The hike comes on the back of a Rs4.85 per litre reduction in rates of petrol and Rs3.41 a litre in diesel effected from 1 April. Indian Oil Corp (IOC), the nation’s largest fuel retailer, said price of petrol is being increased by Rs1.39 per litre, excluding state levies, and that of diesel by Rs1.04 (excluding state levies) with effect from Saturday midnight. Actual increase in price will be more after taking into account local value added tax (VAT). Petrol in Delhi currently costs Rs66.29 a litre while a litre of diesel is priced
at Rs55.61. “The current level of international product prices of petrol and diesel and INR-USD exchange rate warrant increase in selling price of petrol and diesel, the impact of which is being passed on to the consumers with this price revision,” IOC said in a statement. The movement of prices in the international oil market and INRUSD exchange rate shall continue to be monitored closely and developing trends of the market will be reflected in future price changes, it said. IOC also said it intends to shortly start daily changes in price of petrol and diesel on pilot basis, in Udaipur, Jamshedpur, Pondicherry, Chandigarh and Vizag.
NEw DELHI, APRIL 16 (IANS): Security has been beefed up at Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai airports following an e-mail from a woman who warned of a possible hijack, a CISF official said on Sunday. In the e-mail sent to Mumbai Police, the woman, who did not reveal her identity, said she heard six unidentified youths discuss hijacking three flights in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai on Sunday. Mumbai Police got the email on Saturday and forwarded it to Mumbai Airport Security Group to go on high alert, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) official told IANS
on the condition of anonymity. The woman, whose email was in broken English, said she overheard the young men at a restaurant in Hyderabad over lunch. She claimed hearing the persons say that 23 people would split up from Hyderabad and board three flights in the three cities for hijacking. Airport authorities, immigration and Mumbai Police held a meeting after getting the e-mail. The officials were briefed about anti-hijacking steps taken during Independence Day and Republic Day, said the CISF official. Security was beefed up at the Hyderabad, Mumbai and
Chennai airports and security agencies were put on alert. Officials said while it could be a fake alarm, they were not taking any chances. The Mumbai Police is trying to get in touch with the woman who sent the email. Police in the three cities beefed up security at the main entry points to the airports. All vehicles were thoroughly checked. The CISF, responsible for security at 59 airports in the country, set up additional security measures and alerted its officials to be more vigilant in and around the terminals at Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad airports. CISF Director General O.P. Singh
On Easter, Kohima prays for peace
Pope denounces “oppressive regimes” but urges restraint
The Morung Express POll QuESTiON
approved were not provided. The CAG added that the department “did not maintain any records/register and therefore the detailed information of the assets created/ owned by the department could not be ascertained.”
People in Kohima who attended the Easter Sunrise Service on April 16. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent Kohima, April 16
A large gathering thronged the 2nd World War Cemetery in Kohima today and prayed for peace and tranquility in the state, as Kohima Easter Sunrise Service took place there under the aegis of Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship. Delivering message, Rev. Zhabu Terhuja said “we have hope for Kohima, we have hope for our land because we have here so many witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus, our Lord.” He stated that the day is a “celebration of not only Christ’s victory, but also of our blessed hope of eternity. Therefore, it is an occasion that we come together as one and reaffirm our faith and trust in God. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ has risen from the dead.” He emphasized how “many people simply think
that our identity ends with death.” “But in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, we are made to know and believe that life does not cease with death,” he added. Rev Terhuja further stressed on the essence of Christian teaching to love one another. “God’s people need to seriously think of sharing this love of God at any level of social relationship,” he said He further stated that the virtue of humility needs to be inculcated by one and all. “When we think of the world, people all over the world are protesting and fighting for their rights to the extent of causing great damage to their countries. Laying aside his divine rights and privileges, he humbled himself to learn what obedience means. He looked beyond his personal desires and was more concerned about the human world that is under the
load of sin,” he added. Rev Terhuja stated that “as we once again acknowledge in gratitude what God has done for each of us, it is most appropriate also for us to have introspection.” “Doesn’t God deserve something better than what we give him now? We do not sense real peace and contentment in our worship,” he lamented. He called upon the people to “turn from theatrical performance” and work towards “real spiritual sacrifices.” Drawing reference from scripture, he said: “there are two ways to do that; one is, to crucify the flesh with all its desires, and, the other is, resolutely and purposefully sowing spiritual seed.” The service was led by Pastor Nitoshe Zhimomi, Assistant Secretary, KBPF. Greeting was also shared by Rev Asangba Longkumer, Advisor, KBPF.
