Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVII No. 120
DIMAPUR, thursday, april 6, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00
Six terror suspects detained in Russia
IPL 10 gets going with felicitation of legends
India has never used me against China: Dalai Lama
international, Page 9
sports, Page 11
northeast, Page 4
Uproar in RS over EVMs tampering NEW DELHI, APR 5 (AGENCIES): The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday witnessed a heated debate on the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), with the Congress demanding a ban since “these machines are not tamper-proof ”. T h e R a j ya S a b h a was briefly adjourned on Wednesday following protests from opposition parties, including Samajwadi Party and the BSP, regarding alleged tampering of electronic voting machines to favour the BJP. Opposition members stormed the well of the House, calling the government a “cheat” and raising slogans. The BJP-led government, which has repeatedly denied allegations, said the issue should be taken up with the Election Commission instead of in Parliament. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said, “Use of EVMs should be stopped right now. These EVMs should not be used in the April 23 civic polls in Delhi, coming assembly polls in Gujarat and other states.” Deputy Chairman P J Kurien clarified that according to the EC, EVM
1 dead, 3 injured in road mishap Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, APR 5 (NPN): A 64-year old woman, sister of former MLA Tarie Zeliang died on the spot while his wife and two other occupants were injured when the vehicle they were travelling rolled downed into Chathe River near Chumukedima check gate Wednesday. The incident occurred when they were proceeding towards Dimapur, traffic police sources said. “We received information at around 1 p.m. The vehicle (Scorpio NL-07C 5722) was badly damaged. The deceased has been identified as Alo. She was died on the spot,” police said. Initially, Tarie’s wife and the driver were rescued by the public and mobile squad party and rushed to Zion Hospital for treatment, however the third occupant was rescued later as she was reportedly stuck inside the mangled vehicle along with the deceased. The body was later handed over to the family members and the third occupant rushed to HK Hospital Chumukedima in serious condition. Meanwhile, in another incident at Chumukedima area, a bolero rammed into a thatched house. However, no one was injured in the incident, police said.
This is it!
“Sir, claims he has import license for pistols to be sold for sports only in north east.” K Y M C
Opposition members create ruckus in the well of Rajya Sabha during Budget session on Wednesday. (PTI)
tampering is not possible. “I have to inform you that this is an issue to be taken up with Election Commission not with Chair,” he said, before adjourning proceedings. The Congress and SP also issued at least four notices under Rule 267, which seeks suspension of business to take up the issue. However, Kurien denied admission of each, saying “there are other ways.” BSP supremo Mayawati called the BJP a beiman (cheat), adding that there were mass irregularities in the recent Uttar Pradesh polls, reported PTI. Saying the alleged tampering a “murder of
democracy”, she called for the use of ballot papers for future elections. Her demand was echoed by other members including SP’s Ramgopal Yadav and Congress’ Digvijaya Singh. Singh referred to the recent controversy in Madhya Pradesh, where the machines showed that votes favoured BJP irrespective of the input given. Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi countered most opposition claims, by referring to recent elections such as those in Bihar, Punjab and Delhi where the BJP lost. His statement, “If victory has a glamour, defeat should have grace,” fuelled the op-
position’s protest. Opposition leaders raised slogans such as, “EVM ki ye sarkar nahi chalegi, nahi chalegi.” Interestingly, amidst furore over usage of Electronic Voting Machines for polls, Russia has expressed hope to use India’s EVM technology for its upcoming presidential election. As per an Economic Times’ report, Russia hope to learns from ‘India’s experience of conducting polls through EVMs, ahead of the 2018 presidential election. The report further says that Deputy Chairman of the Russia’s Election Commission, Nikolai Levichev made a visit to Uttarakhand during Assembly polls in February to understand the functioning of EVMs, and was impressed with the entire process. It is important to note that Russia’s desire to embrace EVM technology comes at a time when many political parties’ leaders including BSP supremo Mayawati and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal have alleged EVM tampering. The presidential elections in Russia will be held in March 2018.
Apex tribe bodies urge govt to revoke Nov 24 resolution DIMAPUR, APR 5 (NPN): Apex tribal bodies along with Naga Council Dimapur, Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) and Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) on Wednesday fervently appealed to the state government to revoke the November 24, 2016 Nagaland Legislative Assembly resolution by summoning a Special Assembly Session. The appeal was among the five-point resolution adopted during the joint meeting held at Western Chakhesang Hoho hall, Dimapur According to a press note issued by JCC’s info & publicity secretary Vecüto Tenenu, the house unanimously resolved to “empower/endorse JCC/NTAC” to hold consultation with the Cabinet Sub Committee (CSC) to decide on the suspension of the former commissioner of police, DC Longleng and the police personnel involved in the January 31 incidents. JCC/NTAC would also decide to select/appoint one member from amongst the civil society bodies to be part of the Judicial Inquiry Commission for impartial enquiry, the resolution stated. The house also tasked JCC to constitute a committee to seek for amendment/ review the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001. It was also decided to urge all the apex tribal bodies to submit their opinions/suggestions on contents and structure of Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 to the committee before the end of June 2017.
