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HOLIDAY The Eastern Today wishes all its readers, agents, advertisers and clients a Happy and Colourful Holi. Due to holiday, the next edition of this publication will be published on Mar. 25.

ASSENG/2015/64205

Page 11 Vol. 1

Issue 286

Dibrugarh, Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Price -

5.00

- Editor

Pages- 12

Arunachal budget estimates for Around 35 dead in FY 2016-17 cross Rs. 13,000 crore Brussels attacks horror Pul didn't explain the deficit amount to meet the BE as projected by the finance department. He articulate the speech with new announcements of fund and increase in the allocation of money in every sector.

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul presented a budget estimate (BE) for financial year 201617 which stood at Rs.13, 243.21 crore, on the second day of the eighth budget session of the Sixth Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

The estimate amount of money to be spent this financial year 2016-17 is Rs.700 crore extra as compared to the last financial year, BE which stood at Rs.12,533.62 crore, under the Nabam Tuki led Congress Govt.

In the budget speech Pul didn't explain the deficit amount to meet the BE as projected by the finance department. He articulate the speech with new announcements of fund and increase in the allocation of money in every sector.

The PPA - BJP coalition Govt. under Pul has committed to generate State’s own revenue from tax and non-tax segment, to the tune of Rs.1199.6 crore for FY 2016-17. The State’s share of Central Taxes under the 14th Finance Commission stood at Rs.7868.94

ET CAPSULES Girl commits suicide Golaghat, Mar 22: A girl of class nine who committed suicide created sensation today in Rungajan. As per the sources, a girl named Anita Bhoomij was in love with a boy of the same region but her family members do not accept it. As such there was a debate between her and family and unfortunately today morning when there was no one at home the girl left a suicidal note and hanged herself. (Correspondent)

Former MP Joseph Toppo passes away Guwahati, Mar 22: In a major setback for the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), the party’s senior leader and former Member of Parliament from the Tezpur constituency, Joseph Toppo passed away today at the GNRC hospital at Guwahati today.

Toppo was a three timer MLA from the Dhekiajuli constituency in the Sonitpur district in Assam, and was also a minister in the AGP led government which ruled the state from 1996-2001. Toppo was admitted in GNRC hospital following brain hemorrhage. Senior AGP leaders have expressed condolence over Toppo’s demise.

(Staff Reporter)

Arunachal CM Kalikho Pul presenting the budget estimate. ET Photo crore and central grants stood at Rs.3705.66 crore, for FY 2016-17 respectively. The revenue receipt for the non-plan segment to be received from the centre is Rs.235.66 crore and for the plan segment is Rs.3470.00 crore. Altogether, the revenue receipts from both centre and state amounts to Rs.12774.16 crore, a shortfall of Rs. 469.05 crore to meet the projected BE for FY 2016-17.

But while analysing the

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In a few significant decisions, Nasim Zaidi, chief election commissioner, said that all polling locations in rural areas and maximum polling locations in urban areas will be manned by central forces to be deployed by EC observers.

"Central paramilitary forces have started arriving in the state from March 15. More will be sent depending on the necessity ahead of the polls. All central forces are being deployed for domination in vulnerable areas to boost the confidence of the electorate ahead of the polls," Zaidi told newsmen in Guwahati on Tuesday.

The circulation of black money in the state has increased significantly, as the election commission has seized Rs 7.12 crore illegal cash in the run up to the polls. Sharing this information, Zaidi, said the seizure of illegal cash has been “many many times higher” this time as compared to previous occasions.

“This time our machinery has done some very good work. Illegal cash worth more than Rs 7 crore has been seized as of today.

This is many many times higher than previous occasion. We have asked our expenditure monitoring authorities to keep their control rooms open 24x7 and people are encouraged to lodge complains of any violation like distribution of

ture, the finance department has projected the expenditure for the non-plan segment for this FY 2016-17 at Rs.7337.08 crore, this includes interest payment, pensions, salaries, repayment of loan, capital expenditure and other loans and advances.

Contd. on Page 3

Tumke Bagra elected as Dy. Speaker of Arunachal assembly A Staff Reporter Naharlagun, Mar 22

In pursuance of Article 178 of the Constitution of India, Engineer Tumke Bagra, MLA of 30 Along West (ST) Assembly Constituency was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (APLA) in accordance with the procedure laid down in Rule 8 (1) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of APLA. With the treasury bench deciding not to push for any candidates of its own and the primary opposition party, the Congress members, continuing with their boycott on the second day of the Eighth Ses-

All polling stations in rural areas and maximum in urban to be manned by central forces : CEC A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 22

framework of the State’s economy, it was seen that the Govt. has committed to increase the Capital Receipts up to Rs.1172. 88 crore. In the capital receipt, money will be recovered from loan and advances and public debt. With this, the over all total receipts from both the Centre and the State will stands at Rs.13947.04 crore for the same FY 2016-17.

When it comes to expendi-

money, liquor or gifts through call centres or mobile apps,” said Zaidi.

The commission has set up 389 flying squads, 364 static surveillance teams and 355 check posts to check the movement of illegal money in the state.

The commission met political parties, district officials, senior civil and police officials, chief secretary and other senior officials of excise and income tax department.

Meanwhile, the Kamrup (Metro) district administration has tightened vigil in the city, mainly in the metro zones, with special measures to prevent the erection of illegal posters and hoardings, check the flow of cash and liquor, and ensure a smooth and peaceful election.

Deputy commissioner M Angamuthu said the model code of conduct cell has destroyed more than 3,112 hoardings till Monday.

Graffiti has been removed from walls of government offices, buildings, premises and other public places in the metro zone that covers four constituencies.

"Our officials have been actively monitoring developments following the instruction of the Election Commission. Most of the illegal hoardings and wall writings were found in Jalukbari and Dispur constituencies that have been identified as expendituresensitive constituencies," said Angamuthu.

sion of the Sixth Arunachal Legislative Assembly, the election of Engineer Bagra, a BJP MLA to the post of Deputy Speaker was a smooth sail.

Meanwhile, rising to felicitate the newly elected Deputy Speaker, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul while congratulating the House for breaking the usual norms of electing the Deputy Speaker from the ruling party itself, termed the election of Bagra who is a member of BJP and not from the ruling PPA government as historic. Also, advising on the Speaker and the deputy Speaker to maintain neutrality at all cost, CM Pul went on to give a clarion call on the legislators to attend and

Earlier, other members of the house like Deputy CM duo of Chowna Mein and Kameng Dolo, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Wanglin Lowangdong, Power Minister T N Thongdok and MLAs Japu Deru, Tage Taki, Dr Mohesh Chai and Tamar Murtem shared their congratulatory note to the newly elected Deputy Speaker in the house.

Later, the Deputy Speaker Tumke Bagra expressed his gratitude to the members of the house for electing him without any hindrance and also assured to carry out his duties without any prejudice.

ET Correspondent Jorhat, mar 22

by poachers in 2016 till today, said officials.

An adult female rhino was killed by greedy poachers in early wee hours near tunikhati forest camp under Burapahar Range in Kaziranga National Park here today.

KNP officials and security recovered a 3not3 and 18 empty cartridges from the site.

So far five rhinos have killed

Meanwhile the security scenario inside the Kaziranga National Park has been intensified and deployed a special battalion force of the Assam Police Commando Force and 3-COY of Mizo regiment has also been pressed to counter the poacher activity, informed Subash Das the DFO, KNP here today.

Majuli MLA asked to leave meeting venue Former Water Resource Minister cum three times Majuli MLA, Rajib Lochan Pegu was forced to leave upper Majuli village of 2 no.

Kohal Gaon under Majuli subdivision in Jorhat district here

PTI Itanagar, Mar 22

The Arunachal Pradesh Assembly today passed two bills, Arunachal Pradesh Tourism (Trade Registration and Regulation) Bill, 2016 and Arunachal Pradesh Right to Public Services Bill, 2016, by voice votes.

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul had yesterday introduced the bills in the Assembly.

The Arunachal Pradesh Tourism (Trade Registration and Regulation) Bill, 2016 would help in safeguarding the interests of tourists visiting the state and ensure sustainability of tourism growth in the state.

Contd. on Page 3

AFP Brussels, Mar 22

black day," Michel said on national television.

A series of explosions ripped through Brussels airport and a metro train today, killing around 35 people and injuring more than 200 in the latest attacks to rock Europe.

Foreign Minister Didier Reynders warned that authorities fear suspects could still be at large in the city that is home to both NATO and the European Union.

Security was tightened across the jittery continent and transport links paralysed after the bombings that Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel branded "blind, violent and cowardly".

"This is a day of tragedy, a

The bloodshed came just four days after the dramatic arrest in Brussels of Salah Abdeslam -- the prime suspect in the Paris terror attacks claimed by the Islamic State group -- after four months on the run.

Belgian authorities had been on alert after Abdeslam, Europe's most wanted man, told investigators he had been planning an attack on Brussels.

Two blasts shattered the main hall of Zaventem Airport at around 8:00am (1330 IST), with prosecutor Frederic Van Leeuw saying there was probably at least one suicide bomber.

Contd. on Page 3

Let your dream find a way to cherish with

take part in the Assembly session with religious zeal.

Female rhino killed, horn taken from Kaziranga National Park

ET Correspondent Jorhat, mar 22

Two bills passed in Arunachal Assembly

today.

The sitting Majuli congress MLA who almost forgot most of the areas when he was the minister cum MLA during the past three terms but visited few of his favourite areas only.

Contd. on Page 4

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Pynshisha Nylla Itanagar, Mar 22

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

PAGE 2 Advt.

ASTRO FOR YOU Aries You are enthusiastic about mixing with people today, and you will feel like combining business and leisure. You will be encouraged to take part in group activities as you have the ability to work and have fun at the same time.

ANNEXURE 16 (CHAPTER V, PARA -5.25.1)

FORMAT IN WHICH THE RETURNING OFFICER MAY PUBLISH THE INFORMATION RELATING TO GOVERNMENT DUES

Taurus This day you will be prone to be stubborn and uncompromising in your business and professional dealings and thereby inviting unnecessary problems. The day will turn out well for executives and administrators.

(To be published in two newspapers having local circulation) General/Bye - election to State Legislative Assembly from 120- Naharkatia Constituency

Gemini You will let your personal likes and dislikes cloud your judgement today. Don’t let that happen, or you may lose a worthy friend.

Cancer You wish to display your social prestige and monetary clout in front of your relatives. But you have to pay a heavy price for that. Your past experience will teach you something, which will stand in good stead for future dealings.

PUBLIC NOTICE Information as furnished by the contesting candidates in their affidavits in respect of Government dues is hereby published for information of all electors:Government dues to departments dealing with Sl.

Leo You will try to take up new projects to the best of your abilities today. You will be able to successfully tackle all your tasks today. You will face a little instability in your personal relationships, but will be able to solve all issues successfully.

Virgo You will realise the need to make monetary arrangements for some unforeseen financial instability that may occur in the future. Your leadership qualities will be appreciated by people around you.

Libra There will be good news coming from friends or relatives living abroad. Your working ability and efficiency will make you popular in the office today. In the day today you shall have a variety of good and bad experiences.

Scorpio In all probability, you are set to shine out as a man of care and kindness. Shut the doors on worries and open the windows to let merrymaking and happiness sweep you off your feet today.

Name of Candidate

No

Party affiliation, if any

accommodation of water of elements

Government

Supply

Supply

Telephone Government Transport

Asom Gana Parishad

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

(including aircrafts and helicopter)

1.

NAREN SONOWAL (BOTALI)

2.

PRANATEE PHUKAN

Indian National Congress

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

3.

SURESH CH.DEKA

Communist Party of India (Marxist)

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

4.

SADANANDA DAS

Jan Congress Party

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

5.

MAHENDRA DHADUMIYA

Independent

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

6.

MOHAN NAG

Independent

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

(Reena Mech, A.C.S.) Returning Officer, 120 No. Naharkatia LAC.

Sagittarius Keeping all the work aside, you may be painting the town red today. Falling in love is exciting, isn’t it? However, for all those who are already in a relationship.

Impress ‘the special one’ with a bouquet of red roses and make up for all the petty fights during the day.

Capricorn Actions speak louder than words. Your sincere efforts and honest intentions will motivate others also to put in their best. You’ll be like a friend, philosopher and guide to them. People will follow you, but it has a darker side to as many will even over take you.

ANNEXURE-16 (CHHAPTER V, TARA-5.25.1) FORMAL IN WHICH THE RETURNING OFFICER MAY PUBLISH THE INFORMATION RELATING TO GOVERNMENT DUES

Aquarius You will take the road to spirituality today and give a miss to materialism. You will visit temples, other religious places, and spiritual leaders to find answers for some of your questions. It will, however, take a while for you to distinguish between mysticism and materialism, and understand that you can have the best of both worlds.

Pisces You will not take matters to heart needlessly today, and will instead calmly evaluate the bitter words of others to see if there is a grain of truth in them somewhere.

This is a good practice and one that should be continued.

(To be published in two newspapers having local circulation) General election to State Legislative Assembly from 117 Lahowal Constituency

PUBLIC NOTICE Information as furnished by the contesting candidates in their affidavits in respect of Government dues is hereby published for information of all electors:Government dues to departments dealing with Sl.

Name of Candidate

Party affiliation, if any

No

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz)

1

Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 22-3-16 (TUESDAY) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha 6-15 A.M-Classical Music (Flute Recital) 6-50 A.M-Tokari Geet 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M-Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-30 P.M-Geetimanjari 1-10 P.M- Troops Programme 2-00 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Jaga Grahak Jaagaa" 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Mizumishimi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raaijor Anusthan 7-15 P.M-Chah Sramikor Asor 8-00 P.M-Bijnan Jeuti 9-30 P.M-Sahitya Kanan 10-00 P.M-Classical Music

2

3

Government accommodation

Supply Supply of water of elements

Telephone Government Transport (including aircrafts and helicopter)

Other C Government dues, if any

4

5

6

7

8

9

1. RITUPARNA BARUAH

BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

2. PRITHIBI MAJHI

INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

3. RAJESH RAJPUT

COMMUNIST PARTY OF INDIA

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

4. BOGA KUMAR NAG

JAN CONGRESS PARTY

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

5. PRIYA NATH GOGOI

INDEPENDENT

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

6. RANJITA KONWAR

INDEPENDENT

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

7. SOMBHULAL SABOR

INDEPENDENT

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL (SMITAKSHI BARUAH, A.C.S.) RETURNING OFFICER 117- LAHOWAL LAC

ANNEXURE XVI (CHAPTER V, PARA -5.25.1) FORMAT IN WHICH THE RETURNING OFFICER MAY PUBLISH THE INFORMATION RELATING TO GOVERNMENT DUES (To be published in two newspapers having local circulation) General/Bye - election to Assam Legislative Assembly from 116- Dibrugarh L.A Constituency

PUBLIC NOTICE Information as furnished by the contesting candidates in their affidavits in respect of Government dues is hereby published for information of all electors:Government dues to departments dealing with

Sd-/H.O.P Sl. Name of Candidate

2 NDFB arrested in Rangia ET Correspondent Rangia, Mar 22: 14 Dogra Regiment of Army nabbed 2 Hardcore NDFB (S) militant acting of a tip off on Advt.

Sale Four Kattha Miyadi Patta Land is for Sale near Rungajan Daily Market of Golaghat .

Contact 9401645039

Tuesday morning from Jaljali village under Rangia police station.

According to Army the militant were identified as Durga Baro of Bonguri village, Tamulpur under Bagsa district and the other was Umesh Daimary of Gandhibari village.

One Sophisticated Pistol, 2 grenade and 4 live cartridges have been recovered from them. However, Rangia police are interrogating from the militants at Rangia police station for further information.

Witch culture still prevails ET Correspondent Golaghat, Mar 22: HSLC appeared girl was suspected to die of witch culture last night around 2 am. As per the information the daughter of Jugen Tanti named Moni Tanti of Goranga Tea Estate was suffering from fever and pox since many days. Inspite of treatments given by Doctors the family with superstitious belief went for Baij treatment too.

According to sources, some blood spots were found in the boundary of their house which made the nearby people to believe that the case is related to witch culture. The incident has created sensation after the death of girl last night around 2 am.

Other C

Government dues, if any

No

1

2

Party affiliation, if any

3

Government accommodation

Supply Supply of water of elements

Telephone Government Transport (including aircrafts and helicopter)

Other C Government dues, if any

4

5

6

7

8

9

1. Shri Chandra Kanta Barua

Indian National Congress (INC)

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

2. Shri Diganta Phukan

Communist Party of India (CPI)

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

3. Shri Prasanta Phukan

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

4. Shri Avinash Singh

Independent

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

5. Shri Padmeswar Phukan

Independent

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

6. Shri Bipul Chandra Das

Independent

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

7. Shri Jugen Kachari

Independent

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

Place- Dibrugarh Date- 22/03/2016 Assistant Returning Officer 116 No. Dibrugarh LAC Assembly Election, 2016

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

PAGE 3 Administration conducts meeting with candidates Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Mar 22: The district administration here on Tuesday organized a meeting with all candidates and their representatives of 3 LAC's, Tinsukia, Digboi and Doomdooma, to brief them on election related matters. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner, Puru Gupta, ADC Diganto Saikia, Partho Bairagi, General observer, Pankaj Rag and expenditure observer Abhishekanandan Rao. The meeting started with an addressing from Deputy Commissioner, Puru Gupta who spoke upon election briefly.