VATICAN CITY, APRIL 16 (REUTERS): Pope Francis denounced “oppressive regimes” in his Easter message on Sunday but in an apparent call for restraint urged world leaders to prevent the spread of conflicts, as tensions rose in North Korea and Syria. Francis, marking the fifth Easter season of his pontificate, said Mass before tens of thousands of people under exceptional security measures in St. Peter’s Square following recent vehicle attacks against pedestrians in London and Stockholm. More police vans and army vehicles than usual were positioned at the entrances to the Vatican area and the faithful were stopped at several check points leading into the square, which was decorated with 35,000 flowers and trees. In his Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world) message, delivered from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis spoke of a world lacerated by conflicts and laced with tensions. From the same balcony from where he first appeared to the world on the night of his election in 2013, Francis spoke of God walking “beside all those forced to leave their homelands as a result of armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, famine and oppressive regimes”.
He did not name any specific governments. “In the complex and often dramatic situations of today’s world, may the Risen Lord guide the steps of all those who work for justice and peace. May he grant the leaders of nations the courage they need to prevent the spread of conflicts and to put a halt to the arms trade,” he said. Francis spoke hours after North Korea warned the United States to end its “military hysteria” or face retaliation as a U.S. aircraft carrier group steamed towards the region and the reclusive state marked the 105th birth anniversary of its founding father. Concern has grown since the U.S. Navy fired 59 Tomahawkmissiles at a Syrian airfield last week in response to a deadlygas attack. That raised questions about U.S. President DonaldTrump’s plans for North Korea, which has conducted missile andnuclear tests in defiance of United Nations and unilateral sanctions. Francis also condemned the bomb blast on a crowded Syrian bus convoy that killed at least 112 people outside Aleppo as an “ignoble” attack, asking God to bring healing and healing and comfort to civilian population in what he called the “beloved and martyred Syria”.
said passengers need not panic. “There is no reason to panic as security measures have been put in place. All operations at these airports will be normal and passengers will not face any problem,” Singh told IANS. The CISF has enhanced baggage scanning, preembarkation checks and frisking of passengers. Other airports in thecountryhavebeenalertedtoo. The force has called in sniffer dog squads and quick reaction teams. The airlines were also told to be more vigilant. Airlines have advised passengers to report on time and avoid last-minute check-ins. Passengers have been told to cooperate with security personnel.
Dimapur Police condemns April 12 incident, suspends erring personnel DIMAPUR, APRIL 16 (MExN): Dimapur Police today issued a statement informing that the personnel involved in the April 12 incident at Dimapur stadium have been placed under suspension. Clarifying that it does not subscribe to the actions displayed by certain personnel of the force who had had acted in a high handed manner towards a group of youth, a press note from the PRO, Dimapur Police said: “It was unfortunate that certain videos recorded by the personnel went viral in social media and as such, the act illegal.” It clarified that Dimapur Police “does not condone the action and equally condemns the act of individual high handedness of certain personnel.” Necessary disciplinary actions have been initiated and the personnel involved are being placed under suspension. It meanwhile assured citizens that the force would “continuously strive to conduct itself to ensure quality service to the people and any deviant behaviors or actions by its members will not be tolerated.”
PAPO demands fund release for reconstruction DIMAPUR, APRIL 16 (MExN): The Phek Area Public Organisation (PAPO) today expressed concern that fund for reconstruction works of structures damaged during the heavy rainfall and flash floods on July 22 and 23, 2015, have still not been released by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA). Following the calamity, the PAPO reminded that the public had submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner Phek on July 27, 2015 for forwarding the same to the government under the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA). The proposals with technical estimate were submitted to the NSDMA and they were sent to the NDMA. “Accordingly, the NDMA, New Delhi has accorded sanction vide office letter No 33-8/2015-NDM-1 dated March 9, 2016,” the PAPO informed. “However till now the amount has not been released by NSDMA,” it added. According to the PAPO the amount for the proposed works come to Rs 12,26,65,700.