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www.eastern-today.com For your copy of The Eastern Today in Changlang please contact: Raj Communications Near SBI bank Changlang Ph. No.-08471896580/ 09402905002

ASSENG/2015/64205

Vol. 1

How India can take on China economically?

Issue 179

Dibrugarh, Friday, December 4, 2015

Price -

5.00

Pages- 12

Akhilesh Yadav Wants To Do A Bihar, But Is A 'Mahagathbandhan' With BSP Even Possible?

26 per cent of National Highways target completed by Govt.

BJP, RSS dusting out Ram temple issue prior to elections: Congress

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Arunachal Governor for 3 to 4 more airports in the state

Assam Govt to turn Siukapha Sammanay Kshetra into vibrant cultural hub, research centre

Recommends constitution of high-power Expert Site Selection Committee Continuing his effort to address the communication bottleneck particularly in air connectivity, the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has approached the Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati for minimum of 3 to 4 airports to cover the most of the districts of the State. In his letter to the Union Minister on 13th November 2015, the Governor impressed upon him that Arunachal Pradesh is the largest among the eight North Eastern States with difficult mountainous terrains, absolutely poor road, rail and air connectivity but very high tourism potential, in addition to being

ET CAPSULES Gold, cash looted Jorhat, Dec 3: Dacoits looted cash, valuables and gold ornaments from the residence of one Debeswar Saikia, an employee of ASEB at Shantipur opposite to Bhogdoi outpost under Jorhat district last night at around 2.30 am. A suspected group of dacoits broke the window pane and entered the house of Saikia when they were busy attending a marriage party near their house, with the dacoits taking advantage and looting gold ornaments worth 3 lakh rupees and cash to the tune of Rs. 22000 from their iron almirah inside the house.

Police said, the gang used the master keys to open the iron almirah. Meanwhile, investigation is on, although no one has been picked up so far, said police.

(Correspondent) Manifestoes in Assamese

Jorhat, Dec 3: Asom Sahitya Sabha (ASS) general secretary Dr. Paramananda Rajbhonsi and asst. secretary Samiran Bordoloi requested all political parties of the state to print all political manifestoes in Assamese and introduce Assamese as a medium in every department of the five universities of Assam. This was informed to the media here at the ASS central office, Jorhat.

(Correspondent)

AAU 7-day winter school

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Jorhat, Dec 3: The Assam Agriculture University (AAU) has announced a week long Winter School from December 4th Friday on “Soft Computing Methodologies and Bio Informatics” jointly with the Department of Agricultural Statistics (AAU), Machine Intelligence Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, informed Dr. DK Borah, chairman of the organizing committee and Ranjit Kumar Saud, PRO AAU here today. The week long Winter School will be inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor of AAU Dr. Kamal Mallav Buzarbaruah at the ID Seminar Hall at the AAU Jorhat campus here. (Correspondent)

The Governor said that Arunachal Pradesh with its 83,743 Sq km of land area should have not one, but minimum of three to four airports to cover most of the Districts. a very important strategic Frontier State having international borders with Bhutan, China and Myanmar. The Governor said that Arunachal Pradesh with its 83,743 Sq km of land area should have not one, but minimum of three to four airports to cover most of the Districts. He pointed that

Assam, which has lower geographical area of about 79,000 Sq km has presently 6 airports.

Requesting the Union Minister to consider setting up of additional airports in addition to the already sanctioned Green Field Airport for the State, the Governor called for constituting of a high-power Expert Site

Selection Committee in consultation with the State Government. This, the Governor said, will create re-confidence among the people of Arunachal Pradesh about the sincerity and confidence of the Central Government to fast track the development of the under developed State for benefiting the people and the Nation. Reiterating his stand on the sanctioned Green Field Airport for the State, the Governor clarified that based on suggestions from many quarters regarding alleged malpractices in the land acquisition on behest of some powerful political leaders, he had suggested for a thorough scrutiny of all documents of the land owners covered under the acquisition process by CBI or and other Central Agency and

meanwhile upgrading adjacent Lilabari Airport in Assam, keeping in mind likely delay in constructing the Airport at Hollongi, for which all the clearances were reportedly not available. The Governor empathetically said that he had not recommended for scrapping of a Green Field Airport for the State or for abandoning Hollongi site. Expressing surprise and dismay on the selectively leakage of his letter to Prime Minister in the Media to give a impression that he had recommended for scrapping of the only Green Field Airport Project for Arunachal Pradesh to benefit his Home State of Assam through upgrading of the Lilabari Airport, Contd. on Page 3

71 mw Hydroelectric dam at Miao PWD, Environment and Forest, ZPM Miao and ASM Lewang. The site visit was undertaken in view of the Central Water Commission, Government of India seeking information on the land located in the reservoir area for carrying out the study on rehabilitation and resettlement plan. The Brahmaputra Board had prepared a detailed project report (DPR) for the project.

Indrajit Tingwa Miao, Dec 3

A site visit was undertaken at the proposed Noa-Dihing Dam Project, 4 (four) kilometres upstream of NoaDihing river from Miao town.

The team comprised members of the Brahmaputra Board, a statutory organisation under Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India, representatives from local administration, WRD,

Officials discuss a point during the visit.

Pic - Indrajit Tingwa

High level review meeting of schemes under state plan Itanagar, Dec 3

The Chief Secretary, Ramesh Negi took a high level meeting to review the progress of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CCS) under State plan here at banquet hall, today. In the meeting all the departments reviewed and discussed their problems. Chairing the meeting Chief Secre-

tary, Ramesh Negi urged officers present to take stock of progress under each schemes and apprised concerned Ministry to release subsequent installment. The secretary should also make a point to meet concern officers in the Ministry and submit required document.

The Chief Secretary further directed all Secretaries to meet target by December. The Chief

Secretary informed that the budget estimate 20015-16 is Rs 3245.00cr, out of which fund received till date is Rs 1052.09cr and State share is 62.08cr till date. In his conclusion, Chief Secretary after discussing and reviewing the problems from all departments informed that, Contd. on Page 3

Contd. on Page 3

Sensational !

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 3

In a spine chilling incident, doctors of the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital performed a major surgery to remove a razor blade from the chest of a four year old girl.

The child is now stable and recovering. Earlier, the child was taken to Marwari Hospital in Guwahati as she was suffering from pain in stomach and chest. Doctors in the hospital said that X-ray reports indicate a razor blade is struck inside her chest.

A view of the Siukapha Sammanay Kshetra. Pic - Nekib Ahmed A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 3

The Government of Assam will turn the Siukapha Sammanay Kshetra into a vibrant hub of cultural activity and a great research centre boosting India’s ‘Act East Policy’. In a statement here today, Chief Minister Gogoi said Siukapha Sammanay Kshetra

inaugurated by him at Mohbondha area of Jorhat yesterday, would not only attract students and researchers of the country as well as South-East Asian nations but also become a cultural hub showcasing the history of assimilation of various people belonging to different castes, creeds and ethnicidentities of the State. “Visiting the cultural complex, the

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Nov 3

The Association of Indian Universities (AIU), an apex body of Higher Education in the Country will organize its AIU East Zone Vice Chancellors’ Meet on December 4-5, 2015. The Meet is being hosted

by Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam. Minister for Education, Pension and

Public Grievances, Government of Assam, Sarat Borkotoky will inaugurate the meet. The meet will be presided over by Prof. Furqan Qamar, Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities. The Special Issue of the University News, a weekly journal of Higher Education brought out by the Association of Indian Universities with Prof Alak K Buragohain as

ET Bureau Guwahati, Dec 3

The state health minister Nazrul Islam said that the five patients who were at the receiving end of a “botched” eye

cataract surgery have been shifted to a private eye hospital in the city for better treatment. He said that an inquiry has been ordered to probe the incident. The Assam Government on Wednesday suspended

Noted playwright, journalist and artist of Tezpur Dipok Mahanta died in a road mishap last night at around 11 pm at Jagiroad. He was 56. Late Mahanta who was closely associated with the six-year-long Assam agitation also had an unmatched contribution towards the drama world and the media field. He started his stint in journalism through biweekly Mahajati published Floral tributes being paid to Dipok Mahanta. Pic - UB

ANI Washington D.C., Dec. 3

Contd. on Page 4

In a horrific attack, 14 people and two suspects were killed after three heavily armed attackers opened fire on a banquet hall at a social services center in South California's San Bernardino city. The law enforcements have revealed that the attackers were fleeing in a black SUV after the shoot-

ing. San Bernardino Police Chief Jarrod Burguan said that a bomb squad was still examining a suspicious device believed to be an explosive at the service center, The Daily Mail reports. The suspects were dressed in assault-style clothing and were carrying rifles and handguns. The San Bernardino center was hosting a Christmas party for county employees Wednesday morning.

Govt in talks to rope in post offices, kiranas to sell pension plans New Delhi, Dec 3

After the success with opening bank accounts and two insurance schemes, the government is lining up a major push for retirement savings under its financial inclusion programme.

Contd. on Page 10

IN SEARCH OF ALTERNATIVES The finance ministry has begun talks to rope in 1.5 lakh post offices along with kirana shops and chemists to sell pension plans with an assurance of minimum returns.

Contd. on Page 4

a senior doctor and a nurse of the MMC hospital in Guwahati after five patients reportedly lost their eyesight following cataract surgeries.

Contd. on Page 4

Hailstorm claims one Shambhu Boro Tezpur, Dec 3

Shambhu Boro Tezpur, Dec 3

Two suspects killed in San Bernardino shooting

Guest Editor and Dr S Rama Devi Pani as Editor, will be released by the Chief Guest.

The Vice Chancellor of the Host University, Prof. Alak Kumar Buragohain will welcome the gathering. About 34 Vice Chancellors of the East Zone will participate in the meet. Sampson David,

Doctor, nurse suspended after “botched” surgery

Dipok Mahanta no more

Contd. on Page 3

Contd. on Page 4

East Zone Vice Chancellors’ meet at Dibrugarh University

Who is the Airtel 4G girl ? Noted playwright, journalist Agencies New Delhi, Dec 3 Sometimes the protagonist makes more impact than the actual product. Conversely it can also be said that the impact of a certain product is so much that one cannot but notice the protagonist. Something similar is happening to the Airtel 4G advertisement. The main protagonist in the television commercial (TVC) has lately created a lot of buzz among the youth. The reason behind this could be many –her voice, trimmed hair, her appearance et al. You must be wondering who is that 4G girl?

visitors, students and researchers will be able to gather wealth of information on the political, social, cultural and religious heritage of the State. The Sammanay Kshetra will remind us of our ties with South East Asia and also help to promote research. It will boost India’s Act East Policy”,

The department of financial services has now set its eyes on other distribution networks, including outlets selling recharge coupons for mobile phones, to push the product.

Unlike the group life insurance scheme or the accident cover launched by the Narendra Modi government, the Atal Pension Yojana has been slow to take off, although it has picked up in recent weeks.

A heavy hailstorm lashed several parts of Sonitpur district this evening while a woman was killed by thunder and lightning at Solmara under Salanibari police station.

The deceased was identified as Kadabanu Beebi (55), official sources said. In Tezpur town in several parts including Mazgaon, Chandmari, Mission Chariali, Dhanua Nagar and near Mahabharab temple many residences and shops were damaged though no causality was reported. The storm uprooted several trees and damaged electric posts in the entire Tezpur following which the power supply has been cut off in most parts of the town. National Highway 15 was blocked for a long time at Biswanath Chariali near Sadharu owing to the uprooting of trees on the road and resulting in traffic jam for hours. Lalit Gogoi, Sonitpur deputy commissioner talking to this correspondent said that it had claimed one live and damaged crops, uprooted trees and electric posts and damaged houses.

cmyk

ET Bureau Itanagar, Dec 3

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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4

SFI protest in Jorhat ET Correspondent Jorhat, Dec 3: The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) Jorhat unit members today raised slogans and went for a protest march against several controversial issues like State Governor’s recent “communal” comments.

Meanwhile, they submitted memorandum to the President of India through the Jorhat DC.

Students’ Federation of India protest against the several controversial issues like State Governor’s recent “communal” comments. Pic - Nekib Ahmed

Rass Mahotsav in Rangia ET Correspondent Rangia, Dec 3: Entire Kamrup district including Rangia, Tarani, Dipteswari, Mahkhuli, Palashbari, Soalkuchi, Hajo, Nagarbera hosted an ocean of devotees during the Rass festivals. Thousands of

CT Scan machine provided to BPS government women medical college Dharmendra Malik Somepat, Dec 3: The BPS government women medical college, Khanpur Kalan was today provided with the state of the art facility of CT Scan. It had been provided by the Bangaluru based health Map Diagonistic Pvt ltd involving cost of Rs five crore.

It was made operational on trial basis by the Director of the college, Dr R.C.Siwach in the presence of Neeraj Arora, Chief executive Officer of the company and other senior doctors of the college.

On this occasion, Dr Siwach said that this CT Scan with 128 slices was equipped with all state of art facilities and complications like Cardiac Angiography and CT Guided Biopsy could also be investigated from this facility. Dr Siwach said that the charges of this facility

Free eye check-up camp ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Dec 3: By the pious effort of Ban Bandhu Parishad (Kakopathar Manch Samiti under Tinsukia area Committee), a free eye treatment camp was organized in Kumsang Tea Estate Line No. 2 community hall. In the camp, two hundred eye patients were checked from 30 schools.

Doctors of Dibrugarh Lion KK Saharia Eye Hospital identified 37 patients to be suffering from cataract disease and referred them to the DLKKS Hospital for surgery. It is noteworthy that after increasing incidents of botched-up cataract surgeries which have resulted in loss of vision for about a hundred persons all across the country including Guwahati, the rural area people are afraid of such camps now.

One held for 'hurting' sentiments of a community Lucknow, Dec 3 : One person, who claims to be a leader of Akhil Bhartiya Hindu Mahasabha (ABHM), has been arrested for allegedly hurting the sentiments of a particular community, police said here today. Kamelesh Tiwari, who claims himself to be acting President of ABHM, was arrested here yesterday from Khurshedbag locality in Naka area here for allegedly circulating a paper which had derogatory comments against the community, they said.The arrest came after students at Darul Uloom Deoband (Saharanpur) and other members of the community protested against Tiwary.

California shooting: Obama calls for more gun control reforms Washington D.C., Dec. 3 : US President Barack Obama has called for moregun control reforms in the country following the mass shooting in San Barnardino In California.According to CNN, Obama called for "common sense gun safety laws" and urged lawmakers to pass a law to prevent individuals on the "No Fly List" who are barred from boarding commercial flights from legally purchasing firearms.Admitting that the motives of the gunmen remained unknown, Obama said that they can take some steps to ensure the safety of all Americans. Obama said the pattern of U.S. mass shootings "has no parallel anywhere else in the world." (ANI)

Dr R.C.Siwach inaugurates newly installed CT Scan at the BPS government women medical college, Khanpur Kalan in Sonepat district on Thursday.

Pic - Dharmendra Malik for college hospital patients will be only Rs 600 in comparison to Rs 2000 to 2500 being charged in private testing laboratories. It would also be provided at 50 per cent concession to

market rates to those patients not under treatment in the college hospital, he added.

"It was the need of the hour to have such facility as over 95 per cent of the patients

comes from the villages with poor economic conditions," he said and stressed that this facility would be very helpful for the college students for their training and in research activities.

devotees from different parts of the state thronged the Rass pandals till the wee hours. Different idols made of clay have been put on display. Businessmen from across the country put up stalls at the Rass festival venue.

United Chamber of Commerce general meeting ET Correspondent Golaghat, Dec 3: A general meeting of United Chamber of Commerce of Golaghat was today held at its office in Golaghat.

The meeting was presided over by Chamber's acting President Ganesh Paul.

Various problems and working strategy were discussed in the meeting.

Also a new 21 member Executive Committee of United Chamber of Commerce, Golaghat was formed under the leadership of Senior Journalist Apurba Ballav Goswami.

The other members of the Executive Committee are Ganesh Paul, Jagdish Prithani, Dip Kalita, Pawan Baheti, Tanuj Kumar Mahanta and Ajay Kanoi.

After intrusion into Assam territory, felling of Pine trees begins Sushanta Roy Diphu, Dec 3: Encroachment into the border areas of West Karbi Anglong district by neighboring Meghalaya has now grown into infringement of reserve forest. As on last Tuesday, a large group of people well equipped has been felling hundreds of valuable Pine trees in high altitude areas of Hamren near Meghalaya border. Bizarrely, a forest contractor of Meghalaya, who is carrying out the operation, has been awarded the contract of felling Pine trees and transportation from Saitsama forest which is well within Central Range of Hamren forest Division of Assam. The official order has been issued by the Chief Forest Officer of Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council, Jowai. Leo Syntem’s official order clearly shows that the Meghalaya government has

claimed authority over Saitsama forest having Pine plantation and has awarded Leo the contract he being the highest bidder at Rs.31,11,000/- (thirty one lakhs and eleven thousand rupees). The spot in question is just 38 kilometers from Hamren town, the official headquarters of West Karbi Anglong district while actually the felling of trees began on May 20 and a formal complaint was lodged with the Hamren police station but chiefly due to the inaction of the police the intensity of deforestation increased all of a sudden since Monday last.

Yesterday the in charge Divisional Forest Officer of West Karbi Anglong, Jajagnath Rongpi accompanied by number of competent Range Forest officers from other territorial divisions and protection ranges of Karbi Anglong forest department

and large number of armed forest guards reached the spot to assess the extent of damage. The Makairam Subbeat office of forest is just 500 meters from the Saitsama reserve forest and the Border Outpost of Assam police is just 200 meters from the spot.

The forest officials and the camp in charge of the BOP H Rahman admitted that they have seen the spot but didn’t dare to get in the way of the illegal fellers “for lack of adequate man power”. During the visit of the forward areas the extent of infringement was witnessed from ground zero; a black topped road of 3 kilometers connecting Umplu via Makairam to Arting has benn constructed

by Meghalaya PWD under PMGSY scheme. Massive earth cutting is underway for construction of a bridge to connect Umplu and Makairam over a fast flow-

ing hilly stream. According to the forest officials of Hamren forest division construction work had begun in 2014 and recently have paused after interference of police and forest officials. Although no inspired action by Assam government to prevent constant encroachment was seen, the in-charge Divisional Forest Officer of Hamren Jajagnath Rongpi informed that joint patrolling by forest guards and Assam Police personnel posted in the BOP has been ordered. “I have noticed marking in many Pine trees in Saitsama reserve forest where clear felling has taken place so there is every reason to believe that there will be many attempt for illegal logging in that area so the matter needs to be taken up with the Meghalaya government in accordance with the existing forest rules,” said Jajagnath Rongpi.

List of hospitals in Dibrugarh with contact details & phone numbers, Assam Aditya Diagnostics & Hospitals Bordoloi Avenue, Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786005 Phone Numbers: 0373 - 2302219, 2302225

G M Hospital

Shrishti Hospital & Research Centre Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone: 0373 - 2300024, 2302099

AMC Road, Jalan Nagar Dibrugarh - 786 005

Archana Trauma & Orthopaedics Hospital

Brahmaputra Diagnostics & Hospital

Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone: 0373 - 2302100, 2302099

Near Indian AirLines City Office Paltan Bazar Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone Numbers: 0373 - 2303476

Aastha Hospital Graham Bazar, A.T. Road Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2322547

Sanjivani Diagnostic & Hospital Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2303448, 2303458, 2301904

Sankardev Hospital Mancotta Road, Chowkidinghee Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2327717, 2327715, 2326960

ASTRO FOR YOU A lot of material progress will be made today. And, you will want to shower your family with abundance. You anyway need to pay more attention to your family. You will also feel like meditating and will be grateful to the lord for his generosity.