Their after, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Partho Pratim Bairagi briefed the candidates in detail regarding model code of conduct while Additional Deputy Commissioner, Diganto Saikia on expenditure.

The election team has informed the candidates and their representatives that on 24th, 28th March and 1st April expenditure inspection of candidates would be carried on.

Hence, all candidature needs to submit their expenditure details.

Director General of BRO visits to inspects project works ET Correspondent Tezu, Mar 22: Lt. Gen Suresh Sharma, AVSM, Director General of Border Roads visited BRO Projects Udayak sector on 18th -19th March, where he inspected various road/bridges infrastructures beings developed in Arunachal Pradesh by 48 BRTF in Lohit and Anjaw districts and 752 BRTF in

Debang Valley district under BRO Projects Udayak. It was his maiden visit to Projects Udayak after taking over as Director General in Jan 2016, informed by the administration in a press release.

The important roads namely Roing-Kornu-Paya, DigaruTezu, Nampong-Vijaynagar and ongoing bridge works at Deopani, Iphipani, Dau,

Yasong, Kramti and Tilua were also inspected by the General Officer. He complemented the executives who are working in inhospitable areas for their excellent work despite numerous constraints.

Later, he addressed the troops at Headquarter Projects Udayak at Doomdooma and praised

them for their commitment in providing connectivity to the eastern most parts of India. He lauded the personnel of BRO and Project Udayak for their remarkable commitment towards overall socio-economic development of the people of Arunachal Pradesh in particular and the nation in general since 1960.

4th death anniversary of late Kabang Borang observed

Spl Correspondent Pasighat, Mar 22: The 4th death anniversary of late Kabang Borang, a veteran politician and a visionary leader was observed with much emotion and remembrance by Kepang Erang Kebang (KEK) along with well-wishers at the resident

of late Borang here at Mirku Dabi village, Pasighat today.

The death anniversary observation was led by Tokbom Perme and Orin Ratan, President and General Secretary respectively of KEK Pasighat Block and many senior and elders from

KEK spoke at length about the life history and contribution of late Borang.

Oyem Dai, President, Bogogn Banggo Kebang, Kaling Dai, Zila Parishad Chairperson, East Siang, Todol Pertin, President KEK, Anying Borang, Secretary General KEK and

others like Okeng Borang, Gortak Pertin, Dr. Koson Boang etc also spoke. Late Borang who served his people and the state in a capacity of MLA (Three consecutive terms in 1990,1995/1999), Cabinet Minister, Forest & State Transport, Cabinet Minister, Home besides many other post expired on 21st March 2012 at the age of 76 years at Chennai. He was born on 5th February 1936 at Ayeng village under Mebo Sub-Division. Late Borang is survived by his wife Mamang Borang, Sons Kepang Borang, Ralom Borang (former MLA Mebo), Kangkim Borang and daughters Rame Borang Pertin & Beauty Borang Perme.

RNTCP observes World TB Day in Dibrugarh A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Mar 22: Revised National TB control programme (RNTCP), Dibrugarh has observed ‘World TB Day’ on 22th at Dist. TB centre, Assam Medical Collage with a daylong programme of arranging an awareness meeting among the TB patients, their relatives, Medical Officers, RNTCP and other Para-medical staffs, informed in a press release from the office of DPO.

nowadays if diagnosed early and medicines are taken regularly. They expressed that RNTCP is a very effective programme under supervised DOTS (Direct Observe Treatment Short Course) for which the mortality and morbidity due to TB significantly come down in recent years. But these are still some hiding cases in our society which are spreading the disease.

We have to work together to find out such patients easily to prevent further spread of disease.

The release also stated that the, programme was anchored by Bishnu Gohain, PMDT cum TB-HIV coordinator, many eminent person were also present in the

In association with the programme, fruits and eggs are distributed among the TB patients in the meeting and the TB ward for AMCH.

meeting, they are- Dr. Pawan Swarnakar, Jt. Director of Health Service, Dr. Basanta Laskar, Prof and HoD of Medicine,

AMCH, Dr. Hitendra Sonowal, District Programme Officer, RNTCP, Dr. P Deori, Registrar, Pulmonary Medicine,

Arunachal budget estimates for FY 2016-17 cross Rs. 13,000 crore Contd. from Page 1 For the plan segment for the FY 2016-17, the Govt. projected the expenditure to be at Rs.6569.00 crore, this include revenue expenditure, capital expenditure and loans. Altogether the total expenditure projected for this FY 2016-17 stands at Rs.13906.08 crore.

The roughly estimate as seen in the overview of the budget estimate shows the total revenue receipts at Rs. 13947.04

crore and the total expenditure at Rs. 13906.08 crore.

If the State Govt. can generate the revenue without any leakage and reduce the expenditure by proper monitoring on the implementation of schemes, then it will surely shows a positive sign to the State’s economy in this financial year 2016-17, as it has already earn Rs. 41 crore as per the estimates in theory.

In the Economic Framework Statement, the analysis of this

current BE based on the economic performance of the State, there is a surplus of revenue to the tune of Rs. 2222.46 crore. However, the gross fiscal deficit stood at Rs. 367.58 crore.

And the amount of interest (as per loans) to be paid to PSU firms is increasing, this will add woes to the estimate expenditure and increase borrowing. As per the EFS, the outstanding debt and liabilities of the State until March, 2016 stood at Rs. 4910.53 crore.

Two bills passed in Arunachal Assembly Contd. from Page 1

It would help formalizing the largely informal sectors of tourism industry through registration and certification and under it a few officers of the tourism department would be vested with magisterial powers, including the power of compounding in case of cheating, overcharging, harassment, pestering and touting faced by the tourists.

Tribal Farming Community Benefitted by ICAR - NRC on Yak under Tribal Sub Plan

The bill would also streamline the activities of tourism in the state within set framework, standardization of facilities and protocols and to bring about tourism activities legally within the administration of the tourism department.

The Arunachal Pradesh Right to Public Services Bill, 2016 would deal with systematic and time bound delivery of services for all government servants.

It would also ensure right based approach by empowering the public with the right to receive delivery of services within stipulated time lines.

It would enable citizens to access government services and obtain information in a unified and simplified manner and enabled government to provide the required services seamlessly.

ET Correspondent Dirang, Mar 22: ICARNational Research Centre on Yak, Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh has conducted three different programmes under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) for supporting the tribal community of West Kameng and Tawang districts of Arunachal Pradesh. On 21 March 2016 at Nyukmadung, ICARNRC on Yak provided five yak breeding bulls to the farmers of five villages of Zemithang circle of Tawang district to improve the productivity for their livestock. Farmers of Lumpo, Muchut, Kharman, Kyalekteng and Shocktsen villages and Gangri Multipurpose Cooparative Society re-

Contd. from Page 1

A third hit a train at Maalbeek metro station in the heart of the city's EU quarter, just as commuters were making their way to work in rush hour.

Dwellers of Jorhat holds protest and demands justice for Baghchung Trishav Bordoloi heaven for anti-social activity after such a commercial complex came up within past couple of years which needed to be highly observed, said one Diganta Borah of the area.

Witnesses said victims lay in pools of blood at the airport, their limbs blown off. There were chaotic scenes as passengers fled in panic, with a

ET Correspondent Jorhat, mar 22: The citizens of Jorhat today led out a procession throughout the main thoroughfare of the Jorhat city and blocked the road and burnt tyres to pressurize the administration to bring the culprit, who is suspected to be a resident of the same complex Satish Residency where lots of anti-social activities is on the run, informed Bikash Pal a resident of campus here today.

Jorhat citizens protest and demand to book the killer who killed a brilliant student of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Baghchung Trishav Bordoloi on March 17 last.

The citizens of Jorhat and its area today blocked the road at Dohabora Chuk, burnt tyres and demanded justice over the killing of such an innocent youth and pressurized the administration and police to investigate the process for actual justice.

Trishav’s parents both are senior teachers from the Central College, Ken d u g u r i w h o a r e highly influential and respected by all. It has come to light that Satish Residency, a commercial residency in the heart of Jorhat city in Dohabora Chuk area has become a

In another two programmes, that were collaboratively organised on 22 March, 2016 by ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh for the farmers of Salari village to motivate them for income generation through household agriculture produce and organic farming. During

these programmes the farmers were educated on the benefits of adopting organic farming through vermi-compost technology and preparation of various household agriproducts. In total 60 tribal farmers (10 females and 50 males) participated in these programmes at FTC Salari, West Kameng.

During the programme, 20 vermi-compost units, 40 mixer grinders, 40 crates and vegetables were provided to the participants

by ICAR-NRC on Yak under TSP for adopting organic farming at their fields. The trainees appreciated the training programme and requested for organizing more such kind of programmes for their support.

Around 35 dead in Brussels attacks horror

Pierre Meys, spokesman for the Brussels fire brigade, told AFP at least 14 people had been killed at the airport, while Brussels mayor Yvan Mayeur said "around 20" died in the underground blast.

More than 200 people have been wounded, several critically.

AMCH, Dr. Upen Bora, Medicine Officer, Dr. Provision Tisso, Medical Officer. The speaker says that TB is completely curable

quested Dr. S. M. Deb, Director of ICAR - NRC on Yak during the Yak mela organized at Zemithang in November 2015 to assist them by providing breeding bulls for enhancing the production performance of their animals that is declining due to inbreeding in field.

thick plume of smoke rising from the main terminal building.

ied faces as the streets filled with the wailing of sirens.

"A man shouted a few words in Arabic and then I heard a huge blast," airport baggage security officer Alphonse Lyoura told AFP, his hands bloodied.

At least two Polish nationals and a Briton were confirmed among the injured in a city that is the EU's symbolic capital.

"A lot of people lost limbs. One man had lost both legs and there was a policeman with a totally mangled leg."

An army team later blew up a suspect package at the shuttered airport, with media reporting police had found an unexploded suicide vest.

At Maalbeek station, paramedics tended to commuters with blood-

The bombings triggered a transport shutdown, with flights halted and metro, tram and bus services all suspended.

Airports across Europe swiftly announced they were boosting security, including in London, Paris, and Frankfurt.

Across the Atlantic, New York and Washington ordered extra counter-terror officers to crowded areas and train stations.

Advt.

ANNEXURE -16 (CHAPTER V, PARA-5.25.1) General Election, 2016 from 119 TINGKHONG LAC PUBLIC NOTICE Information as furnished by the contesting candidates in their affidavits in respect of Government dues is hereby published for information of all electors:Government dues to departments dealing with Sl. Name of Candidate Party affiliation, if any

Government Supply Supply Telephone Government Transport Other C accommodation of water of elements (including aircrafts Government and helicopter) dues, if any

1. ATUWA MUNDA Indian National Congress 2. BIMAL BARUAH Bharatiya Janata Party 3. ELIASH SICHAN Jharkhand Disom Party 4. MIRA TANTI Communist Party

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

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nil

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nil nil

nil nil

nil nil

nil nil

nil nil

nil nil

of India (Marxist Leninist) Liberation

5. AUNP PHUKON Independent 6. DILIP BHARALI Independent

(Anjanabh Chaliha, ACS) Addl. Deputy Commissioner, Dibrugarh & Returning Officer, No.119 Tingkhong LAC

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

PAGE 4

BJP candidate Bhaskar Sharma holds Election Observer arrives in Rangia Student dead in accident election campaign in Margherita ET Correspondent Rangia, Mar 22: Ananda Kumar Sarma senior IAS officer and additional Secretary of MP who has been appointed as General observer for 56 Kamalpur and 57 Rangia constituencies for ensuing assem-

bly election to ensure free and fare poll reached Rangia on Monday night.

According to DEO and SDO Civil Kailash Karthik the observer will camp at Rangia circuit house till election. Any-

body can meet him during 10 am to 11 am at SDO civil office regarding election or contact him over telephone. His telephone No is 9435938015.

Everybody is free to contact him for any complain regarding assembly election.

ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Mar 22: A student of Girls’ College, Kokrajhar was succumbed to hospital following road mishap at Narabari today in Kokrajhar.

The incident took place at Narabari along the JD road this morning around 10 am in

Kokrajhar town when the student was coming on a bike and suddenly fall down to road and held mishap with a truck bearing registration ASG-2321. She was identified as Purnima Basumatary (18). She was immediately taken to the nearest hospital.

Advt.

ANNEXURE 16 (CHAPTER V, PARA -5.25.1)

FORMAT IN WHICH THE RETURNING OFFICER MAY PUBLISH THE INFORMATION RELATING TO GOVERNMENT DUES

(To be published in two newspapers having local circulation) General/Bye - election to Assam Legislative Assembly from 118- Duliajan Constituency ET Correspondent Margherita, Mar 22: In 124 Margherita LAC the Bharatiya Janata Party Candidate, Bhaskar Sharma today came at RamKrishna Bidyapith school field playground for the election campaigning where more than 1000 people gathered and more than 100 people newly took BJP membership.

“Pradyut Bordoloi who has been representing 124 Margherita LAC for 18 years where no industries were set up, unemployment problem rapidly increased, roads and bridges were not constructed.

Pradyut Bordoloi is good in giving lectures and speech but not good in doing work. If Margherita people give their votes to me than what

NSLA linkman arrested ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Mar 22: Security forces belonging to Assam Police and Army in a joint operation apprehended a linkman of NSLA militant outfit from Kashiabari area under Gossaigaon PS in Kokrajhar district today.

The accused was identified as Janagram Tudu (33) of Simlabari Tapu village. A pistol and live round was also recovered from him.

One killed in Udalguri district ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Mar 22: In a shocking incident in the pre-assembly election of Assam, a Tea Estate worker was died on the spot and another villager sustained serious injury late last night when unidentified miscreants attacked at Suola Tea Estate in Udalguri district.

According to police, the incident took place around 7.30 pm late last night when the duo was on way to their Tea Estate colony after having their duties.

The unidentified miscreants attacked them with sharp weapons, where one of the duo was died on the spot and another received sustained injured, who was immediately rushed to hospital. The deceased was identified as Rabi Baigha (35) of Suola Tea Estate.

The injured that has been given treatment at hospital was identified as Balika Gaur (45) of Dahalahadi village of the Udalguri district.

The police official team rushed to the spot to take stock of evidence of the incident and started investigation, said a senior police officer.

Pradyut Bordoloi did in the last 18 years I will do it only in 5 years” said Bhaskar Sharma.

Bhim Karmakar further said that Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi led Congress Government at Assam in the last 15 years have not cheated or exploited the people of Assam in the name of 15 years development or 15 years of Trust. At 124 Margherita LAC there are many Congress leaders who have two to three ration Cards but Pradyut Bordoloi is not taking it seriously.

Pradyut Bordoloi has not done any development work at 124 Margherita LAC that is why People of Margherita want change this time.

Bibek Tanti, Ashish Paul and other present BJP Leaders slammed and criticized former minister and 124 Margherita LAC legislators Pradyut Bordoloi for not doing any development work at Margherita constituency and requested all people to give Votes to BJP Candidate Bhaskar Sharma.

Margherita Town Committee of 4 No Ward Commissioner, Dipali Dutta Ravi, 5 No Ward Commissioner, Ashish Paul, Margherita BJP Sadar Mandal President and also the Vice Chairman of Margherita Town Committee, Bhim Karmakar, Bibek Tanti President of Tinsukia District BJP Tea Cell and many other BJP Leaders were present.

AASAA KADC seeks change in the government set up, Extends support to the saffron brigade ET Correspondent Bokajan, Mar 22: The All Adivasi Students Association of Assam(AASAA), Karbi Anglong District Committee, through a press release, extended its support to the saffron brigade in all the four constituencies over the district in the forthcoming Assembly polls here on Tuesday.

The organisation under the banner of AASAA and other frontal adivasi organisations seeks for a change in the government set up believing that only change can bring about the developments of their community and the anti-adivasi laws in the hill district.

Terming the Adivasis as the most deprived peoples, the chief advisor, AASAA, KADC - Anil Toopo heavily lashed out at the CongressI government alleging that

the leaders have siphoned off huge amount of public money meant for development works. The students leader further stated that the Adivasi peoples of the hill district have been voting for congress past 15 years battling severe threats from workers of ASDC but has relatively failed to gain recognition from its leaders viz MP Biren Sing Ingti and Khorsing Ingti.

Meanwhile, a prominent BJP leader viz. Borsing Rongpi resigned from the party's membership following resentment over the party decision to field Dr Numal Momin as the party candidate from 17 Bokajan LA constituency. Rongpi formally joined the Congress party along with four other members here in a workers meet at Bokajan Block Congress Office here late Tuesday afternoon.

29 file nominations in Nalbari district Ramen Kalita Nalbari,Mar 22: A total of 29 candidates filed nominations for three Assembly segments Nalbari,Barkshetri and Dharmapur in Nalbari district.