CAG report reveals misuse of state chopper services Correspondent
KOHIMA, APR 5 (NPN): Despite numerous anomalies detected by Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in various departments every financial year, the government appears to have barely taken any action. It may be recalled that after the CAG report for the year ending March 31,2016 was tabled on the house on March 28, AG (Audit) Nagaland A.P. Chophy, IAAS told media persons that failure of the government to initiate action was on misappropriation of huge funds was not only frustrating but a matter of serious concern. A glaring example of misuse of central subsidy meant for the public, was in the use of the helicopter services by VIPs and bureaucrats who utilised almost 60% of the services whereas as per the scheme only 25% of flying hours was permissible for government VIPs and that too only when absolutely necessary. The home ministry in 2012 reiterated that usage of helicopter by government VIPs was to be borne by the department involved with these VIPs. According to CAG report, on examination of the claims submitted by the NST department to the Centre for reimbursement of
subsidy, it has emerged that the department had submitted claims of Rs. 44.25 crore (includes scheduled services) during the last five years, whereas it was entitled to a claim of only Rs. 20.87 crore. The Centre has not reimbursed the subsidy claim from January 2010 till March 2016, the report stated. Also, it was found that during the last five years, the department had earned revenue of Rs. 11.77 crore from Helicopter services, which included revenue from both scheduled services and chartered services. CAG did not accept the response of the department as the average number of chartered services operated for VIPs during last five years was 54.45 % and not 8 % as claimed by the Department. Teachers in offices: Under the department of school education, the CAG after examination of records found that 457 teachers, whose salary was paid under SSA, were attached to offices of the Directorate of School Education (DoSE), District Education Officers (DEOs) and Sub-Divisional Education Officers (SDEOs) in contravention of the provision of the RTE Act. As of September 2016, a total of 10,690 teachers (65%) in government schools were yet to be trained thus compromising the quality of education in the state. (Cont’d on p-8)
Tension escalates as China lodges Parliament: Bills for constituting Dmu police bust HSRP protest over Dalai Lama’s visit to NE Backward Classes Commission racket; two arrested
ITANAG AR AP R 5 (AGENCIES): Diplomatic tensions visibly escalated over the Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, as China on Wednesday lodged a protest with India and said that by ignoring Beijing’s concerns over the issue New Delhi has caused “serious damage” to bilateral ties. As the Tibetan spiritual leader entered Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh to proceed to Tawang for a major Buddhist event, China struck a strident note in its protest against the move. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, addressing a regular briefing, voiced her country’s “firm opposition” to the Dalai Lama’s visit and said Beijing would lodge “stern representations with the Indian side”. Later, the Chinese side lodged a protest with Indian Ambassa-
dor Vijay Gokhale in Beijing over the Dalai Lama’s visit. Hua said that India “in disregard” to China’s concerns “obstinately” went ahead to arrange the Tibetan leader’s visit, causing “serious damage” to China’s interests and China-India relations. She said that India should “immediately cease using the Dalai Lama’s mistaken behaviour to damage China’s interests” and not “hype up sensitive” bilateral issues. The Foreign Ministry statement comes as the Chinese state-run media also slammed the Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims is disputed and part of south Tibet. India has said that Arunachal Pradesh is an inseparable part of its territory. The Global Times accused the Indian government of “openly using” the Dalai
Lama “as a diplomatic tool to win more leverage”. It said India was trying to play the Tibet card against China as “New Delhi is dissatisfied with Beijing’s stance over its membership bid to the Nuclear Suppliers Group and its request to name Masood Azhar, head of Pakistani militant group, to a UN Security Council blacklist”, it said. On Tuesday, India said that no political motive should be attributed to the Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh and asked China not to interfere in its affairs. Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, who is from Arunachal Pradesh, said: “India has always been non-interfering in the neighbours’ internal affairs in our approach. In the same manner, we expect the same from our neighbours.”