If you are a manager or an administrator, an outstanding day is in store for you.

Thing will turn out far better than your expectations. Even if you are in some other profession you will stand out at your workplace and be appreciated and admired. The latter half of the day will see you going out on spree with your spouse, or sweetheart. A lovely evening, ending with a romantic dinner is a near certainty. You will be brimming with energy and high spirits throughout the day.

You will be caught up in your daily routine so much that you will begin to think of ways to break free and do something new for a change. You need to spend more time with your family members and children to unwind. The evening will see you attending a party or a dinner with your friends.

You will like to display your money power and clout. But it will be purposeless. Normally, you are methodical but in the afternoon you may finish a task mindlessly and you may have to repent.

You will be busy dealing with health-related issues. You need to watch your diet carefully. You will work with a feeling of responsibility. You will become more serious about your work. Everything will go smoothly in your personal life.

A vital turning point is about to take place in your relationships and will dictate how they will progress. Today you will be preoccupied with the organisational details for a social gathering with friends and near and dear ones. Later in the evening, a member of the opposite sex will make the big difference between hope and despair.

There is all possibility of a trip for business or pleasure today. This journey will leave a long term impact on your memory and your life. You will win every ones heart by your powerful speech. You may forget your duty towards your family as you will show more inclination in trade and business.

Your enthusiasm and renewed zeal would encourage you to take up all the challenges at work front. And just like a smile is infectious, your positive attitude towards work too would be contagious and encourage your peers. However, it’s important to unwind after a stressful day. A hot cup of coffee in one hand and a novel in another, with some instrumental music in background would be a good idea!

Your nerves are taut, and you are more aware than ever of things around you.

Your spiritual side gets a major boost today. On the career front, expect it to be busy day giving interviews for better prospects. In the evening, your charm might just have a few women dangling by your side at places you party.

You are lost somewhere in the piles of files, and the most tried and tested formulae – meditation is not helping you take the stress off your mind and find a way out. Everything is not as dull and boring as it seems. It is a favourable day to buy a car or house. There is also a possibility of you moving to a new house.

The stars foretell some good news from foreign shores. Also, you will be focused entirely on work. If you are striving to discover innovative ways to achieve speed, accuracy and efficiency, you may succeed today.

A mundane day filled with the boring ruts of routine awaits you. You will find yourself struggling to find the motivation to deal with repetitive tasks. Post afternoon should see you in a much more positive frame of mind, and better equipped to deal with the demands of the day. Do not negotiate new contracts or establish new partnerships today.

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz) Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights

4-12-15 (FRIDAY)

Assam Medical College

Marwari Arogya Bhawan Hospital Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2302872, 2302051

DC Sivasagar Virendra Kumar Mittal delivering his speech during a World Disability Day in Sivasagar. Pic - Firuz Ahmed

Jalan Nagar, Dibrugarh - 786 002 List of Phones numbers: Emergency Room : 0373 - 2300627 Labour Room: 0373 - 2300022 Drug Deaddiction Centre: 0373 - 2302952 Community Medicine: 0373 - 2302994 RIA Centre: 0373 - 2302093

Dr. Pawan Bajaj's Skin Clinic Paltan Bazar, Opposite Aditya Hospital Dibrugarh

Dr Damani's Nursing Home Near Circuit House, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2300928, 2302873

5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti 6-15 A.M-Gandhi Prarthana 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan (Students' Broadcast) 6-50 A.M-Zikir 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Live Phone-In Surar Satsori 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishimi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 8-00 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Brahmaputra Swasthya Sewa" (Sponsored by Brahmaputra Diagnostics and Hospitals Pvt. Ltd.) 9-16 P.M-Barerahaniya 9-30 P.M-Film Songs 10-00 P.M-Question Hour in Parliament Sd-/H.O.P

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4

PAGE 3

DC convenes coordination meeting, outreach camp to be held

A beacon of light at the heart of Bolung Village in LDV

Observation of world Disable Day in Khonsa.

Khonsa, Dec 3: Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha convened a coordination meeting in the DC’s conference hall on 2nd December which SP, HoDs and Khela-Lamsa ZPM Sontung Lowang Bangsia attended. After a threadbare discussion the meeting decided to organize an administrative outreach camp at Bari-Bariap near Katang village on 18th December. The Deputy Commissioner asked all the departments and the service providers to be prepared well in advance to ensure that maximum villagers benefit from the outreach camp. He also urged all the concerned departments like power to provide all the logistics to make the pro-

posed camp a success. In this context a pre-outreach camp meeting has been fixed for 11th December at Katang village to create awareness about the camp among the people. It may be mentioned here that BariBasiap CO headquarters which is yet to be functional fully is situated between Khonsa and Changlang by the side of CK road about 30 km from Khonsa. So, the outreach camp will be of enormous benefit to the villagers of Katang and its periphery villages.

The camp is being aimed at taking the administration closer to the people who face great hardships coming to Khonsa even for simple matters like issuance of STC, PRC, etc. (DIPRO)

Roing, Dec 3: A new school, Gora Pertin Memorial School was inaugurated by Ravi Dhawan, Deputy Commissioner of Lower Dibang Valley District at Bolung Village yesterday. In his inaugural speech, Deputy Commissioner referred to education as a panacea for all ills of the society. He expressed hope that the students of Gora Pertin Memorial School will be a beacon of light not only for the society but will also become an instrument of social change for the nation. Mijum Lego, DDSE expressed hope that the students of this school will bring change to the society, by imbib-

urgency to build a new and responsible generation as the need of the time. Sr. Cecelia Sad in her speech exhorted the sisters and teachers to be committed to the cause of education and its formation. “The school is the realization of my father’s dream, who wanted a strong base of education in the lives of rural kids who rarely get the chance to be educated in prestigious schools and make their future” said Dr Gora pertin memorial school being inaugurated by DC Roing.

Minggam Pertin, the youngest son of the great ing in them moral values Rt. Rev. George parents and expressed visionary, Late Gora and right attitudes in life. Palliprambil, the Bishop hope that parents will give Pertin. He lauded the selfHe highlighted the role of of Miao, in his message the best foundation of less sacrifices made by missionaries to mould a profoundly appreciated education in their fami- the Visitation Sisters of society based on values. the co-operation of the lies. He stressed on the Don Bosco in shaping the

PAYWA conducts 2-day social service

Mission indradhanush review meeting held Khonsa, Dec 3: A review meeting of Mission Indradhanush round 1st & 2nd and strategy for round 3 was held at DC's chamber under the chairmanship of Ravi JhaDeputy Commissioner Khonsa.

The Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha urged all the Medical Officers in charge of PHC Borduria, Kapu, CHC Deomali, PHC Dadam and Soha to cover up the drop out and missed out 0 - 2 years children in the 3rd round Mission Indradhanush mobile vaccination camp in their respective jurisdiction. Earlier, DMO Dr. N. Lowang highlighted the total children immunised/vacci-

World Disabled Day Resource persons of the PAYWA two-day social service being conducted in Aalo.

Procession taken out by school students on the occasion of World Disabled Day. Aalo, Dec 3: A large number of students took out a procession with posters and banners from Govt. Secondary School, PI colony to mark the World Disabled Day today. The rally traversed through the streets of Sipu colony, Cooperative Tiniali, Paktu Bango and culminated at PI Colony where a meeting was addressed by the DPC Coordinator Bamin Loyi who spoke about the significance of the day. It was organized by SSA Zilla Mission West Siang. (DIPRO)

Aalo, Dec 3: A two-day social service aiming to address the water supply services is being conducted by Paktu Ao Youth Welfare Association in collaboration with PHED at General Hospital, Aalo on 3rd and 4th Dec. All the obsolete old pipes were replaced by new pipes arranged by the PAYWA. This innovative social service would provide regular water supply to the branches like OPD, Medical Superintendent

World Disabled Day celebrated Felix calls upon the differently abled to claim their rightful place in society ET Bureau Itanagar, Dec 3: Joining the World Disabled Day celebration with the around 100 school children with Special Needs (CWSNs) coming from various districts of the state here today, the Parliamentary Secretary Education, IPR & Printing and Government Spokesman of GoAP, Bamang Felix, has urged upon them to come forward and claim your rightful place in society. With commitment and determination transform yourself into a proud citizen of the state, he said. He was addressing at a function to mark the World Disabled Day under the aegis of Inclusive Education for Children with Special Needs (CWSN), organised by the SSA Rajya Mission, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh at Siddhartha Hall, this morning. He assured that Govt. of Arunachal is committed to welfare and progress of the Special Needs in various areas including in the fields of games and sports, employment opportunities, access to educational rights, social security and their integration into the mainstream to promote the inclusive growth of society.

He also conveyed the message of the Chief Minister, Nabam Tuki on the occasion.

To encourage the aspiring sportspersons participating in the Paralegal Olympics in state and NE level, the State Government will give cash awards to medal winners from this year, Rs.5 lacs for state level and Rs.12 lacs for medal winners in NE level.

The state Government will also extend the same amount of Rs. 1 crore for Gold medal, for Silver medal R. 75 lacs, and Bronze medal, Rs. 50 lacs to sportspersons of the state who have won in the Olympics, to the winners of the Para Olympics from this year. Announcing this, Felix exhorted them to work hard to excel in their chosen fields with confidence and determination. The Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh has also made provision for special reservation in job quota for the disabled adding that

Govt. has also enhanced the prevailing disability pension amount of Rs. 200 (which is the norm in the country) to Rs.1000. Referring to official figures, he informed that in AP, there are 6700 disabled persons. Calling upon all sections of society, he said “We must resolve that they are integral part of our society and help them to be empowered members of society.” On the occasion, he also called upon the children to play a major role and contribute in making a world a better place in creating awareness on conservation issues like global warming, afforestation, tree plantation and for also promoting peace and harmony.

Felix also urged the resource persons and teachers to provide special guidance and nurture their potentials as envisaged in the Inclusive Education or Children with Special Needs (CWSN). “I believe that you will deliver your responsibility in the true spirit to bring them to the mainstream of society,” he added. Earlier, the Deputy State Project Director, Likha Sampu (SSA Rajya Mission), Govt. of AP, highlighted that the theme of the World Disabled Day promoted by the United Nations since 1992 was full participation and equality defined as the rights of persons with disabilities to take part fully in the life and developments of their societies, enjoy living conditions equal to those of other citizens, and have an equal share in improved conditions resulting from socio-economic development. Equal access to educational rights is envisaged under the SSA-Rajya Mission as component of Inclusive education. He informed that globally almost one in ten people is a people living with disability and recent studies indicate that persons with disabilities constitute up to 20 percent of the population living in poverty.

It is matter of concern that they often face stigma and discrimination and are routinely denied basic rights such as food, education, employment, access to health

and reproductive health services. The Day is a time to renew commitment to the principles of empowerment, dignity and equality and promote their equal participation in the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities, he emphasized. While earlier, Guest of Honour, State Project Director, SSA Rajya Mission, Opak Gao informed that the Inclusive Education (IE), of SSA has taken up awareness programmes, health and various assistances. The Day is also being celebrated in the district and expressed happiness with the enthusiastic participation of the children.

The State Coordinator (Inclusive education) SSA Rajya Mission, Techi Pratap extended the Vote of thanks on the occasion. The resource persons and students also put forward their feedback like provision for special stipends, availability of teaching learning materials to strengthen the inclusive education and also for inviting successful & meritorious differently abled on the occasion to motivate as role models. On the December 1 and 2, various cultural, literary and sports competitions were conducted for the participating children at Science Centre and SC Continental venues. Prizes to the winners of the various events viz. 100mtrs race for girls and junior boys, 200 mtss, race for boys, Essay competitions, Drawing competitions and Solo song were given away by the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour today on the occasion. The Chief Guest also presented the Trophy for Overall Champion District to the East Kameng District team,while West Kameng team received the Best Disciplined district Trophy.

The celebration was also marked by a Rally taken out from Akash Deep, Ganga to culminate at Siddhartha hall for the valedictory and prize distribution ceremony.

future of the children through this school and also highlighted magnificent role played by Rt. Rev. George Palliparambil Bishop of the Diocese of Miao and Fr. Roy Joseph, the Principal of Divine Word School, who worked hard to see to the realization of the project within a short span of time.

Among others, Fr. Roy Joseph, Principal, DWS, Roing, Sr. Basyrpailin Kurkalang, Headmistress of new Gora Pertin Memorial School, Heads of Departments, parents, teachers from neighboring schools, priests and sisters from far and wide were present at the inaugural function. (DIPRO)

Office, Dressing room, labour room and other branches of the General Hospital. PAYWA also appreciated Junior Engineers Er. Tumba Ete and Er. Rato Karli for their active involvement and deployment of staff, manpower, machine and tool for fitting the GI Pipes at important locations. The social service is being conducted under the supervision of Shri Reli Loyi, President PAYWA. (DIPRO)

nated during 1st & 2nd round MI mobile camp conducted in various circle. The meeting was attended by DD(ICDS) Smti A. Lowangchha,

DDSE Pubi Lombi, CHC I/C Deomali Dr. S.Roy, SMO, PHC Borduria Dr. Chanwang Mongchan, PHC Kapu Dr. Satwang Hosai, PHC I/C Dr.Roto

Robo, MD, Staff of DPM & NHM Tirap district. The meeting concluded with vote of thanks by Dr. Chanwang Mongchan.

(DIPRO)

Arunachal Governor for 3 to 4 more airports in the state Contd. from Page 1

Who is the Airtel 4G girl ?

the Governor said that in order to dispel public apprehension on possible abandonment of the Project, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airport Authority of India

Contd. from Page 1

Her name is Sasha Chettri. Hailing from Dehradun in Uttarakhand, Sasha studied advertising from Xavier's Institute of Communications. Sasha, who has deep interests in acting and modelling, had also once worked as a trainee copywriter in an advertising agency. As per the Broadcast Audience Research Council India (BARC), the Airtel 4G TVC featuring the girl was aired 54,406 times between September 19 and November 20, making her quite a sensation on TV.

A review meeting of Mission Indradhanush round 1st & 2nd and strategy for round 3 was held at DC's chamber.

must finalise all necessary steps on top priority basis for setting up the Airport at Hollongi or KarsingsaBanderdewa or any other suitable site in Papum Pare District, based on technoeconomic-social-environ-

High level review meeting of schemes under state plan Contd. from Page 1

he was happy to see the Arunachal Trans Highway coming up, forest clearance are on time and required land acquisitions are going smoothly. Principal Secretary Finance, Satya Gopal, who was also present in the meeting, said the Rs 2200 cr which still need to come under CSS should be met therefore he directed the Secretaries to ensure the fund should come from State through them. He informed that most of the de-

partments have not submitted their Revised Estimates (RE), he asked all the Secretaries to format and give it to Finance department on time. For expedition of schemes, the Principal Secretary suggested to enhance financial power of Secretaries and Commissioners. It will not only enhance the power but also lessen the burden of Finance department. Earlier, Secretary planning, Sonam Chombay, presented overview of the CSS. (DIPRO)

mental considerations. He also suggested that a vigilance mechanism should be put in place to ensure that there is no abnormality in its process of project implementation. Acknowledging the letter from the Governor

of Arunachal Pradesh, the Union Minister of Civil Aviation on 19th November 2015 informed that the matter is being examined for appropriate action. The Governor had also requested the Prime Minister on the issue.

71 mw Hydroelectric dam at Miao Contd. from Page 1

Hari Prasad Saikia, Assistant Executive Engineer, Brahmaputra Board, Margherita Sub-Division informed that the survey and investigation for the proposed dam project started in 1983 and concluded in November, 2015. The proposed hydroelectric dam will be of 71 MW and have a height of 45 metres. The breadth or total dam axis is estimated to be 1.7 kilometres. The reservoir or submergence area shall be up to 14 kilometres

upstream with 280 RL (relative level) of the dam. Apollo J Lungphi, CO Miao who represented the local administration termed the site visit as a first step in the long journey to realise the project which would be a multipurpose dam. The dam itself will be a bridge between the two banks. The people living on the right bank had been demanding for a bridge over the Noa-Dihing river since a long time. The construction of the dam will also have an advantageous impact in the developmental aspects of the catchment areas besides the generation of electricity.

GOVERNMENT OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER :: CHANGLANG DISTRICT CHANGLANG. NO.C/DEV/RR-01/2015

Dated Changlang the 1’’ Dec'2015.

NOTICE An Enquiry under rule- 9 of Citizenship Rules 1956 was called for all applicants who had submitted to the deputy Secretary (FCRA), Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi at ADC office Miao & EAC Diyun on 5, 6, 7 & 8" December, 2015 at 1000 Hrs respectively.

The Enquiry is hereby postponed till further order. Fresh date for Enquiry will be intimated individually and circulated to all concern.

Sd/-Wayong Khimhun Deputy Commissioner Changlang District ChangJang.

Sd/-Wayong Khimhun Deputy Commissioner Changlang District ChangJang.

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4

Wild elephant terror in Golaghat

View of Elephant herd. Pic - Amit Nagori ET Correspondent Golaghat, Dec 3: A panicky situation prevailed at two tea gardens in Golaghat when a herd of wild Elephants made its entry into these areas and terrorized people. Today, in the morning when the labourers of Rangajan and Athabari tea gardens went for daily work they saw a huge group of

Dance workshop ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Dec 3: A Dance Workshop of an ethnic group will be held at Talap Teachers’ Building this month. "Jhumur Nritya is a part and parcel of Tea Tribes Culture and originated in the state of Jharkhand. We have decided to provide a training platform to the new generation." Informed one of the organizers of the workshop Assam Chah Janjati Mahila Samiti (Talap Unit). The week-long Workshop will start on December 20 and conclude on December 27.

Interested may contact: 8724978961 and 8822429529.

wild Elephants in the garden and became terror-stricken.

The normal working of the gardens got disrupted.

Meanwhile, some labourers began to attack the Elephants by pelting stones.

This made the situation more tensed. In the event, the Elephants retaliated several persons would have died or got injured. The lo-

LDP announces first candidates’ list A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 3: In anticipation of the upcoming state assembly election slated to be held in April next year pumping high, the newly formed Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has today announced its first candidates’ list. Talking to media persons in Guwahati, the Election Committee Chairman of the party, Shantikam Hazarika and Convenor Ranu Baruah

Policy for all round development of disabled A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 3: The Government of Assam is formulating a separate policy for all round development of the people with disability, announced Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. On the occasion of International Day of People with Disability, Gogoi in a statement here on Thursday said, “State Government is committed to integrating differently abled persons in every sphere of life by chalking out a policy to stimulate their development.” Reiterating that the persons

cal people alleged that there has been continual prevalence of terror of wild Elephants in the Greater area.

But the Forest department has not taken any steps in spite of their continual complaints. Therefore, the people themselves began to take steps. However today no one was reported injured in the incident.

with disability are not our liability but assets to the society, Gogoi underlined the need for generating awareness about disability issues and raising the rights, dignity and welfare of the differently abled people. Gogoi also said, “We need to be more sensitive, more sensible and more responsive in dealing with the issues of differently abled persons and to hammer out a level playing field to change misconception and counter stigma and stereotyping about persons with disability”.

announced party list for the Maahmora and Dhemaji constituencies.