Official sources said here that in Barkshetri LAC highest 13 candidates filed nominations while only five candidates filed nominations papers for Dharmapur LAC.In Barkshetri LAC the candidates who filed nominations are Diganta Barman (INC),Narayan Deka (BJP),Kamalesh Deka (Ind),Akram Hussain Talukdar (AIUDF),Mamtaj Ahmed (AIUDF),Mantu Baruah (Ind),Dipak Kalita (Ind),Manomati Das (Ind),Bhupen Talukdar

(Ind),Bipul Goswami (Ind),Raju Barman (Ind),Raju Deka (Ind),and Mamtaj Ahmed (AIUDF).In Nalbari LAC the candidates who filed nominations are Ashok Sarma (BJP),Pradyut Kumar Bhuyan (Congress),Jyotirmoy Goswami (Ind),Shristi Sarma (Ind),Maheswar Dutta (CPIM),Khurshid Alam (Ind),Harinarayan Das (Ind),Maharishi Parasar Chakravarty (Ind) Munindra Doley (SUCI),Gopal Baruah (Ind),and Jiten Kalita (Ind).Besides in Dharmapur LAC those filed nominations are Chandra Mohan Patowary (BJP) , Nilamani Sen Deka ( Congress),Dipak Barman (Ind),Sankar Talukdar (Ind),and Zamir Ahmed (Ind).

Majuli MLA asked to leave meeting venue Contd. from Page 1 Today after 15 years Mr. Pegu went to the village to distribute yarn, blankets, mosquito nets and cheques of Rs 5000 each to over 15 self-help groups of the Kohal Gaon village.

As the news spread about the MLA visiting with items and the cheques, a section of 50 to 60 women member group

gathered in front of MLA Pegu and asked him to immediately leave the venue as he had already forgotten the people of Upper Majuli. They even protested that the congress MLA is trying to divide among the people of River Island between Upper and Lower Majuli.

The items and the cheques which was under Chief Minister’s special scheme, I could not give them earlier due to hectic schedule for sudden imbalances in the government

led by Tarun Gogoi, said Pegu.

It may be mentioned that most of the areas in Majuli is gearing up for the favour of BJP Chief Ministerial Candidate Sarbananda Sonowal who is also the Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs who has taken the front seat so far among four in the fray from the 99-Majuli (ST) LAC as BJP has made the issue for Majuli’s development, construction of a bridge between Jorhat and Majuli.

PUBLIC NOTICE Information as furnished by the contesting candidates in their affidavits in respect of Government dues is hereby published for information of all electors:Government dues to departments dealing with Sl.

Name of Candidate

No

Party affiliation, if any

accommodation of water of elements

Government

Supply

Supply

Telephone Government Transport

Other C

(including aircrafts and helicopter)

Government dues, if any

1.

Terash Gowalla

Bharatiya Janata Party

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

2.

Dhrubajyoti Gogoi

Indian National Congress

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

3.

Anjali Senapati

Jan Congress Party

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NIL

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4.

Jhuma Debnath

Shive Sena

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

5.

Sunil Tanti

CPI(ML) Liberation

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

6.

Amiya Gogoi

Independent

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

7.

Isak Karkaria

Independent

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

8. Probin Kumar Hazarika

Independent

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

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9.

Jatin Konwar

Independent

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NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

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10.

Ramesh Chandra

Independent

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NIL

NIL

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11.

Hiranya Sonowal

Independent

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

(Returning Officer for 118 No. Duliajan Constituency) ANNEXURE 16 (CHAPTER V, PARA -5.25.1)

THE INFORMATION RELATING TO GOVERNMENT DUES

General Assam Assembly Election, 2016 from 115- Moran constituency PUBLIC NOTOCE Information as furnished by the contesting candidates in their affidavits in respect of Government dues is hereby published for information of all electors:Government dues to departments dealing with Sl.

Name of Candidate

Party affiliation, if any

Government Supply Supply Telephone Government Transport Other C accommodation of water of elements (including aircrafts Government and helicopter) dues, if any

1. CHAKRADHAR GOGOI

Bharatiya Janata Party

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

2

Indian National Congress

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

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NIL

3. HIRANYA BORUAH

Communist Party of India

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

4.

ASHOK KUMAR URANG

Independent

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

5. RUBUL BURAGOHAIN

Independent

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

6. SUNIL RAJKONWAR

Independent

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

No

PABAN SINGH GHATOWAR

Place- Dibrugarh Date- 22/03/2016 (T. Muktiar, ACS) RETURNING OFFICER 115- Moran LAC

INFORMATION RELATING TO GOVERNMENT DUES (To be published in two newspapers having local circulation)

Election to the Assam Legislative Assembly from No. 121 Chabua LA Constituency

PUBLIC NOTICE Information as furnished by the contesting candidates in their affidavits in respect of Government dues is hereby published for information of all electors:Government dues to departments dealing with Sl. Name of Candidate No

1

2

Party affiliation, if any

3

Government Supply Supply Telephone Government Transport Other C accommodation of water of elements (including aircrafts Government and helicopter) dues, if any 4

5

6

7

8

9

1. BINOD HAZARIKA

Bharatiya Janata Party

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

2. RAJU SAHU

Indian National Congress

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

3. DEBNATH MAJHI

CPI (M-L) Liberation

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

4. UTPAL KAKOTI

Independent

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

5. RABIN CHANDRA KACHARI Independent

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

NIL

(Sazzad Alam, ACS) RETURNING OFFICER No. 121 Chabua LAC

REGION

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

Different party candidates files nomination ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Mar 22: The United People’s Party (UPP) candidate for Kokrajhar east, Pratibha Brahma filed her nomination papers to the Returning Officer at DC office in Kokrajhar on Monday.

Brahma was accompanied by senior party leader Rabiram Ujir, leaders from alliance partnar Congress party Ashok Kumar Borgoyary.

A grand procession was also organised from Kokrajhar anchalik office to DC office via flyover where thousands of party supporters both from UPP and Congress thronged and shouted slogans in supports of UPP candidates claiming winning of the candidates who are contesting from constituencies in the scheduled April 11 election. Pratibha Brahma, UPP nominee after filling nomination told that she was hopeful of winning the LAC as irrespective of caste, creed and communities are supporting her candidature.

“Citizens of the constituency want good governance and social integration

among society, so this time they would vote for the UPP party to meet healthy peace and unity” said Brahma.

She has also claimed that her winning from constituency is sure, no doubt. The candidates, who have filed their nominations on Monday, are Manu Borgoyary, AIUDF and Basanta Medhi (Independent).

Rajesh Narzary (Independent) filed his nomination on Saturday. Till Monday, five candidates filed nominations to contest in the Kokrajhar east LAC. Manu Borgoyary, AIUDF candidate said that he has been contesting the election in support of his UPP party and welfare fare from common voters. He said that the society should be needed to balance the political arena and the equal distribution.

Former Rajya Sabha MP and UPP president Urkhao Gwra Brahma filed his nomination paper to the Returning Officer for Kokrajhar west LAC at Gossaigaon Sub-division (civil) on Monday having a grand procession.

PAGE 5

HAPPY HOLI

Brahma after filling nomination said that his winning from the constituency is sure. He also said that his party is winning in 7-8 seats in the scheduled election.

Dahit Chandra Brahma, AIUDF candidate also filed nomination for Kokrajhar west LAC. Somnath Narzary, UPP candidate for Gossaigaon LAC filed his nomination.

Two candidates have filed their nominations from 31 Sidli (ST) LAC for upcoming Assembly election in Chirang district. The candidates who filed today their nominations are Rwngwra Narzary of United People's Party (UPP), Dilip Kr. Sarania, Independent backed by Sanmilita Janagostiyo Aikya Manch.

While in Bijni LAC, 4 candidates- Santosh Kaklary (UPP), Khalilur Rahman (Ind), Gajendra Barman CPI(M), and Ajay Kumar Barman(Ind) have filed their nominations. With these, 5 candidates have filed nomination papers at Bijni LAC as the sitting MLA Kamalsing Narzary had filed his nomination paper earlier.

Three Nomination papers withdrawn

Cash recovered in Kokrajhar Life threat to media persons

ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Mar 21: The small businessmen, traders, common public were not spared from the intensified operation launched by the flying squads under the election code of conduct against money holders in the entire area of lower Assam districts. The flying squads and police on Monday recovered cash Rs. 5.92 lakhs from different checking points at flyover along the J.D road in Kokrajhar district.

recovered cash Rs. 2.42 lakhs, cash Rs. one lakh from near fly over in Kokrajhar town from a person who brought the money in a vehicle. In a strong vigil of checking, the team also recovered cash Rs.1.5 lakh and one lakh from other two different places in the town.

Police told that till today they have recovered nearly 9 lakhs since last three days in their strong vigil in the area. Police said that the operations against money lenders have been intensified and recovered the money.

Small businessmen and

common public, on the other hand expressed their resentment over the operation launched from election flying squad.

Common peoples and traders have been facing hardships due to operation raids from the election commission. They have urged election commission to exempt the small businessmen and contractors from the purview of operation so that they should not be hardships, besides urging to increase money taking capacity at a time for their business purposes so that they can lead their business career.

ET Correspondent Tezpur, March 22 : Three nomination papers were withdrawn today on the day of withdrawal of nomination paper as fixed by the election office here. According to the information available with this correspondent, Numal Daimary who filed his nomination

paper as independent candidate to contest in the 72No Barchala LAC has withdrawn his nomination papers while other independent candidates who filed their nomination to contest from the 73- N0 Tezpur LAC have withdrawn their papers.

Kokrajhar to receive Ahinsa Yatra

Sharmila refuses personal re- GNLA 'commander' cognizance bond, sent to custody killed in encounter

ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Mar 22: A massive preparation has got underway to accord warm welcome to shantidoot Acharya Mahashraman, chief of Jainism in Kokrajhar, who is entering the state of Assam through Srirampur on March 24 with Ahinsa Yatra.

Addressing the reporters, Samani Veenit Proghya and Samani Jagath Proghya, organiser and office bearer of Jain Setamber Teraponthi Sabha, Kokrajhar told that the Ahinsa Yatra will be entering Assam through Srirampur of Kokrajhar district on March 24 where Acharya Mahashraman and several sadhus are arriving.

They said that all kinds of preparations have completed so far to accord warm welcome the Yatra team in a big manner.

Imphal, March 22: Rights activist Irom Sharmila, who has been on a fast unto death since November 4, 2000 demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, on Tuesday rejected an offer for a personal recognizance bond for getting bail.

After her refusal, she was sent to judicial custody.

The law under which she is detained envisages keeping her for a year at one go, and she is released at the end of each Acharya Mahashraman will year. address a grand gathering on March 28 and 29 at Rashmela ground in Kokrajhar where devotees from across the state are expected to attend. They also appealed to all sections of communities to participate in the programme, which is a mission of building peace and integration across the world.

Sharmila is being held on charges of trying to commit suicide, which she has been vehemently denying.

On Tuesday, when the

Meanwhile, after withdrawing his nomination paper, NUmal Daimary briefing the media persons here said that he will extend his every possible help to win another Independent candidate contesting in the very seat Narayan Sarma who was a ticket aspirant of the BJP party.

Women in Golaghat play Holi as the state prepare to bask itself in the festival of colours. Pix - Amit Nagori

court of the chief judicial magistrate, Imphal West, offered her the bail, she rejected it saying she does not agree with the charge levelled against her.

Last year, the district and sessions court in Imphal West had ruled that she was not guilty of attempting to commit suicide and ordered her release.

However, within two days, she was rearrested since she continued her fast even after being released.

Coming out of the court, Sharmila told reporters that though Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been saying that his government has taken up many developmental works, there were many drawbacks.

According to police, the flying squad of election

After she rejected the bail offer, she was taken to the security ward of J.N. Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal where she has been staying all these years.

Sharmila is scheduled to appear before the Patiala House Court in Delhi later this month.

Police had arrested her in Delhi in 2006 when she went there to sit on a fast at Jantar Mantar. She was also charged there with attempting to commit suicide.

Sharmila recently said she was disappointed by the way people had stopped supporting her cause and asked for a public opinion on whether people want her to stop the campaign.

in Meghalaya

Shillong, Mar 22 : Security forces today shot dead a Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) 'commander' wanted for allegedly molesting and killing a woman on suspicion of being a police informer, in Meghalaya's North Garo Hills district.

Several others were suspected to have sustained injuries in the encounter which took place in a remote village in the district along the MeghalayaAssam border, police said.

Acting on a tip off about the presence of GNLA cadre Bangsi Alda in Mendipathar police station area, special police teams raided it and an encounter took place this afternoon, IG (Operations) G H P Raju said.

The slain militant was identified as Salnang T Sangma, a self-styled area com-

mander. He was identified from the GNLA ID that was found in his pocket, Raju said.

It was being suspected that several others present in the camp were also injured and a combing operation is on to nab them, he said.

Salnang was one of the prime accused in the molestation and murder of Josbina M Sangma in May 2014 at Rongpakgre village in South Garo Hills district, Raju said.

A mother of four, she was shot at point blank range in front of her husband.

The other prime accused in the murder case, GNLA cadre Tengton, is still at large, he said.

At the encounter site, police recovered a 9 mm carbine, AK 47 magazines and ammunition and other articles, Raju said.

ET Correspondent Diphu March22: Karbi Anglong district which have earned notoriety for its strike (bandh) culture, prevailing since last 30 years have recently become cause of concern for the media persons. Several Diphu based editors, publishers of news papers and journalists of repute have received life threat from certain ultra organization for not entertaining their communications related to strike and other disruptive topics recently.

Taking cognizance of the whole issue, yesterday president and secretary of Diphu Press Club has appealed to all social organizations, women society, political parties and government agencies for remonstration of the disruptive act of the self styled militant organizations for safeguarding the democratic system of the society which has plagued by the strike culture.

Pay more weight on the individuality of the candidate - HPCF ET Correspondent Diphu Mar 22: Hills People Cultural Forum, a Diphu based umbrella organization of various ethnic communities has put forward several propositions for conducting a evocative Assam Legislative Election 2016. “ We are requesting all the youths above 18 years and eligible for voting to exercise their full voting right and in case any youth voter is not satisfied with any of the candidate he or she should use the NOTA option during polling so that chance for re-polling remains” Laichen Engleng chairman of Hills People Cultural Forum said.

ery voter not to indulge in receiving any kind of inducement for selling their voting right and has requested all the political parties not to lure the voters with any kind of cash and kind for obtaining their vote.

The youth body has urged upon the voters to pay more weight on the individuality of the candidate while voting rather than the party he represents, the HPCF has requested all the ultra organizations, political parties, social organizations to refrain from calling strike (bandh) during the electioneering period so that the process can be completed T h e H P C F h a s a p - without any disturpealed to each and ev- bance.

Festival of colours to be celebrated in Manipur from Wednesday Imphal, March 22: Manipuris will celebrate 'Yaosang', the five-day festival of colours which reflects the state's heritage of Vaishnavism, from Wednesday.

An ex-gratia support of RS 25000 each under the Human Elephant Conflict Mitigation component of Greater Manas Conservation Project (GMCP) of IFAW-WTI was handed over to the two victim families by the H K Sarma, Field Director, Manas Tiger Project, BTC, Assam. The Field Director, MTP handed over the cheques to the family members of Nurmohan Das and Habel Ali , the two victims who were injured by wild elephants under Basbari Range of Manas NP in two separate incidents.

Photo:IFAW-WTI

The festival is celebrated in the spring season with colours and water, much like Holi, but with additional Manipuri features.

For the last 15 days or so Imphal city has been crowded with pre-Yaosang shoppers buying clothes, colours, toy water pumps for

the children and many other items.

On the first day of Yaosang, a thatched hut is built and burned after sunset. The children go from door to door, asking for money, called 'Nakatheng', to celebrate the festival.

On the second and third day, girls also collect Nakatheng.

They go to their relatives or stand alongside roads to collect money for organising 'Thabal Chongba' (meaning 'dancing in the moonlight'), the folk dance that features

both girls and boys.

On the fourth and fifth days, people play with colours and water.

Young housewives also organise a communal lunch for themselves in their respective localities and at night there is open air drama entertainment.

The significance of the festival can be gauged by the fact that Wednesday and Thursday will be general holidays in Manipur.

There have also been efforts in the last 35 years to moderate the excessive revelries associated with the five-day festival.

business abstain from work.

Most newspaper offices would be closed for more than just two days of general holidays.

Some local youth clubs have been organising sports festivals in their respective areas to give people an option to celebrate Yaosang in a more sober manner.

The armed insurgents in Manipur have also cracked down on festivities spilling beyond five days.

Newspaper publication, however, is a casualty of the prolonged festivities, mainly because journalists as well as others in the publication

Mohon Lal Patni, a trader, told IANS that the sales of readymade clothes, colour and other items have gone down since Yaosang has been sobered down with the hosting of sports festivals.

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

PAGE 6

Brussels attack: No Indian casualty so far, says Swaraj Sonia Gandhi condemns New Delhi, Mar. 22: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday confirmed there are no reports of any Indian casualty in the twin bomb attack at the Brussels airport.

Swaraj said that the Indian Embassy in Brussels will provide all necessary assistance to the Indians stuck in Belgium, adding that she has spoken to Ambassador Manjit Puri in this

regard.

"I am in touch with Mr Manjeev Puri Indian Ambassador in Brussels.

He has informed me that so far there is no report of any Indian casualty," Swaraj tweeted.

all assistance," she further said in series of tweets.

Meanwhile, the government has issued high alert at all airports and metro stations of the country.

"However, an Indian lady crew member of Jet Airways is injured. She has been rushed to the hospital. Please do not worry. Indian Embassy in Brussels will provide

At least 13 people have lost their lives while 35 others seriously injured following the suspected terrorist attack at the Brussels airport.