NEW DELHI, APR 5 (IANS): The government on Wednesday introduced separate Bills to constitute a commission for the socially and educationally backward classes -- to be known as the National Commission for Backward Classes -- and to repeal the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993. Both the Bills were introduced by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot in the Lok Sabha. The National Commission for Backward Classes was constituted under the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993 to examine the requests of inclusion of any class of citizens as a backward class in the lists and hear complaints of over-inclusion or under-inclusion of any backward class in such lists. The new Bills will pave
the way of constituting a commission for the socially and educationally backward classes, which will have a constitutional status. According to the Bills, the National Commission for Backward Classes will consist of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and three other members. They will be appointed by the President. The Commission for Backward Classes will probe and monitor matters relating to the safeguards provided for the socially and educationally backward classes under this constitution or under any other law for the time being in force or under any order of the government to evaluate working of such safeguards. It may be mentioned that the Union Cabinet gave its nod to the formation of the new commission in a meeting headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
DIMAPUR, APR 5 (NPN): Anti Vehicle Theft Squad (AVTS) of the Dimapur police has reportedly busted a racket involving unauthorised issue of High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) and arrested two persons. All vehicles registered with the concerned district transport office are required to use the HSRP, which is supplied by Shimnit Utsch India Pvt. Ltd. The company with its headquarters in Mumbai has a branch office in Dimapur attached to the DTO, Dimapur. According to ADCP/PRO Dimapur Police, the racket was unearthed while investigating cases of fake registration found in some seized vehicles. Police said there could be many vehicles plying with fake registration on HSRP. The accused have been identified as one Neisakholie Sanchu, son of Zaneituo Sanchu of Touphema village, Kohima and resident of 4th Mile, Dimapur. Police said he was an employee of Shimnit company. Another accused has been identified as one Sanjay Thapa, son of Santapir Thapa of Darjeeling and resident of Kuda village, Dimapur. He was a former employee of SHIMNIT company, police said. According to PRO, Dimapur police was investigating into the involvement of other persons and the vehicles plying with fake registered HSRP. Police said the racket was serious security breach, adding that the matter would be taken up with the responsible department.
New guidelines for regulating NGOs formulated: Centre PAC inspects Dmu Railway Station NEW DELHI, APR 5 (PTI): The Centre today told the Supreme Court that it has framed guidelines for regulating the activity, registration and grants to over 32 lakh voluntary organisations (VOs)/NGOs in the country. A bench of Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud was informed by Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that in compliance with the apex court order, a highlevel committee under the chairmanship of S Vijaykumar, ex-secretary, the Ministry of Rural Development has framed the guidelines/ rules for accreditation of VOs/NGOs. The apex court took the affidavit of the Centre detailing the guidelines on record and asked Mehta to serve the copy to petitioner advocate M L Sharma and amicus curiae Rakesh Dwivedi, who is assisting the court in
the matter. Under the new guidelines, Niti Aayog has been appointed as the nodal agency for the purpose of registration and accreditation of VOs/NGOs seeking funding from the Government of India. The Aayog has been also tasked with maintaining of data- base systems to manage and disseminate information relating to NGOs/VOs. “The existing portal at Niti Aayog (NGO-Darpan) shall be strengthened and aligned with accreditationlike functions which should also provide a snapshot of the NGO with regard to its ongoing and past work, particularly with respect to public and foreign funds so as to facilitate grant making authorities on the bonafides,” the affidavit said. It said that all VOs/ NGOs, aspiring to be fund-
ed by the government, shall register themselves in NGODarpan through online process which would enable them to get a unique ID. “The registration system should facilitate the seamless operation of the IT Act and FCRA with respect to NGOs without the need for cumbersome and intrusive processes, which create mutual distrust and scope for misuse,” it said. Regarding accreditation of NGOs and VOs, the affidavit said a process of evaluating, consistency of compliance to statutory requirements and of the registration including accounts and audit requirements will be in place. “In future, all funds to NGOs/VOs should be released through the public fund management system (PFMS),” it said, adding that a three-tier monitoring system shall be instituted uniformly for the central
government and ministries. The formulated guidelines stipulate a tough monitoring mechanism by which the grantee institutions shall upload photographs in support of the performances and should geo-tag the assets, if applicable. “The periodical progress reports from grantee institutions should be incorporated in the NGO scheme workflow on the website of the ministry, with the grantee institution making data entry under a login and password. The progress report in a processed form shall also be available in the public domain preferably with a GIS interface,” the affidavit said. It said that fund-based accounting may be introduced for earmarked/designated funds by the VOs/ NGOs and all grants received from the governments should be separately accounted for.
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, APR 5 (NPN): A five-member Passenger Amenities Committee (PAC) from the Ministry of Railways on Wednesday visited Dimapur Railway Station to take stock of various issues plaguing the 114year-old railway station. The committee along with railway officials from Lumding was here to inspect whether the station has been following the classification order of the Ministry of Railways and also to look into various anomalies of the station in maintaining the directive of the Railways. The team members comprised of LP Jayaswal, Ramanand, Prabhunath Chauuhan, Manisha Chatterjee and Sudhir Mishra “Dimapur has been regarded as the second highest revenue earning railway station of North East. It was classified as A1 model sta-
PAC members addressing media persons at Dimapur railway station on Wednesday. (NP)
tion,” Jayaswal, who led the team, told media persons. PAC expressed satisfaction over the works and maintenance of the amenities and the overall functioning of the station. However, the members lamented that there was no cooperation from the state government in implementation of the development programmes of the railways. According to Jayaswal, one serious impediment was land encroachment issue. He blamed the local authorities for issuing land patta against Railway’s land.
In this regard, the committee has appealed to the state government to extend cooperation for the benefit of the people of the region. They also expressed hope that with cooperation of local people and the government, the developmental activities in the pipeline for the station would be fulfilled in the days to come. The members also informed that various amenities/facilities would be taken up such as introduction of Wi-fi, a joint venture of Railtel and Google, including a third foot over-bridge. K Y M C