Kali Baruah will be their candidate at Maahmora while Kiran Ban Deuri will fight from Dhemaji constituency. Interestingly the LDP is the first party to announce candidates list for the upcoming assembly polls. Speaking to the media, Hazarika said that the second list of the party will be declared in January.

Doctor, nurse suspended after “botched” surgery Contd. from Page 1

The state health minister Nazrul Islam said that the five patients have been shifted to a private eye hospital in the city for better treatment. He said that an inquiry has been ordered to probe the incident. Out of 15 persons who had undergone cataract operation at the MMC Hospital, which is part of the Guwahati Medical College Hospital, five of them were found to have lost their eyesight when they went back to the hospital for a routine checkup three days later. All the five are elderly persons and one of them is a woman.

Dristiheen protest in Jorhat ET Correspondent Jorhat, Dec 3: The Dristiheen Kalyan Parishad members today started their indefinite hunger strike in front of the Deputy Commissioner ’s office in every district headquarters in the five districts of Upper Assam zone, informed Rubul Dutta, the president of the parishad here today.

Dristiheen Kalyan Parishad members during the strike in front of Deputy Commissioner’s office. Pic - Nekib Ahmed

'Lai Khuta' of concluding ceremony pandal set up ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Dec 3: The ‘Lai-Khuta’ of the concluding ceremony pandal of the centenary celebrations of North Lakhimpur Government Higher Secondary School was set up today at a programme. It was administered by Jagat Gogoi, the former Principal of the school. It is noteworthy that the school which has been an epoch-making and pioneer institution in the academic arena of Lakhimpur District has been observing its centenary celebrations since January of this year.

It began on January 19 with the unfurling of hundreds of flags by hundred educationists, former teachers and exstudents of the school. The concluding ceremony of this celebration will be held on December 25, 26 and 27

with a three day long program to be held in a befitting manner. On this auspicious occasion, the Principal Pillar set-up program was administered by Jagat Gogoi, the former Principal of the school. Hemendra Kumar Gogoi, the Presi-

dent, Padma Sarmah, the Working President Of the Celebration Committee, a host of former teachers, exstudents were among those who were present at the program. Hemendra Kumar Gogoi wished success of the venture in his speech.

Donyi Polo school of hearing impaired and School of Visually impaired observed world disability day with befitting manner ET Bureau Itanagar, Dec 3: The World disability day was also observed with the rest of the country and the world. The function was marked with the daylong cultural programmes as well as educational related activities like Painting competition, essay, debate and group discussion among the students.

In evening the programmes was arranged by both school where the Executive Director (NHPC) Ronel Kumar attended as Chief

Guest, State Liaison Officer (NSS) Deptt, of Education Dr V N Sharma as Guest of Honour while Rajesh Yadav, Deputy Commandant, 138 Bn as special guest. Various cultural items were performed by the children’s which was mesmerized by the guests as well as audience. The glaring cultural items by the differently baled childrens were likes every one. Later prizes were distributed to the children’s for the various academic as well as sporting events organised

AASU stages mass rally against BJP Govt decision on Hindu Bangladeshi

by the school authority in last two days.Chief Guest Ronel Kumar, Guest of Honour Dr VN Sharma, Special Guest Rajesh Kumar as well as Founder Chairman Gegong Apang, Assistant Director (Tourism) Bengia Mana Sonam, Social workers Bijaya Sonam, School Principal H Sharma spoke on the occasion whereas Dr J Mahato, Medical Officer Raj Bhawan Dispensary, Dr B Saha Principal KV-II Itanagar, Dr Nalo, MO (NHPC) Geni Apang among others were present.

Protesters on the front as part of the 'Gana Satyagraha'.

Union (ABSU), members of Sadou Asom Garia Maria Deshi Jatiya Parishad etc took part in the agitational program. A large number of former AASU activists during Assam Movement Tilak Prasad Barua, Tapan Deka, Hiranya Sarma, Pintu Narayan Das, activist of Assam Movement and octogenarian social activist Rameswar Sarma and his wife Parul Devi were also seen taking part in the “Gana Satyagraha” in the presence of AASU chief adviser Dr. Samujjwal Kumar Bhattacharyya, President Dipanka Kr Nath, General Secretary Lurin Jyoti Gogoi and other office bearers of AASU. The enthusiastic participants coming from vari-

ous parts of Darrang district were seen making a bee line at the playground of Mangaldai Collegiate High School at Bhebarghat since this morning. Addressing the gathering AASU adviser Dr, Samujjwal Bhattacharyya came down heavily on the Narendra Modi led Union Government for their antiAssam policy to settle the Bangladeshi Hindu nationals in Assam and warned the Union Government that Assam was not a dumping ground or grazing field for the Bangladeshi nationals who have illegally entered Assam. “The government in New Delhi has always been taking an anti Assam policy since the time grouping with a pre plan conspiracy to in-

clude Assam in Pakistan. But it was the courageous leaders like Gopi Nath Bordoloi who foiled such evil attempt.

At present both the Union and the State Government are indulging in an undeclared competition to settle the Bangladeshi nationals in Assam” said Dr. Bhattacharyya. Referring to an observation made by the apex court of India that the large scale entry of Bangladeshi nationals in Assam has created unrest in the state and observation made by Gauhati High Court that Bangladeshi nationals are going to grab the power in the state and they are going to play the role of ‘king maker’ in Assam, Dr. Bhattacharyya expressed his

deep concern that both the Union and the state government were trying to settle Bangladeshi nationals in the state only with political interest thereby creating a threat to the language, culture and identity of the indigenous people. He also came down heavily on the Union Government for a statement made in the parliament on Thursday in which Union Government was planning to authorize the state governments to issue citizenship. “During the Assam Agitation we have seen that the neighbouring states of Tripura and West Bengal were issuing fake citizenship certificates to Bangladeshi nationals who easily later came to Assam and made permanent settlement. This initiative of the Union Government is a gross violation of Assam Accord signed thirty years back. We demand implementation of Assam Accord in letter and spirit” said Dr. Bhattacharyya.

Participating in the ‘Gana Satyagraha’ AASU President Dipanka Kr Nath and General Secretary Lurin Jyoti Gogoi declared that the people of Assam as well as AASU treat all illegal Bangladeshi as foreigners irrespective of their religion. They also strongly criticized the role of the BJP Parliamentarians of the state and condemned them for their long silence over the burning issue of the state.

he said. Gogoi said at a time when forces of intolerance are on the rise, Chaolung Siukapha stands as a role model for ‘unity in diversity’ as he successfully united the people of various castes, tribes and religions through a process of assimilation. “His philosophy is more relevant in view of the present-day divisive politics.

The great king’s philosophy is synonymous with the great Indian culture of unity

in diversity. This inclusive philosophy was later propagated by Srimanta Sankaradeva, Azan Fakir and Mahatma Gandhi,” he said. Chaolung Siukapha’s ideals would help everyone to rise in unison for strengthening the social fabric, Gogoi said, “We remain firmly committed to continue Siukapha’s ideology for promoting the diverse cultures and also for economic development of all sections of the greater Assamese society including those who have accepted Assam as their homeland,” he added.

Noted playwright, journalist Dipok Mahanta no more Contd. from Page 1

from Tezpur and served the Assamese bi-weekly as deputy editor till 1990 and in the later years served in the Assamese weekly Agnigarh published from Tezpur. He also served in Assamese daily Budhbar and Assamese weekly Sadin published from Guwahati. Late Mahanta who curved a niece in the

drama world reflecting the dignity of culture capital Tezpur wrote many plays including Maloti Mam, Goj Puria, Ulonga Roja, Pin Hole Camera, Holi, among others. Recording of Jyoti Prasad's Karengor Ligiri and its brodcast was done by late Mahanta. He also served in News Time Asom and Assam Talk.

Different organizations paid last tribute to the noted journalist.

EMFA condoles demise of Deepak Mahanta The Electronic Media Forum Assam (EMFA) has expressed profound grief at the sudden demise of Deepak Mahanta, an eminent theatre personality and AssamTalks producer in an accident that took place last night at Jagiroad. Three more accompanying news channel employees namely Ajmir Saikia, Pradesh Rabha and Atul Morang also sustained injuries, whom the doctors declare

out of danger. Hailed from Tejpur, Mahanta, 54, was a creative director and a dedicated actor, who later joined in the field of professional journalism. He shifted to Guwahati few years back to join in the media and started his television career with NewsTimeAssam. Later he joined in AssamTalks as a producer. Mahanta left behind his wife, only son with host of relatives and wellwishers.

East Zone Vice Chancellors’ meet at Dibrugarh University Contd. from Page 1

Mayukh Goswami Mangaldai, Dec 3: The sixyear-long historic Assam Movement led by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP) for detection, deletion and deportation of illegal Bangladeshi citizens from Assam was originated from Mangaldai and today the AASU sponsored ‘Gana Satyagraha’ at Mangaldai with participation of more than 5000 people shouting slogans like “Zoii Aai Asom”, “Narendra Modi led Union Government go back”, “Assam is not the dumping ground and grazing land of Bangladeshi citizens” etc has reminded the days of Assam Movement. With a view to hold state wide protest against the decision of the Union Government to settle Hindu Bangladeshi nationals in Assam, the AASU after their successful organization of Gana Satyagraha in thirteen districts of the state, All Darrang District Students’ Union (ADDSU) today organized the Gana Satyagraha at Mangaldai. Thousands of people including women activists of Darrang Zila Mahila Samiti, members of Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad, All Assam Karmachari Parishad, activists of Mudoibori and Bhakatpara Anchalik Committees of All Bodo Students

Assam Govt to turn Siukapha Sammanay Kshetra into vibrant cultural hub, research centre Contd. from Page 1

The Lai Khuta programme underway at Lakhimpur.

The parishad further flayed the State as well as Central government for “meting out a step motherly treatment” and pressurized the State government to fill up all the vacant posts meant for handicap people and also demanded hike in their monthly remuneration as prices of most essential commodities have risen.

Joint Secretary, AIU and Dr. Veena Bhalla, Joint Secretary, AIU will grace the occasion. Dr. S Rama Devi Pani, Editor, University News is the Academic Coordinator of the meet.

The theme of the Meet is ‘Higher Education Towards Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’.

“Increasing number of degree holders not in a position to acquire gainful employment or engage in any self employment clearly indicates mismatch between supply and demand of the job market. Notwithstanding the significant progress made in several spheres, the higher education system in India remained uneven with sharp contrasts,’’ said Prof Alak Kumar Buragohain Dibrugarh VC. One serious concern is that of relevance. To what extent higher education offered in our universities and colleges is relevant from the point of responding to the emerging demands of the economy and society as well as in equipping and preparing the individual student for the emerging challenges of life vis-a-vis livelihood skills like employment, entrepreneurship etc. Hence, in order to

make higher education more relevant in the emerging context, attempts are being made to introduce new courses with multi-disciplinary focus, specific skill based training programmes, custom made programmes tailored to specific needs. “In this meet, issues related to Higher Education towards Skill Development and Entrepreneurship will be discussed,’’ said Buragohain. “This meet has stupendous significance as almost all the Vice Chancellors from the East Zone are expected to participate in the deliberations apart from hardcore professionals. From the galaxy of intellectuals we are expecting meaningful dialogues and deliberations in the meet. Some tangible resolutions containing the measures to be adopted by Government, Chancellors, Vice Chancellors and other university functionaries will be drawn from the deliberations of the meet,’’ Dibrugarh VC said. Association of Indian Universities is one of the premier institutions of the Country working for the cause of Higher Education. Since its inception in 1925, the AIU has been playing a vital role in shaping Indian Higher Education by being

an integral part of all major decision making Committees and Commissions.

Whereas, all the universities benefit out of its contribution, at present it has membership of about 597 Indian universities and 10 universities from other countries viz. Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Malaysia, Nepal, UAE, and UK as Associate Members. “One of the annual features of the AIU is to organize the Zonal and National Vice Chancellors’ Meets. These Meetings are important platform not only to discuss the significant issues of higher education and the problems facing different universities but they also play a catalytic role in carrying the voice of the leaders of higher education to appropriate authorities. In addition to general issues, some significant themes of topical importance are also discussed in these Vice Chancellors’ meets,’’ said Sampson David, Joint Secretary, AIU. Association of Indian Universities (AIU) anticipates a fruitful and meaningful interaction towards resolution and realization of a common agenda for academic excellence. This East Zone Vice Chancellor’s Meet is but a stepping stone in this direction.

PAGE 5

REGION

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4

NSCN (R) & GPRN/NSCN standoff at Padumphukri over Cease Fire office Dimapur, Dec 3: Fear of an imminent showdown between two Naga political groups gripped the populace of Padumphukri village in Dimapur after a standoff arose between NSCN (R) and GPRN/NSCN on Tuesday.The tense situation developed over the establishment of a Cease Fire Supervisory Board (CFSB) office in the area.On Monday evening, NSCN (R) members reportedly arrived at the residence of one of its member at Padumphukri to establish its CFSB suboffice which was strongly opposed by the GPRN/ NSCN. The latter stated that they will not let any office be set up in the village.The Padumpukhri Village Council was caught in the middle after they learnt of the development on Tuesday only after the GPRN/NSCN informed them to intercede with the NSCN (R) to vacate the

View of the building approved for setting up of the NSCN (R) Cease Fire Supervisory Board Office in Padumphukri village, Dimapur place.Situation of a confrontation surfaced after the NSCN (R) refused to vacate while asserting that the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India (GoI) has approved for setting up a ceasefire supervisory office at the said location. The GPRN/NSCN warned they would use other means to drive them out.

Against this backdrop,

BJP playing politics over Ram temple: Nitish Kumar

Nitish Kumar Patna, Dec 3: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said BJP was playing 'politics' in the name of lord Ram. "BJP has been playing politics in the name of Ram and it has nothing to do with faith (shraddha) in him," Nitish Kumar told media persons here in reference to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's statement on the Ram temple issue.The chief minister said BJP was keen to keep alive the issue of

building a Ram temple at Ayodhya for the sake of political gain. "BJP leaders talk about Ram temple but they failed to remember the dates of court hearing in this connection." The Ram temple issue could be solved only through negotiations between the two communities. "By giving political colour to the Ram temple issue, sentiments have been inflamed till date." (Agencies)

Padumphukri Village Council members, district administration and the police, since Tuesday, camped outside the purportedly CFSB office in an effort to diverge any unwanted situation that might ensue between the two groups. Paramilitary forces were also seen deployed for duty in the area.

Padumphukri Village Council Chairman, Vitoka Katty

told the media that they have been keeping vigil and negotiating with both the parties so that no situation that may threaten the safety and security of the village and its populace take place.Fearing confrontation, Katty said the Village Council had asked the NSCN (R) to vacate the place but to no avail. The Village Council has also

Imphal, Dec 3: A combined team of Imphal East district police commando and 16 AR Sagolmang Post arrested one S/S liaison officer of United Revolutionary Front (URF) while conducting cordon and search operation at Pukhao Naharup Makha Leikai on Nov 30.

According to a statement issued by the PRO of Police Dept, the arrested individual has been identified as Naorem Nageshwor Singh

(40) s/o (L) N Tomba of Pukhao Naharup Makha Leikai. He was arrested from his residence.

Investigation revealed that he was a former member of PREPAK. One red colour Activa Honda and other incriminating articles were seized from his possession, it said.Further, on his disclosure, 16 Axis bank pass books along with ATM cards in the name of other cadres of URF for use in

transaction of extorted money were also seized from his possession, it said.A case has been registered at Sagolmang PS and investigation is going on.Again on Dec 1, a team of Imphal West district police commando arrested one active member of KCP (Noyon) while conducting cordon and search operation at Khagem-palli Huidrom Leikai area. The arrested individual has been identified

as Aribam Inao alias Jiten Sharma (46) s/o A Lalmani Sharma of Khagem-pali Huidrom Leikai. He was arrested from his residence.

Investigation revealed that he was involved in extortion of money from Govt depts, businessmen, contractors etc in Imphal area for raising fund for the party. A case has been registered at Singjamei PS and investigation is on, it added. (Agencies)

Hornbill Festival Kohima, Dec 3: Upholding Unity in Diversity, the four zonal cultural centers of the country came together to showcase the respective culture and tradition under the aegis of North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur marking the second day of the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland.Every year the second day of the festival is dedicated as 'North-East Day' with cultural presentations from the eight North Eastern states.

However, this year, NEZCC have combined the performances of all the four zonal cultural centres of the country.The performances of seven states enthralled the visitors through the day.Representing Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre Kolkota, Odisha performed 'Sambhalpuri dance'.Representing 'North Zone Cultural Centre Patiala', Punjab cultural troupe performed 'Bhangra' dance while Andhra Pradesh repre-

sented South Zone Cultural Centre 'Thanjavur' with 'Tappetagullu' dance.Another attraction of the day was the 6th edition of World War-II Peace Rally organised by Nagaland Adventure and Motor Sports Association (NAMSA) in collaboration with state s Tourism Department.The WW-II Peace Rally is held during the Hornbill Festival to commemorate the Battle of Kohima and also to promote peace and unity. The rally was flagged off from Dimapur district and culminated at festival venue .On behalf of NEZCC Dimapur, Assam performed Bihu dance, Arunachal Pradesh presented Eme-Relo dance while Meghalaya showcased harvest dance .Meanwhile, official of Tourism Department informed that the first day of the Hornbill Festival witnessed a total of 22,740 visitors, including 180 foreigners. (Agencies)

Nagaland releases Rs.9.32 lakh for Naga students in Modinagar Kohima, Dec 3: Nagaland government has released Rs.9,32,700 as scholarship for Naga students pursuing B Tech and MBA courses at an engineering and technology college in Modinagar in Uttar Pradesh.We have cleared the scholarship for 107 out of the 150 Naga students amounting to Rs.9,32,700 while the remaining 43 students were not given because some of them did not

Aggrieved farmers blocked the entrance of a rice mill as the process of paddy procurement could not be initiated in Galsi-I block on the date scheduled

& II blocks, however, suffered a slight fall due to dearth of irrigation this year.On last 27 November, the BDO, Galsi-I held a meeting with the farmers' cooperatives for the purpose of paddy procurement and the process was scheduled to begin on 1 December.

Two centres - at state operated local Krishak Bazaar in Budbud for five Panchayat areas and at MonoharpurSujapur for four Panchayat areas were announced for conducting procurement.The 350-odd farmers from

Newell replied it is not their prerogative but that of the CFMG chairman.In a separate statement, NSCN (R) MIP appealed to the other NPGs to refrain from indulging in any violent activities so as to ensure that real peace dawn among the Nagas. It also appealed the public of Padumpukhuri not to panic while asserting that NSCN (R) had not come to Dimapur 'for war, but for peace.' "Any misunderstanding with Kehoi camp brothers will be resolved peacefully because we are one in common issue and our unity is inevitable," it added.Meanwhile, at the time of filing of this report, Padumphukri Village Council members were still negotiating with both the parties to come to a mutual understanding.