Two explosions report-

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj

edly shook the building shortly after 8 a.m. local time, leaving the passengers terrified.

'cowardly' Brussels attack

The incident took place four days after the arrest of Paris attack mastermind Salah Abdeslam from the Belgian capital.

British Prime Minister David Cameron has also expressed his shock and concern over the incident. (ANI) Congress president Sonia Gandhi

British suicide bomber kills dozens of Iraqi troops

Iraqi military London, Mar. 22 : In a claim that is being firmly rejected by the Iraqi military, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant ( isis.html">ISIS) stated that a British suicide bomber has killed more than two dozen Iraqi army troops in an attack on Monday.

According to the Guardian, a man named Abu Musa alBritani rammed his vehicle into a gathering of Iraqi army troops and vehicles near al-Asad air base in the province of Anbar, killing 30 soldiers, the group claimed on social media.

However, the Iraqi military

flatly denied the report, saying that the attacker had been the only victim of the explosion.

Isis has featured British foreign fighters in its propaganda, including Mohammed Emwazi, who appeared in execution videos that documented the killing of several western journalists and aid workers.

He was later killed in a drone strike.

Last September, Prime Minister David Cameron said that UK had carried out drone strikes that killed two other Britons fighting for Islamic State. (ANI)

Northeast innovators display their skills during ‘In-residence programme’ New Delhi, Mar. 22 : Two innovators from Mizoram and Assam and a Bodo writer from Kokrajhar are currently residing at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi as a part of ‘In-residence programme’ for displaying extraordinary skills.

49- year-old Lal Biakzuala Ralte from Mizoram with his extraordinary innovation of bamboo splint-making machine drew attention of the organizers of the In-residence programme. He is one of the seven selected participants living at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Ralte has developed a manually operated machine, which can slice bamboo strips and convert the strips into sticks. It is useful for making incense sticks, tooth –picks and ice cream-sticks.

It has an advantage over conventional method of using knives for rural individuals, who cannot afford and use electricity operated machines.

“In our place, we have lots of bamboo so some entrepreneurs came and started incense making machines but they faced the problems regarding labour. They wanted help, so from that I took a cue and started working on this machine,” he said.

The Innovation Scholars InResidence Scheme was launched by the President in 2013 with a view to promoting the spirit of innovation and giving further impetus to grassroots innovation activities.

The main objective of the scheme is to provide an environment to grassroots innovators at the Rashtrapati Bhavan to work on a project in hand and take their innovative ideas forward.

Beside Ralte, Swapnanil Talukdar from Assam has also been invited for his innovation on foot-operated page-turning device for differently-abled.

“It is a page turning device

for differently-abled. For a disabled person turning a page is very difficult. So, I wonder how do they turn a page, they use their tongue, nose or other parts to turn a page. We worship books. So I thought why not to innovate a device which is manual,” Talukdar said.

Talukdar’s journey from a student to innovator is marvelous. He also won Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Ignite Awards in 2014. As a young innovator, he is an inspiration to many youth in the northeast region.

“As a student, we take part in extracurricular activities but when you are an innovator you are learning the tactics of life of how you can encourage people. This is aspect every youth should learn about. I believe people are already following me so if I can guide them technically and psychologically youths can come ahead,” he added.

Along with innovators, a Bodo writer from Kokrajhar, Jwishri Boro, also got an opportunity to showcase her work.

Four writers from around the country were called as a part of the In-residence program. The opportunity helps the budding writers and poets to showcase their work.

“I am fortunate enough that I got an opportunity to come here because each one of us aspires to accomplish our dreams. The writer’s who came here last year where from our batch only and they informed us about this Writers In-Residence programme at President House. It is a very good opportunity for young writers especially the opportunity come from the President itself,” said Jwishri Boro.

Such initiatives facilitate a means of cultural and intellectual exchange by bringing together artists from different parts of the country.

(ANI)

Centre amends Atal Pension Yojana New Delhi, Mar. 22 : Following the feedback received from various quarters, the Government has decided to give an option to the spouse of the subscriber to continue contributing to the Atal Pension Yojana account of the subscriber, for the remaining vesting period.

The contribution can continue till the original subscriber would have attained the age of 60 years instead of present provision of handingover lump-sum amount to spouse on the premature death (death before 60 years of age) of the subscriber.

The feedback received from various quarters indicated that the present provision APY of handing-over lump sum

amount to spouse on premature death of the subscriber is not preferred by many subscribers.

It has also highlighted the fact that there is growing demand to give an option to the spouse to continue contribution after the death of subscriber to enable him / her to draw pension when the deceased subscriber would have turned 60 years of age.

The spouse of the subscriber shall be entitled to receive the same pension amount as that of the subscriber until the death of the spouse. After the death of both the subscriber and the spouse, the nominee of the subscriber shall be entitled to receive the pension wealth, as accumulated till age of 60 years of the

subscriber.

Earlier, to address the longevity risks among the workers in unorganised sector and to encourage the workers in unorganised sector to voluntarily save for their retirement, the Government had launched a new initiative called Atal Pension Yojana with effect from 1st June, 2015.

Under APY, each subscriber, on completion of 60 years of age, will get the guaranteed minimum monthly pension, or higher monthly pension, if the investment returns are higher than the assumed returns for minimum guaranteed pension, over the period of contribution.

After the subscriber's death, the spouse of the

subscriber shall be entitled to receive the same pension amount as that of the subscriber until the death of the spouse.

After the death of both the subscriber and the spouse, the nominee of the subscriber shall be entitled to receive the pension wealth, as accumulated till age of 60 years of the subscriber.

In exceptional circumstances, that is, in the event of the death of beneficiary or specified illness, as mentioned in the PFRDA (Exit and withdrawals under the National Pension System) Regulations, 2015, before the age of 60 years, the accumulated pension wealth till date would be given to the nominee or the subscriber as the case may be. (ANI)

PM Modi reviews progress of rural development schemes New Delhi, Mar. 22 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed on the progress of rural development schemes mainly the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, (PMGSY) and the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY), by the NITI Aayog.

An average of 91 kilometers of rural roads have been built daily in the Financial Year 201516, resulting in a total addition of 30,500 km of rural road length. 6500 habitations have been connected in this Financial Year, as a result.

The Prime Minister was informed of the use of innovative best practices

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in PMGSY, to further speed up the rural road construction progress.

These include the use of GIS and Space Imagery for planning and monitoring; efficient fund flow by minimizing the number of layers; and citizen grievance

redressal through the app - "Meri Sadak."

The Prime Minister directed concerned officials to put in place an effective mechanism for stringent quality monitoring of the roads being built under the scheme.

He said quality checks

should be made at the material procurement stage, the construction stage, as well as the maintenance stage.

The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana targets poverty alleviation through sustainable livelihoods. The Prime Minister was informed that 3 crore households have so far been linked to Self Help Groups (SHGs).

The Prime Minister asked for due monitoring of the loans being given to SHGs, using Aadhaar. He emphasized that loans must reach the intended beneficiaries, for this scheme to be successful. (ANI)

New Delhi, Mar 22: Expressing shock and deep concern over the deadly multiple explosions in Brussels, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday said that such cowardly acts can never defeat the resolve of entire world community to fight terrorism in all its manifestations.

Condemning the reported terror attack unequivocally, Gandhi hoped and prayed that the casualty figures and number of injured remained low.

The Congress president

asserted that the grand old party, as indeed the entire country, stands with the people of Belgium in this hour of crisis.

At least 13 people have lost their lives while 35 others seriously injured following the suspected terrorist attack at the Brussels airport.

Two explosions reportedly shook the building shortly after 8 a.m. local time, leaving the passengers terrified.

The incident took place four days after the arrest of Paris attack mastermind Salah Abdeslam from the Belgian capital. (ANI)

President Mukherjee presents gallantry awards to defence personnel New Delhi, Mar. 22: President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday presented the Gallantry Awards and the Distinguished Service Decorations to defence personnel and martyrs posthumously at a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here.

Sepoy Jagdish Chand who made the supreme sacrifice during terror attack at Pathankot Air Base was awarded Kirti Chakra posthumously.

Subedar Mahendra Singh who displayed exemplary leadership despite grievous injury was also awarded Kirti Chakra.

Jammu and Kashmir Police Head Constable Mohammed Shafi Sheikh and Constable Reyaz Ahmed Lone who made supreme sacrifice on the line of duty while fighting terrorists were awarded Shaurya Chakra posthumously.

Second in Command of CRPF 7th Batallion Hira Kumar Jha who made supreme sacrifice fighting naxals in Jamui District of Bihar was also

President Pranab Mukherjee awarded Shaurya Chakra.

Commander Milind Mokashi who saved more than 16 hundred persons from war torn Yemen was also presented with Shaurya Chakra.

Sixteen personnel were awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal which included Vice Chief Naval Staff Vice Admiral P Murugesan and Twenty Four Personnel were awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.

Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, and the three services Chiefs were present in the ceremony. (ANI)

Cuban embargo is going to end: South Korea detects first Obama to Castro

U.S. President Barack Obama with his Cuban counterpart Raul Castro Washington D.C., Mar. 22 : Putting the Havana government in a spot, U.S. President Barack Obama asserted that his Cuban counterpart Raul Castro also delivers satisfactory answers to queries on human rights, political prisoners and economic reforms.

According to CNN, even though both leaders did

not agree on several grounds, they found common ground on the topic of the economic embargo on Cuba, which both want lifted and Obama declared that "the embargo's going to end," though he couldn't say when.

Answering a question on why his regime was keeping Cubans incar-

cerated for expressing anti-government views, Castro went on the defence saying, "Did you ask if we had political prisoners? Give me a list of political prisoners and I will release them immediately," Castro said defensively when asked by CNN that why his government was incarcerating dissidents.

Castro later read out a list of areas where he said the U.S. was failing and ended the questionand-answer session after a second inquiry on human rights, saying he'd said "enough."

In his own message on human rights, Obama defended his decision to come to Cuba even as government dissent is punished.

"We have decades of profound differences. I told President Castro that we are moving forward and not looking backwards. We will continue

to stand up for basic principles that we believe in. America believes in democracy. We believe that freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, are not just American values but universal values," he said.

Stressing that work toward improving economic conditions in his country was progressing, Castro said that a longstanding trade embargo prevents a full restoration of ties.

"Much more could be done if the U.S. blockade could be lifted," Castro said. "The most recent measures adopted by his administration are positive but insufficient."

Agreeing with Castro, Obama said that the restrictions would eventually be removed, adding that, "The path that we're on will continue beyond my administration. The reason is logic." (ANI)

case of Zika virus

1 declared the Zika virus outbreak to be a global public health emergency, citing a 'strongly suspected' relationship between Zika infection in pregnancy and microcephaly.

The condition is defined by unusually small heads that can result in developmental problems.

Seoul (South Korea), Mar. 22 : South Korea has reported its first confirmed case of the Zika virus on Tuesday in a 43year old male, who has travelled to Brazil, Korean Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said.

The 43-year-old man, who had made a business trip to Brazil between Feb 17 and March 9, has been tested positive.

The World Health Organization had on February

Brazil said it has confirmed more than 860 cases of microcephaly, and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers.

Zika is a virus that is mainly spread by mosquito bites but it can be also transmitted through sexual relations and blood transfusion, according to the KCDC. Cases of sexual transmission from travellers to their sexual partners have been confirmed. (ANI)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Aung San Suu Kyi set for Myanmar cabinet role Yangon, Mar 22:Myanmar's presidentelect nominated Aung San Suu Kyi to join the incoming cabinet on Tuesday, giving the National League for Democracy leader a formal role in the government that the constitution bars her from leading.Ms Aung San Suu Kyi guided the NLD to a historic landslide election win in November but cannot assume the presidency under the charter drafted by the former junta because her two sons are British citizens, as was her late husband.

She has pledged to circumvent the ban by running the country through a proxy president, and last week the parliament nominated her confidant, Htin Kyaw, for the top job.Until the cabinet

Bangladesh confirms first case of Zika virus Dhaka,Mar 22:The government has reported its first confirmed case of the Zika virus in a 67-year old male in Chittagong.State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Zahid Malik made the disclosure at a press briefing at his office in Dhaka on Tuesday.The minister, however, did not disclose the identity of the Zika virus victim.

"In 2014, the blood samples of some 1,000 people afflicted with fever were collected and tested in a laboratory. Later the Zika virus was found in the blood of a 67-year old male among them," said Zahid.The Zika virus-infected man, who resides in Chittagong, is now well, he added."There is no cause for worry about the Zika virus-infected man, as it is not harmful."

World Health Organisation (WHO) on February 1 declared the Zika virus outbreak to be a global public health emergency, citing a "strongly suspected" relationship between Zika infection in pregnancy and microcephaly. (Agencies)

Clashes leave 9 injured at Lakshmipur polling centres Dhaka,Mar 22:At least nine people have been injured as some supporters of member candidates at two union parishads under Kamalnagar upazila in Lakshmipur were locked in a clash over the seize of polling stations.The incident took place on Tuesday morning.In Turabganj Union, unruly supporters of member contestants Abdul Matim, who adopted the cock as his symbol, and Momtaz Uddin, the fan, tried to take control of Uttar Char Pagla Government Primary School voting centre around 9am, leading to a fierce clash.

Two blasts were reported in the clash which left six people from both sides injured. Police detained two people from the spot.Earlier in Hajirhat Union around 3am, supporters of two member candidates engaged in a chase and counter-chase on the aforesaid ground, leaving three people injured.The three were admitted to the local health complex. Kamalnagar police station Officer-inCharge Kabir Hossain confirmed both incidents and said police soon brought the situation under control.

(Agencies)

nominations were read out to parliament by the speaker on Tuesday, it had been unclear whether Suu Kyi would join the executive or would seek to guide the government from outside as the leader of the ruling party.

The constitution also bars serving ministers from political party activities or sitting in parliament as lawmakers."It doesn't matter how many ministries she takes, as she will run the whole government anyway," said Win Htein, a senior NLD politician close to Suu Kyi. The 18-member cabinet list submitted by Mr Htin Kyaw to parliament did not specify the portfolios each minister would hold.But a separate list obtained by Reuters from sources in parliament

Aung San Suu Kyi showed Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's name next to four ministries: minister of the president's office; foreign affairs; electric power and energy; and

education.It was unclear whether Ms Aung San Suu Kyi would run all four departments when the new government takes office next month.

A senior NLD member

told Reuters her name was put forward for several ministries after some prospective candidates declined to join the cabinet at the last minute.

Holding the post of foreign minister would give Suu Kyi a seat on the National Defence and Security Council, an important presidential advisory group dominated by the still-powerful military."Aung San Suu Kyi will entrust the party in parliament in the hands of other NLD elders, as expected, and assume a role within the cabinet," said Nyantha Maw Lin, managing director at political consultancy Vriens & Partners in Yangon."She understands that ultimately, power lies with

the executive, which holds the reins on the peace process, foreign policy, the economy and, most importantly, relations with the military.

"The list of proposed ministers also included some former senior government officials, as well as a member of the army-linked Union Solidarity and Development Party, reflecting Aung San Suu Kyi's stated desire to form an inclusive government."I believe the NLD proposed my name as the minister because they believe in me," said Thein Swe, a senior USDP member nominated for minister of labour, immigration and population. "I will prioritise (the people) and will look after the people." (Agencies)

Indonesia strives to maintain good ties with China Jakarta, Mar. 22 : Amid fishing dispute with China, Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has said her country wants to maintain good relations with Beijing."We have a good relationship with China (despite the fishing dispute). We will strive to maintain our good relations according to international law," Jakarta Post quoted Retno as saying.

Retno had earlier submitted a diplomatic protest to Chinese authorities in Jakarta in response to territorial violations allegedly committed by a Chinese fishing vessel and a Chinese coast guard

vessel.The Chinese fishing vessel MV Kwang Fey 10078 was reportedly fishing illegally in Indonesian waters off Natuna, Riau Islands.

When the Indonesian Maritime and Fisheries Monitoring Task Force apprehended a Chinese boat along with an escorting boat, the Chinese coast guard vessel forcibly rescued the trawler by pushing it back into Chinese waters.Retno said three main concerns like the Chinese violations of Indonesia's sovereignty and jurisdiction on the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the continental shelf; Chi-

nese authorities' move to contravene law enforcement measures conducted

by Indonesian authorities in the EEZ and continental shelf and violations of Indonesia's sovereignty over its sea territory was presented in the protest note.

"We have submitted our protests to the temporary charge d'affaires (at the Chinese Embassy in Jakarta). We said our relationship with China is very good and to maintain it, we should also respect existing international laws, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," she

Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said.Meanwhile, international law experts said that the Indonesian Government must take firm action against the Chinese coast

guard's move to forcibly rescue the fishing boat. This move could, however, affect the good relations between both countries. (ANI)

Prince Harry plays volleyballwith students of earthquake ravaged school

British Prince Harry Kathmandu, Mar. 22 : British Prince Harry on Tuesday arrived in Okhare village from Deurali after completing one and a half hours trekking at Gaunda VDC in the eastern part of Lamjung district.Prince Harry, who is on a fiveday-long official visit to Nepal, was warmly greeted with traditional rituals by the local residents of Gurung and T a m a n g communities.Upon his arrival here, Prince Harry also played volleyball with the students of Gaunda Secondary School, one of the quakeravaged academic institutions in Lamjung.Gyanmani Nepal, Chief District Of-

ficer of Lamjung, welcomed the British Prince.

Prince Harry observed the school building that was damaged from the devastating earthquake last April.The Gurkha Welfare Scheme (GWS) is taking a lead for the reconstruction of the quake-hit schools in the region.Yesterday, the British Prince visited Bardiya National Park where he enjoyed a boat ride and jungle safari.He also toured a Tharu settlement and met the locals there.Prince Harry arrived in Kathmandu on March 19 on the occasion of bicentenary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the United Kingdom. (ANI)

Holi being marked in Capital, hilly region

Mullah Rasool detained in Pak, claim Taliban leaders Islamabad, Mar. 22 : Mullah Muhammad Rasool, the chief of a breakaway faction of the Afghan Taliban, has been detained by the Pakistani authorities.The two Taliban leaders, who claimed his detention, did not mention when Rasool was taken into custody. They, however, confirmed that he fled recent infighting in southern Afghanistan."I can confirm that Mullah Rasool has been arrested by authorities in Pakistan after he crossed the border," one of the Taliban leaders as said.

Another Taliban leader in Rasool's camp also

Mullah Rasool detained in Pak confirmed his detention.Last November, Rasool was chosen by several Taliban cadres to head them after they opposed Mullah

Akhtar Mansoor's ascendency to head the splinter group.Dozens of Taliban insurgents, including the breakaway faction's deputy chief

Mullah Mansoor Dadullah and his brother, were killed when Mullah Mansoor's loyalists launched a major offensive against dissidents in Zabul province.

The loyalist of Mullah Mansoor captured the areas in Khak-e-Afghan district of Zabul after clashes in mid-November. While Mullah Rasool and his second deputy Abdul Manan Niazi managed to escape. The rival factions of Taliban have recently been engaged in clashes in Herat province.Rasool was the part of a Taliban delegation that had ar-

rived in Islamabad in July last year for peace talks but he has not yet come up with a policy about negotiations under the Quadrilateral Coordination Group.

Meanwhile, a Taliban leader informed that a top-level delegation of Afghan Taliban military leaders had recently visited Iran in an effort to increase cooperation in view of the emerging threats from the Islamic State, also known by its Arabic acronym Dai'sh, i n Afghanistan.However, Taliban spokeman said the he was unaware about the visit. (ANI)

Pakistan eyes trade talks during Iran President's visit Islamabad, Mar. 22 : After the historic removal of international sanctions on Iran, Pakistan is all prepared to improve its trade relations with Tehran as Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is expected to visit Islamabad later this week.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed his desire to strengthen relations with Iran during a meeting with Iranian envoy Mehdi Honardoost yesterday.

"The visit will be a great opportunity for us to review the whole range of bilateral relations and

further strengthen our brotherly ties," an official statement quoted Sharif as saying.Congratulating the ambassador on his new assignment, the Prime Minister hoped that the former would make valuable contributions in strengthening bilateral relations between both countries.He added that Islamabad greatly values its fraternal ties with Iran and considers Tehran to be a close friend and neighbour.

"We are pleased to note that international economic sanctions on Iran have been lifted, paving the way for expeditious

Pakistan is all prepared to improve its trade relations with Tehran as Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is expected to visit Islamabad resumption of commercial and economic ties between our countries.

I am looking forward to welcoming President

Rouhani later this week," said Sharif.Prime Minister Sharif had on his visit to Iran this January invited

the Iranian President to visit Pakistan.Rouhani will be accompanied by a high-ranking political team and a large trade and economic contingent. This would be the first visit by an Iranian President to Pakistan in four years.

The two countries are likely to push for the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project during the Iranian President's visit.This project was commissioned in December 2014 but was stalled after sanctions were placed on Tehran.Pakistan views this visit as great opportunity to improve bilateral relations with Iran.

(ANI)

Phagu Purnima or Holi, the festival of colours, is being celebrated with jest and vigour by the people in Nepal

Kathmandu, Mar 22: Phagu Purnima or Holi, the festival of colours, is being celebrated with jest and vigour by people in the Capital and other parts of the hilly region on Tuesday.The festival is generally celebrated by smearing "Abeer" or red vermilion powder and throwing colour and water-filled plastic pouches at each other.

Holi revellers have converged since early morning to begin the celebration by applying colours on each other and making merry amongst themselves.

Holi, an important festival for Nepali people, begins on the eighth day of the new moon and ends with the burning of the "Chir', which was installed earlier, on the full moon day.

The festival is celebrated today in the hilly areas including the Capital. It will be celebrated in the Terai re-

gion tomorrow.The festival revolves around mythology of the demon king Hiranya Kashyapu ordering his sister Holika to sit on a fire with Pralhad, son of the demon king and a devout follower of Lord Bishnu, in her lap so that Pralhad would stop chanting the name of the Lord.

The catch was that Holika wouldn't burn in the fire because of a boon she had received from god. But it so happened that Holika was burned in fire while Pralhad remained unharmed and came out of the fire chanting the name of god.Legend has it that Holika burnt in the fire because she was warned by Lord Bishu that the boon she had received would be meaningless if it was misused.From then onwards, the festival has been celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil. (Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

University -Corporate Synergistic Partnership Acid attack Still a Burning Issue in India In a male dominated society like India, most of the women have been facing exploitation and oppression at every step of their lives. A women has to face endless difficulties throughout her Photo: s2.firstpost. life. She has to struggle even before entering this world. And the male chauvinists in society always tried to suppress or eliminate her- either in the form of female foeticide or in the form of child marriage, and this suppression leads to more crimes against women. Acid attack is one of the most heinous crimes against women. It not only just inflicts physical injuries but also destroys the victim's entire life, leaving the scars of the heinous crime on the body and mind of the victim.Recently, the Supreme Court went to the extent of banning over the counter sale of acid in shops across India, but its direction is mostly on paper, as acid is still available to whosoever wishes to purchase.

In a shocking incident, an advocate of Guwahati High Court has faced acid attack. She was attacked while she was getting down from a bus in Bharalumukh bus station in Bharaumukh area of Guwahati by unknown miscreants. The attackers threw acid on her face and the victim has got injury in her eyes. A case has been registered in Bharalumukh Police Station in connection with the crime. Police has arrested one person in connection with the attack.

In India's patriarchal society, men who take umbrage at being spurned turn to acid as a retributive weapon. Acid attacks severely damage and burn skin tissue, often exposing and even dissolving the bones.

It is reported that in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, where 185 out of 309 acid attacks reported in 2014 took place. Moreover long-term consequences include blindness, permanent scarring of the face and body, disability and lifelong physical disfigurement. But some survivors, whose appearance changes overnight, say the psychological scars are the ones that take longest to heal. There are social ramifications too, as the attacks usually leave victims disabled in some way, thereby increasing their dependence on family members for even the most basic daily activities. Rights activists and campaigners contend that until the government formulates and enforces a multi-pronged approach to ending this grisly practice, scores of people in this country of 1.2 billion remain at risk of suffering a fate that some say is worse than death. The Supreme Court has condemned the Centre for failing to formulate a strong enough policy to curb acid sales. In 2015, the Court directed private hospitals to treat acid attack survivors free of cost, and additionally ruled that states must take action against medical facilities that fail to comply with this directive. Whereas experts say India should take a leaf out of the books of neighbouring Pakistan and Bangladesh by firming up implementation of existing laws. In Bangladesh, acid assaults have plummeted from 492 cases in 2002 to 75 in the year 2014, according to ASTI, since the government introduced the death penalty for acid attacks.

Small savings rate cut A good move for banks The BJP-led central government, much to the chagrin of the common man, cut the interest rates on various small savings schemes and public provident fund (PPF), citing banks' grievance that they were not able to reduce their lending rates as interest on deposits were on the high side. The interest rate was cut from 8.7 percent to 8.1 percent on PPF, from 8.5 percent to 8.1 percent on National Savings Certificate, from 8.7 percent to 7.8 percent for Kisan Vikas Patra and from 8.4 percent to 7.4 percent on five-year recurring deposit. Even the girl child scheme Sukanya Samridhhi Account (SSA) was not spared, with a cut from 9.2 percent to 8.6 percent. Similarly, rate cut has been announced on various term deposits. The banks had been saying that they are forced to pay higher interest rate on their deposits as they have to compete with the small savings schemes enjoying tax benefits.

This decision was expected as the government had indicated a move in this direction earlier. And it is hoped that with this review of the small savings interest rates, banks would considerably hasten a re-look at their own lending rates and bring these down for both consumers and investors. The slashing of interest rates on PPF and other small savings schemes may not result in banks cutting down their lending rates immediately given their own problems.

But in the near future the banks may not reduce their lending rates but will use this - interest cut on small savings schemes - to mobilise more deposits.

If they have to kick start the economic growth, they have to mobilise deposits for lending. PPF rates have been as high as 12 percent for the first 15 years and have come down to average around 8.5 percent in the last 15 years. But look at the timing of this fall.

In 2001, double digit PPF rates became history. And what happened to India's GDP and more importantly per capita income of Indians is important to note.

While holding academic partments or institutes, the seminars on 'University- selected students are imCorporate Interaction' parted a mix of knowledge seems to have become a bases and skill-sets to be efritual, whereas holding con- fective business players. structive, interactive, Corporate acceptance of policy-oriented, strategy- their graduates is a major focused, industry-university concern of most universities. Lookinteracting enat their Pranjal Bezborah ing hancing academic programmes, a n d roadmap driven confer- students gain a broad and ences or brainstorming ses- overall perspective of the sions are a rarity. Notwith- corporate games and busistanding many successful ness arena. Their learning, synergies between universi- besides various other topics, ties and corporation in the consists of an understanding west, it seems we are still of the current domestic and skeptical about such asso- global business environciations in India. This may ment as well as the opporbe due to historical-cultural tunities and threats faced by reasons, or the work culture various economic and busidifferences between univer- ness sectors in India and sities and corporations, or it abroad. may be our failure to see Education programmes of synergistic options or eco- universities and even highnomic gains from such alli- ranking business schools ances. Whatever be the rea- suffer from some inherent sons for the current situa- limitations. Classroom tion, universities and corpo- learning to develop business rations are the prime mov- game players may be comers of any society, more so pared with efforts to learn in the evolving knowledge cricket by listening to test based technology driven match commentary on racompetitive global environ- dio, or at best, watching test ment. matches on television.

Value added university Whatever be the medium graduates from different interactive or non-interacdisciplines, in most cases, tive - there are bound to be from critical human re- limitations from the real exsource inputs for corpora- perience of the game. To be tions. Universities, through a batsman one has to face a their various selection cri- real bowler. Apart from the teria, try to identify and se- serious effort of the univerlect the best students for sity teacher to discuss very each of their departments. realistic case studies, it is Commerce and business de- almost impossible to replipartments select students cate the dynamic, multifacwith a potential to become eted ground realities and nueffective future managers. ances of a work place. It is Processed through the here that the mutual valuerigourous academic stan- added synergistic benefits dards of management de- of the 'real and the virtual'

or cooperation between business and social organizations, and the various academic departments of universities become evident. In a dynamic fast changing environment, the imperatives of hands-on learning cannot be overemphasized.

Just as the reality-gaps cannot be totally eliminated from the classroom teachings there are many conceptual frameworks, best practices, optimal efficiency systems, which business organizations often fail to incorporate in their business processes. Thus, it may not be wrong to assume that there are many synergistic options between 'what they don't teach at universities' and 'what they don't practice in business organizations'.

The mutual synergistic benefits accrue progressively more as both the commercial as well as social organizations and universities learn to work together and work out their mutual learning plans in their selected academic inputs and corresponding operational activities of organizations.

Making a cost effective and strategic use of university students, business organizations can gain an understanding of their customers' perceptions of their products and services, identify weakness in their supply chains in identified geographic regions, be informed of the happenings in the global business arena, collect information about their competitors' policies and identify gaps or opportunities for new products and services. In our country, very few business orga-

Image for representational purpose (Photo: nistmep.blogs.govdelivery) nizations have been using business students for specific business intelligence gathering. This sort of alliances may also be seen as synergistic partnership between evolving brainpower and structured experience, theory and practice, imagination and reality or uninhibited enthusiasm and restricted ground realities. It may also be seen as a forum for interaction between borderless mental explorations of students and situation specific, time-framed solution search of business executives.

For business organizations of any size - small, medium or large, there are various advantages associated with the use of university and business students for idea mining or strategic information about the operational realities of business from the various markets or in conducting routine business research activities. The dynamic fast changing business environment provides many cost-effective mutual -learning opportunities for

business organizations and university students. With initial homework by universities and the selected departments of the universities and individual corporations can formulate mutual learning and cost effective research network.

A good social reputation is essential for sustainable growth of corporations. A good reputation provides an effective strategic advantage. In association with universities and management consultants, corporations can work out a costeffective reputation monitoring and early warning systems.

In cooperation with large corporations or business associations, universities may create specialized research centers by focusing on industries or specific business activities such as supply chain management, retaining, global industrial networks or concerns of local small and medium scale industries. Collaboration may be seen as an activity where different parties work

together for a common purpose. The common purpose here may be seen as a synergistic mutual learning about the fast multi-dimensional shifts in the various business scenarios, the emerging dynamics of competitiveness, identification of best practices, the changing nature of organization structures or gain an understanding of changing preferences or customers or expectations or stake-holders.

Universities provide the most critical resource brainpower - to the business and social organizations.

Shifting from the industrial age practices to face the information technology age challenges one can see a variety of synergistic corporate-university cooperation options. As the saying goes - we are limited by the limits of our own imagination, vision and reaching out abilities.

Pranjal Bezborah is a Professor in the Department Of Commerce, Dibrugarh University. Email Id: pranjalbezborah@yahoo.com

Fate of India-France Rafale Fighter Deal Uncertain Negotiations between India and France over a Dassault Rafale fighter deal appear to be stonewalled.

The government-to-gov- could have another cusernment arrangement be- tomer in Malaysia," he retween India and France marked, highlighting other for the sale of 36 Dassault deals. The same official Rafale fighters to New went on with a particularly Delhi may be running biting taunt for Indian deinto insurfense offimountable "If you Ankit Panda cials: problems. don't want Over at the the Rafale, Business Standard, Ajai go ahead and build the FShukla reports that Paris 16 here. You can build it is publicly acknowledg- in India and supply it to ing the possibility that the Pakistan also." He was refdeal may collapse entirely erencing a recent $699 over persistent differ- million U.S.-Pakistan deal ences between the two for the sale of eight F-16 countries over pricing is- Block-52 fighters. sues and India's "insis- The French official's retence on enforceable marks sought to make it guarantees regarding the clear that France holds the fighter's delivery, perfor- stronger cards in the negomance, and availability." tiations and doesn't necesShukla's report contains sarily need to sell India 36 some remarkably frank fighters to ensure that the quotes from the French Rafale project breaks even side in these negotiations. for Dassault. "The Rafale A senior French official project is commercially vitold the Business Stan- able based on the numbers dard that if the Indian de- that the French military refense ministry continues quires, even if there is not to drive a hard negotia- a single export order," he tion, France could look added. elsewhere: "We are cur- As I reported for The Diprently building it for lomat last year, India put Egypt and Qatar, and we an end to its long-troubled

Tim Felce/ wikimedia commons

Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender, which sought 126 jets.

Dassault's Rafale had won the tender after a competitive evaluation of several international firms and their offerings, including the Boeing F/ A-18E/F Super Hornet, Lockheed Martin F-16, Mikoyan MiG-35, Saab Gripen, and the Eurofighter Typhoon. Instead, in what initially ap-

peared to be a simplification of the procurement process, India decided to deal directly with the French government in a deal that was announced unexpectedly during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's April 2015 visit to France.

Now, nearly a year later, the two countries remain hung up on a range of issues. For example, as my colleague Franz-Stefan Gady discussed in January,

the two governments were hung up for months on so-called "offset clauses" in the deal, which require Dassault to invest 50 percent of the contract value of the deal inside of India. Though India is keen to conclude the deal to fill important requirements for the Indian Air Force, it is also interested in bringing investment to the country and having the deal spur a more robust domestic defense industrial base, in line with Modi's "Make in India" initiative.

Shukla's report highlights the extent to which France is growing frustrated with India's negotiating position on the Rafale deal. That an official would take to the Indian press to taunt and criticize New Delhi's position speaks to the fact that this deal is increasing heading onto thin ice and risks falling through entirely. In recent weeks, New Delhi's negotiating position has only hardened; for instance, in Feb-

Income Tax-Raids

Image for representational purpose (Photo: static.financialexpress)

Sir, An international survey suggests that corruption graph in India starts sliding down after Narendra Modi took over as the Prime-minister. India's economy starts showing a better sign. Foreign-exchangereserves keep on increasing to reach a new height. When UPA left the rein of governance, it also left an empty exchequer. But the consistent steps taken by NDA led by Modi replenishes the exchequer without much delay. The most heartening point to note is the frequent raids conducted by the Income Tax department against big business tycoons and some corrupted politicians. The main opposition, the congress smells a rat on any step taken by NDA to revamp the economy, for instance if a corrupted congressleader's house is raided the congress moves heaven and earth to oppose the move terming it politically motivated.

Birbhadra Singh, the Chief-minister of Himachal Pradesh whose house and

business establishments had been raided, the congress opposes the move tooth and nail. Incidentally, the list of black money depositors in the foreign Banks contains the names of many congress leaders. Any political leader regardless of his/her party affiliation should come under the purview of scanning, once they are found to have amassed wealth in an unfair way.