"We have been talking with leaders of both the groups and telling them that we won't tolerate any form of public harassment," the council chairman also informed. (Agencies)

Two UGs arrested

have proper bank accounts while some were not eligible to avail it, Parliamentary Secretary for Higher and Technical Education Deo Nukhu told media persons here on Wednesday.He also poohpoohed the allegations holding the state government responsible for the 150 students leaving Divya Jyoti Institute of Engineering and Technology, Modinagar, Uttar

Burdwan farmers angry over paddy procurement delay Kolkata, Dec 3: Aggrieved farmers blocked the entrance of a rice mill as the process of paddy procurement could not be initiated in Galsi-I block on the date scheduled for the purpose on Tuesday.It was only Tuesday, incidentally, that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged the drought-hit farmers to sell their produce exclusively to the government at an open meeting in Mongalkote, just few km from Galsi.She told farmers: "We have started paddy procurement and I want you to sell your crop to the state only.We are giving good prices and considering the drought-like situation, we have decided to offer bonus this year during procurement." The two Galsi blocks in Burdwan - considered as Ukraine of Bengal each year record plentious harvest.The Galsi-I block alone cultivated Amon crop on 17,000 hectares yielding 1 lakh MT last year. The cultivation in the Galsi-I

been asking the GPRN/ NSCN to practice utmost restraint, he said."We stand by our 2012 resolution that Padumphukri Village does not support tribalism, or clanism and we will not cooperate with any Naga political groups that vitiates the peaceful atmosphere of the village," the village chairman reminded."Our main objective of establishing this office is to communicate with the Nagas public and also seek their mandate," Newell claimed. According to him, the GoI had approved the office after undertaking joint recce of the area by authorities including CFMG chairman NK Singh among others.He also alleged that GPRN/NSCN tried to provoke them by firing blank shots on Tuesday evening.

On being asked why the Nagaland State government was not notified of the ceasefire office establishment,

Hornbill fest observes second day to uphold unity in diversity

Tildang village in Galsi-I blocked the entrance of a rice mill on Kasba road alleging that the mill, despite the government's order was not ready to buy paddy.Aggrieved farmers Rabiul Haq Mondal and Kazi Nauser had taken 60 bags and 400 bags of paddy respectively.They alleged: "We carried the bags to the mill but it refused to accept on the plea that no government order has not been received as yet." The mill operator,Sheikh Mozammel Ali said: "They are asking for di-

rect purchase, which we cannot do unless we are asked by the state officials."The mill however had purchased 10,000 bags of Amon paddy last year at the rate of Rs.816 per bag of 60 kgs not counting Rs.15 per bag against transportation cost. "This year the price may scale up to Rs.861 per bag, including transportation," he said. Two Purchasing Officers are supposed to shoulder responsibility for the operation in Galsi-I."One of the officers joined but we have got no idea about the other one. So the process couldn't be kicked off as yet," said Janardan Chatterjee, Sabhapati, Galsi - I Panchayat Samiti.The district administration, however, intervened on Wednesday. Dr Soumitra Mohan, DM, Burdwan said: "We have already instructed the district officials to look into this and the required strength for the purpose is being arranged by the end of the day." (Agencies)

Pradesh.He said that the students were sent to the institute after the Eastern Naga Students Union Dimapur (ENSUD) entered into a memorandum of understanding with Divya Jyoti Group of Institutes (DJGI) and others institutes last year.The state government or Department of Technical Education was not aware and never informed about it by either ENSUD or DJGI, he said,

adding that the admissions of the students were done at their own risk. DJGI with assistance of the ENSUD shall shoulder the responsibilities for the reimbursement and scholarship to all the eligible students and in-case student(s) does not avail the scholarship, DJGI must make an alternative arrangement till the students complete its course, maintains a clause of a Memo-

randum of Understanding signed between ENSUD and DJGI on April 10, 2014.The copy of the MOU was made available to the media by the Technical Education Department during the press conference.

Therefore, the Parliamentary Secretary said that the state government or the department cannot be held responsible for the exodus of Naga students from Divya Jyoti Institute of En-

Board question paper leaked on Whats App Shillong, Dec 3: The Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBoSE) is left red faced after the leak of question paper of Khasi subject on Wednesday hours before the start of examination.This is fourth such case in the last many days after the MBoSE has instituted an inquiry to probe the leak of Science & Technology question paper on November 30.The science and technology question paper was allegedly leaked here, leading to the filing of a police complaint and the institution of an inquiry by the board.The board immediately rescheduled the science and technology exam from November 30 to De-

cember 4.On Wednesday, some students studying in different schools in and around in Jaiaw were spotted displaying the original question paper of MIL (Khasi) that were clicked and circulated through "Watsapp", a popular mobile application.The leak was noticed between 7.30 am to 8 am.On being informed about the leakage of the Khasi question paper, FKJGP members immediately went to Jaiaw area and even got the paper that was leaked transferred to their mobile.Expressing shock over the incident, the FKJGP education secretary Kitboklang Nongphlang demanded a proper inquiry into the incident.On the other

hand, FKJGP East Khasi Hills District president Elton Warjri said that they suspect involvement of officials from the MBoSE and the deposit centres in the incident.When contacted, the MBoSE executive chairman EP Kharbhih said that board did not receive any complaint or information about the leak of question paper.He informed the Deputy Director would visit the concerned schools today.Reacting to a query, he made it clear that there would not be any re-scheduling of the examination. FKJGP, however, demanded rescheduling of the Khasi paper examination again as was done in the case of Science & Technology subject. (Agencies)

gineering and Technology, Modinargar, Uttar Pradesh.

Deo Nukhu also said that the department would be initiating action against the institute and ENSUD after making thorough investigation into the entire issue.

Asked about the fate of the 150 students returning home in the middle of the course, Nukhu said at the present moment we cannot commit anything. (Agencies)

106 gram heroin seized in Aizawl Aizawl, Dec 3: Mizoram Excise and Narcotics department on Wednesday seized 106 grams of heroin in Aizawl, department's spokesperson Peter Zohmingthanga said.Zohmingthanga said two women - Rosie R. Ralte (29) of Aizawl and Gingoniangi (35) of Khawmawi hamlet from neighbouring Myanmar were arrested on charge of possession of the drug.The contraband was worth around Rs.four lakh in the local market, he said. The accused were booked under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, he added. (Agencies)

IOC to streamline LPG distribution via Aadhar card Imphal, Dec 3: Taking cognizance of the existence of multiple connections in a single household, the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has taken up measures requiring submission of Aadhar cards to check rampant practice of multiple connections. According to a source from the IOC, Aadhar seeding of LPG consumer's bank account has been taken up on a war footing.Collection of photostat copy of consumers' Aadhar cards and Aadhar seeding of LPG consumers bank account will check the practice of multiple connections.Huge subsidy

amount provided to LPG consumers has been lost due to the presence of multiple connections.A huge amount of money from the Govt exchequer has been spent in giving subsidy to LPG consumers.

According to the source, there are a total of 64 LPG distributors in the State with around 3,25,330 active consumers.

Among these 46,996 are Cash Transfer Compliant (CTC) consumers-consumers who completed Aadhar seeding.

There are 207560 Bank Transfer Compliant (BTC) consumers-consumers who completed bank account

seeding.The total number of DBTL consumers who have received subsidy amount through both CTC and BTC is 254566.All 207560 BTC consumers are now required to submit their Aadhar cards under the ongoing drive of the IOC.Besides the BTC consumers, all active consumers can no longer be DBTL consumers and avail subsidy unless they submit either their bank account or Aadhar card details.The source further said that communication is being sent through respective mobile numbers of consumers regarding the Aadhar

seeding.Besides, the campaign is taken out by displaying banners requiring submission of Aadhar details at showrooms and prominent places.The cash memo of BTC consumers who fail to submit their Aadhar card will be segregated, the source added.As per a Supreme Court order, the Government of India is allowed to collect the Aadhar card details which may be used for distribution of subsidy in LPG.As such all those consumers who have not submitted the Aadhar card details earlier are required to submit immediately so that subsidy distribution goes on smoothly, the source informed. (Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4

PAGE 6

BJP, RSS dusting out Ram temple issue prior to elections: Congress New Delhi, Dec.3 : The Congress Party today alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would dust out the Ram temple and hold it up to the people as a promise for they have been doing the same since 1985.Congress leader Manish Tewari, who was reacting to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent remark on the construction of the Ram temple, accused the right wing organisation of attempting to change the

J&K govt constitutes skill development mission Jammu, Dec 3 : Jammu and Kashmir government has constituted Skill Development Mission (SDM) headed by the Chief Minister for undertaking skill mapping in the state across various sectors.The state cabinet which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed accorded sanction to constitution of SDM with the CM as its Chairman, an official spokesperson said.The SDM has been constituted for undertaking skill mapping and to focus on imparting 50 specific skills covering heritage industry skills, traditional trades, modern trades and agriculture-based skill enterprise. A high-level monitoring committee has been set up under the chairmanship of chief secretary to oversee the policy directions given by the apex skill development mission and take specific initiatives and measures for the skill development; the spokesperson said The Technical Education Department would be the coordinating department for Skill Development initiatives. (Agencies)

fundamental narrative of this country."And the BJP keeps dragging out the Ram Mandir issue whenever any elections are on the angle. Now, that we have elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and some other states coming up," Tewari told the media here.Another Congress leader Sandeep Dixit also criticised Bhagwat's statement, saying that both BJP and the RSS were trying to prop up an inconclusive debate and using it for

political gains."This is something which the RSS

and the BJP keeps propping every time the elec-

how the temple will be constructed, but we need to be prepared and ready," Bhagwat said while addressing a programme in Kolkata to pay tributes to brothers Ram Kothari and Sharad Kothari who were killed in police firing while performing the kar seva at Ayodhya in 1990."We need to plan it carefully. A good mix of 'josh' (passion) and 'hosh' (sanity) is needed to complete the work which Ram and Sharad had initiated," he added. (ANI)

Chennai floods: Centre providing all assistance to TN Govt., says Naidu New Delhi, Dec. 3 : Union Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said the Centre is providing all assistance to the Tamil Nadu Government, which is confronting its worst crisis after record rains in Chennai."The situation is Chennai is still serious.

The Centre is in touch with the state government. I have talked to the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister on this matter. The Home Secretary is continuously monitoring the situation.

The Centre is providing all assistance," Naidu told the media here.In the flood hit northern part of

Tamil Nadu, the situation has improved slightly with the scale of rain coming down since yesterday.

Power supply has been restored in most parts of Chennai. Water has started receding from many areas of the city.

However, the suburban west Tambaram areas are still submerged under water.Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa will conduct an aerial survey of the flood affected areas of Chennai, Kanchipuram and Tiruvallu today.The Chennai Airport will remain close till Sunday.

From today, Chennai bound flights will be landing at INS Rajali Airbase of Indian Navy at

Arakonam which is about 60 kilometres from Chennai.Four additional columns of Army troops have arrived in Chennai from Bengaluru for rescue and relief work. Already two columns of Army, consisting of 200 troops, are involved in rescue operations in Kanchipuram district.

They have rescued 101 people from buses that were stranded due to flooding.Three more NDRF teams have joined the relief and rescue work in addition to 14 teams already pressed into service.The Naval and Air Force Helicopters took sorties to drop food packets in the marooned Mudichur,

M. Venkaiah Naidu Varadajapuram and other flood affected suburban areas. The Naval INS Airawat has arrived Chennai with

rescue and relief material.The death toll in rain related incidents in the state has crossed 200. (ANI)

Mercury Stays below Freezing Point across Kashmir, Ladakh

The city had yesterday experienced the coldest night of the winter so far.

Srinagar, Dec 3: Mercury stayed below freezing point across Kashmir Valley and

Women activist welcomes move to send juvenile accused in Nirbhaya case to correction home New Delhi, Dec. 3 : Women activist Kavita Srivastava today hailed the government's decision to keep the juvenile accused in the 'Nirbhaya' gang-rape case under the monitoring of an NGO for a year instead of releasing him, saying this would give him a chance to correct himself."It is very good. The rehabilitation process is an evolving process; it should not only be for a year but for two to three years. After all, the boy was very young when he was used by the adults to commit such a heinous crime," Srivastava told media."I think it is a very positive development, it shows the direction on how to do correction and not give up on our children who commit

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

tions come. They have used the issue of the Ram Mandir to push themselves electorally. From two seats to 200 seats, it is only because of their politicising the Ram Mandir and Babri Masjid movement," he said.

Bhagwat had on Wednesday said he hopes that the proposed Ram temple will be built at Ayodhya in his lifetime."The temple will be built within my lifetime.May be, we will see it with our own eyes.

None can say when and

crimes. I am glad that we are moving away from hanging him (the accused) debate and moving towards correction," she added.According to sources, the accused juvenile, who was supposed to be released on December 15, would not be released from jail as of now. The convict, who was below 18 years at the time of the horrific crime, was sentenced to three years in a reform home.The punishment was seen by many as disproportionate to the enormity of the crime and spurred demands for changes in the law so that the teenagers involved in serious crimes can be tried as adults.Four other convicts have been sentenced to death and a fifth was found dead in prison. (ANI)

Ladakh region though there was marginal rise in minimum temperature in most places

owing to overcast sky. Leh, in the frontier region of Ladakh, was the coldest in Jammu and Kashmir as the mercury there settled at minus 9.7 degrees Celsius, though slightly up from the previous night's minus 9.9 degrees Celsius, a spokesman of the Meteorological Department said in Srinagar today.He said the minimum temperature in the nearby Kargil town also increased from yesterday's minus 10.3 degrees Celsius to settle at a low of minus 9.6 degrees Celsius. Srinagar - the summer capital of the state recorded the minimum temperature of minus 1.2 degrees

Celsius, slightly up from yesterday's minus 1.4 degrees Celsius, the spokesman said.The city had yesterday experienced the coldest night of the winter so far.The minimum temperature in Kokernag, in south Kashmir, settled at minus 0.2 degree Celsius, while the mercury in Qazigund - the gateway town to Kashmir Valley - registered a low of minus 1.8 degrees Celsius, he said, adding the night temperature at both the places increased as compared to the previous night. He said Kupwara, in north Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 2.3

degrees Celsius. The tourist resort of Pahalgam which serves as a base camp during the annual Amarnath Yatra - recorded a low of minus 3.9 degrees Celsius as compared to the previous night's minus 3.8 degrees Celsius, the spokesman said. He said the famous ski-resort of Gulmarg, in north Kashmir, registered minimum temperature of minus 2.8 degrees Celsius as against the low of minus 2.0 degrees Celsius yesterday. The MET Office has predicted mainly dry weather for the week ahead. (Agencies)

Putin makes surprise visit to Crimea after power shortages Simferopol, Dec 3: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday made a surprise visit to Crimea, inaugurating an undersea cable project to bring a new power supply to the strategic Black Sea peninsula. Until late November, Crimea's electricity had mostly been supplied by Ukraine. But the territory's population of nearly two million has been plagued by power cuts since Crimea's four main pylons in Ukraine were blown up late last month. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 from Ukraine after a popular revolt overthrew the proMoscow government in Kiev and installed pro-EU leaders in its place.Putin on Wednesday "went to Simferopol where he inau-

Russian President Vladimir Putin gurated the first phase of the energy bridge that will provide Crimea's power supply from Russia", Crimea's proMoscow deputy prime minister Ruslan Balbek said."The first electricity

line should have been operational on December 20 but the works have been speeded up. It is a historic day for Crimea, which has won its energy independence from Ukraine," he

added.The electricity cables linking Russia to Crimea are now expected to be up and running on December 15, Balbek said.Putin meanwhile warned residents of Crimea that "there may still be some problems", according to Russian news agencies."I hope the second phase will be launched soon," he said."The work is far from done but I am convinced that everything will be done on time."No one has claimed formal responsibility for the blasts that led to the Crimean power outage.Authorities in Crimea have blamed the Ukrainian government, though Kiev has insisted it did not know who was behind the explosions.

(Agencies)

Justice T.S Thakur takes oath as CJI

Kavita Srivastava

New Delhi, Dec.3: Justice TS Thakur today took oath as the Chief Justice of India. He was administered the oath of office by President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Justice Thakur succeeds Justice H.L. Dattu, who demitted office yesterday.Justice Thakur started his career as a civil, criminal, constitutional and taxation lawyer in Jammu and Kashmir High Court. He was designated as a senior advocate in 1990.Justice Thakur was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Jammu

and Kashmir High Court in 1994. He has also served as Judge in Karnataka and Delhi High Courts.In 2008, he was appointed as the acting Chief Justice of Delhi High Court and took over as Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court. He was elevated as Judge of Supreme Court in 2009.Justice Thakur has been associated with a host of significant judgments. He led the bench, which had delivered the verdict on reforming the BCCI following the IPL betting and spot-fixing scandal. (ANI)

Justice TS Thakur takes oath as new Chief Justice of India

PM flies to Chennai to take stock of flood situation

Narendra Modi New Delhi, Dec 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flew to Chennai to take stock of the situation arising out of the floods."Leaving for Chennai to take stock of the situation arising due to the devastating floods," Modi tweeted before starting for Tamil Nadu.The Centre has described the situation in Chennai as "worrisome".

For the first time in over 40 years, the water has risen rapidly on the river breaching the road and the Maraimalai Adigal bridge in Saidapet cutting the arterial Anna Salai (Mount Road), rendering it out of bounds for motorists.Rains abated in Chennai today giving relief to people tormented by the heavy downpour of the last three days but excessive discharge of water last night from

Chembarambakkam lake on the outskirts flooded new areas of the city threatening to uproot people from their homes.The fresh flooding of the streets in the heart of the city in areas like Kodambakkam and T.Nagar and Ashok Nagar has been caused by the release of an estimated 30,000 cusecs of water from the Chembarambakkam lake, one of city's source of drinking water.The sky is overcast without any fresh rainfall and people are worried about the forecast of showers over the next three days. (Agencies)

"Leaving for Chennai to take stock of the situation arising due to the devastating floods," Modi

After AAP leaders, Prashant Bhushan meets Anna Hazare over Janlokpal Bill

Anna Hazare

New Delhi, Dec 3: Former AAP leader Prashant Bhushan today took his fight against Arvind Kejriwal government's Janlokpal Bill to veteran activist Anna Hazare, whom the AAP had approached earlier this week. Both the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and Swaraj Abhiyan, a group led by expelled party leaders Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav, are hoping to get Hazare on their side to get an upper hand in the ongoing tussle. Hazare has already supported the proposed legislation, which has been tabled by the Delhi government in the Assembly,

albeit with riders. The activist-lawyer met Hazare at the latter's residence in Ralegan Siddhi. They were a part of the India against Corruption forum of the 2011 anti-corruption Janklokpal movement.

Bhushan has been maintaining that the current Bill is a "diluted" version of the one that was tabled in 2014 in terms of several provisions including that in appointment, removal and jurisdiction of the ombudsman. Hazare has suggested changes in the selection panel and in the removal process, which the government is likely to incorporate. (Agencies)

Two suspects killed in San Bernardino shooting Washington D.C., Dec. 3 : In a horrific attack, 14 people and two suspects were killed after three heavily armed attackers opened fire on a banquet hall at a social services center in South California's San Bernardino city.The law enforcements have revealed that the attackers were fleeing in a black SUV after the shooting.

San Bernardino Police

Chief Jarrod Burguan said that a bomb squad was still examining a suspicious device believed to be an explosive at the service center. The suspects were dressed in assault-style clothing and were carrying rifles and handguns.The San Bernardino center was hosting a Christmas party for county employees Wednesday morning.

(Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Afghan Taliban chief 'injured' after internal firefight in Pakistan: Officials Islamabad, Dec 3:Afghan Taliban's new chief Mullah Akhtar Mansoor was seriously injured in a shootout among the senior commanders of the militant outfit in the border areas of Pakistan following a heated argument, officials said today. A militant commander said five people were killed in the firefight and several were injured "including Mullah Mansoor."A local security official confirmed the Tuesday night incident and said Mansoor was shifted to an undisclosed location in Pakistan's

volatile Balochistan province by the militants for treatment.Another official said Mansoor was "fatally injured."But Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid quickly dismissed the claim about the shootout and Mansoor's injury.