Almost all the ministers, bureaucrats under Tarun Gogoi's regime have amassed fabulous wealth, as indicated by their cosy life style and palatial buildings. Election commission's new stricture that concealment in the declaration of assets may make one liable for two year's imprisonment. AASU's leader Tapan Gogoi's assets show that all the student unions have become a prolific platform for churning out money.

Yours etc.

Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

ruary, it requested a further decrease in the price after initial concessions

by France. India's decision to have French President Francois Hollande visit in January as the chief guest for its Republic Day parade did not seem to make any appreciable difference on the status of the negotiations.

The favorable cost differential was one of the factors that initial drove India to scrap the MMRCA and opt for a government-to-government arrangement with the French. The 36 fighters in this deal are to be purchased in "fly-away" condition, meaning that the complications of arranging for domestic assembly by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) no longer applied. Nevertheless, despite initial optimism that the new deal would see the IAF fly some Rafales-if not the full 126 it sought under the MMRCA-a deal may still be months away.

Courtesy: The Diplomat

Best Letter The best letter of the month in the Letter to the Editor section will be awarded an amount of Rs 200. So please keep writing.

Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

p O

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

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ed

National TB programme: New medicine TB: Service at your doorstep to help drug-resistant patients Intervention at Community Level Bedaquiline, which is a drug for Multi-Drug Resistant TB, is being introduced at six identified tertiary care centres across India.

The Union Health Ministry has introduced Bedaquiline into the national tuberculosis (TB) programme. This was among several initiatives Health Minister J P Nadda launched recently.

Bedaquiline, which is a drug for Multi-Drug Resistant TB, is being introduced at six identified tertiary care centres across India.

The sites have advanced facilities for laboratory testing and intensive care of patients. Bedaquiline will be administered to multi-drug resistant TB patients with resistance to either all fluoroquinolone and/or all second line injectables and extensive drug-resistant TB. Nadda also inducted more than 500 Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification

Image for representational purpose (Photo :medschool.vanderbilt.edu)

Test (CBNAAT) machines into the Revised National TB Control Programme. This is a fully automated rapid molecular test which detects mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin drug resistance simultaneously.

Till last year, 121 CBNAAT sites were functional in the country and they largely provided decentralised testing for detecting drug resis-

tant TB. With the availability of these additional 500 machines, access to rapid and quality diagnosis of drug resistant TB will be ensured in all districts of India either directly or through a linkage by specimen transport mechanism. Nadda also released the TB India 2016 Annual Report and the Technical and Operational Guidelines for TB Control in

India 2016. The comprehensive set of guidelines are for managing all forms of TB, including drug-resistant TB and strategies for intensified case finding; adherence of more patient-centric approaches and single-window care for patients suffering from HIV and TB. A handbook for 'Healthcare Worker surveillance for TB in India' and guidelines for prevention and management of adverse reactions associated with anti-TB drugs were the other e-books launched at the event. A new radio campaign with TB ambassador Amitabh Bachchan and a social media campaign were also launched.

The minister also launched the 'Third-line A RT p r o g r a m m e f o r People Living with HIV'.

The life-saving third-line ART costs nearly Rs 1.18 lakh per patient per year.

Courtesy: indianexpress

To reach the unreached and enhancing case detection, under the direction of State TB Cell, Assam few districts had undertaken few active intervention at community level.

In Kamrup (Metro) district, the slum areas of Dispur (July, 2015) and Bhaskarnagar (October, 2015) of Guwahati city was selected for house to house survey for case finding and intervention for retrieving the default TB cases which was a matter of concern for the district. Ateamled by District TB Officer Dr. M. Nath, succeeded to find out new patients which otherwise remained un-diagnosed until the survey was conducted. The members of the survey group visited each and every household

Dr. N.J.Das, State Programme Officer, RNTC, Assam addressing a gathering in Guwahati in the 'SLUM AREA INTERVENTION' Meeting (around 350 house hold) and tried to talk with every member of the family while giving basic information about Tuberculosis. Sputum cups were given to TB suspects and next day sputum cups were collected by members for sputum

examination.In Dispur area a total of 181 households were visited and 41 TB suspects identified of which 4 were found to be sputum positive and 2were advised for X-ray. Similarly, in the Bhaskarnagar around 150 house hold sur-

veyed eventhough no TB cases were diagnosedbut the activity managed to create awareness among the slum dwellers. It is also part of the intervention to motivate the TB patients to taking treatment to complete the course.

Before Treatment

After taking Treatment

Nikshay...a system against TB Magic of Dots To keep a track of the TB cation was published by patients across the coun- the Govt. of India and try, the Government of In- Assam mandating all pridia has introduced a sys- vate practioners and health tem called NIKSHAY. The establishments to inform word is combination of two the details of TB patients Hindi words treated by NI and them to Avijit Goswami NIKSHAY K S H AY meaning repository. eradication The innoof tuberculosis. NIKSHAY vative IT application of (www.nikshay.gov.in) is a NIKSHAY makes it posweb enabled application, sible for the grass-root which facilitates monitoring level healthcare providers of universal access to TB to track every TB patient. patients data by all con- The significant feature of cerned. The system has NIKSHAY is that it promotes been developed jointly by the use of Information Techthe Central TB Division of nology at sub-district level. the Ministry of Health and In Assam almost all TB paFamily Welfare and Na- tients of public sector has tional Information Centre been registered in NIKSHAY (NIC) and it was launched and 6082 patients have been by the Govt. of India in notified from private sector June 2012. A gazette notifi- since inception but expecta-

Objective of NIKSHAY : Establish real-time TB surveillance through Case-BasedWeb-Based electronic recording and reporting Monitoring of TB patients treatment Develop and make available TB notification and registration system for both public and private sector Improve quality care of health service providers Support treatment of patients & reporting of cases Increase transparency & accountability Provide follow up Alerts for adherence to treatment Providing required data for Planning at National & State level To provide TB related information with its social impacts

tion of the organization is 100% TB notification from all private sectors which in-

cludes private practitioners and health establishments.

Unite to End TB The relationship of Tuberthe discovery of major culosis (TB) with humanity drugs.Regarding managehas been started from the ment of TB patients in Indays of the Vedas and dia, the first open air sanaAyurvedic Samhitas. TB is torium for treatment and isoone of the ancient killer dis- lation of TB patients was eases which has taken the founded in 1906 in Tiluania, lives of millions over the cennear Ajmer, followed by one turies, and still continues to in Almora two years later. claim roughly 2 million lives The National TB Control each year.

Programme (NTP) in India Coming to Indian has been started in 1962 for perspective, TB control is retreating TB patients of the garded as a country in major pub- Pranjoy Bordoloi collaboralic health tion with problem. India becomes one World Health Organization. of the highest TB burden However, the NTP suffered country of the world as anfrom many weaknesses nually 18 lakh new TB such as non-standard treatcasesare diagnosedin the ment regimens, low rates of country out of which 8 lakh treatment completion, and are sputum positive infeclack of systematic informations. Currently, every three tion on treatment outcomes. minutes two persons are losConsequently, a Revised ing their lives due to TB in National Tuberculosis the country. In a day 1,000 Control Programme people diesof this dreaded (RNTCP) was started in the disease. country since 1997.

Not only killer of The achievement in regards human lives, TB has also a to TB control in India by tremendous impact on social RNTCP wasbased on the and economic development DOTS (Directly Observed of the country. An estimated Treatment Short Course) 100 million workdays are lost strategy. Since 2006, the endue to illness. The country tire country was covered also incurs a huge cost due under RNTCP and TB pato TB-nearly US$ 3 billion in tients given treatment by indirect costs and US$ 300 following DOTS strategy. million in direct costs. On the Under this strategy, an obother hand, every year 3 lakh server (who is termed as children drop out from the DOT Provider- may be a school because of their parhealth staff or community ents are TB patients. The volunteer) watches and situation is getting worse as helps the patient swallow one infectious Tuberculosis the tablet. This method enpatient infect 10-15 person a sures that treatment is given year, if not properly treated. with the right drugs, in the However, doctors and re- right doses, at right intersearchers from many centuvals. ries have been fighting to Under RNTCP, TB patients control the diseases. Mediare provided free diagnosis cal science has been got (sputum microscopy) and great achievement when in free medicines for entire 1882, Prussian physician course of treatment. As per Robert Koch discovered DOTS strategy, every paMycobacterium tuberculotient has a patient wise sis which caused TB. In the medicine box which is kept 19th Century, treatment of in the DOT Centre.

TB was revolutionized since The goal of RNTCP is to de-

crease mortality and morbidity due to TB and cut transmission of infection until TB ceases to be a major public health problem in India. Since implementation of the programme 50 million TB suspects has been examined and 14.2 million TB patients placed on treatment. As a consequence 2.5 million lives has been saved in India.

Under RNTCP, every year more than 40 thousands TB patients are registrar for TB treatment in Assam. After successful completion of treatment, 85 percent of them are cured from TB.Currently, there are 149 numbers of Tuberculosis Unit (TU) and 346 numbers of Designated Microscopy Centers (DMC) for diagnosis of TB patients by sputum microscopy. More than 7000 DOT Centers are running in the State for providing directly observed treatment to the TB patients.

Some of the key facts about TB: How is tuberculosis caused?

TB is spread through the air by a person suffering from TB. What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?

The most important symptom of TB is cough for two weeks or more, sometimes with blood-streaked sputum.

The affected person may also have fever, especially at night and sudden weight loss. He or she may also haveloss of appetite.

What is the most common diagnostic method of TB? Sputum microscopy is the recommended method for diagnosing TB under the DOTS strategy. It identifies the most infectious cases.

What is the duration of TB treatment?

Minimum 6 months for new TB patient and 8 months for previously treated patients. It

takes at least 24 months for treatment of Multi-Drug Resistant TB patient What are the unique features of DOTS? TB treatment (sputum microscopy diagnosis and medicine) is completely free of cost in all the government health institutions of India.

Every day more than 15,000 suspects are being examined for TB, free of charge.As a result of these examinations, each day, about 3,500 patients are started on treatment, stopping the spread of TB in the community.

The most unique feature of DOTS is that for every patient one drug box is marked from where medicines are given free of cost till the completion of the course. It improves patient care, adherence, and drug supply and drug stock management.

What is ACSM? To reduce stigma about TB, RNTCP has been stressing on awareness generation activities to spread messages of DOTS by implementing ACSM (advocacy, communication & social mobilization) strategy. The systematic use of mass media such as newspapers, radio, television and internet has been given importance by the government to create positive environment for the TB patients.

Regular meetings with patients and their families along with the community leaders are conducted by the health departments of all the states.

In Assam, every three months more than 500 meetings are being organized by the district TB centers. The school students and teachers are also covered through ACSM activities in the state. The TB awareness programme will achieve more success if the more and more school students and teachers become the advocate of DOTS. Source: tbcindia.nic.in

DOTS bring happiness to Richard, a male child of age 4 and ½ years old.

He was diagnosed as TB patients at FAAMC & Hospital, Barpeta in the month of July, 2015. He has been taking TB medicine under RNTCP and now doing well. He got

the first position in the class exam and resuming his normal routines and plays football which he loves to do. A few months back, he could not even walk, so his parents thanked RNTCP for saving the the life of their child.

Kokrajhar : Intervention at Community Level Like Kamrup (Metro), Kokrajhar district also started active intervention camp at Lungsung which is regarded as forest village situated in a very remote part of the district bordering Bhutan.

The inhabitants of the village are displaced people

of ethnic clash victims of 1996 who were later rehabilitated by district administration.

Under the leadership of Dr. Kaushik Das, District TB officer, Kokrajhar on 22/04/2015, the RNTCP team reached the village and met Mr. Tanti Soren,

Head Master of Lungsung LP school and SupalHembrom, social activist of that area and organized one community awareness meeting at the LP school. The District TB officer explained all the facts about TB and engaged Mr.

SupalHembrom as sputum collector cum DOTS provider and since then he has beenperforming his duties.

Till November/2015 he hadcollected 31 nos. of sputum samples, out of whcih9 were found to be sputum positive cases and all are getting DOTS.

Media Fellowship on Tuberculosis Sponsored by: State TB Cell, Assam in collaboration with Guwahati Press Club wereselected on April, 2015 by Press Club of Guwahati. Later, they were sensitized on RNTCP through one to one interaction and also exposing them to various field level activities of RNTCP. The selected journalists were assigned to write minimum 4 articles in leading newspapers of the state. Each journalist weregiven ? 20,000 for two months fellowship period.

Mr. Nava Thakuria, Secretary of Guwahati Press Club was given a talk in the inaugural meeting of the media fellowship at State TB Cell, Assam.

During last few years, to accelerate ACSM campaign on RNTCP a growing awareness generated for active involvement of media for TB control. Taking into

consideration of this noble appeal from Central TB Division, State TB Cell, Assamdecided to launch a 'Media Fellowship on Tuberculosis' in the state.

With collaboration of Guwahati Press Club proposals were invited from journalist of the state. Among 16 proposals, two journalists

They wrote articles on leading Assamese newspapers like which includedDainikAsom, AsomiyaKhabarfocusing not only on spreading awareness regarding free diagnostic and treatment facilities available under RNTCP but also highlighting age-old stigma associated with the disease in the state.

Many public queries via telephone calls were received by officials at State TB Cell, Assam after these articles were published.

BUSINESS

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

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29,325 fall in per Per capita income of India to cross Rs 1 lakh in FY17 Rs 10 gm gold prices in New Delhi, Mar 22: Rs 1 lakh - that benchmark will be achieved in the next financial year when percapita income crosses the six-figure mark for the first time. To be sure, it's the equivalent of just $1,500 but all the same a number that has some significance in a country of 1.2 billion where 12.4% in 2011-12 were living on less than $1 a day, according to the World Bank. Per capita income at current prices was Rs 93,231 in FY16, up 7.3% from Rs 86,879 in the year before.

It stood at Rs 71,050 and 79,412 in FY13 and FY14, respectively. At that rate of acceleration, per-capita income will exceed Rs 1

Lower amount from LIC on Sebi formula to be raised by IDBI Pune, Mar 22: IDBI Bank will be able to raise only around Rs 850 crore through a preferential allotment to Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), against its earlier plan of Rs 1,500 crore, after the lender was forced to follow the Sebi-formula for issuing shares and was reminded that the insurer can at best hold 15%.

Post-allotment, which is expected to be cleared later this week, LIC will hold just a shade under 15% stake in IDBI Bank, compared to 7.25% that the insurer held through its schemes at the end of December. The government currently holds a tad over 80% in the bank and is looking to pare its stake to under 50% in its latest experiment of reorienting the erstwhile financial institution.

Sources said IDBI Bank will allot shares to LIC at around Rs 54 a share, compared to Rs 75 a share for the allotment to the government in December 2015. The bank was earlier hoping to replicate the price while issuing shares to LIC. It is said to be in talks with World Bank arm IFC and Commonwealth Development Corporation for selling part of its stake and this round of share sale to LIC is the first stage of the plan. While the bank had planned a qualified institutional placement or an allotment to institutional investors, it has been forced to go slow following record losses which saw its share price crash from a 52week high of over Rs 95 a share. The delay led to shares crashing to under Rs 50 each, before they staged a recovery following finance minister Arun Jaitley's announcement to "privatize" the bank.

While according approval to the allotment to LIC, the government has once again talked about its holding not falling below 52%, the floor for other state-run banks, where the Centre pare its stake without amending the law.

The proposed "privatization" of IDBI Bank has generated massive protests from employees, some of whom have accused the management of compromising their interests. Employees have now threatened to go on strike next week, in a bid to ensure that banking activity is stalled during the last week of the financial year, where there are four holidays on account of a long weekend. (Agencies)

lakh in FY17. The Budget for next year, announced by finance minister Arun

Jaitley on February 29, assumed a nominal GDP growth of 11%. That

CROSSING LIMITS Rs 1 lakh - that benchmark will be achieved in the next financial year when per-capita income crosses the sixfigure mark for the first time.

To be sure, it's the equivalent of just $1,500 but all the same a number that has some significance in a country of 1.2 billion where 12.4% in 2011-12 were living on less than $1 a day.

Per capita income at current prices was Rs 93,231 in FY16, up 7.3% from Rs 86,879 in the year before.

It stood at Rs 71,050 and 79,412 in FY13 and FY14, respectively. At that rate of acceleration, per-capita income will exceed Rs 1 lakh in FY17.

Nominal GDP growth has been an average 11.7% in the past four years, so with a 1.2% population growth, Indian can expect per capita incomes to exceed Rs 1 lakh in FY17.

would mean a similar rise in net national income and, adjusted for an increase of 1.2% in population, should yield an expansion of more than 8% in percapita income.

"Nominal GDP growth has been an average 11.7% in the past four years, so with a 1.2% population growth, we can expect per capita incomes to exceed Rs 1 lakh in FY17," said Saugata Bhattacharya, chief economist, Axis Bank. "It would be interesting to check the expenditure surveys to gauge the distribution of the rise across income classes," he added. Per capita income broadly measures quality

of life in a geographical region - country, state or city.

It's arrived at by dividing the country's total income by its population. It also needs to be adjusted for inflation to see whether incomes are rising.

"At current prices, per capita income is expected to cross the threshold of Rs 1 lakh in 2016-17, which is encouraging.