"These are rumors and entirely baseless stories.

Mullah Mansoor is safe and nothing happened to him," he said. The incident occurred just four months after Mansoor was appointed Taliban chief in a deeply acrimonious leadership succession following the death

Mullah Akhtar Mansoor of the outfit's founder Mullah Mohammad Omar, who led the move-

ment for some two decades.And the conflicting accounts create more

confusion over the already obscure leadership situation in the Taliban group. The incident also came ahead of a crucial visit of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to Pakistan amid a renewed regional push to discuss a possible revival of stalled peace talks. Pakistan hosted the historic first round of peace talks in July.

Mansoor was present with his guards in the house of Taliban leader Abdullah Sarhadi, a commander in Mansour's group and a former Guantanamo Bay detainee, when the shooting

began. Taliban has been riled with serious internal divisions over leadership since Omar's death was confirmed in July. Omar had actually died two years earlier .Despite the divisions, Taliban has managed to launch attacks under Mansoor, who has claimed widespread backing among the group's leaders based in Pakistan .In September, they even briefly captured the strategic Afghan city of Kunduz in one of their most spectacular fight back against the NATO and Afghan government forces. (Agencies)

Khaleda not to appear Mum's the word as Myanmar's Suu Kyi before court today starts military rapprochement

Khaleda Jia

Dhaka, Dec 3:BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will not appear before a Dhaka court in the Zia Charitable and Zia Orphanage Trust graft cases today because of her illness.Kahleda's counsel Md Sanaullah Miah confirmed the Dhaka Tribune: "The BNP chairperson will not be able to appear before the court because of her illness."The court of Judge Abu Ahmed Jamadar is scheduled to record statements of the

witnesses in connection with the Zia Charitable Trust graft case today.The Special Judge Court 3 was set up on the Parade Ground of Dhaka Central Jail Directorate at Bakshibazar in the capital for the trial.A total of 26 out of 36 prosecution witnesses, including the plaintiff of the case, ACC deputy Director Harun-ur-Rashid gave depositions before the court in the Zia Charitable Trust case.

Naypyitaw, Dec 3 : Myanmar's opposition was tight-lipped today about talks between leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the country's top general, citing the need for goodwill with its future government partners to ensure a smooth path to office.Nobel laureate Suu Kyi met on Wednesday with Min Aung Hlaing, the head of a military she must work with in power-sharing executive, despite her party securing an overwhelming public mandate in a Nov. 8 general election.Her National League for Democracy (NLD) won more than four-fifths of the vote, but a constitution written by the military before it ceded power in 2011 guarantees its nominees get three key cabinet posts and a vice-president position.The talks were hugely symbolic with the figurehead of a once persecuted pro-democracy

movement discussing Myanmar's future with the chief of a military that used an iron fist to monopolise power for five decades."We must be, for the time being, tight lipped," senior NLD member Win Htein told media, when asked what they discussed."We have been struggling for more than 27 years to reach this stage. We are asking repeatedly, repeatedly to have a dialogue. What happened yesterday, our wish was fulfilled."Complicating that tricky equation is Suu Kyi's intent to change articles of a constitution that not only grants the military a veto on amending it, but excludes her from becoming president due to her sons' foreign citizenship. Suu Kyi's ties with the generals have warmed since she joined parliament in 2012, but were tested when the NLD gathered 5 million signatures in a petition urg-

Police.DSP Manoj Kumar Yadav informed that they have arrested the driver and investigation regarding the matter is underway.

DSP Yadav informed that the bus were smuggling over 3,000 litres of petrol and diesel and were kept under the seat and the roof of the bus. Fuel smugglers had paid Rs 109,000 to a single bus as bus fare for hauling the petroleum products. The illegally imported petroleum product s f r o m t h e East are sold ranging from Rs 250300 in the Capital.

(Agencies)

Morcha cadres attacked

by Indians in Raxaul border Kathmandu, Dec 3: Agitating cadres of Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha came under attack from Indians in Birgunj-Raxaul border point on Wednesday nightAt least five cadres were injured when they were attacked by a group of Indian citizens at 8:30 last night. They are being treated at Narayani sub-Regional Hospital.One Indian

number-plated truck entered into Raxaul while the cadres were chased away from their sit-in spot on the border point.SLMM leader Raj Kumar Yadav said they have re-staged their sit-in after the attack.Agitating cadres have been staging sit-in on the border stopping flow of goods for over two months.

(Agencies)

to visit Pakistan next week, top government sources told NDTV. She is likely to attend a 27nation meeting on Afghanistan, which will be held in Islamabad, days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif shook hands in Paris.India had been invited for the conference, which will be held on December 7 and 8. But it had not been decided who would represent the nation, sources said. The plans to send Ms Swaraj came days after the meeting between PM Modi and Mr Sharif in Paris, where they had gone to attend the global climate change

National League for Democracy (NLD) party leader Aung San Suu Kyi shakes hands with Myanmar's Commanderin-Chief Min Aung Hlaing before their meeting

ing lawmakers to vote to remove the military's legislative veto.That failed, and she criticised Min Aung Hlaing for interfering in democracy.Their hour-long talks appeared to be cordial, however, described by a smiling Min Aung Hlaing as "very nice".Win Htein said the NLD would not rock the boat and had been ordered to keep strategy a secret.

Khin Zaw Win of the

Sushma Swaraj summit.The two leaders had shaken hands and shared a sofa for a few minutes' tete-a-tete on November 30. Mr Sharif was seen listening attentively as PM Modi spoke to him.It is understood that the interaction was more

Kathmandu, Dec 3:Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa will return home after his meeting with Indian PM Narendra Modi was cancelled.Thapa was informed about the cancellation by the Indian side today morning. The DPM had extended his stay in the Indian capital to meet Modi. Following his meeting with Modi's Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Wednesday night, Thapa had hoped to meet the Indian PM and discuss about the Indian restriction on flow of goods through the Indian border into Nepal.Sources said the messages from the Indian PM's office stresses on resolving Nepal's internal affairs first to ease the border restriction. Highly-placed

Kamal Thapa sources informed Thapa, however, held a brief telephone conversation with the Indian PM. Thapa had met Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday. Swaraj, during the meeting, told Thapa to resolve the internal political problems and only India would do the needful to ensure regular supplies. Thapa will board a Nepal Airlines regular flight to Kathmandu from New Delhi. (Agencies)

Bangladesh fixes H1 2016 gasoil, jet term deals at lower premiums

Tampadipa Institute thinktank said the gag order was understandable given the NLD's inexperience, but Suu Kyi herself should tread carefully having stirred controversy by announcing a plan to control a nominee president."Their leader found it prudent to tell them to keep quiet," he said. "At the same time she is putting the brakes on the MPs but is herself going full swing." (Agencies)

Police apprehend two Sushma Swaraj to Visit Pakistan after Modi-Sharif Handshake passenger bus smuggling New Delhi,dec 3: Exkistan talks came in July, ternal Affairs Minister when PM Modi and Mr fuel to Kathmandu Sushma Swaraj is likely Sharif held a bilateral meetKathmandu, Dec 3:The Police took control of two passenger bus with petroleum products that was being brought to Kathmandu for black marketing in view of acute fuel shortage due to Indian embargo today. There were more drums and jerry-cans containing fuel than passengers in both buses.An Agni passenger bus, Na 4 Kha 8119, and another bus, Na 3 Kha 7526, en route to Kathmandu from Kakkadvitta were found to be hauling the petroleum products and were taken under control by Chandranigahapur

Thapa to return home after no meeting with Modi

than a "courtesy meeting," which was how government officials had described it. Later, Mr Sharif had said, "Talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi were good. Doors of dialogue should open."The last initiative for India Pa-

ing in Russia's Ufa on the sidelines of a conference.

Soon after, National Security advisor-level talks were scheduled .But the initiative fell through at the last minute when the talks were cancelled over a proposed meeting between Pakistan's National Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz and the Kashmiri separatists.

When Pakistan pushed for an "open agenda", India said there could be no such meeting and the agenda should be confined to terrorism. In September, both prime ministers attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York and even stayed at the same hotel, but there was no formal meeting.

(Agencies)

Dhaka, Dec 3: Bangladesh Petroleum Corp (BPC) has finalized term contracts with 14 companies for refined oil product imports in the first half of 2016 at lower premiums than this year.The average premium for gasoil for the January-June period will be $4.40 a barrel over Middle East quotes, down from $4.49 a barrel for the second half of 2015, two company sources with direct knowledge of the matter said today.State-owned BPC will buy 2.46 million tonnes of gasoil in the next year, the sources said. The company will take 1 million tonnes of gasoil with 2,000 partsper-million of sulphur from Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC). The remaining 1.46 million tonnes will be gasoil with 500 ppm of sulphur, in line with the global trend towards cleaner fuels.In 2015, it imported 2.6 million tonnes of gasoil, or about 53,000 barrels per day.Total import volumes in 2016 will be almost the same compared with this year as 20 percent will be sought through a tender process, which awaits approval from the energy ministry, rather than by fixed contract, one of the sources said.BPC's term contract for jet fuel was fixed at a premium of $5.40 per barrel, down from $5.49 a barrel currently. It will buy around 320,000 tonnes of jet fuel in the

next year.BPC will stop importing fuel oil from next year and shift it to the private sector instead, one of the company sources said.Private plants will import about 1 million tonnes of 180centistoke fuel oil annually to generate electricity as a shortfall in natural gas supplies has forced the South Asian country to turn to costly oil-fired power plants.Bangladesh's sole Eastern Refinery, with a capacity of 33,000 barrels per day, produces some 350,000 tonnes of gasoil per year.BPC will buy 600,000 tonnes of Murban crude from Abu Dhabi National Oil Co and another 600,000 tonnes of Arab Light from Saudi Aramco next year for the refinery, the company sources said.Thailand's PTT joined the growing list of oil products suppliers to Bangladesh for the first time.Other suppliers for Bangladesh's middle distillates contracts include Malaysia's Petronas, Emirates National Oil Company, Philippines National Oil Company, Vietnam's Petrolimex, Indonesia's Bumi Siak Pusako, PetroChina, Maldives National Oil Company and Unipec. (Agencies) 1. Bangladesh to import 2.46 mln tonnes of gasoil in 2016 2. BPC to stop fuel oil imports next year 3. Crude oil imports seen at 1.2 mln tonnes in 2016

Sri Lankan prime minister warns of slower growth on global slowdown Colombo, Dec 3: Sri Lanka is likely to see sluggish economic growth, slow foreign inflows, and a possible reduction in commodity export revenue in 2016 due to the g l o b a l slowdown.Analysts and economists said the country's rupee currency and balance-of-payments (BOP) would be under pressure as dollar inflows are expected to be sluggish next year."There is going to be slower growth in emerging markets and increasing risk," Wickremesinghe said at a ceremony in Colombo to mark 30 years of the foundation of the Co-

lombo Stock Exchange.

Declining commodity prices could have an adverse impact on the Sri Lankan economy and there would be reduced inflows into emerging capital markets, he added. Wickremesinghe's comments came a day after he told Parliament that Sri Lanka would likely seek an IMF standby arrangement to fend off a risk that its economy will be hurt next year by repercussions from events affecting major economies.A rate hike by the U.S. Federal Reserve and the impact of a sluggish Chinese economy could adversely hit

emerging markets including Sri Lanka.Wickremesinghe said the government has to maintain momentum to ensure a 6.5 percent growth rate, though he warned there could be some unforeseen circumstances that could pull down emerging market economies' growth.Sri Lanka's growth is expected to be 5.7 percent this year from last year's 4.5 percent on a new GDP index.Amid a political transition after presidential and parliamentary elections within seven months, the Wickremesinghe-led government is struggling to

switch from spendingboosted economic growth to a private sector-led job-creating expansion.The new government announced some reforms in taxes and the banking sector, but there has been opposition to some of the new measures, mainly from the bloated public sector.Analysts say sluggish economic growth and foreign inflows would hit the currency and the balance-of-payments position."The pressure on the BOP is obviously quite a lot with reserves falling this year. The only way to mitigate that has been expensive commer-

cial borrowing," said Amal Sanderatne, chief economist and CEO at Colombo-based Frontier Research."So they need to do some adjustments on the monetary side.

Also, on the fiscal side we haven't seen a much of a sign of it, but it's better to go for the IMF and get that kind of a buffer and also get some confidence on capital markets and get another sovereign (bond) to deal with the issue."Sri Lanka's foreign reserves have been dwindling as the central bank intervenes to defend the rupee.Central bank data showed foreign reserves fell to $6.48 billion by the

end of October from around $9 billion a year earlier. It also showed a $4.75 billion payment due for the previous loan before Oct. 31, 2016.A $1.5 billion sovereign bond sale boosted the reserves to $8 billion by Nov. 3, but they have since fallen as the central bank props up the rupee while holding down interest rates.Despite central bank intervention, the rupee has dropped around 8.4 percent so far this year and 5.9 percent since the central bank allowed it to float on Sept. 4, Thomson Reuters data showed.

(Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4

How India can take on China economically?

India Unemployment With One Out of Every Three Graduates Unemployed in India In the early 1990s, major economic reforms were undertaken in India. One of the major objectives of these economic reforms was to boost employment in the Indian economy. However, though the economic reforms were successful in raising productivity and attracting FDI (Foreign Direct Investment), the growth in job opportunities was not as high as had been expected.

Actual employment figures in India have mostly fallen short of estimated figures, as per the five year plans.The unorganized sector in India accounts for 90% of the employment. The unorganized sector consists of agricultural workers in the rural areas and contract and sub-contract laborers in the urban areas.

Self employment accounts for more than 60% of the employed population of India. Casual workers, who get jobs only at times and remain unpaid when they don't have work, constitute 30% of the workforce, while only 10% are regular employees.

Merely two-fifth of this 10% is employed in the government sector.

Around 70% of the labor force in India has education below primary level or is illiterate. Another important factor in the unemployment scenario in India is underemployment. There exists very high underemployment in various sectors of the labor force in India. Disguised unemployment also exists in various sectors of the Indian economy. Regional imbalances in the unemployment scenario in India are another important factor. While some areas have higher employment opportunities, some areas have very low opportunities of employment. This has led to inter-state labor migration in the Indian economy.

Recent studies have revealed the fact that growth of unemployment in India at current rates can lead to devastating results. At this rate, India is expected to have a 30% unemployment rate by 2020. This would mean that there would be 21 crore jobless people in India. The decline in job creation in agriculture has been identified as one of the important reasons behind the increasing unemployment in India.

Various government schemes have been undertaken in India to tackle the problem of unemployment. Swarozgar Yojnas (self-employment schemes) have been launched by the government to help young educated Indians earn a living. Specific programs have been adopted for rural areas.

Many people have migrated from rural areas to urban areas in search of employment in the last few decades. Schemes have been undertaken to provide proper training, guidance and financial assistance to needy people under self employment schemes. Focus on education and training has also been increased to increase employability of the people.

Commited to Achieve it Rs one lakh crore on N.E roads Roads hold key to speed and progress and what could not be done in 50 years the government is commited to achieve it within next five years.

Observing the Central government, under the leadership of Narendar Modi, is committed for progress and development. The Union Minister announced road and bridges projects approved by the Government of India, which include NH-39 Kohima-Imphal road covering a distance of 126 km at the cost of Rs 1250 crores, Peren-Dimapur road, a distance of 63kms at the cost of Rs 364 crore and KohimaDimapur bye-pass road covering distance of 61kms at a cost of Rs 550 crore. Further, Gadkari informed, the Ministry has sanctioned three bridge works under CRF for 2015-16 worth Rs 91 crore. Elaborating on the Rs 1 lakh crore worth projects to be executed in North East, Whereas 23 projects spanning 744 km and costing Rs 10,491 crore have already been started.

This year Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given top priority to the development of the NorthEast and has decided to build 10,000 km roads at a cost of Rs one lakh crore in the region, including in Arunachal Pradesh. And Rs 25,000 crore would be spent for developing roads in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Centre has adopted the mantra of 'Saka saath sabka vikas' to benefit all, he said and rubbished allegations of neglecting dalits.

The Centre is committed to work for the welfare of all rising above caste, creed, religion and parties.

Nitin Gadkari announced in principle approval for four-lane Itanagar-Banderdewa NH-52A with rigid pavement and asked the state government to provide free land and submit estimates for approval.

He also asked the state government to submit revised estimates for 407-km double-lane Potin-Pangin sanctioned on BOT (annuity) for Rs 1,985 crore urgently to start the work soon.

State PWD Minister Gojen Gadi assured allocation of land without compensation and also assured early sanction for 2,100-km Mago to Vijaynagar road connecting Tawang district to Changlang district and 431km East-West Industrial Corridor (EWIC) along the foothills once the state Govt allocates land. The DPRs for survey of both the projects have been submitted to Minstry of Road Transport and Highways, And accordingly Gadi requested for early approval. Plans are also made for an agreement with Bangladesh over using the Brahmaputra, which will also help in business and economy. As the Government hope that in future that it will have water-passenger transport for travelling from India to Bangladesh.

Pranjal Kr Phukan Top politicians of India's ruling coalition boast that China's economic crisis should be viewed as an opportunity for India to capture a bigger global export share in manufacturing and grow faster. With India being the only BRIC nation growing by 7% plus, it's not long before India will overtake China economically, they argue.

In 2014, China's GDP at current prices was US$ 10.38 trillion - roughly five times of India's GDP at US$ 2.04 trillion.

Even if India grows at CAGR of 10% (its best case scenario) while China 3% (its worst case scenario), it won't be able to overtake China before 2038 counter the critics.

Besides, India's record of missing global opportunities is far more impressive than not missing them. Yet, these politicians have a chance to make the claim right.

India can take on China, but not by blindly following the now obsolete export-led growth model that made China the world's factory.

Why? Because India is not China, and today's world is quite different from what it was, when China embarked on its export-led growth path.

India is a multi-party democratic country with all kinds of pulls and pressures that make effective implementation of Chinese growth model difficult, if not impossible.

Export led growth strategy - aided by artificially undervalued currency won't work when world trade grows at slower rates than world GDP. Each country is relying on currency devaluation to capture a bigger slice of sluggish global demand. Mega trade pacts like TPP and TTIP will further deprive India from accessing overseas markets.

Moreover, India can't

compete with LDCs in low-cost-labor-intensive manufacturing for long.

Its labor cost is lower than China but far higher than say countries like Bangladesh, Ethiopia or Myanmar. If not anything else, India's badly conceived trade pacts will kill low-tech manufacturing that depends upon labor cost advantage.

Well, it doesn't make much difference to India's growth ambition as there's not much money left in low-tech manufacturing such as leather foot wear or apparel making. Instead, it's the pre and post manufacturing services that capture maximum value in global value chain compared to actual manufacturing that accounts for as low as 3%. Pre-manufacturing services comprise activities like research and development, design and testing. Post-manufacturing services capture value through branding, marketing and retailing.

India has a handful of strong brands and record of its service providers barring some exceptions is not very im-

of consumer goods want to sell in domestic markets rather than export despite all kinds of incentives by government.

Ports and logistics related inefficiencies further squeeze exporters' margins. Moreover, India also has to deal with manufacturing through robotics and 3D printing that are going to take away its comparative advantage that comes from possessing abundant supply of cheap labor. Low skilled - low productive labor will take India only so far.

India should rather focus on high value jobs in pre-manufacturing services like research, engineering and design by capitalizing on its comparative advantage - actual or potential - given the availability of low cost technically qualified manpower. Internet of Things is another big opportunity for India to tap. Only then we can even think of overtaking China.

That in turn calls for overhauling (and not incremental improvement) of education system which is focused on

sector participation is nil.

Infrastructure sector is marred by under-bidding and difficulties in getting land and environmental clearances. Housing sector is a good example of how lack of effective regulation can limit the growth potential of a sector. Unscrupulous builders are taking their customers for a ride without any accountability. That reduces its multiplier effect for India's overall economic growth.

Pharmaceutical sector depends upon on gener-

pressive. Moreover, creating and building brands is a long drawn process that India can't afford either in terms of time or money if it really wants to overtake China any time soon.

Many of India's key exports e.g. apparels are nothing but low-margin contract manufacturing that does not make much money for manufacturers because manufacturers don't own the brands. A suit being retailed for US$ 2500 in Tokyo or London gives just US$ 250 to its makers in Tirupur. That's also the key reason why top Indian manufacturers

rote learning and scoring high marks in exams, and not on promotion of questioning and critical thinking - prerequisites for innovation. Further, government should focus its energy on five or six strategic sectors that have strong backward and forward linkages with other sectors. These sectors in my opinion are: Automobile, Defence, Housing & Infrastructure, Pharmaceuticals, Electronics, and Agro-processing & Retail.

India's automobile sector depends on duty protection. Defence production is so shackled that private

ics. With the US pushing for tighter IPR regime through data exclusivity and patent linkages under its mega-regional trade pacts, it would be difficult for Indian pharma companies with poor R&D base. Electronics manufacturing is hampered by inverted duties - lower duty on finished products compared to higher duties on components.

Agriculture and foodprocessing sector remains largely untapped because of poor regulation and poorer compliance that impedes growth of manufacturing

(e.g. demand of equipment and chemical fertilizers) and services (e.g. retailing and transportation).

With right policy environment, these sectors can grow at a CAGR of 20% plus, and pull up a number of upstream and downstream industries without any government support.

Double digit growth will require an ever growing number of entrepreneurs. Government can help unleash India's animal spirit by making it easier for first-time-entrepreneurs to start and run businesses. This will require actions beyond getting higher rank on ease of doing business even if improvement in the country's ranking is genuine.

Going forward, India will not much benefit from access to global markets primarily because of slower expansion of world trade, and also because of its being blocked out in megaregional trade pacts like TPP. It makes sense for India to tap its large but somewhat fragmented domestic market.

Given the size and complementarities of its provincial economies, an early implementation of GST will

create a pan-India common market of $2 trillion GDP and 1.2 billion people - a big attraction of any investors - and add as much as 2 per cent to GDP by reducing transaction cost and freeing up interstate trade and commerce.

World trade in services has been growing faster than merchandise trade.

Yet, India remains hesitant in joining the pluri-lateral agreement on trade in services (TISA) that can open up immense possibilities for pushing export of non-IT services and reduce over-dependence on remittances and IT exports for managing current account balances.

Given the linkage of FDI and exports through regional and global production networks, India needs a bolder FDI policy. An overcautious approach of raising FDI caps - from 0% to 26% to 49% to 51% - won't work. Tax terrorism including the practice of retrospective taxation has to end once and for all to really turn India into an attractive investment destination.

Even by taking the above steps, there is a long way to go before India overtakes China, but let us at least give China a serious fight.

Author is Regional General Secretary and "Peter F Drucker" award winner for 2015 from University of Swahili, Panama, USA (Fully Government Chartered University) for outstanding contribution in the field of management. He can be contacted at pranjal_xlri@yahoo.com.

Banipur Railway Station

Sir, Before the construction of the Banipur Railway station, we heard that this station would be one of the biggest stations in Asia, after completion of the

Bogibeel Bridge. But reality speaks otherwise. During UPA regime, the construction of the station was completed, and it left much to be desired. Our Chiefminister, too, is allergic to Dibrugarh for reasons best known to him. Hence, no body raised the lacunae in the construction of the station. The shades over the platforms are partly made and as we go to the station to welcome our friends coming from outside the state in rainy weather, we blush with shame as the friends we are going to welcome are completely drenched in the rains. Is Indian Railways so poor that it cannot afford to complete construction of a noted station flawlessly. So, the Railway brings ignominy to Dibrugarh. During UPA regime, the construction of Bogibeel Bridge, too, got retarded. Now, with NDA's agility we could find ray of hope as the construction is in progress. NDA, too, cannot escape the censure, as it fails to plug the loopholes by taking steps in completing the works of the shades on a war footing. Roads to the station are in dilapidated condition. We appeal to the Railways to undertake the renovation works of the roads along the main thoroughfares. UPA might be sunk in the morass of corruption, NDA should exemplify by its good works without corruption with works in completing the shades without loss of time. Incidentally, Dibrugarh has the pride of being the second oldest Railways station in India. After Mumbai-Thane passenger train, the Brit-

ish introduced Dibrugarh - Ledo. Passenger train.

Nevertheless, due to dubious lobby, heritage site has been shifted to Tinsukia, depriving Dibrugarh. As Assam government fails to set up a police - station at Banipur, good number of RPF should be deployed there, as antisocial wrecked havoc from time to time in the area.

Yours etc.

Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

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, Dibrugarh-786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

Op

Page 9

d e Akhilesh Yadav Wants To Do A Bihar, But Is A

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4

'Mahagathbandhan' With BSP Even Possible?

Anand Singh If Delhi was read as a minor roadblock for the BJP, then Bihar must surely have come across as a major yank to the party that swept to a euphoric victory in the general elections just a year and a half ago. The Bihar election results are widely being seen as clear writings on the wall: "That which was almost invincible some time ago has probably exposed its Achilles' heel this time around." The underlying message may not be too hard to decipher. The party in power has been defeated, and it might not be an exaggeration to term the defeat a humiliating one, debilitating even.

Given the high-pitched histrionics in the run up to the polling carried out in five distinct phases, the margin of defeat has dealt a body blow to the BJP. In addition, it has bolstered the notion that a consolidation of opposition votes

can be decisive in turning the tide against the party in power at the center. The strategic state of Uttar Pradesh can learn a lesson or two in coalition politics from the 'mahagathbandhan' in Bihar, but it would be naĂŻve to assume that UP is Bihar. SP and BSP are no RJD or JD(U), either.

However, the possibility of an alliance between the two regional satraps who have controlled the seat of power in Lucknow for the larger part of the last two decades cannot be ruled out. Presumptuousness, too, should be avoided in this regard. Soon after the grand coalition swept to power in Bihar with an overwhelming majority, UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav was quick to propose a mahagathbandhan, a la Bihar, between his party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, led by the astute politician and administrator, Mayawati. His political naivetĂŠ must have

earned him the disfavor of his father and SP boss Mulayam Singh Yadav, for he was swift to retract his statements, issuing a clarification to the effect that the statements he had made were his personal views and that a final call on any such possibility would be taken by his party. The electoral politics of the states within the Indian Union are quite different from that of the Center. However, there is one resounding similarity across the broad horizontal political spectrum.

Ideological considerations are safely relegated to the backburner for the purpose of furthering one's electoral prospects. After all, what sane person would have even thought that that the two arch-rivals, Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar would form an alliance?

But it seems that the exigency of political survival coaxed them into taking such a decision. Whether Mulayam and Mayawati are able to conjure up a

similar such alliance in the populous state of Uttar Pradesh remains a matter of much vile speculation.

Given the political arithmetic, the psephologists might rule in favour of an alliance. In the last elections to the legislative assembly of Uttar Pradesh in 2012, SP managed to secure a whopping 224 seats in the 400 plus strong assembly. BSP trailed far behind with just 80 seats.

Now let me explain. The first past the post system has its own demerits. Consider this, in terms of vote share, BSP lagged behind SP by an infinitesimally thin margin of 3 percentage points. Therefore, it is not necessary that a party that gobbles up the maximum share of seats may have the majority of vote share up its kitty as well.

It is an age-old democratic clichĂŠ, but that is not the point here. The scales here are tilted overwhelmingly in favour of an alliance between the two parties.

Here in Uttar Pradesh

though, things have an uncanny way of not merely conforming to the electoral arithmetic. The social conditions in the state point towards a path that has been scantily traveled hitherto, and requires some serious unraveling.

Dhirendra Rai, an assistant professor at the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Benaras Hindu University (BHU), says, "All this talk of a possible alliance between the two parties is nothing more than wishful thinking. The core vote banks of both the parties are mutually exclusive of each other." This requires some explanation. While the Samajwadi Party has the dominant OBC vote bank of the Yadavs behind it, the Bahujan Samaj Party claims to be the chief spokesperson for the dalits and minorities in the state.

Besides, Yadavs are perceived as the principal tormentor of dalits in the across UP. The political clout they enjoy when

Negativity and Pessimism Choking Arunachal's Growth Denhang Bosai They say that when the people, especially the youth, the most potent force, lose their hopes for no apparent reason (s) then no society or state can forge ahead. Most unfortunately, this is exactly what is happening among the youths of our beautiful state. They are competing against one another in all social networking sites and other available media to run down, despise, ridicule and pain a painfully gloomy picture of their own state. Negativity and pessimism are the catch words for them today.

Not only in media but also in real life the people of Arunachal Pradesh are, for strange reason(s), more interested about what the Chief Minister, the Ministers and the MLAs are doing, blissfully forgetting to perform their own bounden duties. They seem to be least bothered about what they can contribute towards the growth of their state but are always keen to poke their 'long' noses in others' affairs. This is a sure recipe for disaster and doesn't augur well at all for the fast growing state Arunachal Pradesh. I have always maintained that 'the biggest room in this world is the room for improvement and the easiest job is to criticize.'

Sadly, the people always tend to choose the latter for obvious reason.

Whenever I happen to visit Itanagar these days the whistle of the train, especially of the AC Rajdhani Express taking off from the Naharlagun Railway Station sounds like a sweet music to my ears. Have we even imagined in the distant past that a train would indeed reach the landlocked state Arunachal Pradesh?

Many more places in the state will be covered by train service soon. Seeing the capital roads being widened and colony roads being concretized give me the ever elusive 'all is well feeling.' The beautiful State Secretariat building, the new infrastructures which have sprung up everywhere and the success of

individual entrepreneurs compel us to marvel at the speed with which the state is moving. Apart from these few examples I have cited, many peoplefriendly and useful projects are being implemented all over the state.

I fail to fathom why some people pretend to act blind not to see the developmental processes taking place in the state. In the insurgency-hit Tirap district happy days are here again thanks to the improved law and order scenario.

People there are celebrating festivals, organizing sports events and the people are more than willing to be a part and parcel of the developments processes and the sea changes the state is experiencing.

Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha is travelling the proverbial extra mile to accelerate the pace of development in Tirap district.

The youth of Arunachal Pradesh must realize that nobody possesses a magical wand to wave away the ills and the plethora of problems the state is faced with. Its they who will have to build a strong, vibrant and self-reliant Arunachal Pradesh, free from the obnoxious smoke of enmity, communal disharmony, envy, jealousy and uncalled for criticism.

They have to learn from their immediate neighbour Assam wherein frequent bandhs and unwarranted protests are crippling the otherwise most resourceful state. Paradoxically, some overtly adventurous youths of Arunachal Pradesh are trying to be a la Akhil Gogoi whose only job in this world is to protest. I have rechristened him as Akhil Protest Gogoi. He protests anything against that is even remotely related to development. Another sad development in Assam is former minister Dr.Himanta Biswa Sarma who revolutionalized Education and Health departments in Assam being out of the Tarun Gogoi-led Assam government. He was tipped as the possible successor to Gogoi. In fact, he is credited for many innovative and pathbreaking schemes in Assam. But he was in a hurry to grab the top job and today he is a 'nowhere man' as he is only a junior

(From L to R: Mulayam Singh Yadav, Mayawati, UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav) Source: cdn.youthkiawaaz.com

their party is in power often spills over in the form of ugly violence they perpetrate against the dalits.

Back in 2012, as soon as Mulayam Singh's party was slated to form the next government in the state, the hardcore party loyalists of SP burned down the houses of some dalits.

These are not scattered and stray incidents, but rather a part of an ugly agenda which reeks of blatant casteism. The two parties coming together would be akin to the most horrid nightmare of the dalits coming to life. In

petual complaints and criticisms are sheer wastage of time. The people must not always expect what the state is giving to them. They must ask themselves what they are doing for the state. I don't know why some people don't enjoy some one's success. It thrills me to see young Arunachalee Doctors, Engineers, Administrators, Technocrats and Lawyers happily going about their jobs. It also delights me to see the young Arunachalee girls doing most of the computer jobs all over the state. As the eyes, ears and mouth of the government I have worked under former Chief Ministers Gegong Apang, Mukut Mithi, Dorjee Khandu, Jarbom Gamlin and now Nabam Tuki. I have always written glowingly about these towering political leaders of the state not because I expect something from them but because it's my bounden duty to highlight the better side always.

Projecting the state and the leaders doesn't help in any way. The people have to egg on and encourage one another. As I said individual's interest doesn't count but the overall interest of the state does. All the districts in the state started the journey of life together. In this journey of life some districts in the state have made more progress and development in all spheres thanks to the hardwork put in by the people of those more developed districts. However, the relatively lesser developed districts must not complain but work harder to be at par with the more advanced districts. There were iconic political lead-

ers from all the districts like Gegong Apang who was in the helms of affairs as the HCM for more than two decades, Mukut Mithi, Dorjee Khandu, Jarbom Gamlin, Tomo Riba, Todak Basar, Bakin Pertin, Tadak Dulom, PK Thungon, RK Khrimey, TL Rajkumar, Lowangcha Wanglat, Wangpha Lowang, first Education Minister, Nokmey Namati, first Speaker, Tengam Ngemu, Somchom Ngemu, Setong Sena, Padi Yubbe were the pioneers in Arunachal's politics. All the districts in the state got equal representation in the State Legislative Assembly. In a nutshell, all the districts got a fair share of power. Now, why everybody has started complaining? The present Chief Minister Nabam Tuki like all his predecessors is putting his best foot forward to take the state to that cherished goal of all round progress and unprecedented pinnacle of development. Just as a newly planted sapling takes some time to fructify, the various development initiatives of the Tuki government will take time to bear fruits and pay healthy dividends. The people must have the patience and extend their fullest cooperation to the state government instead of complaining always and every time. The people will have to do away with the feeling of negativity and pessimism which is choking the healthy growth of the state. (The writer is DIPRO, Tirap and can be reached at D e n h a n g Bosai@yahoo.co.in)

BSP and SP are an entirely different political phenomenon. Any long standing observer of politics in the state would vouch for it. Cambridge historian F.W Maitland liked to remind his students that what is now in the past was once in the future. Since ideological considerations are seldom at the forefront of Indian politics, Maitland's edict must be allowed to prevail until such a time when something concrete materializes out of the power corridors of Lucknow.

Mill Owners Owe UP Farmers Over Rs 2,500 Crore, And Here's Why They Haven't Paid Yet Abhishek Jha

BJP member. They say 'when the river overflows, the ants are eaten by the fish. But when the river dries up, the fishes are eaten by the ants. Life gives opportunities to all.

Wait for your turn.' This is only a quote from a wise man and must not be misconstrued. The youths of Arunachal Pradesh must not try to equate Arunachal with other more developed places like New Delhi by trying to adopt dharnas as a mode of protest. People like Anna Hazare, Arvind Kejriwal and others have proven track records who have contributed to their societies in no small measure. They are thoroughly committed social workers with impeccable records who had contributed immensely to the cause of their states and the country. People will only laugh if some Arunachal people try to copy them.

Arunachal Pradesh is an infant state and the denizens have to work doubly hard to catch up with the other more advanced states. Protests and dharnas will not in any way serve the cause of the state. If these disgruntled youths have genuine grievances and better suggestions to make then they cal always meet the law makers of the state. They must remember that a government is only as good as the people. If the people only complain and criticize without doing their jobs then no state can move ahead. Everybody, right from the farmers to the government employees to the youths and to the law makers have a vital role to play to build Arunachal Pradesh. Per-

such a situation, it'd be most unlikely that a transfer of individual votes may take place in favour of the alliance.

Mayawati is seen as a champion politician.

Even though the clamour for bonhomie between the two parties grows increasingly vociferous, Mayawati has not made any overtures to the party in power. Moreover, unlike in Bihar where RJD and JD(U) were born of the same political movement and later parted ways owing to certain ideological differences,

The NCRB data on farmer suicides was contested when it was released earlier this year. Yet NCRB arrived at the estimate of a significant 63 of such suicides in UP in 2014. Bankruptcy or indebtness accounts for 20.6% of those suicides, despite NCRB's conservative estimates.

Such insurmountable debts have been arising due to the non-payment of dues by sugar mill owners to the farmers. Despite three huge loans extended by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) since December 2013, specifically for the payment of arrears, the corporate sugar mill owners in Uttar Pradesh still owe arrears amounting to Rs. 2,760 crore to the farmers of the state. A recent report pub-

for blending as well as an increment in the percentage of ethanol blended with petrol, were also taken.

Since ethanol is produced by the sugar mills, these measures were supposed to help sugar mills earn more, so that they could pay the farmers irrespective of the trend in sugar prices. All such measures seem to have fallen short of meeting the farmers' basic requirements. The Dispute Pending arrears despite these measures might appear strange as the interestfree loan packages (1,200 crore of the 6000 crore announced went to UP) were disbursed through banks and meant to be transferred straight to the farmers. In response to court orders in favour of the farmers, the UP Sugar Mills Association (UPSMA) has previously alleged that the huge arrears accumulate due to the

mills "Despite their socalled losses", "have multiplied their units from 34 to 100 in the past 10 years.

How can they be loss-making? They take money from banks, siphon it out to various plants and don't give anything to farmers." What Does The Future Hold For The Farmer The allegations of RKMS, if true, are characteristic examples of corporate groups shifting the burden of their own bad decisions on to state policy.

The allegations, moreover, are not totally unfounded, as the corporate houses owing money to the farmers are not small mill owners but have business spread across various industries. The Bajaj Group alone owes Rs. 515.52 crore to the farmers. The Birla Group, the Mawana Group, and the Simbholi Group are some other top defaulters. The "high-

A farmer carrying saplings of paddy to be planted. Source: blogs.r.ftdata.co.uk lished by the Hindu based on a document of the Uttar Pradesh Cane Development Department has sought to quantify that amount owned by the various corporate mill owners.

The Loans Courts have unequivocally ordered the state as well as banks and mill owners to put the right to life of the farmer before the right to business of the mill owners because of regular suicides committed by farmers under debt arising from non-payment of their arrears by the sugar mills. The three loans by the Centre included interest-free loans of Rs. 6,600 crore in December 2013, of Rs. 4,400 crore in June 2014, and of Rs. 6000 crore in June 2015. Other measures, for instance, an increase in remunerative prices for ethanol supplied

differences in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) set by the centre and the State Advised Price (SAP) fixed by states that can differ from state to state and the downward trend in market rate of sugar. FRP for 2013-2014, for instance, was Rs. 210 per quintal, while the SAP for UP was Rs. 280 per quintal. However, state authorities claim that the SAP cannot be lowered as it is calculated on the basis of the expense incurred by the farmer in production of sugarcane, meaning that the farmers would suffer losses and ultimately go bankrupt if they sold sugarcane at prices lower than their input cost.