However, large regional variations and an urban-rural divide in income levels persist," said Aditi Nayar, chief economist at ICRA. If the average amount crosses six figures, it would have taken India almost seven years to double its per-person annual income from Rs 46,492 in

FY10. The increases in per capita income have been driven by urban growth. "Given that agriculture has suffered and the rural economy is under distress, total per capita income has grown largely on the strength of the urban economy," said Crisil chief economist DK Joshi. "Agricultural incomes have not grown and the rural economy is languishing. Not only are incomes lower in rural areas, but inflation is also higher. In fact, poor states have seen higher inflation." Jaitley had announced a series of steps in his Budget to spur the rural economy.

(Agencies)

$10 billion LCD plant of Vedanta Chairman Agarwal's to start in 2018 Dehradun, Mar 22: Vedanta group chairman Anil Agarwal's USD 10-billion LCD screen plant, which is billed as the country's first, will start production in 2018. "Panel FAB is expected to begin by 2018 with full production over the next 10 years subject to external environment," said Agarwal. This will be the largest investment made in setting up of an electronics plant in India. It will be operated by Twinstar Display Technologies and will not fall under any of the Vedanta group companies' current business ambit. "The proposed LCD manufacturing unit, the first of its kind in India, will be operated by Twinstar Display Technologies. It is promoted

by Volcan Investments Ltd, whose other investments include Vedanta Resources and Sterlite Technologies," he said. Agarwal along with his family holds majority stake in

Vedanta group chairman Anil Agarwal. (Photo: blogspot)

Volcan Investments.

The company clarified that the LCD plant is Agarwal's personal investment and not part of his Vedanta group.

"We endeavour to make India a significant export hub of display units with the setting up of Panel FAB," he said. At present, all LCD displays used in mobile phones, TV screens and computers are imported. "India is one of the fastest growing markets for LCD panel based products such as

TV, smartphones, tablets, desktops and laptops. "By 2020, India's LCD panel import bill is expected to touch USD 10 billion (about Rs 68,000).

Panel FAB will not only significantly reduce this but also earn foreign exchange through exports," Mr. Agarwal said. Vedanta had made commitment to set up the LCD plant at the first Digital India week inaugurated

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July

last year. "We have made good of the promise we made to the nation during Digital India. We are happy to participate in two of the government's key initiatives - the 'Make in India' campaign as well as 'Net Zero Electronics import by 2020'," Mr. Agarwal said. At the event, industry had committed to invest Rs 4.5 lakh crore with a potential to generate 18 lakh jobs. Agarwal-promoted LCD firm had signed an agreement with Maharashtra government for the plant.

"Twinstar will invest USD 10 billion spread across five phases. The unit will be operated by Twinstar and not Vedanta. The project requires about 300 acres of and two locations have been shortlisted so far," he said. Sterlite Technologies, one of Volcan's investments, already has optical fibre manufacturing unit in A u r a n g a b a d , Maharashtra. "Upon

completion, the LCD project will provide direct and indirect employment to over 30,000 people, and contribute 7-10 per cent to Maharashtra's Industrial Gross Domestic Product," he added.

While demand for electronic products has been rising in the country, the government's push for local manufacturing has also increased. The total import of electronics goods during 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 (estimated) as per figures of Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) were Rs.1.79 lakh crore, Rs.1.95 lakh crore and Rs.2.25 lakh crore, respectively. The total production of electronic goods based on figures (estimated) provided by electronics industry associations were Rs.1.64 lakh crore, Rs.1.8 lakh crore and Rs.1.9 lakh crore for 2012-13, 201314 and 2014-15, respectively. (Agencies)

60% hike in user development fees demanded by Hyderabad airport Hyderabad, Mar 22: Hyderabad International Airport plans to seek an increase of more than 60% on user development fees levied on passengers flying out of the airport. The joint venture company promoted by the GMR Group is likely to submit a proposal to this effect to the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority next week, a person familiar with the matter said. Hyderabad airport already levies the highest user development fees (UDF) in the country, at Rs 430 per domestic ticket and Rs 1,700 for international travel. GMR Group holds 63% share in Hyderabad International Airport Ltd while Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad holds 11%, and the Airports Authority of India and Telangana government hold 13% each. UDF is levied by Indian airports to fill the gap between the investment made to develop the infrastructure and the revenue earned from the project.

The levy is calculated on a "cost plus" basis. This means that the passenger has to compensate

the airport operator for its operating costs, depreciation and taxes plus a reasonable profit margin that covers its cost of debt and equity. The charges are up for revision every five years, known as control period.

In the case of Hyderabad airport, the control period ends on March 31. The joint venture company has spent Rs 2,478 crore, the initial estimated project cost, in building the greenfield airport. That is calculated as the existing asset base. Nearly 25% of the cost came as equity participation while the rest was loans, the person cited earlier said, requesting not to be named. The airport operator has incurred expenditure of nearly Rs 1,000 crore on foreign exchange fluctuation and changes in cost of debt that have not been accounted for in the ongoing control period. Also, while the airport started operations on March 23, 2008, its control period started from April 1.

2011. So charges haven't been calculated for these three years, he said. The operator

Amber Dubey, partner and India head of aerospace and defence at KPMG. (Photo: amazonaws)

posted a net profit of Rs 51crore in the OctoberDecember 2015 quarter, compared to a loss of Rs 261 crore a year earlier.

According to a corporate presentation, UDF accounted for 26% of its total revenue. High airport charges in India have been widely criticised, especially by the lobbying body International Air Travel Association, as being detrimental to air travel demand. Its director Tony Tyler has repeatedly said that the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority should deter-

mine airport charges.

The authority had in February 2014 abolished the levy of UDF at the Hyderabad airport, following which the operator had approached the Hyderabad High Court, which said the ministry should take a decision. In November 2015, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation put out a notice restoring the levy of UDF by the airport.

Industry experts said there is no certainty that the operator will agree to the operator's proposal. There is a very well-laid-out procedure

for determining tariffs, said Amber Dubey, partner and India head of aerospace and defence at KPMG. Dubey said the operator has to give a detailed account of its projected traffic, revenue, capex and operational expenditure, funding costs, etc. Past forex losses or interest costs will also be considered. The regulator will then fix the maximum cost to be levied per passenger. The airport will spread that over aero charges like landing and parking charges etc.

"If there is still a shortfall, the regulator may allow an equivalent increase in UDF. The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority will always endeavour to keep tariff shocks to the minimum," Dubey said.

Delhi and Mumbai airports collected more than Rs 10,139 crore in user development and passenger fee till December 2015 since their privatisation in 2006-07, the minister of state for civil aviation Mahesh Sharma recently told Parliament. (Agencies)

futures trade

Image for representational purpose only. (Photo: blogspot) Chennai, Mar 22: Gold prices declined by Rs 84 to Rs 29,325 per 10 grams due to speculative selling after weak global cues. At the Multi Commodity Exchange, gold for delivery in far-month June shed Rs 84, or 0.29 per cent, to Rs 29,325 per ten grams in a business turnover of 52 lots.

In a similar fashion, the metal for delivery in April

fell by Rs 82, or 0.28 per cent, to Rs 29,049 per ten grams in 737 lots. Analysts said fall in the metal's prices at futures trade was mostly in tandem with global trend as the dollar stabilised after a slump sparked by the Federal Reserve lowering its interest-rate outlook for this year. Globally, gold fell 0.40 per cent to USD 1,250.99 an ounce in Singapore. (Agencies)

Country's grape exports set to double Nashik, Mar 22: Grape Exporters' Association of growers have a reason to India (GEAI), said, rejoice as exports from the "Maharashtra is a major country, of which Nashik grape exporter in the counis the biggest contributor, try and the maximum exhave doubled from 30,741 port in the state comes from tonnes during the last sea- Nashik district. Unseasonal son to 61,909 metric tonnes rain and hail during the last

by March 19 this year. Dur- grape season in 2014-15 ing the corresponding pe- had badly affected the exriod in the last grape sea- port that had declined by 43% s o n 2 0 1 4 - All thanks to the weather t o 15 (De1.07 cember-April), the country lakh tonnes, against 1.90 had exported 30,741 tonnes lakh tonnes of grape export of grapes. The export sea- during 2013-14," adding son is expected to continue that the season has imtill April-end with exports proved this year due to expected to touch 2 lakh favourable climatic conditonnes. Sources from the tions. We are expecting exagriculture department said, ports of over 2 lakh tonnes "The country exported 1.07 from the country." Of the lakh tonnes of grapes dur- 61,839 tonnes exported ing 2014-15 grape season, from the country, including 1 lakh tonnes ex- Maharashtra has exported ported from Maharashtra. 61,803 tonnes and This year's grape season Karnataka has exported 106 started from December tonnes. Of the 61,803 met2015 and is in full swing ric tonnes of export from right now. The export has the state, 54,959 tonnes of almost doubled by March grapes have been exported 19 in the current season as from Nashik, 3,890 tonnes compared to the corre- from Sangli, 1,725 tonnes sponding period last year." from Satara, 530 tonnes The sources added, "This from Pune, 271 tonnes year, the climate is from Ahmednagar, 53 favourable and the country tonnes from Solapur and 22 may export over 2 lakh tonnes from Beed. Grape tonnes." Nashik is a major export of 61,839 tonnes grape growing region in the from the country includes country. Of the country's 37,519 tonnes exported to total exports, around 96% Netherland, 12,169 metric comes from Maharashtra. tonnes to UK, 4,906 tonnes Nashik contributes around to Germany, 1,295 tonnes 90% of the state's total to Finland, 1,104 tonnes to grape export. Jagannath Belgium and 1,042 tonnes Khapre, president, Grape to Sweden. (Agencies)

2X EXPORT Grape growers have a reason to rejoice as exports from the country, of which Nashik is the biggest contributor, have doubled from 30,741 tonnes during the last season to 61,909 metric tonnes by March 19 this year.

During the corresponding period in the last grape season 2014-15 (December-April), the country had exported 30,741 tonnes of grapes.

The export season is expected to continue till April-end with exports expected to touch 2 lakh tonnes.

The country exported 1.07 lakh tonnes of grapes during 2014-15 grape season, including 1 lakh tonnes exported from Maharashtra. This year's grape season started from December 2015 and is in full swing right now. The export has almost doubled by March 19 in the current season as compared to the corresponding period last year.

This year, the climate is favourable and the country may export over 2 lakh tonnes.

Nashik is a major grape growing region in the country.

Of the country's total exports, around 96% comes from Maharashtra. Nashik contributes around 90% of the state's total grape export.

Of the 61,839 tonnes exported from the country, Maharashtra has exported 61,803 tonnes and Karnataka has exported 106 tonnes.

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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

PAGE 11

World T20: Dhoni urges India to lift Guptill smashes 80 as New Zealand score 180/5 run rate against Bangladesh But Dhoni said India, who were firm favourites at the start of the tournament to lift a second World T20 title, needed to improve to qualify from a tough group that also includes Australia.

"I still feel there is still scope for improvement and in the coming two games that will be our priority," said the captain.

New Zealand top the group on four points after two wins while Pakistan, Australia and India all have two points. However India's run rate, which could determine who qualifies, is considerably worse than their rivals.

"In the first game our run rate went down. So it's not only about winning but you

Mahendra Singh Dhoni urged his big-hitters to improve their run rate have to take care of the run-rate at some point," added Dhoni.

The hosts are seeking to become the first country to win the World T20 title

Indian Wells' CEO resigns after `sexist` remark

Indian Wells tournament director Raymond Moore ANI Johannesburg, Mar.22 : Indian Wells tournament director Raymond Moore has quit after coming under severe criticism for making controversial remarks on Women's Tennis Association (WTA).

Larry Ellison, the event's

owner, while confirming the news said that Moore had decided to step down from his roles as the CEO and tournament director with immediate effect.

Expressing his views on WTA, Moore had earlier said that the women players are riding on

the coat-tails of the men.

He didn't stop there and went on to say that a lady tennis player should go down on her knees and thank God for the birth of men players like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal because they have carried the sport.

Moore's comments raised flurry of criticism from the tennis fraternity, with topranked Serena Williams and retired legend Martina Navratilova leading the bandwagon, Sport24 reported.

Serena slammed Moore, saying that women had come a long way and added they were not required to drop to their knees at any point of their life.

Moore, however, had earlier apologised for his remarks, describing it as extremely `poor taste and erroneous` comments.

Injury woes for Pak as Riaz, Hafeez doubtful for clash against Kiwis Karachi, Mar. 22 : Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz and batsman Mohammad Hafeez are in doubt to play the must-win World T20 match against unbeaten New Zealand due to their respective injuries.

Haffez has been suffering from a pain in the right knee while Riaz was hit by a ball during the practice session, the Dawn reported.

Reflecting on the news, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had confirmed that the left-arm bowler was hospitalised and later given clearance. The board added that Riaz would be allowed to play in the upcoming match only after proving his fitness.

The PCB further stated that Hafeez had been complaining of knee pain from the

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Hamstring strain forces Duminy out of Windies clash at World T20

South Africa all-rounder JP Duminy Johannesburg, Mar 22 : South Africa all-rounder JP Duminy has been ruled out of his side's third group game against West Indies in the World Twenty20 on Friday after failing to recover substantially from a hamstring strain sustained during their previous clash against Afghanistan.

The 31-year-old stylish batsman, who smacked unbeaten scores of 54 and 29

in his last two games, suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday's victory over Afghanistan while chasing a ball to the boundary, Sport24 reported.

However, Duminy has not been ruled of his side's final group game against defending champions Sri Lanka in Bengaluru on Monday. He will be monitored over the next days.

(ANI)

Hulk Hogan gets additional $25m in sex tape lawsuit Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz last two days, adding that it was unlikely for him to feature in the match against the Kane Williamson-led side.

Pakistan have gained two points in the Group B table after claiming a 55-run win over Bangladesh in their campaign opener at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The Shahid Afridi-led side,

`Sprint King` Bolt confirms retirement post Rio Olympics ANI Johannesburg, Mar.22 : Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt has confirmed that he will call the curtains on his glorious career after this year's Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where he will be aiming to clinch three gold medals.

The 29-year-old had earlier hinted on the possibility of prolonging his Olympic career to the 2020 games in Tokyo, after his coach Glen Mills advised that his fitness could carry him through to Japan.

But the track star confirmed that Rio will be his last Olympics, saying that it would not be easy to keep the motivation level up for four more years.

He also said that he would try to accomplish what he

twice, after clinching the crown in 2007, and also the first to win at home.

Bangladesh, by comparison, will be desperate for a win after two straight

losses, the latest to Australia by three wickets on Monday.

Sitting at the bottom of Group Two after also losing to Pakistan, the Tigers have almost no chance of advancing to the semi-finals, but skipper Mashrafe Mortaza vowed to battle on.

"We will keep fighting. We still have two matches to fight hard," he said.

The Tigers were left reeling after the ICC's decision at the weekend to suspend their top bowlers Arafat Sunny and Taskin Ahmed for illegal actions, forcing them to rush in replacements from Bangladesh.

There are also question marks over star batsman Tamim Iqbal who is unwell and did not play against Australia.

Usain Bolt wants to in the upcoming games, Sport24 reported.

Reiterating his desire to become the first man to complete 200 metres in less than 19 seconds, Bolt said that it was the only thing he really wanted to accomplish before taking retirement.

The Rio Olympics is slated to be held from August 5 to August 21.

which recently suffered a defeat against arch-rival India, need to win the match against New Zealand if they want to keep alive their hopes of clinching the trophy.

The two sides will lock horns at the Punjab Cricket Stadium in Mohali this evening. (ANI)

ANI Washington D.C., Mar. 22 : Hulk Hogan was recently awarded with additional 25 million dollars in punitive damages in his sex tape lawsuit, pushing up his total haul to 140 million dollars.

The jury ordered that the 62-year-old wrestler will be getting 15 million dollars from Gawker Media, site owner Nick Denton will pay him 10 million dollars and A.J. Daulerio, who is responsible for

posting the tape, has to give him 100,000 dollars, reports TMZ.com.

Last week, the jury awarded Hogan with 115 million dollars for actual damages.

Meanwhile, Gawker Media issued a statement saying it is confident the verdict will be overturned on appeal. The site maintains it has a right to post the tape because it was newsworthy and therefore protected by the First Amendment.

Opting to bat, New Zealand rode on Guptill's blazing knock to continue the team's dream run in the mega-event.

The 29-year-old right-handed batsman struck 10 boundaries and three sixes.

Guptill added 62 runs for the first wicket with Kane Williamson (17) before the skipper was dismissed by Mohammad Irfan in the eighth over at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.

Colin Munro fell cheaply for seven but the opener, who has a century in this format, found an able ally in Corey Anderson, with whom he added 52 runs in five overs to consolidate

New Zealand's position.

Anderson contributed 21 off 14 balls, hitting three boundaries.

But the star of the evening was undoubtedly Guptill, who mixed caution with aggression beautifully and found the boundaries with considerable ease. He looked dangerous right from the start and frustrated the Pakistani bowlers.

And while Pakistan finally got Guptill when he was bowled by Mohammad Sami, Ross Taylor stood in their way and scored a quickfire 36 off 23 balls with the help of two boundaries and a six.

Right-arm pacer Sami took the prized wicket of Guptill in the 15th over, but by then he had done the damage.

In the third over, Guptill hit three fours off Mohammad Aamir and hit spinner Imad Wasim for a six in another.

Even Sami was shown little respect by the Kiwi, who hit him for a six and a four in one over. Afridi, too, came in for some heavy stick from Guptill as New Zealanders raced to 100 in just 12 overs.

Left-arm pacer Mohd Irfan provided the first breakthrough in the eighth over when Williamson, who was looking to go down the wicket, handed over a catch to Shahid Afridi.

In the ninth over, Munro mistimed a switch-hit and balloned a catch to Sharjeel Khan, giving Afridi the scalp.

The Pakistan skipper also got the wicket of Anderson.

Luke Ronchi (11) was removed by Sami when he ended up offering a catch to Shoaib Malik, in a bid to accelerate.

Sami was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers giving away just 23 runs and earning two wickets.

Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim remained wicketless giving away 26 runs.

McIlroy aims at eradicating shortcomings ahead of Masters at Augusta ANI Johannesburg, Mar.22 : World number three golfer Rory McIlroy has expressed his desire to get back on the winning track so as to gain some confidence before leading into the Grand Slam Masters, which will be held at Augusta National in April.

The Northern Irishman endured an injurywrecked 2015 season and slipped to third behind Jordan Spieth and Australia's Jason Day in the world rankings.

McIlroy admitted he needs to eradicate his shortcomings, saying that he had to focus on strengthening his mental skills, Sport24 reported.

The four-time major champion will now play his final tune-up event World Golf Champion-

World number three golfer Rory McIlroy ship Dell Match Play before next month's Masters.

The 26-year-old believes that this week's championship was the only opportunity for him to improve and gain some confidence ahead of the major tournament.

Insisting that most of his competitors were running in good form, McIlroy admit-

ted that he had to play at the best of his abilities to achieve victory.

The Dell Match Play tournament will feature an unusual format this time with 16 groups consisting of four players each contesting in a round robin phase before advancing to a knockout stage.

World T20: Indian eves gear up for must-win clash against England

Mithali Raj ANI Dharamsala, Mar. 22 : Indian eves will take on England in a must win encounter at the Himachal Pradesh

Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala today in the Women's World Twenty20.

Unlucky to have lost the

previous rain-marred tie against Pakistan by just two runs, the Mithali Raj-led team will be fighting a survival battle today.

Another loss would virtually throw the hosts out of the competition and the Indian eves would hope to put their best foot forward against the English eves.

Meanwhile, New Zealand brushed aside defending champions Australia with a six-wicket win in a group A match at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur yesterday.

Asked to bowl first, New Zealand restricted Australia to 103 for 8 before surpassing the target with 22 deliveries to spare.

Nehra plays down World T20 run-rate concerns ANI Bengaluru, Mar.22 : Downplaying concerns regarding the net-run rate requirements in the ongoing World T20, Indian left-arm seamer Ashish Nehra on Tuesday said that his side are currently focusing on winning their must-win clash against Bangladesh.

India are third behind Pakistan in terms of run-rate despite hammering the arch-rivals at Eden Gardens in Group B clash on Saturday.

"We are aware of the net-run rate but the

main thing is winning the game. We are taking one game at a time. First we have to win the game and we are concentrating on that," Nehra told the media on the eve of their third World T20 groupstage match against Bangladesh at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Reflecting on the clash, the 36-year-old said that that Mashrafe Mortaza's side had been performing well from the last two to three years and, therefore, India would not take them lightly.

wanted to pass on his experience to the young bowlers in the squad.

"My job is very important. Whatever experience I have gained in my 16 to 17 years of career, I will try to pass it on to them (Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar or Mohammed Shami). Everyone knows how talented they are, especially Bumrah, who has performed pretty well in these last two months.

So I will try to provide as much help as I can," said Nehra.

Ashish Nehra

Nehra, who made his international comeback after a lengthy gap of

four years in the Twenty20 series against

Australia earlier this year, insisted that he

Nehra also lavished praise on Bangladesh's fast bowler Mustafizur

Rahman, who produced high-quality display during his side's three-wicket defeat at the hands of Australia on Monday.

"Especially in this format, he has been in really good form. He has got a god-gifted slow ball action. I think he is a very good future prospect, especially in ODI and T20 cricket.

But good thing is that he is in my team (Sunrisers Hyderabad) in the upcoming IPL edition and therefore it will definitely help me as well," Nehra pointed.

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Bangalore, Mar 22: India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni urged his big-hitters to improve their run rate dramatically against Bangladesh on Wednesday or face the prospect of a humiliating early exit from the World Twenty20 on home soil.

The hosts are precariously placed in fourth spot of Group Two after one defeat and one win.

They desperately need a big victory to strengthen their bid for a semi-finals berth.

India's six-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday will have boosted their confidence after a shock 47-run defeat to New Zealand in their opening group match.

Mohali, Mar 22 (PTI) : Martin Guptill smashed his way to a 48-ball 80 as New Zealand notched up a formidable 180 for five against Pakistan in the ICC World Twenty20 here on Tuesday.

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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

HOLI

PAGE 12

From the lanes of Mathura and Vridavana, the colors of Holi have spread all over the country. These colours also carry the message of love, brotherhood, and truth. So whenever you splash Holi colours on somebody, you give him a promise of being truthful towards him always, maintain brotherhood with him lifelong and shower him with all the possible love throughout your life.

Colours of Holi Holi is one of the ma- the time of excitement jor festivals of our coun- and hope, as the season try. It is celebrated with promises arrival of good great enthusiasm and harvesting time. gaiety in the month of There are legends dePhalgun as per our picting the roots of the Hindu calendar, on a full rituals performed in the moon day. Holi is cel- festival. Among various ebrated across the coun- foremost is the legend of King try with different tradi- demon tions, but the colour of Hiranyakashyap who wanted joy remains Dr. Nidhi Garodia hs oi ns u n Prahlad changed.

It is festival were chil- to be killed, as he was a dren are allowed to be devotee to Lord Vishnu. mischievous, young to As per the story express their love and to Hiranyakashyap asked his sister, the evil Holika be young again.

Holi is also called the to seat in fire with spring festival. It marks Prahlad on her lap. The the arrival of spring sea- idea was as Holika was son, full of hope and joy. blessed with inflammaThe cold of winter de- bility; as a result Prahlad parts and bright summer would turn to ashes days are ready to arrive. while Holika making an Nature is at its full glory, easy escape. But by Lord with bright colours spar- Vishnu grace the owe rekling everywhere. It is ciprocated and Prahlad the time for coming of came out of the fire unthe harvesting season. harmed whereas Holika For an agricultural coun- turned to ashes. That's try like India, where the reason the ritual of maximum population lighting a bonfire on the earns their livelihood eve of Holi is performed, through agriculture, it is symbolizing the victory

of good over evil.

Legends also narrates the essence of Holi is love; Lord Krishna had a dark complexion whereas Radha was a fair complexion girls. To tease Radha, Lord Krishna used to put colours on Radha face, that's why the festival symbolizes expression of love by young. To celebrate the festival near and dear ones gather together and play Holi with bright colours of gulal. To express their love gulal is applied to once another face, forgetting all worries and negativity. Children are allowed to play pranks in Holi, as per our legends there was an ogress Dhundi in the kingdom of Prithu, who used to trouble children. On the holi day children chased her away of the kingdom. The festival is also connected to the death of Pootna, who at the wish of Kansa came to kill infant Lord Krishna by feeding it poisonous milk. Here Pootna repre-

sents the winter season and her death cessation and end of winter.

Although people celebrate Holi with different reasons, traditions and customs following different legends, but the motto remains the same, to spread love, happiness and joy unchained with all worries and differences. Holi fills the market with colours and mouth-watering foods.

It's a family time with the dear ones. Ad mist the enjoyment few people feel excited in wrong doing during the festival like gambling, over alcohol consumption, and mischief with the females. Such activities hamper the spirit of the festival and disgrace it beauty.

Holi is a festival of colour, joy, peace, love and happiness, and should be celebrated with pure spirit and healthy mind. So that its essence can be captured in our minds and motivate us with positive energy.

Holi: How to celebrate it the best way The most boisterous of Hindu festivals, Holi waves goodbye to winter and welcomes in spring in a rainbow of colours.

In India it's predominantly celebrated in the north of the country, and is quite rightly known as the Festival of Colours for the raucous events on Holi's final day, when children and adults take to the streets throwing colourful gulal (powder) over each other. Dyed water is shot from syringes, thrown from buckets and poured into balloons, which are then tossed at people. It's sanctioned anarchy and, as a visitor, you will be a particular target so expect to finish the day looking like gulab jamun (a red, sticky Indian sweet). Authorities urge the use of natural dyes, so they can be easily cleaned off, but you could be a mobile colour chart for days or weeks after. Though it runs for three days, Holi is mostly condensed into this final

mad day. The night before, huge bonfires are lit at major crossroads in towns and cities and effigies of the demon Holika are burned to symbolise the triumph of good over evil. Whether you think good or evil comes up trumps the next day might depend just how much gulal ends up

Vridavan and Barsana are linked with the birth and childhood of Krishna, giving them special Holi significance.

In Nepal, the festival is also known as Fagu and is a muted mix of India's Holi and Thailand's Songkran. Falling late in Nepal's dry season, at a time when the country is

being thrown your way.

There are many places to witness huge Holi celebrations. In Udaipur, the royal family hosts an elaborate function at the City Palace, while the Uttar Pradesh towns of Mathura, Nandgaon,

heating up, water is sprayed about as a reminder of the cooling monsoon days to come.

As in India, coloured powder and water (particularly red) is also dispensed, and again foreigners will get special

attention. Holi's origins are little known but references to it have dated back to around the 3rd century BC. Essentials: If you want a colourless Holi, you would best stay inside for the day. If not, wear old clothes that you do not mind getting colourstained. During Holi there's a tradition of guzzling alcohol and consuming cannabis-derived bhang. Female visitors have been groped by spaced-out blokes, particularly in touristy areas, and officials advise women to avoid venturing out alone during Holi.

Local attractions: In Mathura's Kesava Deo Temple you can view the stone slab on which Krishna is said to have been born around 3500 years ago. Udaipur is one of India's most romantic cities, gleaming with marble palaces and blue lakes. In Nepal's capital Kathmandu, relive the Hippy Trail on so-called Freak Street.

Holi celebrations in India Holi: The festival of colour Holi is one of the major parts celebrating Holi festivals of India and is means getting drenched celebrated in most of the with coloured water durstates of India. However, ing these celebrations is each region has its own considered to be a blessvariations of Holi with a ing from god and is conlarge local influence. sidered auspicious. Since Let's take a look at how Radha belonged to Holi is celBarsana ebrated in Ashok Harlalka w h i l e different Krishna bestates and regions of In- longed to Nandagaon, on dia: the day of Holi, men North India: from Nandagaon go to Lord Krishna spent most Barsana to celebrate Holi of his childhood in with the women there.

Mathura and The playful teasing of Vrindavana. He was the women and attempts to one to introduce the color them with 'gulal' modern form of Holi and and wet colors from thus Holi is celebrated 'pichkari' is returned by with great enthusiasm at them by attempts to esthese places for about a cape and beating the men

buttermilk high up in the streets as a challenge to their brother-in-laws, who try to get ot break the pot by forming a human pyramid to reach it.

Women try to stop them by beating them with their saris rolled up as ropes. This mock-drama is staged to commemorate the playful pranks of child Krishna, who would steal milk, butter and curd from the cow maids' houses. In the evening, the brother-inlaws bring sweetmeats for the women of the house for their contribution in keeping the family united.

Western India:

Women playing with colours. (Photo:livemint) week. Situated in Uttar Pradesh, all the major temples of the region dedicated to Krishna and Radha celebrate Holi on a different day. In these

with sticks to scamper them away.

Haryana: In Haryana, the brides of the Hindu undivided families hang a pot of

Like Haryana, Maharashtra and Gujarat also has mock-drama of Krishna trying to break the pots and steal the butter. Besides, the men of

these states take out a grand procession while soaked with coloured water as they walk through the streets to make a mock alert call to ask people and women of the house to take care of their pots of butter and milk as Krishna may come in and steal them.

Eastern India: In Bengal, Holi is called Dol Yatra (the Swing Festival) in which idols of Krishna and Radha are placed on swings and devotees take turns to swing them. Women perform devotional songs and dances around the swing as men spray coloured water and 'Abeer' (coloured powder) on them. However, the tradition is being lost in the modern wave and people play with coloured water and powders in the morning and then take out processions on the streets with music and drums while stained with Holi colors. Orissa has similar traditions as Bengal except for the fact that the idol of Jagannath is placed on the swing here instead of Krishna and Radha, who is believed to be another form of Krishna.

Rabindranath Tagore, the Noble laureate from India, revived Holi as the Spring festival by introducing 'Vasanta Utsav' in his Shantiniketan or Bishwabharati University, which is celebrated in a very special way. Students and youths dress up

in bright colorful dresses such as yellow and stage a number of cultural programs involving group choreography, songs and dance followed by playing Holi with 'Abeer' (coloured powder). Today, Vasanta Utsav has become an important part of the Bengali culture.

North East: Holi is a six-day long in Manipur and commences on the full moon day of Phalguna. In the 18th century, it merged with the traditional and centuriesold Yaosang festival of Manipur. In earlier times, there were folk songs and dance performances under the moonlight accompanied by the indigenous drums. Today, modern musical instruments have replaced the drums and fluorescent lamps have replaced the moonlight.

Days before, people collect money from the community for the expenses on the festivities. A thatched hut of hay, twigs and sticks is built, only to be set ablaze. Next morning, groups of boys go to play 'gulal' with the girls and pay them money to get the favor. Devotees play 'gulal', sing devotional songs and dance in front of the Krishna temple dressed in the traditional white and yellow turban. On the last day of the festival, a grand procession is taken out to the main Krishna temple in the capital of Manipur, Imphal where multitude of cultural programs take place.

Courtesy: karmayog

The Spring Festival of India, Holi - is a festival of colours.

Celebrated in March or April according to the Hindu calendar, it was meant to welcome the Spring and win the blessings of Gods for good harvests and fertility of the land. As with all the Hindu festivals, there are many interesting legends attached to Holi, the most popular being that of Prince Prahlad, who was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu. It is the second most important festival of India after Diwali. Holi in India is a festival of fun and frolic and has been associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha. The exuberance and the festivity of the season is remarkable.

Unlike all the other festivals of India, Hindu Holi Festival is one such festival where one can put down the social taboos and indulge in the intoxicating drinks and sweets prepared by using opium. It is a festival of romance often represented by the love-play of Radha and Krishna. Brij Holi is famous all over the world for its gaiety in spirit.

Each year, young and old, men and women, all indulge themselves in the spirit of colors and for once forget the social taboos. There are mouthwatering delicacies to savor such as 'Gujhias' and 'Papris' and there are interesting traditions and customs of Holi that have their own regional variances.

Holi colours Dry Holi colours known as 'Gulal' and wet colours or 'Rang' were originally prepared naturally from the flowers and other products that had dyeing properties.

However with time, in the quest of more long-lasting and strong colours, chemically enhanced and artificial colours have come in vogue.

The harmful effects of these chemicals on our body and eyes have forced us to do a turn-about to the natural colors. These natural holi colours are perfectly safe and

do not cause any harm to skin or to the face. Also there is no trouble if these colors go into the eye and are also easy to take off after playing a good spirited Holi festival.

Customs of Holi Holi is the festival of Spring, the festival of romance, the festival of the triumph of good over evil, a festival of colors and festival of fun and pranks. It is a festival to shake off the shackles of what is to be done and what is not to be done for once and loosen up a bit. It is a festival to let your hair down and do what you like, say what you like and meet and tease anybody you like. The best part is that all the offences and anger gets dissolved with one

from this holy fire to rekindle their own domestic fires.

In some communities, people roast barley seeds in the fire to eat and it is believed that the yield of the coming harvest season can be predicted by reading the direction of the flames or the state of the roasted seeds. The ashes of the Holi fire are believed to have some medicinal properties. Next morning, it is 'Dhuledi' or the main festival of colors where adults and kids alike splash each other with coloured powder and water jets known as 'pichkaris'. Traditionally, only natural colors prepared from flowers and herbal products were used but today, artificial colors have

A tray of colours. (Photo:clickflick) boisterous shout of 'Bura na mano, holi hai!' (Don't be angry, it's Holi!). This shout is considered to be a part of the long tradition of the festival of Holi. The festival is celebrated on the full-moon day of Phalguna, though it stretched up to a week in Northern India and six-day long in Manipur. As the tradition goes all the people gather around on a day before the Holi as we know it, it is the evening of bonfires.

People light up bonfires of dead leaves, twigs and sticks and people dance and sing around it to welcome the Spring and commemorate the saving of Prahlad and burning of his wicked aunt Holika. People take embers

taken over. Now people often use coloured foams and balloons filled with coloured water to pop-up at anybody they can play prank upon. The colour frenzy of oranges and reds, greens and blues, purples and blacks soon wash away all the enmity and hatred amongst the festival and serves to bring the community closer. Holi sweets and delicacies are an important part of the festival as one can relish 'Gujhias' in Northern India and 'Puran Poli' in Maharashtra. 'Thandai' (a cool drink of milk) mixed with 'bhang' (an intoxicating substance) is to be beware of, as it is very common during Holi.

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