Also, a Down to Earth report from a year ago quotes the Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan (RKMS) as saying that the

handedness" of the governments and the courts that these groups seem to resent seems more like a pat on the back, given that the centre put a one year moratorium on the repayment of the loan given to the banks and that the groups were incentivisedby the government to pay the farmers instead of being reprimanded for rising arrears. Sugar stocks have, however, seen strong upward trends this month due to international shortage arising from drought conditions as well as more increase ethanol usage, a Business Standard report says. This may be a positive sign for the farmers if the mill owners use this trend to pay them back. Whether that will happen in the days to come depends on how willing the mills and the governments are to do so.

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4

BUSINESS

PAGE 10

26 per cent of National Highways target completed by Govt. Tata Sons signs MoU Kolkata, Dec 3: The government has completed only 26 per cent of the National Highways construction target, with four months left in this financial year, according to a statement by the Roads Ministry. It targeted to complete 10,950 km of National Highways during 2015-16. Until October 31, 2015 about 2,892 km have been constructed.

Minister of State for Road Transport & High-

ways and Shipping Pon. Radhakrishnan said in a statement to the Rajya Sabha. The government has allocated Rs.81,114.60 crore through various schemes for the development of highways during this financial year, Mr. Radhakrishnan said.

The available port capacity was enough to handle the existing traffic, he said. "The total capacity of ports both

Rs. 10,000 cr to be injected by RBI to ease liquidity crunch

RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan.

Source: www.upload. wikimedia.org New Delhi, Dec 3: The Reserve Bank of India on Monday, will infuse Rs 10,000 crore to ease a liquidity crunch in the money markets by buying government securities, and hold a repo auction for Rs 25,000 crore. These operations are being conducted based on the current assessment of prevailing and evolving liquidity conditions, according to the central bank.

Open Market Operations are market operations conducted by RBI by sale or purchase of government securities in order to adjust the liquidity conditions in the market. Festival related demand for cash in addition to slower government spending has tightened liquidity in the money mar-

ket during the last two months. "Underlying liquidity conditions tightened in October-November with the festival season draining currency from the system and some slowdown in government expenditure," the central bank had said during the monetary policy review on Tuesday. The tight liquidity has pushed up overnight rates above 7 per cent on some occasions. The central bank targets the call money rate to hover around the policy rate which is 6.75 per cent.

"Money market rates remained around the policy repo rate, only rising slightly in the second week of November at the height of festival currency demand," according to the central bank. (Agencies)

Govt in talks to rope in post offices, kiranas to sell pension plans Contd. from Page 1

The finance ministry has begun talks to rope in 1.5 lakh post offices along with kirana shops and chemists to sell pension plans with an assurance of minimum returns. Sources said that the department of posts, which is soon launching its payments bank operations, has decided to tweak its core banking software to push the Atal Pension Yojana. "They will treat it like a third party product and earn some commission on it," an official said. The department of financial services has now set its eyes on other distribution networks, including outlets selling recharge coupons for mobile phones, to push the product. Unlike the group life insurance scheme or the accident cover launched by the Narendra Modi government, the Atal Pension Yojana has been slow to take off, although it has picked up in recent weeks. Of the 12.15 crore policies sold under the Jan Suraksha Yojana, there were only 11 lakh Atal Pension Yojana plans. In contrast, a little under 9.2 crore accident insurance policies, that cost Rs 12 a year, have been sold. Sales of life insurance policies with a premium of Rs 12 a month added up to over 2.86 crore on Decem-

ber 1. The somewhat poor response to the pension scheme has prodded the government to tap other sales options besides popularizing it. In any case, financial sector experts believe that pension plans are the toughest to sell. Unlike several other financial products, which are "bought", pension schemes have to be "sold", they said. In other words, the agent has to spend considerable time explaining the need to plan for old age, something that is not treated as priority even by the well-off. Will the kirana shops and chemists be able to push pension plans? Government Officials believe they can. They said that for a kirana shop owner or a chemist, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, commission from the pension plan will be a "top-up income", considering there are no infrastructure costs.

The government will get them to undergo the required training organized by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority. Insurance company executives, who also hawk pension plans, said it is a tough proposition.

In fact, they pointed out that poor commission is one of the main factors behind failure of the National Pension System to take off. (Agencies)

major ports and nonmajor ports was 1530.23 million tonnes as on 31.03.2015‌ Against this capacity, total traffic handled during 2014-15 was 1052.51 million tonnes‌ as may be seen, the available capacity is adequate to handle the existing traffic." Of this, the major ports account for 57 per cent of the total port capacity and 55 per cent of the total cargo handled.

(Agencies)

with Chinese bank

MISSION COMPLETED The government has completed only 26 per cent of the National Highways construction target, with four months left in this financial year.

The government has allocated Rs.81,114.60 crore through various schemes for the development of highways during this financial year.

Against this capacity, total traffic handled during 2014-15 was 1052.51 million tones.

It targeted to complete 10,950 km of National Highways during 2015-16. Until October 31, 2015 about 2,892 km have been constructed.

The total capacity of ports both major ports and non-major ports was 1530.23 million tonnes as on 31.03.2015.

Of this, the major ports account for 57 per cent of the total port capacity and 55 per cent of the total cargo handled.

VW brand to be hit hard by emission scandal, rivals may gain New Delhi, Dec 3: On a day the government termed Volkswagen group's emissions cheating scandal as a "well thought-out crime", group officials and car industry experts said that the global scam -"having the size of a tsunami" -will hit the brand hard in India and dissuade many customers from buying its vehicles for now. Rivals such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Honda are expected to gain, though the advantage will be limited in view of VW group's not-so-significant market share. Volkswagen group sells vehicles under the VW, Audi and Skoda brands and their officials are nervous about the impact of the scandal on sales. "We are still trying to look into the issue. It is not a very go od situation, and we are trying to assess the damage at the retail level," said a top official within the group, but refused to be identified. An indication of the negative impact on the brand can be seen from the hammering

that it has received in the US where sales plunged 25% in November even as VW's rival automakers continued to post gains US was the first country to detect the cheat device fraud. An official at a VW dealership in Delhi said existing customers have been making calls and seeking details about the "status and safety" of their vehicles. "They are concerned, and we have been clarifying the company's position." However, there is no confirmation yet

about cancellation of bookings. Overall investments by the VW group in India are estimated at around Rs 6,000 crore, and it has not been a smooth ride for the auto major. While being a leader across Europe and one of the largest players in the world's biggest market China, the VW brand has failed to stand up to stronger rivals such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Honda. "This scandal will definitely have an impact on the group. Customers today follow important develop-

ments and the younger buyers are very concerned about the environment," said Abdul Majeed, a partner at PwC. "This will be like a tsunami. The brand will take time to come out of this." Adman Prahlad Kakkar said overcoming the guilt of cheating will be an uphill task. "People are just not confident about a brand when it is involved in cheating. This will make the VW and group brands non-viable, at least in the shortrun," Kakkar said. Industry analysts also pointed out the group's poor performance in India, despite significant investments (see graphic).Audi has been the only bright spot in Indian operations. Pradeep Saxena, India head of automotive retail consultancy firm Sewells group, said the mood against the Volkswagen brands will be further dampened. "But how much, this is difficult to assess. A car is an expensive purchase and obviously people do not want to take a risk." (Agencies)

Jamshedpur, Dec 3: Tata Sons and Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Limited (ICBC) have entered into a longterm partnership, under which ICBC will become a strategic banking partner to the Tata group for its businesses in several countries across continents, according to a statement from Tata Sons. A team of Tata executives, led by Chairman Cyrus P. Mistry, met with Jiang Jianqing, Chairman from ICBC to formalise the engage-

ment. Under the alliance, ICBC will provide the Tata group with financing products, global cash management, consulting, international trade finance business, investment banking, foreign exchange, derivatives trading, and other global financial services. ICBC will also create a global service team which will support Tata group's strategic development plans. "The alliance will be a global one," according to the Tata Son's statement. (Agencies)

Insurance sector FDI rise by 152% to $341m Mumbai, Dec 3: Foreign direct investment in the insurance sector more than doubled to $341.43 million during MarchSeptember this year, commerce and industry

revival strategy, telecom minister Ravi Shankar Prasad replied in the negative. BSE to introduce new group 'W' from Friday: BSE will classify warrants issued by com-

'Mishti doi' to be served in Europe by Danone

A cup of 'Mishti doi' by Danone.

Source: www.bigbasket.com New Delhi, Dec 3: Bengal's 'mishti doi' may soon compete with French creme brulee. A staple for joyous Bengali occasions, the sweet yogurt could find its way to European dinner tables as French dairy giant Danone is piloting a reverse innovation project to launch desi dairy products in some of its international markets. At present, the company's R&D depart-

ment in France is studying the recipe of mango lassi, a flavoured yogurt-based drink. While lassi could make it to retail shelves first, mishti doi could be one of the other yogurtbased contenders to follow soon, said people familiar with the matter.

Other than taking desi flavours global, Danone also plans to bring in products from its global port-

folio. The company will launch ready-to-serve custards soon. "It's a global innovation. In India, people find it difficult to prepare," Marcel said. The company has also applied to the FSSAI, the country's apex food regulator, for product approval of several brands from its nutrition portfolio.

Danone started its dairy business here in 2010 and nutrition business in 2012 after the acquisition of the nutrition portfolio from Wockhardt Group. Since then, it has brought in its international range of flavoured yogurts and its UHT and fresh dairy innovations tailored for the Indian market such as mishti doi, 'chaas', lassi, 'dahi', flavoured yogurts and smoothies. Marcel, who recently took over as MD of the company, calls it 'Indovation'. "For instance, Protinex, a protein supplement for all age groups, now comes in elaichi and vanilla that are popular Indian flavours," he said."Danone's reverse innovation move could be a boon for the Indian diaspora who stay abroad. There are at least 50

sweet shops selling mishti doi in London. They are mainly run by Bangladeshis.

And not only Indians - look at how desi dishes such as chicken tikka masala and others have taken the world by storm. Nowadays, Michelin-starred Indian chefs, who run restaurants abroad, are big hits," said an industry expert. Interestingly, mishti doi has recently become the go-to ingredient for ace Indian chefs such as Manish Mehrotra of Delhibased Indian Accent, arguably the country's finest restaurant. With Mother Dairy's mishti doi, Mehrotra has cooked up Mishti Doi Cannoli, a smooth variant of the Sicilian pastry. "There is a big similarity between food habits of people in France and India. Along with the tendency of using fresh ingredients to prepare meals, people of both countries are heavy yogurt users," said Laurent Marcel, MD of Danone India. "The texture of lassi could be very attractive to European palates.

Exotic food that can double as healthy alternatives is a big global trend now."

(Agencies)

Commerce and Industry Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman. Source: www.livemint.com minister Nirmala panies into a separate Sitharaman said. Cos with group, called 'W', with efexposure to Chennai hit: fect from Friday. CurShares of companies with rently, all types of warexposure to Chennai came rants are traded under 'F' under selling pressure, fall- Group. Gold falls back on ing as much as 6.4% on global cues: Gold prices Wednesday, as incessant drifted by Rs 150 to Rs heavy rains there and 25,550 at the Delhi bullion other parts of Tamil Nadu market on Wednesday folhit their operations. A large lowing a weak trend overnumber of companies seas coupled with slackacross sectors such as ened demand from jewelInfosys, TVS Motor, Ma- lers at prevailing levels. Sildras Fertilizers and Natco ver followed suit and shed saw their stocks decline Rs 50 at Rs 34,150 per kg. by as much as 6%. Govt Sensex sheds 52 pts on says no plan to disinvest profit-booking: Retreating in BSNL, MTNL: The from over three-week high, government on Wednes- the sensex fell by 52 points day said there is no pro- on Wednesday as banking posal to disinvest stake in stocks dropped on caution BSNL and MTNL as part ahead of the unveiling of a of their revival strategy. new methodology for calTo a question whether the culating base rates amid a government has any pro- mixed trend in global marposal to disinvest BSNL kets on worries over a US and MTNL as part their rate hike. (Agencies)

Birla JV stake to be raised to 49% for Rs 1,664cr by Sun Life

Actress Krishma Kapoor at the launch of MC Cain food chain in New Delhi . Pic - UB Photos

New Delhi, Dec 3: Canada's Sun Life Assurance Company (Sun Life) will raise its stake in Indian joint venture Birla Sun Life Insurance Company (BSLI) to 49% from 26% at an investment of Rs 1,664 crore. According to the share sale and purchase agreement, which was executed on Wednesday, Sun Life will purchase an additional 23% stake in BSLI from ABNL, which will sell approximately 437 million equity shares. "On completion of the transaction, ABNL will continue to hold the controlling stake at 51%.

The 23 per cent stake sale will fetch ABNL Rs 1,664 crore, valuing BSLI at Rs 7,235 crore," it added. BSLI is a private life insur Sun Life financial president and CEO Dean

RISE IN STAKE 1. Canada's Sun Life Assurance Company (Sun Life) will raise its stake in Indian joint venture Birla Sun Life Insurance Company (BSLI) to 49% from 26% at an investment of Rs 1,664 crore.

2. Sun Life will purchase an additional 23% stake in BSLI from ABNL, which will sell approximately 437 million equity shares.

3. ABNL will continue to hold the controlling stake at 51%. The 23 per cent stake sale will fetch ABNL Rs 1,664 crore, valuing BSLI at Rs 7,235 crore.

4. BSLI is a private life insurance player in India, with a new business premium market share of 7.9% as of September 30, 2015.

Connor said, "Increasing our ownership position in BSLI...is exactly on strategy and supports our aspirations for Sun Life Asia as one of our four pillars of growth." A number of foreign players, including French insurance gi-

ant Axa, Standard Life and Japanese Nippon, have announced raising their shareholdings in their respective insurance JVs in India after the government allowed 49% FDI in the sector this year. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4

Features

PAGE 11

TRAVEL & TOURISM Best Budget North East India Home Stays Moupee Debroy The North East of India is unique in that it is home to over 200 tribes.

Though you can tour the region and stay in hotels as usual, it is far better to consider North East home stays for a better, earthier experience of tribal lifestyles. You return with lasting memories and also make friends with the family with whom you have passed a brief but eventful period. Tourism to this region has grown in recent times with more tourists opting to get a real taste with affordable home staysavailable in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland and other States.

Home stays with the Apatami Tribes in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh The breathtaking valley of Ziro is still untouched by modernity and exudes a raw rustic flavor that you will love all the more

when you stay with an Apatami family. Opt for budget home stays in North East India arranged by your travel agent. It is as if time has stood still.

The Apatamis are one of the most primitive of the North East tribes with their typical ethnic attire and ornaments. Live the simple life with a tribal family in a quaint cottage, sharing food with them, mingling with family members and even joining them in their routine activities. They might take you fishing or hunting and invite you to participate in dance and festivities.

Another option available in Arunachal Pradesh is tourist home stays in the Mishmi Hills with the Mishmi tribes. This is a pristine area full of valleys, rivers and greenery all around with the people living a simple life. Regular accommodation is hard to find and budget home stays in the North East in this region come as a god-

Homestays in Sikkim in Darap. Source: www.nelive.in

send. The tribes open their doors in welcome and make you part of their family. You share living spaces, watch meals being cooked over a wooden fire and participate in conversations. If there is a communal activity, you can be sure you will be invited as a guest. The warmth of the Mishmis will stay in your heart for ever.

Homestay with the Angamis in Khonoma, Nagaland The warrior tribe of Angamis is rather advanced with established traditions. You can join an Angami family for a tourist home stay and live along with a half dozen family members in the beautiful mountains of Khonoma in Nagaland.

Located in the heart of the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary, the village settlement is surrounded by lush greenery and plenty of wild animals and birds to keep you busy.

Homestay with the Khasis in Nongriat, Meghalaya Move from Nagaland to Meghalaya and there is a Khasi home waiting to welcome you with one of the finest yet most affordable home stays experience. You reach Nongriat valley after a 3 hour long hike from Cherapunji to a scene of breathtaking beauty with its caves, forests, rivers, waterfalls and human settlements. The

Khasis are earthy and live a life aligned with nature and their settlement in Nongriat has charming cottages upgraded to accommodate tourists. Even if you stay for only a couple of days you cannot but help falling in love with the place and being captivated by the warmth of your host and his family. Since the tribes in this village are educated you can communicate easily and interact. You get to eat family cooked local foods and, in your free time, explore the beautiful surroundings.

Garo Hills home stay Nongriat is not the only place for budget home stays in North East India in Meghalaya. You can head for the sparsely populated Garo Hills, home to the Garo tribes.

This region is part of the Balpakram National Park and the Siju Wildlife Sanctuary along with Baghmara reserve. You might find the Garo North East India home stayshere rather more interesting due to the tribe's unique matrilineal customs. The village communities have set up eco-camps for tourists in addition to home stays. Living in a family where the lady of the house gives orders is a welcome change. Their hospitality overwhelms you and you will surely make friends with them once you break the ice because the Garos are rather fierce and proud. Forests

teeming with wildlife abound in the Garo Hills and the special attraction is myriads of colorful butterflies.

Mawlynnong Another interesting alternative in Meghalaya is affordable home stays in Mawlynnong among the Khasi tribes. Specifically developed as an eco-tourist destination, you will find educated people inhabiting the village ready to welcome you to their homes or, if you prefer to the thatched roof hut style accommodation for tourists. You can live in a tree house along with a Khasi family, make friends with their kids and get to know intimately their customs and rituals.

Shillong Home Stay If you visit Meghalaya you will surely not omit Shillong from itinerary.

While in the city look up traveller's Bed & Breakfast run by Eric Suiting.

This is one of the best affordable home stays offering you clean accommodation and healthy local fare prepared at home.

You can visit the city and surrounding areas during the day time and return here for the night and a warm meal followed by quality time with Eric and his family.

Not far from Shillong is Mawphlang, a small village about a half hour's drive away where you will find Maple Pine Farm run

by James Perry of Canadian extraction. He lives

Things To Do When In Sikkim Bryan Khan Planning a visit to Sikkim? Well, the worst thing to do is to go unprepared. Instead of going on packaged tours that are rushed for time, read up about the place and get a little knowledge about the popular spots and visits. Here are a few tips that you can use while you visit the beautiful place.

Raft in the Foam The sport has been recently introduced in Sikkim and one needs to travel to Teesta (lies on the route to Darjeeling and Kalimpong) to enjoy this adventure. If you are looking to satiate the adrenaline rush within, the chill waters of the Teesta River while you maneuver through the foam, is definitely what you need.

Walk, not till you drop Taking a trek is the one of the best ways to relax and soak in the beauty of Sikkim. There are a host of options to choose from. The Sandakphu Trek, described by trekkers as the most refreshing and

mesmerizing one, should make your list. The foot adventure begins at Maneybhanjan which is near Darjeeling and it is at the Immigration Check Post that the Sikkim leg of the trek begins. When one reaches the summit of Sandakphu, one is greeted with a view of the majestic Makalu, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga and Mt Everest.

Another walking adventure to look out for is the Goecha La Trek. Discovered by the British in the nineteenth century, this adventure walk is narrow and one gets to enjoy the view of wild orchids, magnolias and rhododendrons. The extent of the trek is from Sikkim to the Darjeeling hills. You will also spot the Lepcha tribe taking care of their yaks and once you reach Singalia Ridge, the mountains greet you.

Go Yakking If you want to experience something unique then go for a yak safari.

This can only be found in Sikkim and one can go on a safari from Dzongri to Tsomgo Lake while enjoying the scenic

beauty of the valleys, meadows and snow covered mountain peaks.

Pelling - Here I come Pelling, located about 115km away from Gangtok has become a magnet that attracts much tourism. If you want an amazing view of the Kanchenjunga, Pelling offer you the same. The loran a d fauna of the place is breathy taking and the many adventure sports like kayaking and rafting are held throughout the year. Mountain biking, flower exhibitions and food fares make this place a popular destination to visit.

Fill your tummy at Bakers CafĂŠ No trip to Gangtok, Sikkim is complete without a quick bite at Bakers CafĂŠ. Crowds (both locals and tourists) rave about their black coffee and mocca. One can choose between pasta, sandwiches and excellent brews. The place is clean and frequented by many.

Stop! On the way The best way to sample the local cuisine is to stop by the many eateries that dot the route to Sikkim.

Rafting in Teesta. Source: www.allindiatravelsinfo.com

Shillong Home Stay. Source: www.nelive.in here with his family and offers accommodation in log cabins. Beautiful location, charming people and an unforgettable experience await you at Perry's place.

Tourist Home Stays with Missings in Majuli Island in Assam If you visit the North East you cannot ignore Assam and its unique Majuli Island in the middle of the Brahmaputra.

The Missings have a village in Majuli Island where you can get basic, clean comfortable accommodation while sharing family space and life for the couple of days you spend here.

Manas National Park home stay Since you will be visiting Manas National park during your sojourn in Assam you can just as easily stay with the locals at the community accommoda-

tion facility in the Manas Park. Set up by an NGO to encourage local youth and the local community, the stay will bring you in close contact with their culture and way of life.

Tai Phake eco-tourism camp, Dibrugarh Also in Assam you can live with the Tai Phake Community in small villages along the Buri dihing River, a short distance from Dibrugarh.

Special bamboo huts and cottages have been built along the river banks and the community also has a restaurant serving local delicacies.

Homestays in Sikkim in Darap Just 14 km from Pelling in Sikkim you will come across a small village known as Darap, inhabited by the Limboos. Here you can stay with the Gurung family in their Daragaon Village Retreat

Six Enchanting Lakes of North East Reetasri Bhattacharjee

Pristine Sikkim.

Source: www.tripcrafters.com From momos to thupka, complete meals to bread omelets, cold drinks to beer, yes beer as well, you get it all here. For all the ladies, if you crave a little sour taste, try the varieties of Titora on offer.

Ban Jhakri falls One will find the Ban Jhakri falls on their way to the Ranka Monastery.

This place is actually and Energy Park as the falls is man-made. The park is surrounded by lush greenery and one finds it dominated by a Shamanistic theme and Jhakri culture. One will find huts and points in the park that is adorned with statues and ornaments that tell the tale of the Rai clan. Due to its distant location, one needs to make proper arrangements to visit these falls.

Up in the sky How about a cable car ride between two hills?

The Samco Ropeway 24 passengers are allowed at a time and the ride will take you to the highest point in Gangtok. Hop on to this ride from the terminal at Deorali market and go all the way up to Tashiling. For those who are visiting the place for

the place for the first time, a ride on the rope way is best way to get a panoramic view of the city.

Tsomgo Lake Frozen throughout the winter and spring months, this lake attracts much tourism.

The place is dotted with a variety of species of Primulas and Poppies (both blue and yellow in colour). The lake is considered sacred by the local people and thus serves as a pilgrimage point as well. The place is also the habitat of Red Panda and various species of birds and ducks. Permits are needed to visit the lake and local agents in Gangtok are available to help with the formalities.

Your visit to Sikkim will never be the same when you incorporate the places above in your planner. With much adventure to offer, coupled with beautiful scenery, with piping hot food (don't forget to have the Nepali Alu dum) and great people, you will soon be climbing the hills leading to Sikkim. Courtesy: Northeasttoday.in

in traditional bamboo and brick huts. It is peaceful here and you get the warmth of the family atmosphere, so noticeably lacking in hotels. Go on treks, play with Gurung's kids and enjoy their delicious foods.

Apart from the experience of living in a family-like atmosphere, North East India home stays also make you more alive and conscious about conservation of nature and how it plays an important role in our lives. It is a throw back in time as you watch tribes today living the same way people used to do centuries ago. Importantly, you are also contributing to their sustenance and helping the communities and villages grow when you opt for budget home stays in North East India. Courtesy: Northeasttoday.in

A traveler never needs a reason to backpack, he just needs a destination. You can find several enchanting destinations in North East India if you are a traveler.

You can climb the mountains, walk the winding roads, sit and relax by the riverside or simply mingle with the amiable local people. If you are a wanderer who wishes to see some of the hidden wonders of the region, you should definitely see some enchanting lakes here. The North East India is home to several lakes which are tucked between mountains

30 kilometers from Tawang.

The lake is considered holy by the Buddhists monks.Whether you are a fan of Madhuri Dixit or purely a traveller, you would gasp at the enthralling beauty of the lake.

2. Loktak Lake, Manipur If you know your geography well, you must have learnt about the largest and only fresh water lake in India - the Loktak Lake. It is located in Manipur and comprises of the floating phumdis. The phumdis are heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil and organic matters at various stages of

voir for the hydro-electricity project. Anyone who enters Shillong from Guwahati can catch a glimpse of this scenic beauty. Located just about 15 kilometers from Meghalaya's capital city, you can enjoy boating at the Bara Pani.

5. Rudrasagar Lake, Tripura The Rudrasagar Lake is famous for the water palace 'Neermahal'. The palace was the summer resort of the Tripura Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur.

The palace was constructed in between 1935-38. The Rudrasagar Lake is also home to several types of migratory birds. If you want to visit the Rudrasagar Lake,

Floating Loktak Lake. Source: www.nelive.in and valleys. The picturesque locales surrounding the lakes make them mustvisit destination for the nature and travel lover.

1. Sangetsar Lake, Arunachal Pradesh Once you see the lake, you would wonder whether Madhuri Dixit was singing 'Dekha tujhe to hogayi deewani' in the film Koylafor Shahrukh Khan or for the picturesque location. It is no wonder that the lake became popular after the song was shot here. Today this lake is better known as the Madhuri Lake. The Sangetsar Lake is located in a high altitude and is about

decompositions. Large part of the lake forms the Keibul Lamjao National Park which is home to the Manipuri brow-antlered deer (Sangai).

3. Shilloi Lake, Nagaland The Shilloi Lake was locally known as the Lutsam. Located in Phek it is a natural lake. The locals called it Lutsam as the term meant a place where water is collected. The beautiful lake is surrounded by pine forests.

The British called this pristine lake the Shiloh.

4. Umiam Lake, Meghalaya Better known as Bara Pani, this lake was created in the early 1960s as a water reser-

plan a trip during the winters when the birds arrive.

6. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim The pristine lake is one of the beautiful locations that exemplify the beauty of the North East. Located at an altitude of 17,100 feet above sea level, it is one of the highest lakes in the world.

You almost reach China if you visit the Gurudongmar Lake as the Chinese border is just 5 kilometers away. The lake remains completely frozen during the winter months till up to the end of May. Courtesy: Northeasttoday.in

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"I want to thank my father for allowing me to play the game of cricket and give me freedom to do whatever I wanted to. All my coaches, especially AN Sharma for making me the cricketer I am,"

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4

PAGE 12

Virender Sehwag

Mount Sinai School enter Final Rahane stands tall as India's 1st Wangnia Pongte Memorial Football Tournament Raushik Baruah Changlang, Dec 3: Mount Sinai School got the better of Football Club Leo 3-2 in the first semi-final of the 1st Wangnia Pongte Memorial Football Tournament held at Changlang.

The match was an exciting game as both teams going

head on against each other till the final whistle. The goal scoring was opened by Mount Sinai when their striker Phangro Sawin put the ball in the back of the net after he found himself in space inside the penalty box in the 24th minute. He added his second in the 31st

minute, this time with an exquisitely taken free kick.

Before halftime, Anthony Jugli got one back for Football Club Leo and kept them in the match. After halftime, both the teams created chances but the goals eluded them. Mount Sinai added their third in

the 65th minute with Donlo scoring with a neatly taken right footer. Thangtu Tangha added a second goal for Football Club Leo with three minutes remaining in the game. In the second semifinal, Zaaro FC will take on Changlang football Club (A) on December 5.

ET Correspondent Dibrugarh, Dec 3: Tamulbari Tea Estate beat Thanai Tea Estate 1-0 to reach the final of the Arun Jalan Memorial prize money inter-garden running trophy football tournament here at Mokalbari Tea Estate playground in Dibrugarh. The tournament is being organized

by Mokalbari Kanoi Tea Estate in association with Dibrugarh District Sports Association.

For Tamulbari, Anupam Chetia scored the lone goal in the 73rd minute.

Tomorrow, Romai Tea Estate will play Dinjan Udalguri Tea Estate in the second semifinal.

Oscar Pistorius' manslaughter conviction upgraded to murder

Oscar Pistorius ANI Johannesburg: Paralympics runner Oscar Pistorius has been found guilty of murder after South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeals overturned his previous conviction for culpable homicide in the killing of his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Earlier in October, the double-amputee athlete was released on parole and placed under house arrest after serving less than a year in prison.

However, Pistorius will now be handed a new sentence. Judge Eric Leach, who declared the verdict, described the judgement delivered by the trial judge Thokozile Maspia as one filled with 'fundamental errors'. According to South African law, the minimum sentence for a murder conviction is 15 years in prison.

Bengal enforce follow-on, Assam end day at 72/2 ET Bureau Dibrugarh, Dec 3: Assam is in danger of losing their match against Bengal at the Barsapara cricket stadium after ending the day 3 at 72/ 2 in their second innings.

Resuming the day at 1/4, Assam folded their first innings at 143. Any hopes of a Assam fightback, were put to rest early in the day as both their outstation players, Amit Verma and Arun Karthick were sent back to the pavilion. Thereafter,

Tarjinder Singh and Syed Mohammad put on a partnership of 59 runs to give the total some respectivity.

India discard, Pragyan Ojha accounted for three wickets of the remaining six wickets in Assam’s first innings.

In their second essay, Assam started off cautiously before Rahul Hazarika was accounted for

by Gani. Towards the end of the day, Amit Verma who was promoted to Number 3 was also sent back to the

Agencies Delhi: Ajinkya Rahane rallied India with a gutsy, unbeaten 89 as India's muchvaunted top-order failed yet again on the opening day of the fourth Test against South Africa at the Feroz Shah Kotla, in Delhi, on Thursday.

At stumps, the home side was 231 for 7 in 84 overs, when bad light forced an early end to the day's proceedings. Along with Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin was unbeaten on 6.

Save Rahane, who returned to form with a top quality knock off 155 balls, and skipper Virat Kohli (44), the other batsmen failed to make most of batting first on a slow track after India won the toss. Rahane, whose knock was studded with nine boundaries and two sixes, is 11 runs short of a well-deserved fifth Test hundred, which could be the first in

Ajinkya Rahane celebrates his half century at Ferozshah Kotla Stadium. the ongoing series on either side. India's tormentors were off-spinner Dane Piedt (4-101 in 34 overs), playing his first Test of the series, and pacer Kyle Abbott (323 in 17 overs), who was economical as well as incisive with his swing bowling.

pavilion by Gani. On the final day, Assam will be hoping to keep the Bengal bowlers at bay and look away with a draw and some valuable points.

Brief Scores: Bengal 1st innings – 444/6 decl (Goswami 112*; G Sharma 2/39); Assam 1st innings -143 (Tarjinder Singh 50; Dinda 4/39) & 2nd innings – 72/2 (Pallav Das 28*; Gani 2/34)

Chandra Dutta Memorial Cricket Tournament Raushik Baruah Dibrugarh, Dec 3: In today’s match of the 1st Chandra Dutta Memorial Cricket tournament, Cosmo Club got the better of Saptarshi Club by 39runs.

The tournament is being organized by Tinsukia District Sports Association at the TDSA stadium. Electing to bat after winning the toss, Cosmo Club put up 151/6 in their allotted 35 overs.

Sushil Prasad topscored for Cosmo Club with an unbeaten 39 runs which was laced with two boundaries and two maximums. There were useful contributions from Arun Singh and Abul

Khair with 22 and 21 runs respectively. For Saptarshi Club, Avinash Sharma bagged 3 wickets for 34 runs while Piyush Bansal claimed 2 wickets conceding 29 runs. Chasing the target, Saptarshi Club were bundled out for 112 runs with Piyush Bansal and Narendra Prasad contributing 19 runs each. Akbar Ahmed of Cosmo Club wreacked havoc claiming 4/ 14 while Mithun Das and Abul Khair scalped two wickets each giving away16 and 22 runs respectively.

Tomorrow, Cosmo Club will take on Tinsukia Town Club Blues.

Ajay Jadeja and other captains Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble. I want to thank Sachin Tendulkar."

Sehwag also mentioned about the contribution of the physios and trainers during his 14-year long career. With the Parliament in session, BCCI secretary and BJP MP Anurag Thakur presented Sehwag with a silver plaque commemorating his achievements. While DDCA is yet to name a stand or gallery, the BCCI has temporarily named the far-end stand at the Ambedkar Stadium end as 'Viru 319' after the batsman's highest Test score. In the end, he thanked the fans for 'making him Sehwag'. "I would like to thank all my fans for standing by me in my good and bad times," he said. Sehwag was accompanied by his mother Krishna Sehwag, wife Aarti and two sons Aryavir and Vedant during the short ceremony.

UAE Royals kickstart IPTL with win over Singapore Slammers

Lehmann calls on Aussie middle-order to fire in Windies series

Liverpool's Divock Origi ... r he scores a goal against Southampton.

Liverpool's improvement under Klopp, especially away from home, has sparked a wave of renewed belief among their fans, they were second best and a long

Beaten Klitschko vows to regain heavyweight champion title ANI Berlin: Former world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko has announced that he will invoke his contractual option of a rematch against current champion Tyson Fury in a bid to avenge the shocking loss. The Ukrainian boxer saw his nine-year reign as world champion come to an end after suffering a unanimous points defeat

against Fury. Reflecting on the rematch, Klitschko admitted that he was really frustrated after the fight and said that he wanted to show that he was a much better performer than what he had produced during his loss. Klitschko said that he couldn't show his full potential at any time of the match, adding that failure is not an option for him in the rematch.

BCCI secretary Anurag T ... as his sons Aryavir and Vedant look on.

Agencies Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) felicitated the recently-retired Virender Sehwag at his home ground Feroz Shah Kotla on Thursday before the start of the fourth Test match between India and South Africa. Sehwag retired from international cricket in October this year. In his brief farewell speech, Sehwag thanked everyone from BCCI to DDCA to his first coach AN Sharma and Satish Sharma, who first picked him for Delhi U-19s. "I want to thank my father for allowing me to play the game of cricket and give me freedom to do whatever I wanted to. All my coaches, especially AN Sharma for making me the cricketer I am," the 37 year old said. He also had words of gratitude for his close friends, including Delhi U19 coach Raju Sharma.

When it came to the captains, Sehwag said: "I want to thank my first captain

League Cup: Stunning Liverpool hit Southampton for six Agencies London: Liverpool ran riot to reach the League Cup semi-finals with a 6-1 thrashing of Southampton in which Divock Origi grabbed a hat-trick and Daniel Sturridge scored twice as the Juergen Klopp juggernaut rolled on. Jordon Ibe added his name to the scoresheet as Liverpool emphatically overcame the early blow of Sadio Mane putting the hosts ahead inside a minute to emphasise their resurgence since Klopp arrived at the start of October. Klopp's side, who have now won seven of their last eight games in all competitions, will face Stoke City in the semi-finals while Premier League leaders Manchester City will play Everton in the other last-four clash after Wednesday's draw. While

Rahane, who crossed the 50-runs mark for the first time on home soil, kept his cool even as wickets tumbled at the other end.

For the record, this is only the third half-century by an Indian batsman in the series so far and eighth half-cen-

tury in Rahane's Test career.

India's total is also the highest by either team in the series so far. There were only two significant partnerships - 70 between Kohli and Rahane for the fourth wicket and 59 for the seventh wicket between Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja (24). While he played second fiddle to Kohli during their stand, Rahane took charge once Wriddhiman Saha (1) was castled by Abbott's reverse swing. The team's 200 came in the 74th over when Rahane hit an Imran Tahir half-tracker towards midwicket boundary and followed it up with a lofted hit over mid-on. This was the fourth time in the series that Kohli won the toss and immediately opted to make first use of the track.

Brief Scores: India - 231/ 7 (Rahane 89, Dhawan 33; Piedt 4/101)

Cosmo Club thrash BCCI felicitates Sehwag Saptarshi Club by 39 runs

An action moment from the match. Pic - ET Photo

Tamulbari in final

batting falls short at Kotla

way off the pace as Southampton grabbed an early stranglehold on the tie.

A little over 40 seconds were on the clock when Mane stole a march on Liverpool

ANI Kobe: The much-awaited International Premier Tennis League got off to a flying start with the Obi UAE Royals notching an impressive and much applauded first victory as the star-studded league made its debut in Kobe. A packed house at the Kobe World Hall, full of families and children, tennis fans young and old, greeted this exciting and fast-paced format of tennis, with cheers from the crowd growing louder and louder as the match went on. Ana Ivanovic won the women's singles 6-3 over Belinda Bencic to give the Royals a winning start before the Oue Singapore

left back Alberto Moreno and arrived at the far post to get his head to a cross from Ryan Bertrand and bury the ball past Adam Bogdan.

Liverpool, however, seem to have developed a steelier constitution under Klopp and turned the game around thanks to an inspired five minutes from Sturridge.

Having returned from a long injury absence as a substitute against Swansea City on Sunday, he shook off the remaining ring rust to draw Liverpool level on 25 minutes. The England striker miscontrolled a long, arcing pass from Joe Allen, but collected the ball, beat the final defender and drilled a leftfooted finish into the far corner of the net. His second, four minutes later, was a much easier finish and owed a lot to a brilliant pass with

Slammers secured the only win through Nick Kyrgios, who convincingly defeated Tomas Berdych in the men's singles. In the men's doubles, Berdych/Nestor showcased some brilliant shot-making against the equally clever play of Melo/Brown. Brown, an absolute hit with the fans, returned shot for shot in a closely contested set, with the Royals winning it 6-5.

Mladenovic/Nestor and Goran Ivanisevic showed their class by taking the last two sets, mixed doubles and men's legends singles respectively, with relative ease, giving the Royals a terrific start in season 2 of the IPTL, winning 26 games to 20.

the outside of his foot from Emre Can, with Sturridge arriving late in the area to prod the ball home.

Liverpool's third came on the stroke of halftime as a corner from the right found its way to Alberto Moreno, who drilled the ball low and hard towards goal, allowing Origi to stick out his boot and get the faintest of touches to direct it into the net. His second goal was far more emphatic. He raced on to a ball forwarded from Ibe and lashed it into the roof of the net from the edge of the area to effectively finish the tie. There was further gloom, however, for Southampton as secondhalf substitute Ibe drilled home from 20 metres to make it five before Origi completed his hat-trick with an 86th-minute header.

UAE Royals' Ana Ivanov ... ot in her match against Belinda Bencic

ANI Sydney: Australian coach Darren Lehmann has called on his misfiring middle-order batsmen to find top gear during the upcoming threematch Test series against the inexperienced West Indies side. Referring to the lack of contribution from middle-order batsmen in the just concluded series against New Zealand, Lehmann said that he would like to see them score more runs and put their mark on the competition.

Lehmann also insisted that Australia couldn't take the tourists lightly as West Indies have got a good bowling attack. Australia will take on West Indies in the first Test in Hobart next Thursday.

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